From Alicante: Roundtrip to Tabarca Island

Tabarca Island feels like a quick escape from Alicante. This half-day roundtrip ferry with open-deck views makes the journey part of the fun, and you can even catch colorful fish from the boat using the glass-bottom section.

I also like that you get real free time on the island to wander at your own pace, not a tightly timed tour. The main drawback is simple: it is not guided, and the island can be limited for busy-season crowds, with toilets running short, so plan to use facilities onboard when you can.

Key things to know before you go

• Open-deck sea views on the ferry, great for photos as you slide away from Alicante
• Glass-bottom viewing is not guaranteed, since only 2 of the 3 boats have it
• You are on your own on Tabarca, so you will want a rough plan for food, swimming, and the walk
• Tabarca is small, which is perfect for a half-day, but it can feel short if you want lots of activities
• Expect queues at peak times, especially on the return, so arrive early for boarding
• Water and sea comforts matter, beaches are rocky, and seas can get choppy depending on conditions

A Fast Ferry Out of Alicante to Tabarca Island

This is a straightforward day trip with a simple promise: you travel from Alicante port to Tabarca by ferry, then you come back. The total duration is listed at 6 hours, which sounds like a lot until you factor in travel time plus a comfortable block of island freedom.

You meet at Kontiki Alacant-Tabarca. From there, it is a 1-hour ferry crossing to reach the island. In practical terms, that hour is long enough to settle in, get good views off the coast, and still have most of your day to spend on Tabarca itself.

This is also a good choice if you are not trying to squeeze in a full-day itinerary. Tabarca is the kind of stop that works well when you want a change of scenery, a relaxed walk, and time by the water, without committing to a long bus ride or a multi-stop tour.

One more useful point: luggage storage is available during the journey. That means you can bring a small bag with a swim kit and water, without lugging it around the deck the whole time.

What the Boat Ride Really Gives You, Sea Views and Glass-Bottom Time

The ferry ride is where this trip earns its value. I love open-deck sailing because you get that “different angle” feeling fast. You can watch the coast slip by, and on clearer days the water can look amazingly clean. Even if you do not care about the underwater element, the trip itself is often the highlight.

Now, about the glass-bottom piece. Your ticket includes access to the glass-bottom experience from the comfort of the boat, but only 2 of the 3 boats are glass-bottom boats. So if glass-bottom viewing is high on your list, you should be ready for the chance that you might not get it depending on which boat runs that day.

Also, set expectations for time and impact. One person found the glass-bottom section underwhelming, which makes sense because it is still a ferry and not a dedicated underwater visit. Still, when conditions are good, the idea is solid: you get a peek at the underwater world with colorful fish from where you sit.

A few practical comfort notes from what you are told to plan for:

• The boat can get busy, especially when you want seats on top. If you want a top-deck seat together, queue earlier on the way back and be proactive for the outbound boarding too.
• Toilets on the boat are a big comfort win. The island can have limited facilities, so it helps that the boat has restrooms you can count on.

If you are prone to seasickness, keep it in mind. Several people mention motion or feeling sick at times, and the crossing can feel a bit choppy after passing the headland. Bring what helps you most, because there is no guide to adjust the plan for you once you are at sea.

Landing on Tabarca, Your Free Time to Wander the Island

Once you arrive, the trip shifts from transport to exploration. This is one of the reasons I like this format: you do not get rushed through a checklist. You choose how you spend your time.

Tabarca is a famous little Costa Blanca island, and it is often described as a small town rather than a large resort. That means:

• Walking works well. You can take your time through streets and along viewpoints.
• Landmarks are quick to find. The Tabarca lighthouse is a common highlight, and it is easy to shape your walk around it.
• The beaches are part of the experience, but they are not all soft-sand postcard scenes.

For beach time and swimming, plan your footwear. Many areas are rocky or shingle, and water shoes can save you from sore feet. If you want more secluded swims, there are coves around the island where you can drop in and go slowly with the water.

One of the most charming details: you might spot cats wandering around the island. It sounds small, but it adds personality to the day and makes Tabarca feel lived-in rather than staged.

A fun nature note that can happen on a good day: people have reported seeing porpoises on the return trip. You cannot plan on that, but it is a reminder that the sea life in this area can be genuinely active.

Finally, remember this is not guided. There is no storyteller on the ground. If you like history or specific backstory, you may want to read a little beforehand on how Tabarca was shaped, then use your time for wandering and views.

Eating, Swimming, and the Reality of Island Time

Food on Tabarca is your choice, not something included. You can buy food and drinks onboard the ferry, and you can also grab meals on the island, but you should assume prices can be higher than what you might pay back in Alicante. A few people also noted the places to eat can be busy, with varying quality depending on where you stop.

Plan around seasonality. In off-season times, some restaurants may be closed, and on busy days it can feel crowded. If your goal is a calm meal with minimal waiting, arrive hungry but do not wait until the last minute. Decide early where you want to eat, then keep moving.

If you are the type who likes to swim, this is one of the better ways to do it on the Costa Blanca without committing to snorkeling tours. The water can be clear, and people mention lots of fish near the island. For swimmers, the best strategy is to scout a small cove, enter slowly, and see what the water is like before committing to a longer swim.

Also think about timing for daylight. The island can feel perfect for sunbathing and short swims, but if you only have a small window, you want a simple plan: quick walk to a viewpoint, then settle in with water time.

One more tip that matters more than it sounds: bring a small tissue pack or wipes. People mention there are conveniences close to the pier and that tissues help.

Return to Alicante, Queues, Seating, and Timing That Can Change

The return is flexible, and that is a big plus. Your information says the return is open and available at 4:00 PM. Still, always check the posted return time signs or ask staff in case the schedule changes for that day.

In real life, the biggest friction is usually not the ferry quality. It is the crowd on the return. People mention queues when getting back to the pier. To avoid stress, queue early rather than waiting until the last moment.

There is also a practical nuance: some passengers report being checked in but still placed back in the queue depending on how boarding lines are managed. It is not necessarily a problem with the service, but it is a reminder to show up early and stay patient.

Where seating goes on the boat: you may be tempted to rush for the top deck. That is understandable. But if you want to sit together on the way back, queue early because top-deck spots can go fast.

Good news: one report mentioned there were multiple ferries scheduled for the return, which helped most people get on even when one line felt tight. Still, do not rely on that. Give yourself a buffer.

Price, Included Value, and Whether It Makes Sense for You

At $28 per person for a roundtrip ferry ticket, the value is strong if your goal is simple: you want a memorable short trip with sea views and island time. You do not pay extra for a guided program because there is no guide included.

Here is what you get for that price:

• Round-trip ferry transport between Alicante and Tabarca
• Time on Tabarca Island to explore on your own
• Access to onboard comfort, plus the possibility of glass-bottom viewing depending on which boat runs

And here is what you should budget separately:

• Food and drinks, both onboard and on the island
• Anything like water shoes if you need them (not included)
• A guide, since none is provided

So who should book?

• Couples and solo travelers who like walking, short swims, and scenic transport
• People staying in Alicante who want an easy island break without a full-day plan
• Anyone who values flexible time on-site over a structured tour

Who might want to think twice?

• If you want a lot of activities packed into the day, Tabarca can feel small and you could finish your exploring faster than you expect
• If glass-bottom viewing is essential, remember only 2 of the 3 boats have it, and even then it may feel brief
• If you are sensitive to crowds, summer weekends can get busy on both the island and during the return

Should You Book the Alicante to Tabarca Roundtrip?

I would book this if you want an uncomplicated, good-value ferry escape. The combo of a 1-hour sea crossing with open-deck views plus free time on a compact island is a reliable formula, especially if you enjoy wandering, beach time, and quick photo stops.

Before you go, decide two things. First, do you care about the glass-bottom part enough to risk it not being available on your specific boat? Second, are you okay with planning your own meal and return timing on a small island that can get crowded.

If your answers are yes, this is a solid half-day win on the Costa Blanca. If you want a fully guided experience or tons of onboard activities, you may prefer a different style of tour.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Alicante to Tabarca ferry?

You show your ticket at Kontiki Alacant-Tabarca.

How long is the ferry trip to Tabarca?

The trip includes about a 1-hour ferry crossing from Alicante to Tabarca.

Is the activity guided?

No guide is included. You spend your time exploring Tabarca on your own.

Is there food included on this trip?

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy food and drinks onboard and on Tabarca Island.

Does the ferry have a glass-bottom section?

It can. Only 2 of the 3 boats are glass-bottom boats.

What time can I return to Alicante?

The return is open and available at 4:00 PM. You should always check the return time on the signs or with staff in case of changes.

Can I bring a pet?

Yes, the trip is pet-friendly.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.