One of the most common questions we get from people planning a boat day in Ibiza is: should I charter a motor yacht or a sailing yacht? Both offer a fantastic experience on the water, but they are very different in character — and the right choice depends entirely on what kind of day you are looking for.
This guide breaks down the key differences so you can make the right decision for your group.
The fundamental difference
A motor yacht is driven entirely by its engines. It is faster, more predictable and gives you maximum control over your itinerary. A sailing yacht uses the wind — with the engines as a backup. It is slower, more dependent on conditions, and the experience on board is fundamentally different.
Neither is better than the other. They are simply different ways of spending a day at sea.
Speed and range
Motor yacht: The biggest practical advantage of a motor yacht is speed. A motor yacht can reach Formentera in 30-40 minutes, giving you more time at anchor and more stops in a single day. If you want to cover ground — Formentera, Es Vedrà and Blue Marlin in one day, for example — a motor yacht is the only realistic option.
Sailing yacht: A sailing yacht is slower, typically cruising at 6-8 knots under sail. The crossing to Formentera takes longer, which means fewer stops in a full day charter. However, if your goal is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, this is not a disadvantage — it is part of the appeal.
Comfort and stability
Motor yacht: Modern motor yachts are designed for stability and comfort at speed. At anchor, they sit very steadily in the water. The main deck is usually flat and spacious, making it easy to move around, sunbathe and socialise. In choppy conditions, however, the motion can be more pronounced than on a sailing yacht.
Sailing yacht: A sailing yacht’s hull shape is designed to move through the water efficiently under sail, which gives it a very comfortable motion at sea. The heeling of the boat under sail — the gentle lean to one side — is something many guests find exhilarating on their first time, though it can take some getting used to. At anchor, a sailing yacht tends to sit more quietly than a motor yacht.
The experience on board
Motor yacht: A day on a motor yacht is about the destinations. You are moving between anchorages efficiently, spending maximum time in the water, on the sun deck or at the beach clubs. The engine noise when moving means conversation tends to happen at anchor rather than underway.
Sailing yacht: A day on a sailing yacht is about the journey as much as the destination. When the sails are up and the engines are off, the boat moves almost silently through the water. You can hear the sea, feel the wind and have a genuine conversation while underway. For many guests, this is the most memorable part of the experience.
Group size and layout
Motor yacht: Motor yachts typically offer more deck space relative to their length, with large cockpits, sunbathing areas fore and aft and sometimes a flybridge for 360-degree views. They work very well for larger groups who want space to spread out.
Sailing yacht: A sailing yacht has more of the deck space taken up by the mast, rigging and sail handling areas. The cockpit tends to be the social hub of the boat. For smaller groups who enjoy a more intimate setting, this works beautifully.
Weather dependence
Motor yacht: A motor yacht performs the same regardless of wind conditions. Calm day, windy day — the experience is essentially the same. This makes motor yachts more predictable and easier to plan around.
Sailing yacht: A sailing yacht needs wind to sail. On a completely calm day in Ibiza — which happens, especially in July and August — the boat will motor rather than sail for most of the trip. Conversely, on a breezy day, the sailing experience is truly spectacular. If you are booking a sailing yacht, you are partly accepting that the weather will shape the day.
Which is right for you?
Choose a motor yacht if:
- You want to reach Formentera and have maximum time there
- Your group is larger and values space and comfort
- You want a predictable, itinerary-driven day
- Speed and efficiency matter to you
- You are celebrating a special occasion and want a glamorous arrival
Choose a sailing yacht if:
- The experience of sailing matters as much as the destination
- Your group is smaller and enjoys a more intimate setting
- You appreciate the silence and authenticity of wind-powered travel
- You are happy to let the conditions shape the day
- You want something genuinely different from a typical boat day
Both options in Ibiza
At Wind3P we offer both motor yachts and sailing yachts for private charter from Marina Port Ibiza. Whatever you choose, every charter includes the same skipper, the same drinks and snacks, the same equipment and the same commitment to making your day on the water unforgettable.
If you are still not sure which to choose, get in touch and we will help you decide based on your group, your dates and what you want from the day.
