Benidorm Boat Tours

Hidden coves, mountains that flow into the sea and magical sunsets. It's not all about partying in Benidorm. And what better way to discover this hidden side of the city than on board a boat.

Sonsoles Jimenez

Sonsoles Jimenez

11 min read

Benidorm Boat Tours

Bahia de Benidorm |©Luis Pérez Contreras

Following the coast from Benidorm to the north you can find some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Spanish Mediterranean coast. There are also some charming towns, such as Calpe and Denia. And only from the sea will you be able to contemplate its most spectacular postcard.

But a boat trip offers you much more. It's an ideal plan to spend some time with your family, to enjoy a romantic moment with your partner or just to experience one of the best things to do in Benidorm. Do you want to know more? Here I tell you about the best boat trips from Benidorm.

1. Cruise to enjoy the sunset in Denia

Aquarium II on the water|©JOHN BAILEY BSc MA FRICS
Aquarium II on the water|©JOHN BAILEY BSc MA FRICS

The sunset on the Levantine coast is magical. And the best way to let yourself be enveloped by it is on board a boat. On this cruise you won't just see the colours of the sunset on the horizon. You'll witness the sun set over the stunning scenery of the northern Costa Blanca. Without a doubt, this is one of the best activities you can organise in Benidorm.

The cruise that I propose starts from the port of Denia, a town located at the foot of the Montgó Natural Park and close to the Cabo de San Antonio Nature Reserve. Before the sun begins to set, the boat travels along a small stretch of coastline where you will see steep walls, the occasional secret cove and several caves.

One of these caves, perhaps the most spectacular on the Costa Blanca, is the Cova Tallada. This is a cave at sea level which for centuries was used as a quarry. The stone from which many of the monuments in the surrounding villages were built was extracted. Its natural pool, arches and galleries are spectacular.

The boat trip will not allow you to enter the cave, but you will be able to enjoy its beauty and the beauty of the cliffs that protect it. After contemplating it, and on the way back to the port, the sunset will be the companion of the trip and will put the finishing touch to one of the many activities you can do with children in Benidorm to create unforgettable memories.

Interesting details

  • Price: approximately 21 euros for adults. Children under 13 and over 65 get a discount. Babies up to three years old travel free.
  • What the excursion includes: boat trip along the coast and a drink on board (soft drink, soda or beer).
  • Advantages of this option: for those who want to enjoy a romantic experience, this is a perfect plan. Also for sailing with the family.
  • Disadvantages of this option: a minimum number of passengers is required for the trip.

2. Dinner cruise in Calpe

Tables and chairs, Calpe|©fife flickr
Tables and chairs, Calpe|©fife flickr

Now I suggest you go from Benidorm to Calpe. This is one of the most unique towns on the Costa Blanca, thanks to the imposing figure of the Peñón de Ifach. At its port you will board a modern catamaran that will allow you to see one of the most iconic postcards of the Spanish Levante from the sea.

On board the boat you can see how the shadow of the rock, reflected in the water, gives way to the sparkling lights of Calpe. A piece of advice? Take your mobile phone or camera fully charged because you won't be able to stop taking photos.

After an hour and a half of sailing you'll return to port for dinner. You'll probably have worked up an appetite, but don't worry, the best rice dishes and fish in the area will be waiting for you. If you like good food, you'll have a great time tasting some of the typical dishes of Alicante's gastronomy.

If you feel like rounding off the day and the experience, my recommendation is to organise a day trip to the coast. During the day you can admire the landscapes of part of Alicante's coastline from the land and, in the evening, you can do so from the sea.

Interesting details

  • Price: adults pay around 95 euros. Discounts are available for the over 65s and children under 13. Children under the age of three are free of charge.
  • Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes.
  • What this excursion includes: sailing, glass of champagne (adults) and soft drink (children) on board. Typical dinner with full menu.
  • Advantages of this option: in July and August there is the option of preferential access to the catamaran's net to enjoy the experience even more. In addition, it is possible to request a vegetarian menu with at least 24 hours' notice.
  • Disadvantages of this option: cruise and dinner must be taken on the same day.

3. A trip on a large catamaran in the bay of Denia

Catamaran on the shore|©Jess Loiterton
Catamaran on the shore|©Jess Loiterton

The bay of Denia is perfect if you just want to take a short but relaxing cruise on the Mediterranean waters. The image of its castle, perched on a large rock, is another of the most recognisable images of the Costa Blanca. On board a catamaran you will be able to contemplate it, as well as its beaches, its port or the mountains that surround the town.

If you choose this experience, you will sail on a special boat: an ecological catamaran that takes advantage of the force of the wind to glide smoothly over the surface of the sea. Let yourself be rocked by the gentle swaying of the catamaran and feel the sea breeze envelop you as you contemplate one of the most beautiful postcards to remember or share on social networks. You choose!

If you're looking for a fun plan to have a good time with the family, this cruise is perfect. The kids will feel like real adventurers or fearsome pirates. What's more, the duration of this trip, just one hour, means it won't be tiring for the little ones.

Interesting details

  • Price: approximately €14. Children under 10 and over 65 get a discount. Babies up to three years old travel free.
  • Duration: one hour.
  • What this excursion includes: sea tour.
  • Advantages of this option: it is an ideal activity to organise with children, even if they are very young.
  • Disadvantages of this option: for the more adventurous, the duration of the trip may be too short.

Rent your own boat

Boat on the water|©Sunset Holidays
Boat on the water|©Sunset Holidays

If you prefer to explore the coast at your own pace and enjoy total freedom to discover Benidorm's coastline, the alternative is to hire a boat. It's a more expensive option, but you'll have total flexibility to design an itinerary to your liking.

The types of boats you can hire are very varied and range from large catamarans to sailboats or smaller motor boats. Don't worry if you've never been at the helm before, in most cases there is a skippered charter option.

  • Price: from approximately 230 €. Prices vary according to the season and are higher at peak times.
  • Duration: the rental is usually for full days.
  • What this excursion includes: one day's sailing, with or without skipper.
  • Advantages of this option: freedom to organise the trip as you wish and without limitations. In addition, you can have the boat just for you and your adventurous companions.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the price is high and a full day's charter may be too much in some cases.

How to book a boat trip from Benidorm

Woman sitting on the phone|©Andrea Piacquadio
Woman sitting on the phone|©Andrea Piacquadio

Booking a boat trip from Benidorm is very easy. You can do it online in just three easy steps. First, of course, is to choose the experience you fancy. Then you will have to select the number of passengers and the date chosen for the activity.

If there are places, you will only have to enter the details of the participants, as well as an email address and a contact telephone number. The last step is to confirm the booking. You won't have to do anything else, just save the confirmation to present before boarding.

Just a quick note. If you are making plans in Benidorm in October or the months after, you should be aware of the weather. Even in winter it's usually mild, but there's a chance that the day you choose to board the boat may be inclement.

If bad weather forces you to cancel the activity, you'll have two options: you can either get your money back or change the date of the boat trip. If you are going to spend enough days in Benidorm, I recommend that you do not miss the opportunity to contemplate the landscapes of the Costa Blanca from the sea, they are really beautiful.

What will I see on this type of excursion?

Rock formation near the sea|©Ursula
Rock formation near the sea|©Ursula

The scenery varies slightly depending on which excursion you choose, although on all of them you will see a spectacular coastline. The coastal strip between the Natural Park of Serra Gelada to the cape of San Vicente and Denia is really beautiful and has nothing to do with the urban image of Benidorm.

The Peñon de Ifach in Calpe, mountains that die in the sea in the form of cliffs or those beaches that you will enjoy if the weather is good are some of the places you will see from the sea. With a bit of luck, you'll also be able to see some of the varied marine fauna of this area, or even the occasional dolphin!

Tips for a boat trip from Benidorm

comfortable shoes on the bench|©JESHOOTS.com
comfortable shoes on the bench|©JESHOOTS.com

To have a great time on board you won't need much. The most important thing is the desire to have fun. However, it never hurts to have a few tips:

  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes: Ideally, wear clothes that allow you to move freely and shoes that have a good grip and are waterproof.
  • Take a jacket: if you choose an afternoon boat trip as part of your plans to enjoy Benidorm in September, don't forget to take something warm, it will be hot during the day, but when the sun goes down it can get cooler.
  • Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses- they're a must for any daytime boat trip. Remember, even if it's winter or cloudy, you should still protect yourself from the sun's rays to avoid sunburn.
  • Make sure you arrive at the meeting point well in advance, so that no unforeseen delay can ruin your excursion.
  • Don't forget to bring your reservation, either printed on paper or on your mobile phone. It is essential to enjoy the experience.
  • If you are prone to seasickness, you may not enjoy the boat trip. If you want to see the Costa Blanca from the sea, there are alternatives. I suggest you take part in one of the kayaking activities in Benidorm. There are activities for all levels.

How long are the boat trips from Benidorm?

Distant view of the boat|©SGL
Distant view of the boat|©SGL

The duration is usually short, between an hour and an hour and a half of sailing. However, you should bear in mind that those that include dinner will take at least another hour and a half.

There is another important aspect: the journey to Calpe or Denia if the excursion departs from either of these towns. It doesn't take long to get there from Benidorm, between 25 and 40 minutes, but it is essential that you don't forget it so that the boat doesn't set sail without you.

In any case, adding dinner and travel to the cruise, the boat trips don't take up much time, which is why they are a good alternative to combine with other activities. Here's just one idea: enjoy the day at one of the best water parks in Benidorm and then relax and watch the sunset from a boat. Great, don't you think?

How much does a boat trip from Benidorm cost?

People with money in hand|©cottonbro studio
People with money in hand|©cottonbro studio

The price will depend on the route you choose. Generally speaking, it's one of the most affordable activities you can enjoy if you opt for the sailing-only experiences. Adults pay from 12 euros for shorter excursions. When it comes to dinner cruises, the price can rise to around €100.

Please note, seniors and children pay less. Discounts usually start at 10% and can be as much as 40% for children. However, the age at which these discounts apply to children may vary. In some cases the limit is 10 years, while in others it is 14 years.

Why is it advisable to take a boat trip from Benidorm?

Boat harbour|©Izzys
Boat harbour|©Izzys

The main reason is to admire the semi-wild landscapes that the Costa Blanca also hides, the northern ones are the most spectacular in the province of Alicante, and they are just a stone's throw away from Benidorm! But there are other good reasons:

  • To spend some time of absolute relaxation after a tiring day enjoying all that Benidorm has to offer.
  • Todiscover the contrasts between an almost virgin stretch of coastline and the silhouette of some of the most attractive tourist towns on the Costa Blanca.
  • A boat trip is one of the most fun activities to do alone, as a couple or with the family.
  • For the most part, they are experiences within the reach of any budget.
  • From the coast you will see places on land so beautiful that you will surely want to visit them on foot, such as the viewpoint of Cape San Antonio or the Rock of Ifach. It is therefore a good way to plan other excursions.
  • The boat trip from Benidorm is an activity that you can do at any time of the year. You can include it in your plans to do in Benidorm in August or even in December. The weather on the Costa Blanca allows for calm sailing for most of the year.

When is the best time to take a boat trip from Benidorm?

Boat with a view from afar|©.Martin.
Boat with a view from afar|©.Martin.

The Costa Blanca enjoys a very pleasant climate for most of the year. In fact, the sun shines here more than 300 days a year, and the average annual temperature is around 19 degrees Celsius. To give you an idea, even in the month of December it is very difficult to get below 13 ºC, the average is between 16 and 18 ºC.

This means that you can enjoy a boat trip at almost any time of the year. Sunset cruises are especially pleasant in the warmer months: milder temperatures than during the day and the sea breeze create a great atmosphere for sailing and viewing the scenery from the deck.

What about daytime cruises? The truth is that these experiences can be enjoyed at any time. However, in spring, autumn and winter, the warmest, central hours of the day are the most recommended.