Full-day route
Tabarca Island by boat 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
Departure
We meet at Marina Alicante around 10:00. Once on board, briefing with the captain and we head south along the coast.
Navigation
About 1h-1h30 of sailing. On the way we usually stop at a cove for the first swim of the day.
Tabarca
We anchor inside the marine reserve. You can swim, snorkel and jump in from the boat. The tender takes anyone who wants to walk around the island or eat in the village.
Return
Mid-afternoon we sail back with the sun on the other side. Another swim stop is common. Back to Marina Alicante around 18:00-19:00.
What's included
- Private yacht with captain and sailor
- Fuel, mooring and insurance
- Snorkel gear and towels
- Water and soft drinks on board
- Bluetooth sound system
- Catering, champagne and paddle surf as optional add-ons
How to book
Pick your date on the calendar, select the full-day format and tell us if you'd like catering or extras. 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?+
Roughly 1h to 1h30 of navigation from Marina Alicante depending on sea conditions. 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.