If you want to spend a day on the water around Benalmadena without the heeling and the winch-grinding, a catamaran is the obvious choice. These wide, stable boats give you a platform for swimming, sunbathing and eating tapas while the coast slides by. At BoatHire24 we list catamarans based in Benalmadena Marina (Puerto Deportivo) and the neighbouring port of Puerto Banús, all with a licensed skipper included. You turn up, they sail, you enjoy.
Benalmadena sits between Torremolinos and Fuengirola, with the Sierra de Mijas mountains behind it and the Mediterranean in front. The marina has direct access to open water, so you are not wasting time motoring through narrow channels. Most catamaran charters here are half-day or full-day trips, with prices starting from around EUR 800 for a half-day on a 40-foot cat. For a full-day on a larger 50-footer expect EUR 1,500 to EUR 2,500, fuel and skipper included.
What You Get with a Catamaran Rental in Benalmadena
A catamaran charter from Benalmadena includes the boat, the skipper and the fuel for the day. The boat is yours for the agreed hours, usually 4 hours for a half-day or 8 hours for a full day. The skipper handles the navigation, the anchoring and the safety briefings. You do not need a boating licence. You do not need to know how to dock. You just need to decide where you want to go and how many beers to bring.
Most catamarans in our fleet have a flybridge with a bimini top, a forward sunbathing area with cushions, a rear platform for swimming and a saloon with a fridge and a basic galley. Some have a grill or a barbecue on the back. Some have a water slide or a paddleboard. The skipper will usually anchor in a calm bay for a swim stop, typically at Cala del Faro or off the coast of Cabopino. You can also request a route past the marina of Puerto Banús to see the superyachts.
Benalmadena Marina and Departure Points
Benalmadena Marina (Puerto Deportivo de Benalmadena) is the main departure point for catamaran rentals in this area. It is a large marina with around 900 berths, a few restaurants and a small beach at the entrance. Parking is available but can be tight in summer. The marina is about 15 minutes from Malaga Airport and 10 minutes from the A-7 motorway.
If you are staying in Torremolinos or Fuengirola, Benalmadena is the closest departure port. If you are in Marbella or Puerto Banús, you might prefer to depart from there instead. We also list catamarans departing from Cabopino, Estepona and Sotogrande, so you can choose the port that suits your accommodation.
Catamaran Sizes and Capacities
Catamarans for charter in Benalmadena range from 38 feet to 55 feet. A 38-foot cat typically sleeps 4 to 6 people overnight and can take up to 12 passengers for a day charter. A 50-foot cat can take up to 20 passengers, with more deck space and a larger saloon. The legal limit for passenger capacity is set by the boat's licence and the skipper's endorsement, so we list the maximum number of guests for each boat.
For a group of 6 to 8 people, a 40-foot catamaran is comfortable. For a group of 10 to 12, go for a 45-footer or bigger. If you want to party, you want a cat with a large flybridge and a good sound system. If you want to relax, a quieter boat with more shade might be better. Check the photos and the amenities list on each listing.
Pricing Guidance for Catamaran Rental Benalmadena
Prices for catamaran rental in Benalmadena vary by boat size, season and duration. Half-day charters (4 hours) start from around EUR 800 for a 38-foot cat in the low season. Full-day charters (8 hours) start from around EUR 1,200 for the same boat. In July and August, prices increase by 20 to 30 percent. A 50-foot cat in high season can cost EUR 2,500 to EUR 3,500 for a full day.
Fuel is included in the price, but you should check if the marina fees or the cleaning fee are extra. Most listings include everything except food and drinks. You can bring your own catering or order a catering package from the skipper. Some boats have a fridge and a freezer, so you can bring your own supplies.
For a precise price, use the search on BoatHire24 and filter by Benalmadena, date and number of guests. You will see live availability and instant booking options.
Best Time of Year for a Catamaran Charter
The Costa del Sol has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The best months for a catamaran rental in Benalmadena are May through October. In May and June the water temperature is around 18 to 21 degrees C, the air temperature is 25 to 30 degrees C, and the sea is calm. July and August are the busiest and hottest, with air temperatures above 30 degrees C and water at 24 degrees C. September and October are still warm, with fewer crowds and lower prices.
Winter charters are possible from November to April, but the sea can be rougher and the weather less predictable. Some boats are laid up for maintenance during the winter. If you want to go in the off-season, contact us and we will check availability.
Typical Itineraries from Benalmadena
A common half-day itinerary from Benalmadena heads west towards Cabopino and Cala del Faro. You motor out of the marina, turn left along the coast, and anchor in the sandy bay of Cala del Faro for a swim. The skipper will serve drinks and snacks while you float. Then you cruise back past the marina and into the port. Total distance is about 6 to 8 nautical miles.
A full-day itinerary can go further west to Puerto Banús or east to Nerja. If you go east, you can see the cliffs of the Costa del Sol and the mountains behind. The skipper will choose a calm anchorage for lunch and swimming. Some trips include a stop at a beach club or a restaurant on the water. You can also request a dolphin-watching route towards the Strait of Gibraltar, but that is a longer trip and requires a full day.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel and a swimsuit. The sun on the water is stronger than on land. Bring a light jacket or a windbreaker for the afternoon breeze. Bring food and drinks unless you have ordered a catering package. Most catamarans have a fridge and a cooler, so you can keep things cold.
The skipper will give a safety briefing before departure. Life jackets are on board for all passengers. The boat has a VHF radio, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. If you have any medical conditions or mobility issues, tell the skipper when you book.
Children are welcome on most catamarans. Some boats have a minimum age of 2 or 3 years. Check the listing details or ask the skipper. Dogs are allowed on some boats, but not all. Again, check before you book.
How to Book a Catamaran Rental in Benalmadena
Booking on BoatHire24 is straightforward. Go to the BoatHire24 homepage, select Benalmadena as the port, choose your date and the number of guests, and browse the available catamarans. Each listing shows the boat details, the price, the availability calendar and the cancellation policy. You can book online with a deposit and pay the balance on the day.
If you have questions about a specific boat or want to customise your itinerary, use the contact form on the listing. The skipper will get back to you within a few hours. We recommend booking at least a week in advance in high season, especially for weekends and holidays.
For more tips on choosing the right boat, read our blog posts on catamaran charters in Spain.
Who Is a Catamaran Rental in Benalmadena For?
A catamaran rental is for anyone who wants a stable, spacious boat with plenty of deck space. It is good for families with children, because the boat does not heel like a monohull. It is good for groups of friends who want to party, because you can dance on the flybridge without falling over. It is good for corporate events and team-building, because you can fit 12 to 20 people on one boat.
It is also good for people who get seasick. The catamaran's twin hulls make it much more stable than a monohull sailing yacht or a motorboat. If you have had trouble with motion sickness on boats before, a catamaran is a safe bet.
If you want a more active sailing experience, you might prefer a sailing yacht where you can help with the sails. If you want speed, a RIB or a speedboat might be better. But for a relaxing day on the water with maximum comfort, a catamaran is the best option.
Catamaran vs Other Boat Types in Benalmadena
Catamarans are not the only option in Benalmadena. You can also rent motor yachts, sailing yachts, RIBs and fishing boats. Motor yachts are faster and more luxurious, but they use more fuel and have less deck space. Sailing yachts are more traditional and cheaper, but they heel and are less stable. RIBs are fast and fun for a short trip, but they are not comfortable for a full day. Fishing boats are purpose-built for angling, with rod holders and a fish finder.
Catamarans sit in the middle: they are stable, spacious and comfortable, but they are slower than motor yachts and more expensive than sailing yachts. If you want to cover a lot of distance in a day, a motor yacht is better. If you want to anchor and swim for hours, a catamaran is better.
Why Benalmadena Works Better for a Catamaran Than Marbella or Puerto Banus
Benalmadena Marina is less flashy than Puerto Banus, which means lower berthing fees and slightly cheaper charter prices. The marina is also closer to Malaga Airport, saving you 20 minutes of driving compared to Puerto Banus. The coastline east of Benalmadena is less developed than the Marbella strip, with more open water and fewer superyacht traffic jams. You get a more relaxed vibe and a quicker exit from the harbour. The downside is that the beach clubs are less glamorous. If you want to be seen, go to Puerto Banus. If you want to actually enjoy the boat, start from Benalmadena.
Fuel Consumption and Range on a Benalmadena Catamaran
A 40-foot catamaran with twin 30hp diesel engines burns roughly 15 to 20 litres per hour at cruising speed (8 to 10 knots). For a 4-hour trip covering 20 to 25 nautical miles, you are looking at 60 to 80 litres of fuel. Since fuel is included in the charter price, you do not need to worry about the cost, but it helps to understand the range. From Benalmadena, you can comfortably reach Fuengirola (5 NM west), Torremolinos (3 NM east) or Cala del Faro (8 NM west) on a half-day. A full-day trip can extend to Marbella (15 NM west) or Nerja (25 NM east). The skipper will plan the route to keep a safety margin of at least 20 percent fuel reserve.
What Happens If the Weather Turns Bad
The Costa del Sol is known for calm seas, but the Poniente wind can pick up in the afternoon, especially from June to August. If the wind exceeds 20 knots or the waves go above 1.5 metres, the skipper may cancel or modify the itinerary. You do not lose your money. Most charters have a weather clause that allows a free reschedule or a full refund if the skipper deems it unsafe. The decision is the skipper's, not yours. If you are prone to seasickness even on a catamaran, book a morning departure when the sea is usually flatter. The afternoon breeze can create a short chop that makes some people queasy, even on a stable cat.
Private Chef and Catering Options for Your Catamaran Trip
Most catamaran rentals in Benalmadena allow you to bring your own food and drinks. If you want something more organised, several skippers offer catering packages. A basic option is a cold buffet with sandwiches, salads and fruit, costing around EUR 20 to EUR 30 per person. A premium option includes a barbecue on the rear platform with grilled meat or fish, plus drinks, for around EUR 50 to EUR 70 per person. Some boats have a built-in barbecue, but the skipper will usually bring a portable grill if not. You can also order a paella cooked on board, which is popular with Spanish groups. Alcoholic drinks are allowed, but the skipper will cut you off if you get too drunk for safety reasons. Bring your own speaker if the boat's sound system is weak.
How to Choose the Right Catamaran for Your Group Size
For a group of 4 to 6 people, a 38 to 40-foot catamaran is fine. You get a forward sunbathing area, a small saloon and a rear platform. For 8 to 10 people, go for 44 to 48 feet. The extra deck space means you are not tripping over each other. For 12 to 20 people, you need 50 feet or more. At that size, the boat has a proper flybridge with seating for everyone, a large saloon with air conditioning and a bigger galley. The skipper will also have an assistant or a hostess on board for larger groups. Check the maximum capacity on each listing carefully. If you book a boat for 12 passengers and 13 show up, the skipper will refuse to leave the dock. No exceptions.
What to Do If You Want to Stay Overnight on the Catamaran
Some catamarans in Benalmadena are available for overnight charters. You can anchor in a quiet bay or moor at the marina for the night. Overnight charters usually start from around EUR 1,500 for a 40-foot cat in low season, including dinner and breakfast if you arrange it with the skipper. The boat has cabins with beds, a bathroom with a shower and a small kitchen. You sleep on the boat, wake up, swim and then cruise back in the afternoon. This is a good option for a birthday or an anniversary. Book well in advance because the number of overnight-capable catamarans is limited. The skipper will stay on board overnight in a separate cabin or on the deck, so you have privacy.
How to Get to Benalmadena Marina Without a Car
Benalmadena Marina is accessible by train and bus. The C1 Cercanias train from Malaga Centro-Alameda station stops at Benalmadena-Arroyo de la Miel station, which is a 15-minute walk or a 5-euro taxi ride to the marina. The bus line M-110 from Malaga bus station stops right at the marina entrance. From Malaga Airport, take the C1 train to Benalmadena-Arroyo de la Miel and then a taxi. If you are staying in Torremolinos, it is a 10-minute taxi ride costing around EUR 15. If you are in Fuengirola, it is 15 minutes by train or taxi. The marina has a taxi rank at the main entrance. Parking at the marina costs around EUR 15 to EUR 20 per day in summer, so a taxi might be cheaper if you are a group of 4 or more.
What to Do in Benalmadena Before or After Your Catamaran Trip
If you arrive early, walk along the marina promenade and look at the boats. There is a small aquarium called Sea Life Benalmadena at the marina entrance, which is good for kids. The cable car to the top of Mount Calamorro runs from the marina and takes about 15 minutes. At the top you get a view of the entire coast from Gibraltar to Nerja. The bird of prey show at the summit is worth watching. For lunch, the marina has several seafood restaurants, but they are tourist-priced. Walk 10 minutes into the town of Arroyo de la Miel for cheaper tapas. The Selwo Marina dolphinarium is a 5-minute drive from the marina if you want to see dolphins before you see them in the wild on your catamaran trip.
Related guides
- Boat Rental Benalmadena Marina: Compare & Book Online
- Catamaran Rental Puerto Banus Hourly: Book by the Hour
- Catamaran Rental Estepona Group: Book for 20
- Catamaran Rental at Marbella Port, Book Your Day Out
- Catamaran vs Motor Yacht: Which to Charter in Marbella
- Rent a Boat on the Costa del Sol, Marbella
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boating licence to rent a catamaran in Benalmadena?
No. Every catamaran charter on BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper who handles all navigation and safety. You do not need any licence or experience.
How many people can fit on a catamaran in Benalmadena?
Catamarans in our fleet carry 6 to 20 passengers depending on the boat size. A 40-foot cat typically takes 10 to 12 guests. Check the listing for the exact capacity.
What is the price for a half-day catamaran rental in Benalmadena?
Half-day charters (4 hours) start from around EUR 800 for a 38-foot cat in low season. Prices increase in July and August. Fuel and skipper are included.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on the catamaran?
Yes. Most catamarans have a fridge and a galley. You can bring your own catering or order a catering package from the skipper. Check the listing for details.
What is the best time of year for a catamaran charter in Benalmadena?
May to October is the best period, with warm weather, calm seas and water temperatures above 18 degrees C. July and August are the busiest and hottest.
Are children and dogs allowed on catamaran rentals?
Children are welcome on most catamarans. Dogs are allowed on some boats but not all. Check the listing or ask the skipper before booking.
Can I book a catamaran for a full day from Benalmadena?
Yes. Full-day charters are 8 hours and can take you to Puerto Banús, Nerja or the Strait of Gibraltar. Prices start from around EUR 1,200 for a 38-foot cat.