You want a full day on the water, rods bent, reels screaming, and a cooler full of fish at the end of it. A fishing charter Benalmadena full day is exactly that: a deep sea trip from Benalmadena Marina, running 8 to 10 hours, targeting the big stuff off the Costa del Sol. You get a licensed skipper who knows the local marks, all the tackle, bait, and usually lunch and drinks. Prices start from around EUR 800 for a small group on a standard motor boat, going up to EUR 2,500 or more for a larger yacht with extra crew. You don't need a fishing licence yourself, the boat holds one. You just show up, fish, and take your catch home or to a local restaurant for cooking.
What You Get on a Full Day Fishing Charter Benalmadena
A full day trip means you leave Benalmadena Marina at around 8am and return by 5pm or 6pm. The boat heads out to the deeper grounds, often 10 to 20 nautical miles offshore, where the water drops to 100-300 metres. You target species like bluefin tuna (up to 300 kg), amberjack, dentex, sea bass, and sometimes swordfish. The skipper handles all the navigation, finds the fish with sonar, and sets up the rods. You get heavy tackle, lures, bait (squid, mackerel, live bait if available), and a fighting chair for the big ones. Most charters include a light lunch, soft drinks, and water. You keep whatever you catch, subject to local size and bag limits. The boat is a typical 8-12 metre motor fishing vessel, with a cabin, toilet, and deck space for 4-6 anglers. Some operators offer larger catamarans or sportfishers for bigger groups.
Benalmadena Marina: Your Departure Point
Benalmadena Marina (Puerto Deportivo de Benalmadena) is one of the busiest fishing ports on the Costa del Sol. It sits just east of Torremolinos and west of Fuengirola, with direct access to the Mediterranean. The marina has a dedicated fishing fleet, plus chandlers and bait shops. You meet your skipper at the designated pontoon, usually near the fuel dock or the fishing boat berths. Parking is available in the marina car park (paid, around EUR 15 per day). If you're staying in Benalmadena, Torremolinos, or Mijas, you can walk or take a short taxi. The marina also has cafes and a supermarket for last-minute supplies. For more on the area, check our Benalmadena Marina guide.
Deep Sea Fishing: What You Target and How It Works
The deep sea trip focuses on pelagic species that live in open water, not near the bottom. The main targets are bluefin tuna (seasonal, June to October), yellowfin tuna, skipjack, and bonito. You also get dentex, amberjack, and sea bass around wrecks and rocky reefs. The skipper uses trolling lures or live bait to attract the fish. When something hits, you fight it from the rod, using the boat's drift or slow speed to tire the fish. For big tuna, you might use a and fighting chair. The boat has a fishfinder and GPS to locate structure and temperature breaks. Most trips also include a stop for bottom fishing if the pelagics are quiet. You can expect to catch 2-5 fish per person on a good day, but some days are slower. The skipper will clean and fillet your catch at the end. You can take it back to your accommodation or to a local restaurant that cooks your catch for a fee. For a list of recommended operators, see our fishing charters.
Pricing and What Affects the Cost
A full day fishing charter Benalmadena full day costs between EUR 800 and EUR 2,500, depending on the boat size, number of anglers, and season. Here is a rough breakdown: a 6-8 metre boat for 4 people costs around EUR 800-1,200. An 8-10 metre boat for 6 people runs EUR 1,200-1,800. A luxury sportfisher with cabin and full crew for 8 people is EUR 1,800-2,500. Prices include the skipper, fuel, bait, tackle, and basic lunch. Some charters add a cleaning fee (EUR 20-50) if you want the fish filleted. Peak season (June to September) costs 20-30% more than shoulder months (April, May, October). You can book directly with the skipper or through a platform like BoatHire24, which compares multiple operators and handles the booking. Always check what is included: some exclude drinks or lunch. Deposit is usually 30-50%, with the balance paid on the day. Cancellation policies vary, but most offer full refund if cancelled 48 hours ahead.
Best Season for Deep Sea Fishing Off Benalmadena
The Mediterranean off Benalmadena has year-round fishing, but the best time for big game is summer and early autumn. Bluefin tuna arrive in June and stay through October, with peak in August and September. Yellowfin and skipjack are common from July to September. Amberjack and dentex are around from May to November. Winter (November to March) is quieter for pelagics, but you can still catch sea bass, red mullet, and bream on the bottom. Water temperature ranges from 14 degrees C in January to 25 degrees C in August. The sea is calmest from May to October, with light winds and low swell. Winter can have stronger winds (levante) and rougher seas, but many boats still run. If you want the best chance of a big tuna, book between mid-July and mid-September. For a more relaxed trip with mixed species, May, June, or October are good. Check our blog on fishing seasons for more detail.
How to Book a Fishing Charter Benalmadena Full Day
Booking is straightforward. You decide on your date, group size, and budget. Then you search for available charters on a platform like BoatHire24. You can filter by boat type, capacity, and price. Each listing shows the boat details, skipper experience, included items, and customer ratings. You select your preferred option, pay a deposit online, and receive a confirmation email with the meeting point and skipper contact. On the day, you arrive at the marina 15 minutes early, meet the skipper, and head out. Some operators require a minimum of 4 anglers, so if you are a small group, you might join a shared charter. Shared trips cost less per person (around EUR 150-250) but you fish with strangers. Private charters give you the boat to yourselves. You can also book directly with the skipper if you know them, but using a platform gives you protection and easy cancellation. For a quick search, go to our charter search page.
Who This Trip Is For
A full day deep sea fishing charter is for serious anglers who want to target big fish. It is not for beginners who get seasick easily or want a casual half-day trip. You need to be comfortable spending 8-10 hours on a boat, often in direct sun and with some motion. The skipper will help you with the fishing, but you need basic fitness to fight a fish. Families with older children (12+) can do it, but younger kids might get bored or seasick. The trip is also suitable for corporate groups or stag parties, as long as everyone is into fishing. If you just want a relaxing boat ride with a bit of fishing, consider a half-day trip instead. For a full day, you commit to the chase. But if you land a 100 kg tuna, it is worth every minute.
What to Bring and Wear
You need sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses with a strap, and a long-sleeve shirt. The sun is intense on the water, even in spring. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker, as it can get cool offshore. Non-slip shoes or deck shoes are essential. Do not wear black-soled shoes that mark the deck. Bring seasickness tablets if you are prone to motion sickness; take them an hour before departure. The boat provides life jackets, but you can bring your own if you prefer. Bring a camera or phone in a waterproof case. For food, the charter includes lunch, but bring extra snacks and plenty of water. Alcohol is usually allowed but in moderation; the skipper reserves the right to refuse if you are drunk. A cooler for your catch is a good idea if you plan to take it home. The skipper provides bags for the fish, but a cooler keeps it fresh.
Local Regulations and Catch Limits
Fishing in Spanish waters is regulated by the Junta de Andalucia and the EU. The boat holds a commercial fishing licence, so you do not need a personal licence. However, there are size and bag limits per species. For bluefin tuna, the minimum size is 30 kg (around 1.2 metres). You can keep one per angler per day, but the total boat limit is usually 2-3 fish. For dentex, the minimum is 30 cm, and you can keep 5 per person. Amberjack minimum is 60 cm, bag limit 3 per person. The skipper will enforce these rules and release undersized fish. You cannot sell your catch; it is for personal consumption only. Some species are protected, like the dusky grouper, and must be released immediately. The skipper will brief you on the rules before you start. If you want to keep the catch, you can store it in the boat's fish hold or a cooler with ice. Some restaurants in Benalmadena will cook your catch for a fee; ask the skipper for recommendations. For more on regulations, see the fishing regulations blog.
Other Activities and Nearby Attractions
If you are staying in Benalmadena, the area offers plenty besides fishing. The marina has restaurants, bars, and the Sea Life aquarium. The nearby Benalmadena Pueblo (old town) has whitewashed streets and a 17th-century church. The Tivoli World amusement park is a short drive away. For a change of pace, you can take a cable car up Mount Calamorro for views of the coast. The beaches of Benalmadena Costa are sandy and busy in summer. If you want to combine fishing with a day on the water, some charters offer a lunch stop at a beach cove. But on a full day deep sea trip, you are mostly offshore. If you want a more leisurely day, consider a half-day fishing trip or a sunset cruise. For a list of all boat rentals, check our BoatHire24 homepage.
Comparing Boat Types for Deep Sea Fishing
The boat you choose affects your comfort and catch rate. Most full day trips use a 8-10 metre motor fishing vessel with a single or twin diesel engine, a wheelhouse, and a small cabin. These boats handle the offshore swell well and have enough deck space for 4-6 anglers. Some operators offer a 12-14 metre sportfisher with a flybridge, fighting chair, and a larger galley. These cost more but give you a smoother ride and better amenities. Catamarans are less common for deep sea fishing but exist; they are more stable at anchor but slower on the drift. If you are prone to seasickness, a catamaran might help. RIBs and speedboats are not suitable for full day offshore trips because they lack range and comfort. Stick to a proper fishing boat with a cabin and toilet. Ask the operator about the boat's age, engine hours, and recent refits. A well-maintained boat is safer and more reliable.
Ports Beyond Benalmadena for Deep Sea Fishing
While Benalmadena is your departure point, the fishing grounds extend along the coast. The waters off Fuengirola, 10 minutes east by boat, have similar depth and structure. To the west, the area off Cabopino and Marbella offers wrecks and rocky reefs that hold dentex and amberjack. Some skippers run to the waters off Cala del Faro, about 15 NM west, where the seabed drops sharply. If you want to target bluefin tuna, the best grounds are often 20-30 NM south, near the Alboran Sea. These are accessible from Benalmadena but require a longer run. For a change of scenery, you can book a charter from Puerto Banus or Estepona, but the fishing is similar. The Strait of Gibraltar, about 60 NM west, is famous for bluefin and swordfish, but that is a separate trip requiring an overnight stay. For a full day from Benalmadena, you stay within 20 NM of the coast.
Typical Day on the Water: Hour by Hour
You meet at 7:45am at the marina. The skipper does a safety briefing and checks the weather. You leave the harbour at 8am, heading southwest at 15-20 knots. The run to the fishing grounds takes 30-60 minutes depending on the spot. By 9am, the rods are out, and you start trolling or drifting. The first hour is often quiet as the fish settle. Around 10:30am, you might get the first strike. The skipper works the sonar and adjusts position. Lunch is around 1pm: usually a sandwich, salad, fruit, and a drink. After lunch, you move to a new spot or continue drifting. The afternoon bite is often better for amberjack and dentex. By 4pm, you start the run back to port, arriving by 5pm. The skipper cleans the catch while you relax. You leave the marina by 5:30pm with your fillets. Total time on the water is about 8 hours, with 6-7 hours of actual fishing.
Cost Comparison: Private vs Shared Charters
A private full day charter for 4 people costs around EUR 1,000-1,500, or EUR 250-375 per person. For 6 people, it is EUR 1,500-2,000, or EUR 250-333 per person. A shared charter costs EUR 150-250 per person, but you fish with up to 8 strangers. The shared trip is cheaper but less flexible: you cannot choose the spot or the timing. Private charters give you the boat to yourselves, and the skipper tailors the trip to your skill level. If you are a group of 4-6, a private charter is better value. If you are solo or a couple, a shared trip is the only option unless you pay for the whole boat. Some operators offer a "mixed group" booking where they fill the boat with individual anglers. This is common in summer. For the best price, book a private charter for 6 and split the cost. Check our fishing charter listings for current prices.
Seasickness and How to Avoid It
The Mediterranean off Benalmadena is generally calm from May to October, with swell under 1 metre. But offshore, the motion is more noticeable, especially on a 8-metre boat. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication an hour before departure. Options include cinnarizine (Stugeron), meclizine (Bonine), or a scopolamine patch. Ginger tablets and acupressure bands help some people. Avoid a heavy breakfast; eat light, like toast and banana. Stay on deck, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid reading or looking at a phone. If you feel sick, tell the skipper. They can slow down or move to calmer water. Most boats have a cabin where you can lie down. Do not let seasickness ruin the trip. If you are unsure, do a half-day trip first to test your tolerance. For a full day, you need to be confident you can handle 8 hours on the water.
What Happens to Your Catch After the Trip
The skipper cleans and fillets the fish at the dock. You get the fillets in a plastic bag, ready to cook. Some skippers vacuum-seal the fillets for an extra fee (EUR 10-20). You can take the fish to your accommodation and cook it yourself, or find a local restaurant that cooks your catch. In Benalmadena, a few restaurants near the marina offer this service for around EUR 15-20 per person. They grill or fry the fish and serve it with sides. Ask the skipper for recommendations. If you are flying home, you can freeze the fillets and pack them in a checked bag with a cooler. Most airlines allow frozen fish as long as it is properly sealed. You cannot bring fresh fish on a plane without a cooler and ice packs. Check with your airline. If you do not want the fish, the skipper will often take it or donate it to a local charity. But most anglers want to keep their catch.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a half-day and full-day fishing charter Benalmadena?
A half-day trip is 4-5 hours, usually inshore, targeting smaller species like sea bass and bream. A full-day trip is 8-10 hours, goes offshore to deeper waters, and targets big game like tuna and amberjack. Full-day trips cost more but offer a higher chance of landing a trophy fish.
Do I need a fishing licence for a full day charter?
No. The boat holds a commercial fishing licence that covers all passengers. You just need to follow the skipper's instructions on size and bag limits. You cannot sell the catch, only keep it for personal use.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day?
The skipper monitors forecasts and will cancel if conditions are unsafe (high winds, rough seas). You get a full refund or can reschedule. If the trip goes ahead but conditions are marginal, you can still choose to cancel, but you may lose the deposit unless the skipper cancels.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, you can keep your catch subject to legal limits. The skipper will clean and fillet the fish for you. You can take it back to your accommodation or have a local restaurant cook it. Some charters charge a small cleaning fee.
What is the maximum group size for a private charter?
Most fishing boats in Benalmadena take 4 to 8 anglers. Larger sportfishers can take up to 12. If you have a bigger group, you can book two boats or a catamaran. Check the boat's capacity before booking.
Are children allowed on full day fishing trips?
Yes, but children under 12 may find a full day too long. The skipper will provide life jackets for all ages. Some operators have a minimum age of 8 or 10. Always ask beforehand.
What is included in the price of a full day charter?
Typically includes the skipper, fuel, bait, tackle, fishing licence, and a light lunch with drinks. Some charters include beer or wine. Always read the inclusions list. Cleaning and filleting of fish is sometimes extra.