Tabarca Island day trip from Benidorm: boat cruise and free time

Cruise to Spain's protected island and spend the afternoon on your own terms

A full-day trip from Benidorm to Tabarca Island combines coach transport to Santa Pola, a Mediterranean boat crossing, and four hours of unscheduled time on the island itself. You walk the 18th-century fortifications, swim in the protected marine reserve, snorkel among abundant fish, or sit in a waterfront café—the itinerary is yours. Transport, boat transfer and island entry are included; a guide leads the initial walk and speaks English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tabarca Island Day Trip from Benidorm

• Travel by coach to Santa Pola
• Free time at Santa Pola harbor
• Board boat to Tabarca Island
• Walk through Tabarca Island
• Explore old town and beaches
• Enjoy seafood lunch and local shops
• Return by boat to Santa Pola
• Coach back to Benidorm

The Experience

The day starts at Benidorm Bus Station, where you board an air-conditioned coach bound for Santa Pola on the coast. The drive gives you a first look at the region before arrival around midday. Once there, you have time to wander the harbor, grab a coffee, or simply wait by the water before boarding the boat to Tabarca. The crossing itself is the transition—the Mediterranean opening up as you leave the mainland behind.

Tabarca appears as a fortified town rising from the sea, its walls built under King Charles III in the 18th century to defend against Barbary pirates. A guide leads a walk through the old town to set the history in place, then you're free. Four hours on the island means real choice: swim in the turquoise water of the protected marine reserve (famous for clarity and marine life), snorkel off the rocky stretches, walk the defensive walls, explore the narrow streets and local shops, or claim a table at one of the seafood restaurants facing the water. The island is small enough to cover on foot, so you can drift between the beach, the fortifications and the harbor without feeling rushed.

The return boat leaves at 4 p.m., bringing you back to Santa Pola and then the coach to Benidorm. The whole day runs eight hours from start to finish, with the island itself holding the bulk of your time. Children can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome on the coach and boat.

What’s included

• Coach transport from Benidorm Bus Station to Santa Pola.
• boat transfer to Tabarca Island and back.
• island entry fee.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• a guided walk through the old town in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Wexcursion

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want flexibility on the island itself—you'll have unscheduled time to swim in the marine reserve, explore the 18th-century fortifications, or eat at waterfront restaurants, rather than following a set itinerary.

Top questions

What is Tabarca Island actually like when you get there?

Tabarca is a fortified town on Spain's only permanently inhabited island, ringed by 18th-century defensive walls built under King Charles III. The old town has narrow streets, local shops and seafood restaurants; the surrounding waters are a protected marine reserve known for clarity and abundant fish, making it popular for snorkeling and swimming.

How much time do you actually spend on Tabarca Island?

You have roughly four hours on the island after the guide's initial walk through the old town. That window lets you swim, snorkel, explore the fortifications and streets, eat lunch, or simply sit by the water—the time is unscheduled and yours to use.

What happens in Santa Pola before the boat leaves?

You arrive in Santa Pola around midday and have free time to explore the harbor, have a coffee, or wait near the dock before boarding the boat to Tabarca. The stop is built in to let you settle before the crossing.

Is snorkeling included, or do I need to bring my own gear?

Snorkeling is not a guided activity on this trip—you're free to snorkel on your own during your time on the island. The protected marine reserve is known for clear water and marine life, but you'll need to bring your own gear or arrange rental locally.

What's included in the price?

The trip includes coach transport from Benidorm Bus Station to Santa Pola, the boat transfer to and from Tabarca Island, island entry, and an air-conditioned vehicle for the journey. A guide in English or Spanish leads the initial walk on the island; meals and drinks are not included.