Alicante: 6-Hour Catamaran Cruise to Tabarca Island

Snorkel, sail, and eat like you’re on vacation. This catamaran day trip turns the coast into the main event, with Tabarca Island and its protected waters plus a straightforward onboard lunch that actually tastes homemade. I especially liked the chance to swim and snorkel right from the boat with provided masks and fins, and I loved the included homemade paella that kept lunch stress-free. One consideration: if you’re traveling with very young kids, the day can feel a bit active, and conditions at sea can be rough at times.

The setup is built for a relaxed rhythm. You cruise out from Alicante, get a solid stretch of time at Tabarca, then sail back while the crew keeps the vibe easy with onboard music and plenty of soft drinks and water. It’s also the kind of trip where planning matters a little, like having water shoes and packing your sunscreen before you step aboard.

Key Highlights You Will Care About

• Tabarca marine reserve time with a real break for swimming and snorkelling, not just a quick photo stop
• Provided snorkeling masks and fins, plus the option to buy snorkel tubes on board for €5
• Homemade paella lunch with chicken, fish, or vegetarian options, plus mixed salad
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, and juice, with one beer, wine, or tinto de verano included
• Crew-led safety during snorkelling, with sailor-lifeguards present during the water time
• Comfortable sailing on a maxi catamaran, including onboard restrooms and music

Setting Sail From Alicante: Getting Onboard Without Stress

This trip starts at the Adventurer Catamaran Alicante. Go early enough to feel calm, not rushed. You’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes before departure because there’s a short presentation just before you set off.

The meeting point is easy once you know the landmark: the maxi catamaran is located next to the bar Noray, in front of Mundo de los Niños. If you’re the type who hates last-minute scrambling, this detail matters, because the day itself runs smoothly once everyone is on board.

Before you board, do a quick checklist. The boat day is sunny and water-based, so bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Water shoes are a smart idea. The tour also asks you to leave valuables at home if possible, since the company is not responsible for loss or damage.

1.5 Hours of Coastline Sailing, Costa Blanca Viewtime

Once you leave Alicante, you get about 1.5 hours of sailing along the Costa Blanca, often referred to as the White Coast. This portion is not just “getting there.” It’s where you settle into the day, find your favorite spot, and start enjoying the sea views from the catamaran.

A big part of the appeal is the way a catamaran changes the experience. You’re higher up than you’d be on a small boat, and the layout encourages hanging out. You’ll likely spend time in the shade, but you’ll also see people drifting to the nets between the hulls. That’s a classic spot on this kind of boat, and it’s popular, so if you want that exact chill setup, get there early.

During the sailing out, you’ll also get the “vacation mode” stuff that makes the hours feel shorter: onboard music, a welcome fruit touch, and water plus soft drinks and juice available throughout. That’s not a small detail. When you’re out on the water, staying hydrated makes the rest of the day easier, especially if you plan to snorkel.

Tabarca Island Stop: Village Time and Snorkelling in Protected Waters

Tabarca Island is the reason most people book this cruise. You’re there for about 3 hours, which is enough time to split your day between the village and the water.

Swimming and snorkelling from the boat

Once you arrive, the experience includes snorkelling gear: masks and fins are provided. The tour keeps it simple by offering free snorkelling without a guide, but you still have support. There are sailor-lifeguards present during snorkelling, which is a real comfort when you’re getting your bearings in a new place.

One practical detail that affects comfort: snorkel tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons. You can buy them on board for €5. If you’re a swimmer who likes using a tube, you’ll save time by either bringing your own or planning to buy one.

Also note what snorkelling time feels like on this kind of trip. It’s not a formal class. You’ll likely do short sessions, get a feel for the water, then go back to resting on the boat. Many people treat it like the highlight, because jumping in from a catamaran feels easier than getting set up on shore.

Village and island wandering

Tabarca also has a village worth walking. You’ll have free time once you reach the island. There’s not a rigid schedule, and the bigger value here is choice: do you want to head to the village first, or start with swimming?

Some cruise days can feel like you’re on a tight leash. This one is more flexible than that. When the boat needs to handle boarding and offloading, the experience uses smaller transport so you can manage your own timing within the 3-hour stop.

If you like a slow travel pace, this mix works well. You can do a quick stroll for views, then return to the boat for another swim window without feeling like you missed your only chance.

Homemade Paella Lunch and Drinks That Keep the Day Easy

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons this cruise feels like value instead of just sightseeing. When you reach Tabarca, you get an onboard lunch menu that includes homemade paella plus mixed salad.

You can choose your paella style ahead of time on board between:

• Chicken paella
• Fish paella
• Vegetarian paella

That choice matters. When food is included, the worst-case scenario is being stuck with one option you do not want. Here, you have real flexibility, and the vegetarian option gets a lot of positive feedback for being more than an afterthought.

What you’ll drink

The day also includes drinks designed for long sun time:

• Water, soft drinks, and juice are unlimited
• One included drink per person, chosen as beer, wine, or tinto de verano
• Additional alcoholic drinks are available but cost extra

This is the part I’d watch closest if you’re budgeting. The base includes a drink, but not a free-for-all bar tab. The upside is that the included soft drinks keep you from feeling pressured to pay just to stay comfortable in the heat.

How meal timing works

If you’re hungry, plan your snorkelling around eating. The crew needs time to tidy and reset the boat before sailing. That’s why it’s smart to arrive at lunch feeling ready, not famished and distracted from water time. If you want to do both village and swimming, eat at a point that protects your energy, then keep exploring without feeling rushed.

Catamaran Comfort, Nets for Sun, and Onboard Crew Energy

A good catamaran cruise is about small comfort wins that add up. Here are the things that stand out for me when I think about what makes a boat day enjoyable:

1) Room to move and relax

This isn’t a cramped ride. You can find spots to sit or lounge without feeling constantly squeezed.

2) Music and atmosphere

Onboard music keeps it lively. It’s not “party all day,” but it does make the sailing feel like an outing, not a chore.

3) Onboard restroom

It sounds basic, but when you’re at sea for hours, having a restroom on board helps a lot.

4) Crew energy and help

The crew is a major part of the experience. People keep praising how friendly, organized, and attentive the staff are, and that shows up in simple moments, like making sure you have what you need for the water time and helping you settle into your plan for Tabarca.

If you’re the type who likes to ask questions, you’ll probably feel at ease. The experience also uses multiple languages, with hosts or greeters in Spanish, French, German, and English.

Sea Conditions, Safety, and Planning for a Smooth Ride

On any sailing day, sea conditions can change. Some days are calm, and some are not. This trip includes a layer of practical safety: sailor-lifeguards during snorkelling, plus the crew keeping an eye on people in the water.

You should also plan for motion. Even on well-run boat days, you might feel it, especially on the way out or if the wind picks up. One review specifically noted that the team handled seasickness with understanding and that medications were available onboard. I’d still treat motion as a personal factor. If you know you get sick easily, consider taking preventative steps before you board and bring what you personally need.

What to pack for real comfort

For the water part, pack with your feet and sun in mind:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Water shoes

And keep in mind what is not allowed:

• High-heeled shoes
• Pets
• Food and drinks
• Luggage or large bags
• Jewelry
• Coolers
• Unaccompanied minors

If you’re traveling with a group, tell everyone ahead of time to keep bags small and leave jewelry behind.

If you want the best boat views

A small strategy helps. People generally do best choosing a spot based on what they want most. If you want sea views while cruising, aim for seats along the open viewing areas. If you mainly want shade and comfort, head to calmer spots where you can relax between hulls or under cover.

Price and Value: Does About $85 Make Sense for 6 Hours?

At about $85 per person for a 6-hour day, you’re paying for a full package: transport by catamaran, time at Tabarca, snorkelling gear, and a real meal.

Here’s why it often feels like good value:

• You get round-trip sailing (roughly 1.5 hours out and 1.5 hours back) plus a 3-hour stop at Tabarca.
• You get homemade paella with choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian, plus mixed salad.
• Drinks are set up so you’re not constantly buying water, with unlimited soft drinks, juice, and water.
• Snorkelling equipment (masks and fins) is included, and safety is supported by sailor-lifeguards.
• The boat day includes onboard music and basic comforts like a restroom.

The main “watch outs” for value are the usual ones for sea days:

• You might feel sea conditions in your body, even with a good crew.
• If you want lots of deep historical context on Tabarca, this format is more about time and swimming than a lecture.

There’s also a practical operating note: the cruise needs a minimum of 15 guests to run. If your schedule is tight, it’s worth confirming your departure date close to your trip.

Should You Book This Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book this if you want an uncomplicated sea day that mixes sailing, swimming, and a filling lunch in the same half-day block. It’s especially well matched to people who:

• love coastline views from the water
• want snorkelling time without the hassle of shore gear
• like a clear included meal with options (chicken, fish, vegetarian)
• want a day that feels organized, not chaotic

I would think twice if you need wheelchair access, because the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. I’d also be cautious with very young children, since the day includes active water time and can feel bouncy if conditions are rough.

If you’re deciding between the regular ferry-style options and a catamaran, this one is worth choosing when you want the journey to be part of the fun. You’re not just “transported,” you’re out on the coast with time to lounge and actually enjoy the sea.

FAQ

How long is the Alicante to Tabarca catamaran cruise?

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

Is paella lunch included, and what are the options?

Yes. Lunch is included and features homemade paella with chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, along with mixed salad.

What drinks are included in the ticket price?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, and juice are included. You also get one included drink, chosen as beer, wine, or tinto de verano.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, including masks and fins. Snorkel tubes are not provided.

Can I buy snorkel tubes if I want them?

Yes. Snorkel tubes are available to purchase on board for €5.

Is snorkelling guided?

Snorkelling is a free activity without a guide, but sailor-lifeguards are present during the snorkelling activity.

Where is the meeting point in Alicante?

Meet at the Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, next to the bar Noray, in front of Mundo de los Niños. Arrive about 15 minutes early.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Wear or bring water shoes. The tour is not suitable for high-heeled shoes, and pets and large bags are not allowed.