Alicante: 6-Hour Catamaran Cruise to Tabarca Island

Tabarca Island is the star here, but the catamaran ride is much of the pleasure. You sail 1.5 hours each way along the Costa Blanca, with time to stretch out on the front nets, sunbathe, sip a drink, and watch Alicante fade behind you. At Tabarca, you can snorkel from the boat, swim in clear water, eat paella, and visit the island village.

I like the excellent food-and-drink value, with homemade chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, salad, fruit, unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, and one beer, wine, or tinto de verano included. I also like the loose three-hour stop, which lets you choose your balance of swimming and island time. The main caution is that this is a full six hours at sea, and choppy water can make the outward crossing uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness or very young children.

Key points to know before you book

• Tabarca is Spain’s first marine reserve: Swim and snorkel around the boat in protected waters.
• Three hours at the island: Eat lunch, visit the village, swim, and return to the catamaran at your own pace.
• Paella is included: Choose chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, served with mixed salad and a drink.
• Soft drinks cost nothing extra: Water, juice, and sodas are available throughout the trip.
• The front nets fill quickly: Arrive early if lounging above the water is high on your list.
• A small boat runs to shore: You do not need to swim from the catamaran to reach Tabarca village.

Why this Alicante cruise works so well

Alicante offers plenty of ways to reach Tabarca, but a standard ferry mainly treats the island as the destination. This catamaran makes the crossing part of the day. You spend about three hours sailing out, three hours at sea around Tabarca, then another 1.5 hours returning to Alicante.

That longer format gives you room to slow down. You are not simply transported to the island, rushed around, and sent back. You can claim a place on the deck, listen to onboard music, snack on welcome fruit, and watch the Costa Blanca from offshore.

The catamaran is spacious and has an onboard restroom, bar, and several areas for sitting or lying down. The nets at the front are the most coveted spots, but they have capacity limits and tend to fill early. If you want one, arrive ahead of the required 15-minute presentation and move there soon after boarding.

The atmosphere is social without requiring you to join in. Music plays, drinks are easy to get, and the crew keeps the day moving. The multilingual host or greeter may speak Spanish, French, German, and English, which helps when instructions are given before departure or during the swimming stop.

Boarding at Alicante Port

The meeting point is beside the Noray bar, opposite Mundo de los Niños. The catamaran is operated by Alicante Catamaran, and you should arrive 15 minutes before departure for the pre-sailing presentation.

This is one place where punctuality matters. The boat needs to leave on time for the scheduled island stop, so a late arrival could inconvenience everyone on board. Leave large bags behind as well. Luggage, coolers, jewelry, outside food, and drinks are not allowed.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water shoes. Water shoes are especially practical for getting in and out of the sea and walking around rocky sections near the water. High heels are not permitted, and valuables are best left at your accommodation.

The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. Unaccompanied minors are also not allowed, so families should plan for an adult to remain responsible for children throughout the trip.

The 1.5-hour sail from Alicante to Tabarca

Once out of the port, the boat heads across the water toward Tabarca. This is a scenic crossing rather than a guided sightseeing cruise, so do not expect a running commentary about every headland or building. The main attraction is the open view: Alicante’s coast behind you, the sea ahead, and the changing angle of the Costa Blanca as the catamaran moves south.

You can sit along the edges, relax on deck, or try for a spot on the nets. The nets give you the closest feeling to floating above the water, though they are not private and can have a person limit. If the sea is choppy, the more sheltered seating areas may be a better choice.

The crew serves welcome fruit and has water, juices, and soft drinks available without limit. That matters in the strong Spanish sun. You can buy extra alcoholic drinks and food, but the included supply is enough to keep the basic cost under control.

Some departures have had rougher water, especially when wind picks up. The captain and sailor-lifeguards are present to monitor conditions, but safety does not make motion sickness disappear. If you are sensitive to movement, choose a central seat, watch the horizon, and ask the crew about seasickness medication, which has been available onboard.

Three hours around Tabarca Island

The Tabarca stop is flexible. You do not have to pick only one activity for the whole three hours. You can snorkel first, eat lunch, take the small boat to shore, return for another swim, or spend more time walking around the village.

Tabarca is small enough to explore during a short visit. Its village, shoreline, and sea views provide a useful change from the open deck, while the catamaran remains your base for swimming and lunch. A small shuttle boat makes repeated trips between the catamaran and the island, so you do not have to swim ashore or wait for one strict departure time.

That loose system is a real advantage, but you need to manage your own clock. The crew has to prepare and clear lunch before the return sailing, and one person arrived back just in time for the meal. I would visit the village early if seeing Tabarca on foot matters to you, then return to the boat with enough time to eat and swim.

The sea around the catamaran is the main outdoor activity. The water is described as clear, and the marine reserve gives the stop extra appeal. Snorkeling is unguided, but sailor-lifeguards are present while people are in the water. Masks and fins are supplied. Tubes are not included for hygiene reasons, although you can buy one onboard for €5.

You should still be a confident swimmer before jumping in. This is not a guided snorkeling lesson, and the boat does not promise a particular set of marine sightings. You might see fish or other sea life, but the setting is best understood as a chance to swim and look beneath the surface, not a wildlife tour.

The swim stop is popular with teenagers and adults who enjoy jumping from the boat. It is also possible to stay aboard, sunbathe, or visit the island instead. The flexible choice is useful for mixed groups, since not everyone wants the same kind of afternoon.

Paella lunch and included drinks

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons this trip offers good value at $85 per person. You receive homemade paella in a choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian versions, along with mixed salad and a refreshing drink.

The food is prepared during the sailing, and the paella has drawn especially strong praise for flavor and freshness. Vegetarian diners are not treated as an afterthought, and several people have found the vegetable version satisfying. The fish option may appeal to you if you want a classic coastal meal, while chicken is the safer pick for less adventurous eaters.

The exact seafood content of a fish paella can vary, so do not book this expecting a lavish seafood platter. One diner found the seafood portion modest. Still, the meal is far more substantial than a basic snack and is included in a day when you would otherwise need to buy lunch on Tabarca.

Nonalcoholic drinks include water, soft drinks, and juice, all available without an extra charge. You also get one beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Extra alcoholic drinks and food cost more, but prices onboard have been described as reasonable.

The crew needs time to tidy the boat before sailing back, so listen for lunch instructions and do not wander too far from the catamaran when food service begins. The arrangement is relaxed, but it is not an all-day open buffet.

The return sail along the Costa Blanca

The return crossing gives you another 1.5 hours to rest. When conditions allow, the main sail is raised, adding a quieter sailing feel after the engine-powered sections. This is a good time for a nap on deck or a final drink while the coast comes back into view.

Look toward the shore for Carabassi Beach, known for its pale sand, and Cape Santa Pola with its lighthouse. These are seen from the water, not visited, so the appeal is the offshore view rather than a beach stop.

The return trip can feel calmer than the outward leg, especially after lunch and swimming, but wind and waves are never fully predictable. If you want the most comfortable ride, keep your belongings secured and avoid carrying loose valuables onto the deck. The operator accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, or breakage.

The cruise ends back at the Adventurer Catamaran Alicante meeting point. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange your own way to and from the port.

What $85 really buys you

At $85, this is not the cheapest way to reach Tabarca. A basic ferry may cost less, but it will not give you the same amount of deck space, swimming time, food, snorkeling equipment, unlimited soft drinks, or the pleasure of sailing the coast at a relaxed pace.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole package. Eat the paella, take advantage of the drinks, snorkel from the boat, and spend time on Tabarca. If you only want a quick island visit and do not care about swimming or lounging onboard, a simpler boat may suit you better.

For a six-hour outing, the included food and drinks keep surprise costs low. A group can also split up easily, with some people exploring the village and others staying near the boat. That makes the experience work well for couples, families with older children, and groups of friends.

The weakest value comes if poor weather limits swimming or if rough water makes the crossing unpleasant. The cruise requires at least 15 participants to operate, and if that number is not reached, the company may reschedule you or offer a refund.

Who should book this catamaran day

I would choose this for someone who wants a full sea day without arranging separate activities. The boat ride, island stop, lunch, drinks, swimming, and snorkeling are bundled into one clear plan.

It suits adults and older children who can handle a long day in the sun. Teenagers usually have plenty to do, from jumping into the water to exploring Tabarca. Families with very young children should think carefully. The boat can accommodate children, but six hours at sea, strong sun, open decks, and possible rough water may be tiring for infants and toddlers.

It is also a good fit for a mixed group. One person can snorkel, another can sunbathe, and another can take the shuttle to the village. You do not have to join every activity.

I would not pick it if you need wheelchair access, dislike being on the water for long stretches, or want a detailed historical tour. The crew is friendly and helpful, but the sightseeing is mostly visual. You may learn some basic information before departure, yet the experience is centered on sailing and free time rather than formal island interpretation.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Arrive early if you want the front nets.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, towel, sunglasses, swimwear, and water shoes.
• Pack light. Large bags, coolers, outside food, drinks, and jewelry are not allowed.
• Use the restroom before the swimming stop if you prefer not to queue onboard.
• If you want to see the village, go soon after arriving at Tabarca.
• Return to the catamaran before lunch service starts so you do not miss your meal.
• Bring a small waterproof pouch only if needed, and keep valuables to a minimum.
• If you get seasick, sit near the center, face forward, and speak with the crew early.
• Do not expect a guided snorkeling session. Equipment is provided, but the activity is self-directed.
• Remember that snorkel tubes are not included. You can buy one onboard for €5.

The booking terms are flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Starting times vary, so check the available date and departure time carefully.

Should you book the Tabarca catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want the journey to be part of your Alicante day. The friendly crew, generous drinks service, tasty paella, and flexible Tabarca stop make the $85 price reasonable for a six-hour outing.

Choose a ferry instead if your priority is simply reaching the island, or choose a shorter boat trip if you do not want to spend three hours sailing each way. But if you enjoy swimming, sun, music, open water, and an easy lunch already included, this is one of the more complete ways to experience Tabarca from Alicante.

FAQ

How long is the Alicante to Tabarca catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts six hours. The sailing takes about 1.5 hours each way, with approximately three hours at Tabarca Island.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

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

How early should I arrive?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Homemade paella, mixed salad, and a choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella are included.

What drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is snorkeling guided?

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

Can I visit Tabarca village?

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

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

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