San Juan Beach, Cabo Huertas Alicante: Rental Bike & snorkel

If you’re considering a day out in Alicante that combines a bit of activity, some scenic views, and a splash of the water, this rental bike and snorkeling tour at Cabo de las Huertas and Playa de San Juan might catch your eye. While it’s not a perfect experience, it offers enough to make it worth a look — especially if you’re after a relaxed, affordable way to see part of the Valencian coast.

What we like about this tour is the chance to explore both land and sea at a gentle pace. You’ll get to hop on a bike to discover some historic sights like the Torres de la Huerta and then cool off with snorkeling in clear waters at Cala Palmera and nearby coves. Plus, the inclusion of a local tapa and drink at the end is a nice touch, grounding the experience in regional flavor.

However, a potential consideration is the mixed quality of the equipment and service. As some reviews highlight, not everything runs smoothly, and the lack of guided support can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Still, this tour is best suited for those who enjoy independent exploration and don’t mind a bit of adventure in their day.

If you’re after a budget-friendly, flexible way to combine cycling, snorkeling, and some local bites, this experience could fit well into your Alicante plans. It’s particularly suitable if you’re comfortable navigating on your own and want to keep things simple and informal.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At $28 per person, this tour offers decent value considering the activities included.
• Self-Guided Flexibility: No guide is included, so you’ll need to navigate on your own with provided maps and tools.
• Balanced Experience: Combines land-based cycling with water-based snorkeling, giving a varied day out.
• Limited Equipment Quality: Some travelers mentioned the bikes and snorkeling gear could be better maintained.
• Authentic Local Touch: Ending with a typical Spanish tapa and drink adds a regional flavor.
• Potential for Disappointment: Mixed reviews suggest not everything runs perfectly; some find the organization lacking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from Your Day in Cabo Huertas and San Juan Beach

This experience is designed to give you a taste of Alicante’s coastal charm without overwhelming you. Starting at the Blue Valley Store, you’ll rent a bike — either a trekking or city style — and then set off to explore an area that’s historically significant and scenically beautiful.

The Bike Ride Through Historic and Natural Sites

The main highlight on land is touring the area around the Torres de la Huerta, ancient lookout towers that once served as defense points or watchtowers. The ride is leisurely, giving you time to take in the scenery and maybe snap a few photos. We loved the way the route offers a glimpse into local history while allowing space for some fresh air.

The bikes themselves are described as somewhat “trashy” by some users, but they come with helmets and functional brakes. If you’re used to riding regularly, this might not bother you, but if you’re picky about equipment, it’s good to be aware. The map provided makes navigation straightforward, but you’ll probably find Google Maps helpful if you want to double-check your route.

Snorkeling in the Clear Waters

After the land tour, the water activity kicks in. You’ll head to Cala Palmera and other coves like Cala Cantalares and Almadraba, where the waters are generally described as crystal-clear, inviting for a snorkel. The snorkeling gear is reported to be clean and seemingly new by some travelers, which is promising if you’re wary of gear quality.

Snorkeling in these spots, you’ll get a chance to see aquatic life and the vibrant underwater scenery that makes the Mediterranean coast so appealing. It’s a straightforward activity, but one that’s often appreciated for its relaxing, immersive qualities. Just keep in mind that some reviews suggest the snorkeling sites are “okay,” meaning if you’re expecting a vibrant reef or abundant marine life, you might find it modest.

Ending with Local Flavor

The tour concludes at Playa de San Juan, sometimes called the “California of the Mediterranean” for its long sandy stretch and lively vibe. Here, you can unwind with a cold beer, water, or soft drink along with a snack, which rounds off the day nicely. The setting is perfect for relaxing after a day of light activity, and the beach itself is a highlight, offering a great spot to soak up the sun and people-watch.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What’s Not

The cost of $28 per person makes this a pretty accessible option. Included in that price are rental bikes, snorkel gear, insurance, and a map of Alicante. The drinks and snacks (beer, water, or soft drinks) are also part of the package, which is a nice touch for keeping you refreshed.

What’s missing is a guide, meaning you need to be comfortable exploring independently. The activity starts at the Blue Valley Store and ends back there, so plan for your own transportation to and from the meeting point.

Flexibility and Planning

You can reserve your spot and pay later, which is handy if your plans aren’t set in stone. Cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance, giving you some peace of mind if your schedule changes unexpectedly.

The Realities of the Experience: Balancing the Pros and Cons

While some travelers have enjoyed this experience, reviews clearly show it’s a mixed bag. On the positive side, one traveler said, “This was a fun thing to do, they guys at the venue were very nice and obliging. The bikes were somewhat trashy, but the helmets and brakes worked fine. The snorkeling equipment was very clean and seemed new.” That’s a good sign for those who want a relaxed day without too many frills.

On the flip side, a reviewer was quite disappointed, noting, “If I could give it zero stars, I would. We were given no help or direction, and the equipment was poorly maintained. We got hurt due to the lack of guidance, and the photos were misleading.” This highlights the importance of being prepared for a somewhat DIY adventure.

The key is to weigh whether you’re comfortable with minimal supervision and potentially uneven equipment. The lack of a guide can be a plus if you prefer independence, but it might be frustrating if you’re expecting more structured support.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, do-it-yourself approach. If you’re comfortable navigating with a map, don’t mind some equipment that might not be pristine, and want a budget-friendly way to see parts of Alicante’s coast, this tour could work for you. It’s also good if you’re looking for a simple combination of cycling and snorkeling without a lot of added extras.

However, if you’re after guided commentary, high-end gear, or a more organized tour, this might not meet your expectations. It’s a pretty informal outing, so keep that in mind when planning.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this rental bike and snorkeling tour offers decent value for those wanting a flexible, low-cost way to explore Alicante’s coast and enjoy some water fun. The experience’s charm lies in its simplicity — you get to see some local sights, snorkel in clear waters, and relax with a regional snack.

But it’s important to go in prepared for a bit of chaos — equipment might not be top-notch, and the organization can be hit or miss. If you’re someone who’s comfortable exploring independently, this trip can be a fun and affordable way to spend part of your day in Alicante.

For travelers who prioritize a guided experience or high-quality gear, it might be worth looking at other options. But if you’re flexible and seeking a relaxed, authentic taste of the Valencian coast, this could be a good fit.

FAQ: Questions and Answers

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling gear is included in the tour, and it’s described as clean and seemingly new.

Can I reserve this tour and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.

Is there a guide with this tour?
No, there isn’t a guide included, so you’ll be exploring independently with a provided map.

How long does the tour last?
It’s valid for one day, but the specific start times depend on availability. The tour ends back at the starting point.

Are the bikes suitable for all levels?
The bikes are functional but described as somewhat “trashy” by some, so they might not be ideal if you prefer high-end equipment.

What are the main stops on this tour?
You’ll visit the Torres de la Huerta, snorkel at Cala Palmera and nearby coves, and conclude at Playa de San Juan.

Is this trip family-friendly?
It’s not explicitly marketed as family-oriented, but it could be suitable for older children who are comfortable on bikes and snorkeling.

How crowded does it get?
The tour is small and independent, so crowd levels depend on your timing and season.

Is the snorkeling worth it?
Most travelers find the waters clear and the snorkeling decent, but don’t expect a vibrant reef — it’s more about the experience than marine spectacle.

If you’re after a laid-back, budget-friendly day combining cycling, snorkeling, and local bites, this Alicante experience might be just what you need. Just go in with realistic expectations and a sense of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: