Full-day route
Private Boat Trip to Tabarca Island from Alicante
Spain's first marine reserve on your own private yacht. Clear water, snorkelling and lunch on deck.
Tabarca is the small island 22 km off the coast of Alicante that stops first-time visitors in their tracks. It's Spain's first marine reserve, and the water around it is so clear it barely looks real. Reaching Tabarca on a private boat instead of the day-tripper ferry changes the experience completely.
This is one of our most-booked routes. Here's what you need to know.
Why go by private boat
- Anchor inside the marine reserve, away from crowds
- Snorkel over posidonia meadows and rock formations
- Have lunch on board, on your own timing
- Combine swim stops on the way there and back
Day plan
The day lasts 7 hours of private sailing: we leave Marina Alicante at 10:00 and head back at 17:00.
10:00
Setting off for Tabarca
The journey is part of the experience. It's the moment to relax and start enjoying the Mediterranean.
11:30
First swim and snorkel
Even before lunch we'd take the chance to discover the marine reserve. At that hour the water is usually especially calm.
13:00
A stroll around the village
Wander the streets, walk the walls and discover the island's history. No rush.
14:00
Lunch
A good table by the sea. If possible, trying the traditional caldero tabarquino.
15:30
Free time
One last swim. An ice cream. A walk to the lighthouse. Or simply sitting and looking out over the Mediterranean. There's no need to do much more.
17:00
Sailing back
Probably one of our favourite moments. That pleasant tiredness after a day at sea. The afternoon light. And that feeling that time went by far too quickly.
What's included
- Private yacht with a skipper
- Fuel, mooring and insurance
- Snorkelling gear and a paddle board
- 2 bottles of white wine on the house
- Bluetooth sound system
- Personalised playlist
- Lifejackets and a first-aid kit
- Surprise gift
- Local knowledge of Alicante to answer your questions
- Photographer and video available on request
How to book
Pick your date on the calendar, select the full-day format and tell us if you'd like a photographer or video on request. If you want a more general overview of private charters, see private boat in Alicante.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Tabarca?+
Between 30 and 45 minutes of navigation from Marina Alicante at cruising speed. The regular ferry takes a little longer and is rigid on schedules, with many more people on board. On a private charter we usually make a swim stop on the way.
Is Tabarca worth visiting by boat?+
Yes. Tabarca is Spain's first marine reserve and the water is exceptionally clear. Arriving by private boat lets you anchor in the best coves and skip the crowded ferries.
Can we get off the boat on the island?+
Yes. The tender takes you ashore. You can eat in the village, walk around and re-board when you want.
Is snorkelling good in Tabarca?+
Excellent. The marine reserve is one of the best snorkel spots in the western Mediterranean, with visibility often above 15 metres.
What is the best time of year to sail to Tabarca?+
May to October. June and September are the sweet spots: warm water, long days and fewer boats around.