Isla de Tabarca, usually called Tabarca, is the small inhabited island off the Alicante coast. The surrounding waters became Spain’s first marine reserve in 1986, and today Tabarca is a popular day trip for swimming, snorkelling, seafood and a walk through the fortified village.
See also: transport from Alicante Airport to Torrevieja.
Staying in Alicante city? You can sail directly from Alicante harbour to Tabarca. The regular route takes roughly one hour each way; in 2026 operator Kontiki publishes an adult return fare of €24. This is normally the simplest option if you are already staying in Alicante and do not want to travel to Santa Pola first. Always check departures for your date.
1. Boat to Tabarca from Santa Pola: ferry from €9
This is the shortest and lowest-cost option among the choices below. Tabarkeras sails from Santa Pola to Tabarca in around 25 minutes, and some departures offer underwater viewing. Check ticket availability.
- Crossing: about 25 minutes each way
- Price: from €9 per adult return when booked online with the operator in 2026
- Best for: travellers wanting a short crossing and flexibility
💡 Our tip: Santa Pola is particularly practical if you have a car, are staying south of Alicante or want to maximise your time on the island.
2. Snorkelling trip to Tabarca from Santa Pola
If snorkelling is the main reason for your trip, organised excursions leave from Santa Pola. Scuba Elx offers a guided trip with boat transport and snorkelling equipment. Check current price and availability.
- Duration: about 3 hours for the current organised activity
- Includes: boat transport, guide and snorkelling equipment
- Best for: confident swimmers who want to prioritise snorkelling
🐠 Recommended for: couples, friends and families with children who are confident swimmers.
3. Tabarca from Torrevieja: glass-bottom boat
If you are staying in Torrevieja or the southern Costa Blanca, departing from Torrevieja can be more practical than travelling first to Alicante or Santa Pola. Check the current price, date and inclusions.
- Departure: Torrevieja area
- Type: organised day trip with glass-bottom/underwater viewing boat
- Best for: travellers staying in Torrevieja who want simpler logistics
🚌 Convenient from the southern Costa Blanca: confirm the meeting point, operating dates and return conditions before booking.
4. Organised Tabarca day trip from Torrevieja/La Zenia
For a more organised day, there are also tours from the Torrevieja/La Zenia area combining transport to Tabarca with guided elements and free time on the island. Check the current tour and availability. For more ideas, see our guide to day trips from Alicante.
- Departure: Torrevieja/La Zenia area; confirm pickup point when booking
- Format: transport, Tabarca visit and free time; programme can vary
- Best for: travellers who prefer a pre-arranged full day
⭐ Best for minimal planning: compare the programme with a simple ferry ticket before choosing.
Which Tabarca trip is right for you?
| Option | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Direct from Alicante | about €24 return* | Staying in Alicante city |
| Ferry from Santa Pola | from €9* | Short crossing and flexibility |
| Snorkelling trip | Check current price | Snorkelling and activity |
| Glass-bottom boat from Torrevieja | Check current price | Convenient from Torrevieja |
| Organised day trip | Check current price | Minimal planning |
*Regular ferry prices were checked against published 2026 fares, but timetables, prices and tour contents can change. Always confirm the final price and conditions before booking. Some links are affiliate links; Solrute may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
