Alicante: 6-Hour Catamaran Cruise to Tabarca Island

Tabarca is Alicante’s best day at sea. This six-hour catamaran cruise combines a relaxed sail along the Costa Blanca with swimming, snorkeling, island time, and a homemade paella lunch. I especially like the spacious catamaran, where you can sunbathe on deck or stretch out on the nets, and the generous drinks setup, with unlimited water, juice, and soft drinks included.

The stop at Tabarca is flexible rather than tightly managed. You can swim from the boat, take the small shuttle boat to the village, or split your three hours between both. The main consideration is rough water: the crossing can be choppy, and very young children or anyone prone to seasickness may find the ride uncomfortable.

Quick points before you book

• Six hours on the water: The cruise spends about 90 minutes sailing each way, with three hours around Tabarca.
• Paella is included: Choose chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, served with mixed salad and a drink.
• Swim from the catamaran: Masks and fins are provided, and sailor-lifeguards supervise the swimming area.
• Tabarca is optional but worthwhile: A small boat runs between the catamaran and the island, letting you visit the village without giving up all your swim time.
• Soft drinks cost nothing extra: Water, juice, and soft drinks are available throughout the trip, while one beer, wine, or tinto de verano is included.
• Bring practical beach gear: You need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water shoes.

Leaving Alicante port for a long Costa Blanca sail

The meeting point is the Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, beside Bar Noray and opposite Mundo de los Niños. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. There is a short presentation before departure, and the crew asks passengers to be punctual because the boat cannot hold the schedule for late arrivals.

Once aboard, the trip begins with a long, easy run from Alicante toward Tabarca. The sailing time is about 1.5 hours each way, so this is not simply a ferry ride with a quick stop at the island. The boat trip itself is a major part of the day.

That extra time matters. You get broad views of Alicante’s shoreline, open sea, and the Costa Blanca from a low, comfortable platform. On the return, the crew may raise the main sail, creating a quieter, slower-feeling stretch that suits sunbathing or a short nap.

The catamaran has plenty of open space, but the most popular places go quickly. The nets between the hulls are the prime spots for feeling the water below you, though they have person limits and fill early. If that position is important to you, arrive promptly and claim a place after boarding.

The boat also has music, an onboard restroom, a bar, and room to move around. This makes the long crossing easier than sitting in one fixed ferry seat. Still, the open deck offers little shelter from sun and wind, so pack a hat and use sunscreen often.

Food, drinks, and the practical value of the ticket

At $85 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Tabarca. A regular ferry may cost less if your only goal is getting to the island. The catamaran price makes more sense when you count the sailing time, lunch, swimming stop, equipment, drinks, and the small boat transfer to shore.

The food is one of the strongest parts of the package. Lunch includes homemade paella, with chicken, fish, or vegetarian choices, plus mixed salad. Fresh fruit is offered during the journey, and the crew prepares the meal while the boat heads toward the island.

The paella is generally a generous value for a boat excursion. It is not a restaurant meal with a large menu, and you should not expect a seafood feast every time you choose fish. One person found the seafood portion modest, but the overall food quality received strong praise, including from passengers who chose the vegetarian version.

You also receive one alcoholic drink, such as beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Water, juices, and soft drinks are unlimited, which is especially useful during six hours in the sun. Extra alcoholic drinks and food cost more, but onboard prices were described as reasonable.

One useful timing tip: lunch service requires the crew to tidy the eating area before the return sailing. If you plan to visit Tabarca first and eat later, keep an eye on the schedule so you do not arrive back at the boat just as service is ending.

Three hours around Tabarca Island

Tabarca is Spain’s first marine reserve, and the water around the island is the main reason to include this trip in an Alicante visit. The stop lasts about three hours, giving you enough time for a swim, snorkeling, lunch, and a short walk through the village.

You do not have to choose one activity for the whole stop. The catamaran stays offshore, while a smaller boat makes repeated trips to Tabarca. You can go ashore, look around, return for lunch, and then swim from the main boat. The arrangement is informal, which gives you freedom but means you need to pay attention to the return timetable and crew instructions.

The village is small, with shops, bars, restaurants, and views across the sea. It is not a full-day sightseeing destination, so an hour or so is enough for many people. I would treat the island visit as a pleasant change from the boat rather than the main event.

The beach water can feel remarkably warm in summer. Several passengers preferred swimming straight from the catamaran, where the deep water makes jumping in more fun than a standard beach swim. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the supervised activity area and use the provided equipment.

Snorkeling without a guided tour

Masks and fins are included, and you can use them during the free snorkeling activity. Tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons, but you can buy one onboard for €5. You are not joining a guided marine biology tour, so the activity is self-directed.

That distinction is important. The sailor-lifeguards are present for safety, but they are not leading a detailed underwater tour or pointing out every fish. You swim, float, and look around at your own pace.

The marine reserve gives the stop a stronger sense of place than an ordinary swim break. Clear water, rocky seabed, and the chance to spot marine life make this more than a quick plunge to cool off. One person reported seeing an octopus, though wildlife sightings can never be promised.

Water shoes are a smart addition. They help when moving around the boat, boarding the smaller transfer boat, or walking near rocky shorelines. Leave jewelry and valuables at home, since the operator accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, or breakage.

The crew, safety, and onboard atmosphere

The crew receives the most consistent praise. Passengers describe the staff as friendly, attentive, funny, and helpful, with announcements and assistance available in Spanish, French, German, and English.

Two crew members called Alex were singled out for their humor and warm service. Other accounts praise the captain and the sailor-lifeguards for keeping people calm during choppy crossings and for taking safety seriously. The crew also has sea-sickness medication available onboard, according to the information provided.

That care matters because conditions can change. Some departures have calm water, while others encounter high winds or rough seas. A catamaran is stable, but it is still a boat in open water. If you often feel sick at sea, take sensible precautions and choose a seat near the center of the boat rather than the front nets.

The atmosphere is social, with music, sunbathing, drinks, swimming, and plenty of chances to chat. It is not a quiet nature cruise. Couples, groups of friends, and families with older children fit the mood well.

The boat is spacious and clean, but popular features are shared. The front nets have limited capacity, and the best seats are not reserved for everyone. You may need to accept a less central spot while still getting good views.

Coastline views on the way back

The return sailing gives you a different look at Alicante. From the sea, the city and coast spread out in a way you cannot see from the road.

The route can include views of Carabassi Beach, known for its white sand, and Cape Santa Pola with its lighthouse. These sights are viewed from the boat, not visited on foot, so keep your camera ready and do not expect a formal shore excursion.

This is also where the experience feels most restful. After lunch, swimming, and walking around Tabarca, the long ride back becomes recovery time. If the sail is raised and the wind is right, you can stretch out, listen to the music, and watch the Costa Blanca slide past.

One thing is missing: detailed commentary about the coast and the island. The multilingual welcome and announcements help with logistics, but the cruise is not built around history talks or a running explanation of every landmark. If you want a narrated sightseeing tour, this may feel light on information. If you prefer scenery, swimming, and free time, that lack of constant commentary is a benefit.

Who will enjoy this Alicante cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want an all-in-one sea day rather than a simple island transfer. It works particularly well for:

• Couples who want scenery, food, and time to relax
• Groups of friends looking for music, swimming, and an easy social atmosphere
• Families with teenagers who will enjoy jumping into the sea and snorkeling
• Solo visitors who like organized activities with plenty of unstructured time
• Anyone who wants to visit Tabarca without arranging lunch, equipment, and boat connections separately

The cruise is less suitable for wheelchair users, since the activity is not accessible for them. It may also be a poor match for infants and very young children. One family brought small children, but the open sea, long crossing, heat, and informal transfer boat can be demanding at that age.

You should also think carefully if you dislike boats, sun, or open-water swimming. Three hours around the island is a long time if you plan to stay dry and do not enjoy sitting in the sun.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Pack lightly. Large bags, luggage, coolers, outside food, and outside drinks are not allowed. Pets, high-heeled shoes, jewelry, and unaccompanied minors are also not permitted.

Your useful kit is simple:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Water shoes
• A small bag for essentials

Do not bring valuables unless you truly need them. Phones and cameras are useful for the coastline, but keep them secure around the swim platform. The operator specifically warns that it is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage.

Booking details that affect your plans

The cruise requires at least 15 passengers to operate. If that number is not reached, the company will contact you to reschedule or offer a refund, so avoid building an unchangeable chain of plans around this single activity.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which gives you some flexibility when planning an Alicante stay.

Check the departure time when booking, since starting times vary. The meeting location is central and specific, but you still need to allow time to find the catamaran beside Bar Noray.

Should you book the Tabarca catamaran?

Book it if you want the boat ride to be as important as the island. The strongest parts are the friendly crew, roomy catamaran, homemade paella, free soft drinks, flexible three-hour stop, and easy access to swimming and snorkeling.

At $85, the price is fair for a full six-hour package. You are paying for a complete day on the water, not merely transportation to Tabarca. The main weaknesses are the chance of rough seas, limited commentary about the coast, shared space at the popular front nets, and the lack of wheelchair access.

I would choose this over a basic ferry for a relaxed Alicante day with food and swimming built in. If your priority is spending every minute ashore or exploring Tabarca in depth, take a simpler boat and devote more time to the island. For most visitors who want sea views, a good lunch, and a little adventure without much planning, this is a very appealing choice.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise take?

The experience lasts six hours in total. The sailing time is about 1.5 hours from Alicante to Tabarca and 1.5 hours back, with about three hours around the island.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The catamaran departs from Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, next to Bar Noray and opposite Mundo de los Niños.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. There is a presentation before the boat leaves, and punctuality is requested.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The meal includes homemade chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella and a mixed salad.

What drinks are included?

One beer, wine, or tinto de verano is included. Water, juice, and soft drinks are available without limit. Additional alcoholic drinks and food are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and fins are provided for the free snorkeling activity. Snorkeling tubes are not included, but they can be purchased onboard for €5.

Can I visit Tabarca village during the stop?

Yes. A smaller boat transfers passengers between the catamaran and the island, allowing you to visit the village and return to the main boat during the three-hour stop.

Is the snorkeling guided?

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

Can children join the cruise?

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. The cruise may be less suitable for infants and very young children because of the long time at sea, possible rough water, and open-water activities.