Best Coves for Anchoring Near Marbella: Secluded Bays

The 30-second answer

The best coves for anchoring near Marbella are Cala del Faro, Playa de la Cañada, Cala de la Carihuela, Cala de la Cala, Cala de la Laja, and Cala de la Chullera. These secluded bays offer calm waters, sandy or pebble beaches, and a backdrop of pine-clad cliffs. You can reach all of them from Puerto Banús or Marbella Marina in under an hour on a motor yacht, catamaran, or RIB. Every charter on BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper who knows the best anchor spots and can dodge the weekend crowds.

Why anchor near Marbella instead of the open sea

Marbella’s coastline runs from Cabopino in the west to the edge of Estepona in the east, but the real magic lies in the coves tucked between the cliffs. The Mediterranean here is generally calm from May to October, with water temperatures hitting 24 degrees C in August. But the open sea between Marbella and Gibraltar can get a swell from the Strait, especially in the afternoon when the Levante wind picks up. Anchoring in a cove gives you shelter from that chop, so you can swim, snorkel, or just float on a paddleboard without getting seasick.

The coves also have better water clarity than the main beaches. Runoff from the Río Verde and other rivers can cloud the water near Marbella’s town beaches after rain, but the coves are fed by natural springs or have rocky seabeds that keep the water clear. You can see the sandy bottom at 5 metres depth in most of these spots. And because they are less accessible by land, you avoid the crowds that pack Playa de la Fontanilla or Playa de Venus on a Saturday in July.

Cala del Faro: the hidden gem near Cabopino

Cala del Faro sits just east of Cabopino Marina, under the shadow of the Cabopino lighthouse. It is a small sandy cove about 30 metres wide, framed by low cliffs and pine trees. The water depth at anchor is 3 to 6 metres, with a sandy bottom that holds your anchor well. You can approach from the west, staying at least 50 metres off the rocks, and drop the hook in the centre of the bay.

What makes Cala del Faro special is the privacy. There is no road access, only a footpath from Cabopino beach, so most tourists never bother. On a Tuesday in June you might have the cove to yourself. The snorkelling is decent: you will see small bream, wrasse, and the occasional octopus around the rocks at the eastern end. Bring a mask and fins. The water is usually 2 to 3 degrees C cooler than Marbella town beaches because of a submarine spring, but that is refreshing in August.

From Puerto Banús, it is a 15-minute cruise west at 12 knots. From Marbella Marina, allow 25 minutes. You can anchor for free, but watch the depth sounder: the bottom shelves quickly near the rocks. A skipper from BoatHire24 will know the exact spot to avoid dragging.

Playa de la Cañada: the family-friendly bay

Playa de la Cañada is a long, shallow bay just west of the Río Verde estuary, near the border between Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara. The beach itself is 400 metres of golden sand, but the anchoring zone is in the eastern half, where the water is deeper and the seabed is a mix of sand and seagrass. Depth at anchor is 2 to 5 metres, depending on how close you come in. The seagrass provides a habitat for sea turtles and small fish, so snorkelling is good, but avoid dropping the anchor directly on the grass if you can.

This cove is popular with families because the water is shallow for a long way out. Kids can swim from the boat to the beach without much effort. There is a chiringuito on the beach that serves grilled sardines and cold beer from 11am to sunset, and you can row ashore in a dinghy or just swim. The bay is sheltered from the west and north winds, but it can get a bit of a chop from the south if the Levante is strong. Best to anchor here in the morning before the wind picks up.

Access is from Marbella Marina, a 20-minute cruise east. The bay can get busy on weekends, so arrive before 10am to claim a spot. The water temperature in August is around 22 degrees C, a couple of degrees warmer than the coves further east.

Cala de la Carihuela: the snorkelling hotspot

Cala de la Carihuela is a rocky cove just west of the Cabopino lighthouse, about 1.5 nautical miles from Puerto Banús. It is not a sandy beach; the shore is a mix of rounded pebbles and flat rocks, which means fewer people bother to come by land. The anchoring depth is 4 to 8 metres, over a rocky bottom that holds the anchor well if you use a trip line. The water clarity here is exceptional, often 10 metres visibility in the summer, because there is no river runoff and the seabed is mostly rock.

This is the best spot for snorkelling in the Marbella area. You will find schools of bream, sea bass, and mullet, plus the occasional moray eel under the rocks. There is a small cave at the eastern end that you can swim into at low tide. Bring a torch. The cove is also a good place to see the sunset, as the cliffs block the direct sun until late afternoon.

Anchoring is free, but you must avoid the buoyed areas that mark the swimming zones. The cove is exposed to the west, so if the Poniente wind blows, you will get a swell. Check the forecast before heading out. A skipper on a BoatHire24 charter will know the alternative spots if the wind shifts.

Cala de la Cala: the quiet escape near Estepona

Cala de la Cala is a small, sheltered bay about 2 nautical miles east of Estepona Marina. It is less than 50 metres wide, with a pebble beach and a backdrop of cliffs covered in pine and eucalyptus. The depth at anchor is 3 to 5 metres, with a sandy bottom that gives good holding. The water is calm even when the Strait of Gibraltar is choppy, because the cliffs block the swell from the south and west.

This cove is a favourite among locals who want to escape the Estepona town beaches. There is a small chiringuito that opens in July and August, but it is basic: think plastic chairs and a grill. The snorkelling is average, but the peace and quiet are the main draw. You can anchor here for a few hours, read a book, and swim in water that is usually 20 to 22 degrees C. The cove is also a good spot for paddleboarding, as there is almost no current.

From Puerto Banús, it is a 30-minute cruise west at 15 knots. From Estepona Marina, it is 10 minutes. The cove can get busy with local fishing boats in the evening, but they usually anchor further out. Keep an eye on the depth sounder: the bottom rises quickly near the shore.

Cala de la Laja: the wild cove near Sotogrande

Cala de la Laja is a rugged cove about 5 nautical miles west of Estepona, near the Sotogrande area. It is not for the faint-hearted: the access is via a steep path from the road, and the beach is a mix of large pebbles and rocks. But the anchoring is excellent, with depths of 5 to 10 metres and a sandy bottom between the rocks. The water is deep blue and clear, with visibility often exceeding 12 metres.

This cove is popular with snorkellers and divers because of the rocky reef at the western end. You can see grouper, sea bream, and sometimes a stingray buried in the sand. There are no facilities, no chiringuito, no nothing. Bring your own water, food, and shade. The cove is exposed to the east, so it is best in the morning when the wind is light. Afternoon Levante can make the anchorage uncomfortable.

Access is from Sotogrande Marina, a 15-minute cruise north, or from Estepona Marina, a 30-minute cruise west. The cove is rarely crowded because of the lack of amenities and the difficult land access. It is a good spot for a quiet afternoon with a bottle of wine and a good book. Just remember to bring a dinghy or a kayak to get ashore, because the rocks are sharp on bare feet.

Cala de la Chullera: the dolphin-watching bonus

Cala de la Chullera is the westernmost cove on our list, about 8 nautical miles west of Estepona and 2 nautical miles east of the Gibraltar border. It is a small, sandy cove with a backdrop of low cliffs and scrubland. The depth at anchor is 3 to 6 metres, with a sandy bottom. The water is warm, often 22 to 24 degrees C in summer, and the clarity is good.

The bonus here is the dolphins. The Strait of Gibraltar is a major migration route for common dolphins, striped dolphins, and even pilot whales. You can often see them feeding just outside the cove in the early morning or late afternoon. The cove itself is sheltered from the west and south, so it is a good place to anchor and watch the show. There is a small beach bar that opens in July and August, but it is basic.

Access is from Estepona Marina, a 40-minute cruise west at 15 knots, or from Sotogrande Marina, a 20-minute cruise south. The cove can get a bit of swell from the south, so check the forecast. If the wind is from the east, it is calm. A skipper from BoatHire24 will know the best anchor spot to avoid the rocky patches.

How to choose the right boat for cove hopping

The type of boat you charter affects which coves you can reach and how comfortable you will be. For the coves near Marbella, a motor yacht from 8 to 12 metres is ideal. You get a sun deck, a small cabin for shade, and a swim platform that makes getting in and out of the water easy. A catamaran is even better for stability, especially if you have kids or a group prone to seasickness. The shallow draft of a catamaran means you can anchor closer to the beach.

RIBs and speedboats are the best option for the coves further west, like Cala de la Laja and Cala de la Chullera. They are faster, so you can cover the 8 nautical miles from Estepona in 20 minutes instead of 40. They also have a shallow draft and can nose up to the beach if you want to land. But they have no shade, so bring a hat and sunscreen.

Sailing yachts are fine for the calmer coves like Playa de la Cañada and Cala del Faro, but the mast can be a problem if you want to anchor close to the cliffs. You need to allow more swing room. Fishing boats are good for the coves with rocky bottoms, because they have a keel that protects the propeller. Licence-free day boats are limited to the coves within 2 nautical miles of the marina, so Cala del Faro and Cala de la Carihuela are your best bets.

All charters on BoatHire24 include a licensed skipper who knows the local anchorages. They will also handle the mooring lines and the anchor, so you can just relax and enjoy the swim.

When to go and what to bring

The best time for anchoring in these coves is from June to September, when the water is warm and the weather is stable. July and August are the busiest months, so aim for a weekday if you want a quiet spot. September is often the best month: the water is still 22 degrees C, the crowds have gone, and the sea is calm. May and October can be good too, but the water is cooler, around 18 to 20 degrees C, and you might get the occasional windy day.

What to bring: a mask and snorkel, fins, a rash vest for sun protection, a dry bag for your phone and wallet, a hat, sunscreen (factor 50, because the reflection off the water is brutal), a towel, and plenty of water. Most coves have no shade, so a floating mat or a small inflatable kayak can be useful for getting to shore. A cooler with ice packs and snacks is essential. If you plan to eat at a chiringuito, bring cash, because card machines often don't work on the beach.

The skipper will have a VHF radio and a first-aid kit, but it is your responsibility to let them know if anyone on board has allergies or medical conditions. The water is safe for swimming, but watch out for jellyfish in August, especially after a storm. If you see a purple flag on the beach, stay out of the water.

Common questions

Can I anchor overnight in these coves?
Yes, but most of these coves have no overnight mooring buoys or facilities. You can anchor overnight as long as you do not block navigation or damage seagrass. The coves near Marbella are generally safe, but check the weather forecast. The Levante wind can pick up overnight and make the anchorage uncomfortable. A skipper on a BoatHire24 charter will advise on the best spots for an overnight stay.

Do I need a permit to anchor in these coves?
No, anchoring is free in all the coves listed. But you must follow the general rules: do not anchor in a swimming zone, do not damage seagrass, and do not discharge waste. The Guardia Civil patrol the area and can fine you for littering or for anchoring in a protected area. The skipper will know the local regulations.

Are these coves safe for children?
Yes, but with supervision. The water is shallow in most coves, and the beaches are small, so you can keep an eye on kids. The biggest risk is the rocks, which can be sharp. Bring water shoes. Also, the sun is intense, so use sunscreen and a hat. The skipper can help with life jackets for children.

Can I see dolphins from the coves?
Yes, especially from Cala de la Chullera and Cala de la Laja. The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the best places in Europe to see dolphins. You are most likely to see them in the early morning or late afternoon. The skipper can take you further out if you want a better chance, but the coves themselves offer a good vantage point.

What is the water temperature in the coves?
In summer, the water temperature ranges from 20 to 24 degrees C, depending on the cove and the time of year. Cala del Faro is cooler because of a submarine spring, while Playa de la Cañada is warmer because it is shallower. In September, the water is still around 22 degrees C. In May, it is around 18 degrees C.

Can I rent a boat without a skipper to visit these coves?
Yes, you can rent a licence-free day boat from some marinas, but you are limited to within 2 nautical miles of the marina and you cannot anchor in all coves. For the coves further west, like Cala de la Laja and Cala de la Chullera, you need a boat with a skipper. All charters on BoatHire24 include a skipper, so you do not have to worry about the licence or navigation.

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