Sun and salt, no sand in your shoes. This 3-hour catamaran is a simple escape from Alicante’s busy coast: you lounge on the nets with included drinks and fruit, then cool off at Cabo de las Huertas with swimming and snorkeling. I especially like that it feels easygoing and well run, with sailor-lifeguards on hand during the water time. One thing to keep in mind: snorkeling is fun, but you can’t count on seeing a lot of fish every stop.

This cruise is timed for real enjoyment, not logistics gymnastics. You sail out from Alicante, anchor near Cap de l’Horta, and return at a relaxed pace—so you’re back on shore without feeling like you lost half a day. Expect onboard music, a bar setup on deck, and plenty of chances to soak up sun while the sea does the cooling.

Key moments you’ll remember

• A clean 3-hour format that works even on a packed Alicante itinerary
• Nets on the deck for sunbathing and hanging out while cruising
• Cabo de las Huertas swim stop with snorkeling gear included (masks and fins)
• One included drink plus unlimited non-alcoholic drinks
• Sailor-lifeguards during snorkeling/swimming for peace of mind
• Snorkel tubes not included, but sold onboard for €5

The real appeal: why this short catamaran feels like a vacation

Alicante’s coastline is gorgeous, but it can also be loud, crowded, and hot. This cruise solves that in a very practical way. In just 3 hours, you’re far enough offshore to feel like you left the city behind, without committing to a full half-day boat trip.

I like that the experience is built around two things people actually want on the water: (1) time to relax and (2) time to jump in. There’s enough sailing to enjoy the coast from a distance, then a real swim window where you can choose your level of effort—quick dip, proper swim, or snorkeling.

And the price is easier to swallow than many tours once you factor in what’s included. You’re not just paying to sit on a boat—you’re getting drinks, fruit, and snorkeling equipment.

Finding the catamaran: meeting point and what to do first

You’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes early. The maxi catamaran is located next to the bar Noray, in front of Mundo de los Niños—so it’s not hard to spot once you’re in the marina area.

Right before departure, there’s a short presentation about 15 minutes before you leave. It’s quick, but it matters: it helps you understand how the crew wants you to move on deck and how the water stop will work.

Once you’re onboard, take a minute to scope out your spot. There are areas where you can lie out on the nets, plus deck space for sitting. If you’re sensitive to wind or spray, pick a location that gives you some cover rather than aiming for the front row of the sea’s mood swings.

Alicante to Cap de l’Horta: the cruise views that justify the trip

You depart from Alicante and spend about 45 minutes sailing out, taking in the coastline while you’re still near the port. This is a nice warm-up. You get city views and then the coast opens up—rocky edges, sandy stretches, and that bright Mediterranean light that makes everything look like it’s been color-corrected.

Then you head to the Cap de l’Horta area for your anchored swim period. On the way, you get scenic views from start to finish, not just at the “photo moment.” This matters, because the coast looks different depending on where the boat is angled—so staying on deck and watching works better than trying to race for one perfect picture.

Nets, bar service, and the included drinks you’ll actually use

The deck is set up for hanging out, not racing around. Many people love the nets because they’re laid-back sunbathing—no towel-on-a-rock hassle, and you can shift position without leaving your view of the sea.

Food and drinks are part of the onboard vibe. You get:

• Welcome fruits at the start
• One included drink (beer, wine, or tinto de verano)
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, and juice
• Onboard music

You can also buy additional alcoholic drinks and food, but those aren’t included. So if you’re the type who wants to keep things simple, treat the included drink as your baseline and use the unlimited non-alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated without overthinking it.

One practical tip: if you’re sitting up front, you may get splashed, especially if the sea is a bit choppy. Bring sunscreen and expect that your hair and shirt might not come out looking brand new.

The swim stop at Cabo de las Huertas: snorkeling gear, float time, and reality checks

The anchored stop near Cabo de las Huertas / Cap de l’Horta is where the cruise turns from sightseeing into water time. You’ll have about 1.5 hours to swim and snorkel in open water.

Here’s what’s set up for you:

• Snorkeling equipment included: masks and fins
• Snorkeling activity is free and without a guide
• Sailor-lifeguards are present during snorkeling/surfacing time

That last part is reassuring. You’re not left alone with the ocean. Still, because snorkeling is not guided, you’ll want to keep your expectations realistic. Some days you might see more fish than others, and water clarity can vary. If your goal is just to get in the water and enjoy a swim in green-blue Mediterranean conditions, you’ll be happy.

What about flotation? You’re not told about tubes being included, and the official note is that snorkel tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons. But the boat experience includes safety floaties and life jacket-style support for sea swimming, which a lot of people appreciate if they’re not confident swimmers.

If you don’t want to worry about hygiene-rules logistics, you can also buy snorkeling tubes onboard for €5. And if you prefer a specific fit, you might bring your own goggles—some swimmers do, especially if they’re picky about how things sit on their face.

Cold tip (for late season or breezy days): you can be fine in the sun, but if it’s windy and the sea is moving, you might feel chilly once you’re out of the water. Pack a towel you don’t mind using fast and drying well.

Weather, crowding, and small comfort choices on deck

This is the kind of tour where weather decides the mood. On calm days, it feels like floating. On windy days, it’s still fun, just more energetic—and you might get wet if you’re near the front.

On crowds: the vibe is best when the boat feels balanced, not jam-packed. Some people have found it a bit crowded at peak times. That doesn’t stop it from being great value, but it does mean you should be proactive about finding a comfortable spot early.

Also note the areas that can make the difference between pleasant and miserable:

• Choose a spot with some shade if the sun is intense
• Bring a hat, even if you think you won’t need one
• Wear flip-flops (they’re recommended), and keep shoes simple
• Avoid jewelry if you’re planning to be active in and out of the water

Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip it)

This is ideal for people who want a short, relaxing boat day with a guaranteed swim window. It’s also a good match if you’re traveling with mixed ages and abilities, as long as everyone can manage getting in and out of the water safely.

You should also like the idea of doing snorkeling independently. You get masks and fins, lifeguards are there, and you can explore at your pace. If you want a strict, step-by-step underwater lesson, you might find this format lighter than expected since snorkeling is free and not led by a guide.

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users. And it’s also not allowed for pets. Unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted either, so plan around that if your group includes younger travelers.

Price and value: what $50 actually buys you in Alicante

At around $50 per person, this cruise is priced like a “good afternoon” activity—but it’s not just a ride. You get:

• The catamaran cruise itself
• Welcome fruit
• One included drink (beer/wine/tinto de verano)
• Unlimited water and soft drinks/juice
• Snorkeling masks and fins
• A real swim-and-snorkel time window near Cap de l’Horta
• Onboard restroom and music
• Sailor-lifeguards during water time

When you tally it up, the included drink and snorkeling gear alone help justify the price. And the 3-hour duration is a value point for practical travelers: you’re not burning your whole day on transit and waiting around.

If you tend to buy drinks every time you see a menu, this one helps because the unlimited non-alcoholic options keep your costs steady. If you’re trying to do minimal spending on board, you can stick with the included drink and just use water and juice to keep everyone comfortable.

Should you book this Alicante 3-hour catamaran?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, low-stress way to see the coast and get in the sea without turning it into a big project. It’s especially worth it on a sunny day when you can actually enjoy the nets, and when you’re comfortable with independent snorkeling rather than a guided underwater tour.

Skip it (or at least rethink it) if you’re wheelchair-dependent or if your main goal is guaranteed, high-activity snorkeling with lots of fish. Water time is real, but marine sightings aren’t something any operator can promise.

If you’re flexible, arrive a little early, bring sunscreen and a towel you trust, and pick a deck spot that matches your comfort level. Do that, and this cruise becomes one of those Alicante moments you’ll remember later: city views from the water, then saltwater time done right.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the cruise?

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

How early should I arrive?

Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before the activity begins.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 3 hours.

What’s included in the price?

It includes the catamaran cruise, welcome fruits, one drink (beer, wine, or tinto de verano), unlimited water, soft drinks, and juice, snorkeling masks and fins, free snorkeling activity without a guide, sailor-lifeguards during snorkeling, onboard music, and an onboard restroom.

Is snorkeling guided?

Snorkeling is a free activity without a guide, but sailor-lifeguards are present during the snorkeling/swimming time.

Are snorkeling tubes included?

No. Snorkel tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons, but they are available to purchase on board for €5.

What drink options are included?

You’ll get one included drink that can be beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Unlimited water, soft drinks, and juice are also included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and flip-flops.

Is the cruise wheelchair-friendly?

No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

Are there rules about what I can bring onboard?

Yes. High-heeled shoes, pets, food and drinks, luggage or large bags, jewelry, and coolers are not allowed. Unaccompanied minors also aren’t allowed.

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