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Catamaran Hire Puerto Banus Group: Book for 40
Costa del Sol, Spain

Catamaran Hire Puerto Banus Group: Book for 40

You want to take a group of 40 people out on a catamaran from Puerto Banus. That is a big ask, but it is doable. Most catamarans on the Costa del Sol cap out at 12 to 20 guests, but a few larger vessels can handle 40 comfortably. You will need a proper charter catamaran, not a standard rental. And you will need a licensed skipper, which every BoatHire24 charter includes. So yes, you can book catamaran hire for a group of 40 in Puerto Banus. Here is exactly what to expect, what it costs, and how to secure the date.

What a Catamaran Hire for 40 Includes

When you book a catamaran for 40 people, you are chartering a vessel typically 20 to 30 metres long. Think of it as a floating party platform with two hulls, so it is stable and has loads of deck space. You get a skipper who knows the coast from Puerto Banus to Estepona and beyond. You get fuel for the trip (usually included in the price for a half-day or full-day charter). You get insurance, life jackets, and safety briefing. What you do not get automatically is food and drink. Most charters offer catering as an add-on: a paella lunch, a BBQ, or a tapas spread. Soft drinks and beer are often available on board at extra cost. Some catamarans have a sound system, a sunbathing trampoline at the bow, and a small galley. For 40 people, you will likely need a crew of two or three: a skipper plus a steward or host.

Puerto Banus: The Departure Port

Puerto Banus is the obvious starting point for a group catamaran trip. It is the glitzy marina in Marbella, packed with superyachts, designer shops, and bars. You meet your skipper at the port office or a designated berth. The marina has parking (paid, about EUR 20-30 per day) and is easy to reach from Marbella town, Estepona, or Malaga airport. From Puerto Banus, you head south along the coast towards the Marbella beaches, or west towards the Cala del Faro and the Cabopino dunes. The water is calm, the weather is warm (sea temperature 18-26°C depending on the month), and the views of La Concha mountain are a constant backdrop.

Boat Options for a Group of 40

Standard catamarans like a Lagoon 450 or Fountaine Pajot hold 12 to 20 guests. For 40, you need a larger commercial catamaran. Options include the Sunreef 70 or a similar custom-built charter catamaran. These have a beam of 10-12 metres, giving you 300+ square metres of deck space. Expect a flybridge with seating, a large aft deck, and a saloon with air conditioning. Some catamarans in this size range have a hydraulic platform for swimming and tenders. You can also consider a motor yacht if you prefer speed, but for a group of 40, the catamaran is better for stability and socialising. Check the BoatHire24 search for catamarans with a capacity of 40. Not all listings show the exact guest limit, so filter by length (over 20m) and contact the owner.

Pricing Guidance for a 40-Guest Catamaran

You are looking at EUR 3,000 to 6,000 for a half-day (4 hours) and EUR 5,000 to 10,000 for a full day (8 hours). These are rough numbers. The price depends on the boat, the season, and the extras. High season (June to September) is the most expensive. Low season (November to March) can be 30-40% cheaper. Fuel is typically included for a standard itinerary (e.g. Puerto Banus to Cabopino and back). If you want to go further, like to Estepona or Sotogrande, expect a fuel surcharge. Catering for 40 people adds EUR 500-1,500 depending on the menu. Drinks packages are extra. You pay a deposit upfront (usually 50%) and the balance on the day. All prices on BoatHire24 are in euros and include VAT.

Seasonal Considerations for Group Charters

The best months for a catamaran hire in Puerto Banus are May through October. The sea is calm, the sun is strong, and the evenings are long. July and August are peak season, so book two to three months in advance. April and November can be pleasant but the water is cooler (around 16-18°C) and there is a risk of wind. December to March is quiet; you might get a good deal but the weather is unpredictable. For a group of 40, you need a guaranteed date, so aim for a Saturday in June or September. The Strait of Gibraltar area can have strong winds (Levante) in spring, but Puerto Banus is sheltered. If the forecast is bad, your skipper may suggest an alternative route or postpone.

Itineraries for a Group of 40

A typical half-day itinerary from Puerto Banus: depart at 11:00, cruise west along the coast past the Marbella Club and Puente Romano, anchor off Cabopino beach for swimming and lunch, return by 15:00. For a full day, you can go further west to the Cala del Faro (a rocky cove near Estepona) or east to the Nerja caves area (about 2.5 hours one way, so you would need a full day plus fuel). Another option is to head south towards the Strait of Gibraltar, where you can see dolphins and maybe whales. Your skipper knows the best spots for swimming, snorkelling, and avoiding crowds. You can also stay in the bay and just cruise, with music and drinks. The choice is yours.

How to Book a Catamaran for 40 on BoatHire24

Go to the BoatHire24 search page, set the guest count to 40, the port to Puerto Banus, and the date. The search will show available catamarans. If none appear, try reducing the guest count to 20 and look for boats that say "up to 40" in the description. You can also contact the owner directly through the platform. We recommend messaging at least two or three owners to compare prices and availability. Once you agree on a date and price, you pay the deposit via credit card or bank transfer. The owner will confirm and send you the boarding details. Cancellation policies vary: most allow free cancellation up to 14 days before, then a 50% refund up to 7 days before.

Who Is This For?

Catamaran hire for 40 people is ideal for corporate events, stag or hen parties, milestone birthdays, family reunions, or team-building trips. It is also popular for weddings: you can hold the ceremony on board or just the reception. The boat is your private venue for the day. You get a skipper, so no one needs a licence. You can bring your own food and drink if the charter allows (check with the owner). Some catamarans have a DJ setup or you can bring a Bluetooth speaker. For a group of 40, you will need to coordinate logistics: parking, boarding time, and any dietary restrictions. The crew will help with that.

Other Ports Near Puerto Banus for Group Catamarans

If Puerto Banus is fully booked, consider departing from Marbella Marina (Puerto Deportivo), which is a 10-minute drive east. Or Cabopino, which is smaller but closer to the dunes. Estepona port is 20 minutes west and has a few large catamarans. Sotogrande is further west (30 minutes by car) and is quieter. Benalmádena is east of Malaga, about 45 minutes from Puerto Banus. The advantage of Puerto Banus is the glamour factor and the proximity to restaurants and nightlife. For a group of 40, the port matters because you need space to gather and board. Puerto Banus has a wide pier and plenty of room.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a towel, and swimwear. The boat will have a first aid kit and life jackets. You can bring your own food and drink unless the charter includes catering. Some boats have a fridge and ice box. Expect the crew to be professional and friendly. They will give a safety briefing at the start. You can help with the ropes if you want, but it is not required. The skipper will decide the itinerary based on weather and sea conditions. If the sea is rough, they may avoid open water and stay close to the coast. For a group of 40, the boat will have two toilets and possibly a shower. Plan for a maximum of 8 hours at sea; any longer and you will need a different charter type.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catamaran Hire for 40 in Puerto Banus

Read on for common questions. If you have a specific query, check the BoatHire24 blog for more detailed guides on group charters, or contact us.

Why a Catamaran Works Better Than a Motor Yacht for 40 Guests

You might think a motor yacht is the obvious choice for a group of 40. It is not. A catamaran has two hulls, which means it does not heel over like a monohull. Your guests can walk around without holding on. The deck space is roughly double that of a motor yacht of the same length. For 40 people, you need that space. A motor yacht of 25 metres might have a main deck and a flybridge, but the interior saloon is cramped for 40. On a catamaran, the saloon opens directly to the aft deck and the bow trampoline. You can have 20 people on the trampoline, 10 on the aft deck, and 10 on the flybridge. The boat does not feel crowded. Also, catamarans have a shallower draft (around 1.5 metres), so you can anchor closer to beaches like Cabopino or Cala del Faro. Motor yachts need deeper water.

Specific Catamaran Models That Hold 40 Guests

Not every catamaran can take 40. The Lagoon 620 holds 20. The Fountaine Pajot 67 holds 24. For 40, you need a commercial-grade vessel. Look for the Sunreef 70, which has a beam of 11.5 metres and a length of 21.3 metres. It can carry up to 50 guests with a crew of 3. Another option is the Lagoon 77, which has a capacity of 40 with a crew of 2. The Nautitech 80 is a performance catamaran that can take 40, but it is rarer on the Costa del Sol. The Bali 5.4 is a catamaran with a hard-top flybridge and a capacity of 30, so it is a bit tight for 40. Always confirm the exact guest limit with the owner. On BoatHire24, you can filter by length and then message the owner to ask about capacity. Do not rely on the listing alone.

Cost Breakdown for Catering and Extras

The base price of EUR 5,000 to 10,000 for a full day does not include food. For 40 people, a paella lunch costs around EUR 25-35 per person, so EUR 1,000 to 1,400. A BBQ with meat, fish, and salad is EUR 30-45 per person, so EUR 1,200 to 1,800. Tapas are cheaper at EUR 15-25 per person. Drinks packages: soft drinks and water EUR 5-10 per person, beer EUR 10-15 per person, wine EUR 15-20 per person. A full open bar (beer, wine, spirits, mixers) costs EUR 30-50 per person. If you bring your own food and drink, there is often a corkage fee of EUR 200-500. Some catamarans have a minimum spend on catering. Ask the owner before booking. For a group of 40, the total with catering and drinks can reach EUR 8,000 to 15,000 for a full day in high season.

How the Weather Affects a Group of 40 on a Catamaran

The Costa del Sol has over 300 sunny days a year, but wind can be a problem. The Levante wind blows from the east and can reach 30 knots in spring. A catamaran handles wind better than a motor yacht, but 40 guests on a windy day is not fun. The skipper will choose a sheltered route, like staying close to the coast between Puerto Banus and Cabopino. The Poniente wind from the west is lighter and more common in summer. Sea temperature in July and August is 24-26°C, so swimming is pleasant. In June and September, it is 20-22°C. In April and October, it is 16-18°C. For a group of 40, you want the water warm enough for swimming. If the weather is bad, most charters allow a free reschedule up to 48 hours before. Check the policy on BoatHire24.

Parking and Logistics for a Group of 40 at Puerto Banus

Puerto Banus has a large car park near the port entrance. It costs about EUR 25 per day. For 40 people, you need 10-12 cars. There is also a taxi rank and a bus stop. The boarding point is usually at the end of the main pier, near the statue. You need to arrive 15 minutes before departure. The crew will help with boarding. If you have guests with mobility issues, tell the owner in advance. Catamarans have a gangway, but it can be steep. The boat has a toilet, but for 40 people, two toilets can get busy. Plan for a rotation. The crew will manage the flow. For a stag or hen party, the port security may ask you to keep noise down while boarding. Once you are out at sea, you can turn up the music.

Legal Requirements for a Group Charter of 40

In Spain, a commercial charter for 40 passengers requires the boat to have a Passenger Certificate issued by the Spanish Maritime Authority. The skipper must have a Professional Skipper Licence (PATRON PROFESIONAL DE EMBARCACIONES DE RECREO or similar). The boat must have life jackets for all guests, a liferaft with capacity for 40, and a first aid kit. The owner is responsible for compliance. You do not need a licence as a guest. The crew will give a safety briefing. For a group of 40, the boat must have a public address system for announcements. If the boat does not have a Passenger Certificate, it cannot legally take 40 guests. Always ask the owner for proof. On BoatHire24, all listed boats are verified for commercial use.

Best Itinerary for a Full Day with 40 Guests

Depart Puerto Banus at 10:00. Cruise west past the Marbella Club and the Golden Mile. Anchor off Cabopino beach at 11:00. Swim, snorkel, and have lunch on board. At 13:00, sail further west to Cala del Faro, a rocky cove near Estepona. Anchor again for more swimming. At 15:00, head back east, passing Puerto Banus and continuing to the Marbella Marina area. At 16:00, anchor off the beach of La Bajadilla for a final swim. Return to Puerto Banus at 17:00. This itinerary covers 15 nautical miles. Fuel is included. If you want to see dolphins, ask the skipper to head south towards the Strait of Gibraltar. The dolphin pods are common near the Punta de la Mona. That adds 10 nautical miles each way, so you need a full day and a fuel surcharge of around EUR 200-400.

How to Split Costs for a Group of 40

If you are organising the trip, collect money from each guest in advance. For a full day at EUR 8,000 (including catering and drinks), each person pays EUR 200. For a half day at EUR 5,000, each pays EUR 125. You can use a payment app like Bizum or PayPal. Some owners on BoatHire24 accept group payments via a single invoice. You pay the deposit (50%) and then collect the rest from guests. If someone cancels, you need a backup. Set a deadline for payment, say 14 days before the trip. If you have 40 people, expect a few no-shows. Overbook by 2-3 guests to account for cancellations. The boat capacity is a hard limit, so do not exceed 40.

What to Do if the Boat You Want Is Not Available

If no catamaran for 40 is available on your date, consider booking two smaller catamarans. Two catamarans for 20 each cost around EUR 3,000-5,000 each, so total EUR 6,000-10,000. You can sail together and anchor at the same spot. The group can split between the two boats. This works well for corporate events or weddings. Another option is a motor yacht with a capacity of 40, but check the deck space. A motor yacht of 30 metres can take 40, but it is less stable. You can also look at departing from Estepona or Sotogrande, which have fewer bookings. Use the BoatHire24 blog for tips on finding alternative boats.

Insurance and Liability for a Group of 40

The boat owner has insurance that covers the boat and crew. Your personal belongings are not covered. If you bring expensive items (cameras, phones, jewellery), keep them in a dry bag. The crew is not liable for lost or damaged items. For a group of 40, consider taking out a group travel insurance policy that covers cancellation, medical emergencies, and personal liability. Some policies cover water sports. The cost is about EUR 10-20 per person. If someone gets seasick, the crew has medication on board. For a group of 40, expect 2-3 people to feel sick. The catamaran is stable, but it still moves. Advise guests to take seasickness tablets an hour before departure.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I book a catamaran for 40 people in Puerto Banus?

Yes, but it is not the standard size. Most catamarans hold 12-20 guests. For 40, you need a larger commercial catamaran, typically 20-30 metres long. Use the BoatHire24 search with guest count 40 to find available boats.

How much does it cost to hire a catamaran for 40 in Puerto Banus?

Expect EUR 3,000-6,000 for a half-day and EUR 5,000-10,000 for a full day. The price varies by boat, season, and extras like catering. High season (June-September) is more expensive.

What is included in the catamaran hire?

The hire includes a licensed skipper, fuel for a standard itinerary, insurance, safety equipment, and use of the boat. Food, drinks, and catering are usually extra. Check the listing for details.

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Most charters allow you to bring your own food and drink, but confirm with the owner. Some boats have a bar or offer catering packages. You may need to pay a corkage fee for alcohol.

What is the best time of year for a group catamaran trip?

May to October is ideal. July and August are peak season, so book early. April and November are possible but cooler. December to March is low season with lower prices but risk of wind.

How do I book a catamaran for 40 on BoatHire24?

Go to the search page, set guests to 40, port to Puerto Banus, and your date. Browse results and contact the owner. Pay a 50% deposit to secure the booking. The owner will confirm.

What if the weather is bad on the day?

Your skipper will assess conditions and may suggest a different route or postpone. Most charters have a weather policy allowing rescheduling or a refund if the trip cannot proceed safely.

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