Alicante: Afternoon Cruise with Appetizer and Live Music

The best part of this Alicante cruise is the change of pace: you leave the port, watch Santa Bárbara Castle recede behind you, then spend the late afternoon with the sea below your feet and live music on deck. I especially like the 45-minute coastal sail and the chance to swim straight from the catamaran, with sailor-lifeguards present during the water stop.

I also like that the price includes one beer, wine, or tinto de verano, plus unlimited water, juice, and soft drinks. The main caution is the food. The included appetizer is welcome fruit, so you should not book this expecting a full meal. The atmosphere is lively and social, which suits music lovers better than anyone hoping for a hushed romantic cruise.

Key points to know before you book

• The boat leaves Alicante at 5:30 PM: Arrive 15 minutes early for the predeparture presentation at the maxi catamaran beside Noray bar and Mundo de los Niños.
• The route has a clear rhythm: You sail for 45 minutes, stop for about 90 minutes near Cabo de las Huertas or La Albufereta, then sail 45 minutes back.
• The swim stop is a real feature: Masks and fins are supplied, and sailor-lifeguards supervise the snorkeling activity. Snorkeling tubes cost €5 if you want one.
• Live music shapes the mood: Expect guitar and DJ-style music, dancing, laughter, and a party feel rather than a peaceful sunset sail.
• Food is limited: Welcome fruit is included, along with one alcoholic drink and unlimited nonalcoholic drinks. Additional food and alcohol cost extra.
• The price is fair for the setting: At $61 per person, you are paying for the boat, three hours on the water, music, drinks, equipment, and the Alicante coastal view, not a substantial dinner.

Leaving Alicante’s port with Santa Bárbara Castle behind you

The cruise starts at the port of Alicante, where the large catamaran is located next to Noray bar, in front of Mundo de los Niños. I would arrive at least 15 minutes early. There is a presentation before departure, and the crew asks passengers to be punctual because a late start affects everyone on board.

Once the boat leaves, the city opens up from the water. The first 45 minutes are for sitting back, finding a place on deck, and watching Alicante’s shoreline change. Santa Bárbara Castle is the key landmark, and seeing it from sea level gives you a different sense of the city’s position above the bay.

You can choose between several types of seating and standing space, though the exact arrangement may depend on the catamaran and how busy the departure is. The nets at the front are a popular place to watch the waves below. They are also exposed, so keep your sunglasses and phone secure, and avoid bringing anything you would be upset to lose.

The boat has a restroom, which matters on a three-hour outing. It also has an onboard bar. Your first beer, wine, or tinto de verano is included, along with water, juice, and soft drinks. You pay separately for more alcoholic drinks and any extra food.

A 90-minute stop near Cabo de las Huertas or La Albufereta

After about 45 minutes, the catamaran reaches a swimming area around Cabo de las Huertas or La Albufereta. The boat anchors, the live music begins in earnest, and you get roughly an hour and a half to choose how active you want to be.

If the sea conditions suit you, you can climb down for a swim or use the supplied mask and fins to look below the surface. Sailor-lifeguards are present during the snorkeling activity, which gives this stop a more reassuring setup than simply jumping from a boat without supervision.

Bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Flip-flops are useful on deck, but high-heeled shoes are not allowed. Jewelry is best left at your accommodation, especially if you plan to swim. Snorkeling tubes are not supplied for hygiene reasons, but you can buy one onboard for €5.

The stop is not only about swimming. You can remain on deck, listen to the musician, take in the bay behind you, and watch the afternoon light shift across the coast. This flexibility is one of the cruise’s strengths. You do not need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the outing.

There is one practical point to keep in mind: the boat’s position may put the swimming area in shade at times. If you are choosing the cruise mainly for a warm swim and sunbathing, conditions can affect how tempting the water feels. The water stop is still part of the schedule, but it is not a private beach day with guaranteed sun.

Live music, fruit, and a party atmosphere

The music is central to the experience. The onboard performer may play guitar as well as work with recorded music, and the crew sets a cheerful tone with music, dancing, and plenty of movement around the deck.

I would not describe this as a quiet sailing trip. One past account specifically praised the cruise for music, laughter, and dancing rather than romance and silence. That makes it a good match for friends, couples who enjoy a social outing, and anyone looking for an easygoing afternoon on the water.

The included food needs a clear explanation. The stated package includes welcome fruit, and you should plan around that. Melon slices have been served, and some departures have included pizza, but the dependable inclusion is fruit rather than a complete snack platter or meal. One drink is included, but additional alcoholic drinks and food are not.

That distinction matters at $61. If you compare the cruise with a dinner boat, the food allowance is modest. If you compare it with a three-hour catamaran trip that includes a swim, live entertainment, snorkeling equipment, and drinks, the price makes more sense.

What the return sail adds to the afternoon

After the swimming and music stop, the catamaran returns to Alicante in another 45-minute sail. The return leg gives you time to dry off, order another drink if you wish, and settle into the changing light.

This is often the prettiest part of the outing. The bay opens behind you, and the shore takes on a softer look as the afternoon moves toward evening. Depending on the season and conditions, you may watch the sun lower toward the horizon while the crew keeps the music going.

You should not assume a formal sunset cruise with a guaranteed sunset directly in front of you. The activity is scheduled in the late afternoon, and the light can be beautiful on the way back, but the exact view depends on the route, weather, and time of year.

The boat returns to the same starting point at Alicante’s port. Since pickup and drop-off are not provided, you arrange your own way to the meeting point and onward travel. The central port location is convenient if you are already in Alicante, but you should allow time to find the catamaran beside Noray bar.

Is $61 a good value?

At $61 per person, I see this as a midrange leisure outing rather than a bargain boat ride. You receive three hours on the catamaran, a 45-minute sail in each direction, one alcoholic drink, unlimited water and soft drinks, welcome fruit, live music, snorkeling masks and fins, sailor-lifeguards during the water activity, and use of the onboard restroom.

The strongest value comes from combining several small extras into one afternoon. A separate boat trip, drink, swim stop, and live music venue would quickly add up. Here, you get all of them without arranging several bookings.

The weaker value is the food. If you expect tapas, a generous snack, or a full lunch, you may feel shortchanged. The phrase appetizer can sound more substantial than the included fruit. I would eat beforehand or bring a proper meal before boarding, since outside food and drinks are not allowed on the boat.

The price also works best if you will actually use the swim stop. If you know you will stay seated for the full three hours, you are paying mainly for the cruise, scenery, music, and social setting. That can still be worthwhile, but the value is strongest for people who want both the boat ride and the Mediterranean water stop.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this outing if you want to see Alicante from the sea without committing to a full-day sailing trip. The three-hour length is practical. It fills an afternoon but leaves you time for dinner or another activity after returning to port.

It suits:

• Couples who enjoy music and a busy social setting
• Friends looking for a relaxed afternoon with drinks and swimming
• First-time visitors who want a different view of Alicante
• Swimmers who like the convenience of a boat-based water stop
• Anyone who enjoys sitting on deck and watching the coast pass by

I would think twice if you want a quiet, intimate cruise. The live music and party atmosphere are major parts of the outing, not background details. I would also look elsewhere if you want a serious snorkeling excursion, since the snorkeling equipment and stop are included as part of a broader cruise rather than as a dedicated underwater tour.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Large bags, luggage, coolers, pets, jewelry, and personal food and drinks are also prohibited. Keep your belongings small and secure. Alicante Catamaran does not accept responsibility for valuables that are lost, stolen, or broken.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. Sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and flip-flops will make the deck more comfortable, especially during the outward sail.

Do not bring high heels. They are not allowed, and flat footwear is more practical on a moving boat anyway. A small personal bag is preferable to a suitcase or large beach bag.

The cruise requires at least 15 people to operate. If that number is not reached, the operator will contact you about rescheduling or a refund. You also have free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Alicante plans are still changing.

The activity is offered with Spanish, French, English, and German support. That is useful during the predeparture presentation and for basic communication onboard, though the heart of the experience is the boat ride, music, and sea rather than a guided history talk.

My verdict: book it for music and swimming, not dinner

I would book the Alicante Afternoon Cruise with Appetizer and Live Music if I wanted a social afternoon on the Mediterranean, a supervised swim from a catamaran, and a fresh view of Alicante’s bay. The castle sightline, the nets over the water, and the late-day return sail give it plenty of character.

I would skip it if my priority were a quiet romantic boat ride, a filling meal, or a serious snorkeling session. The included fruit is light, the extra drinks and food cost more, and the music keeps the mood lively.

For the right person, $61 is reasonable. Arrive early, eat before boarding, pack a towel and sunscreen, and treat the food as a small extra rather than the main event. That way, you can focus on what this cruise does best: getting you out on the water, giving you a swim stop, and letting Alicante’s coastline provide the scenery.

FAQ

Where does the Alicante catamaran cruise depart?

It departs from the Adventurer Catamaran Alicante meeting point at the port, next to Noray bar and in front of Mundo de los Niños.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins. A presentation takes place before departure, and punctuality is requested.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours. The route includes about 45 minutes of sailing from Alicante to the swimming area, 1.5 hours of free time, swimming, and snorkeling, followed by another 45 minutes of sailing back.

Is food included?

Welcome fruit is included. Additional food is not included, so you should not expect a full meal. Extra food and alcoholic drinks can be purchased onboard.

What drinks are included?

You receive one beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Water, soft drinks, and juice are available without limit. Additional alcoholic drinks cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Masks and fins are provided, and sailor-lifeguards are present during the snorkeling activity. Snorkeling tubes are not provided, but you can purchase one onboard for €5.