Alicante: 3-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

A catamaran cruise gives you a welcome break from Alicante’s packed beaches without taking you far from town. You sail along the Costa Blanca for about 45 minutes, anchor near Cabo de Huertas, then spend roughly 90 minutes swimming, snorkeling, or stretching out on the front nets.

I like the easygoing pace and the chance to see Alicante from the water rather than from another city street. I also like that the fare includes one alcoholic drink, fruit, unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling gear, and sailor-lifeguards at the swimming stop.

The main consideration is the snorkeling. You get masks and fins, but no guided snorkeling and no tubes unless you buy one onboard for €5. Fish sightings can be limited, so book this for the sea swim and coastal views first, not for a major underwater wildlife encounter.

Key points to know before you book

• The swim stop lasts about 90 minutes: You have time to swim, use the provided pool noodles, or stay aboard with a drink.
• The best views come from the front nets: They are excellent for sunbathing, though spray can reach you when the sea is choppy.
• One drink is included: Choose beer, wine, or tinto de verano, with unlimited water, soft drinks, and juice.
• Snorkeling is unguided: Masks and fins are supplied, but tubes are sold separately for €5.
• The catamaran has useful comforts: There is a bar, onboard restroom, covered seating, music, tables, benches, and places to lie down.
• Arrive early and pack light: Meet beside Bar Noray, in front of Mundo de los Niños, 15 minutes before departure.

Leaving Alicante harbor for a Costa Blanca sail

The trip begins at Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, beside Bar Noray and opposite Mundo de los Niños. You need to arrive 15 minutes early, since there is a short presentation before departure and the crew asks everyone to be punctual.

Once aboard, you can choose between several types of seating. The front nets are the obvious choice if you want sun, open views, and the sensation of sailing close to the water. Benches and tables offer a steadier place to sit, while part of the catamaran is covered if the sun becomes too strong or a passing shower arrives.

The catamaran is described as modern and spacious, though the amount of room depends on the departure and passenger numbers. Some sailings feel comfortably spread out, while a busy one can feel tight. The operator requires at least 15 people for the cruise to run, so the boat is designed for a shared group experience rather than a private outing.

During the first 45 minutes, you sail away from Alicante and watch the city recede. This is a quiet sightseeing portion, with the coastline providing the main entertainment. You are not being taken to a string of separate attractions, so keep your expectations focused: this is a relaxed ride with sea views, not a guided historical tour.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, French, and German. The atmosphere is casual, with onboard music and a bar service. On some departures, music may be a little quiet for your taste, while the general mood is designed for conversation, sun, and a drink rather than a full party cruise.

What the front nets are really like

The nets at the front are one of the catamaran’s best features. You can lie back close to the water, watch the coastline pass, and enjoy the movement of the boat without being boxed into a conventional seat.

They are also the place where you are most likely to get wet. When the wind picks up or the sea becomes choppy, spray can reach the forward section. That is fun if you are wearing swimwear and a T-shirt, but less appealing if you want to remain dry. Sit farther back if the weather is rough or if you prefer a calmer ride.

Conditions can change the character of the cruise. On a flat sea, the trip feels peaceful and gentle. With wind and larger waves, the ride becomes more lively, especially at the front. Bring a sun hat and sunglasses, but secure them well. Sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops are also practical choices.

Do not bring high heels, large bags, luggage, coolers, jewelry, food, or drinks. The operator also advises leaving valuables at home because it does not accept responsibility for loss, theft, or breakage.

Cabo de Huertas and the long swim stop

After about 45 minutes of sailing, the catamaran anchors near Cap de l’Horta, also known as Cabo de Huertas. This is the main event of the outing. You get around an hour and a half to choose your own pace.

You can jump into the sea, swim around the catamaran, try the included mask and fins, or remain on deck with fruit and a drink. The crew has sailor-lifeguards present during the swimming activity, and pool noodles and other floatation aids have been available for swimmers who are less confident in open water.

You do need to be comfortable in the sea. This is not a pool with a shallow end, and the activity is not suitable for anyone who cannot manage open-water swimming. Children cannot attend without an accompanying adult, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

The water near Cabo de Huertas is often the most memorable part of the trip. You get the unusual feeling of swimming away from the city, with the catamaran as your floating base. The stop is long enough that you do not need to rush into the water. I would swim first, then dry off on deck and enjoy the remaining time.

Snorkeling is free, but it is unguided. Masks and fins are included, while snorkeling tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons. You can buy a tube onboard for €5, or bring your own. Bring realistic expectations: you might see small fish, but this is not a specialist snorkeling excursion and the amount of marine life can vary.

If underwater sights are your top priority, this may feel modest. If you mainly want a refreshing swim in open water, with a chance to look below the surface, it works much better.

Drinks, fruit, music, and the onboard setup

The ticket includes one beer, wine, or tinto de verano. You also get unlimited water, soft drinks, and juice, plus a welcome serving of fruit. Additional alcoholic drinks and food cost extra.

The fruit is a pleasant touch after swimming, though the portion may be small. The included drink adds value, but do not treat the cruise as a full meal. Eat beforehand if you need something substantial, since outside food and drinks are not permitted onboard.

The catamaran includes a bar and restroom, which matter during a three-hour trip. There are benches and tables for people who want to sit upright, covered areas for shade, and the forward nets for sunbathing. Music plays during the cruise, with the volume varying by departure.

This setup makes the trip work for mixed groups. One person can swim, another can sit in the shade, and someone else can stretch out with a drink. You are not forced into one activity for the entire three hours.

A closer look at the return sail

When the swimming time ends, the crew raises the anchor and begins the 45-minute return to Alicante. This is a good time to find a comfortable seat, finish your drink, and take in the coastline from a different angle.

The return ride is not a separate sightseeing program, but it gives you another chance to enjoy the views. The city gradually comes back into sight, and the final approach to the harbor brings the outing neatly back to its starting point.

The total schedule is well judged. A shorter cruise would feel rushed once boarding and the swim stop were included. A longer sailing would suit people who want more time on the water, but three hours is enough for a half-day plan without taking over your whole day. The operator also offers a six-hour cruise if you want a longer outing.

Is $50 good value for three hours?

At $50 per person, this is not the cheapest way to sit near the sea in Alicante. You can visit a beach for less, and you will need to pay extra for additional alcoholic drinks, food, and a snorkeling tube if you want one.

The value improves when you count what is included: a modern catamaran, three hours on the water, the return sail, fruit, one alcoholic drink, unlimited water and soft drinks, masks and fins, music, a restroom, and sailor-lifeguards during the swim stop. You are also paying for the boat, crew, harbor departure, and the chance to swim well away from the crowded shoreline.

I see it as good value for a relaxed half-day activity, especially if you plan to swim. It is less compelling if you dislike shared boat trips, rarely use the water stop, or expect a large meal and a guided snorkeling session.

The cost also buys convenience. You do not need to arrange transport to a distant beach or rent separate equipment. Pickup and drop-off are not included, but the meeting point is at Alicante’s port, and nearby parking garages make arrival practical if you have a car.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with adult supervision, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a social but low-pressure outing. It is also a useful choice for a last day in Alicante, when you want something scenic and simple without committing to a full-day tour.

You will get the most from it if you like sun, open water, swimming, and a drink with a view. The catamaran has enough different spaces that you can change your plan during the trip.

This is not the right choice for wheelchair users, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair access. It is also not ideal for anyone seeking a serious snorkeling program, a detailed coastal history lesson, or a quiet private charter.

Swimmers of different abilities can take part, but you should be honest about your comfort in open water. Floatation aids are available, yet the stop still takes place in the sea, not in a supervised pool.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure at Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, beside Bar Noray and opposite Mundo de los Niños. The pre-departure presentation means late arrival can hold up the group.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and flip-flops. If you want to snorkel, bring your own tube or budget €5 for one onboard.

Choose the front nets for the clearest open views and the most sun. Choose the rear or covered areas if you want less spray and more shelter. On a windy day, the front can be great fun, but it is not the dry option.

Keep personal belongings to a minimum. Large bags, luggage, coolers, food, drinks, high heels, and jewelry are not allowed. Leave valuables behind, since the operator does not cover loss or damage.

The activity has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The cruise needs a minimum of 15 participants to operate. If that number is not reached, the company will contact you about a new date or a refund.

Should you book the Alicante catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a pleasant three-hour break from Alicante’s beaches, with a proper swim stop, flexible deck space, and a few useful extras included in the price. The coastal views, friendly crew, and easy swim are the strongest reasons to go.

Book with more caution if you want abundant fish, guided snorkeling, gourmet food, or a private sailing experience. The water stop is the heart of the cruise, while the rest is a scenic ride with music, fruit, and drinks.

For most visitors, the best plan is simple: arrive early, claim a good spot, swim near Cabo de Huertas, use your own snorkel tube if you have one, and move toward the back if the sea turns choppy. At $50, it is a fair choice for a relaxed Alicante afternoon on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Alicante catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours. It includes about 45 minutes of sailing from Alicante to Cabo de Huertas, around 1.5 hours for swimming and snorkeling, and another 45 minutes sailing back.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The meeting point is Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, next to Bar Noray and in front of Mundo de los Niños at Alicante’s port.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins. There is a presentation before departure, and punctuality is requested.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

What drinks are included?

You receive one beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Water, soft drinks, and juice are available without limit. Additional alcoholic drinks and food cost extra.

Can I swim if I am not a strong swimmer?

The boat has sailor-lifeguards, pool noodles, and other floatation aids available during the swim stop. However, the activity takes place in open water, so you need to be able to manage swimming at sea.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.