Top 10 Beaches Near Marbella by Boat – Must-Visit Spots

The 30-second answer

You want the best beaches near Marbella, but you don't want to fight for a sun lounger or queue for parking. The answer is a boat. From the exclusive sands of Puerto Banús to the wild coves of Cabopino, these ten spots are best accessed from the water. We've ranked them by vibe, accessibility, and how much you'll hate yourself for not bringing a boat sooner. Grab a skipper, pack a cooler, and let's go.

1. Puerto Banús Beach (Playa de Puerto Banús)

Let's get the obvious one out of the way. Puerto Banús beach is the epicentre of Marbella's glamour. You'll anchor your boat a few metres off the shore, where the water is calm and the sand is imported. The beach itself is narrow but long, backed by the mega-yachts in the marina and the endless parade of designer boutiques. The water temperature averages 22 degrees C in summer, and the depth drops quickly, so you can swim right off the boat. The real trick is to arrive before 11am, because by noon the jet skis and paddleboarders turn the bay into a circus. If you want lunch, the chiringuitos (beach bars) like La Sala or Ocean Club will send a tender to pick you up. Expect to pay from around EUR 50 for a bottle of rosé on the sand. This is not a beach for solitude. It's for people-watching and pretending you belong. BoatHire24 can sort you a motor yacht or a RIB to get here in five minutes from the marina.

2. Cala del Faro (Lighthouse Cove)

Hidden just west of Marbella's main marina, Cala del Faro is a small rocky cove that most tourists never see. The only way to reach it is by boat or a very long walk down a dirt path. The cove is defined by the old lighthouse on the cliff, and the water is crystal clear with a sandy bottom. There are no facilities, no chiringuitos, no sun loungers. Just you, your boat, and the sound of the waves. The depth is around 3-4 metres near the shore, so you can anchor easily. The best time to go is late afternoon, when the sun lights up the rock formations and the crowds have left. Bring your own snorkel gear, the rocky edges are home to small fish and octopus. It's a 10-minute ride from Puerto Banús. A RIB or small motor yacht is ideal. Check out our search page to find a boat that fits.

3. Playa de Cabopino (Artola Cove)

Playa de Cabopino, also known as Playa de Artola, is the beach that time forgot. It's a protected dune system with a series of small coves separated by rocky outcrops. The main beach has a chiringuito (Lola's, decent but overpriced), but the real gems are the coves to the east. You can anchor your boat in the shallow, clear water and swim to the sand. The dunes are fragile, so don't walk on them. The water is usually calm, with a gentle slope. The beach is popular with locals, but from the boat you have a front-row seat to the natural beauty. The depth is about 2-4 metres, so a catamaran or sailing yacht can anchor without issues. The nearest departure port is Cabopino itself, but it's also a short ride from Marbella Marina. If you're lucky, you might spot a pod of dolphins. The water temperature in August hits 24 degrees C. For more tips, see our blog on the best family-friendly beaches.

4. Playa de la Sala (El Arenal)

This is the beach that thinks it's a nightclub. Playa de la Sala, also called El Arenal, is a long stretch of sand just east of Puerto Banús. It's home to the famous Sala Beach Club, where the music pumps and the drinks flow. The water is shallow for a long way out, so you can anchor your boat about 50 metres offshore and wade in. The beach is packed with sun loungers (from around EUR 30 per day), but the boat gives you the option to arrive, have a swim, and leave without the hassle. The vibe is young, loud, and slightly obnoxious. If that's your thing, great. If not, anchor at the far end where it's quieter. The depth is only 1-2 metres near the shore, so a RIB or small motor boat is best. The sea breeze keeps the temperature bearable even in July. You can also grab food from the beach club's restaurant, but expect to queue.

5. Playa de la Venus (Venus Beach)

Right in the heart of Marbella's old town, Playa de la Venus is the most accessible beach from the city centre. But from the water, it's a different story. The beach is a narrow strip of sand backed by the famous Venus statue and the Paseo Marítimo. The water is calm, and the bottom is sandy. The problem is the crowds. From a boat, you can anchor just offshore and watch the chaos from a safe distance. The depth is about 3 metres, so you can swim without worrying about hitting the bottom. There are several chiringuitos along the promenade, and you can tie up at the small jetty if you want to go ashore. The best time to visit is early morning or late evening, when the light is golden and the beach is quiet. It's a 15-minute ride from Puerto Banús. A sailing yacht or catamaran gives you a lovely view of the old town.

6. Playa de la Fontanilla

Playa de la Fontanilla is the workhorse beach of Marbella. It's long, wide, and has everything: showers, toilets, lifeguards, and a dozen chiringuitos. The water is shallow for about 50 metres, then drops to 2-3 metres. From a boat, you can anchor at the edge of the swimming area and enjoy the space. The beach is popular with families, so the vibe is relaxed. The real advantage of arriving by boat is that you avoid the parking nightmare. The beach is backed by a park and the old town, so you can walk into Marbella for lunch. The water temperature is around 21 degrees C in June, rising to 24 in August. There's a designated area for boats, so you won't get in trouble with the lifeguards. A RIB or small motor yacht is perfect. If you want to explore further, the nearby Playa de la Bajadilla is quieter.

7. Playa de la Carihuela (Torremolinos)

Technically not Marbella, but Playa de la Carihuela in Torremolinos is a short boat ride east (about 30 minutes from Puerto Banús). This is the beach for foodies. The promenade is lined with pescaíto frito (fried fish) restaurants, and you can anchor your boat and walk straight to the tables. The beach is long and sandy, with shallow water (1-3 metres). The vibe is lively but not as posh as Marbella. The water is clean, and there are plenty of buoys to tie up to. The downside is that the beach gets busy, but from the boat you can always retreat. The best time to go is for lunch, the fried anchovies and calamari are legendary. A RIB or speedboat is ideal for the trip. The sea is usually calm in the morning, but the afternoon breeze can pick up, so keep an eye on the weather.

8. Cala de la Leche (Milk Cove)

Cala de la Leche is a tiny cove near Estepona, about 20 minutes west of Puerto Banús. The name comes from the milky colour of the water when the sun hits the sandy bottom. The cove is surrounded by low cliffs and pine trees, and there are no facilities. The depth is only 2-3 metres, so you can anchor close to the shore. The water is usually calm, and the snorkelling is decent, you'll see small fish and maybe an octopus in the rocks. The beach is not accessible by road, so you'll have it almost to yourself. The best time to visit is mid-morning, before the wind picks up. Bring a picnic and a good book. A catamaran or sailing yacht is perfect for the shallow draft. The nearest port is Estepona, which is also worth a visit for its old town. Check our search page for boats departing from Estepona.

9. Playa de la Rada (Estepona)

Playa de la Rada is the main beach of Estepona, and it's a gem. The beach is long (over 2 km), wide, and backed by the charming old town with its flower-filled streets. The water is shallow for a long way out, so it's perfect for families. From a boat, you can anchor at the edge of the swimming area and enjoy the view of the Sierra Bermeja mountains. The beach has all the amenities: chiringuitos, showers, and even a small market on Sundays. The vibe is relaxed and authentic, without the pretension of Marbella. The water temperature is a pleasant 22-24 degrees C in summer. The depth is about 2 metres near the shore, so a RIB or small motor yacht is ideal. You can also tie up at the Estepona marina and walk to the beach. The old town is a 10-minute walk and well worth exploring for the tapas bars.

10. Cala del Moral (Sotogrande)

Cala del Moral is a hidden cove near Sotogrande, about 30 minutes west of Puerto Banús. The cove is surrounded by cliffs and pine forests, and the water is crystal clear. The beach is small (about 100 metres long) and rocky in parts, but the swimming is excellent. The depth is 3-5 metres, so you can anchor a catamaran or sailing yacht. There are no facilities, so bring everything you need. The cove is popular with locals who come by boat, so it's not completely deserted, but it's far from crowded. The best time to visit is late afternoon, when the sun is behind the cliffs and the light is magical. The water temperature is around 22 degrees C. The nearest port is Sotogrande, which has a marina with restaurants and shops. If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue west to the Strait of Gibraltar and look for dolphins. For more ideas, see our blog on dolphin-watching tours.

Common questions

Can I anchor anywhere near these beaches?
Yes, but you must avoid swimming areas marked by buoys and stay clear of the shore to prevent damage to seagrass. In most places, anchoring is allowed 50 metres or more from the beach. Check local signs.

Do I need a licence to rent a boat?
If you rent with a skipper (which all BoatHire24 charters include), you don't need a licence. The skipper handles everything. If you want to drive yourself, you need a valid boating licence or a licence-free day boat (up to 15 hp).

What's the best time of year for a beach boat trip?
May to October is ideal, with water temperatures from 19 to 26 degrees C. July and August are the busiest and hottest. June and September offer the best balance of warmth and fewer crowds.

How much does a boat charter cost?
Prices vary by boat type and duration. A half-day RIB rental starts from around EUR 300. A full-day motor yacht from around EUR 800. Superyachts and catamarans are price on request. All include fuel, skipper, and insurance.

Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes, most charters allow you to bring your own cooler. Some boats have onboard fridges and sound systems. Check with the operator. You can also order food from beach clubs via tender.

Are there dolphins near these beaches?
Yes, especially in the Strait of Gibraltar and around Cabopino. The best chance is on a longer trip west or east. BoatHire24 offers dolphin-watching tours. The dolphins are wild, so sightings are not guaranteed, but common.

What should I bring for a beach boat day?
Sunscreen (factor 50), a hat, sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, a light jacket (wind can be cool), and plenty of water. A snorkel mask is a good idea. Leave the heels at home, you'll be barefoot on the boat.

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