Alicante: 6-Hour Catamaran Cruise to Tabarca Island

Tabarca Island is the star, but the catamaran ride is much of the fun. You sail 1.5 hours from Alicante across the Costa Blanca, stop beside clear water for swimming and snorkeling, eat paella on board, and have time to visit the tiny island village before sailing home.

I especially like the three-hour island stop, which lets you choose your pace, and the generous food and drink setup: paella, salad, fruit, unlimited water and soft drinks, plus one beer, wine, or tinto de verano. The main thing to consider is the sea. A choppy crossing can be uncomfortable, and this is not a good fit for anyone who dislikes boats, very young children, or busy summer conditions.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours at Tabarca: Swim from the catamaran, snorkel, and take the small shuttle boat to the island village.
• Paella is included: Choose chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, served with mixed salad and a drink.
• Unlimited nonalcoholic drinks: Water, soft drinks, and juice are available throughout the trip.
• Snorkeling without a guide: Masks and fins are provided, with sailor-lifeguards present nearby.
• Comfortable catamaran setup: Expect music, a restroom, sunbathing space, and front nets that fill quickly.
• Best for active adults, couples, and families with older children: Unaccompanied minors and wheelchair users cannot join.

Why this catamaran trip works so well

At $85 per person, this is not simply a boat transfer to Tabarca. You get six hours on the water, a round-trip cruise, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and time on the island. A standard ferry can get you there, but it does not give you the same leisurely day at sea or the chance to swim directly from the boat.

I like the balance. You are not trapped in a fixed sightseeing routine. The ride out gives you open-water views and time to settle into the boat, the stop gives you swimming and snorkeling, and the island visit adds a change of scene. On the way back, the crew may raise the main sail, creating a quieter stretch suited to sitting in the sun or taking a short nap.

The rating of 4.7 from 879 bookings fits the strongest parts of the experience: friendly crew, good organization, tasty paella, and a relaxed atmosphere. The most common practical caution is also clear: the sea can be rough, especially when the wind picks up. If you are prone to seasickness, ask the crew for help early rather than waiting until you feel ill.

Meeting the boat at Alicante Port

The catamaran, operated by Alicante Catamaran, departs from the Adventurer Catamaran Alicante meeting point. Look beside Bar Noray, opposite Mundo de los Niños, and arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

That early arrival matters. There is a short presentation before the boat leaves, and the crew needs everyone aboard on time. The meeting point is easy to find once you are at the port, but I would not cut it close if you are unfamiliar with Alicante’s waterfront.

You will find a bar on board, an onboard restroom, music, and seating around the catamaran. The front nets are the prime spot for lying close to the water, but they have limited space and can fill quickly. If that is your ideal place to ride, arrive early and claim it politely.

The boat has enough room for passengers to spread out, though summer departures can feel lively. Seating is arranged as people board, which helps avoid a rush for the best places. Bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and water shoes. Leave large bags, valuables, jewelry, coolers, and outside food and drinks at your accommodation.

The 1.5-hour sail from Alicante

The first leg takes about 90 minutes. From Alicante, you head along the Costa Blanca toward Tabarca with wide sea views in front of you and the coast behind. This is a scenic ride rather than a guided history cruise, so do not expect a constant commentary about every headland.

That is the one area where I would like more information. You may see Carabassi Beach, the white sands near Santa Pola, and the Cape of Santa Pola with its lighthouse, but the experience is mainly about enjoying the view, not learning a detailed story about the coast.

The crew keeps the mood easy with music, refreshments, and a welcome serving of fruit. Water, juice, and soft drinks are available without extra charge. One alcoholic drink, such as beer, wine, or tinto de verano, is included, while additional alcoholic drinks and food cost extra.

This setup is useful because you do not need to pack a picnic or worry about paying for every glass of water. If you want more alcohol, you can buy it at the bar, but the included drinks already cover the basics well.

The ride can be smooth, but it can also be choppy. Several departures have had rougher water, with the crew paying close attention to passenger comfort and safety. I would sit in a stable area of the boat if you are sensitive to motion, keep your first drink light, and avoid heading straight for the front nets if the sea is unsettled.

Swimming and snorkeling beside Tabarca

Tabarca is Spain’s first marine reserve, and the stop gives you time to experience the water rather than simply look at it. The catamaran anchors or pauses near the island, and you can swim from the boat in clear water.

Masks and fins are included. The snorkeling is unguided, so you are responsible for choosing how far to swim and how long to stay in the water. Sailor-lifeguards are present during the activity, which adds reassurance, especially when several people are jumping in at once.

Snorkel tubes are not supplied for hygiene reasons. You can buy one on board for €5, or bring your own if you prefer. This small detail is easy to miss, so pack accordingly.

You might see fish and other marine life, and one passenger even spotted an octopus, but conditions change with weather and water clarity. Do not book this as a guaranteed wildlife encounter. Book it for the chance to swim in a protected marine area with the equipment already provided.

The swim is also the most active part of the day. You can jump from the boat, float with the mask and fins, or stay dry and enjoy the view. If you do not want to swim, you can remain on board and still have plenty of time to relax.

Getting ashore on Tabarca Island

You are not forced to choose between the boat and the island. A smaller shuttle boat makes repeated trips between the catamaran and Tabarca, allowing you to go ashore and return without following a rigid single departure time.

This arrangement is one of the tour’s best features. You can swim first, eat, then visit the village. Or you can go ashore soon after arriving, look around, and return to the catamaran for a quieter swim while other people explore.

Tabarca is small, so three hours gives you enough time for a short visit without turning the day into a rushed walking tour. You can see the village, browse its small shops and restaurants, and take in views from the island before returning to the boat.

Do not expect a large resort or a long list of major sights. The pleasure is in the change of pace: a compact island community, open sea around you, and a few hours to wander before getting back in the water. Wear sensible footwear, especially if you plan to explore beyond the easiest paved areas.

The island visit is not guided in detail. If you want a formal historical tour, this is not the right format. If you prefer the freedom to look around on your own, the loose schedule works very well.

Homemade paella and the onboard meal

Lunch is served on board and includes homemade paella, mixed salad, and a drink. You can choose chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, which makes the meal workable for different tastes and diets.

The food receives especially strong praise, and I can see why it matters here. After a swim and several hours in the sun, a proper hot meal feels far better than a packet of snacks. The salad and welcome fruit add some freshness, while the paella gives the outing a distinctly Spanish touch.

The vegetarian choice is a useful inclusion rather than an afterthought. If you have a special dietary need, speak with the crew as soon as you board. The meal service requires some organization, and you may want to eat before returning to Alicante because the crew needs to clear the dining area before departure.

Timing can be slightly important. If you head to the island just as lunch is being served, you may return to find the meal service nearly finished. I would treat lunch as part of the planned experience, then use the remaining time for a village walk or another swim.

Food quality can vary with expectations. This is a boat lunch, not a restaurant meal, but the paella is a meaningful part of the value and is generally one of the day’s highlights.

The return sail past Santa Pola

The trip back takes another 1.5 hours. This is your chance to see the coast from the sea, including Carabassi Beach and the Cape of Santa Pola lighthouse if conditions and the route provide those views.

The crew may raise the main sail on the return leg. With the engine quiet and the boat moving under sail, the ride can feel calm and spacious. It is a good time to stretch out, listen to the music, or rest after swimming.

The afternoon sun can be strong, so do not assume the sea breeze will protect you. Use sunscreen more than once, drink water, and keep your hat secure. The boat provides drinks, but you still need to pay attention to your own hydration.

The return also makes clear what you are paying for. The tour is not just a short island excursion with lunch added. Three hours of sailing are built into the day, and that is either a major advantage or wasted time depending on what you enjoy. If you love being on the water, it is excellent value. If your only goal is to see Tabarca, a faster boat may suit you better.

How the $85 price compares

The $85 price is strong for a six-hour outing with lunch and refreshments included. You receive the catamaran cruise, welcome fruit, paella, salad, one alcoholic drink, unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling masks and fins, the shuttle to the island, and access to a sailor-lifeguard team during the swim.

You still pay extra for additional alcoholic drinks and food. Pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the Alicante port on your own. Those exclusions are normal, but they matter when you set your day’s budget.

The value is highest for people who will use several parts of the package. If you plan to swim, snorkel, eat on board, and spend time on Tabarca, $85 covers a lot. If you dislike swimming and mainly want transport, the catamaran may feel expensive compared with a basic ferry.

The free soft drinks are more useful than they may sound. A full day in the sun can make repeated drink purchases add up quickly, and having water, juice, and sodas available throughout keeps the day simple.

Who should book this Alicante day out?

I would recommend it to couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who want a full day that mixes sightseeing and recreation. Teenagers often get the most from the setup because they can snorkel, jump into the sea, listen to music, and still visit the island.

It also suits people who like a social boat atmosphere. The music, shared lunch, open seating, and friendly crew create more of a day-out feeling than a quiet private sailing trip. Crew members called Alex have been part of some departures, adding humor and energy to the boat, but the exact team can change.

Very young children deserve careful thought. The boat can be family-friendly, and the crew can be helpful, but six hours at sea, swimming access, heat, and possible rough water may be a lot for infants or toddlers. Unaccompanied minors cannot join.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users. High heels are not allowed, and water shoes are a smart choice. If you have any concern about mobility, swimming, or seasickness, ask before booking rather than assuming the boat will meet your needs.

The crew speaks Spanish, French, German, and English. That makes announcements and basic help easier for an international group, though the trip itself is not a detailed multilingual sightseeing lecture.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Book only if the weather suits a boat day, and keep your schedule flexible around the sea. The cruise requires at least 15 passengers to operate. If that number is not reached, the operator may offer a new date or a refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Alicante plans are still shifting, but you still need to arrive on time for the predeparture presentation.

Pack light. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and valuables are best left at your accommodation because the operator accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage.

Bring your own snorkel tube if you want one, or budget €5 to buy one on board. The supplied masks and fins cover the main need, but a tube makes the swim more comfortable for many people.

If you want the front nets, arrive early. If the crossing looks rough, choose a central, stable seating area instead. And if you are going ashore for lunch or a walk, keep an eye on the shuttle timing and return to the catamaran with enough time to spare.

Should you book the Tabarca catamaran cruise?

Book this tour if you want Tabarca plus a relaxed day at sea, not just a fast ride to an island. The included paella, drinks, snorkeling equipment, shuttle boat, and free time make the $85 price fair, especially if you use the whole package.

Skip it if you want a quiet private boat, a formal history tour, or the shortest possible route to Tabarca. Also think twice if you have very young children, serious seasickness, or limited mobility.

For most able-bodied visitors who enjoy swimming and open-water views, this is one of Alicante’s more rounded day trips. You get a real taste of the Costa Blanca from the water, time on a distinctive small island, and enough freedom to make the day feel like your own.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The full experience lasts six hours. The cruise takes about 1.5 hours each way, with roughly three hours at Tabarca Island.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive welcome fruit, homemade chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, mixed salad, and one beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Water, soft drinks, and juice are available without limit.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Masks and fins are provided for the unguided snorkeling activity. Snorkel tubes are not included, but you can buy one on board for €5.

Can I visit Tabarca Island during the swimming stop?

Yes. A small shuttle boat makes repeated trips between the catamaran and Tabarca, so you can visit the village and return to the main boat during the three-hour stop.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes. Do not bring high heels, pets, outside food or drinks, large bags, luggage, jewelry, or a cooler.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or unaccompanied minors?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.