Alicante: 3-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

Alicante looks better from the water. This three-hour catamaran cruise gives you a calm way to leave the crowded beaches behind, enjoy the Costa Blanca from offshore, and stop for a swim near Cabo de Huertas. I especially like the generous 90-minute stop for swimming and sunbathing, plus the easygoing setup with nets, music, drinks, fruit, and a restroom onboard. The main point to consider is the snorkeling: you get masks and fins, but no guided tour, and marine life can be limited.

The trip is also good value at about $50 per person. You get a full three hours on the sea, one beer, wine, or tinto de verano, unlimited water, soft drinks and juice, fruit, and use of the snorkeling equipment. The boat is spacious and comfortable, although busy departures can feel crowded, and the welcome fruit serving may be quite small.

At a Glance: What Matters Most

• A 45-minute sail each way gives you plenty of time to enjoy Alicante’s coastline from offshore.
• Cabo de Huertas is the main stop, with around 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, floating, or relaxing on deck.
• The front nets are the best lounging spot, but you may get sprayed when the sea is choppy.
• One drink is included, along with unlimited water, juice, and soft drinks.
• Pool noodles and life jackets are available, which helps less confident swimmers enjoy the water.
• Snorkeling is unguided, and tubes are sold onboard for €5 for hygiene reasons.

Leaving Alicante Harbor by Catamaran

The boat leaves from Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, beside Noray bar and in front of Mundo de los Niños. You should arrive 15 minutes early, since there is a short presentation before departure and the crew asks everyone to be punctual.

This is not a tiny sailing boat. It is a large maxi catamaran with open deck space, benches, tables, a bar, front nets, and a toilet. That layout matters. You can sit upright with a drink, stretch out on the nets, or move into a covered area if the sun becomes too strong.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, French, and German. Their job is mainly to manage the boat, explain the safety arrangements, and supervise the swimming stop. You will not receive a detailed history lesson about Alicante, so book this for the sea experience rather than for a guided city tour.

Once the boat leaves the port, you have about 45 minutes of sailing before reaching the Cabo de Huertas area. This first stretch is one of the nicest parts for simply settling in. The city begins to look different from the sea, and the coastline opens up in a way you cannot see from the promenade.

Choosing the Right Seat for the 45-Minute Sail

Your choice of seating can shape the whole trip. The front nets are the most memorable place to lie down, with open views and the sensation of riding close to the water. They are also the wettest place when there is wind or chop.

On a windy day, spray can reach the front of the boat. That can be great fun if you are already in swimwear and a T-shirt, but less appealing if you want to stay dry. If you prefer a calmer ride, choose a more sheltered spot toward the back or under the covered section.

The catamaran can feel very relaxed when the sea is flat. One particularly useful detail is that the vessel has enough room to spread out on many departures, though some dates are busier than others. A few hours on a boat feels much better when you are not shoulder to shoulder, so the crowd level is worth considering when you book.

Music plays onboard, adding to the holiday mood. It may be background music or something livelier, depending on the departure. A past sailing even included a DJ and guitarist, while another passenger wished the music had been louder. Expect atmosphere rather than a formal performance.

Cabo de Huertas: The 90-Minute Swim Stop

The boat anchors near Cap de l’Horta, known in Spanish as Cabo de Huertas, for about an hour and a half. This is the heart of the outing.

You can use the time in several ways. Swim from the boat, try the mask and fins, sit on a pool noodle, sunbathe on the nets, or remain onboard with a drink. The catamaran is designed so that getting into and out of the water is relatively easy, which helps if you are not a confident swimmer.

The crew includes sailor-lifeguards during the swimming activity. Foam floaties and life jackets are available, and pool noodles have been especially useful for people who want to enjoy the water without swimming hard. You still need to be comfortable entering open water, since this is not a shallow beach stop.

The water near Cabo de Huertas can look beautifully clear and green. Snorkeling may reveal small fish, but you should keep expectations sensible. This is not a dedicated marine-life excursion, and there is no guide pointing out fish or underwater features. Some passengers see a few fish, while others find the snorkeling fairly quiet.

Masks and fins are included, but snorkel tubes are not supplied for hygiene reasons. You can buy a tube onboard for €5. If you already own a comfortable mask and snorkel, bringing your own may be worthwhile. One past passenger suggested taking personal goggles or snorkel gear.

The stop is best understood as open-water recreation with a chance to snorkel, not as a formal snorkeling lesson. If you want guided instruction or a strong chance of seeing lots of marine life, this may not be the right excursion. If you mainly want to swim in a pleasant setting, the 90-minute pause gives you plenty of time.

Drinks, Fruit, and the Onboard Setup

One beer, wine, or tinto de verano is included in the fare. You also get unlimited water, soft drinks, and juice, which is useful in Alicante’s strong sun. The bar sells additional alcoholic drinks and food, but those cost extra.

Fresh fruit is provided as a welcome snack. It is a pleasant touch after arriving onboard, though the portion can be modest. One person found the serving very small, while others enjoyed the fruit and drink as part of the experience. Think of it as a light snack, not a meal.

You cannot bring your own food or drinks, and coolers are not allowed. That makes the included refreshments more useful, but it also means you should eat before boarding if you need a substantial meal. Bring a water bottle only if the operator permits it, since the boat already provides drinking water and other nonalcoholic options.

The restroom is another practical advantage. Three hours at sea is much easier when you do not have to wait until returning to port.

How the $50 Price Compares

At around $50 per person, this cruise sits in a sensible middle range for a three-hour boat outing. The price includes the boat, the return sailing, the swimming stop, one alcoholic drink, unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, fruit, snorkeling masks and fins, onboard music, and the restroom.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole boat experience. You are not paying only for a short sightseeing ride. You get a full 45-minute sail out, around 90 minutes anchored near Cabo de Huertas, and another 45-minute sail back. The included drink and equipment remove several small extra costs.

The value is weaker if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The activity is unguided, tubes cost €5, and underwater wildlife is not guaranteed. The cruise makes more sense for a mixed group where some people want to swim, others want to sunbathe, and everyone wants coastal views.

Additional drinks onboard can also be expensive. I would use the included drink, water, juice, and soft drinks first, then decide if anything else is worth buying.

Returning Along the Alicante Coast

After the swim stop, the crew raises the anchor and begins the return journey. This gives you another 45 minutes to enjoy the coastline, dry off, and settle into the slower rhythm of the boat.

The return can be the quietest part of the trip. You may want to claim a spot on the nets if one is free, or sit in the shade and watch the coast slide past. If the sea is windy, the ride can become more playful, especially at the front. On a flat day, it is a gentle, easy sail.

A boat trip also gives you a useful sense of Alicante’s shape. From offshore, you see the city as a coastal settlement rather than a collection of streets and buildings. It is a good counterpoint to time spent walking the port, beaches, and central streets.

What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

Pack lightly. You should bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Flip-flops
• Personal goggles or a snorkel if you prefer your own gear

Avoid high heels, jewelry, large bags, luggage, coolers, pets, and outside food or drinks. The operator advises against bringing valuables, since it is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage.

Flip-flops are practical for the deck, but keep your belongings secure when you go swimming. A small bag with only the essentials is the easiest approach.

This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. The cruise requires at least 15 people to operate. If that minimum is not reached, the operator may contact you about a new date or a refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would choose this trip if you want a relaxed half-day on the sea without committing to a much longer sailing. Three hours is enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough to fit around a museum visit, lunch, or an evening in Alicante.

It works especially well for:

• Couples wanting a slow coastal activity
• Families with older children who can follow swimming instructions
• Friends who want music, drinks, and time in the sun
• Less confident swimmers who appreciate pool noodles and lifeguard supervision
• People who want water time without spending a full day offshore

Strong swimmers and casual snorkelers should be happy with the stop. You can enjoy the sea without treating the activity like a sporting session.

I would be more cautious if you dislike open water, need a quiet boat with very few people, or expect a guided snorkeling experience. You should also check the weather forecast. A cool or cloudy day can make the three-hour trip feel less inviting, especially if you are not planning to swim.

Booking Advice for a Smoother Day

Book with the weather in mind and arrive at least 15 minutes early. The meeting point is in the marina beside Noray bar, in front of Mundo de los Niños, so allow time to find the correct catamaran rather than rushing onto the dock.

If you want the front nets, arrive early enough to have a better choice of seating. If you want to stay dry, avoid the very front when wind or waves are expected. Bring your own snorkeling gear if the tube issue matters to you, since masks and fins are included but tubes are not.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your Alicante plans depend on weather or changing schedules.

Should You Book the Alicante Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, if you want a simple, social day on the water with good coastal views, a proper swimming stop, and useful inclusions for about $50. The friendly crew, roomy catamaran, pool noodles, onboard restroom, and 90 minutes near Cabo de Huertas make this more than a quick harbor ride.

I would book it for the relaxed sailing and swimming, not for expert snorkeling. Go early, pack swimwear and sunscreen, bring your own snorkel tube if preferred, and choose a sheltered seat if you do not want spray. With a strong overall rating of 4.6 from 953 bookings, it is a dependable choice for an easy Alicante day, provided your expectations match the experience.

FAQ

Where does the Alicante catamaran cruise leave from?

It leaves from Adventurer Catamaran Alicante, next to Noray bar and in front of Mundo de los Niños.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts three hours. The boat sails for about 45 minutes to Cabo de Huertas, stops for around 90 minutes, and then sails for about 45 minutes back to Alicante.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat anchors near Cabo de Huertas, where you can swim and spend time in the water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Masks and fins are included. Snorkel tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons, but you can purchase one onboard for €5.

What drinks are included?

One beer, wine, or tinto de verano is included. Water, soft drinks, and juice are available without limit.

Can I bring food or drinks onboard?

No. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, and coolers are not permitted. Additional food and alcoholic drinks can be purchased onboard.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Unaccompanied minors are also not allowed.