Departing from Alicante is the most convenient option if you're staying in the city or arriving by train or plane: you board at the port, a short walk from the centre, and after roughly one hour of sailing — with views of the whole bay and Cape Santa Pola — you step onto the only inhabited island of the Valencia region.
The catamaran leaves Alicante Port and heads south along the coast. The first half hour offers the best views of the city: Santa Bárbara castle on its hilltop, the Explanada and the urban beaches falling behind. Then it crosses the bay towards Cape Santa Pola and Tabarca appears on the horizon — flat and elongated, with its lighthouse and the walled old town.
The vessel is large and stable, with indoor seating and an open deck. Still, on windy days the open stretch of the bay can get choppy: if you get seasick easily, sit midship, watch the horizon, and avoid boarding on an empty (or very full) stomach. You can check live sea conditions before you go.
Travelling as a group or looking for something different (anniversary, proposal, day out with friends)? There's a private skippered sailboat option from Alicante: your own pace, a swim in coves the ferry doesn't reach, and the island without rush. It's the premium experience on this route.
⛵ See the private sailboat to Tabarca →
If you're spending the night in Alicante before or after the trip, a hotel near the port or the centre works best: less of an early start, and you walk back after disembarking. And for the full experience, consider sleeping on Tabarca: there are only three places to stay, and the visitor-free sunset makes up for everything.
🏨 Hotels in Alicante → 🏝️ Stay on Tabarca →
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How long is the boat from Alicante to Tabarca?
Around 1 hour each way, depending on sea conditions.
How much does it cost?
From €21 return per adult. Booking online secures your seat and price.
Can you go and come back the same day?
Yes, that's the usual plan: morning departure, afternoon return, with 4-6
hours on the island. Check the schedules.
What if the weather is bad?
In rough seas the operator may cancel and rebook or refund you. Check the
Tabarca weather before you set out.
→ See all frequently asked questions about Tabarca