Many tourists prefer certain coastal regions to spend their holidays or enjoy a long weekend during the year. Among the tourist attractions offered, certain water sports can be practiced. Among so many options, snorkeling is one.
A few years ago, I spent my vacation in Murcia, Spain, and learned about a nearby city where snorkeling is very popular: Alicante. As a sports lover, I ran to find more information and went there to practice the sport. Today, I will share with you my experience in this charming city.
Table of Contents
- Snorkeling in Alicante: Discover Underwater Paradise
- What Is Snorkeling?
- Meet Alicante
- The Best Places To Do Alicante Snorkeling
- Enjoy Your Private Paradise in Villa Murcia!
- Alicante Is A Paradise For Snorkeling Enthusiasts
What Is Snorkeling?
If you’ve come across this article, it’s likely because you know about snorkeling and want to know about places suitable for the activity. But if that’s not the case, I’ll briefly explain.
Snorkeling is the term for a free diving sport in which the diver stays submerged in the sea and breathes through a snorkel—a tube attached to the diving mask and placed in the diver’s mouth. Some also use fins as necessary equipment during this occasion.
Meet Alicante
Alicante, located on the beautiful Costa Blanca and one hour from Murcia, is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations. The province is known for its sunny beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich history.
Its capital is the city of Alicante, and it has 26 municipalities with more than 20.000 inhabitants, making it one of the provinces with the highest degree of urbanization.
Snorkeling In Alicante
Alicante is a true paradise for snorkelers. The Mediterranean Sea bathes its shores with diverse marine life, making the underwater environment a thriving space for exploration. Alicante’s warm waters and excellent visibility make this location perfect for divers of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. This experience is a nice and pleasing option for families and groups of friends who are passionate about the ocean, nature, and adventure.
If you don’t have snorkeling equipment, most places in Alicante have companies that specialize in water sports. You can contact them to request information and book the package that best suits you. Packages usually include instructors and facilities such as free cancellation.
The Best Places To Do Alicante Snorkeling
There are many options for snorkeling in Alicante. I visited some that I can recommend, but if you spend more time in the region, you can discover many other places (that I’m sure will be awesome).
Santa Pola
It is one of the most famous destinations in the province.
Santa Pola is located south of Alicante and is known for its beaches and waters, which are rich in marine life. Santa Pola also has environmental protection areas, such as the Salinas de Santa Pola, which offer stunning scenery and additional opportunities to explore nature. The beaches there are very well structured and accommodate people very well, with all the facilities we need, such as bathrooms, umbrella and chair rentals, and lifeguards, making the snorkeling experience even safer.
The Tabarca Island Marine Reserve
Tabarca, or Isla Plana, is the only inhabited island in the Region of Valencia. Tabarca Island, located about 22 km off the coast of Alicante, is Spain’s first marine reserve. The island is simply incredible, with crystal-clear waters and a vibrant biodiversity. The snorkeling experience there is exceptional; there are many coral reefs and colorful marine life to be explored, and the water certainly helps you have a magnificent view of everything. In addition to the sports, the beaches on the island are very calm, perfect for families or people looking for relaxation.
Playa La Granadella
Cala Granadella, in Jávea, is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited. Crystal clear, turquoise waters, a variety of marine life, and lots of nature all around make any activity on this beach simply spectacular. I saw many people kayaking on the beach, too.
El Campello
Located in the heart of the Costa Blanca, El Campello has 23 kilometers of coastline with beautiful beaches offering a contrasting landscape, along with wide, sandy beaches like Muchavista, cliffs, and small coves, such as La Coveta Fuma or La Venta La Nuza. The good thing about El Campello is that in addition to having water sports on most of its beaches, you have many facilities available on the beaches, such as bathrooms and restaurant and bar options (who doesn’t like a soft drink after a long day at the beach, right?).
Cala Sardinera
Cala Sardinera, also in Jávea, is a secluded cove known for its natural beauty and crystal clear waters. The tranquil spot is perfect for snorkeling, with abundant marine life and Posidonia meadows. Access can be a bit tricky to get there (either by trail or by boat), which helps keep it preserved and less crowded. I loved spending time with my family on this beach, enjoying an intimate and peaceful experience with nature.
Calpe
Calpe is famous for its iconic Penyal d’Ifac, a huge rock jutting out into the sea. The waters around Calpe are clear and home to a wide variety of marine life, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling. Beaches such as Cala Les Urques and Cala El Racó (the second one is located just below the Penyal d’Ifac behind the port) are popular with snorkelers, offering easy access and rich opportunities for underwater exploration. Calpe also offers a vibrant nightlife and a variety of dining options.
When To Snorkel In Alicante?
The best time to snorkel in Alicante is during the warm months between May and October. The water temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 19°C to 26°C, allowing you to explore the underwater world comfortably. However, the year’s coldest months are not so severe in the region, which means the activity is carried out throughout the whole year. Remember that summer tends to be busier, so consider snorkeling at other times of the year, during the week or the day, to avoid crowds.
General Rules for Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a popular water sport due to the versatility and safety it provides to its fans. Because it is a safe activity and quite simple to carry out, snorkeling is possible in all situations without needing previous experience. However, it is still important to follow some rules for this practice for the greatest possible safety:
- It is essential to know how to swim;
- It is not suitable or recommended for pregnant women;
- An adult must accompany children;
- Sometimes, the activity is not indicated if the weather conditions or the state of the sea are not good.
Enjoy Your Private Paradise in Villa Murcia!
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Highlights:
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Alicante Is A Paradise For Snorkeling Enthusiasts
From the historic Tabarca Island to the tranquil coves of Granadella and Cala Sardinera, each location offers an unforgettable experience. With crystal-clear waters and vibrant biodiversity, the province of Alicante invites visitors to discover its underwater wonders and enjoy moments of pure beauty and adventure. Pack your gear and dive into the enchanting waters of the Costa Blanca!
