If you want to spend a week on the Costa del Sol in style, luxury yacht hire Puerto Banus week is the obvious move. You get a fully crewed boat, a skipper who knows the coast, and seven days to explore everything from the glitz of Puerto Banus to the quiet coves near Estepona. No need to worry about fuel, cleaning, or navigation. You just turn up and enjoy.
BoatHire24 lists dozens of boats available for weekly charter out of Puerto Banus, Marbella, and other ports along the coast. Every booking includes a licensed skipper, so you can relax and let someone else handle the tricky bits. Whether you want a 15-metre motor yacht for partying or a sailing yacht for a more relaxed pace, there is something for your week-long trip.
What a Weekly Yacht Charter in Puerto Banus Includes
A weekly charter from Puerto Banus typically includes the boat, a professional skipper, fuel for a reasonable amount of cruising, and basic insurance. You get the boat for seven consecutive days, usually from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday, though many operators are flexible. The skipper lives on board or comes aboard each day, depending on the arrangement. You are responsible for food, drinks, and any port fees if you decide to stay overnight in a marina other than your departure point.
Some charters include a host or stewardess for an extra fee. If you want a chef to prepare meals on board, that is also possible but comes at a cost. The base price for luxury yacht hire Puerto Banus week starts from around EUR 15,000 for a mid-range motor yacht in low season, and can go up to EUR 100,000 or more for a superyacht with full crew. Catamarans and sailing yachts are generally cheaper, from about EUR 8,000 per week.
Puerto Banus: The Starting Point for Your Week
Puerto Banus is the most famous marina on the Costa del Sol, and for good reason. It is packed with superyachts, designer shops, and restaurants that stay busy until late. Departing from here means you are right in the centre of the action. You can spend your first day exploring the port itself, then head out to sea the next morning.
The marina has full facilities: fuel docks, water, electricity, and waste disposal. There are also several chandlers if you need anything last minute. The main departure channel is wide and easy to navigate, even for larger yachts. Once you clear the breakwater, you are in the Mediterranean with the Sierra Blanca mountains behind you. The famous La Concha mountain provides a landmark to orient yourself.
Other Departure Ports on the Costa del Sol
While Puerto Banus is the most glamorous, you can also start your weekly charter from Marbella Marina, Cabopino, Estepona, Sotogrande, or Benalmadena. Each has its own character. Marbella Marina is closer to the old town and has a more relaxed vibe. Cabopino is small and quiet, ideal if you want to avoid crowds. Estepona offers easy access to the western coast and the Strait of Gibraltar. Sotogrande is exclusive and close to the golf courses. Benalmadena is lively and popular with families.
If you book through BoatHire24, you can choose your preferred departure port when searching. The boats available for weekly charter are spread across all these locations, so you can pick the one that suits your itinerary best.
Types of Boats Available for Weekly Hire
Luxury yacht hire Puerto Banus week covers a range of boat types. Motor yachts are the most common, from 12-metre day cruisers to 40-metre superyachts. They are fast, stable, and have plenty of space for lounging and dining. Catamarans are popular for families or groups who want more deck space and shallower draft, allowing you to anchor closer to beaches. Sailing yachts offer a quieter experience, with the option to sail under wind power if conditions allow. RIBs and speedboats are available for shorter trips but are less common for weekly charters. Fishing boats can be chartered for a week if you want to focus on angling. Licence-free day boats are an option for small groups who want to drive themselves, but these are usually limited to day hire, not weekly.
Superyachts are available for those with a larger budget. These come with full crew, including captain, chef, stewardesses, and deckhands. Prices are on request, but expect to pay from EUR 50,000 per week upwards.
Pricing Guidance for a Week-Long Charter
Prices vary significantly based on boat size, age, brand, and season. For a motor yacht around 15 metres, weekly rates in low season (November to March) start from about EUR 12,000 to EUR 18,000. In high season (June to September), the same boat can cost EUR 20,000 to EUR 30,000. Catamarans of similar length are typically 20-30% cheaper. Sailing yachts are the most affordable, with weekly rates from EUR 6,000 for a 12-metre boat in low season.
Additional costs include fuel for cruising beyond the standard allowance (usually 4-6 hours per day), food and drinks, port fees if you stay overnight in other marinas, and crew gratuity (commonly 10-15% of the charter fee). Some operators offer all-inclusive packages that cover fuel, food, and drinks, but these are less common for weekly charters. Always confirm what is included before booking.
Use the search page on BoatHire24 to filter by price, boat type, and availability. You can see real-time prices and book directly.
Best Time of Year for a Weekly Yacht Charter
The Costa del Sol has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The best time for a weekly charter is May to October, when temperatures range from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius and the sea is warm enough for swimming. July and August are the busiest months, with higher prices and more boats booked. If you want quieter anchorages and lower rates, consider May, June, or September. The water is still pleasant, and the marinas are less crowded.
Winter charters are possible but less popular. The weather is cooler, around 15-18 degrees, and the sea can be choppy. However, you get significant discounts, and the coast is much quieter. Some boats are laid up for maintenance during winter, so availability is limited. Check with the operator before planning a winter trip.
What to Do During a Week on the Water
A week gives you time to explore the coastline properly. You can head east towards Cabopino and Cala del Faro, a quiet cove with a beach club and good snorkelling. Further east, you reach the cliffs of Maro and the Nerja caves, which are best seen from the sea. The caves are a popular stop for boat tours, and you can anchor nearby and swim.
Heading west from Puerto Banus, you can visit Estepona old town, with its whitewashed buildings and flower-filled streets. The marina there is small but welcoming. Continue to Sotogrande, a luxury resort with a marina that can accommodate larger yachts. From there, you can cross the Strait of Gibraltar to see dolphins and whales. The strait is a migration route for several species, and sightings are common from May to October.
If you want to stay closer to Puerto Banus, the beaches of San Pedro de Alcantara and Marbella are within a short cruise. You can anchor off the beach and take the tender ashore for lunch. Many beach clubs offer mooring buoys for a fee.
How to Book a Weekly Charter
Booking through BoatHire24 is straightforward. Go to the BoatHire24 homepage, select Puerto Banus as the departure port, and filter by weekly charter. You will see a list of available boats with photos, specifications, and prices. Each listing includes a contact form or a direct booking option. You can message the operator with your preferred dates and any special requests.
Once you agree on a boat and price, you will need to pay a deposit (usually 30-50%) to secure the booking. The balance is due 4-6 weeks before departure. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, especially regarding cancellation policies and what is included in the price. The operator will send you a contract and an itinerary form to fill in your preferences for the week.
If you have questions, read the blog for tips on choosing a boat, what to pack, and how to plan your route. The blog also covers local regulations and safety requirements.
Who Is a Weekly Yacht Charter For
A weekly charter is ideal for groups of friends, families, or corporate groups who want a floating base for a holiday. It works well for celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries, where you want privacy and flexibility. It is also suitable for people who want to visit multiple places without packing and unpacking each day. You sleep on the boat, so you avoid hotel check-in times and can move at your own pace.
If you are a solo traveller, weekly charters are less common because most boats are priced per boat, not per person. However, you can sometimes join a shared charter if the operator offers cabin bookings. This is more common on catamarans and sailing yachts. Check the listing for details.
Children are welcome on most boats, but check the safety equipment and whether the crew are experienced with kids. Some operators require children to wear life jackets at all times on deck.
Local Regulations and Skipper Requirements
All charters through BoatHire24 include a licensed skipper, so you do not need a boating licence. The skipper is responsible for navigation, safety, and compliance with local laws. Spanish maritime law requires a professional skipper for any charter over 12 metres or carrying passengers for hire. The skipper will brief you on safety procedures and the boat's equipment at the start of the charter.
You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks on board, but the skipper may have rules about glass bottles or open flames. Check in advance. Smoking is usually restricted to designated areas on deck. The skipper has the final say on the itinerary based on weather conditions and safety. If the sea is rough, they may suggest alternative anchorages.
Environmental regulations require you to avoid anchoring in protected seagrass meadows. The skipper will know the locations and will use mooring buoys where available. Waste disposal is strictly controlled; you must not discharge sewage or rubbish overboard. The boat has holding tanks and waste facilities.
Final Thoughts on Luxury Yacht Hire Puerto Banus Week
A weekly charter from Puerto Banus gives you the freedom to explore the Costa del Sol at your own pace, with the comfort of a luxury boat and a professional crew. You can cover more ground than a day trip, visit multiple ports, and enjoy the best of the coast without the hassle of planning every detail. The cost is higher than a hotel, but the experience is unique. If you want to see the real Costa del Sol from the water, this is the way to do it.
Sample Itinerary for a Week from Puerto Banus
To give you a concrete idea, here is a realistic seven-day plan starting from Puerto Banus. Day one, you board in the afternoon, settle in, and have dinner at a beach club like Ocean Club or Nikki Beach, both reachable by tender. Day two, cruise east to Cabopino and anchor at Cala del Faro for lunch and swimming. Day three, continue to Marbella Marina for a walk through the old town and a tapas crawl on Calle Virgen de los Dolores. Day four, head west to Estepona, moor at the marina, and explore the flower-filled old town. Day five, push further west to Sotogrande for a round of golf or a visit to the luxury marina. Day six, cross towards the Strait of Gibraltar for dolphin watching, then return to Puerto Banus for a final evening. Day seven, disembark by 10am. This itinerary covers roughly 80 nautical miles total, which is manageable at a cruising speed of 15-20 knots.
Fuel Costs and Range for a Week-Long Charter
Fuel is a significant variable in your budget. A typical 15-metre motor yacht burns about 100-150 litres per hour at cruising speed. At EUR 1.50 per litre, that is EUR 150-225 per hour. If you cruise for 4 hours a day over 7 days, fuel alone can be EUR 4,200-6,300. Some charters include 4-6 hours of cruising per day in the base price, but anything beyond that is charged at cost. Catamarans are more fuel-efficient, burning around 60-80 litres per hour for a similar size. Sailing yachts use minimal fuel if you sail, but you will still need the engine for manoeuvring in port and during calms. Always ask the operator for an estimated fuel cost for your planned itinerary before booking.
Private Chef and Catering Options Onboard
Many luxury yacht hire Puerto Banus week charters offer the option of a private chef for an additional EUR 200-400 per day plus the cost of provisions. The chef will discuss your preferences in advance, prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and can accommodate dietary restrictions. If you prefer to self-cater, you can order groceries from local supermarkets like Mercadona or Carrefour and have them delivered to the marina. Some operators provide a provisioning service where they stock the boat before you arrive for a flat fee. For special occasions, you can arrange a catered dinner from a restaurant like Bibo or La Sala in Puerto Banus, delivered to the boat. Remember that the skipper and crew need to be fed too, either by sharing your meals or providing a separate crew allowance of around EUR 30-50 per person per day.
Weather and Sea Conditions by Month
Understanding the weather helps you plan your week. In May and June, the sea temperature is 18-22 degrees Celsius, and winds are light, mainly from the west. July and August bring the Levante wind from the east, which can create choppy conditions on the eastern side of the coast, especially near Marbella. The western side, around Estepona and Sotogrande, is usually calmer. September and October have warm sea temperatures of 22-24 degrees and fewer crowds. November to March sees cooler air temperatures of 15-18 degrees and occasional storms, but calm days are common too. The Strait of Gibraltar can be rough year-round due to tidal currents and wind funneling, so check the forecast before crossing. The skipper will have access to professional weather services and will adjust the itinerary accordingly.
Booking a Superyacht for a Week
If you are looking for a superyacht for a weekly charter, prices start from around EUR 50,000 in low season and can exceed EUR 200,000 in August for a 30-metre vessel. These charters include a full crew of 4-8 people, all meals, drinks, and fuel for a standard itinerary. Superyachts based in Puerto Banus include models from Sunseeker, Azimut, and Princess, with lengths from 24 to 50 metres. You can view available superyachts on the BoatHire24 search page by filtering by length and price. Booking a superyacht typically requires a longer lead time, often 3-6 months in advance for peak season. The operator will arrange a detailed itinerary, including port reservations, restaurant bookings, and any special requests like jet skis or water toys.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boating licence for a weekly charter?
No. Every charter through BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper. You do not need any licence to enjoy the boat.
Can I choose my own itinerary for the week?
Yes, within reason. You plan the route with the skipper, who will advise on weather and safety. The final decision rests with the skipper.
What happens if the weather is bad during my week?
The skipper will adjust the itinerary to avoid dangerous conditions. You may stay in port or visit sheltered anchorages. Safety always comes first.
Are children allowed on weekly charters?
Yes, but check the boat's safety equipment. Some operators require children to wear life jackets on deck. Confirm with the operator before booking.
How much does fuel cost for a week?
Fuel is usually included for a set number of cruising hours per day (typically 4-6). Extra hours are charged at market rates, around EUR 1.50-2.00 per litre for diesel.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes. You can stock the boat with your own provisions. The skipper may have rules about glass or open flames. Some operators offer catering packages for an extra fee.
What is the cancellation policy for weekly charters?
Cancellation policies vary by operator. Most require a 30-50% deposit, which is non-refundable if you cancel within 30 days of departure. Read the terms before booking.