Alicante: 6-Hour Catamaran Cruise to Tabarca Island

Tabarca is the star here, but the catamaran ride is half the fun. You sail 1.5 hours from Alicante, swim in the marine reserve, eat paella on board, and return with views of Carabassi Beach and Santa Pola’s lighthouse. It feels far more like a day at sea than a simple ferry crossing.

I especially like the choice built into the three-hour stop. You can snorkel from the boat, use the small shuttle to visit Tabarca village, or split your time between both. Unlimited water, soft drinks, juice, and a welcome serving of fruit are also useful on a hot Costa Blanca day. The main drawback is that choppy water can make the outward journey uncomfortable, and very young children may not enjoy six hours at sea.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours at Tabarca: Enough time for paella, swimming, snorkeling, and a short visit to the village.
• A real catamaran day: Spacious seating, front nets, music, a bar, and open sea views make the ride part of the experience.
• Paella is included: Choose chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, served with mixed salad and a drink.
• Snorkeling is self-guided: Masks and fins are supplied, with sailor-lifeguards nearby, but no guide leads the activity.
• Soft drinks cost nothing extra: Water, juice, and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise.
• Bring practical beach gear: Pack a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and water shoes.

Setting out from Alicante for Tabarca

Meet the catamaran at the Adventurer Catamaran Alicante dock, next to Noray bar and opposite Mundo de los Niños. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. There is a short presentation before departure, and punctuality matters because the boat leaves with a full group schedule to keep.

The first leg takes about 1.5 hours. That gives you time to settle into the boat rather than rushing straight into an activity. The catamaran has an onboard restroom, music, a bar, and enough room to move around. The front nets are the coveted spot for lying close to the water, but they have limited space and can fill quickly.

I would claim a comfortable seat first, then decide if you want to spend part of the crossing on the nets. The boat is open to the sun, so a hat and sunscreen are not optional extras. Bring a towel for the swimming stop, and choose water shoes if you dislike walking over rocky seabeds or hot ground.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, French, and German. The multilingual welcome and announcements help international groups follow the day, though this is not a sightseeing cruise with a running commentary about every point along the coast. If you want detailed coastal history, this trip may feel light on information. Its strength is relaxed time on the water.

What the 1.5-hour cruise feels like

The route runs along the Costa Blanca, with broad views back toward Alicante and out toward open water. As you sail, the boat gives you a different look at the coast than you get from the city or a beach promenade.

Conditions matter. A calm day can make the crossing feel gentle and leisurely, while wind and waves may produce a rough ride. One useful detail is that the crew keeps safety in view and sailor-lifeguards are present when swimming and snorkeling begin. If you are prone to seasickness, ask the crew about the medication available on board, and avoid arriving without breakfast.

The atmosphere leans social rather than silent. Music plays, people sunbathe, and the bar provides drinks and snacks for an additional charge. One alcoholic drink, such as beer, wine, or tinto de verano, is included. Water, juice, and soft drinks are unlimited, which is particularly good value in strong summer heat.

The crew prepares the salad and fruit during the crossing, and the paella is served later. A practical tip: if you want the front nets, move quickly after boarding. If you want lunch before going ashore, stay aware of the crew’s timing, since the boat must tidy the dining area before setting sail again.

Three hours beside Tabarca Island

Tabarca is Spain’s first marine reserve, and the stop is arranged around both water time and a short island visit. The catamaran remains offshore, with a smaller boat making regular trips to the island. This shuttle arrangement gives you more freedom than a strict shore excursion. You are not tied to one single landing and return time.

The island village is compact, so an hour is enough to get a feel for it rather than make a full day of sightseeing. You can walk around, look out over the coast, and return to the catamaran when you are ready. The island also has shops, bars, and restaurants, though your included lunch is served on the catamaran.

The main decision is how to divide the three hours:

• Visit Tabarca first, then swim and snorkel from the catamaran.
• Swim first, eat lunch, and use the remaining time for the village.
• Stay mostly on board, using the island shuttle for a quick look.
• Spend the full water session swimming and relaxing if the village is less important to you.

That flexibility is a major advantage. You are not forced to choose between an island visit and swimming before you even see the conditions. Just remember that the shuttle is small, and moving between the boat and shore is not the same as walking down a normal ferry ramp.

Swimming and snorkeling in the marine reserve

The swimming stop is one of the strongest parts of the day. You enter the water directly from the catamaran, making it feel more like a private sea platform than a standard boat transfer. Masks and fins are included, and sailor-lifeguards remain present during the activity.

There is no guided snorkeling tour. You swim independently, so this suits confident swimmers who want to look around at their own pace. Tubes are not supplied for hygiene reasons, but you can buy one on board for €5. That is worth knowing before you arrive if you prefer a traditional full snorkeling set.

The clear water is the main attraction, and the marine reserve gives the stop more purpose than a random swim off the coast. You may see sea life close to the boat, but the company does not promise particular animals. One person reported seeing an octopus, though you should treat that as good luck rather than part of the guaranteed program.

Jumping from the boat is also popular, especially with teenagers and adults who want a little more excitement. It is not a supervised lesson or a formal water-sports session. Follow the crew’s instructions, use the supplied equipment properly, and keep valuables and jewelry off the boat deck.

Paella lunch, drinks, and what is really included

At $85 per person, the meal and drinks make a meaningful difference to the price. You receive homemade paella with a choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian preparation, plus mixed salad and one included alcoholic drink. Vegetarian diners are not treated as an afterthought, which is useful for mixed groups.

The meal is served on board, so you do not lose island time searching for a restaurant. The combination of paella, salad, fruit, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks covers the basics of a hot day well. Food quality can vary with taste and expectations, but the strongest pattern is that the paella is considered a highlight, with the vegetarian option receiving particular approval.

Extra alcoholic drinks and additional food cost more. The bar is available, and extra drinks have been described as reasonably priced, but do not assume the package includes everything you may order. You also cannot bring your own food, drinks, cooler, or large luggage.

The welcome fruit is a small touch, but a useful one. Six hours in direct sun can leave you thirstier and hungrier than expected. Keep drinking water even if you plan to enjoy the included beer, wine, or tinto de verano.

The return sail past Santa Pola

The return trip takes another 1.5 hours. This is when the day usually slows down. The main sail may be raised, giving you a quieter ride back and a good chance to rest after swimming and walking around Tabarca.

From the water, you can see parts of the Costa Blanca that are easy to miss from land. The route may include views of white-sand Carabassi Beach and Cape Santa Pola with its lighthouse. These are scenic points rather than formal stops, so you will see them from the boat without getting off.

The return is also a good time to sit near the edge for wide views. If the sea becomes rough, stay seated and listen to the crew. The catamaran handles ordinary conditions well, but no boat trip can promise perfectly smooth water every day.

Is $85 good value?

For a six-hour outing, $85 is a fair price if you want several activities in one package. You are paying for the catamaran crossing, the Tabarca stop, paella, salad, fruit, one alcoholic drink, unlimited soft drinks, and snorkeling masks and fins. A simple ferry may cost less, but it will not provide the same combination of food, swimming time, onboard space, and organized return transport.

The value is strongest for couples, friends, and families with older children or teenagers who will use the water stop. A group can spread out on the catamaran, share the social atmosphere, and choose different ways to spend the island stop without arranging separate meals or boat transfers.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quiet ferry ride or a serious guided look at Tabarca. There is no guided snorkeling, and coastal commentary appears limited. You are paying for a relaxed sea day, not a detailed cultural tour.

The final factor is weather and sea conditions. You may have a perfect day with calm water, clear visibility, and a long swim. You may also have a rough crossing that makes the outward ride tiring. The company requires at least 15 people for the cruise to operate and may offer a reschedule or refund if that minimum is not met.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy full-day activity without having to plan every part yourself. It suits people who enjoy swimming, sun, casual music, simple onboard food, and a flexible stop rather than a tightly scripted tour.

It is especially good for:

• Couples looking for a scenic day outside Alicante.
• Groups of friends who want music, drinks, swimming, and social space.
• Families with older children and teenagers.
• Visitors who want to see Tabarca without taking only a standard ferry.
• Vegetarians who want a clearly available lunch choice.
• Anyone who likes having both a village visit and water time in one outing.

I would think twice if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and very young children may find the long crossing, sun, and boat movement tiring. High heels, jewelry, large bags, pets, and outside food or drinks are also prohibited.

Book with a little weather flexibility if possible. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later, which helps if your Alicante plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Tabarca catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a complete sea day rather than a simple island transfer. The strongest reasons are the spacious catamaran, generous drink package, good paella setup, free snorkeling gear, and flexible three-hour stop. You get enough time to sample Tabarca without giving up the pleasure of being on the water.

Choose another option if your priority is detailed history, a guided marine tour, or a very short and calm crossing. For most visitors who want swimming, sun, food, and a taste of Tabarca in one outing, this is a well-priced and practical choice. Arrive early, pack lightly, bring sun protection, and move fast if the front nets are on your list.

FAQ

How long is the Alicante to Tabarca catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts six hours. The outward sailing takes about 1.5 hours, the Tabarca stop lasts about three hours, and the return sailing takes about 1.5 hours.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

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

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. There is a presentation before the catamaran leaves.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Homemade paella is included, with a choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, plus mixed salad.

What drinks are included?

One beer, wine, or tinto de verano is included. Water, soft drinks, and juice are unlimited. Additional alcoholic drinks and food cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and fins are included for the self-guided snorkeling activity. Snorkel tubes are not provided, but you can buy one on board for €5.

Can I visit Tabarca village during the stop?

Yes. A small boat runs between the catamaran and Tabarca Island, allowing you to visit the village during the three-hour stop.

Is the snorkeling guided?

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

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Unaccompanied minors are also not allowed.