Alicante is one of the best spots in the Mediterranean to enjoy the sea. Whether it's your first time on a boat or you're an experienced sailor, a few practical tips can make the difference between a good day out and a perfect one. This guide covers everything you need to know before setting sail from Alicante harbour.
Choose the right time of year
The Costa Blanca enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, but not every month is the same for sailing:
- April-May and September-October: pleasant temperatures (22-26°C), calm seas, fewer tourists and lower prices. If it's your first time sailing, these months are ideal.
- June-August: peak season. Temperatures reach 30-35°C and the wind is stable (westerly in the morning, gentle easterly in the afternoon). Perfect for anchoring and swimming.
- Winter (November-March): for experienced sailors. Short days and possible storms, but the coast is empty and the light is spectacular.
Wind and wave forecasts are essential. Before any trip, check the AEMET coastal forecast for the Alicante area and sea conditions off Cabo de Santa Pola. Conditions change quickly in the western Mediterranean: a calm day can turn to easterly winds in a matter of hours, especially during the transitional months.
If you're looking for the ideal combination of good weather and competitive prices, the first half of June and the second half of September are the sweet spot of the season. Calm seas, comfortable water temperatures (22-24°C) and boat availability without the saturation of July and August.
What to bring on board (and what not to)
Packing for a day at sea is simpler than you might think. The essentials:
- SPF 50+ sunscreen: UV radiation multiplies at sea due to water reflection. Reapply every 2 hours.
- Polarized sunglasses: they cut water glare and reduce eye strain.
- Hat or cap with a strap: the wind takes anything that isn't secured.
- White-soled shoes: dark soles mark the deck. White flip-flops or barefoot is best.
- Light layer: even in August, the evening breeze can be cool. A thin hoodie or packable windbreaker.
- Waterproof phone pouch: protects electronics from salt spray and splashes.
- Swimsuit and towel: seems obvious, but more than one person forgets when the trip starts early.
- Extra snacks and water: although the boat includes drinks and appetizers, having your own water bottle helps maintain constant hydration.
What NOT to bring: rigid suitcases (they won't fit below deck), heels, dark-soled street shoes, excessive luggage. A small backpack is enough.
For a detailed checklist of what to pack, check out our complete guide to what to bring on a boat trip.
Prevent seasickness (before it starts)
Seasickness is the number one fear of first-time sailors. The good news: on a large sailboat (over 15 metres) the motion is far less than on small motorboats. Still, these tips help:
- Take Dramamine or similar 1 hour before boarding. This is by far the most effective measure.
- Eat a light breakfast — but don't board on an empty stomach, which makes nausea worse.
- Look at the horizon if you start feeling unwell. Avoid looking at your phone or reading.
- Stay on deck where there's ventilation and visual reference to the surroundings.
- Ginger: ginger tablets or a fresh piece are a natural remedy backed by scientific evidence.
- Avoid alcohol before sailing. A beer at the harbour seems harmless, but alcohol sensitizes the inner ear and accelerates seasickness.
In most cases, once the boat anchors and the motion stops, seasickness disappears within minutes. And a reassuring fact: 90% of people who take Dramamine before boarding feel absolutely nothing during the crossing.
Know the basic safety rules
You don't need to be an expert sailor to enjoy a day at sea, but it's worth knowing the fundamentals:
- Listen to the skipper's briefing before departure. They'll explain where life jackets are, how the head works and the safe zones on deck.
- Don't sit on the bow while sailing — the sheets (lines holding the sails) move fast and can hit you.
- Always hold on with one hand when moving around the deck while underway.
- Respect designated swimming zones. Before jumping in, confirm with the skipper that the boat is anchored and the engine is off.
- Stay hydrated. Sun, wind and salt dehydrate you without you noticing. Drink water regularly.
- Speak up if you feel unwell. Don't wait until the discomfort is obvious — the sooner you say something, the sooner action can be taken (changing course, anchoring in a sheltered cove).
Safety on a charter boat with a professional skipper is very high. The captain has years of experience sailing the Alicante coast, knows every cove and every current, and has all emergency training up to date. Your only job is to relax and enjoy.
Choose the duration based on your plans
If you've never sailed before, a half-day trip (4 hours) is enough to get a feel for it. If you want to visit Tabarca Island and its marine reserve, you'll need at least 8 hours to get there, eat and enjoy snorkelling.
| Duration | Possible destinations | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | Nearby coves: Postiguet, Almadraba, Cabo de las Huertas | First experience, families with kids |
| 6 hours | Nearby coves + San Juan Beach | Swimming + relaxed sailing |
| 8 hours | Tabarca + restaurant + coves | Full day with lunch |
| 11 hours | Tabarca + multiple coves + paddle surf | Premium experience |
For a detailed description of each route and what's included, check out our complete guide to boat excursions in Alicante.
If you're considering organising a celebration (birthday, hen/stag do, corporate event), we have a specific guide for boat parties with everything you need to know about catering, music and logistics.
Respect the marine environment
Alicante's coast is home to posidonia oceanica meadows — a protected ecosystem vital to the health of the Mediterranean. Posidonia produces oxygen, absorbs CO₂, protects the coastline from erosion and is the habitat of hundreds of marine species. Some responsible sailing tips:
- Don't anchor on posidonia. The anchor rips out plants that take decades to regenerate. Look for sandy bottoms — the skipper knows exactly where they are.
- Don't throw anything overboard. No cigarette butts, plastics or food waste. Everything goes back to shore.
- Respect marine life. If you see dolphins or turtles, keep your distance and turn off the engine.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen when possible — conventional chemical filters harm corals and posidonia.
- Don't collect shells, starfish or other organisms. They're part of the ecosystem, not souvenirs.
The Tabarca Marine Reserve has specific regulations: maximum speed of 3 knots within the reserve, no spearfishing and anchoring only in designated zones with eco-buoys. On our trips we always comply with regulations and explain what you're seeing under the water.
Documentation and regulations in Alicante
If you're hiring a boat with a professional skipper, you don't need any qualifications. The skipper handles all legal and operational matters. But if you're curious:
- Boats up to 6 metres and 15 HP require no licence in Spain (daytime navigation, up to 2 miles from shore).
- PER (Recreational Boat Licence): allows you to skipper boats up to 15 metres. Around 25 hours of training + exam.
- Navigation licence: for jet skis and boats up to 6m. 6-hour course with no exam.
For hiring a large sailboat with a group, the most comfortable and safest option is always to book with a skipper included. That way you forget about paperwork and enjoy the day.
How much does sailing in Alicante cost?
The price depends on the duration and the season. In low season (April-May, October), groups of up to 11 people can go sailing from €450 on a private 19-metre sailboat with everything included: skipper, fuel, insurance, appetizers and drinks on board.
For the complete table of rates by season and duration, visit our Alicante boat hire pricing guide 2026.
Book your experience
If you want to compare options between sailboat, catamaran and motor yacht, we have a complete comparison of yacht hire in Alicante with prices and capacities.
Ready to set sail? Get in touch via WhatsApp and we'll help you choose the best date and option for your group:
