From Alicante/Benidorm: Tabarca Island & Santa Pola Salinas

Thinking about escaping the busy beaches of Alicante or Benidorm for a day? This tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, history, and fun marine activities, all within a manageable 8 to 10-hour window. It promises a good dose of learning, scenic views, and relaxation — perfect for travelers craving an authentic experience beyond the typical tourist spots.

What we love about this trip? First, the chance to see Santa Pola’s salt flats up close and get a behind-the-scenes look at salt production — a process that’s been part of the region for centuries. Second, the boat ride to Tabarca Island offers stunning views and a chance to peek underwater through the water-level window, revealing the vibrant marine life beneath. Third, exploring Tabarca’s small, historic streets and bathing on its beaches makes for a truly relaxing, picture-perfect escape.

A potential consideration is the long day’s schedule, which involves a fair amount of bus and boat travel. For some, it might feel a bit rushed, especially if you prefer leisurely mornings or have mobility concerns. The tour is well-organized, making this manageable for most travelers.

This experience is ideal for those who want a mix of nature, history, and seaside fun in one day. It suits curious travelers eager to learn about salt production or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, as well as families or groups seeking a hassle-free way to discover the Valencian coast’s less-visited treasures.

Good To Know

• Authentic Experience: Combines natural landscapes, historical sites, and marine life.
• Expert Guides: Known for knowledgeable guides such as Olga and Belen who keep you engaged.
• Scenic Boat Ride: Underwater windows enhance marine viewing, adding a fun twist.
• Flexible Free Time: Ample time to explore Tabarca’s quaint streets, relax on beaches, or snorkel.
• Value for Money: Transportation, boat trips, and guided commentary included in a competitive price.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for most travelers (excluding those with mobility issues).

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins either from Alicante’s Bullring or from a location in Benidorm, depending on your booking. The coach ride to Santa Pola takes around 45 minutes, giving you just enough time to settle in and get excited about what’s ahead. The air-conditioned bus ensures comfort during what could be a warm day, with plenty of space for photography or chatting with fellow travelers.

Visiting Santa Pola’s Salt Flats

Arriving at the Salinas de Santa Pola is like stepping into a different world. Here, vast expanses of shimmering white salt flats stretch toward the horizon. This site has been a key part of the region’s economy for centuries, and learning about the salt extraction process adds a fascinating layer to your visit. The guided commentary — often provided by the knowledgeable Olga, according to reviews — will explain the industrial and natural significance of the area.

Expect to see abundant birdlife, including pink flamingos and other wetland species, which makes for great photo opportunities. The landscape’s stark beauty is captivating, especially during sunrise or sunset, but even midday, the reflective surfaces create stunning visuals.

Santa Pola to Tabarca Island — The Boat Ride

Next, you’ll hop aboard a boat heading to Tabarca Island, a short 45-minute trip. Here, the boat’s underwater viewing window is a highlight — you’ll get a glimpse of the colorful fish, sea grass, and perhaps the odd octopus. This feature is particularly appreciated by reviewers like Vedran, who mentioned how informative guides made the boat trip a real highlight.

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Exploring Tabarca Island

Once on the island, you’ll have approximately 3.5 hours to explore. This small, inhabited island boasts ancient stone walls that speak of its pirate past, especially involving Barbary pirates. Strolling through the narrow streets, you’ll find charming houses, local cafes, and artisan shops.

Many travelers, including Roger, praise the knowledgeable guides like Belen, who make the history come alive with interesting stories and tips about the best spots to relax or snap photos. The free time allows you to relax on the beach, swim in the clear waters, or try your hand at snorkeling. Remember, snorkeling gear isn’t included, so bring your own if you want to explore underwater.

Marine Reserve and Natural Beauty

Tabarca’s waters are protected as part of the Mediterranean Marine Reserve. This adds to the appeal for snorkelers and nature lovers, offering a glimpse into vibrant marine ecosystems. The island’s natural beauty isn’t limited to the sea — the surrounding cliffs and rocky shores provide excellent vantage points for photos.

Return Journey and Final Thoughts

After soaking up the sun and scenery, you’ll board the water taxi back to Santa Pola, then hop onto the bus for the return trip to Alicante or Benidorm. This full-day tour, though packed, manages to balance activity with downtime, giving you a well-rounded experience.

Practical Details and Tips

• Transportation: Roundtrip coach and boat rides are included, making this a convenient experience with no need to worry about logistics.
• Timing: Starting times vary; check availability. Expect the total duration to be around 8 to 10 hours.
• What to Bring: Pack a sun hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water, snacks, and comfortable clothes — a busy day outdoors demands preparation.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.
• Language: Guides speak both Spanish and English, ensuring clear communication.

Cost and Value

Compared to booking transport, boat tickets, and guides separately, this tour offers a good deal, especially considering the included expert guidance and multiple activities. For travelers who prefer a hassle-free, curated experience, this is a practical choice.

Reviews and Real Experiences

Guests consistently praise the guides, particularly Olga and Belen, for their knowledge and engaging storytelling. One reviewer called the tour “very well organized, on time, and communication was perfect,” reflecting the professionalism behind the scenes. The highlights like Tabarca’s charm and the salt flats’ stark beauty are universally appreciated.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adventurous, curious travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and marine activities. It’s ideal if you want to understand regional industries like salt harvesting, see marine life up close, or simply enjoy a relaxed day by the sea. Families, couples, and small groups will find this tour offers plenty of opportunities for memorable moments.

However, if mobility or comfort is a concern, or you prefer a slower pace, you might find the schedule a little rushed. Still, for most, the well-organized itinerary and engaging guides will make it a day to remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? No, the tour starts from designated meeting points in Alicante or Benidorm.

Can I join if I don’t speak Spanish? Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, ensuring clear communication.

What is the duration of the entire trip? Expect the tour to last between 8 to 10 hours, depending on the starting point and traffic.

Is snorkeling equipment provided? No, snorkel gear is not included, so bring your own if you want to explore underwater.

Are there any age restrictions? The tour is suitable for most ages but not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothes, swimwear, sun hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the tour include meals? No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or enjoy local cuisine on the island.

Is the water taxi included? Yes, roundtrip water taxi services are part of the itinerary.

What are the highlights I shouldn’t miss? The salt flats and the underwater boat window are must-see features, along with exploring Tabarca’s historic streets and beaches.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of the Valencian coast’s natural, historic, and marine wonders. It’s great for those who love learning about regional industries like salt harvesting while enjoying some fun in the water and scenic walks. The guides, notably Olga and Belen, are praised for making the experience engaging and informative, which adds a lot of value.

While it’s a full day, the balance of activities — from salt flats to snorkeling — keeps things interesting without feeling overwhelming. The included transportation, guided commentary, and free time make this a convenient, cost-effective way to explore some of Spain’s lesser-known coastal gems.

If you crave a mix of adventure, education, and relaxation in a scenic setting, this tour is a smart choice. Just pack your curiosity, your swim gear, and an appetite for discovering a different side of Spain.

In summary, this experience is perfect for travelers looking to combine natural beauty with historical intrigue, all while enjoying the comforts of organized transport and expert guides. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a family, or a couple seeking a memorable day, it promises a blend of engaging sights and peaceful seaside moments.

You can check if your dates are available here: