Guided snorkelling in the Tabarca marine reserve

Tabarca's waters were declared a marine reserve in 1986, the first in Spain, and all it takes is looking in with a mask and snorkel a few metres from the shore to see posidonia, rock and fish. Tabarca Snorkel runs guided tours on the island with an instructor who leads the group, the equipment and photos. There are no departures until next season: the company has closed its 2026 season and says on its website that it returns next year.

Two ways to do it with the company

The tour on the island lasts 1 h 20 min and costs €21. It includes instructor, all the equipment, insurance and photos, but not the boat: you get to Tabarca on your own, with the boat from Alicante or the one from Santa Pola. On the booking form you choose a time from three sessions, at 12:15, 13:45 and 15:30.

The tour with a boat from Alicante costs €45 and takes 4 h 30 min in total, with the return ferry from the city harbour. The company asks you to choose the ferry departure at least an hour before the tour time. Its office is at the Muelle de Tráfico Interior in Alicante harbour, on Paseo de Tomás y Valiente.

If you prefer to go your own way, they rent equipment for the whole day from €9, with pick-up at Alicante harbour.

What is under the water

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the reserve covers 1,754 hectares, with depths from 0 to 40 metres and posidonia meadows in very good condition. The Alicante Tourism Board mentions groupers, gilthead bream, sea bass, sargo and octopus; the company adds lobsters, starfish, underwater caves and loggerhead turtles.

The reserve's rules

In the inner waters snorkelling is free and needs no permit. Recreational fishing is prohibited and scuba diving needs authorisation. Do not touch or disturb the animals, do not feed the fish and do not take anything living from the seabed. The Board recommends carrying a buoy, better with a life jacket if you are not a confident swimmer, not entering in swell, currents or murky water, and watching for boats in summer.

What the company does not publish

Neither a minimum age, nor the swimming level required, nor what happens if the sea does not allow departures. The form asks whether any children under 13 are coming: say so when you book and ask about the rest there, on 622 208 127 or 622 321 801.