6 Top Marbella Boat Trips You’ll Want to Take

I call Marbella home, and one of the most fun activities is taking a boat tour there.

It offers a different perspective of Marbella and its surroundings, and depending on the type of boat trip you take, you can either have a romantic experience or a fun boat ride with friends.

Whether you want a private boat trip to enjoy with a special one or have a good time with friends, I’ve compiled the reasons why you shouldn’t miss this experience and a list of the best boat trips in Marbella.

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Reasons to take a boat tour in Marbella

While exploring Marbella on foot is an experience, especially the historic centre, a boat tour offers an entirely different view of the city. You get a beautiful view of the sea, the white-painted buildings and La Concha peak in the background. It’s magical, even more at sunset!

What I love the most is that there are plenty of tours and each one caters to a different type of traveller, from couples and families to friends on a hen do. So, really, you can relax, swim in the sea or have a party.

Overall, I think that sailing experiences in Mediterranean destinations are truly amazing, whether it’s exploring Marbella, the Adriatic Sea through luxury yacht charters in Croatia or the glamorous shores of the Amalfi Coast.

Now, let’s talk about the best boat tours!

If you want a relaxing catamaran cruise, this luxury yacht is definitely a good option. You can disconnect and enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, sipping drinks, eating some nibbles, and listening to chill-out music or your own.

During this Marbella boat trip, you can sometimes spot dolphins too, which makes it very special.

Many boat tours aren’t accessible to everyone, but this one is wheelchair-friendly.

“We had the most amazing day! A really special experience. Javier was a lovely, attentive Captain and an expert dolphin tracker. Jorge was great at communicating and arranging everything for us. We would 100% recommend it!! – Gemma”

Important things to know:

• Service animals are allowed.
• It isn’t suitable for travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• Fees and taxes aren’t included.

🛥️ Click here to check availability and rates

2. Marbella: Catamaran Tour with Dolphin Watching

🕒 Duration: 2 to 3 hours | ⭐ Rating: 4.4/5 | 📍Location: Puerto Banus | Book it now!

If you want a Marbella boat trip that includes dolphin watching and other water activities, such as paddleboarding, this tour offers it all. 

The catamaran departs from the famous Puerto Banus port, and the boat trip lasts either 2 or 3 hours, depending on the option you select. Regardless of the duration, fun is guaranteed.

During the boat ride, you can relax or participate in water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking—you can even fish if you wish! 

This tour includes snacks and drinks, and although you won’t be able to make a meal of it, having some nibbles while contemplating a nice view or before diving into the water is appreciated. 

If you wonder, what about the dolphins? The captain, who has been doing this for a while, will attempt to find dolphins; however, no one can guarantee you’ll see dolphins (just think how big the ocean is!)

“Friendly captain great experience very relaxing I would definitely recommend!” – Josh

Important things to know:

• Heels aren’t suitable for this activity.
• Drinks brought from outside are not allowed.
• This catamaran ride requires a minimum of 4 people to run it.
• Bring sun cream and a towel.

🛥️ Click here to check availability and rates

3. From Marbella: Costa del Sol Group Sailboat Cruise & Drinks

🕒 Duration: 2 to 3 hours | ⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 | 📍 Location: Puerto Banus | Book it now!

If you’re looking for a Marbella boat tour with an atmosphere that is not too crowded, this sailboat cruise is a good option. It’s limited to 10 people, which is perfect for having fun, meeting others and feeling comfortable.

Once the cruise leaves Puerto Banus, keep your eyes open to admire the stunning coastline while enjoying onboard drinks, which include soft drinks, wine or beer. During the boat ride, there are also opportunities to see bottlenose dolphins.

It’s also worth jumping into the water to snorkel (mask provided!) and see beautiful small fish and underwater life. If diving isn’t for you, you can use the paddleboards.

“It was really nice! The guide was happy and welcoming, very easy to talk to. He explained how the trip was going to go and what our options in drinks and snacks were, which made the trip more safe and exciting! Comfortable and smooth sailing, we stopped to bath. The guide was really nice to talk to and we had such a good time. He also offered us to use a speaker he had brought, to play music if we wanted. All in all, excellent trip!” – Get Your Guide Traveller

Important things to know:

• This cruise isn’t suitable for travellers with mobility impairments.
• Alcohol isn’t allowed. 
• It doesn’t include transportation from and to the port.

🛥️ Click here to check availability and rates

4. Marbella: Costa del Sol Private Sailing Cruise with Drinks

🕒 Duration: 2 to 8 hours | ⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 | 📍Location: Puerto Banus | Book it now!

Going on a cruise with a group of people you don’t know isn’t the best experience for everyone. I’d rather enjoy a private cruise than a cruise with 10 people, but everyone is different.

In case you prefer a more private atmosphere, this Marbella private boat tour is the one to consider.

First, you can choose how long you want to stay, from spending a couple of hours to half a day. Also, do you love sunrises? Or do you prefer sunsets? Well, you can book the time that suits you the best.

Once on the cruise, enjoy the magical views of the Marbella coastline, mountains and whitewashed buildings while nibbling, sipping cava or wine, and listening to music.

If you’d rather be more active, you can swim, snorkel or use the standup paddleboard provided. 

“Although the sea was not very on our side, Emilio’s kindness made up for it. We celebrated a very special bachelorette party, toasting with cava that the Sailboat included (in addition to soft drinks, beers, snacks…) and we made videos with the 360 camera that have left us magnificent memories of the activity. If you want to be original, it is a good activity to surprise!” – Mariana

Important things to know:

• This cruise isn’t suitable for travellers with mobility impairments.
• Suitcases and large bags aren’t allowed.
• Smoking is only allowed before departure.

🛥️ Click here to check availability and rates

5. Marbella Sailing Experience

🕒 Duration: 3 hours | ⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 | 📍Location: Puerto Deportivo Marina La Bajadilla | Book it now!

This Marbella sailing tour is better for travellers who stay in the historic centre of Marbella, as it departs from Puerto Deportivo Marina La Bajadilla, between La Bajadilla and El Cable Beach. This port is less busy, so this is another plus if you prefer fewer crowds.

The boat ride is only for small groups (maximum of 8 people) and includes drinks, snacks, snorkelling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards. 

Whether you want to take it easy and soak up the views, keep an eye on dolphins, or jump into the water and have a good time snorkelling or paddle boarding, you can do so on this Marbella cruise.

“This was everyone’s favorite trip in Marbella! The crew was awesome, and the trip was amazing. We couldn’t believe we were sailing on the Mediterranean!” – Sally G

Important things to know:

• This catamaran isn’t suitable for travellers with mobility impairments.
• This catamaran ride requires a minimum of 3 people to run it.
• Babies must sit on laps.

🛥️ Click here to check availability and rates

Sunset with a sea view? Watching the sunset on the beach is one of my favourite things to do in Marbella. I’m always up for chasing sunsets, and if you’re too, this is the Marbella boat tour to choose from.

As the boat leaves Puerto Banus, be ready to enjoy the warm colours of the sky alongside the beautiful coastline and mountains.

The guide will tell you a little about the area and serve some appetisers, such as olives, local dried fruits, and a glass of cava or wine.

Personally, I think this cruise is better for couples seeking a romantic experience or anyone looking for a relaxing atmosphere, as it doesn’t offer water sports.

“Victor is a great guide. He tells you curious things but also leaves you silent when he thinks it’s convenient. It lets you connect your device to play music and the truth is that it is a unique experience. We were lucky to be able to see dolphins and the truth is that they fly by. We will repeat whenever we return to the south!!” – Paula

Important things to know:

• This sunset sailing tour isn’t suitable for travellers with mobility impairments.
• The boat crew has blankets available, but bringing a jacket is recommended as you might feel cold when the sun sets.

🛥️ Click here to check availability and rates

Other fun water activities in Marbella

Jet Ski Experience in Marbella

Jet Ski is very popular in Marbella and the rest of the Costa del Sol. If you’re more of an active person, I highly recommend doing this jet ski experience.

It’s a super adrenaline-packed activity to enjoy solo, with friends or a partner. Regarding safety, the jet skis are well-maintained, and you’ll only be allowed to jet ski in the designated circuit.

This activity isn’t recommended for travellers with back problems or who are pregnant. 

“Great fun. Really enjoyed myself. I would recommend this to everyone. The staff were very good and efficient.” – Dubekile

🌊 Click here to check availability and rates

Marbella: Stand-Up Paddle Board at Sunset

One of my new favourite summer activities is paddleboarding. Whether you’re a pro (I’m definitely not) or a beginner, an expert instructor runs this activity.

Paddleboarding itself is fun, but it’s even better at sunset when you can contemplate the stunning views of Marbella and its surroundings. 

This activity includes:

• Stand-up paddleboard
• Wetsuit (if needed)
• English, French and Spanish-speaking instructor
• One drink (soft drink, beer or wine)
• Access to changing rooms with showers and toilets
• Accident insurance

It’s also important to know that the activity isn’t suitable for children under 8.

“This was the first time most of is had done paddle boarding and omg it was so much fun!! Our guide Luna was so nice, helpful and encouraging, we would all highly recommend!!.” – Suzanne A

🌊 Click here to check availability and rates

Frequently asked questions about Marbella boat trips

Final thoughts on the best Marbella boat trips

There are many amazing Marbella boat tours, so choosing one really depends on the type of experience you want.

Do you have any questions about Marbella? Leave a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help.

Safe adventures!

Cristina x