You want a speedboat charter in Puerto Banus because you want to feel the wind in your hair, skip across the waves, and maybe spot a dolphin or two. No messing about with licences or skippers, because every rental on BoatHire24 comes with a licensed skipper who knows the coast. That means you just turn up, hop on, and go.
Puerto Banus is the obvious starting point, but you can also depart from Marbella Marina, Cabopino, Estepona, Sotogrande, or Benalmadena. The boats are RIBs or speedboats, typically 6 to 10 metres, with engines that push 150 to 300 hp. Prices start from around EUR 450 for a half day, and you get the whole bay to play with.
What You Get on a Speedboat Charter Puerto Banus
A speedboat charter in Puerto Banus is not a luxury yacht with a sun deck and a Jacuzzi. It is a fast, open boat designed for one thing: fun. You get a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) or a fibreglass speedboat, usually with a centre console or a small cabin for shade. The skipper handles the driving, navigation, and safety. You handle the beers, the music, and the swimming stops.
Typical boats include the 6.5-metre Zodiac with a 200 hp outboard, or the 8-metre Brig with twin 150s. These boats hit 30 to 45 knots, so you can cover distance fast. You can head to Cala del Faro for a swim, cruise past the Puerto Banus megayachts, or go looking for dolphins off the coast of Estepona. The skipper will suggest a route based on the weather and your mood.
Every charter includes fuel, safety equipment, and the skipper. You can bring your own food and drink, or arrange a stop at a chiringuito for lunch. Most boats have a Bluetooth speaker, so you can play your own playlist. Just don't expect a toilet on board, unless you book a bigger boat. Plan accordingly.
Why Puerto Banus is the Best Starting Point
Puerto Banus is the flashiest marina on the Costa del Sol, and that is exactly why you want to start there. You leave the harbour past the superyachts and the Gucci store, and within five minutes you are in open water. The bay is sheltered, so the sea is usually calm enough for a fast ride.
From Puerto Banus you can reach Marbella in 10 minutes, Cabopino in 15, and Estepona in 20. The coastline is a mix of sandy beaches, rocky coves, and pine-covered hills. You can see La Concha mountain from the water, which looks like a giant shell. If you head south, you might spot the Strait of Gibraltar and, on a clear day, the coast of Africa.
The marina itself has plenty of parking, restaurants, and bars for after the trip. You can book a speedboat charter Puerto Banus for a morning, an afternoon, or a full day. The skipper will meet you at the dock, so you don't need to worry about anything.
Other Departure Ports for Speedboat Charters
If you are staying elsewhere on the coast, you can still get a speedboat charter. BoatHire24 covers six ports, so you can choose the one closest to your hotel or villa.
Marbella Marina (Puerto Deportivo) is a good alternative if you are in the centre of Marbella. It is a bit quieter than Puerto Banus, but the boats are the same. Cabopino is smaller and more relaxed, with a sandy beach and a nature reserve behind it. Estepona has a lovely old town and a long promenade, and the marina is right next to it. Sotogrande is further west, near the Sotogrande polo fields and golf clubs. Benalmadena is east of Marbella, close to Torremolinos and Fuengirola.
Each port has its own vibe, but the boats are similar. The prices might vary by a few tens of euros, but not much. Book whichever is easiest for you.
Boat Options for Speedboat Charter Puerto Banus
BoatHire24 lists several types of speedboats and RIBs for charter. Here is a rough guide to what you can expect.
RIBs are the most common. They are inflatable tubes with a rigid hull, which makes them stable and fast. Sizes range from 5.5 metres to 10 metres. A 6-metre RIB seats 6 to 8 people, while an 8-metre seats up to 10. Engines are outboards, usually 150 to 300 hp. Top speed is around 40 knots, but the skipper will take it easy if you want to enjoy the scenery.
Speedboats are fibreglass hulls with a more traditional look. They are a bit heavier and slower, but more comfortable in choppy water. Some have a small cabin with a toilet and a sink, which is handy for families. Prices are similar to RIBs.
Licence-free day boats are also available, but they are not speedboats. They are small motorboats that you can drive yourself without a licence. They top out at 10 knots, so they are for pottering, not speeding. If you want speed, stick with the RIBs.
Superyachts are a different category altogether. They come with a crew and a price tag to match. If you want a speedboat charter Puerto Banus, you are not looking for a superyacht, but the option is there if you change your mind.
Pricing Guidance for Speedboat Charters
Prices for a speedboat charter Puerto Banus start from around EUR 450 for a half day (4 hours) and EUR 700 for a full day (8 hours). These are for a 6-metre RIB with a 150 hp engine. Larger boats and longer trips cost more. A 10-metre RIB with twin 300 hp engines can cost EUR 1,200 for a half day and EUR 2,000 for a full day.
Fuel is included in the price, which is standard for speedboat charters on the Costa del Sol. The skipper is also included, as per Spanish law. You do not need a licence or any experience.
Extra costs might include food and drink (if you want the skipper to arrange catering), dock fees (if you stop at a marina), and tips for the skipper. Most people tip 10 to 15 percent if they had a good time.
To get an exact price for your dates and group size, you need to check BoatHire24. The prices change with demand, especially in summer.
Best Seasons for a Speedboat Charter Puerto Banus
The Costa del Sol has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. The best time for a speedboat charter Puerto Banus is from May to October. The sea temperature is above 20 degrees C from June to September, so swimming is comfortable. The air temperature is 25 to 35 degrees C in July and August.
Spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) are also good, but the water is cooler and the wind can be stronger. Winter (December to February) is possible, but you will need a windbreaker. The sea is calm on most days, but the air is only 15 to 20 degrees C.
Book in advance for July and August, because demand is high. The rest of the year, you can usually book a few days ahead.
How to Book a Speedboat Charter Puerto Banus
Booking a speedboat charter Puerto Banus on BoatHire24 is straightforward. Go to the search page, enter your dates and group size, and filter by boat type. Select a speedboat or RIB, and pick a departure port. You will see a list of available boats with prices, photos, and descriptions.
Click on a boat to see the full details, including the skipper's bio, the boat's specifications, and the cancellation policy. If you like it, click the book button and pay a deposit. The remaining balance is paid on the day, usually in cash or card.
If you are not sure which boat to choose, contact BoatHire24 via the website. The team knows the boats and the ports, and they can recommend something based on your group size and budget.
For more tips on speedboat charters and other boat rentals, check out the BoatHire24 blog. It has guides on everything from what to bring to the best chiringuitos on the coast.
Who is a Speedboat Charter Puerto Banus For
A speedboat charter Puerto Banus is for anyone who wants a fast, fun day on the water. It is not for people who want a quiet, luxurious cruise with a butler and a champagne bar. It is for groups of friends, stag or hen parties, families with older kids, and couples who want a bit of adrenaline.
If you have young children, check the boat's safety features. Most RIBs have handrails and a low centre of gravity, but the ride can be bumpy. The skipper will adjust the speed to suit the group.
If you get seasick easily, a speedboat is not ideal because the ride is bouncy. Take a pill beforehand or book a catamaran instead, which is more stable.
If you just want to drive a boat yourself without a licence, look at the licence-free day boats. They are slower but give you the freedom to explore on your own terms. BoatHire24 has a selection of those too.
What to Bring on a Speedboat Charter
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun reflects off the water and you will burn faster than you think. Bring a towel and a change of clothes if you plan to swim. Bring a waterproof phone case or a dry bag for your valuables. The skipper will have a basic first-aid kit, but bring any medication you need.
Food and drink are your responsibility. Most boats have a cooler for drinks. You can bring a picnic or stop at a beach restaurant. The skipper will recommend good spots.
Do not bring glass bottles on board, because they break and cause injuries. Use plastic or cans.
Wear non-slip shoes or go barefoot. High heels and flip-flops are dangerous on a moving boat.
If you want a full guide on what to bring, read the BoatHire24 blog post on packing for a boat charter.
Safety on a Speedboat Charter Puerto Banus
Safety is the skipper's job, but you need to cooperate. Listen to the safety briefing at the start. Know where the life jackets are, even if you do not wear them. The skipper will tell you where to sit and how to behave on board.
Do not stand up while the boat is moving at speed, because you can fall overboard. Do not lean over the side to touch the water, because the boat can tip. Do not drink so much that you cannot walk. The skipper has the right to cut the trip short if anyone is unsafe.
The boats are inspected and insured. The skippers are licensed and experienced. The sea is generally calm in the bay, but the skipper will check the weather forecast and avoid bad conditions.
If you have any concerns, ask the skipper before you leave the dock.
Local Attractions You Can See from a Speedboat
From a speedboat charter Puerto Banus, you can see a lot of the Costa del Sol in a short time. Here are some highlights.
Puerto Banus itself is a sight from the water, with its rows of superyachts and luxury apartments. The port is designed like a Venetian canal, so it looks different from the sea.
La Concha mountain rises behind Marbella and is visible from miles offshore. It is 1,215 metres high and shaped like a shell, hence the name.
Río Verde is a small river that flows into the sea near Marbella. The mouth is a good spot for anchoring and swimming, with clear water and a sandy bottom.
Cala del Faro is a cove near Cabopino with a lighthouse and a rocky beach. It is popular with boaters for its clear water and relative quiet.
Estepona old town has a white-washed church and a promenade lined with flower pots. From the sea, you can see the whole town spread out along the coast.
If you go further south, near the Strait of Gibraltar, you can see dolphins and whales. The strait is a migration route for many species, so sightings are common in summer.
Nerja caves are further east, near Malaga. They are a two-hour boat ride from Puerto Banus, so you would need a full-day charter to get there. The caves are a UNESCO site and have some of the oldest cave paintings in Europe.
For a full list of things to see and do on the Costa del Sol, visit the BoatHire24 homepage and browse the destinations.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence for a speedboat charter Puerto Banus?
No. Every speedboat charter on BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper who drives the boat. You do not need any licence or experience. Just turn up and enjoy the ride.
How much does a speedboat charter in Puerto Banus cost?
Prices start from around EUR 450 for a half day (4 hours) and EUR 700 for a full day (8 hours). Larger boats cost more. Fuel and skipper are included. Check BoatHire24 for exact prices.
How many people can fit on a speedboat?
A typical RIB seats 6 to 8 people. Larger boats can take up to 10 or 12. Check the boat's specifications on the listing for the maximum passenger count.
Can I drive the speedboat myself?
No, the skipper drives. This is for safety and legal reasons. If you want to drive a boat yourself without a licence, book a licence-free day boat instead.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The skipper will check the forecast and decide if it is safe to go out. If the trip is cancelled due to weather, you get a full refund or can reschedule.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes. Most boats have a cooler. Avoid glass bottles. You can also ask the skipper to arrange a stop at a beach restaurant for lunch.
How do I book a speedboat charter Puerto Banus?
Go to BoatHire24, use the search page, select your dates and port, and pick a boat. Pay a deposit online and the balance on the day. Easy.