You want a day on the water with friends or family, and you don't want to be crammed onto a packed tour boat. A catamaran charter in Puerto Banus gives you the space, stability, and style to actually enjoy the Costa del Sol from the sea. These boats are basically floating party platforms with sunbeds, a bar, and enough deck space for everyone to lounge without elbowing each other.
With BoatHire24, you book a private catamaran with a licensed skipper included. No licence needed, no navigation stress. You just turn up, bring your drinks, and decide where to go. Puerto Banus is the obvious departure point because it sits right in the middle of the action, with easy access to the best anchorages and the famous Marbella coastline.
This page covers what you get, which ports work best, what different catamarans cost, and how to book without the usual hassle. If you want a straightforward group day out, this is your starting point.
What a Catamaran Charter in Puerto Banus Includes
Every catamaran charter through BoatHire24 comes with a professional skipper who knows the local waters. You don't need a boating licence or any experience. The skipper handles the navigation, mooring, and safety briefings. You handle the sunbathing and the drinks.
Most charters run from 4 hours to a full day. Half-day trips (4 hours) are popular for a quick afternoon sail with lunch at a beach club. Full-day trips (8 hours) let you explore further, maybe down to Estepona or across to the African coast if you want a longer crossing.
Typical inclusions are fuel, water toys (paddleboards, snorkel gear, sometimes a SUP), a cool box with ice, and a Bluetooth speaker. Some catamarans have a barbecue on the back deck. You bring your own food and drink unless you request a catering package, which costs extra and needs booking in advance.
The skipper will suggest an itinerary based on weather and your preferences. Common stops include Cala del Faro, a quiet cove with crystal water, or the area off Cabopino with its sand dunes and shallow seabed. You can also ask to see dolphins near the Strait of Gibraltar, though that requires a longer trip from Puerto Banus.
Why Puerto Banus is the Best Departure Point
Puerto Banus is the superyacht capital of the Costa del Sol. The marina itself is a spectacle, with flashy boats, designer shops, and restaurants that spill onto the docks. Departing from here means you start your charter in the middle of the action and quickly escape the crowds once you hit open water.
The port has direct access to the Mediterranean without any shallow channels or waiting times. Within 15 minutes of leaving the marina, you can drop anchor in a quiet bay. The water is calm in the morning before the afternoon wind picks up, so early departures give you the flattest ride.
From Puerto Banus, you can head west towards Estepona and Sotogrande, or east towards Marbella and Cabopino. The stretch between Puerto Banus and Estepona has several secluded coves that catamarans can access easily because of their shallow draft. You won't be fighting for space with the big motor yachts.
If you want a longer trip, you can sail south to the coast of Morocco, which is about 40 nautical miles away. That takes around 3 hours in a catamaran, so it works for a full-day charter. The skipper will need to check weather and customs requirements, but it's a popular option for groups who want something different.
Catamaran Types and What They Cost
Catamarans come in two main flavours: sailing catamarans and power catamarans. Sailing catamarans have masts and sails, and they use wind to move. They're quieter, more eco-friendly, and give you that classic sailing experience. Power catamarans have engines only, so they're faster and more stable in rough conditions, but they burn fuel and cost more per hour.
For a group of 10 to 12 people, a 40-foot sailing catamaran is the sweet spot. You get a spacious deck, a trampoline net at the bow for lounging, and a cabin below for changing or shelter. Prices for a half-day start from around EUR 1,200. Full-day charters go from EUR 2,000 up to EUR 3,500 depending on the boat age and equipment.
Larger groups, up to 20 people, need a 50-foot or bigger catamaran. These have more deck space, a proper galley, and sometimes a flybridge. Prices for a full day on a 50-footer start from around EUR 3,000. Superyacht catamarans (60 feet plus) can carry up to 30 guests and cost from EUR 5,000 per day.
Power catamarans are less common but available. They're faster, so you can cover more distance in a day. A 45-foot power catamaran might cost EUR 3,500 for a full day. The trade-off is higher fuel consumption, which the skipper will factor into the price.
Best Times of Year for a Catamaran Charter
The Costa del Sol has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The peak season for catamaran charters runs from June to September, when temperatures hit 30 degrees C and the water is warm enough to swim without a wetsuit. July and August are the busiest months, so you need to book at least two weeks in advance. Prices are highest then, sometimes 20% above shoulder season rates.
May and October are excellent shoulder months. The weather is still warm, 25 to 28 degrees C, and the water is swimmable from late May. The sea is calmer because the prevailing winds are lighter. You also avoid the crowds, so anchorages are quieter and the marina is less hectic. Prices are lower, and you can often negotiate a better deal.
Winter charters (November to March) are possible but less popular. The temperature drops to around 15 to 18 degrees C, and the sea can be choppy. Some catamarans are laid up for maintenance. You can still find boats available, especially for larger groups who want a scenic sail rather than swimming. Prices are at their lowest, from around EUR 800 for a half-day.
How to Book Your Catamaran Charter
Booking through BoatHire24's search is straightforward. You select the date, number of guests, and departure port. The system shows available catamarans with photos, specs, and prices. You can filter by boat length, type, and amenities like barbecue or water slide.
Once you pick a boat, you complete the booking online. You pay a deposit (usually 30% to 50%) to secure the date. The balance is due on the day of the charter, payable to the skipper in cash or by card. Some operators accept full online payment. Cancellation policies vary, but most allow free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.
You need to provide a guest list with names and passport numbers for insurance purposes. The skipper will also ask about any dietary requirements or special requests, like a DJ or a birthday cake. You can arrange catering through the operator, but it's cheaper to bring your own food and drink.
On the day, you arrive at the designated berth in Puerto Banus 15 minutes before departure. The skipper greets you, does a safety briefing, and then you're off. The boat is yours for the duration, with the skipper on hand to answer questions and adjust the itinerary if the weather changes.
Who Should Book a Catamaran Charter
Catamarans are ideal for groups who want to socialise without feeling cramped. The wide beam and flat deck mean you can walk around easily, chat with everyone, and not get seasick. People who suffer from motion sickness on monohulls often find catamarans much more comfortable because they don't heel over.
Families with children appreciate the space and stability. Kids can play on the trampoline net, paddleboard, or snorkel in the coves. The skipper can take the boat to shallow, protected areas where the water is calm and safe for swimming.
Corporate groups and team-building events work well on catamarans. You have enough room for presentations or meetings below deck, and the relaxed atmosphere encourages networking. Some operators offer catering and AV equipment for a corporate rate.
If you're planning a stag or hen party, a catamaran charter is a popular choice. The group can bring their own music, drinks, and decorations. The skipper will drop anchor at a beach club for lunch or drinks. Just remember that the skipper has the right to end the charter if anyone becomes disruptive or unsafe.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Bring sunscreen with high SPF, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel. The sun reflects off the water, so you burn faster than on land. A light jacket or windbreaker is useful for the afternoon breeze. Swimwear is essential, but you can also bring a change of clothes for lunch at a beach club.
Food and drink are your responsibility unless you pre-order catering. Most catamarans have a fridge and a cooler. You can bring a portable speaker if the boat doesn't have one built in. The skipper will have a first aid kit and life jackets for all guests.
The skipper speaks English and Spanish, sometimes German or French. They know the best spots for photography, especially the view of La Concha mountain from the sea. They can also point out landmarks like the Río Verde estuary and the Marbella castle.
If you want to visit the Nerja caves, that's a separate trip from Puerto Banus. The distance is about 70 kilometres east, so you'd need a full-day charter and a skipper who's willing to make the crossing. It's possible but not common. Most groups stick to the coves between Marbella and Estepona.
For more tips on planning your day, check our blog posts about Costa del Sol boat trips.
Comparing Catamarans to Other Boat Types for Groups
You might wonder why you would pick a catamaran over a motor yacht or a RIB for your group day out. Motor yachts are faster and often look sleeker, but they have a narrow beam and a single hull, so they roll more in a swell. If you have people in your group who get seasick, a motor yacht is a bad idea. RIBs and speedboats are even worse for motion sickness because they bounce on chop. A catamaran spreads its weight across two hulls, so it sits flat and stable. You can walk from the bow to the stern without holding onto anything. That stability is the main reason groups with children or elderly guests choose catamarans over other options.
Sailing catamarans also give you the option to sail silently. If the wind is right, the skipper can switch off the engines and you drift along with only the sound of water against the hulls. That is a different experience from a motor yacht, which always has engine noise. Power catamarans are a compromise: they are stable like a sailing catamaran but faster, so you can cover more distance in a day. They cost more to charter because fuel is not included in the base price. For a group that wants to reach a distant spot like Estepona or Sotogrande in a short time, a power catamaran makes sense. For a relaxed day with swimming and lunch, a sailing catamaran is the better value.
Specific Itineraries from Puerto Banus
A half-day charter from Puerto Banus typically heads east towards Marbella or west towards Estepona. The eastern route takes you past the Marbella Marina and the golden beach of La Fontanilla, then to the Cabopino sand dunes. That area has a protected marine zone with clear water and seagrass meadows. The anchorages there are shallow, so the catamaran can get close to the beach. You can swim, paddleboard, and have lunch at the Chiringuito Cabopino beach bar, which does good grilled fish and paella. The round trip from Puerto Banus to Cabopino and back takes about 3 hours at cruising speed, leaving you 1 to 2 hours at anchor.
The western route goes past the Cala del Faro, a small cove with a lighthouse and rocky cliffs. This spot is less crowded than Cabopino because it is harder to reach by land. The water is deep right up to the rocks, so you can anchor close and jump in. From there, you can continue to Estepona, which is about 10 nautical miles from Puerto Banus. Estepona has a pretty old town with white buildings and flower pots, and the marina has several restaurants where you can moor for lunch. A full-day charter allows you to reach Estepona, spend a couple of hours there, and still have time for a swim stop on the way back.
If you want a longer crossing, you can sail south to the coast of Morocco. The distance from Puerto Banus to the port of Tangier is about 40 nautical miles, which takes 3 to 4 hours in a catamaran. You need a full-day charter and the skipper must check customs and immigration requirements. Some groups do this as a day trip, visiting the Tangier medina and returning in the evening. Others stay overnight and sail back the next day, which requires a multi-day charter. The Strait of Gibraltar is known for its dolphin and whale populations, so you are likely to see them during the crossing.
What to Do if the Weather Turns Bad
The Costa del Sol has reliable weather, but the Levante wind can blow strong from the east, making the sea choppy. If the wind exceeds 25 knots, the skipper may decide to cancel or change the itinerary. Catamarans handle rough weather better than monohulls, but they still pitch in high seas. The skipper will check the forecast the day before and on the morning of your charter. If conditions are unsafe, they will offer you a refund or a rescheduled date. You should not push for a charter in bad weather because it will be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
If the wind is moderate but the sea is messy, the skipper can take you to sheltered anchorages on the lee side of the coast. The area between Puerto Banus and Estepona has several coves that are protected from the east wind. Cala del Faro and the bay of San Luis de Sabinillas are good options. The skipper can also head east towards Cabopino, which is partly sheltered by the Cabopino dunes. You can still swim and have lunch even if the open sea is rough. The key is to trust the skipper's judgment and be flexible with your plans.
How to Choose the Right Catamaran for Your Group
The number of guests is the main factor. A 40-foot catamaran like a Lagoon 40 or a Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 can carry up to 12 guests comfortably. These boats have a beam of about 7 metres, so the deck is wide and the trampoline net at the bow is large enough for several people to lounge. The cabin below has a toilet and a small kitchen, but you will spend most of the time on deck. For 12 to 20 guests, you need a 50-foot catamaran like a Lagoon 52 or a Bali 5.4. These have a flybridge, a larger deck area, and sometimes a water slide. For 20 to 30 guests, you need a superyacht catamaran of 60 feet or more, such as a Sunreef 60 or a Privilege 72. These are rare and more expensive, but they offer luxury amenities like a Jacuzzi, a bar, and crew cabins.
The age and condition of the boat also matter. Newer boats have better sound systems, more comfortable seating, and cleaner engines. Older boats may have worn cushions, outdated electronics, and higher fuel consumption. When you browse the listings on BoatHire24, check the year of manufacture and the photos of the deck and interior. If the boat is more than 10 years old, ask the operator about recent refits. A well-maintained older boat can still be a good option, but you should know what you are getting.
Some catamarans have special features that can enhance your charter. A barbecue on the back deck lets you cook fresh fish or meat at anchor. A water slide is popular with kids and adults. A flybridge gives you a higher vantage point for views and photography. A generator allows you to run air conditioning below deck, which is useful on hot days. These features come at a premium, so decide which ones are important for your group before you book.
Cost Breakdown and Hidden Fees
The base price for a catamaran charter usually covers the boat, the skipper, fuel for a set number of hours, and basic amenities like ice and water toys. But you should ask about extra costs before you confirm the booking. Some operators charge a cleaning fee of EUR 50 to EUR 100 for groups that leave the boat messy. Others charge a mooring fee at beach clubs or marinas, which can be EUR 20 to EUR 50 per stop. If you want a catering package, expect to pay EUR 30 to EUR 60 per person for a lunch with drinks.
Fuel is a variable cost. Sailing catamarans use fuel only for manoeuvring and when there is no wind. A half-day charter with mostly sailing might use EUR 50 to EUR 100 of fuel. A full-day charter with a lot of motoring could use EUR 150 to EUR 300. Power catamarans use more fuel, especially at higher speeds. A full day on a power catamaran might cost EUR 300 to EUR 500 in fuel. The base price often includes a fuel allowance, but if you exceed it, you pay the difference. Ask the operator how fuel is calculated before you book.
Tips for the skipper are not mandatory but are customary. A tip of 10% to 15% of the charter price is standard if you are happy with the service. You can give it in cash . Some groups tip more for exceptional service, like spotting dolphins or accommodating special requests. The skipper works hard to make your day enjoyable, so a tip is appreciated.
For more practical advice on costs and booking, read our blog guide to boat charter pricing on the Costa del Sol.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boating licence for a catamaran charter in Puerto Banus?
No. Every charter includes a licensed skipper who handles all navigation and safety. You just enjoy the ride.
How many people can fit on a catamaran?
Typical catamarans carry 10 to 12 guests. Larger ones hold up to 20 or 30. Check the boat's capacity when booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
Most operators offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. After that, you may lose the deposit. Check the specific boat's policy.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes. You can bring whatever you want. Some catamarans have a barbecue. Catering packages are available for an extra cost.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The skipper decides if it's safe to sail. If conditions are dangerous, you can reschedule or get a full refund. This is rare on the Costa del Sol.
How far in advance should I book?
For peak summer months, book at least two weeks ahead. For shoulder seasons, a week is usually enough. Last-minute bookings are possible but limited.
Can I swim and snorkel during the charter?
Yes. The skipper will stop at a calm cove where you can swim, snorkel, and use paddleboards. Equipment is usually provided.