Visit the Underwater Wine Cellar by Boat with Tapas Tasting and Medieval Castle

Planning an outing that combines wine, sea, and history? This tour in the Murcia region of Spain promises just that—an unforgettable blend of underwater winemaking, scenic boat rides, and medieval castles. While it’s a niche experience, it offers a distinctive twist on traditional wine tastings, making it particularly appealing for those who love quirky adventures and gastronomic delights.

One of the standout features is the underwater winery, which isn’t something you see every day. The opportunity to taste wines aged beneath the waves, alongside enjoying panoramic sea views, makes this a truly Instagram-worthy experience. That said, it’s worth noting that this tour caters to small groups—max eight people—which ensures intimacy but requires early booking. It’s best suited for adventurous wine lovers, history buffs, and those craving a taste of the extraordinary.

A potential consideration is the duration—five hours might feel long if you’re not used to boat trips or are traveling with young children or mobility issues. Also, some restrictions apply for those with health concerns, pregnant women, or mobility limitations. Though, this tour balances value and unique experiences, making it a worthwhile splurge for the right traveler.

Key Points

• Exclusive Experience: Limited to just 8 guests, ensuring a personalized touch.
• Unique Setting: Underwater winery with 2 wines aged beneath the sea and 2 land-based wines.
• Cultural & Scenic Highlights: Includes a visit to a medieval castle perched on cliffs.
• Gourmet Pairings: Tapas are thoughtfully paired with each wine, elevating the tasting.
• Family & Accessibility Considerations: Not suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility issues.
• Value for Money: At $223, it offers a mix of adventure, culture, and gastronomy that’s hard to match.

An Introduction to the Underwater Wine Adventure

This tour is a bit of a hidden gem in the Murcia region, combining maritime charm with wine innovation. If you’re tired of typical vineyard visits, this underwater winery presents a fascinating alternative, blending winemaking tradition with marine science. The concept—using the sea’s temperature and pressure to influence wine aging—offers a scientific twist that makes the tasting even more intriguing.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it stretches the imagination—drinking wine that’s been aged beneath the waves, surrounded by the sea’s natural beauty. The experience isn’t just about the wine; it’s about savoring the moment in a setting that feels almost surreal. You’ll love the panoramic views during the boat ride, and the personalized guidance from a knowledgeable wine expert.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the five-hour duration includes boat travel, tastings, and castle visits, which might be lengthy for some travelers. Also, the small group size ensures exclusivity but means spots fill quickly, so booking in advance is recommended. This tour appeals most to those seeking something truly different from mainstream tours—perfect for curious, open-minded explorers.

What to Expect: From Sea to Cellar

Starting Point & Pickup

Your adventure begins at one of three convenient pickup locations: Habaneras Shopping Centre, Estación de Autobuses de Santa Pola, or Zenia Boulevard. The transport is in an elegant van, making the journey comfortable and easy. The drive to the marina takes about 1.5 hours, giving you time to soak in the scenery and get excited for what’s ahead.

The Boat Ride & Marine Views

Once aboard, expect a relaxing boat ride along the Mediterranean coast. The boat is set up for comfort, with plenty of space to enjoy the sea breeze and breathtaking views. During this part, a friendly guide shares the story of the underwater winery—how it came to be, its innovative concept, and the maritime biodiversity you might glimpse along the way.

Travelers have described the boat ride as a “beautiful journey with panoramic views” and appreciated the opportunity to see dolphins if luck is on your side. The gentle rocking and the sea air make for a perfect setting to start unwinding.

Arrival at the Underwater Winery

The boat anchors in front of the underwater winery—an engineering marvel. The winery is immersed beneath the sea, and the winery guide explains how the temperature and pressure of the water naturally influence the aging process, resulting in wines that are said to have a truly unique character.

Guests rave about the chance to see the actual underwater cellar—a feat of modern winemaking. The experience is both educational and sensory, with explanations about the harvest, aging, and bottling process. The guide emphasizes that this method allows the wines to develop specific qualities thanks to the marine environment.

Tasting & Tapas

The highlight for many is the wine tasting session, held in a sleek, sea-facing tasting room. Here, you’ll try 4 carefully selected wines—two aged underwater and two on land—each with its own story. The wines are paired with gourmet tapas crafted to complement their flavors.

Guests note that the explanations are thorough, with the guide providing context about each wine’s origin and what makes it special. The tasting is designed to engage all senses, from the aroma to the palate, making it more than just a sip-and-swallow affair.

Relaxation & Castle Visit

After the tasting, there’s time to enjoy the views outside the boat—an ideal moment for reflection or sharing impressions. The scenery is stunning, especially with the nearby medieval castle perched atop cliffs. The castle’s striking silhouette against the sky adds a storybook element to this cultural stop.

The castle visit is brief but impactful, offering a glimpse into the region’s historic architecture and the drama of its coastal defenses. For history buffs, it’s a perfect addition to the day’s adventures.

Return Journey

After a fulfilling day, the boat heads back, and you are transferred to your original pick-up point. The entire experience is designed to be smooth and well-paced, with some reviewers mentioning that the entire five hours fly by thanks to the engaging guide and beautiful scenery.

The Value of This Experience

At $223 per person, this tour is a premium offering. It combines several elements—boat ride, underwater winery, wine tasting, tapas, and castle visit—to create a comprehensive day out. Compared to typical wine tours, the underwater aspect elevates it into the realm of the extraordinary, making the price seem justified for travelers looking for a special occasion or a unique story to tell.

The tour’s small group size and inclusion of pick-up, transfers, and insurance add to its convenience and personal touch. For those who value authentic experiences and enjoy learning about different winemaking methods, this tour delivers both education and entertainment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous wine enthusiasts eager to explore unusual aging techniques. It’s also perfect for travelers who appreciate cultural elements—like the medieval castle—and enjoy scenic boat rides. If you’re after a luxurious, Instagram-worthy outing that stands out from typical wine tastings, this tour hits the mark.

However, it’s less suitable for families with young children, people with mobility issues, or those who prefer land-based activities. The 5-hour duration and specific health restrictions** mean it’s tailored for adults in good health and with a taste for quirky, memorable experiences.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind, luxurious adventure that combines marine innovation, gastronomy, and historic sights, this tour in Murcia is worth considering. It offers a balanced mix of education, relaxation, and spectacular scenery, all packed into a carefully curated experience.

The small group size ensures a personalized feel, and the underwater winery adds a fascinating twist to the typical wine-tasting outing. While it’s a bit of a splurge, the opportunity to sample wines aged beneath the sea while enjoying panoramic views and medieval castles makes it a memorable choice for special occasions or adventure-seeking travelers.

In summary, this experience is perfect for those who crave something different, value comfort and exclusivity, and are eager to combine gastronomy with scenic and historic attractions in one seamless day.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children under 12?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 12 due to safety restrictions and the nature of the activities involved.

Are there any mobility restrictions?
Yes, this tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with certain health issues such as heart problems or respiratory conditions.

What does the tour include?
It includes pick-up, transfers, a boat ride, visits to the underwater winery, tasting four wines paired with tapas, and a visit to a medieval castle. Insurance is also covered.

Can I buy additional wine during the tour?
Additional wine purchases are not included in the price, and you might want to check if they are available at the winery or gift shop.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride is approximately 1.5 hours each way, providing ample time for sightseeing and marine observation.

What languages are available for the tour guide?
Guides speak Spanish, English, French, and German, ensuring a good level of accessibility for international travelers.

Is there a chance of dolphin sightings?
Yes, dolphin sightings are possible during the boat trip, adding an extra touch of magic to your day.

How does the underwater winery work?
The wines are aged at the bottom of the sea, where temperature and pressure influence their development, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for boat trips and warm weather is recommended. A light jacket or sunglasses may be useful for the outdoor segments.

This carefully curated tour offers a fascinating look at winemaking innovation, combined with scenic beauty and cultural richness. If you’re seeking a bespoke experience that mixes nature, history, and gastronomy, it’s a promising choice.