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Alicante’s boat scene is brilliant for anyone wanting to get out on the Mediterranean without the fuss. The city’s port is one of the busiest on the Costa Blanca, which means you’ve got loads of options – from quick afternoon cruises to full-day island adventures.
The big draw here is Tabarca Island. It’s Spain’s first marine reserve, and the snorkelling is genuinely fantastic. But there’s also plenty of other trips if you just want to sail along the coast with a cold drink in hand, or catch the sunset over Santa Bárbara Castle from the water.
Most boats leave from the main port right in the city centre, so you won’t need to travel far. I’ve tested quite a few of these trips over the years, and I’ve put together the ones that actually deliver what they promise.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know which boat trip suits your budget and interests, where they depart from, and the insider tips that’ll help you make the most of your time on the water!
Budget ferry to Tabarca Island
Book your roundtrip ferry to Tabarca from €23 return
This is the most budget-friendly way to visit Tabarca Island, and it’s perfect if you want to explore the island at your own pace without being tied to a group tour schedule.
The journey takes about an hour each way on a comfortable ferry with panoramic views. What makes this particularly special is that some of the boats have glass bottoms, so you can see the incredible underwater world and colorful fish while you’re travelling – it’s like getting a preview of what makes Tabarca’s marine reserve so special.
Once you arrive, you’ve got complete freedom to explore the island however you want. You can wander the charming village streets, visit the famous Tabarca lighthouse, or simply find a quiet spot on the beach to relax. The flexible return schedule means you can catch either the 4:00 PM or 6:15 PM ferry back, or even use your return ticket on a different day altogether.
At just €23 per person, this is incredible value for a full day trip from Alicante. It’s perfect for independent travellers, families on a budget, or anyone who prefers to explore at their own pace rather than follow a structured tour.
6-hour catamaran cruise to Tabarca Island
Book your full-day Tabarca Island cruise from €72 through Get Your Guide
If you’ve got a full day to spare, this trip to Tabarca Island is absolutely worth it. You’ll sail from Alicante port along the stunning Costa Blanca coastline, passing beautiful beaches like Carabassi and the lighthouse at Cape Santa Pola.
Tabarca Island is Spain’s first marine reserve, and the snorkelling here is incredible. The water is crystal clear, and you’ll see fish you won’t spot anywhere else along this coast. The island itself has a lovely little village you can wander around during your stop.
The real treat though is the homemade paella lunch served on board. You can choose from chicken, fish, or vegetarian paella, and it’s served with a fresh mixed salad. Combined with the welcome fruit and included drink, it makes for a proper feast on the water.
At €72 per person, it’s fantastic value for a full day out that includes lunch, drinks, and all equipment. This is ideal for couples or groups who want to make a proper day of their boat trip.
3-hour coastal catamaran cruise
Book your 3-hour catamaran cruise from €42 through Get Your Guide
This is one of the most popular Alicante boat trips, and I can see why! For a reasonable price, you’ll get a proper taste of what makes sailing along the Costa Blanca so special.
The catamaran departs from Alicante port and spends about 45 minutes sailing along the coastline, giving you incredible views of the city and its famous castle. Once you reach Cabo de Huertas, the crew drops anchor and you’ll have plenty of time to swim and snorkel in the Mediterranean.
What I love about this trip is that it includes everything you need for a perfect afternoon on the water – welcome fruit, a drink (beer, wine, or tinto de verano), unlimited soft drinks, and all the snorkel gear. The crew are experienced sailor-lifeguards, so you can feel completely safe whether you’re swimming or just relaxing on deck.
This trip is perfect for families or groups who want to experience the Mediterranean without committing to a full day on the water.
Afternoon cruise with live music and appetizers
Book your afternoon cruise with live music from €52 through Get Your Guide
This 3-hour afternoon cruise has such a brilliant atmosphere! Departing at 5:30 PM, you’ll sail out past Santa Barbara Castle as live music starts playing on deck.
The boat anchors near Cabo de las Huertas or la Albufereta, where you can swim in the Mediterranean while musicians create the perfect soundtrack for your evening. There’s a bar on board where you can order tapas and drinks, making it feel like a proper floating party.
The timing is perfect because you’ll catch the sun setting over the horizon during your return trip to port. The combination of live music, swimming, and sunset views makes this one of the most atmospheric Alicante boat trips available.
This is brilliant for groups celebrating something special or anyone who wants their boat trip to have a bit more energy and entertainment.
Book your live music cruise tickets through Get Your Guide
2-hour late afternoon catamaran cruise
Book your budget-friendly afternoon cruise from €32 through Get Your Guide
This is one of the most budget-friendly options that still gives you a proper boat trip experience. Don’t let the lower price fool you – this 2-hour cruise packs in plenty of highlights.
You’ll sail for 45 minutes along Alicante Bay, taking in spectacular views of the coastline. The catamaran then anchors for 45 minutes, giving you time to swim or simply relax on deck with the included drink and welcome fruit.
The crew serves homemade cocktails and tapas on board (available to purchase), so you can turn it into a proper afternoon treat. If you’re visiting in April or September, the timing is perfect for watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.
This trip works brilliantly for couples or smaller groups who want to experience sailing without spending the entire day on the water.
Speedboat tour to Tabarca Island with snorkelling
Book your speedboat tour to Tabarca from €55 through Get Your Guide
If you prefer a faster, more exciting ride to Tabarca Island, this speedboat tour is brilliant. The 3-hour trip includes 45 minutes each way of high-speed sailing with fantastic views of the Costa Blanca and Santa Pola lighthouse.
You’ll spend 1.5 hours at Tabarca Island, where you can visit the village independently with the provided map, or use the included snorkel equipment to discover the marine reserve. The crew provides a snack and soft drink during your stop.
The speedboat takes a maximum of 12 people, so it feels more intimate than larger catamaran trips. The faster journey means more time at the island and less time travelling, which some groups prefer.
This works well for groups who want to visit Tabarca but prefer a more exciting journey than the traditional catamaran cruise.
Boat trip and parasailing experience
Book your parasailing adventure from €65 through Get Your Guide
Want to add some serious excitement to your Alicante boat trip? This parasailing experience gives you 15 minutes flying 150 metres above the Mediterranean – the views are absolutely incredible!
The adventure starts with a boat cruise along Alicante’s coastline, complete with music and drinks as you head to the parasailing location. Up to 5 people can parasail together, making it perfect for groups of friends or families with older children.
From 150 metres up, you’ll see Alicante, the mountains, beaches, and endless Mediterranean in a way that’s impossible from ground level. The instructors handle everything, so even if you’ve never parasailed before, you’ll feel completely safe.
This is ideal for groups celebrating something special or adventure-seekers who want their boat trip to include some serious thrills.
Boat rental with or without skipper
Book your private boat rental from €220 through Get Your Guide
For the ultimate flexibility, Alicante boat hire lets you create your own perfect day on the water. This 5.95-metre RIB boat comes fully equipped with everything you need for up to 10 people.
The boat includes a stereo system, refrigerator, awning, solarium, snorkel equipment, and even options to rent paddle boards or inflatable donuts. You can choose to hire with or without a skipper, depending on your group’s sailing experience.
This is perfect for birthday celebrations, hen or stag dos, or any group that wants complete control over their itinerary. You can visit hidden coves around Alicante, spend the day at Tabarca Island, or simply anchor somewhere beautiful for swimming and sunbathing.
At €220 for the entire boat (up to 10 people), it works out to just €22 per person for larger groups, making it incredibly good value for a full day on your own private boat.
Crazy sofa ride adventure
Book your crazy sofa ride from €25pp through Get Your Guide
If you’re looking for pure adrenaline and laughs, this crazy sofa ride is absolutely brilliant! You’ll be pulled behind a high-powered speedboat on a 6-person inflatable sofa, bouncing, jumping, and sliding around as you hit the waves.
The experience is exactly as wild as it sounds – just when you think you’re getting the hang of it, the boat takes a sharp turn or hits a wake, sending you flying through the air. The screaming and laughing is half the fun, and it’s perfect for groups who want to experience something completely different on the water.
You can fill all 6 seats with friends or family, making it ideal for bachelor or bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or just a group looking for some serious fun. The crew provides life vests and helmets, so you’re completely safe even during the most dramatic bounces and jumps.
What to bring on your Alicante boat trip
- Sun cream: The sun reflects off the water and is much stronger than on land – don’t underestimate this!
- Hat and sunglasses: Essential protection, and you’ll be grateful for them during the sailing portions.
- Towel: For drying off after swimming stops.
- Water: Stay hydrated, particularly on longer trips in hot weather.
- Camera: Waterproof if possible – the views of Alicante from the water are incredible.
- Small bag: Space is limited on most boats, so pack light.
- Cash: For onboard drinks, snacks and tips for the crew.
- Swimwear: For trips that include swimming stops.
- Water shoes: Helpful for getting in and out of the water at rocky areas.
Where to find your boat in Alicante
Please check your itinerary as many experiences have different starting locations!
Many (not all) Alicante boat trips depart from Puerto de Alicante (Alicante Marina), which is right in the city centre and easy to reach on foot from most hotels.
The marina is located near the base of Mount Benacantil (where Santa Barbara Castle sits), making it easy to find. There’s parking available, but it fills up quickly during summer months, so arrive with plenty of time to spare.
Your booking confirmation will include specific meeting point details and contact information for your boat operator. I always recommend arriving 20-30 minutes before departure time – this gives you time to find the right boat without any stress and ensures you don’t miss departure.
When to take a boat trip in Alicante
Alicante: A Complete GuideThe main season for Alicante boat trips runs from April through October, with the best conditions typically being:
May and June: Perfect weather without the intense summer heat, and smaller crowds mean better availability and more relaxed trips.
July and August: Hottest weather and busiest period. The sea is at its warmest, but you’ll need to book well ahead and expect more crowded boats.
September and early October: Still beautifully warm with perfect sea temperatures, but far fewer tourists. This is actually my favourite time for boat trips.
Morning departures usually offer calmer waters (great if anyone in your group worries about seasickness), while afternoon trips mean warmer water temperatures for swimming.
What if the weather is bad?
Most operators will cancel and offer a full refund or reschedule if weather conditions are unsafe. You’ll usually get notice the day before or morning of your trip. This doesn’t happen often – Alicante has fantastic weather year-round, even in winter.
