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 from Alicante, stretch out on the nets, watch the Costa Blanca slide past, then spend about three hours swimming, snorkeling, eating paella, and visiting the island village. I especially like the free soft drinks and the choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella. You are not forced into one fixed activity once you arrive.

The main drawback is the sea. Wind can make the outward trip rough, and this is not a quiet ferry crossing. Very young children may find six hours at sea tiring, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users. Still, with a strong 4.7 rating from 879 bookings, the formula is clear: a sociable, food-inclusive day on the water with real time to explore.

Key points at a glance

• Three hours at Tabarca: Swim from the catamaran, snorkel in Spain’s first marine reserve, and take the small shuttle boat to the island village.
• Paella lunch included: Choose chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, with mixed salad and a drink.
• Unlimited nonalcoholic drinks: Water, juice, and soft drinks are available throughout the trip.
• Room to relax: The catamaran has open seating, front nets, music, a bar, and an onboard restroom.
• Flexible island time: You can visit the village first, swim first, or move between the boat and shore during the stop.
• Useful practical detail: Snorkel masks and fins are supplied, but tubes are not. Tubes can be bought onboard for €5.

The six-hour plan from Alicante to Tabarca

The boat leaves from Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, next to Bar Noray and opposite Mundo de los Niños. Arrive 15 minutes early. There is a short presentation before departure, and punctuality matters because the boat is keeping to a schedule for the whole group.

The route begins with a 1.5-hour cruise from Alicante toward Tabarca. This is not simply transport to the island. You get broad views of the Costa Blanca, plenty of time to sunbathe, and the chance to settle into the rhythm of the sea.

During the crossing, the crew serves welcome fruit and keeps water, juice, and soft drinks available. You also receive one included alcoholic drink, such as beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Extra alcoholic drinks and food cost more, but several people found the additional drink prices reasonable.

The catamaran has a bar, music, restrooms, and the popular nets between the hulls. Those front nets fill quickly and have person limits, so arrive ready to claim a spot if lying over the water is your priority. If you prefer a steadier ride, seating along the sides or toward the rear still gives good views.

What the ride feels like in open water

A catamaran gives you more room than a standard passenger ferry, and the broad deck makes it easier to find a place to sit or stand. The trade-off is exposure. You are outside for much of the day, with sun, wind, and spray part of the experience.

Conditions vary. On calm days, the crossing is easy and restful. In stronger wind, the sea can turn choppy. The captain and sailor-lifeguards monitor the conditions, and onboard sea-sickness medication may be available, but you should still bring sensible precautions if you are prone to motion sickness.

I would choose a seat with a view but avoid spending the whole outward trip at the very front if the sea is rough. Keep your sunglasses and hat secure. Leave jewelry and valuables at home, since the operator does not accept responsibility for loss, theft, or damage.

The return crossing can be especially pleasant. The main sail may be raised, giving the final 1.5 hours a quieter, slower feel. It is a good time to rest after swimming and lunch, though the sailing experience depends on the weather and wind.

Three hours around Tabarca Island

Tabarca gives the cruise a proper destination rather than a simple swim stop. It is a small island with a village, shops, bars, restaurants, and open views over the water. You do not get an entire day ashore, but three hours is enough to combine a meal, a swim, and a short walk.

The catamaran usually remains offshore, and a smaller boat makes repeated trips between the main vessel and the island. This is useful because you are not locked into one choice. You can go ashore, look around, and return to the catamaran for a swim. Or you can stay onboard for most of the stop and use the island visit as a short change of scene.

The small transfer boat also helps avoid a strict timetable for the village visit. Still, allow time for the return crossing and listen for crew instructions. The boat needs to tidy the dining area and prepare for the return sailing, so do not leave your lunch until the last possible minute.

Tabarca is worth seeing, but the island itself is not the only reason to book this trip. For many people, the best parts are the catamaran, the swimming stop, and the relaxed movement between boat and shore.

Snorkeling in Spain’s first marine reserve

The swimming stop takes place around Tabarca, known for Spain’s first marine reserve. The water can be clear, and the setting is well suited to a simple snorkel from the boat. You can jump or climb into the sea, use the supplied mask and fins, and swim near the catamaran while sailor-lifeguards are present.

This is a free, unguided snorkeling activity. There is no naturalist talk or organized underwater route, so set your expectations correctly. You are given equipment and safety supervision, then you explore at your own pace.

Masks and fins are included. Snorkel tubes are not supplied for hygiene reasons, but you can buy one onboard for €5. You may prefer to bring your own tube if you already have one, though food, drinks, and large bags are not allowed onboard.

The stop works well for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another sunbathes, and children or less confident swimmers can choose not to enter the water. Water shoes are a smart addition, especially if you plan to swim near rocky sections or walk in and out of the sea.

Do not expect a private cove. This is a shared catamaran excursion with music and a social atmosphere. If you want silent snorkeling with a guide identifying fish, choose a smaller specialist trip instead.

Paella lunch with useful choices

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the package. The homemade paella comes in chicken, fish, or vegetarian versions and is served with mixed salad. One drink is included, and water and soft drinks remain available.

The choice of paella matters. Vegetarian diners are not pushed toward a side dish, and mixed groups can order different versions. Several people specifically praised the food, while one person found the seafood content lighter than expected. That is a fair warning: choose fish paella if you want a seafood flavor, but do not assume it will be packed with shellfish.

Fresh fruit is served during the journey, and the crew prepares parts of the meal while the boat travels toward the island. The meal is casual and communal rather than restaurant-style. You eat onboard, often around the same time as the crew organizes the deck for the return.

If you want the best chance of eating without rushing, do not spend the entire island stop ashore. A practical order is to have lunch, visit Tabarca, then swim, or swim first and return for lunch with time to spare. The exact flow can vary, so follow the crew’s timing on the day.

Crew, languages, and the onboard mood

The atmosphere leans friendly and lively rather than formal. The crew speaks Spanish, English, French, and German, and announcements are made in several languages. That makes the trip easier for an international group, especially when instructions concern swimming, the small transfer boat, or the final departure.

The crew receives the highest praise in the supplied feedback. People describe the staff as attentive, funny, helpful, and safety-conscious. The two Alexes were singled out for bringing humor to the trip, while the captain was praised for handling choppy water calmly. Names and crew members can change, but the useful point is that this is an active crew, not a hands-off boat ride.

Music adds to the holiday feel. That will suit you if you want a social day with drinks and conversation. If you are looking for a silent sailing trip, choose another option or bring realistic expectations about the onboard mood.

Safety is taken seriously during swimming. Sailor-lifeguards are present, and the crew helps people in and out of the water. Even so, this is not a supervised lesson. You remain responsible for judging your own comfort and swimming ability.

Is $85 a fair price?

At $85 per person, the price is strong for what is included. You are paying for six hours of transport and leisure, the return catamaran crossing, welcome fruit, unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, one alcoholic drink, paella, salad, snorkeling masks and fins, and the chance to visit Tabarca.

A regular ferry may cost less, but it does not provide the same onboard space, meal, drinks, music, or swimming stop. Once you add lunch, beverages, and a separate water activity to a basic ferry day, the difference becomes smaller.

The value is best for people who will use several parts of the package. If you plan to swim, snorkel, eat onboard, and spend time on the nets, the price makes sense. If you only want to reach Tabarca and spend the day walking around, a simpler crossing may suit you better.

Pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the port yourself, and the boat is next to Bar Noray, opposite Mundo de los Niños. That meeting point is easy to locate, but do not arrive at the last moment. The pre-departure presentation begins 15 minutes before sailing.

The cruise requires at least 15 people to operate. If that minimum is not reached, the operator will contact you about rescheduling or a refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would recommend this trip to couples, groups of friends, and families with older children or teenagers. It gives each person several ways to spend the day, and the flexible three-hour stop prevents the usual problem of one person wanting the beach while another wants to explore.

It is also a good choice for a group with different food needs. Chicken, fish, and vegetarian paella are available, and nonalcoholic drinks are included. The bar and relaxed music make it easy to settle into a holiday mood without planning every detail.

I would hesitate if you dislike open water, suffer badly from motion sickness, or want a small and quiet boat. The trip can be rough in wind, and the lively atmosphere is part of the package. Very young children may struggle with the long crossing, sun, waiting, and sea conditions, even though the crew can be kind and helpful with families.

The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users. High heels, pets, food and drinks from outside, large bags, coolers, and jewelry are not allowed. Unaccompanied minors cannot join.

What to pack for a better day

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes. Apply sunscreen before boarding and keep it handy, since you will spend much of the day outside.

A small personal bag is more practical than a large one, but luggage and large bags are not allowed. Keep valuables to a minimum. The front nets are popular, so do not leave essential items loose while you swim.

If you use a particular snorkel tube, pack it if permitted, since tubes are not supplied. Otherwise, you can buy one onboard for €5. Masks and fins are provided as part of the cruise.

Should you book the Alicante to Tabarca cruise?

Book it if you want a full day on the water rather than a basic island transfer. The combination of a roomy catamaran, flexible island time, swimming, snorkeling, paella, and included drinks gives you plenty to do without adding lots of small costs.

Skip it if your main goal is a quiet historical visit to Tabarca, a guided marine tour, or a short crossing. The island visit is relatively brief, and the boat ride is the main event.

For most people spending a day in Alicante, this is a well-priced way to see the coast from a different angle. Arrive early, claim a good seat, protect yourself from the sun, and keep enough time for lunch before the return sailing.

FAQ

How long is the Alicante to Tabarca catamaran cruise?

The full experience lasts six hours. The sailing takes about 1.5 hours each way, with roughly three hours around Tabarca Island.

What food is included?

You receive homemade chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella with mixed salad. Welcome fruit is also included.

Which drinks are included?

One beer, wine, or tinto de verano is included. Water, soft drinks, and juice are available without limit. Additional alcoholic drinks and food cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Can I visit Tabarca Island during the stop?

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

Where do I meet the catamaran?

Meet at Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, next to Bar Noray and opposite Mundo de los Niños. Arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Is the cruise suitable for children and wheelchair users?

Unaccompanied minors cannot join, and the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users. Very young children may find the six-hour trip and open-water conditions tiring.