There is the ferry, and then there is your own boat. Crossing to Formentera on a private charter means no queue at the port, no scooter to rent on arrival and no schedule but your own. You anchor straight off the turquoise shallows, swim from the deck and decide when to move on. This guide covers the boat types, what they include, realistic prices and every stop worth making, written by a local team that arranges this crossing through the season.
Types of private boat for the crossing
Private does not mean one single thing. The right boat depends on your group size, your budget and whether you want speed or space.
Motorboats and RIBs
Fast and flexible. A motorboat or a RIB gets you to Formentera quickly, which leaves more of the day for swimming. They suit small groups of two to eight who want to cover ground and reach a couple of beaches without spending hours under way.
Sailing boats and catamarans
Slower, calmer and far roomier. A sailing yacht or catamaran turns the journey into part of the day, with deck space to lie out, shade and usually a swim platform at the back. A Formentera from Ibiza on a private luxury catamaran is the comfortable choice for couples and families who care more about the experience than the speed.
Skippered or self drive
Most visitors take a skippered boat. A local captain handles the crossing, knows where to anchor for lunch and a clean swim, and reads the wind so the day stays smooth. If you hold a licence and want to drive yourself, that is possible too, though for the Formentera run most people prefer to relax. An Ibiza and Formentera sailing charter gives you crew and a sailing rig in one.
What is included, and what is not
Quotes vary, so check what you are actually paying for before you book. A good private charter usually includes the skipper, fuel for the planned route, basic safety gear, snorkel masks and often soft drinks or water. What is commonly extra is food, premium drinks, extra fuel if you go further than planned, and water toys like a paddleboard. Always confirm fuel and the mooring or anchoring fees in Formentera, since those are the line items that surprise people.
- Usually included: skipper, fuel for the route, safety gear, snorkel kit
- Often included: water, soft drinks, towels, a sound system
- Usually extra: lunch, alcohol, water toys, extra hours
- Worth confirming: anchoring fees, fuel cap, cancellation if the wind turns
Price: what a private boat to Formentera costs
Price moves with the boat, the season and the length of the day. A half day on a small motorboat is the entry point. A full day on a mid size boat with a skipper sits in the middle. A crewed sailing yacht or large catamaran for the full day is the premium end. The number that matters is the per person cost, and that is where private boats surprise people, since a full boat split between eight or ten guests often lands close to what a guided group tour charges, with none of the crowd.
| Boat type | Group size | Day length | Relative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small motorboat | 2 to 6 | Half day | Lowest |
| Mid size motorboat | 4 to 10 | Full day | Middle |
| Sailing yacht | 2 to 8 | Full day | Mid to high |
| Large catamaran | 8 to 12 | Full day | Highest, lowest per head |
The stops worth making
Es Vedra
The dramatic rock pinnacle off the south west coast of Ibiza is on the way for many crossings that start from the west. It is a magnet for sunset trips and a striking spot to pause and swim. Boats cannot land on it, but anchoring nearby for a dip is a highlight in itself.
Espalmador
The little island between Ibiza and Formentera, with a famous shallow sandbank you can wade across in clear, warm water. Many private boats anchor here on the way over. It is a protected area, so your skipper will know where mooring is allowed.
Ses Illetes
The reason most people come. Anchor off this white sand spit inside the Ses Salines park, swim ashore or just float in the shallows. By boat you skip the port and the queues entirely and arrive at the best part of the island.
Private boat versus the ferry
The ferry is cheaper and faster on paper, but it drops you at the port, not the beach, and you still have to rent transport and find space on a busy beach. A private boat costs more but delivers you straight to the water and lets you set the pace. We break this down fully in our ferry versus private boat comparison if you are weighing the two.
How to book a private boat to Formentera
Booking ahead matters in peak summer, since the best boats and skippers go first for July and August weekends. Decide your date, your group size and whether you lean toward speed or comfort, then line up a boat that fits. The easiest way to get it right is to tell us those three things on WhatsApp. We match you with a vetted operator at a fair price and stay reachable if the weather shifts, so a real person picks up rather than a booking form.
We usually reply in minutes
Book direct online
Prefer to lock it in right now? These are vetted Ibiza to Formentera trips you can book instantly. WhatsApp us first if you want a hand picking the right one for your group.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a private boat from Ibiza to Formentera?
It depends on the boat, the season and the length of the day. A half day on a small motorboat is the entry point and a full day on a crewed yacht or large catamaran is the premium end. Split across a group of eight or ten, a full boat often lands close to the cost of a guided group tour.
How long does the private boat crossing take?
Roughly 45 to 90 minutes depending on the boat and where you start, though on a private charter the time is yours, so many people stop at Es Vedra or Espalmador on the way.
Do you need a licence to hire a private boat to Formentera?
Not if you take a skippered boat, which is what most visitors choose. A local captain handles the crossing. If you hold a recognised licence you can self drive certain boats, but for the Formentera run most people prefer crew.
What stops can you make on a private boat?
Common stops are Es Vedra off the south west of Ibiza, the Espalmador sandbank between the islands, and Ses Illetes in Formentera. Your skipper plans the route around the wind and where anchoring is allowed.
Is a private boat better than the ferry?
For groups, families and anyone who wants a relaxed day, yes. You skip the port, anchor off the beaches and set your own pace. The ferry is cheaper and fine for couples on a budget who are happy to rent transport on arrival.
Prefer to book instantly?
If you would rather not wait for a reply, these verified Ibiza experiences can be booked online right now.
Browse private Formentera boat trips online