Alicante: 6-Hour Catamaran Cruise to Tabarca Island

Tabarca by catamaran feels like a small adventure, not a ferry ride. I love how the trip mixes easy sailing time with real time to swim and explore an island that feels protected and special. The best part is you get the sea views from every angle, then a solid meal when you’re actually hungry.

Two things I really like: the homemade paella lunch on board, with choices like chicken, fish, or vegetarian, and the long stretch of time at Tabarca where you can snorkel or simply swim and relax. The crew also runs a very tidy operation, with music on board, clean facilities, and snorkeling gear ready when you want it.

One drawback to plan around: this is not a sit-and-watch kind of outing. If you’re traveling with very young kids, or if you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to take that seriously because the ride can get choppy at times.

Quick hits

• Spacious maxi catamaran with sunbathing nets between the hulls, plus room to spread out
• Tabarca time that feels flexible, with an option to go to the island by smaller shuttle boat
• Snorkeling in the marine reserve with masks and fins included, plus sailor-lifeguards on hand
• Homemade paella served on board with salad, and a drink included with your ticket
• Lots of non-alcoholic drinks included, not just water
• Optional tubes purchase (€5) if you want them, since tubes are not provided

Setting Out From Alicante’s Port, Without the Usual Hassle

The start is simple: you head to the Adventurer Catamaran Alicante at the meeting point by the bar Noray, in front of Mundo de los Niños. I’d aim to arrive about 15 minutes early because there’s a presentation right before departure, and the boat is ready to go once it starts.

This kind of cruise works best when you show up light. You’ll want sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat, swimwear, and water shoes. Bring a towel too, since you’ll be getting into the water, and that’s the part you’ll remember most later.

A quick “watch your step” note: the boat doesn’t allow food and drinks from outside, and no large bags or coolers. Also, jewelry is not allowed, and pets are not allowed. If you’re the type who likes to keep valuables on you, you can, but I still recommend carrying only what you truly need.

One more detail that affects the vibe: there’s a minimum group size required for the cruise to operate. If the minimum is not met, you’ll be contacted about rescheduling or getting a refund. So if you’re booking tightly around other plans, keep a little cushion.

The 1.5-Hour Sail Out, and Why the Nets Matter

Once you’re underway, you get about 1.5 hours of sailing that sets the mood fast. This isn’t the slow, cramped feeling of older boats. The catamaran is spacious, and you can actually find a comfortable spot to soak up sun while watching the coastline slide by.

My favorite part of this phase is the layout. People tend to gravitate to the nets between the hulls because that’s where the sunbathing feels effortless. They can fill up quickly, and there are person limits, so if you want that perfect “half-on, half-off” lounging spot, claim it early.

The water and wind can be part of the story, too. Some days are calm, and some days are rougher, which you should expect when you’re sailing out and back along the coast. If you get sea sick, you’re not left totally on your own, because sea sickness medication is available on board.

Also, yes, there’s onboard music. It’s not trying to turn the boat into a nightclub, it’s more like a soundtrack that keeps things cheerful while you drift along.

The Real Point of the Trip: Tabarca Island (Plus Lunch)

Tabarca is where the day earns its keep. You get a 3-hour stop once you arrive, which is long enough to do a proper swim, snorkel, and still walk around the village without feeling rushed.

On this cruise, you also aren’t locked into one rigid rhythm. You can eat first and swim second, or swim first and then head to lunch. The flow tends to work because the crew brings structure without making it feel like a school trip.

There’s also a practical island transfer option. When you arrive at Tabarca, you can use a smaller shuttle boat that runs back and forth, so you’re not stuck waiting around for one exact ferry schedule. It’s a small detail, but it changes how relaxed the whole stop feels.

Lunch on Board: Paella That’s Part of the Value

Lunch is served on board when you reach Tabarca timing, and this is a big part of why the price makes sense. You get homemade paella with mixed salad, plus a drink included in your ticket (beer, wine, or tinto de verano), along with unlimited water, soft drinks, and juice.

Vegetarians get a real choice here, too. The vegetarian paella option gets mentioned often, and it’s clearly not an afterthought. You’ll also get welcome fruit at the start of the trip, and some crews prep the salad and fruit during the sailing time so things stay fresh.

If you’re used to tour lunches that taste like they were engineered for speed, this is a noticeable upgrade. The paella is the centerpiece, and people repeatedly call it out as better than expected.

One practical tip from how the timing plays out: eat before you’re tempted to spend all your first island moments in the water. The crew has to tidy up before sailing, so being late to food can make you miss the window.

Swimming and Snorkeling in Tabarca’s Marine Reserve

The snorkel time is a major highlight, and it’s built around simple rules that keep you safe. You’ll get snorkeling equipment including masks and fins. Tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons, but tubes can be purchased on board for €5.

A useful detail: snorkeling is free activity without a guide. You can go at your own pace. That said, there are sailor-lifeguards present during the snorkeling activity, so you’re not basically left to fend for yourself in open water.

If you’re wondering what that means in real life, it’s the sweet spot for most people. You get the freedom to look around, but you also have staff watching the water during the activity window. People especially love the jump-in moments from the boat, and that’s one reason this cruise works for both adults and kids old enough to follow safety instructions.

You might see interesting marine life, and at least one person mentions an octopus sighting. Don’t treat that as a promise, but the marine reserve setting is exactly why snorkeling here feels different from a random beach swim.

Tabarca Village Time: Walk, Shop, or Just Take It Easy

You also have time to explore the island village. Think small-scale wandering: looking at the waterfront, popping into spots for drinks or snacks if you want them, and generally enjoying the feeling of being somewhere that looks like it belongs to the sea.

This is also where you can decide your personal balance. If your priority is swimming, you can spend more of your stop by the boat areas and shuttle over when you’re ready for a quick walk. If you want more of the village, you can do that too.

One “heads up” from the tone of comments people made: if you love detailed island history and commentary, you might want to bring your own curiosity and read up before you go. The cruise is mostly built around the sailing, the swim, and the included meal.

The Return Sail to Alicante, When the Main Sail Goes Up

After Tabarca, you head back with another 1.5 hours of sailing. This is a nice reset because your body is already warmed up, you’ve eaten, and you can settle into the catamaran again.

On the return, the sail is raised, and that tends to make the ride feel extra “real sailing” instead of just motor travel. It’s a great moment for that mini-siesta feeling, especially if the water has calmed down and you can feel the boat glide.

It’s also a good time to look again at the coastline and compare it to what you saw on the way out. The views feel different when you’re relaxed and no longer focused on the island schedule.

The onboard energy stays friendly and attentive. Staff are easy to find if you need help, and that matters on a boat day, because you’ll want quick answers if you’re unsure about timing for snorkeling or lunch.

What’s Included, and Why It Changes the Value Math

Let’s talk money like a grown-up: $85 for a 6-hour catamaran cruise isn’t just buying a ride. You’re paying for a full half-day afloat with major food and drink support.

Included basics:

• Catamaran cruise, round trip to Tabarca
• Welcome fruit
• Homemade paella (chicken, fish, or vegetarian) and mixed salad
• One drink included (beer, wine, or tinto de verano)
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, and juice
• Snorkeling masks and fins
• Snorkeling activity without a guide (with lifeguards present)
• Onboard restroom, and onboard music

That’s a lot of costs you normally end up paying separately on coastal tours. If you’ve ever done a “cheap boat” day that ends up charging you for lunch and bottled drinks, this feels different. The included bar setup plus unlimited non-alcoholic drinks can save you real money, especially on a sunny day when you’ll be thirsty.

Extra alcoholic drinks cost extra, but at least one review notes the prices felt reasonably priced compared with what people expected. If you’re into cocktails, you might want to try something like a mojito, since the bar clearly serves mixed drinks, and that got called out positively.

Crew, Safety, and the Small Details That Make It Feel Easy

This is where the cruise earns consistent praise. The crew runs the day like they want you to relax. People mention friendly staff, good organization, and a clear safety mindset.

You may notice that announcements and communication come in multiple languages, which helps if you’re not fluent in Spanish. You’ll get clear instructions about the departure timing, and they keep the snorkeling session within safe boundaries.

There are also named staff mentions in reviews, including two crew members referred to as Alex, who were described as fun and engaging. You don’t need names to enjoy the trip, but it’s a good clue that the crew interacts like people, not like robots reading scripts.

If sea conditions get rough, the crew’s job is to keep things calm and safe. Some days can be bumpy, and staff help passengers settle, especially during sailing segments. That’s not just nice customer service, it’s a real comfort factor.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Might Want a Different Plan

This cruise is a strong match if you want a half-day on the water with minimal planning. It’s ideal for:

• Couples who want a simple day trip from Alicante
• Groups of friends who like sea time, snorkeling, and sharing lunch
• People who want a mix of relaxing and active water time
• Anyone who prefers structure with flexibility, not a strict schedule

It may be less ideal if:

• You use a wheelchair, since the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users
• You’re traveling with very young children. One review specifically suggested it was not a good fit for an infant and very young toddler due to the nature of the boat experience.
• You get motion sickness and don’t want to handle choppy water. Medication is available onboard, but it’s still better to be prepared.

Also, if your main goal is deep, guided history and lots of museum-style explanations, you may find this day too light on that. The focus stays on sea, swim, and paella.

Should You Book This Alicante to Tabarca Catamaran?

I think you should book if your idea of a great day in Alicante includes three things: time on a comfortable catamaran, a real lunch instead of a sad snack, and a chance to snorkel in a protected marine area.

It’s also a smart choice if you want value, because the included drinks and paella can offset what you’d otherwise spend at beaches and waterfront restaurants. At $85 for 6 hours with swimming time, that’s a reasonable deal for many budgets.

Skip it or consider alternatives if you’re not comfortable on boats, if you need wheelchair access, or if you want a heavily guided historical tour. For everyone else, this is one of those trips that feels like you used your time well, from the first sailing moment to the last sail back.

FAQ

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and fins are included. Tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons, but you can purchase tubes on board for €5.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll have homemade paella (chicken, fish, or vegetarian) plus mixed salad. One drink is included (beer, wine, or tinto de verano). Water, soft drinks, and juice are included and unlimited.

How long do you spend at Tabarca Island?

The stop at Tabarca is about 3 hours, with time for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the village.

Where is the meeting point in Alicante?

You meet at the maxi catamaran next to the bar Noray, in front of Mundo de los Niños. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early.

Do they provide pickup or drop-off?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.