What to Pack for a Boat Day in Benalmadena

The 30-second answer

You need sun cream (factor 50, water-resistant), a hat, sunglasses, seasickness pills (take them an hour before), a light jacket or windbreaker, swimwear, a towel, and a dry bag for valuables. For Benalmadena, add a camera for the marina views and a sense of humour for the Spanish coast guard jokes. Everything else is optional, but these 8 items will save your skin, your stomach, and your dignity.

Sun cream: the non-negotiable

You will burn. The sun in Benalmadena is not messing about. Even on a cloudy day, UV rays bounce off the sea and hit you from below. Pack factor 50, water-resistant sun cream. Apply it 20 minutes before you step on the boat, and reapply every two hours. If you're on a charter with a skipper, they'll remind you, but don't rely on them. A 200ml bottle is enough for a day. Skip the spray cans: they're messy, you inhale half of it, and you miss patches. Use a lotion. If you forget, there's a pharmacy on the marina, but they'll charge you EUR 15 for a tiny tube. Learn from my mistake.

For a full list of boats that come with sun decks and shade, check out our boat search.

Seasickness pills: take them before you need them

You might not get seasick. But if you do, it's too late for pills. The Costa del Sol can be choppy, especially in the afternoon when the Levante wind picks up. Buy cinnarizine or meclizine from a Spanish pharmacy (ask for 'pastillas para el mareo'). Take one an hour before departure. They make you drowsy, so avoid alcohol. If you're prone to seasickness, also bring ginger sweets or acupressure bands. They're not magic, but they help. The skipper will hand out sick bags if things get rough. Use them. Don't aim for the rail if there's a lady in a white dress downwind. You'll be remembered for the wrong reasons.

Benalmadena's marina is sheltered, but once you're past the breakwater, the swell can hit 1.5 metres on a windy day. If you're chartering a RIB or speedboat, the ride is bumpier. Catamarans are more stable. Choose wisely.

Sun hat and sunglasses: keep your face and eyes safe

A baseball cap won't cut it. The sun reflects off the water and hits your face from below. A wide-brimmed hat is better, or a bucket hat with a chin strap so it doesn't fly off. Sunglasses are essential, and not cheap ones. Polarised lenses cut the glare and let you see the fish and the dolphins. Bring a strap too, because losing a EUR 200 pair of Ray-Bans overboard is a rite of passage you can skip. If you wear prescription glasses, bring a second pair or a strong retainer. The wind at 20 knots will rip them off your face.

Benalmadena's coastline has some stunning spots, like the Cala del Faro, where you can anchor and swim. You'll want to see it clearly.

Light jacket or windbreaker: the 20-degree drop

On land, it might be 30 degrees. On the water, once the boat is moving, the wind chill drops the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees. Add a sea spray, and you'll be shivering in your swim shorts. Pack a lightweight windbreaker or a fleece. Something that packs small but works. A hood is useful for blocking wind. If you're on an evening charter, the temperature drops further when the sun goes down. A jumper or a sweatshirt is a good idea. You can always take it off, but you can't put it on if you didn't bring it.

Benalmadena's marina has a microclimate: it's often 2 degrees cooler than inland Marbella. Factor that in.

Swimwear and towel: you will get wet

Even if you don't plan to swim, you'll get splashed. The skipper might do a sharp turn to show off, or a wave will come over the bow. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, or bring it in a dry bag. A microfibre towel is better than a cotton one: it dries fast and packs small. If you're on a private charter, some boats have a shower on the swim platform. You can rinse off the salt before you dry. If you're on a shared tour, there's usually a hose. Don't be the person who drips salt water all over the upholstery. The skipper will not be pleased.

For a list of boats with swim platforms and showers, see our boat search.

Dry bag: protect your phone, wallet, and dignity

Salt water and electronics do not mix. A dry bag (10 to 20 litres) costs about EUR 10 and will save your phone, wallet, keys, and any other valuables. Put everything in it before you board. Even if you think you'll be careful, someone will splash you, or a wave will soak the deck. Phones are the most common casualty. A waterproof phone pouch is a good alternative, but they leak after a few uses. A dry bag is more reliable. Also bring a plastic bag for wet swimwear so you don't soak your dry clothes on the way back.

Benalmadena's marina has lockers if you're staying at a hotel nearby, but they're small. Use a dry bag.

Camera or phone with a good lens

You'll see dolphins. You'll see the coastline from the sea, which looks completely different. You'll see the sunset over the Mediterranean. You need a camera. A phone with a good camera is fine, but bring a waterproof case or a GoPro if you have one. The light in Benalmadena is harsh at midday, but golden hour (6 to 8 pm in summer) is spectacular. The marina lights up, and the mountains turn pink. If you're on a catamaran, the wide deck gives you stable shooting angles. If you're on a RIB, you'll get spray on the lens. Wipe it with a microfibre cloth, not your t-shirt.

For more tips on capturing the perfect shot, read our blog.

Food and drink: what to bring and what to leave

Most charters include a welcome drink (cava or beer) and some snacks. But you can bring your own food and drink. Keep it simple: sandwiches, fruit, crisps, nuts. Avoid anything that melts (chocolate) or crumbles (pastries with cream). Drinks: water, soft drinks, beer, wine. No glass bottles on most boats, because broken glass on deck is a nightmare. Transfer drinks to plastic bottles or cans. If you're on a full-day charter, bring a cooler bag with ice. The boat will have a fridge, but it's small. If you're on a shared tour, check what's included. Some tours have a full barbecue on board. Others just give you a packet of crisps.

Benalmadena has a supermarket on the marina. You can buy supplies there before you board.

Footwear: no black soles, no heels

Boat decks are white, and black rubber soles leave marks that are hard to clean. Wear white-soled shoes or go barefoot. Trainers or boat shoes with non-marking soles are ideal. Flip-flops are fine, but they slip on wet decks. If you plan to swim, flip-flops are okay for the beach stops. Heels are a no-go. You'll struggle to climb the ladder from the swim platform, and you'll damage the teak. If you're on a superyacht charter, the crew will ask you to remove your shoes at the gangway. Bring a pair of deck shoes or go barefoot. Your feet will get dirty, but that's the price of luxury.

For a list of superyachts with strict dress codes, see our BoatHire24 homepage.

Common questions

What should I wear on a boat in Benalmadena?

Light layers: a t-shirt, a windbreaker, and shorts or swimwear. White or light colours reflect the sun. Avoid dark colours that absorb heat. A hat and sunglasses are essential. No black-soled shoes.

Do I need a passport for a boat trip in Benalmadena?

No, if you stay within Spanish waters. But some tours go near Gibraltar, and you might need a passport if you land there. Check with the charter company. Most trips stay in Spanish waters.

Can I bring my own alcohol on a boat charter?

Yes, but check with the skipper first. Some charters include drinks, and some have restrictions on glass bottles. Bring cans or plastic bottles. Drink responsibly, especially if you're prone to seasickness.

What happens if I get seasick on the boat?

The skipper will have sick bags and can slow down or head to calmer waters. Take seasickness pills before you board. If you feel ill, stay on deck, focus on the horizon, and avoid reading or looking at your phone.

Is there a dress code for superyacht charters?

Yes. Smart casual: no swimwear in the saloon, no shoes on the deck, no ripped clothes. Some superyachts require long trousers for dinner. Check with the charter company. Most are relaxed during the day.

What should I pack for a child on a boat?

Sun cream, a hat, a UV-protective rash vest, a life jacket (the boat provides one, but bring your own if your child is small), snacks, a change of clothes, and a toy that doesn't float away. Keep them hydrated and out of the direct sun.

Can I bring a drone on a boat charter?

Yes, but you need permission from the skipper and the Spanish aviation authority (AESA). Drones are banned in some areas, like near the marina or military zones. Ask before you fly. Most skippers will let you launch from the boat if it's safe.

Why Benalmadena’s wind pattern changes your packing list

The Costa del Sol has two main winds: the Levante (east wind) and the Poniente (west wind). Benalmadena sits in a weird spot where both hit you depending on the time of year. In summer, the Levante picks up around midday and can gust to 20 knots by 3 pm. That means the afternoon return leg from the open sea to the marina will be choppy. Pack a windbreaker that actually stops wind, not just a fashion hoodie. If you’re on a sailing yacht, the skipper might heel the boat over, which shifts the deck angle by 15 degrees. Your bag will slide. Strap it down or put it in a cockpit locker. In winter, the Poniente brings warmer air but less swell. The key difference: summer requires more sun protection, winter requires more layers. A thermal base layer under a fleece is smart for a November charter. The water temperature in Benalmadena ranges from 14°C in February to 24°C in August. If you’re swimming in spring or autumn, a wetsuit (3mm shortie) makes the difference between a pleasant dip and a hypothermic gasp.

What to pack for a RIB or speedboat charter

RIBs and speedboats are a different beast from a motor yacht or catamaran. You sit lower in the water, and the hull slaps against waves. You will get wet. Not maybe. You will. Pack a waterproof jacket with a hood, not just a windbreaker. Waterproof trousers are optional but wise if you’re sitting on the tube. The spray comes over the bow and lands right in your lap. A dry bag is non-negotiable here, because the deck is open and everything gets salt spray. Sunglasses with a strap are essential because the wind at 30 knots will rip them off your face. If you wear contact lenses, bring a spare pair and rewetting drops. The salt spray irritates eyes. For footwear, neoprene booties or water shoes are better than flip-flops, which will blow off. The skipper will likely stop at Cala del Faro or a cove near Fuengirola for a swim. Pack a towel that fits in a small dry bag. Benalmadena’s RIB charters often run to the dolphin-watching zones near the Strait of Gibraltar. That’s a 45-minute run each way. The ride is bumpy. If you’re prone to seasickness, take double the dose (check the label) or skip the RIB altogether. A catamaran is smoother.

Packing for a Benalmadena sunset charter: the evening difference

Sunset charters leave around 6 pm in summer (8 pm in July) and return after dark. The temperature drops by 8-10 degrees once the sun goes down. A light jacket that worked at 7 pm will not cut it at 9 pm. Pack a fleece or a jumper. The wind also changes direction in the evening, often dying down to a calm. That means less spray but more mosquitoes near the coast. Bring insect repellent if you’re prone to bites. The marina lights up at dusk, and the reflection on the water is worth a photo. But your phone camera will struggle in low light. If you have a camera with a fast lens (f/1.8 or wider), bring it. The sunset colours over La Concha mountain are orange, pink, and purple. A tripod won’t fit on a small boat, but you can brace against the railing. Drinks are usually included on sunset charters, but if you want something specific, bring it in a can. The skipper will have a cooler. Don’t bring glass. The crew will be cleaning up after the day charters, so they appreciate you not making a mess. If you’re on a shared sunset tour, the boat might be full. Pack light, because there’s limited storage on the deck. A small backpack is better than a duffel bag.

Costs and logistics: what you don’t need to bring

Benalmadena’s marina has a chandlery and a supermarket that sell most things you forgot. Sun cream costs around EUR 12 for a 200ml bottle. A dry bag is EUR 8-15. Seasickness pills are EUR 4-6 at the pharmacy. You can also buy snacks, water, and beer at the supermarket. The marina has public toilets and changing rooms near the boat ramp. Use them before boarding, because the boat’s toilet (if it has one) is small and requires a pump-out. If you’re on a budget charter, the boat might not have a fridge. Bring a cooler bag with ice packs. If you’re on a luxury charter, the crew will provide towels, sun cream, and snorkelling gear. Ask before you pack. Some catamaran charters include a full bar and a barbecue. You don’t need to bring food or drink. Check the listing on BoatHire24 for what’s included. For a half-day charter (4 hours), you’ll use less sun cream and fewer snacks than a full day. Adjust your packing accordingly. A full-day charter from 10 am to 6 pm means you’ll need lunch, multiple sunscreen applications, and a change of clothes for the evening. If you’re docking for lunch at a beach club like Nikki Beach or La Carihuela, you can buy food there. But beach club prices are high: EUR 20 for a burger. Bring a sandwich.

Seasonal packing guide: summer vs winter in Benalmadena

Summer (June to September) is straightforward: sun cream, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, light windbreaker. Air temperature averages 28-32°C, water 22-24°C. You’ll be hot on land, cool on the water. The UV index is extreme (9-10) from 11 am to 4 pm. Reapply sun cream every 90 minutes. Winter (November to March) requires a different approach. Air temperature is 15-20°C, water 14-16°C. You won’t swim unless you’re brave or have a wetsuit. Pack a fleece, a waterproof jacket, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes. The sun is lower, so sunglasses are still needed but the UV is lower (index 3-4). Seasickness is less common in winter because the sea is calmer, but the Poniente wind can bring fog. Bring a hat that covers your ears. The marina is quieter, and charters are cheaper (up to 40% off summer rates). Spring (April-May) and autumn (October) are transitional. Pack layers: a t-shirt, a fleece, and a waterproof shell. The weather can change from sunny to rainy in 30 minutes. A dry bag is essential because rain squalls come fast. The water is 17-19°C, so a wetsuit is optional for swimming. If you’re on a fishing charter, winter is better for catching larger fish like sea bass. Summer is better for tuna and dorado. Check the season with the skipper.

Related guides

• What to Pack for a Boat Day on the Costa del Sol
• What to Pack for a Boat Day in Marbella – Essentials
• Best Anchorages Near Benalmadena for Boat Trips
• Best Snorkeling Gear for Benalmadena Boat Trips
• Dolphin Watching Marbella in May – Best Spots
• Marbella Boat Trip for Photoshoot – Capture Moments

Own a boat? Samboat Alternative for Owners.