Marbella Boat Trip to Cabo Pino – What to See

The 30-second answer

A boat trip to Cabo Pino from Marbella gives you a relaxed day on the water with three distinct stops: the Cabopino marina for a coffee and a stroll, the Cala del Faro cove for a swim, and the open sea for views of La Concha mountain. You can charter a motor yacht or a catamaran from Puerto Banús or Marbella Marina, and every booking includes a licensed skipper who knows the best spots. Expect to pay from around EUR 400 for a half-day on a 8-metre boat, or EUR 1,200 for a full-day catamaran for up to 12 people.

Why Cabo Pino is worth the trip

Cabo Pino, also written as Cabopino, sits about 15 kilometres west of Marbella town, just past the Rio Verde. It is a small, upmarket residential area with a marina that feels less flashy than Puerto Banús but more authentic than most coastal spots. The main draw for a boat trip is the combination of a quiet, sandy beach (Playa de Cabopino) and the nearby dunes of the Dunas de Artola natural reserve. You can anchor off the beach and swim ashore, or moor in the marina for a proper lunch. The water here is usually calm, and the seabed is sandy, so it is safe for swimming even with children. The marina itself has a handful of restaurants, a chiringuito on the beach, and a small supermarket. It is not a party destination, so if you want loud music and jet skis, you are better off heading to the centre of Marbella. But if you want a peaceful, scenic day on the water with a decent beach and a good lunch, Cabo Pino delivers.

What you will see on the route

Departing from Puerto Banús, you will head west along the coast. The first landmark is the Rio Verde, a small river that marks the border between Marbella and the Cabopino area. Just past the river, you will see the dunes of Artola, which are protected and look almost desert-like from the sea. Then the marina comes into view, with its white buildings and a line of palm trees. If you keep going a bit further, you reach the Cala del Faro, a small cove with a lighthouse on the cliff. The lighthouse is not open to the public, but the cove below has a pebble beach and clear water. It is a popular spot for anchoring and snorkelling, though there are no facilities. From the cove, you can look back east and see La Concha mountain, which is the iconic peak behind Marbella. On a clear day, you can also see the Strait of Gibraltar in the distance, and if you are lucky, you might spot dolphins. The whole route from Puerto Banús to Cabo Pino is about 8 nautical miles, so a half-day charter (4 hours) is enough to do the round trip with a stop for lunch and a swim.

Best boat types for the trip

The ideal boat for a Cabo Pino trip depends on your group size and what you want to do. For a couple or a small family, a RIB or speedboat is a good choice: it is fast, nimble, and you can get close to the shore. You can rent a 6-metre RIB from around EUR 350 for a half-day. For a group of 6 to 8 people, a motor yacht of 10 to 12 metres gives you a sun deck, a cabin for shade, and a proper bathroom. Expect to pay from EUR 700 to EUR 1,200 for a half-day. For a larger group (up to 12), a catamaran is the most stable option, with a wide deck and a trampoline net at the front. Catamarans are great for families with kids because they do not heel like sailing yachts. Prices for a catamaran start at around EUR 1,000 for a half-day. Sailing yachts are also available, but they are slower and require more wind, so they are less practical for a short trip. If you want to fish, you can charter a fishing boat with gear included, but that is a different kind of trip. All charters on BoatHire24 include a licensed skipper, so you do not need a licence.

Where to moor and eat

You have two main options for mooring at Cabo Pino. The first is to anchor off Playa de Cabopino, which is a long, sandy beach with a chiringuito called Chiringuito Cabopino. The water depth is shallow, so you need to anchor at least 50 metres from the shore to avoid running aground. The beach gets busy in August, but in May, June or September it is quiet. The second option is to moor in the marina itself. The marina has visitor berths, but you need to call ahead on VHF channel 9 or ask your skipper to arrange it. Mooring fees are around EUR 20 to EUR 40 for a few hours, depending on boat length. Once moored, you can walk to the marina restaurants. The best known is Restaurante Cabopino, which serves grilled fish and paella. There is also a Japanese place and a tapas bar. For a more casual lunch, the beach chiringuito does good sardines and salads. If you want to stay on the boat, you can ask your skipper to anchor in the Cala del Faro cove and have a picnic lunch. Just bring your own food and drinks, because there is nothing there.

When to go and what to bring

The best time for a boat trip to Cabo Pino is from May to October, when the water temperature is above 20 degrees C and the sea is calm. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures reaching 30 to 35 degrees C, but the sea breeze makes it comfortable on the water. The water is warmest in August and September, around 24 to 26 degrees C. If you go in the shoulder months (May, June, October), bring a light jacket or a windbreaker because the wind can pick up in the afternoon. What to bring: sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, and a waterproof phone case. Most charter boats have a cooler with ice, but you should bring your own drinks and snacks unless you arrange catering. If you are prone to seasickness, take a tablet an hour before departure. The sea is usually calm close to the coast, but if you go further out towards the Strait of Gibraltar, the swell can increase. Your skipper will advise on the day.

Combining Cabo Pino with other stops

A boat trip to Cabo Pino does not have to be a single-stop affair. You can combine it with a visit to the Puerto Banús marina on the way back, or go further west to Estepona. Estepona old town is about 10 nautical miles west of Cabo Pino, and the marina there has a good fish market and a nice promenade. If you have a full-day charter (8 hours), you can do Cabo Pino for lunch, then head to Estepona for a late afternoon swim, and return via the coast. Another option is to go east from Cabo Pino towards Marbella and stop at the Cala del Faro for snorkelling, then anchor off the Marbella Marina for a drink. If you are feeling adventurous, you can go further east to the Nerja caves, but that is a 40-nautical-mile trip from Puerto Banús, so you would need a full day and a fast boat. For most people, a half-day trip to Cabo Pino with a lunch stop is the sweet spot. You get the scenery, the swim, the food, and you are back at the dock by 3pm.

Common questions

How long does it take to get from Marbella to Cabo Pino by boat?

From Puerto Banús, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes at cruising speed (20 knots) to reach Cabo Pino. From Marbella Marina, add another 10 minutes. The distance is 8 nautical miles.

Do I need a licence to rent a boat for this trip?

No. All charters on BoatHire24 include a licensed skipper, so you do not need a licence. You just relax and enjoy the ride.

Can I swim at Cabo Pino?

Yes. You can swim off the beach at Playa de Cabopino or anchor in the Cala del Faro cove and swim there. The water is clear and calm.

Is Cabo Pino suitable for children?

Yes. The beach is safe, the water is shallow, and the marina has family-friendly restaurants. Catamarans are especially stable for kids.

What is the best time of day for the trip?

Morning departures (10am to 2pm) are best for calm seas and fewer crowds. Afternoon trips (2pm to 6pm) are warmer and good for sunset views.

Are there dolphins near Cabo Pino?

Dolphins are occasionally spotted in the Strait of Gibraltar, which is about 15 nautical miles south. They are less common close to Cabo Pino, but you might see them on the way if you go further out.

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Yes. Most charter boats allow you to bring your own food and drinks. Some offer catering for an extra fee. Check with your skipper before departure.

Choosing your departure port

Your choice of departure port affects the total time and scenery of your boat trip to Cabo Pino. From Puerto Banús, you are 8 nautical miles east of Cabo Pino, which means a 20-30 minute cruise each way at 20 knots. If you leave from Marbella Marina (Puerto Deportivo), add another 10 minutes and 3 nautical miles, but you get to pass the Marbella coastline and the Rio Verde estuary. Cabopino marina itself is a departure option if you are staying in the area, but it has fewer charter boats available. Estepona is 10 nautical miles west, so a trip from there takes longer but lets you combine Cabo Pino with a stop at the Estepona marina. Benalmádena is 25 nautical miles east, which is too far for a half-day trip unless you have a fast RIB. For most people, Puerto Banús is the most convenient departure point because it has the largest selection of boats on BoatHire24 and you can start your trip with a coffee at the port. Just factor in the extra time if you are staying in Marbella town or further east.

Cost breakdown for different group sizes

Prices vary by boat size, season, and duration, but here is a rough guide for a half-day trip (4 hours) from Puerto Banús to Cabo Pino. For 2-4 people, a 6-metre RIB costs from EUR 350 to EUR 500. For 4-6 people, an 8-metre motor yacht costs from EUR 500 to EUR 800. For 6-8 people, a 10-metre motor yacht costs from EUR 800 to EUR 1,200. For 8-12 people, a 12-metre catamaran costs from EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,800. Full-day trips (8 hours) are roughly double the half-day price. In peak season (July-August), expect to pay 20-30% more. Shoulder months (May, June, September) offer better availability and lower prices. Mooring fees at Cabopino marina add EUR 20-40, and restaurant lunch costs around EUR 30-50 per person for a full meal with drinks. Fuel is usually included in the charter price for local trips, but confirm with the skipper. If you want catering on board, expect an extra EUR 20-40 per person for a platter of seafood, salads, and drinks.

What to do if the weather turns

The Costa del Sol has over 300 sunny days a year, but the wind can pick up suddenly, especially in the afternoon. The typical pattern is a morning calm with the Levante wind (from the east) building from midday. If the wind exceeds 20 knots, your skipper may recommend staying close to the coast or postponing the trip. Cabo Pino is sheltered by the Artola dunes, so the sea there is usually calmer than open water. If the wind is too strong for anchoring off the beach, your skipper can take you into the marina instead, where you are protected. Alternatively, you can head east towards the Marbella coastline, which is more sheltered. Always check the forecast on Windy or AEMET before you go, and ask your skipper about the plan B. Most charters have a flexible cancellation policy if the weather is bad, so you can reschedule without penalty. Bring a windbreaker just in case, because the wind chill on a boat at 20 knots can drop the feels-like temperature by 5-10 degrees C.

Snorkelling spots around Cabo Pino

The best snorkelling near Cabo Pino is at Cala del Faro, the small cove with the lighthouse. The water depth is 3-5 metres, and the seabed is a mix of sand and rocks with patches of Posidonia seagrass. You can see small fish like bream, wrasse, and damselfish, and occasionally octopus hiding in the rocks. The water visibility is usually 5-10 metres, best in the morning before the wind stirs up the sand. Another spot is the rocky point at the eastern end of Playa de Cabopino, where the water is deeper and clearer. Avoid anchoring directly on the seagrass because it is protected. Your skipper will know the best spots based on the wind direction and tide. Bring your own mask and snorkel because most charter boats do not provide them. If you want to see more marine life, head to the Strait of Gibraltar area, where the currents bring nutrients and larger fish, but that is a longer trip from Cabo Pino.

How to book and what to expect

Booking a boat trip to Cabo Pino on BoatHire24 is straightforward. You select your date, group size, and boat type, then the platform shows available skippers with their boats and prices. Most bookings include a deposit of 30-50% upfront, with the balance paid on the day. You will receive a confirmation with the skipper's contact details and the exact meeting point at the port. On the day, arrive 15 minutes early to find the boat and meet the skipper. The skipper will give a safety briefing and explain the itinerary. You can agree on the exact route and stops, but be realistic about time: a half-day trip allows for one main stop plus a swim, not three stops and a long lunch. The skipper is there for safety and navigation, so you do not need to do anything except relax. If you want to help with mooring or anchoring, ask politely, but it is not expected. Tipping is optional but appreciated, typically 10-15% of the charter price for good service.

Related guides

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• Dolphin Species You'll See on a Marbella Boat Trip
• Snorkel Boat Trip Marbella: Best Reefs & Coves
• Speedboat Hire Marbella Hourly, Affordable Rates
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