Alicante: 6-Hour Catamaran Cruise to Tabarca Island

Tabarca is the prize here: a small island reached by a spacious catamaran, with three hours for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and a look around the village. The boat ride itself is part of the pleasure, especially when the sails go up on the return to Alicante.

I like the homemade paella with a choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian, and I like the easygoing use of your island time. You can swim first, eat later, or take the small shuttle boat to shore and return when you wish. The main caution is the sea: rough water can make the 1.5-hour crossing uncomfortable, and the snorkeling is not guided.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours at Tabarca: You have time for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and a visit to the village without being hurried.
• Paella is included: Choose chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, with mixed salad and one beer, wine, or tinto de verano.
• Soft drinks stay free: Water, juice, and soft drinks are available throughout the trip.
• Snorkel gear is supplied: Masks and fins are included, but tubes are not provided. You can buy one onboard for €5.
• The trip can get lively: Music, sunbathing nets, sea swimming, and friendly crew create more of a sociable day out than a quiet sailing lesson.
• The crossing may be choppy: Bring sunscreen and a towel, but also prepare for motion on the way to the island.

Why this Tabarca cruise works so well

At $85 per person, this is not simply a boat ride to an island. The price covers six hours on the water, a round-trip catamaran crossing, a paella lunch, unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, welcome fruit, snorkeling equipment, and one alcoholic drink. You also get time to explore Tabarca rather than viewing it only from offshore.

That package makes the cruise a strong choice if you want one full sea day from Alicante without arranging several separate activities. A regular ferry may get you to Tabarca, but it will not give you the same amount of time aboard a catamaran, nor include lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and supervised swimming.

The atmosphere is informal. Music plays onboard, the bar serves extra drinks and food, and the front nets are popular places to stretch out over the water. If you want a silent, small-group sailing trip with a guide explaining every bay, this is not that. If you want a sunny day with food, swimming, and a bit of island exploring, it fits nicely.

Leaving Alicante from the Port

The meeting point is the Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, beside the Noray bar and opposite Mundo de los Niños. Arrive 15 minutes early for the predeparture presentation. This is important because the crew asks everyone to be ready on time, and the catamaran leaves as scheduled.

The boat has an onboard restroom, a bar, seating, music, and open areas for sunbathing. The front nets are the most sought-after spots, but they have capacity limits and can fill quickly. If lying over the water is a priority, arrive early and make your way there once boarding is organized.

The crew uses Spanish, French, German, and English. This helps with safety instructions and practical questions, particularly before the snorkeling stop. The staff has also been praised for being attentive during rougher crossings, and the boat carries sailor-lifeguards for the swimming period.

You should not bring a large bag, cooler, jewelry, or valuables. Food and drinks from outside are not allowed. High heels are not suitable, and pets and unaccompanied minors are not permitted. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

The 1.5-hour sail toward Tabarca

The outward crossing takes about 90 minutes. From the Port of Alicante, you head along the Costa Blanca with open views of the sea and coast. This is when you settle into the rhythm of the boat, take in the views, and enjoy the welcome fruit and drinks.

The catamaran gives you more room than a standard ferry. You can sit along the sides, move around, or find a place to sunbathe. The front nets offer the most exposed position, while the rear and side seating can feel more practical if the sea is moving.

The trip is not always glassy. High winds and choppy water have been part of some departures, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan carefully. The onboard crew can assist, and medication has been available on some trips, but it is still wise to bring anything you normally use for motion sickness.

Food preparation takes place during the crossing. The paella is served as part of lunch, with chicken, fish, or vegetarian versions available. A mixed salad accompanies it, and fresh fruit is included at some point during the day. If you have a special dietary need, speak to the crew early rather than waiting until mealtime.

There is no regular commentary about every coastal sight. You may pass views toward Carabassi Beach, with its white sand, and the Cape of Santa Pola with its lighthouse, but this is primarily a relaxing cruise rather than a formal sightseeing tour. I would enjoy a little more explanation about the coast and Tabarca, but many people will prefer the music and open-air setting.

Three hours around Tabarca Island

Tabarca is Spain’s first marine reserve, and the clear water is the main attraction. The catamaran anchors for a long stop, giving you roughly three hours to divide between swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and the island village.

You do not have to choose one activity for the whole stop. You can swim from the catamaran, return onboard for food, and then go ashore. Or you can visit the village first and spend the rest of the time in the water. This flexibility is one of the best features of the day because you are not locked into a strict group schedule.

A smaller boat runs between the catamaran and Tabarca’s shore. It makes repeated trips, so you do not need to swim ashore or remain on land until a fixed pickup time. This is useful if you want a short look at the village but prefer spending most of your time at sea.

The village gives the excursion a change of pace. After the open water and music on the catamaran, you can walk around, see the island close up, and take in its coastal views. The island is small, so three hours is a sensible amount of time for a visit combined with swimming and lunch. If you want a long, detailed island walk, you may find the schedule more limited.

Snorkeling in the marine reserve

Masks and fins are supplied for a free, unguided snorkeling activity. Sailor-lifeguards remain present during the swimming period, which adds a useful safety layer, but you should not expect a marine biologist or a formal underwater tour.

The water is the star. You can swim directly from the boat, use the snorkeling equipment, or simply jump in and cool off. An octopus has been spotted during one outing, though marine life is never guaranteed. The best approach is to treat snorkeling as a relaxed water stop rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Tubes are not included for hygiene reasons. You can purchase one onboard for €5, but bring your own if you prefer a tube and already have one that fits well. Water shoes are also worth packing, especially if you are moving between the boat, shore, and rocky areas.

The crew’s role matters here. The activity is not guided, but the sailor-lifeguards are present while people swim. Follow their instructions, especially if wind or waves increase. Children should remain closely supervised, and very young children may not enjoy the long crossing or the open-water format.

Paella, drinks, and the practical value of lunch

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the package. You choose chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, served with mixed salad and one beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Water, juice, and soft drinks are unlimited, which is especially useful during a six-hour day in full sun.

The vegetarian paella has been a reliable option for people who do not eat meat. The fish version is a natural choice by the coast, while chicken suits anyone who prefers a familiar meal. Food quality can vary with the day and conditions, but the overall setup gives you a proper lunch rather than a packet of snacks.

Pay attention to timing. The crew needs to tidy the serving area before the return sailing, so do not leave lunch until the final minutes of the island stop. A little planning lets you eat, swim, and visit Tabarca without feeling rushed.

Extra alcoholic drinks and food cost more. Soft drinks are included, and additional drinks have been described as reasonably priced, but you should not assume every item at the bar is part of the ticket. The included drink is one alcoholic serving, not an open bar.

The return sail past Santa Pola

The return crossing takes another 90 minutes. After lunch and swimming, this can be the calmest part of the day. When the main sail is raised, the boat feels quieter and more like a proper sailing trip, making it a good time to rest on the nets or sit along the edge for the coastal views.

From the water, you may see Carabassi Beach and the Cape of Santa Pola lighthouse. These views give the ride home a little purpose beyond getting back to Alicante. Still, the tour does not promise a detailed coastal narration, so bring your own curiosity and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

The ride back can also be rough if the wind rises. Sea conditions are the main factor that separates a very comfortable day from a tiring one. If you are sensitive to motion, sit in a central area of the boat, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid a heavy meal right before departure.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this cruise to couples, groups of friends, and families with older children or teenagers who want several activities in one outing. The combination of music, sunbathing, swimming, food, and island time keeps the day varied.

It also works well for a group with mixed interests. One person can snorkel, another can read on deck, and another can take the shuttle to explore Tabarca. You are not forced to spend the entire stop in one place.

Very young children deserve more thought. The boat has carried small children, and the crew can be helpful, but a six-hour sea trip with a long crossing, open water, and a potentially choppy ride may be tiring for an infant or toddler. There is no childcare, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

This is less suitable if you need step-free access, dislike music, want a quiet luxury cruise, or prefer a guided snorkeling session. It is also not ideal for anyone who cannot tolerate open-water movement.

What to pack and how to make the day better

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Water shoes are a smart addition, especially for getting in and out of the water and walking near the shore.

Keep your belongings simple. Large bags, coolers, jewelry, and outside food or drinks are not allowed, and the company does not accept responsibility for lost, stolen, or broken valuables. Your phone is useful for photographs, but carry it in a waterproof case if you plan to swim.

Arrive early enough to hear the safety presentation and find a comfortable place. If the front nets matter to you, move quickly after boarding, but remember that they have limits on how many people can use them at once.

Check the forecast and sea conditions before you go. The tour requires at least 15 passengers to operate. If that minimum is not reached, you will be contacted about rescheduling or receiving a refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later if that option is offered at booking.

Should you book the Alicante to Tabarca catamaran?

Book it if you want an active but easygoing sea day with paella, swimming, and island time all bundled together. The $85 price is fair because it includes the boat, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and six hours of useable time rather than just transportation.

Go in with the right expectations. This is not a history tour, a guided marine expedition, or a quiet private charter. It is a social catamaran outing with music, a friendly crew, a flexible stop at Tabarca, and the chance to jump into clear water.

For most visitors with a full day available in Alicante, I would choose this over a basic ferry if the boat ride matters as much as the island. Just bring sun protection, prepare for possible choppy water, and leave enough time for lunch before the return sail.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The experience lasts six hours in total, including about 1.5 hours sailing from Alicante to Tabarca, three hours at Tabarca, and 1.5 hours sailing back.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

It leaves from Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, next to the Noray bar and opposite Mundo de los Niños.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before departure for the predeparture presentation and boarding.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The price includes homemade chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella with mixed salad.

What drinks are included?

You receive one beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Water, soft drinks, and juice are available without an additional charge. Extra alcoholic drinks and food are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is snorkeling guided?

No. The snorkeling activity is free and unguided, but sailor-lifeguards are present during the swimming stop.

Can I visit Tabarca village?

Yes. You have free time to visit the village, and a smaller boat makes repeated trips between the catamaran and the island shore.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes.

Is the experience suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. High-heeled shoes, pets, large bags, jewelry, coolers, and outside food and drinks are also not allowed.