If you've stood on Calpe beach staring out at the Peñón de Ifach rising from that impossibly blue Mediterranean water and thought I need to get out there — you're not alone. After ten years living on the Costa Blanca, I can tell you that experiencing Calpe from the sea is a completely different thing to lying on the beach watching it. The water here is extraordinary: calm, warm from late May onwards, and so clear in places you can see the seabed from a boat. This guide covers everything you need to know about Calpe boat trips and water sports in 2026 — from where to hire a kayak to which sailing excursion is worth your money.
Where to Base Yourself for Water Activities in Calpe
Almost everything water-related operates out of the Puerto Pesquero de Calpe (Calpe fishing port), which sits at the southern foot of the Peñón de Ifach. It's a working harbour — you'll see the fishing boats coming in early morning — and it has a fantastic atmosphere. Several charter companies and water sports outfits operate from the port or from the beach directly in front of it, Playa del Puerto.
If you're staying in a holiday rental in Calpe, most properties in the Zona Puerto area are a five-minute walk from the action. Apartments closer to Playa Arenal-Bol are also very convenient — you can rent kayaks and SUP boards directly off the beach there.
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Find rentals →Boat Trips Around the Peñón de Ifach
This is the one activity I genuinely recommend to every single visitor. Seeing the Peñón from the water — all 332 metres of it plunging straight into the sea — is genuinely jaw-dropping. Several operators run glass-bottom boat trips from the port (roughly €15–20 per adult, €10 for children), typically lasting 45 minutes to an hour. You'll drift around the base of the rock, peer down at sea caves and underwater rock formations, and likely spot sea bream, octopus, and if you're lucky, loggerhead turtles.
For something a bit more special, look for the sunset sailing trips that leave around 6:30–7pm in June. The light at that time of year on the Peñón is ridiculous — golden, warm, with the rock turning amber as the sun drops behind the mountains. I've done this three times and it never gets old. Prices are typically €35–45 per person including a drink.
My recommendation: Book through the port directly rather than via third-party booking platforms. You'll often get a better price and can negotiate if you're a group. Much like booking your holiday apartment directly saves you up to 18% compared to Airbnb, booking activities direct always pays off.
Kayaking in Calpe: My Favourite Activity
I'll be honest — kayaking around the Peñón de Ifach is probably my single favourite thing to do in Calpe. You can hire a single or double kayak from several rental points on Playa Arenal-Bol and Playa del Puerto (around €15–20 per hour). Paddle around the headland towards the nature reserve side of the rock and you'll discover sea caves, hidden coves, and crystal-clear water that's perfect for snorkelling if you bring a mask.
The Cova dels Coloms (Cave of the Pigeons), accessible only by water on the north face of the Peñón, is a highlight. In June the water is calm enough most mornings that it's perfectly accessible. Go early — by 10am the sea breeze typically picks up and paddling back can get tiring.
Tip: If you're a beginner, the sheltered southern side of the Peñón is much easier. The northern face gets more wind and chop.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) in Calpe
SUP has absolutely exploded on the Costa Blanca in recent years and Calpe is a great place to try it. The water in Playa Arenal-Bol is generally calm in the mornings, making it ideal for beginners. Rentals cost around €15–20 per hour and most operators include a quick lesson in the price.
For something more structured, there are SUP yoga classes operating in June on calm mornings — genuinely bizarre and brilliant in equal measure. Check the noticeboards at the port or ask at your rental accommodation.
Jet Skiing and Motorised Water Sports
If you want something faster, there are jet ski rentals operating from the beach area near the port. Expect to pay €60–80 for 30 minutes. You'll need to show a driving licence (in Spain, a car licence covers jet ski rental in shallow coastal areas with an operator). Parasailing also operates seasonally from Playa Arenal-Bol — worth it just for the aerial view of the Peñón.
Snorkelling and Diving in Calpe
Calpe's waters are part of the Parque Natural del Peñón de Ifach marine zone, which means they're protected and genuinely teeming with life. For snorkelling, the rocky areas on both sides of the Peñón are brilliant — you'll see ornate wrasse, sea bream, moray eels, and octopus without needing to go deep.
For scuba diving, Calpe has several dive centres offering PADI courses and guided dives. The underwater rock formations around the Peñón drop to around 40 metres in places, and the visibility in June is often 20 metres or more. There's also an artificial reef programme that has attracted a surprising amount of marine life.
Fishing Trips from Calpe Port
Calpe is a serious fishing town — the fishing fleet is one of the most active on the Costa Blanca and the Wednesday fish auction at the port (La Lonja) is a proper local institution. Several operators offer sport fishing excursions from the port, typically half-day trips targeting sea bass, bream, and amberjack. Prices start around €45–60 per person. If you catch something, some of the port restaurants will cook it for you.
Practical Information
Best time to go: June mornings are ideal — water temperature around 22–24°C, seas calm, no crowds yet. By mid-July the port gets busier and prices edge up.
Getting there: Calpe port is signposted from the N-332. There's paid parking at the port (around €2/hour in summer) and a free car park about 10 minutes' walk away near the Peñón hiking trailhead.
What to bring: Reef shoes (the rocky areas are sharp), waterproof sunscreen, and a waterproof phone case. Lockers are available at most water sports operators for a small fee.
Book in advance: In June things are still manageable, but by late June the sunset sailing trips fill up a week ahead. Don't leave it too late.
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Calpe from the sea is a completely different experience to Calpe from the beach — and it should be on every visitor's list. Whether you spend €15 on a kayak hire or splurge on a sunset sailing trip, getting out on that water is the highlight of any holiday here.
Ready to plan your trip? Browse our holiday rentals in Calpe and book direct to save up to 18% compared to Airbnb — that's money better spent on boat trips.
