You want to get on the water from Puerto Banus, but you don't want the hassle of finding a skipper or haggling with a dozen different operators. BoatHire24 lists every available boat with a licensed skipper included, so you can compare, pick, and book in minutes. No hidden fees, no last-minute cancellations.
Whether you need a 40-foot motor yacht for a stag do, a catamaran for a family afternoon, or a RIB to go dolphin spotting, the selection is wide. Departure is from the marina itself, so you step off the pontoon and straight onto the boat. Prices start from around EUR 400 for a half-day RIB trip and go up to EUR 8,000 for a full day on a 60-foot luxury motor yacht.
What You Get with Boat Hire in Puerto Banus
Every charter booked through BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper who knows the local waters. You don't need a licence, and you don't need to worry about navigation, anchoring, or safety. The skipper handles all of that. You just bring your group, food, and drinks.
Fuel is usually included in the price for half-day trips, but for full-day charters it's often extra. Check the listing details before you confirm. Most boats come with a Bluetooth speaker, a cooler, and basic safety equipment. Some have a barbecue, a water slide, or a jacuzzi.
You can choose from motor yachts, catamarans, sailing yachts, RIBs, fishing boats, and even superyachts. If you want to drive a boat yourself without a licence, there are a few licence-free day boats available, but they are limited and book up fast.
Departure Ports and Local Highlights
Puerto Banus is the main departure port for most charters in Marbella. The marina is packed with supercars, designer shops, and restaurants. But once you leave the harbour, you get a different perspective. You see the La Concha mountain rising behind the coast, the golden sand of the beaches, and the luxury villas along the Golden Mile.
Popular destinations from Puerto Banus include the Cala del Faro, a small cove with a lighthouse, where you can anchor for a swim. Further west, you can head to Estepona old town and its colourful flower pots. Eastwards, you can reach the Cabopino dunes and the Artola beach. If you have a full day, you can go all the way to the Strait of Gibraltar to see dolphins and, on a clear day, the coast of Africa.
Other departure ports in the area include Marbella Marina (Puerto Deportivo), Cabopino, Estepona, Sotogrande, and Benalmadena. Each has its own character. Sotogrande is quieter and more exclusive. Benalmadena is livelier and closer to the Nerja caves if you want a longer trip.
Types of Boats Available for Hire in Puerto Banus
Motor Yachts
Motor yachts are the most popular choice for groups who want speed, space, and comfort. They range from 30 to 80 feet. A 40-foot Sunseeker can take up to 12 guests and cruises at about 20 knots. Prices for a half-day start around EUR 1,500. A full day on a 60-foot Azimut costs from EUR 4,000 to EUR 8,000 depending on the season.
These boats have a flybridge, a saloon with air conditioning, a galley, and cabins. You can sunbathe on the foredeck or sit at the helm with the skipper. Most come with a tender for getting to shallow coves.
Catamarans
Catamarans are stable and have a large deck area. They are ideal for families or groups who want to avoid seasickness. A 40-foot Lagoon catamaran can host up to 12 guests and costs from around EUR 600 for a half-day. Full-day prices go up to EUR 2,500.
Catamarans have a shallow draft, so you can get close to beaches and anchor in calm waters. They usually have a trampoline net at the front for lounging. Some have a barbecue on the back deck.
Sailing Yachts
Sailing yachts are for people who want a quieter experience. You can help the skipper with the sails or just relax. A 36-foot Bavaria costs from EUR 500 for a half-day. A 50-foot Oceanis costs around EUR 1,200 for a full day.
Sailing yachts are slower than motor yachts, so you cover less distance. But the experience is more authentic. You can anchor in a quiet cove and have lunch while the boat rocks gently.
RIBs and Speedboats
RIBs are fast and nimble. They are good for short trips, watersports, or dolphin watching. A 6-metre RIB with a 150 HP engine can take up to 8 people and costs from around EUR 400 for a half-day. A larger 9-metre RIB with twin engines costs about EUR 800.
You wear life jackets, and the skipper takes you to the best spots for swimming or snorkelling. Some RIBs have a small cabin for storing gear.
Fishing Boats
Fishing boats are equipped with rods, reels, and fish finders. You can do bottom fishing for sea bass or trolling for tuna. A half-day trip costs from EUR 500. The skipper knows the best fishing grounds around the coast.
You keep what you catch, and some skippers will clean and fillet the fish for you. You can then take it to a restaurant in Puerto Banus to have it cooked.
Superyachts
Superyachts are for the high end. They are over 24 metres and come with a crew of 3 to 5. You get a stewardess, a chef, and sometimes a deckhand. Prices are on request, but expect to pay upwards of EUR 10,000 for a day.
These yachts have everything: jacuzzis, jet skis, SUPs, and fine dining. You can charter one for a wedding, a corporate event, or a VIP party.
Pricing Guidance for Boat Hire in Puerto Banus
Prices vary by boat type, size, season, and duration. Here is a rough guide:
- Half-day (4 hours) RIB: EUR 400-800
- Half-day motor yacht (40-50 ft): EUR 1,500-3,000
- Full-day (8 hours) catamaran (40 ft): EUR 2,000-3,500
- Full-day sailing yacht (40 ft): EUR 1,000-2,000
- Full-day superyacht: price on request
Fuel is usually included for half-day trips. For full-day trips, it is often extra and can cost EUR 200-600 depending on distance and speed. Some charters include a welcome drink or a small snack. Most allow you to bring your own food and drink.
Peak season is June to September. Prices are 20-30% higher in August. Shoulder seasons (April-May and October) offer lower rates and fewer crowds. Winter charters are possible but the weather is cooler (around 15-18 degrees C) and some boats are out of the water for maintenance.
How to Book Your Boat Hire in Puerto Banus
You book through the BoatHire24 website. Use the search page to filter by boat type, capacity, and price. Each listing shows the boat specifications, photos, and the skipper's profile. You can check availability and book instantly with a deposit (usually 30-50% of the total). The balance is paid on the day of the charter.
You can also call or email the BoatHire24 team for help. They know the boats and the skippers personally. They can recommend the best option for your group size and budget.
Read the cancellation policy before you book. Most charters allow free cancellation up to 7 days before the trip. After that, you lose the deposit. Weather cancellations are handled by the skipper, and you get a full refund if the trip cannot go ahead.
For more tips on what to expect, check the BoatHire24 blog. It has guides on packing, safety, and the best anchorages in the Costa del Sol.
Who Is Boat Hire in Puerto Banus For?
It is for anyone who wants to spend a day on the water without owning a boat or a licence. Families, groups of friends, couples, and corporate clients all use the service.
Families like catamarans because they are stable and have space for kids to move around. Groups of friends prefer motor yachts for partying. Couples book sailing yachts for a romantic sunset trip. Corporate clients charter superyachts for meetings or client entertainment.
If you are visiting Marbella for a wedding or a stag/hen do, a boat trip is a popular activity. You can anchor in a cove, swim, and have lunch. Some boats have a sound system for music.
If you are a fishing enthusiast, you can book a dedicated fishing boat. If you want to explore the coast at speed, a RIB is the best choice.
BoatHire24 covers all the main ports in the region: Puerto Banus, Marbella Marina, Cabopino, Estepona, Sotogrande, and Benalmadena. You can choose the departure point that is closest to your accommodation.
For the widest selection, start your search on the BoatHire24 homepage and filter by port and date.
Best Time of Year for Boat Hire in Puerto Banus
The Costa del Sol weather is reliable, but the experience changes by month. May and June are the sweet spot. The sea temperature hits 20 degrees C, the water is calm, and the marinas are not yet packed. You can anchor at Cala del Faro without fighting for space.
July and August are peak season. The water is warm (24-26 degrees C), but the wind can pick up in the afternoon. The Levante wind blows from the east and can make the sea choppy, especially west of Marbella. If you are prone to seasickness, book a catamaran or a morning trip before the wind builds.
September is a hidden gem. The crowds thin out, the sea is still warm, and the prices drop by 15-20 percent. You can often get a last-minute discount if the boat is not fully booked. October is still pleasant, but you might need a light jacket on the way back. Winter charters are possible on sunny days, but the water is cold (around 15 degrees C) and many boats are in dry dock for maintenance.
If you want to see dolphins, the best months are April to June and September to October. The Strait of Gibraltar is a migration corridor, so you can spot common dolphins, striped dolphins, and even pilot whales. A RIB or a motor yacht can get you there in about 45 minutes from Puerto Banus.
What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
Pack light. You need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen (factor 50, reef-safe if you care about the environment), and a hat. Sunglasses with a strap are a good idea because they will fall off at 20 knots. Bring a light jumper or a windbreaker for the afternoon breeze.
Food and drink are usually allowed. Most boats have a cooler with ice. You can bring your own beer, wine, and soft drinks. Some skippers will stop at a chiringuito (beach bar) for lunch, but you need to arrange that in advance. Do not bring glass bottles on a RIB or a speedboat. The skipper will tell you to decant into plastic cups.
Leave behind high heels. They damage the deck and the skipper will ask you to take them off. Also leave behind any illegal substances. The Spanish coast guard does random checks, and the skipper will cancel the trip if they find anything. You lose your deposit and your charter fee.
If you are prone to seasickness, take a pill an hour before departure. The pharmacy in Puerto Banus sells Biodramina for around EUR 5. Do not rely on the skipper having them. A full stomach helps, but avoid greasy food. Stick to bread, fruit, and water.
How to Choose the Right Boat for Your Group
Group size is the main factor. A 40-foot motor yacht can take up to 12 guests legally. That is the maximum for most charter boats without a special licence. If you have 14 people, you need two boats or a superyacht. Check the listing capacity carefully. The skipper counts heads at departure.
If you have children under 5, a catamaran is safer. The deck is flat, the sides are high, and the boat does not tip much. A motor yacht can be fine if the kids are supervised, but the stairs to the flybridge can be steep. Some catamarans have a net trampoline where kids can sit and watch the water.
If you want to party, a motor yacht with a good sound system is the best choice. Look for boats with a Bluetooth speaker or a built-in audio system. Some have a subwoofer that you can feel in your chest. A 50-foot Sunseeker or a Princess can handle a dozen people dancing on the flybridge.
If you want peace and quiet, a sailing yacht is better. You can read a book on the foredeck and hear the water against the hull. The speed is slower (6-8 knots), so you cover less ground, but you can anchor in a secluded cove and stay there for hours.
If you are on a tight budget, a RIB or a licence-free day boat is the cheapest option. A 6-metre RIB for a half-day costs around EUR 400, which works out at EUR 50 per person for a group of 8. The trade-off is less comfort and no shade. You sit on the tubes and get wet.
Specific Anchorages and Routes from Puerto Banus
The classic half-day route goes west to the Cala del Faro. It is a small cove with a lighthouse and a rocky beach. The water is clear and deep enough for anchoring. You can swim, snorkel, and have lunch. The skipper will drop the anchor and you can jump off the boat. The return trip takes you past the Puerto Banus marina entrance, where you can see the superyachts parked at the end of the pier.
A full-day route can go east to Cabopino. The dunes are protected, and the beach is quieter than Marbella. You can anchor off the Artola beach and walk to the sand. Further east is the Cala de las Sardinas, a small cove with a beach bar. The water is shallow and warm.
If you want to see dolphins, the best route is west towards Estepona and then south towards the Strait of Gibraltar. The water gets deeper and the current is stronger. The skipper knows the spots where dolphins feed. You can usually see them within 30 minutes of leaving the harbour. The trip takes about 3-4 hours round trip from Puerto Banus.
For a longer trip, you can go all the way to the Nerja caves. That is a 2-hour one-way trip from Puerto Banus, so you need a full day and a fast boat. A motor yacht cruising at 20 knots can do it. You anchor near the caves and take a tender to the entrance. The caves are EUR 10 entry per person, and the stalactites are impressive.
Hidden Costs and How to Avoid Them
The listed price is not always the final price. Fuel is the most common extra. For a half-day trip on a motor yacht, fuel is usually included. For a full-day trip, it is often extra and can cost EUR 200-600 depending on the distance and speed. Ask the skipper before you book. Some listings include fuel in the price, others do not.
Docking fees are another cost. If you stop at a marina for lunch, you pay for the berth. That can be EUR 50-100 depending on the size of the boat. Some skippers avoid marinas and anchor near a beach instead. You can bring your own food to save money.
Cleaning fees are rare but can apply if you leave a mess. The standard is EUR 50-100 for a motor yacht. If you spill red wine on the upholstery, you might pay more. Use plastic cups and keep food on the table.
Tips are not mandatory but are appreciated. The standard is 10 percent of the charter fee for the skipper. If the crew does a good job, hand them cash at the end. They work long hours and rely on tips to supplement their income.
Deposits are usually 30-50 percent of the total and are non-refundable if you cancel within 7 days. Read the cancellation policy on the listing page. Some skippers are flexible, others are strict. Weather cancellations are different. If the wind is over 20 knots or the sea state is rough, the skipper cancels and you get a full refund.
How to Get to Puerto Banus and Where to Park
Puerto Banus is about 15 minutes by car from Marbella town centre. If you are staying in Marbella, a taxi costs around EUR 15-20. From Malaga airport, it is a 45-minute drive. You can rent a car or take a bus (the M-220 line runs every 30 minutes and costs EUR 5).
Parking in Puerto Banus is expensive and limited. The main car park under the marina costs EUR 3 per hour or EUR 25 per day. There is a free car park about 10 minutes walk away, near the El Corte Ingles shopping centre. But it fills up by 10 am in summer. If you are chartering from Marbella Marina, parking is cheaper (EUR 1.50 per hour) and easier.
If you are staying in Estepona or Sotogrande, you can depart from those ports instead. They are less crowded and parking is free or cheap. The boat selection is smaller, but the prices are often lower. BoatHire24 covers all these ports, so you can compare options.
What Happens on the Day of Your Charter
You arrive at the marina 15 minutes before departure. The skipper meets you at the boat and does a safety briefing. He shows you where the life jackets are, how to use the toilet, and what to do in an emergency. Then he asks for the balance payment (if you have not paid in full online). Cash is preferred, but most skippers accept card or bank transfer.
Once everyone is on board, the skipper unties the lines and drives out of the marina. You can sit on the flybridge, the foredeck, or the saloon. The skipper will ask if you have a preferred route. If you do not, he will suggest one based on the wind and sea conditions.
When you reach the anchorage, the skipper drops the anchor. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or just float. Some boats have a water slide or a jacuzzi. The skipper will stay on board and keep an eye on the weather and other boats. He will also prepare lunch if you have arranged it.
At the end of the trip, the skipper drives back to the marina. You help tie up the lines, thank the crew, and leave. The whole experience is relaxed and informal. There is no strict schedule. If you want to stay longer at a cove, you can. The skipper adjusts the timing.
Booking Tips for First-Timers
Book at least 2 weeks in advance during peak season (June to September). The best boats go fast, especially the catamarans and the licence-free day boats. If you are flexible on dates, you can find last-minute deals on the BoatHire24 website. Some skippers offer discounts for bookings within 48 hours.
Check the boat's age and condition. Older boats (pre-2010) can have worn upholstery and outdated electronics. Newer boats (2018 onwards) are cleaner and more comfortable. The photos on the listing are usually accurate, but you can ask the BoatHire24 team for a recent video.
Read the skipper's profile. Some skippers are more experienced than others. Look for skippers with at least 5 years of experience on the Costa del Sol. They know the local anchorages, the wind patterns, and the best spots for swimming. A good skipper makes the trip better.
If you have specific requests (a certain type of music, a specific anchorage, or dietary requirements), tell the skipper in advance. Most are happy to accommodate. Do not assume they can read your mind. A quick message on the BoatHire24 platform is enough.
For the widest selection and the best prices, start on the BoatHire24 homepage and use the filters to narrow down by port, date, and boat type. The search page lets you compare multiple options side by side. If you are unsure, the team can recommend a boat based on your group size and budget.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boat licence to hire a boat in Puerto Banus?
No. Every charter booked through BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper. You can relax and enjoy the trip without any paperwork or experience.
What is the maximum number of guests allowed on a boat in Puerto Banus?
It depends on the boat's capacity. Most motor yachts and catamarans can take up to 12 guests. Larger superyachts can take up to 20 or more. Check the listing for the exact number.
Can I bring my own food and drink on the boat?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drink. Most boats have a cooler and a Bluetooth speaker. Some charters include a welcome drink, but you are free to bring whatever you like.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my charter?
The skipper will assess the conditions. If the trip cannot go ahead safely, you get a full refund or you can reschedule for another day. BoatHire24 handles this directly.
How far in advance should I book a boat in Puerto Banus?
In peak season (June to September), book at least 2-3 weeks ahead. In shoulder seasons, a week is usually enough. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible if a boat is available.
Can I charter a boat for a wedding or corporate event in Puerto Banus?
Yes. Superyachts and large motor yachts are available for events. Contact BoatHire24 with your requirements. Prices are on request, and you can arrange catering and decorations.
What is the difference between half-day and full-day charter in Puerto Banus?
A half-day is typically 4 hours, usually from 10am to 2pm or 2pm to 6pm. A full-day is 8 hours, often 10am to 6pm. Full-day trips allow you to go further, like to the Strait of Gibraltar or Estepona.