You want a full day on the water, starting from Puerto Banus, with a proper motor yacht. Not a RIB, not a catamaran, but a sleek, powerful motor yacht that can hit 25 knots when you want and cruise at 10 knots when you don't. You want a skipper to handle the navigation, lunch served on the aft deck, and enough time to swim at a secluded cove before heading back to the marina for sunset. That is exactly what you get with motor yacht hire Puerto Banus day charters on BoatHire24.
Every booking includes a licensed skipper, fuel, and a standard itinerary. You pick the boat from our fleet of 12 to 30 metre motor yachts, choose your departure time (usually 10am), and the skipper does the rest. The boat is yours for 8 hours, which is enough to reach Estepona or Cabopino and still have time for a long swim stop. No hidden costs, no surprises, just a day on the Med that actually delivers.
What Is Included in a Full-Day Motor Yacht Charter
A full-day motor yacht charter from Puerto Banus typically runs from 10am to 6pm, though you can adjust start times with the owner. The package includes the yacht, a licensed skipper, fuel for the standard itinerary, and basic safety equipment. Some boats also include a host or stewardess, paddleboards, snorkelling gear, and a Bluetooth sound system. You pay extra for food and drinks, but many yachts have a galley where the crew can prepare your own catering. The skipper will not serve you; that is what the host is for. If you want a full catering package, add around EUR 20-40 per person for a simple lunch of paella, salads, and drinks. The total cost for a group of 8 to 12 people works out at roughly EUR 150-200 per person, which is competitive for a private yacht with crew.
Why Puerto Banus Is the Best Departure Point
Puerto Banus is the superyacht capital of the Costa del Sol, but it also has plenty of motor yachts available for day hire. The marina is 10 minutes from Marbella town and 20 minutes from Estepona. You get easy access to the best coastal spots: the Golden Mile, the cliffs of Cala del Faro, and the sandy beaches of San Pedro. The marina itself is a destination, with luxury boutiques, restaurants, and a buzzing atmosphere. When you return from your day on the water, you can dock at the same pontoon and walk straight into a bar. It is convenient, it is glamorous, and it is the most popular departure point for motor yacht hire on the Costa del Sol.
Which Motor Yachts Are Available for Day Hire
Our fleet of motor yachts for day hire in Puerto Banus ranges from 40 feet (12 metres) up to 100 feet (30 metres). The smaller boats, like the Azimut 40 or the Princess 42, are ideal for groups of 6-8 people. They have a cabin, a small galley, and a sun pad on the bow. The larger ones, like the Sunseeker 62 or the Ferretti 72, can take up to 12 guests and have a flybridge, a full kitchen, and air conditioning throughout. You can also find sport cruisers that hit 35 knots if speed is your thing, and classic motor yachts with teak decks and a more traditional feel. All of them come with a skipper who knows the local waters and will take you to the best spots based on the wind and swell conditions.
Pricing Guidance for a Full-Day Motor Yacht Charter
Prices for motor yacht hire Puerto Banus day charters start from around EUR 1,500 for a 40-foot yacht in low season, rising to EUR 3,500-5,000 for a 60-70 foot yacht in August. Superyachts over 80 feet are price on request, but expect EUR 8,000-15,000 for a full day. The price includes the yacht, skipper, fuel, and basic insurance. You will need to add a deposit of EUR 500-1,000, which is fully refundable if you return the boat in the same condition. Deposit is paid by credit card or bank transfer at least 48 hours before departure. No cash on the day. If you want a host or extra water toys, that is an additional EUR 200-400 depending on the boat.
The Best Months for a Motor Yacht Day Charter
The Costa del Sol has a long season. You can comfortably charter a motor yacht from April to October. July and August are peak months with air temperatures of 30-35 degrees C and sea temperatures of 24-26 degrees C. The water is warm enough to swim without a wetsuit. May, June, and September are the sweet spots: fewer crowds, lower prices, and still 28 degrees C air temperature. April and October are cooler, around 20-22 degrees C, but you can still have a pleasant day if the sun is out. Avoid November to March unless you are a local and just want a lunch cruise; the sea can be choppy and the wind strong.
Sample Itinerary: Puerto Banus to Estepona and Back
Here is a typical full-day itinerary for a motor yacht charter from Puerto Banus. Depart at 10am, head west along the coast towards Estepona. The first stop is Cala del Faro, a rocky cove with clear water and a small beach. Anchor here for a swim and some snorkelling. After 45 minutes, continue to Estepona port, where you can dock for a walk through the old town or have lunch at a chiringuito on the beach. The skipper will stay with the boat. After lunch, cruise east towards Cabopino, passing the Marbella coastline and the Golden Mile. Anchor at Cabopino beach for a second swim stop. Then head back to Puerto Banus, arriving around 5.30pm. The total distance is about 35 nautical miles, which is comfortable for a motor yacht cruising at 10-12 knots.
How to Book a Motor Yacht Day Charter on BoatHire24
Booking is straightforward. Go to our search page, select Puerto Banus as the departure port, choose motor yacht as the boat type, and enter the date. You will see a list of available yachts with photos, specs, and prices. Click on the one you like, check the availability calendar, and send a booking request. The owner will confirm within 24 hours. Once confirmed, you pay a 50% deposit to secure the date. The balance is due 7 days before departure. We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance for July and August, and 1 week for other months. You can cancel for free up to 14 days before the charter, after which the deposit is non-refundable.
Who Should Book a Full-Day Motor Yacht Charter
This charter is for you if you want a private, comfortable day on the water with a group of friends or family. It is not a party boat, though you can bring your own music and drinks. It is not a fishing trip, though you can ask the skipper to stop at a fishing spot if you want. It is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, or just a luxury day out. If you are a couple, you can still charter a motor yacht, but you might find a smaller boat or a sailing yacht more cost-effective. The full-day charter works best for groups of 6 to 12 people who want to share the cost and have the boat to themselves.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a light jacket for the evening. The skipper will have water on board, but you should bring your own drinks and snacks unless you ordered catering. Expect the boat to be clean and well-maintained, with a safety briefing at the start. The skipper will speak English and Spanish. You can help with mooring lines if you want, or just relax. The boat has a toilet and a shower, so you can rinse off after swimming. No high heels on the teak deck, please. Flip-flops or bare feet are fine.
Why Book Through BoatHire24 Rather Than Direct
We are a marketplace, not a broker. We list boats from multiple owners, so you can compare prices and features in one place. We handle the booking process, the deposit, and the communication with the owner. If something goes wrong, we mediate. We also have a blog with guides on the best beaches, restaurants, and anchorages along the Costa del Sol. And we are local: our office is in Marbella, so we know the boats and the skippers. Booking direct with an owner might save you a small commission, but you lose the protection and the convenience of a platform. For a day charter like this, the peace of mind is worth it.
So, if you are ready to spend a full day on a motor yacht from Puerto Banus, start your search on BoatHire24. Pick your date, choose your yacht, and let us handle the rest.
Puerto Banus to Marbella Marina: A Classic Coastal Cruise
Another popular full-day route is the eastward cruise from Puerto Banus to Marbella Marina, covering the Golden Mile in style. You depart at 10am, passing the luxury hotels and beach clubs of the Marbella coastline. The first stop is the small bay of Rio Verde, where the river meets the sea and the water is calm for swimming. After 30 minutes, you continue to Marbella Marina, where you can dock for a walk through the old town or have lunch at a beachfront restaurant. The skipper will stay with the boat. After lunch, you cruise back towards Cabopino, passing the dunes and the nature reserve. Anchor at Cabopino beach for a second swim stop. Then head back to Puerto Banus, arriving around 5.30pm. The total distance is about 25 nautical miles, which is an easy day for a motor yacht cruising at 8-10 knots. This route is ideal if you want a mix of city and beach, with the option to step ashore in Marbella for a proper sit-down meal.
What to Expect from the Skipper and Crew
Your skipper is a licensed professional with years of local experience. They know the best anchorages, the safest routes, and the weather patterns of the Costa del Sol. They will give a safety briefing at the start of the day, showing you where the life jackets, fire extinguishers, and emergency equipment are stored. They will also explain the boat's layout and how to use the toilet and shower. The skipper will not serve food or drinks; that is the host's job if you have one. If you do not have a host, you are expected to serve yourselves. The skipper can help with mooring lines and anchoring, but they are not a waiter. If you want a more hands-off experience, book a host for an additional EUR 200-300. The skipper will speak English and Spanish, and many also speak German or French. They are happy to answer questions about the area, the wildlife, and the local culture.
How to Choose the Right Motor Yacht for Your Group
Choosing the right motor yacht depends on your group size, budget, and preferences. For a group of 6-8 people, a 40-45 foot yacht like the Azimut 40 or the Princess 42 is ideal. These boats have a cabin, a small galley, and a sun pad on the bow. They are easy to handle and cost from around EUR 1,500-2,500 per day. For a group of 8-12 people, a 50-60 foot yacht like the Sunseeker 56 or the Ferretti 55 is better. These boats have a flybridge, a full kitchen, and air conditioning. They cost from EUR 3,000-5,000 per day. For a group of 12-16 people, a 70-80 foot yacht like the Azimut 72 or the Princess 75 is the way to go. These boats have multiple cabins, a large saloon, and a spacious flybridge. They cost from EUR 5,000-8,000 per day. If you want speed, look for a sport cruiser that can hit 30-35 knots. If you want comfort, look for a classic motor yacht with teak decks and stabilisers. All boats come with a skipper, so you do not need a boating license.
What to Do If the Weather Turns Bad
The Costa del Sol is known for its stable weather, but it can change. If the forecast shows strong winds or rain, the skipper may suggest a different route or a shorter trip. You can also reschedule your charter for another day, free of charge, if you give at least 48 hours notice. If the weather is dangerous, the skipper will cancel the trip and you will receive a full refund. Do not worry about losing your deposit; safety comes first. In practice, bad weather is rare from April to October. The most common issue is the afternoon wind, which can pick up to 15-20 knots. This is not dangerous for a motor yacht, but it can make the ride bumpy. If you are prone to seasickness, take a motion sickness tablet 30 minutes before departure. The skipper will also have seasickness bags on board.
How to Save Money on a Motor Yacht Day Charter
You can save money by booking in low season (April, May, September, October) or midweek (Monday to Thursday). Prices are typically 20-30% lower than in July and August. You can also split the cost with a larger group; the per-person price drops significantly when you fill the boat. For a 40-foot yacht that costs EUR 2,000, splitting it among 8 people gives you EUR 250 each. That is competitive with a day at a beach club. Another way to save is to bring your own food and drinks instead of ordering catering. Most yachts have a galley where you can store and prepare your own supplies. You can also skip the host and serve yourselves. Finally, book through BoatHire24 to compare prices across multiple owners. You might find a deal that is not available on the owner's own website.
What to Do with Kids on a Motor Yacht Charter
Motor yacht charters are family-friendly. Most boats have a cabin where kids can nap, and a toilet and shower for changing. The skipper will take you to calm anchorages where the water is shallow and safe for swimming. You can bring snorkelling gear, paddleboards, and inflatable toys. Some yachts have a small TV or a sound system for entertainment. Kids under 12 should wear a life jacket at all times on deck; the skipper will provide them. You can also bring a packed lunch and snacks. The full-day charter gives you plenty of time for breaks and activities. If you have very young children, consider a shorter half-day charter to avoid fatigue. The crew is trained to handle kids, but you are responsible for their supervision. Do not let them run around the deck while the boat is moving.
How to Get to Puerto Banus from Marbella and Estepona
Puerto Banus is easy to reach by car, taxi, or bus. From Marbella town, it is a 10-minute drive along the A-7 motorway. From Estepona, it is a 20-minute drive. If you are staying in Marbella, you can also take the local bus (line 2) from the bus station to Puerto Banus. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs EUR 2. From Estepona, take the intercity bus (line 2) to Puerto Banus, which takes about 45 minutes and costs EUR 3. Taxis from Marbella cost around EUR 20-25, from Estepona around EUR 30-35. If you are driving, there are several parking garages near the marina, including the one under the El Corte Ingles shopping centre. Parking costs around EUR 20-30 for the day. The meeting point is usually at the main entrance of the marina, near the statue of the bull. Your skipper will confirm the exact location when you book.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does motor yacht hire Puerto Banus day cost?
Prices start from around EUR 1,500 for a 40-foot yacht in low season and go up to EUR 5,000 for a 70-foot yacht in August. Superyachts are price on request. The cost includes the yacht, skipper, fuel, and basic insurance. Food and drinks are extra.
What is the maximum number of guests on a full-day motor yacht charter?
Most motor yachts for day hire in Puerto Banus carry 8 to 12 guests. The exact number depends on the boat's safety certificate. You can check the maximum capacity on each boat's listing on BoatHire24. Overloading is not allowed.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?
Yes. You can bring your own food and drinks. The skipper will provide ice and glasses. Many yachts have a fridge and a galley. If you want a catering service, some owners offer it for an extra fee, typically EUR 20-40 per person.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the charter?
The skipper will assess the conditions. If it is unsafe to sail, the charter can be rescheduled or cancelled with a full refund. If the weather is fine but you decide not to go, the normal cancellation policy applies.
Do I need a boating licence to hire a motor yacht with a skipper?
No. The skipper is licensed and handles all navigation. You just relax. If you want to drive the boat yourself, you would need a licence-free day boat, which is a different category on BoatHire24.
Can I choose my own itinerary for the day?
You can discuss the itinerary with the skipper at the start. They will advise on the best spots based on weather and sea conditions. You can make requests, but the skipper has the final say for safety reasons.
How far in advance should I book a full-day motor yacht charter?
For July and August, book at least 2 weeks ahead. For other months, 1 week is usually enough. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, but availability is limited. Use the BoatHire24 search page to check real-time availability.