Alicante: 6-Hour Catamaran Cruise to Tabarca Island

Tabarca is the star here, but the catamaran ride is much of the fun. You sail 1.5 hours from Alicante, stretch out on the front nets, swim beside the boat, and spend about three hours near Spain’s first marine reserve. I like the choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, and I like that water, juice, and soft drinks are available throughout the day.

The main catch is simple: this is a full six hours at sea, and open water can get choppy. The snorkeling is not guided, the front nets fill quickly, and very young children may find the long ride tiring. Still, the friendly multilingual crew, included food, and flexible time at Tabarca make this a strong value at $85.

Quick points before you book

• Three hours at Tabarca: Split your time between swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and the village.
• Paella is included: Choose chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella with a mixed salad.
• Soft drinks cost nothing extra: Water, juice, and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise.
• Snorkeling gear is provided: Masks and fins are included, but tubes cost €5 if you want one.
• The boat is part of the attraction: Music, sunbathing nets, a bar, and wide sea views make the sailing time enjoyable.
• Plan for open-water conditions: High waves can occur, and wheelchair users cannot join this activity.

Setting out from Alicante’s harbor

The meeting point is easy to find. The maxi catamaran sits beside the Noray bar, in front of Mundo de los Niños, and you should arrive 15 minutes before departure for a short presentation.

The boat leaves Alicante Port and heads along the Costa Blanca toward Tabarca. The outward crossing takes about 1.5 hours, which gives you enough time to settle in rather than rushing from one activity to the next.

I like this first stretch because it lets you enjoy the day at sea before the island stop begins. You can sit along the edge for broad views, claim a place on the nets at the front, listen to music, or order extra drinks from the bar. The crew serves welcome fruit, and the unlimited water, juice, and soft drinks are useful in the strong Spanish sun.

The front nets are the most sought-after seats. They are excellent for lying close to the water, but they have space limits and fill early. If you want this spot, move quickly after boarding. Otherwise, the boat has enough room for passengers to sit comfortably, and even people toward the rear can still see the coast.

The sea may not be calm every day. One departure had unusually high waves, while another had a rough outward crossing before conditions settled. The captain and sailor-lifeguards pay attention to safety, but you should bring motion-sickness medicine if you need it. Medication may also be available on board, but it is better not to rely on that.

Swimming in Tabarca’s marine reserve

Tabarca is Spain’s first marine reserve, and the clear water is the main reason to bring swimwear and a towel. The boat stops near the island so you can swim directly from the catamaran and use the supplied masks and fins.

This is a relaxed, unguided activity. You are not joining a formal wildlife tour, and nobody promises a particular sighting. You might see fish in the clear water, and one passenger even spotted an octopus, but the real appeal is the freedom to jump in, float, and cool off beside the boat.

Sailor-lifeguards remain present during the snorkeling period. That adds an important layer of reassurance, particularly when people are entering the water from the side of a large catamaran. Still, you need to be comfortable swimming in open water and following crew instructions.

The provided equipment includes masks and fins. Tubes are not supplied for hygiene reasons, but you can buy one on board for €5. Bring water shoes if you have them, since they are listed among the recommended items and can make rocky shore access easier.

You control the order of your day. You can swim first, eat, and then visit the island, or head ashore before returning to the boat for a swim. The schedule is loosely managed rather than rigidly timed, which is useful if your group has mixed interests.

Getting ashore for village time

Tabarca is small, so three hours gives you a fair amount of time to see the village without turning the visit into a rushed march. A smaller boat runs back and forth between the catamaran and the island, allowing you to come and go during the stop.

That transfer matters. You are not forced to remain on the catamaran if you would rather walk around Tabarca, and you are not stuck ashore if the boat, music, and swimming appeal more. Families and groups can split up and still reunite without losing the whole afternoon.

The village offers shops, bars, restaurants, and views across the island. The time ashore is not a guided historical tour, so you should think of it as independent exploring rather than a lesson in Tabarca’s past.

I would allow at least an hour for a walk if seeing the village matters to you. The island is one of the most distinctive parts of the outing, but the boat time often becomes the favorite part for people who enjoy swimming and sunbathing. You do not need to choose one style for the entire stop.

Paella lunch and drinks on board

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the price. The menu includes homemade paella, with chicken, fish, or vegetarian versions, plus a mixed salad. Fresh fruit is also served during the trip.

The fish version may not be packed with seafood, so do not book this expecting a lavish restaurant-style seafood meal. It is better understood as a hearty, convenient lunch prepared for a day on the water. The vegetarian option has also been well received, which makes the meal workable for mixed groups.

One beer, wine, or tinto de verano is included. Water, soft drinks, and juice are unlimited, while extra alcoholic drinks and additional food cost more. Extra drinks have been described as reasonably priced, but the included nonalcoholic supply is the real practical benefit.

Pay attention to the timing around lunch. The crew needs to tidy the boat before sailing back, so do not leave your meal until the last possible moment if you are spending time ashore. On a busy day, getting back to the catamaran with some time to spare will make the meal less stressful.

The return along the Costa Blanca

The return crossing takes another 1.5 hours. This is a quieter part of the day, especially after swimming, lunch, and time in the sun.

The route gives you views of the Costa Blanca from offshore. Look for Carabassi Beach, known for its white sand, and the Cape of Santa Pola with its lighthouse. The scenery is best enjoyed from the edge of the boat, where the coastline opens up and the catamaran’s height gives you a broad view.

The main sail may be raised on the return journey, depending on conditions. That can turn the ride home into a pleasant rest period, with some passengers stretching out for a short nap. Music continues on board, but the mood may feel calmer after the island stop.

One thing is missing for visitors who want context. There is no detailed coastal commentary or full presentation about Tabarca’s history listed as part of the experience. If you want a guided cultural tour, this will feel light on information. If you mainly want sea time, swimming, food, and a flexible island visit, the lack of constant narration is probably a benefit.

What the $85 price really covers

At $85 per person, this is not just a boat transfer to Tabarca. A standard ferry may be simpler if your only goal is reaching the island, but this outing bundles the return cruise, fruit, lunch, one alcoholic drink, unlimited soft drinks, snorkeling masks and fins, music, and the swimming stop.

The value improves if you plan to use the boat facilities. A person who swims, snacks, drinks soft drinks, and spends time on the catamaran gets much more from the fare than someone who only wants a quick crossing and several hours ashore.

For a group, the flexible schedule is useful. Teenagers can swim and snorkel, adults can relax with a drink, and anyone interested in the village can take the small shuttle ashore. The crew also handles different languages, with Spanish, English, French, and German support available.

The price does not cover hotel pickup, extra alcoholic drinks, or extra food. You must also bring your own towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and any personal medication. Large bags, coolers, outside food, jewelry, and pets are not allowed.

Who should choose this cruise

I would choose this for couples, groups of friends, and families with older children or teenagers who want a full day on the water rather than a simple island ferry.

It works especially well for people who like a mix of activities. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, eat paella, listen to music, and walk around Tabarca in one outing. You do not need to be interested in every part, because the three-hour stop gives you room to choose.

Very young children deserve more thought. The boat is not presented as unsuitable for all children, and the crew can be attentive and helpful, but the six-hour length, sun, open water, and possible rough crossing may be hard on infants and toddlers. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted.

The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also a poor match if you dislike boats, get severe motion sickness, or want a quiet, museum-style day with extensive historical commentary.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive early enough to hear the 15-minute presentation and find a comfortable place. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, apply sunscreen before boarding, and bring a hat and sunglasses.

Keep valuables at home. The operator is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage, and you will spend part of the day around water. A small towel and water shoes are more useful than a large beach bag, which is not allowed.

If you want the front nets, claim a place soon after boarding. If you care more about lunch or village time, do not let the scramble for the nets shape your whole day.

The cruise requires at least 15 passengers to operate. If that minimum is not reached, the operator will contact you about a new date or a refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the booking option allows you to reserve now and pay later.

Should you book the Alicante Tabarca catamaran?

Book it if you want the journey itself to be part of the day. The boat is spacious, food and soft drinks are included, the crew is friendly, and the combination of swimming and independent island time gives you useful freedom.

Skip it if you only want several quiet hours walking around Tabarca, need wheelchair access, or are uncomfortable with open water. For most visitors who want an active Costa Blanca day, $85 is fair value, especially when you count the paella, drinks, snorkeling gear, and six hours of sailing.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts six hours, with about 1.5 hours sailing from Alicante to Tabarca, around three hours near the island, and another 1.5 hours sailing back.

Where does the cruise leave from?

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

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before departure for the pre-departure presentation.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Homemade paella and mixed salad are included. You can choose chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella.

What drinks are included?

You receive one beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Water, soft drinks, and juice are available without an additional charge.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is snorkeling guided?

No. Snorkeling is a free activity without a guide, with sailor-lifeguards present during the swimming and snorkeling period.

Can I visit Tabarca village?

Yes. A smaller boat makes regular trips between the catamaran and the island, allowing you to spend time in the village and return to the main boat.

Can children join the cruise?

Children can join with an accompanying adult, but unaccompanied minors are not allowed. The experience may not suit very young children because of the six-hour duration and possible rough water.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.