Boat trips & rental on the Costa del Sol
Quick answer
Shared boat trips on the Costa del Sol — dolphin-watching, sunset sailing — cost about €20–€40 per person; private rental with a skipper starts around €130 a day and needs no licence. Dolphins are common on morning sailings from Benalmádena, Marbella and Puerto Banús.
The Costa del Sol is made for the water — and you don't need to own a boat to enjoy it. From dolphin-watching catamarans out of Benalmádena to sunset sailing off Marbella and private yacht charters from Puerto Banús, there's a trip for every budget. Here are the best-rated options, sorted by traveller score.
Shared trips (a seat on a catamaran or sailboat) start around €20–€40 per person for a couple of hours; private boat rental — with or without a skipper — runs from roughly €130 a day for a small motorboat up to several hundred for a crewed yacht. No licence is needed when you book with a skipper, and some small boats can be rented licence-free at limited power.
Dolphins and the occasional pilot whale are genuinely common in these waters, especially on morning sailings. For sunsets, the west-facing stretch from Marbella to Estepona is hard to beat. Book ahead in summer, bring a layer for the breeze offshore, and check whether drinks and snacks are included.
Bookable boat trips & charters
Dolphin Spotting from Sailboat
Embark on an unforgettable experience in Marbella. Enjoy the panoramic views from our sailboat while you enjoy a delicious snack and refreshing drinks. Celebrate bridal showers, birthdays or any other special occasion.
Dolphin Watching Cruise
Embark on an exciting journey aboard a boat and discover the playful dolphins along the stunning coast of Marbella. Join a 4-hour dolphin watching tour on the Alboran Sea for an unforgettable marine wildlife experience.Depart from the Marbella Marina and meet the experienced captain, who
Sailboat Puerto Banús
Enjoy 2-3 hours of pure excitement on the open sea! Relax and admire the stunning Costa del Sol, feel the refreshing sea breeze, and, if we're lucky, spot playful dolphins in the waves. While sightings aren't guaranteed, the thrill of the possibility makes it even more special.
Sailing Trip from Puerto Banús
Once installed on board, we will start the engine and set sail from Puerto Banús. You will be able to see the exclusive port and its mega yachts as we cross the main channel. Leaving the port, we will head northeast towards the famous Marbella Golden Mile.
Private Sailing Trip 2 Hours
We are waiting for you for an experience that you will remember forever! Discover the magic of the sea with our private sailing trips. Enjoy your moment with drinks and snacks included. You could cool off in the sea, practice paddle surfing or snorkeling. You can do a unique photo session.
Private Sunset Sailing
It is an experience in which you will get to know Puerto Banús and the coast of Marbella in a unique and very relaxing way. And with the possibility of swimming in the sea.
Sailing & Dolphin Watching
You can choose between a shared or private tour. Select the sailboat that suits you best with 3 different size boats available from 12 to 14 meters long.Our main goal is to offer you the opportunity to spot dolphins in their natural habitat.
Group Catamaran Trip with Dolphins
Enjoy a tour aboard Daria, the most beautiful catamaran in Marbella, with all the modern comforts for you to spend a magical day out at sea. Relax and sunbath on the spacious trampoline of the catamaran, while we sail and you enjoy the free drinks and snacks on board.
Private Sailing Cruise Puerto Banús
Enjoy 2-8 hours of pure excitement on the open sea! Relax and admire the stunning Costa del Sol, feel the refreshing sea breeze, and, if we're lucky, spot playful dolphins in the waves.
Private Sunset Sailing Trip
Join us for an enchanting evening boat trip in Marbella, a perfect getaway to explore the serene beauty of the Mediterranean. Our adventure begins as we set sail well before sunset, giving you plenty of time to admire the picturesque coastline from the tranquil vantage point of the sea.
Sunset Sailing Trip
Discover the magic of the Costa del Sol from the sea with this unforgettable sunset sailing experience. Departing from the exclusive Puerto Banús in Marbella, you'll watch the sun slowly dip behind the mountains as the sky and sea light up in golden colors.Relax aboard one of our
Sunset Sailboat Trip
Embark on an unforgettable experience in Marbella. Enjoy the panoramic views from our sailboat while you enjoy a delicious snack and refreshing drinks. Celebrate bridal showers, birthdays or any other special occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a licence to rent a boat on the Costa del Sol?
Not if you book with a skipper — they handle the boat while you relax. Some small, low-power motorboats can be rented licence-free with a short briefing. For a bareboat charter of anything larger you'll need a recognised boat licence and often proof of experience.
How much does a boat trip or rental cost?
A seat on a shared catamaran or sailing trip is about €20–€40 per person for 2–3 hours. Private rental starts around €130/day for a small motorboat and climbs to several hundred for a skippered yacht. Sunset and dolphin trips sit in the mid-range; crewed charters cost most.
Where do you see dolphins on the Costa del Sol?
Dolphins are common all along the coast, with frequent sightings on trips from Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Marbella and Puerto Banús. Morning sailings in calm water give the best odds. Many operators offer a 'sighting guarantee' — a free repeat trip if no dolphins show.
What's the best boat trip for a sunset?
Head out from Marbella, Puerto Banús or Estepona — the west-facing coast gives you the sun dropping over the sea, often with Gibraltar and the African coast on the horizon. Sunset sailing trips usually include a drink; book the slot that ends just after sundown.
When is the best time of year for boat trips?
May to October, with July and August warmest and busiest. Spring and early autumn bring calm seas, warm water and far fewer crowds. Trips run year-round in fair weather, but the full schedule of sunset sailings and dolphin cruises peaks in summer — book a day or two ahead.