Catamaran Charter Benalmadena: Day Trips & More

You want a day on the water off the Costa del Sol without the heave of a monohull. A catamaran charter in Benalmadena gives you the space to stretch out, a stable platform that doesn't roll with every swell, and a skipper who handles the navigation while you handle the rosé. Benalmadena's marina, Puerto Deportivo, is one of the closest departure points to the open sea on this coast, so you're past the breakwater and into the Mediterranean in under ten minutes.

The question is not whether to charter a catamaran, but which one, for how long, and with what extras. This page lays out the options, the costs, the ports, and the practicalities so you can decide if a catamaran charter in Benalmadena is your next move. If it is, BoatHire24 has the boats and the skippers to make it happen.

What a Catamaran Charter in Benalmadena Includes

Every catamaran charter on BoatHire24 comes with a licensed skipper. That means you do not need a boating licence, and you do not need to touch a line unless you want to. The skipper handles the mooring, the anchoring, and the safety briefing. You handle the swimming, the sunbathing, and the decision about where to stop for lunch.

Most charters include fuel, insurance, and onboard equipment such as snorkel gear, paddleboards, and a sound system. Some include food and drinks, others offer a catering upgrade. Check the individual listing for what is included, but expect the boat to be cleaned and fuelled before you step aboard. The skipper will be there at least 15 minutes before departure to go over the itinerary and safety points.

Standard charter durations are half-day (4 hours), full-day (8 hours), or sunset (3-4 hours, late afternoon). Overnight charters are possible on larger catamarans with cabins, but that is less common from Benalmadena because most trips are day excursions along the coast.

Benalmadena as a Departure Port: Why It Works

Puerto Deportivo de Benalmadena is a well-sheltered marina with 900 berths, chandleries, and a handful of bars and restaurants on the harbourfront. Its position on the Costa del Sol is strategic: it sits roughly midway between Málaga city and Marbella, so you can head east towards Cala del Moral and the cliffs of the Costa del Sol Oriental, or west towards Cabopino and the dunes of Artola.

For a catamaran charter in Benalmadena, the advantage is quick access to the deeper water where the wind fills in properly. Catamarans are not as weather-dependent as sailing yachts, but a decent breeze makes the ride smoother and more comfortable. The marina has a fuel dock, water, and electricity, so the boat is ready to go when you arrive.

Parking near the marina is pay-and-display, and there are public car parks within a five-minute walk. Benalmadena town centre and the train station (Cercanías line C-1) are about 15 minutes on foot, so you can arrive without a car if you prefer.

Catamaran Options: Sizes, Layouts, and Capacities

Catamarans available for charter in Benalmadena range from 38 to 55 feet overall length. The smallest, a Lagoon 380 or similar, sleeps 6-8 in 4 cabins and 2 heads (bathrooms). The largest, a Bali 5.4 or Lagoon 52, sleeps 10-12 in 5-6 cabins. All have a flybridge or upper helm station, a saloon with galley, and a forward trampoline net for lounging.

For a day charter, the key numbers are the number of guests allowed (usually 10-12 for a day trip, even if the boat has fewer berths for overnight) and the deck space. Catamarans have a beam of around 7-8 metres, which means the deck area is roughly double that of a monohull of the same length. You can have six people spread out on the trampoline, four on the aft deck cushions, and two on the flybridge without anyone feeling crowded.

Most catamarans have a swim platform at the stern with a ladder, making reboarding easy. Some have a retractable passerelle for stepping onto beaches. If you have specific needs, such as wheelchair access or a requirement for a particular brand of sound system, mention it when you enquire through BoatHire24.

Pricing Guidance for a Catamaran Charter in Benalmadena

Prices vary by boat size, age, and season. As a rough guide, a half-day charter (4 hours) on a 40-foot catamaran in June starts from around EUR 1,200. A full-day charter (8 hours) on the same boat runs from EUR 1,800 to EUR 2,500. Sunset charters (3-4 hours, including a cold buffet and drinks) are typically EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,500.

High season (June to September) commands a premium of roughly 20-30% over low season (October to May, excluding Christmas and Easter weeks). If you are flexible on dates, booking in May or October gives you similar weather and lower rates. Fuel is included in most quotes, but if the itinerary involves long runs (e.g. to Marbella and back), the skipper may add a fuel supplement. Ask when you book.

For larger groups or longer durations, the per-person cost drops. A full-day charter for 12 people on a 50-foot catamaran works out at roughly EUR 200 per person, which is competitive with a private yacht charter anywhere in the Mediterranean.

Itineraries from Benalmadena: Where You Can Go

A typical half-day trip heads west towards Cabopino and the Artola dunes, anchoring off the beach for a swim and lunch. The water there is clear, and the seabed is sandy, so you can see the anchor chain all the way down. The return leg passes the marina entrance at Puerto Deportivo and the coastline of Benalmadena itself, with the Tivoli World amusement park visible on the hill.

A full-day charter can reach Marbella and Puerto Banús, about 15 nautical miles west. The run takes 1.5 to 2 hours at cruising speed (around 7-8 knots on a catamaran under power). You anchor off the beach at Puerto Banús for a swim, then motor into the marina for a look at the superyachts and the boutiques. Alternatively, head east to Cala del Moral and the cliffs of the Costa del Sol Oriental, or further to the Nerja caves (about 25 NM, a 3-hour run). The caves are visible from the water, and you can anchor nearby for a swim before the return leg.

Sunset charters stay close to Benalmadena, anchoring off the coast with a view of the sun dropping behind the Sierra de Mijas mountains. The lights of the marina come on as the sky turns orange. It is a low-effort, high-reward option for a group that wants to celebrate something without spending the whole day on the water.

Who Should Charter a Catamaran in Benalmadena

Catamarans suit groups that value space and stability over speed. If you have children, elderly guests, or anyone prone to seasickness, the lack of rolling motion is a significant advantage. The wide beam means you can walk around the deck without holding on, and the trampoline is a safe place for kids to sit and watch the water.

Corporate groups and team-building events also work well on catamarans because the deck layout allows for catering, presentations, or simply a relaxed day away from the office. The skipper can anchor in a quiet cove for lunch and drinks, and the group can use the paddleboards and snorkel gear as a break from conversation.

Couples or small families may prefer a smaller catamaran (38-40 feet) for a private charter. The cost is higher per person than a shared group charter, but you get the boat to yourselves and can set your own itinerary.

How to Book a Catamaran Charter in Benalmadena

Booking through BoatHire24 is straightforward. Enter Benalmadena as the departure port, select catamaran as the boat type, and choose your date and group size. The search results show available boats with photos, specifications, and skipper profiles. Each listing has a request-to-book button that sends an enquiry to the owner or charter company. They respond within a few hours with a confirmed price and availability.

You can also filter by amenities such as WiFi, air conditioning, or water toys. If you have a specific catamaran brand in mind (Lagoon, Bali, Fountaine Pajot), use the brand filter. If you are flexible, browse all catamarans and compare the deck plans and guest reviews.

Payment is handled through the platform: a deposit (usually 30-50%) secures the date, and the balance is due a few days before departure. Cancellation policies vary, but most operators offer a full refund if you cancel more than 14 days out, and a partial refund within 7 days.

Weather and Seasons for Catamaran Charters

Benalmadena enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year. The charter season runs from April to October, with peak months July and August offering water temperatures of 24-26 degrees C and air temperatures of 30-35 degrees C. Wind is generally light to moderate (8-15 knots) in summer, often from the west or southwest. Catamarans handle these conditions well, and the skipper will adjust the itinerary to avoid any afternoon thermal winds that build up.

May and June are the best months for calm seas and clear visibility, ideal for dolphin watching off the coast. September and October still have warm water and fewer crowds, though the occasional easterly wind (levante) can bring choppy seas for a day or two. Skippers monitor forecasts closely and will postpone or reroute if conditions are unsafe.

Winter charters (November to March) are possible but less common. The average temperature drops to 15-20 degrees C, and the water is around 16 degrees C. Some operators offer reduced rates for winter charters, but you will need to dress warmly and accept that swimming is less appealing.

Local Highlights Near Benalmadena

Benalmadena itself has the Selwo Marina dolphinarium, the Benalmadena Cable Car (Teleférico) up Mount Calamorro, and the Castillo de Colomares castle-monument. The marina has a selection of seafood restaurants, including those on the Muelle Deportivo serving grilled fish and paella. For a pre-charter breakfast or post-charter drink, the harbourfront bars are open from early morning.

A short taxi ride away is the Arroyo de la Miel district, with its narrow streets and tapas bars. The train station connects to Málaga in 20 minutes and to Fuengirola in 15 minutes, so you can combine a catamaran charter with a visit to the Málaga Picasso Museum or the Alcazaba fortress.

If you are staying in nearby Torremolinos or Mijas Costa, Benalmadena is a convenient departure point. The marina has a chandlery and a small supermarket for provisioning, though most charter operators supply lunch and drinks as part of the package.

Additional Services and Extras

Many catamaran charters offer optional extras such as a barbecue lunch on board, a professional photographer, or a DJ for a private party. Some operators can arrange a transfer from your hotel to the marina in an air-conditioned minibus. If you want to combine the charter with a land activity, such as a visit to the Cueva del Gato or a hike in the Sierra de las Nieves, ask the charter company for recommendations; they often have local partners.

For a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, the skipper can arrange a cake, champagne, and decorations. The cost is typically EUR 50-100 extra, depending on the level of service. If you need a halal or kosher menu, confirm with the charter company at least 48 hours in advance.

All catamarans on BoatHire24 are insured and maintained to Spanish maritime standards. The skipper holds a valid Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo (PER) or higher qualification. Safety equipment includes life jackets, flares, a first aid kit, and a VHF radio. The boat will have a safety briefing before departure, and the skipper will point out the location of life jackets and emergency exits.

Comparing Catamaran Charter Benalmadena to Other Ports

Benalmadena is not as glamorous as Puerto Banús, but it is less crowded and more affordable. A catamaran charter from Benalmadena typically costs 10-20% less than the same boat from Puerto Banús, partly because the marina fees are lower and partly because the demand is less frenetic. The flip side is that Benalmadena has fewer high-end restaurants and shops, but that does not matter if you are spending the day on the water.

Compared to Marbella Marina, Benalmadena offers quicker access to the open sea. Marbella Marina is inside the bay, so you have a longer run to reach deep water. Cabopino is smaller and quieter, with limited facilities, but it is closer to the Artola dunes and the Cabopino beach clubs. Estepona and Sotogrande are further west, adding travel time if you are based in the Málaga-Fuengirola area.

For a first-time charterer, Benalmadena is a good middle ground: easy to reach, with enough infrastructure to make the process smooth, but without the premium prices of the more famous ports. If you are already on the Costa del Sol and want a catamaran charter, Benalmadena is worth considering.

Why Book Through BoatHire24

BoatHire24 is a marketplace that connects you directly with boat owners and charter companies on the Costa del Sol. You see the same boats and prices that the operators offer, without a middleman markup. The platform handles the booking and payment securely, and you have access to customer support during office hours.

We do not add commission to the charter price. The price you see on the listing is the price the owner sets. We also provide detailed boat specifications, skipper profiles, and a clear cancellation policy so you know what you are getting before you pay.

If you have questions about a specific catamaran charter in Benalmadena, use the enquiry form on the listing page. The owner will answer within a few hours. You can also read our blog for tips on choosing the right boat, what to pack, and the best anchorages on the Costa del Sol.

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