Day Sailing on a Catamaran from Alicante with Paella at Anchor off Tabarca

This is the slow way to get to Tabarca: under sail, from the port of Alicante, on a maxi catamaran from Alicante Catamarán. It is six hours: an hour and a half sailing along the coast, three hours at anchor off the island to swim, snorkel and eat, and an hour and a half back. It suits those who want a day on a boat more than a day in a village; if what you are after is walking the walls and eating on the island, the regular boat from Alicante gives you more hours ashore.

The day on board

You board at 10:45 on the pontoon of Alicante port and set off at 11:00. Around 12:30, the catamaran anchors off Tabarca. From the stern ladder you dive into the water with the mask and snorkel the crew lend you, leaving a photo ID; the snorkelling is not guided, but the sailor-lifeguards keep watch. If you want to set foot on the island, an inflatable boat takes you to the beach and you can stroll round the village. From 13:00 to 14:30 lunch is served on board. At 15:30 the anchor is raised and at 17:00 you are back in Alicante.

Food and drink

The menu is mixed salad, chicken, vegetarian or fish paella, and fruit salad with homemade syrup. The paella is prepared by the island's restaurant Gloria and brought up to the boat. Water, soft drinks and juices are included without limit, plus a beer, a wine or a tinto de verano. You cannot bring food or drink from outside; there is a bar on board for anything else, preferably with cash, because by card the minimum is €10.

Prices and season

€75 per adult and €45 for ages 4 to 12. Groups of ten or more get 10% off in low season, which in 2027 runs from 10 April to 16 May and from 13 September to 17 October. It sails on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from April to October, and also on Thursdays in July and August, days the company gives as indicative. It is now stopped for the winter: it returns in April 2027. Book on 694 443 820 or at [email protected].