Tabarca Island is the kind of plan that starts relaxing and ends worth it. This 6-hour catamaran cruise turns a simple sea trip into a full half-day of panoramic Costa Blanca views plus swim-and-snorkel time in a protected marine reserve.

I really like that the cruise runs like a smooth routine: you get comfortable sailing time out of Alicante, then a real block of time on Tabarca for lunch, swimming, and exploring. I also love the food setup—homemade paella with a choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian, plus unlimited water, soft drinks, and juice while you’re on board.

One thing to consider: this day is long and water-based, so it’s not the best fit for very young kids who need short, predictable breaks.

Key things I’d prioritize before you go

• Tabarca in a protected marine reserve: the water quality is the whole point of the snorkel stop.
• Homemade paella on board: chicken, fish, or vegetarian, served with mixed salad.
• Comfortable catamaran layout: sunbathing spots on the nets between hulls and plenty of room to move.
• Snorkeling without a guide, with support nearby: masks and fins provided; sailor-lifeguards present.
• Flexible time on Tabarca: you can split your time between village wandering and water time.

A 6-hour catamaran day from Alicante: what it’s actually like

This trip is built for people who want sea views without committing to a complicated schedule. You’re on the water for about 6 hours total, with a catamaran pace that feels easy—even when the wind picks up. On board, there’s music, a bar, and enough space to chill instead of constantly negotiating for a spot.

The biggest difference versus taking a ferry is that you don’t just get transported. You get a moving viewpoint. From the start, you’re sailing along the Costa Blanca and the White Coast, and you’re not stuck staring at a timetable board.

Getting to the maxi catamaran near Noray in Alicante

Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early. The boarding point is next to the bar Noray, in front of Mundo de los Niños, where you’ll find the Adventurer Catamaran. A short presentation happens about 15 minutes before departure, so being early helps you get oriented fast.

You’ll want to wear (or at least have) the right basics. High-heeled shoes are not allowed, and you should leave valuables at home if you can—bring only what you’ll need for the day. You also can’t bring luggage or large bags, coolers, or outside food and drinks.

Sailing time: Costa Blanca views, nets between the hulls, and the return sail

You’ll spend around 1.5 hours sailing out from Alicante toward Tabarca. During this stretch, you’re mostly in vacation mode: sunbathing, taking photos from the waterline, and watching the coastline change as the boat clears the port area.

One practical tip: the nets between the hulls are a popular hangout. They’re great for sun and a breezier feel, but they fill up—so if that’s your plan, get there early. If you prefer shade or a more stable viewing spot, you’ll likely find your comfort zone by moving around once everyone settles in.

On the return to Alicante, the experience often feels more peaceful. With the sails up, the boat can settle into a calmer rhythm, and you’ll see more of the coastline from the sea. If you’re prone to motion, you’ll be glad there are staff actively monitoring conditions and helping people who feel unwell.

Tabarca Island: what you do with your 3 hours

Once you arrive at Tabarca, you get about 3 hours on the island area. That’s long enough to do two things properly: time in the water and time on land. You can also choose your order. Some people swim first and then wander the village; others grab lunch and walk around before getting wet.

The snorkeling stop in the marine reserve

Tabarca sits inside a marine reserve, and this matters because it changes what the water is like for snorkelers. You’ll have snorkeling equipment onboard—masks and fins are included. Tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons, but you can buy snorkel tubes on board for 5 euros if you want them.

This snorkeling portion is set up so you can do it on your own. There’s no requirement to stay with a guide the whole time, but sailor-lifeguards are present during the snorkeling activity, so you’re not left hanging if something feels off.

A lot of people consider the actual swimming-from-the-boat moment the best part of the day. Even if you don’t see dramatic wildlife, you’ll get the point: clear water and easy access.

Visiting the village without feeling rushed

Tabarca is small, so you don’t need hours to get your bearings. During your island time, you can explore shops, bars, and restaurants, plus viewpoints around the settlement. There’s also a practical detail that helps the day feel relaxed: there’s a smaller shuttle boat running between the main catamaran and the island at regular intervals, so you’re not trapped into one strict timetable.

If you like structure, you’ll probably enjoy the option to eat first, then head out for photos and short walks. If you’re more water-focused, you can treat the village time like a bonus: a slow look around, then back for another swim.

Lunch and drinks: paella, fruit, and the bar math

The included lunch is one of the reasons this trip feels like more than a basic boat ride. You’ll get a homemade paella meal with a choice: chicken, fish, or vegetarian. It comes with mixed salad, and the meal is timed into your Tabarca stop so you’re not starving while you decide what to do next.

Before you even get to lunch, you’ll also get welcome fruit, and soft drinks and water are unlimited during the cruise. One drink is included in the price—beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Extra alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, and multiple passengers found the add-on pricing more reasonable than they expected for a boat.

If you’re a planner, this is what you should know: since soft drinks are included and the drink portion is set, you can keep your spending under control. And because the food is already part of the plan, you’re not relying on island lunch lines or trying to find something open on a schedule.

How snorkeling works on this cruise (and how to be comfortable)

Snorkeling here is simple, but a few details make the difference between a fun swim and a frustrating one.

First, wear your water shoes if you have them. The water access is direct from the boat, and you’ll want traction once you’re in and out. A towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat matter because you’re exposed on deck for long stretches.

Second, think about hygiene and gear. Since tubes aren’t included, you’ll be relying on mask-and-fins alone unless you purchase a tube onboard for 5 euros. If you’re not used to snorkel breathing, consider buying the tube so you don’t have to adjust mid-water.

Third, be realistic about sea conditions. The ride can get choppy at times, and that can affect your snorkeling comfort. The crew is attentive about safety, and some passengers said sea-sickness help is available onboard—so if you’re someone who gets woozy, ask and take it seriously early rather than waiting.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should skip it)

I think this trip hits hardest if you want a classic Alicante day that mixes sea time and a real destination. It’s ideal for couples, friend groups, and solo travelers who don’t want to spend the whole day researching logistics. You’ll also like it if you enjoy being active without signing up for a strenuous tour.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t pick it if you’re traveling with very young children who need constant, quick rest breaks. It’s also not suitable for wheelchair users, since the setup involves getting around the boat and entering the water in ways that aren’t designed for mobility access.

If you’re flexible about snorkeling—meaning you’re happy doing it at a relaxed pace rather than rushing to be first in the water—this cruise rewards you.

Price and value: is $85 a fair deal?

At $85 per person for a 6-hour cruise, this is good value if you compare it to what you’d otherwise pay for a boat transfer plus food plus drinks. You’re not just buying transportation to Tabarca. You’re buying: catamaran time out of Alicante and back, a paid lunch (paella), unlimited water and soft drinks and juice, and snorkeling equipment (masks and fins).

What makes the value even better is that the day includes two separate experiences: the sailing portion and the Tabarca stop. Many tours only give you one of those. Here, you get hours at sea plus real island time.

My rule: if you’ll actually use the included drinks and you’ll eat the included paella instead of hunting for your own meal, you’ll feel like you got a solid deal.

One quick note to keep expectations straight: the cruise needs a minimum number of guests to operate. If there aren’t enough passengers, you’ll be contacted to reschedule or receive a refund.

Practical tips you’ll thank yourself for

Before you go, pack like you’re spending the day outside. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes. If you forget anything, you can only rely on onboard options to cover small gaps, like buying snorkel tubes.

Also, keep your essentials minimal. The tour doesn’t allow jewelry, pets, coolers, outside food and drinks, or large bags. If you want a low-stress day, travel light and avoid carrying anything fragile.

Finally, aim to arrive on time for boarding. The early presentation and departure rhythm help the crew keep everyone moving safely and on schedule.

Should you book the Alicante to Tabarca catamaran cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if your ideal day includes sea views, a straightforward snorkeling window, and a proper meal handled for you. The combination of Tabarca in a protected marine area, homemade paella on board, and included water and soft drinks is a strong mix for the price.

Skip it if you need step-by-step accessibility or you’re traveling with very young kids who struggle with a long, water-centered schedule. And if you’re extremely motion-sensitive, consider taking precautions early so you can enjoy the trip instead of battling your stomach.

If you want a confident half-day plan from Alicante that feels like a vacation, this one is easy to recommend.

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