Santa Pola is a lively fishing town on Spain’s Costa Blanca, well-known for its beautiful beaches, lively marina, and nearby island of Tabarca. What makes Santa Pola especially appealing for travelers are the diverse tours and experiences available, whether you’re after a relaxing cruise, an active snorkeling session, or a fun day at Pola Park. We particularly like the return taxi boat to Tabarca for its convenience and the sailboat sunset trip for its relaxing vibe and local wine. But there’s more—like the snorkel trips and scuba dives that let you explore the vibrant marine life of the area. Whatever your interest, Santa Pola offers something for every type of traveler.
The options vary from quick hops on water taxis to full-day excursions, making it easy to tailor your trip to fit your schedule and budget. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or family fun, this list highlights the best tours and experiences in Santa Pola with detailed insights to help you choose.
1. Santa Pola: Return Taxi Boat Ticket to Tabarca Island
Taking the taxi boat to Tabarca is one of the simplest ways to reach this charming island. The 15-minute water taxi ride offers a quick, safe, and flexible way to visit, with the option to stay overnight if you wish. Once on the island, you can explore its coves, beaches, marina, and clear waters, making it a perfect day trip or short overnight escape. The boat service boasts a high rating of 4.6/5 from over 580 reviews, reflecting its reliability and popularity.
What sets this experience apart is the flexible return schedule, allowing you to spend more time on Tabarca if you desire. It’s ideal for travelers who want a low-stress, direct route to the island and the freedom to plan their visit around their interests. The boat’s safety record and comfort make it a no-brainer for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting to experience Tabarca without the hassle of complicated arrangements.
Bottom Line: If you want a quick, dependable way to hop to Tabarca Island with the flexibility to stay longer, this water taxi is your best bet.
2. Santa Pola: Tabarca Catamaran Cruise with Underwater Vision
For those who prefer a more leisurely journey, the Tabarca catamaran cruise offers a relaxing ride with the added thrill of underwater viewing. The modern vessel features an underwater vision port, letting you glimpse the sea life beneath without getting wet. The round trip includes time on the island, but the real highlight is the deck experience, where you can soak up impressive sea views while reclining.
Rated 4.4/5 by over 460 reviews, this cruise appeals to travelers looking for comfort and scenic beauty. Its easy online booking and positive reviews about the boat’s cleanliness and service quality make it a reliable choice. Visitors love that the trip offers a mix of relaxation and sightseeing, with many noting how smooth and enjoyable the crossing is.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a comfortable, scenic cruise with a peek at marine life and a laid-back vibe, especially if you appreciate a modern vessel with underwater views.
3. From Santa Pola: Snorkel Trip in Tabarca Island
The snorkeling experience on Tabarca is a fantastic way to get close to the sea’s vibrant ecosystem. During this 3-hour trip, you’ll explore the island’s seabed, learning how to snorkel with a mask and tube if you’re new to the sport. The tour includes guided assistance and takes you to the best underwater spots, where colorful fish and intriguing rock formations await.
Rated 4.4/5 with 79 reviews, many travelers mention how well-organized and personal the trip is. The small group size (4 people per guide) allows for personalized attention, making it suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. The tour also includes a tour of the island after snorkeling, enriching the experience with cultural insights.
Value for money is high at $52 per person, especially considering the quality of the equipment and the personalized guidance. It’s ideal for families or anyone wanting a hands-on, immersive experience in the Mediterranean waters.
Bottom Line: If you’re eager to see marine life up close and enjoy a well-organized, friendly outing, this snorkel trip offers excellent value and memorable underwater sights.
4. Santa Pola: 3-Hour Scuba Diving near Tabarca
For certified divers or those keen to learn, the scuba diving experience near Tabarca is unbeatable. Led by professional instructors, this 3-hour dive explores the local seabed, revealing the colorful fish, rocky formations, and perhaps even some small octopus. The trip includes all equipment and a soft drink afterward—perfect for winding down after your underwater adventure.
Rated 4.8/5 from 20 reviews, divers appreciate the expert guidance and well-maintained gear. The small group size ensures safety and personalized attention, making it suitable even for less experienced divers with some prior knowledge. The cost of $96 represents good value when considering the professional instruction and equipment.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a guided, high-quality dive experience, this tour offers a superb chance to explore Santa Pola’s underwater world with safety and ease.
5. Santa Pola: Sailboat trips to Tabarca, snorkeling, and sunset with tasting
This luxurious sailboat trip combines sailing, snorkeling, and a spectacular sunset experience. Over 4 hours, the boat glides around Santa Pola’s coast, sailing to Tabarca and stopping for snorkelling in the protected waters. The trip ends with a sunset view from the deck, accompanied by a glass of local wine. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking romance and relaxation.
Rated 5/5 with only 4 reviews, this trip stands out for its peaceful atmosphere and small group setting. The crew’s friendliness and the affordable price make it a good value for a memorable evening. The sailing at sunset offers one of the most Instagram-worthy moments in the area.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups looking for a romantic, scenic experience with the added bonus of wine tasting and snorkeling.
6. Santa Pola: Pola Park Entry Ticket
When you’re ready for family fun, Pola Park is a lively amusement park with thrilling rides, water slides, arcade games, and mini golf. The entry ticket costs around $11, and the park is perfect for children and adults alike. It’s a great way to spend a day away from the sea, especially if the weather turns or you need a break from water-based activities.
Rated 4.1/5 from 41 reviews, visitors especially enjoy the water rides and family attractions. The park provides a full day of entertainment, making it worthwhile for families with kids or groups looking for an active, fun day.
Bottom Line: For a lively, family-friendly day out, Pola Park offers a range of rides and activities that hold everyone’s interest.
7. From Valencia: Isla Tabarca Day Trip with Catamaran Ride
This full-day trip from Valencia combines transport, guided touring, and free time on Isla Tabarca. You’ll enjoy a catamaran ride from Santa Pola, with stops for snorkeling, sightseeing, and exploring the small island’s historic sites. The tour includes a brief visit to learn about the island’s history as a refuge for Barbary pirates.
Rated 4.7/5 from 7 reviews, travelers value the comprehensive itinerary and well-paced day. The longer duration makes it suitable for those wanting a more in-depth experience, including scenic views on the way and free time on the island.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers based in Valencia wanting a full-day exploration of Isla Tabarca with the convenience of organized transport and guided tours.
8. Santa Pola: Gin and Tonic Tasting and Sunset Sailboat Ride
For lovers of craft gin and serene views, this 2-hour sunset sail combines gin tasting with a peaceful sail around Santa Pola’s bay. The small group experience allows for intimate tasting sessions and stunning sunset views over the water.
Rated 5/5 from 1 review, it’s a niche experience that appeals to those wanting something a bit different. The combination of sailing, sunset, and gin makes it unique, and the price of $76 is reasonable for an evening of sophisticated fun.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want to combine a relaxing boat ride with taste-testing local spirits as the sun sets.
$76 per person
9. Alicante: Paddle Surf Board Rental
If you prefer independent exploration, renting a paddle surf board is a flexible way to enjoy the Costa Blanca waters. The rental includes 2 hours of unlimited use, and the boards can be delivered to your chosen spot, giving you total freedom.
With no reviews yet, this experience is best suited for adventurous travelers comfortable with paddling and balance. It provides a fun, active way to explore at your own pace, ideal for solo adventurers or groups looking for personal space.
Bottom Line: For those who like independent fun and physical activity, a paddle surf board rental offers the chance to explore local beaches and coves at your leisure.
$29 per person
10. From Santa Pola and Elche: Algar Waterfalls with Transfer
This half-day tour takes you to the Algar Waterfalls, a series of cascading waterfalls perfect for swimming and relaxing. After a scenic drive, you’ll enjoy about 2 hours at the park, walking along scenic trails, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and admiring the lush surroundings.
Rated 4.8/5, travelers highlight the beautiful scenery and refreshing dips. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels and offers a great break from the coast. The scenic drive combined with the waterfalls makes for a memorable outing.
Bottom Line: Excellent for nature lovers and families seeking a cool, scenic escape from the beach.
11. Paragliding adventure in Santa Pola from Alicante, including pick-up in a van
For the adrenaline junkies, the paragliding experience offers breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Pola and the surrounding landscape. The 1.5-hour guided flight includes photo and video souvenirs, plus convenient pick-up from your accommodation in Alicante or nearby.
Rated 5/5, this tour is praised for the professional assistance and stunning vistas. It’s best suited for thrill-seekers with a moderate level of fitness, and the included transportation makes it easy to access the flight site.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime view of Santa Pola from the sky, this guided paragliding adventure provides a safe, exhilarating experience.
12. Santa Pola: 2 Hour Rental Boat
For independent explorers, renting a private boat is a perfect way to see Santa Pola’s coast at your own pace. The 2-hour rental can accommodate up to 6 people, no license required, and includes local tips from fishermen who know the area well. You can drive yourself and even catch your own fish for a fresh meal.
Rated 5/5, the experience is highly rated for its flexibility, affordability, and personalized service. It’s suitable for small groups, families, or couples wanting a customized day on the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want self-guided exploration and a chance to catch fish or just relax along Santa Pola’s scenic shoreline.
$170 per group up to 6
How to Choose Your Santa Pola Tour
When selecting the ideal tour, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. For a quick and easy visit to Tabarca, the taxi boat is perfect, while active travelers might prefer snorkeling or scuba diving. If you’d like a relaxed, scenic experience, the sailboat sunset trip or the gin tasting are excellent choices.
For families or groups, Pola Park offers a fun day out, whereas adventure seekers should look into paragliding or boat rentals. Booking early is advised, especially for popular trips like the full-day Isla Tabarca or paragliding adventures.
Final Thoughts
Santa Pola’s vibrant array of tours and experiences offers something for all—from tranquil boat rides and snorkeling adventures to adrenaline-pumping paragliding. For a family-friendly day, Pola Park can keep the kids entertained, while couples seeking romance will love the sunset sail and wine tasting. Adventure travelers will find plenty of options, including scuba dives or self-guided boat rentals.
Our recommendations are to consider your interests and pace—if you want a quick taste of Tabarca, the taxi boat is your best bet; for a full-day immersion, the Valencia island trip delivers. Whatever you choose, Santa Pola’s rich seaside environment guarantees a memorable experience. Be sure to book early to secure your spot for the most popular tours, and enjoy your time exploring this lively coastal town.