A complete plan to discover Tabarca, not just a crossing
This page is for anyone after a one-day Mediterranean getaway: get there comfortably, see the marine reserve, have time for the beach, a walk through history, snorkelling and lunch, then come back without being tied to a fixed hour.
The underwater moment of the trip
Halfway across, the catamaran stops right in the Tabarca Marine Reserve — the first in Spain. Head down to the glass viewing point and watch the seabed: fish, posidonia and volcanic rock. No extra cost, included with every ticket.
A free day on the island
The trip includes the crossing there and back, but doesn't lock you into a group or a fixed hour. You enjoy Tabarca at your own pace and come back on whichever departure suits you from that day's timetable.
An easy start to the day
Buying online skips the queue. Show your QR code at the orange ticket office in the port of Santa Pola and board straight away. In high season that can mean up to 45 minutes less waiting.
Ready for the beach and snorkelling
You can bring a cool box, parasol, beach chairs, floats and anything else you need for the day. No weight limit, no restrictions. If you're bringing snorkelling gear, it's welcome.
A comfortable crossing
The catamaran has a bar during the crossing. Soft drinks, beer, water and snacks are available to make the 25-minute journey more pleasant. On the way back too.
A plan for couples, families and groups
The trip works just as well for a couple's getaway, a day out with children, a group of friends or visitors who want to see Tabarca without organising every detail from scratch.
The crossing: 25 minutes of Mediterranean on board
The trip starts before you reach the island. On board the Catamarán Nueva Tabarca you get 25 minutes sailing the Mediterranean with the Alicante coast on one side and the islet appearing on the horizon. It isn't just a crossing: it's the first part of the experience.
On the way out, the catamaran stops right in the Marine Reserve for the underwater views included in the fare. On the way back, sunset over Santa Pola closes the day in the best way possible.
Bar on board
Soft drinks, beer and snacks available during the 25-min crossing, there and back.
Panoramic deck
Views of the open sea, the Alicante coast and the island drawing closer, from the deck.
Marine Reserve stop
A stop in protected waters for the underwater views. Included with every ticket.
Pioneers since 1972
The oldest operator on the route. More than 50 years sailing these waters.
Tabarca Island: the Mediterranean at its purest
The island of Tabarca (officially Nueva Tabarca) is the only inhabited islet in the Valencian Community and one of the best-kept secrets in the Mediterranean. With barely 30 hectares of surface, only 8 km from Santa Pola and 22 km from Alicante, it packs in extraordinary natural and historic riches.
Its turquoise waters form part of the first marine reserve in Spain, established in 1986, where posidonia meadows cover the seabed and marine life is protected. On land, a walled 18th-century old town, declared a historic-artistic site in 1964 , takes you back to another era.
🏝️ Size: 1,850 m long · 450 m wide · 30 hectares in total
👥 Population: 51 permanent residents · 3,000 visitors/day in summer
The island has a fascinating history: in 1768, King Carlos III freed 323 Genoese held captive on the Tunisian island of Tabarka and settled them here, charging them with defending the coast. Their descendants, the "tabarquinos", still keep a unique culture and cuisine alive today.
The Marine Reserve: snorkelling without getting wet
Halfway across, the Catamarán Nueva Tabarca stops right in the Tabarca Marine Reserve. Head down to the glass viewing point on the lower deck and watch the seabed through the transparent hull: fish, posidonia and the best-preserved marine ecosystem in the western Mediterranean.
The marine reserve covers an area of more than 1,400 hectares of shallow and deep water. The posidonia meadow is the largest on the Alicante coast and acts as the lungs of the Mediterranean.
Marine life
Moray eels, octopus, sea bream, sea bass, gilthead bream and shoals of red mullet in protected waters.
Posidonia meadows
The largest meadow on the Alicante coast. A sign of exceptional water quality.
Snorkelling on the island
The coves on the north side are perfect for snorkelling, with crystal-clear water and visibility of over 10 metres.
Underwater views included free
No extra cost. The stop in the reserve is included with every ticket, with nothing to book separately.
Experiences waiting for you on the island
In a single day out you can see it all. Turquoise beaches, snorkelling in a marine reserve, an 18th-century old town and local food.
Playa de Levante
Tabarca's main beach. Crystal-clear turquoise water, fine sand and a posidonia seabed. Ideal for swimming and snorkelling straight from the shore. It's the busiest in summer.
See activities →
Snorkelling
Snorkelling in the Marine Reserve
The coves on the north side of the island have visibility of 10–15 metres. The posidonia and marine life make Tabarca the best snorkelling spot on the Alicante coast. Bring your own goggles or hire them on the island.
History
Walls and old town
Built in the 18th century by order of Carlos III, the walls and their three baroque gateways (Levante, Trancada and Tierra) surround the village. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1964. A walk you shouldn't miss.
History of Tabarca →
Heritage
Torre de San José
The 18th-century defensive tower that served as a state prison during the 19th century. Today it offers the best panoramic views of the island and the sea. One of the most photographed icons in Tabarca.
Plan your day →
The Tabarca lighthouse
Built in 1854, the Tabarca lighthouse is one of the island's most emblematic spots. From around it you get 360° views of the Mediterranean and the Alicante coast. The walk there runs along the cliffs.
Food and drink
Caldero tabarquino
You can't go to Tabarca without trying caldero tabarquino: rice with fresh fish cooked in rock-fish stock. The original recipe of the Genoese settlers. The island's restaurants serve the most authentic dish on the Costa Blanca.
See the food guide →A day trip to Tabarca: the ideal unhurried route
The value of this trip isn't just crossing to the island: it's knowing how to order the day so you combine sea, history, food and a flexible return without turning the visit into a race.
Meeting point at the Port of Santa Pola
Head to the Santa Pola fishing port, Avenida de los Baños 1. Look for the orange ticket office. If you bought online, show your QR code and board without queuing. Arrive 15 minutes before departure.
Underwater views in the Marine Reserve
Halfway across, the catamaran stops in the marine reserve. Head down to the glass viewing point and watch the seabed: posidonia, sea bream, moray eels and grouper in their natural habitat. It lasts around 10–15 minutes.
Included in the experience, no supplementFirst hour on the beach and getting your bearings
As soon as you arrive, walk to Playa de Levante to get a good spot (it fills up in summer). Settle in, swim and explore the shore with your snorkel mask. Visibility is exceptional first thing.
Walls, tower and lighthouse
Leave the beach and walk through the walled village: the Church of San Pedro and San Pablo (1770), the Torre de San José and the cliffs out to the 1854 lighthouse. The whole route takes about 45 minutes.
Caldero tabarquino
Book a table ahead if you're going in high season. Caldero tabarquino is the dish to order: soupy rice with fresh rock fish. There are also beach bars with sandwiches and paella if you'd rather keep it informal.
The northern coves and the outer side
The coves on the north side (the ones closest to the lighthouse) have the best visibility and fewer people in the afternoon. It's the best time to snorkel: the sunlight comes straight down and you can see the bottom at 10–15 metres.
Back to Santa Pola whenever it fits your plan
Head to the island's pier in good time. The catamaran leaves on schedule. On board you can have a drink at the bar while you enjoy the sunset views. Arrival in Santa Pola around 17:15.
The ticket is flexible: check the last departure of the dayLeaving from Santa Pola: easy, close and well signposted
The boat leaves from the Santa Pola fishing port — Avenida de los Baños, 1, 03130 Santa Pola, Alicante. Look for the orange ticket office on the quay (not the blue one, which is another company). If you bought online, show your QR code and board straight away.
Parking: Next to the pier there's a free public area. If it's full, the nearest car parks are Parking AMFISA (654 589 164), Parking Marina Miramar (618 088 210) and Parking del Castillo (966 692 284). The furthest is a 5-minute walk away.
- From Alicante — 20 minutes on the N-332
- From Elche — 25 minutes by car
- From Torrevieja — 25 minutes on the N-332
- From Murcia — 45 minutes on the A-7
- Arrive 15 minutes before your chosen departure
Choose the best departure for your trip
To plan the day well, pick a morning departure and check the last return available. Look at the up-to-date table before booking, especially in high season.
Why book your trip with Viajes Isla Tabarca
When you book a getaway to Tabarca you want certainty, clarity and an experience that works from the first minute. That's what we look after on every departure.
Underwater views included
The only ones with a glass viewing point on the catamaran. No extra cost on any ticket.
Open ticket
Valid for any return time. You don't have to choose a return hour when you book.
Pioneers on the route
Founded in 1972. More than 50 years of experience on the Santa Pola–Tabarca route.
The best rated
More than 1,200 verified Google reviews. The best score on the route.
Pets always free
Your dog travels at no extra charge. We're the best option if you're travelling with pets.
We've been in this port for more than 50 years. Every morning the boats go out, it still feels the same as the first day.
The Viajes Isla Tabarca team · Port of Santa Pola, since 1972We're a family business from Alicante that started sailing when Tabarca was still a little-known destination. We've watched the marine reserve grow and recover. We've taken three generations of the same families to the island. We know every current, every wind pattern and every corner of this coast. Not because we're the biggest, but because we've spent our whole lives here. That's what we put into every crossing.
More than 1,200 reviews · 4.8 out of 5 stars
Frequently asked questions about the sightseeing trip to Tabarca
Day trip to Tabarca from Santa Pola — verified data 2026
Official information from Viajes Isla Tabarca · Company founded in 1972 · Oldest operator on the route
From 9€ online (adult return). Full fare table at santa-pola-tabarca-precio →
Return crossing by catamaran, underwater viewing stop in the Marine Reserve, free time on the island. Under-4s and pets free.
25 min Santa Pola → Tabarca + 10 min Marine Reserve stop
Santa Pola fishing port · Av. de los Baños, 1 · orange ticket office
Check the current dates · 16 daily departures · 13 returns · public holidays included
Flexible ticket — no fixed return time, valid all day
4.8 ⭐ out of 5 · More than 1,200 verified reviews
viajesislatabarca.com · WhatsApp 623 526 591
Book the most popular trip on the Costa Blanca
A complete day out · underwater views included · turquoise beaches · old town · local food · pioneers since 1972
🎫 Book the trip — from 9€Complete day out · flexible ticket all season · no booking fees · instant confirmation
