Alicante: 3-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

Alicante’s best escape from the beach crowds may be floating just offshore. This three-hour catamaran cruise carries you from the marina along the Costa Blanca to Cabo de Huertas, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply stretch out on the front nets with a drink.

I like two things especially: the easy balance between sightseeing and free time, and the open layout of the catamaran, with nets, shaded seating, a bar, and a restroom. The main consideration is the snorkeling. You can get into clear water and see small fish, but this is an unguided swim rather than a serious reef trip.

At a Glance: What Makes This Cruise Worth Considering

• A 45-minute coastal sail each way: You get plenty of time to view Alicante from offshore rather than spending the whole outing anchored in one place.
• A proper swim stop near Cabo de Huertas: About 90 minutes is set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the water.
• A drink and fruit are included: Choose beer, wine, or tinto de verano, with unlimited water, juice, and soft drinks.
• A comfortable catamaran setup: Expect front nets, benches, tables, covered areas, a bar, onboard music, and a toilet.
• Snorkeling is simple and self-directed: Masks and fins are supplied, but tubes are not included and can be bought for €5.
• A good fit for a relaxed half-day: It works well for couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants sea time without booking a full-day outing.

Leaving Alicante Marina for the Costa Blanca

The boat, operated by Alicante Catamaran, leaves from the marina beside Noray bar, in front of Mundo de los Niños. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure, since there is a short presentation before the boat leaves and late arrivals can hold up the group.

The first 45 minutes are devoted to sailing along the coast. This is not just transport to the swimming stop. It gives you a different view of Alicante, with the city receding behind you and the coastline opening out from the water.

The catamaran has several ways to spend this part of the trip. You can sit at a table, find a spot in the covered section, or lie on the forward nets above the water. The nets are the most memorable place to settle, though they are also where spray is most likely to reach you if the sea is lively.

That last point matters. One June outing had wind and plenty of waves, with people seated at the front getting seriously sprayed. They enjoyed it because they were already wearing swimwear and T-shirts, but you may prefer the back or a covered area if you want to stay dry. Calm conditions can make the sail wonderfully gentle, while rougher water adds excitement and salt spray.

Music plays onboard, helping create a holiday mood without turning the trip into a full party boat. The exact atmosphere can vary. Some outings have had lively entertainment, including a DJ or guitarist, while other passengers found the music too quiet. I would treat the music as background rather than book this cruise specifically for a party.

Cabo de Huertas: The Main Swim Stop

After the coastal sail, the catamaran anchors near Cap de l’Horta, also known as Cabo de Huertas. This is the heart of the outing, with around one and a half hours of free time.

You can climb into the sea for a swim, use the supplied mask and fins, or stay onboard with your included drink and the welcome fruit. The water is often described as clear and green, and the setting gives you a pleasant feeling of being well away from Alicante’s packed beaches.

The boat is arranged to make getting in and out reasonably easy. Life jackets and foam floaties are available, which is useful if you are not a strong swimmer. You still need to be comfortable entering open water, though. This is not a shallow beach stop, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed on the activity.

The snorkeling is free and unguided. Sailor-lifeguards are present during the swimming activity, but nobody leads you around pointing out marine life. You may see small fish, yet the amount of wildlife is unpredictable. Some people have found very little to see beyond the attractive water and rocks.

That is the fair expectation to set: this is primarily a catamaran cruise with a swim, not a dedicated snorkeling excursion. Bring your own goggles or snorkel if you prefer a familiar fit. Masks and fins are supplied, but snorkel tubes are excluded for hygiene reasons and can be purchased onboard for €5.

You have enough time to swim without feeling rushed. You can get in, cool off, float for a while, and return to the boat for fruit or a drink. If you would rather avoid the water, the nets and shaded seating make it easy to enjoy the views from onboard.

Fruit, Drinks, and Life on the Catamaran

The price includes a welcome serving of fresh fruit and one drink: beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Water, soft drinks, and juice are unlimited. Additional alcoholic drinks and food cost extra.

The fruit is a pleasant touch, especially after swimming, but do not expect a large meal. One passenger felt the serving was very small, and another reported that a promised fruit portion was missed. I would bring a good breakfast or lunch before boarding if you need substantial food, but remember that outside food and drinks are not allowed onboard.

The boat itself is one of the stronger parts of the experience. You have open deck space, front nets, tables, benches, a bar, a covered section, and an onboard restroom. The arrangement works for different moods. You can chat with other people at a table, stretch out alone, or move into the shade when the sun gets strong.

The boat can feel spacious or crowded depending on the departure. Several outings have had plenty of room, but one summer trip felt tight, and another passenger found the catamaran too crowded. The minimum operating number is 15 people, and the actual feel onboard can change with demand and the season.

Drinks purchased onboard have been described as expensive, so use the included drink and unlimited nonalcoholic options as the main value rather than planning a long bar tab. Jewelry and valuables are best left behind. The operator does not accept responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings.

The Return Sail to Alicante

Once the swim stop ends, the anchor comes up and the catamaran returns to Alicante over roughly 45 minutes. This final stretch is a good time to dry off, enjoy the last of your drink, and watch the coastline from a distance.

The return view is different from what you see from land. Alicante’s waterfront, marina, and city profile settle into one broad coastal scene, and the boat gives you room to appreciate the scale of the shoreline. You are not rushing between monuments or trying to find a free patch of sand. The appeal is simply being out on the sea.

The catamaran returns to the same marina starting point. Since pickup and drop-off are not included, you make your own way there and back. The meeting point is central to the marina area, and nearby parking garages are available, though parking is not provided as part of the cruise.

Is $50 a Fair Price?

At $50 per person, this cruise sits in a useful middle ground. You are paying for three hours on a modern catamaran, two coastal sailing legs, a substantial swim stop, equipment, a drink, fruit, and unlimited water, juice, and soft drinks.

The value is strongest if you make full use of the boat. Swim, try the snorkeling, spend time on the nets, and enjoy the view from the water. If you only want a short sightseeing ride, the price may feel less compelling, since about half the trip is sailing time and the other half is anchored free time.

Compared with booking a full-day cruise, three hours is a sensible commitment. You still have time for Alicante’s old town, castle, museums, or an evening meal. Several people who enjoyed this shorter trip went on to book the six-hour cruise, but you do not need a full day at sea to make the shorter version worthwhile.

The included equipment also helps. You do not need to hire fins and a mask separately, and the floaties are useful for nervous swimmers. Just remember the €5 snorkel tube cost if you want one.

Who Will Enjoy This Alicante Boat Trip?

I would choose this cruise if you want a low-effort day on the water with a clear plan and a friendly, social setting. It suits couples, groups of friends, families with older children, and solo visitors who do not mind sharing a boat with other people.

It is particularly good for:

• A final-day activity before leaving Alicante
• A break from busy urban beaches
• Casual swimming and sunbathing
• People who want coastal views without a long sailing commitment
• Visitors who like having both sun and shade available
• Anyone who wants a drink and light refreshment included

I would think twice if you need a quiet, private sailing experience. The boat may feel busy, especially during popular periods. I would also look elsewhere if your main goal is guided marine wildlife viewing. The snorkeling is unguided, and fish sightings are not guaranteed.

Wheelchair users cannot take this activity. High heels, pets, luggage, large bags, coolers, jewelry, and outside food or drinks are not permitted. Bring swimwear, a towel, flip-flops, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. A waterproof phone pouch is not listed as provided, so protect your phone before you board.

Timing, Weather, and Practical Details

The cruise lasts three hours, with 45 minutes sailing out, around 90 minutes near Cabo de Huertas, and 45 minutes sailing back. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

Weather will shape the experience. On a sunny, calm day, the boat feels peaceful and easy. On a windy day, the front nets become wet and the ride can be more active. A cooler or cloudy outing may feel less inviting for swimming, so pack a light layer if the forecast is uncertain.

The experience requires at least 15 people to operate. If that number is not reached, the provider will contact you to reschedule or offer a refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and a reserve-now-pay-later option is available.

The host or greeter can assist in Spanish, English, French, or German. That broad language coverage makes the basic instructions and safety briefing easier for many international visitors.

Should You Book the Alicante Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed, well-organized way to see Alicante from offshore, with a real swim stop and enough onboard comfort to make three hours pass easily. The friendly crew, open catamaran, included drink, and generous time at Cabo de Huertas give the outing good value at $50.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a large meal, or expert-led snorkeling. The most honest way to view this trip is as a scenic sail with swimming, not as a marine biology tour.

For the best experience, arrive early, choose a seat toward the back if you want to avoid spray, bring your own snorkel tube if hygiene or fit matters, and leave valuables at your accommodation. If sunny sea time sounds better than another crowded beach, this is a sensible Alicante choice.

FAQ

Where does the Alicante catamaran cruise leave from?

The catamaran leaves from Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, next to Noray bar and in front of Mundo de los Niños at the marina.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts three hours. The boat sails for about 45 minutes from Alicante to Cabo de Huertas, anchors for around 1.5 hours, then sails back for another 45 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Masks and fins are included, and snorkeling is unguided. Snorkel tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons, but you can buy one onboard for €5.

What drink is included?

You can choose one beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Water, soft drinks, and juice are available without limit. Extra alcoholic drinks and food cost more.

Can children join the cruise?

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. The supplied information does not specify a minimum age for children accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and flip-flops. Large bags, luggage, jewelry, coolers, outside food and drinks, pets, and high-heeled shoes are not allowed.