A complete plan to discover Tabarca, not just a crossing
This page is for anyone after a Mediterranean day out: an easy journey there, the marine reserve, time for the beach, a walk through the old town, snorkelling and lunch — and a way back that does not tie you 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. Go down to the glass-bottom viewing deck and watch the seabed: fish, posidonia and volcanic rock. At no extra cost, included with every ticket.
A free day on the island
The day trip includes the return crossing, but it does not lock you into a group or a fixed hour. You enjoy Tabarca at your own pace and come back on whichever sailing you prefer from that day’s timetable.
An easy start to the day
Booking online means no queue. Show your QR code at the orange ticket booth in the port of Santa Pola and board straight away. In high season that can save you up to 45 minutes of 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. Snorkelling gear is welcome too.
A comfortable crossing
The catamaran has a bar on board. Soft drinks, beer, water and snacks to make the 25-minute crossing more enjoyable. On the way back too.
For couples, families and groups
The day trip works just as well for a couple’s escape, a day out with children, a group of friends or visitors who want to see Tabarca without planning every detail from scratch.
The crossing: 25 minutes of Mediterranean on board
The day trip starts before you reach the island. On board the Nueva Tabarca catamaran you get 25 minutes of sailing across the Mediterranean, with the Alicante coast on one side and the islet appearing on the horizon. It is not just a transfer: it is the first part of the experience.
On the way out, the catamaran stops right in the Marine Reserve for the underwater viewing included in your ticket. On the way back, sunset over Santa Pola is the best possible way to end the day.
Bar on board
Soft drinks, beer and snacks during the 25-minute crossing, there and back.
Panoramic deck
Views of the open sea, the Alicante coast and the island drawing closer.
Marine Reserve stop
A stop in protected waters for the underwater viewing. Included with every ticket.
Pioneers since 1972
The longest-running operator on the route. More than 50 years sailing these waters.
Tabarca Island: the Mediterranean at its purest
Tabarca Island (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 land, just 8 km from Santa Pola and 22 km from Alicante, it packs in extraordinary natural and historical riches.
Its turquoise waters are part of the first marine reserve in Spain, established in 1986, where oceanic posidonia carpets the seabed and marine life lives protected. On land, an 18th-century walled old town, listed as a historic-artistic site in 1964 , takes you back to another age.
🏝️ Size: 1,850 m long · 450 m wide · 30 hectares in total
👥 Population: 51 permanent residents · 3,000 visitors a day in summer
The island has a fascinating history: in 1768, King Charles III freed 323 Genoese captives held on the Tunisian island of Tabarka and settled them here, entrusting them with the defence of the coast. Their descendants, the "tabarquinos", keep a unique culture and cuisine alive to this day.
The Marine Reserve: snorkelling without getting wet
Halfway across, the Nueva Tabarca catamaran stops right in the Tabarca Marine Reserve. Go down to the glass-bottom viewing deck on the lower level and watch the seabed through the transparent hull: fish, posidonia and the best-preserved marine ecosystem in the western Mediterranean.
The marine reserve covers more than 1,400 hectares of shallow and deep water. The oceanic 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 and shoals of red mullet in protected waters.
Oceanic posidonia
The largest meadow on the Alicante coast. A sign of exceptional water quality.
Snorkelling on the island
The coves on the northern side are perfect for snorkelling, with clear water and visibility of over 10 metres.
Underwater viewing free
At no extra cost. The stop at the reserve is included with every ticket, with nothing to book separately.
What the island has waiting for you
In a single day you can see it all. Turquoise beaches, snorkelling in a marine reserve, an 18th-century old town and local food.
Levante beach
Tabarca’s main beach. Clear turquoise water, fine sand and a posidonia seabed. Perfect for swimming and snorkelling straight from the shore. It is the busiest one in summer.
See things to do →
Snorkelling
Snorkelling in the Marine Reserve
The coves on the northern side of the island have 10–15 metres of visibility. The posidonia and the marine life make Tabarca the best snorkelling spot on the Alicante coast. Bring your mask or hire one on the island.
History
Walls and old town
Built in the 18th century by order of Charles III, the walls and their three baroque gates (Levante, Trancada and Tierra) surround the village. Listed as a Historic-Artistic Site in 1964. An essential walk.
History of Tabarca →
Heritage
Torre de San José
The 18th-century defensive tower that served as a state prison in the 19th century. Today it offers the best panoramic views of the island and the sea. One of Tabarca’s most photographed landmarks.
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 follows the cliffs.
Food
Caldero tabarquino
You cannot go to Tabarca without trying the caldero tabarquino: rice with fresh fish cooked in a rock-fish broth. 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 route, without rushing
The value of this day trip is not only in crossing to the island: it is in knowing how to order the day so that sea, history, food and a flexible return fit together without turning the visit into a race.
Meeting point at the port of Santa Pola
Head to the fishing port of Santa Pola, Avenida de los Baños 1. Look for the orange ticket booth. If you booked online, show your QR code and board without queuing. Arrive 15 minutes before your sailing.
Underwater viewing in the Marine Reserve
Halfway across, the catamaran stops in the marine reserve. Go down to the glass-bottom viewing deck and watch the seabed: posidonia, sea bream, moray eels and grouper in their natural habitat. It lasts about 10–15 minutes.
Included in the experience, no supplementFirst hour on the beach, getting your bearings
As soon as you arrive, walk towards Levante beach to get a good spot (it fills up in summer). Settle in, swim and explore the shore with your snorkelling mask. The water has exceptional visibility early in the day.
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 in advance if you are travelling in high season. The caldero tabarquino is the dish to order: soupy rice with fresh rock fish. There are also beach bars serving sandwiches and paella if you would rather keep it informal.
Northern coves and the outer side
The coves on the northern side (the ones closest to the lighthouse) have the best visibility and fewer people in the afternoon. It is the best time to snorkel: the sunlight comes straight down and you can see the seabed 10–15 metres below.
Back to Santa Pola whenever it fits your plan
Head to the island’s jetty in good time. The catamaran leaves punctually. On board you can have a drink at the bar while you enjoy the views at sunset, arriving back in Santa Pola in the late afternoon.
Your ticket is flexible: check the last sailing of the dayDeparting from Santa Pola: easy to reach and well signposted
The boat leaves from the fishing port of Santa Pola — Avenida de los Baños, 1, 03130 Santa Pola, Alicante. Look for the orange ticket booth on the quay (not the blue one, which is another company). If you booked online, show your QR code and board straight away.
Parking: There is a free public area next to the jetty. If it is 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 sailing
Choose the best sailing for your day
To make the most of the day, choose a morning sailing and confirm the last return available. Check the up-to-date timetable before you book, especially in high season.
Why book your day trip with Viajes Isla Tabarca
When you book an escape to Tabarca you want certainty, clarity and an experience that works from the first minute. That is what we look after on every sailing.
Underwater viewing included
The only ones with a glass-bottom viewing deck on the catamaran. At no extra cost on every ticket.
Open ticket
Valid for any return sailing. You do not have to choose a time to come back 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 reviews on Google. The best score on the route.
Pets always travel free
Your dog sails at no extra charge. We are the best option if you are travelling with pets.
We have 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 are a family business from Alicante that started sailing when Tabarca was still a little-known destination. We have watched the marine reserve grow and recover. We have 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 are the biggest, but because we have been here all our lives. That is what we put into every crossing.
More than 1,200 reviews · 4.8 out of 5 stars
Frequently asked questions about the day trip to Tabarca
Day trip to Tabarca from Santa Pola — verified information 2026
Official information from Viajes Isla Tabarca · Founded in 1972 · The longest-running operator on the route
From 9€ online (adult, return). Full fare table at Tabarca ferry prices →
Return crossing by catamaran, underwater viewing stop in the Marine Reserve, free time on the island. Under-4s and pets travel free.
25 min Santa Pola → Tabarca + 10 min stop at the Marine Reserve
Fishing port of Santa Pola · Av. de los Baños, 1 · Orange ticket booth
Sailing dates and daily departures on the official timetable page · 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 day trip on the Costa Blanca
A complete day out · Underwater viewing included · Turquoise beaches · Historic old town · Local food · Pioneers since 1972
🎫 Book the day trip — from 9€Full day trip · Flexible ticket all season · No booking fees · Instant confirmation
