A catamaran to Tabarca beats the ferry plan. This 6-hour Alicante cruise feels more like a floating beach day than a simple transport option, with open-water sailing, nets for lounging, and a real stop at Tabarca Island’s protected coast. You’ll also catch panoramic views from start to finish, including coastal sights on the way back.

I love two things most: the homemade paella lunch (chicken, fish, or vegetarian) and the chance to snorkel with provided masks and fins in Tabarca’s marine reserve. Add unlimited water and soft drinks onboard, plus a welcome fruit setup, and you’ve got an easy half-day that doesn’t require planning meals or gear.

One drawback to weigh: this isn’t a guided sightseeing tour. If you want lots of storytelling about landmarks as you cruise, you’ll probably wish for more on-board commentary about what you’re seeing along the coast.

Key things I’d bet on

• Real sea time: 1.5 hours out, then a 3-hour Tabarca stop, then 1.5 hours back.
• Snorkeling gear included: masks and fins are provided; lifeguards are on hand.
• Marine reserve snorkeling: Tabarca is the first marine reserve in Spain, so the water is built for swimming.
• Homemade paella at sea: chicken, fish, or vegetarian, plus mixed salad.
• You control the balance: you can snorkel and swim, then swap to village time (or flip the order).

Why the Alicante to Tabarca catamaran works so well

This tour hits a sweet spot. You’re not rushing through a checklist. Instead, you’re trading time at a dock for time on the water—sailing along the Costa Blanca and then getting a proper island window to swim, snorkel, eat, and wander.

Tabarca is the main draw. It’s known for clear water and a marine-protected setting, which is exactly what you want for snorkeling. And because you arrive by catamaran, the experience feels like a day out, not a transit.

The boat setup also helps. Catamarans give you more deck space, and the nets between the hulls are a big part of the fun. When you’re anchored or moving slowly near the island, it’s the easiest way to relax without feeling trapped in a single spot.

Getting on board at the Port of Alicante (quick, but don’t be late)

Your meeting point is right by the action: the maxi catamaran is next to the bar Noray, in front of Mundo de los Niños. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you’re not stressed when the group presentation starts about 15 minutes before departure.

There’s a presentation before you set sail, and the crew is usually the kind that keeps things moving. Still, be punctual. You’re sharing the schedule with everyone else, and the boat can’t wait around.

No pickup or drop-off is included, so you’ll want to handle your own transport to the port. Once you’re there, boarding is straightforward and the onboard area gives you plenty of room to get settled.

The 1.5-hour sailing segment: nets, music, and coast views

The first sail is about 1.5 hours, heading from Alicante toward Tabarca along the Costa Blanca, often described as the White Coast. This is when I’d treat the cruise portion like part of the destination.

Onboard music plays, and the boat has an onboard restroom, so you’re not constantly running to find basics. You can also grab included drinks as the crew does the loop around the deck.

One practical tip: if you want the best lounging, grab your spot early. Some of the net areas fill up fast, and you may find yourself shifting around if you wait too long. The cruise is long enough that you’ll appreciate having a stable place to sit, sunbathe, or just watch the coastline slide by.

On the way back, the sails can be raised with you underway, which helps the return feel less like a cruise “in a straight line” and more like a proper sail.

Tabarca Island: marine reserve swimming plus flexible village time

When you reach Tabarca, you get about 3 hours total. That time is the core value of the trip: swim, snorkel, eat, then explore the village if you still have energy.

Here’s what makes Tabarca special for this day format:

• You’re in a marine reserve setting, so snorkeling isn’t just for show.
• The water near the boat is the main attraction, and you can choose whether to spend more time in the sea or on land.
• A small-shuttle option is available for getting between the main boat and the island, so you’re not locked into one exact flow.

The snorkeling activity is set up so you don’t need to feel like you’re joining a formal guided group. Equipment is provided, and sailor-lifeguards are present during snorkeling. The snorkeling activity is listed as free without a guide—meaning you’re following safety rules while exploring on your own.

If you like structure, you still get it: there’s safety oversight, clear gear, and the crew is right there. If you like freedom, you get that too: you decide whether you want to swim first, snorkel first, or save energy for later village wandering.

One more detail I’d watch: there’s no promise you’ll get a deep dive into island facts during your time there. This trip is built around sea time and the island’s atmosphere, not a heavy interpretive talk.

Snorkeling reality check: gear included, tubes sold separately

For snorkeling, you’ll have masks and fins included. Tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons. If you want a tube, you can purchase one on board for €5.

This matters because a tube changes how long you can comfortably float. Without one, you’ll still be able to snorkel, but you may find your arms and kicking style doing more work. If you’re a casual snorkeler, I’d consider buying a tube so you can slow down and focus on the water.

Also bring the right footwear for getting on and off. The tour asks for water shoes, and that’s good advice. Tabarca is a working island area with boats and steps, and grippy shoes reduce the awkward moments.

And if you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want a plan before you reach the port. The crew can help with sea-sickness support, and sea-sickness medications are available onboard.

Paella lunch on board: included, simple, and actually satisfying

Lunch is one of the reasons this tour feels like good value. You don’t just get snacks while you’re out at sea. You get homemade paella on board, plus mixed salad.

You choose between:

• chicken paella
• fish paella
• vegetarian paella

The drink situation is also built in. One drink is included in the price (beer, wine, or tinto de verano). On top of that, water, soft drinks, and juice are unlimited. So you can keep it light and refreshing without paying extra every time you want a refill.

One more detail: the paella isn’t served in a rushed “two minutes and done” way. It’s paired with the overall rhythm of arriving, settling in, and enjoying the island stop. That makes lunch feel like part of the day rather than an obligation.

Price and value: what $85 buys you (and what you’d otherwise pay for)

At around $85 per person, you’re paying for a full package: catamaran cruise, food, drinks, and snorkeling gear. If you try to recreate this DIY, the costs add up quickly—boat tickets or private transport, meal costs, and buying or renting snorkeling equipment separately.

Here’s what you’re getting that usually costs extra elsewhere:

• catamaran round-trip time from Alicante
• homemade paella plus salad
• one included alcoholic drink (if you want it)
• unlimited water, soft drinks, and juice
• snorkeling masks and fins
• welcome fruit setup
• onboard music and a restroom

The “hidden” value is the way the schedule is timed. You get sea time before the island, then a focused window at Tabarca, then a scenic sail back. It feels like the boat trip itself is part of your entertainment budget.

Also, the price feels fair because you’re not buying drinks constantly. The unlimited non-alcoholic options matter if you’re traveling as a group and everyone has different tastes.

What to pack: the small stuff that makes the day easier

You’ll be on the water for about 6 hours total, and the sun has a real say in your comfort. The essentials are simple, but don’t skip them.

Bring:

• sunglasses
• a sun hat
• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen
• water shoes

Avoid:

• high-heeled shoes
• pets
• jewelry
• food or drinks
• luggage or large bags
• coolers
• unaccompanied minors

The no-big-bag rule is worth noting. You want space and easy movement on deck, so travel light.

Who this Alicante Tabarca cruise is best for

This trip is ideal for couples and friends who want a relaxed half-day at sea. It’s also great for people who like to swim and snorkel but don’t want to manage gear logistics or meal planning.

It’s not a wheelchair-friendly outing. The vessel is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan something else if accessibility is a key need.

For families: it can work well for kids who handle boats and water time, but very young toddlers are a different story. One review specifically questioned fit for babies and very small children, so if you’re traveling with an infant or a toddler, I’d think carefully about sea conditions and how long they’ll tolerate the schedule.

If you’re the type who wants a quiet, sun-focused day with snackable moments, you’ll probably love it. If you want a deep historical tour on shore with constant guidance, you might feel underfed on information. This is built for the water.

Price and logistics reality check (before you commit)

A few “know before you go” points can save you stress:

• No pickup or drop-off is included, so you need to get yourself to the port.
• You’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes early for the presentation.
• The cruise needs a minimum number of guests to operate. If it doesn’t hit that minimum, you’ll be contacted to reschedule or receive a refund.
• If you’re thinking about booking last minute, keep an eye on timing and availability for the start times.

Also, avoid bringing valuables. The tour warns that it’s not responsible for loss, theft, or breakage, and it’s still an open-deck setting where people are constantly moving around.

Should you book the Alicante to Tabarca catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a simple, good-value way to combine sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and paella in one day. The included food and unlimited drinks make it easier than DIY plans, and the Tabarca marine reserve stop is the kind of payoff that justifies the time on the water.

No, if you’re looking for a museum-style island tour with lots of guided explanations. This trip is more about the sea experience than about detailed land narration.

If you go, I’d book with the right expectations: sunscreen on, water shoes packed, and a mindset of relaxing. You’ll come for Tabarca, but you’ll remember the deck time—nets, music, and that feeling of coasting along the Costa Blanca instead of standing in line somewhere else.

FAQ

How long is the Alicante to Tabarca catamaran cruise?

The total experience lasts 6 hours, with about 1.5 hours sailing from Alicante to Tabarca and about 1.5 hours back, plus around 3 hours at Tabarca.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included as homemade paella (chicken, fish, or vegetarian) with mixed salad. One drink is included in the price (beer, wine, or tinto de verano), and water, soft drinks, and juice are unlimited.

Is snorkeling included, and what gear do I get?

Snorkeling equipment is included, including masks and fins. The snorkeling activity is available without a guide, with sailor-lifeguards present during snorkeling.

Do I need to bring a snorkel tube?

Snorkel tubes are not provided. Tubes are available for purchase on board for €5 for hygiene reasons.

Where do I meet the boat in Alicante?

You meet at the maxi catamaran next to the bar Noray, in front of Mundo de los Niños.

Is pickup or drop-off provided?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the port.

Are there restrooms on the catamaran?

Yes, there is an onboard restroom.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

What happens if the minimum number of guests isn’t met?

A minimum of 15 guests is required for the cruise to operate. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be contacted to reschedule or offered a refund.

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