Alicante: 3-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise

Alicante’s best escape from the crowded beach may be a broad catamaran headed for open water. This three-hour cruise leaves the marina, follows the Costa Blanca, and anchors near Cabo de Huertas for swimming and snorkeling. You get plenty of time on the front nets, where the sea spray and city views do most of the entertaining.

I like the simple three-hour format, which gives you a proper boat outing without taking up an entire day. I also like the practical extras: fruit, one alcoholic drink, unlimited water and soft drinks, snorkeling masks and fins, pool noodles, and sailor-lifeguards during the swim. The main caution is that the snorkeling is unguided, and the fish may be sparse, so book this for the sea, sun, and scenery rather than a serious wildlife encounter.

Key points to know before you book

• Cabo de Huertas is the main event: You have about 90 minutes at anchor for swimming, snorkeling, floating, or relaxing on deck.
• The price covers more than the sail: At about $50 per person, you get fruit, one beer, wine, or tinto de verano, unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, and snorkeling gear.
• The catamaran has room to spread out: There are front nets, covered seating, tables, a bar, a restroom, and music.
• Snorkeling is self-guided: Masks and fins are included, but snorkel tubes are not supplied for hygiene reasons. You can buy one onboard for €5.
• Weather changes the feel: Calm seas make for a gentle ride, while wind and waves can splash the front nets and make the trip more playful.
• Arrive early: The boat is next to Noray bar, opposite Mundo de los Niños. Be there 15 minutes before departure for the pre-cruise presentation.

Leaving Alicante marina for the Costa Blanca

The meeting point is easy to find in Alicante’s marina area. Look for the maxi catamaran beside Noray bar, in front of Mundo de los Niños. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure, since there is a short presentation and the crew asks everyone to be punctual.

Once onboard, you can choose how active you want the afternoon to be. The front nets are the popular spot for lying close to the water, while the covered area gives you shade and shelter if the sun gets too strong or the weather turns cool. Benches and tables provide a more stable place to sit, and there is a bar and restroom onboard.

The boat is large and open, but this is still a shared cruise rather than a private charter. Reports of crowding vary. Some people find the passenger numbers comfortable, while others have found the catamaran tight on busy departures. The company requires at least 15 people for the cruise to operate, so you should expect a social outing rather than a quiet boat reserved for a handful of passengers.

The first 45 minutes are spent sailing away from Alicante. This is a pleasant time to settle in, take photographs, and see the city from a different angle. The coastline gradually becomes the main view, and the boat gives you a wider perspective than you get from the waterfront or city beach.

The atmosphere is relaxed, with onboard music and a drink service. Past departures have included a DJ or guitarist, though you should not assume live entertainment on every sailing. The music level also varies. Some people enjoy a gentle soundtrack, while others would prefer it louder.

What the $50 price actually buys you

At around $50 per person, this is not simply a 45-minute scenic boat ride. The fare covers three hours on the water, a stop for swimming, fruit, one beer, wine, or tinto de verano, unlimited water, juice, and soft drinks, plus masks and fins for snorkeling.

That package gives the cruise solid value, especially if you plan to use the swimming stop and stay onboard for the full time. You can also stretch your money by treating the included drink as part of the outing rather than buying several drinks at the bar.

The fruit is a welcome touch, but keep your expectations modest. It is a small welcome serving, not a full meal. Additional alcoholic drinks and food cost extra, and some people find the onboard drink prices high. You cannot bring your own food, drinks, cooler, luggage, or large bags, so eat before you arrive if you need more than a light snack.

You will want to bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and flip-flops. Leave jewelry and valuables at home. The operator does not accept responsibility for items that are lost, stolen, or damaged, and there is no good reason to bring anything valuable on a swimming cruise.

The 90-minute stop near Cabo de Huertas

After roughly 45 minutes of sailing, the catamaran anchors near Cap de l’Horta, also called Cabo de Huertas. This is the heart of the experience. You have about an hour and a half to choose between swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, taking photographs, or simply enjoying the view from the deck.

Getting into the water is straightforward. The catamaran is designed for easy access, and the crew provides life jackets and foam pool noodles. That makes the stop more comfortable if you are not a strong swimmer, although you still need to be comfortable in open water. One past passenger specifically appreciated the noodles, and they are a useful option for anyone who wants to float without working hard.

The water near the anchorage can look clear and inviting, but this is not a dedicated marine life excursion. You may see small fish, yet there may not be much to spot. Conditions, visibility, and the fish themselves are unpredictable. I would bring your own goggles if you have them, since they fit better than shared gear, but masks and fins are supplied.

There is no guided snorkeling lesson or marine biology talk. The snorkeling is free and unguided, with sailor-lifeguards present during the activity. That arrangement works well if you already know how to use a mask and fins and simply want to explore near the boat. If you want someone to lead you to particular fish or explain what you are seeing, this is not the right format.

The 90-minute stop is long enough to swim without feeling rushed. You can get in, cool off, climb back aboard, have your included drink, and return to the water. You can also skip the swim altogether. The front nets are a fine place to dry off and watch others enjoy the sea.

The setting near Cabo de Huertas is more about open-water freedom than a dramatic beach stop. You will not be walking ashore or exploring a cove. The reward is the sensation of being offshore, with Alicante’s coastline spread out behind you and the boat rocking gently beneath you.

Choosing the best place to sit onboard

Your seat can shape the entire trip. The front nets put you close to the water and provide the most playful ride. On a windy day, waves can spray the people sitting there, which is fun if you are already in swimwear but less appealing if you want to stay dry.

The rear and covered sections are better if you want shade, shelter, or a calmer ride. One past passenger reported plenty of wind and waves at the front, while another found the sea as flat as a pancake. That contrast tells you to dress for the conditions rather than assume every sailing will feel the same.

The boat includes tables and benches, so you do not have to spend three hours lying down. The layout also makes it possible to move around between the outward sail, swimming stop, and return. On fuller departures, though, the most desirable front-net spaces can go quickly.

This is not the place for high heels, and they are not allowed onboard. Flip-flops are specifically recommended. You should also avoid bringing large bags, since the boat is set up for a day at sea rather than storing luggage.

Sailing back with Alicante in view

Once the swimming stop ends, the crew raises the anchor and begins the 45-minute return to Alicante. You can use this time to dry off, finish your drink, listen to music, and watch the city and coast come back into view.

The return leg is often the quietest part of the trip. After swimming, people tend to settle into the nets or covered seating. If the sea is calm, the catamaran gives you an easy ride back. If the wind picks up, you may get more spray, especially at the front.

The views are the main reason to remain on deck. Alicante looks different from offshore, and the coastline gains a useful sense of shape and scale. This is especially worthwhile if you have already spent time around the marina and beaches and want to see the city from beyond the waterfront.

The cruise does not include transport to or from the marina. You must make your own way to the meeting point, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted. Spanish, English, French, and German are available among the host or greeting languages.

How the crew and setup affect the experience

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this outing. They are regularly described as friendly, polite, professional, helpful, and competent at handling the boat. The sailor-lifeguards also provide reassurance during the water stop.

The service is not formal or highly personalized. On a busy departure, crew interaction may be limited, and one person found the fruit and wine service inconsistent. You should see this as a casual boat day, not a luxury yacht experience with attentive table service.

The catamaran itself is modern and comfortable, with enough variety in seating to suit different moods. You have a bar, restroom, covered sections, open deck, and nets. That range matters because three hours is long enough for a cramped or poorly designed boat to become tiring.

Music adds to the holiday mood, but it will not suit everyone. If you want silence, bring patience and choose a quieter part of the boat. If you want a party cruise, keep expectations moderate. The tone is generally easygoing, with music rather than a full entertainment program.

When this cruise offers the best value

The strongest value comes on a warm, sunny day when you plan to swim. You get a full half-day style outing without committing to a six-hour cruise, and the included drink and water service reduce the need for extra spending.

This is particularly useful on a last day in Alicante. You can spend the morning in town, then use the cruise as a relaxed final activity before returning to your accommodation. It also suits couples, groups of friends, and families with children who can swim and are accompanied by an adult.

The cruise is less appealing if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The activity is unguided, tubes cost €5 if you want to buy one, and the marine life may be limited. It is also not ideal if you dislike shared excursions, music, or the possibility of a crowded deck.

Season matters. The trip can operate in cooler months, but a cloudy or chilly day will make the swimming stop much less attractive. One spring departure felt cold unless the sun was out. For the most comfortable swim, choose a warm forecast and bring a towel and dry layer for the return ride.

If the minimum of 15 passengers is not reached, the operator may contact you to reschedule or offer a refund. That is worth remembering when building a tight itinerary around the cruise.

Should you book the Alicante catamaran cruise?

I would book this if you want a relaxed coastal outing with a real swim stop, rather than a guided sightseeing tour or a serious snorkeling trip. The three-hour length is just right for many schedules, and the included drink, fruit, soft drinks, gear, restroom, music, and lifeguards make the $50 price reasonable.

Book with realistic expectations. You are paying for a comfortable catamaran, open-water swimming, views, and an easy holiday mood. You are not paying for a private boat, a full meal, or a guided underwater tour.

Choose the front nets if you want sea spray and the liveliest ride. Choose covered seating if you want shade or protection from wind. Bring your own goggles if you have them, buy a €5 snorkel tube only if you need one, and leave valuables behind.

For a first boat outing in Alicante, this is a sensible choice. If you enjoy the three-hour version and want more time at sea, a six-hour cruise is also available. If swimming is not your thing, the coastal views alone may not justify the price for you.

FAQ

Where does the Alicante catamaran cruise depart from?

The catamaran departs from the Alicante marina next to Noray bar, in front of Mundo de los Niños.

How long is the cruise?

The full activity lasts three hours. The outward sail takes about 45 minutes, the stop near Cabo de Huertas lasts about 90 minutes, and the return sail takes another 45 minutes.

Is swimming included?

Yes. You can swim during the stop near Cabo de Huertas. Life jackets and foam pool noodles are available onboard.

Is snorkeling included?

Masks and fins are included, and you can snorkel without a guide. Snorkel tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons, but you can buy one onboard for €5.

What drinks are included?

You receive one beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Water, soft drinks, and juice are available without limit. Additional alcoholic drinks and food cost extra.

Is food included?

Welcome fruit is included, but it is a light serving rather than a meal. You cannot bring your own food or drinks onboard.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What happens if the cruise does not reach the minimum group size?

At least 15 passengers are required for the cruise to operate. If that number is not reached, you will be contacted about rescheduling or receiving a refund.