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Speedboat Rental on the Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol, Spain

Speedboat Rental on the Costa del Sol

You want to feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your back, not spend hours figuring out how to drive a boat. That is exactly what a speedboat rental on the Costa del Sol gives you: a fast, fun ride along the coast with a licensed skipper who does all the work. You just turn up, jump on board, and enjoy the thrill.

BoatHire24 lists dozens of speedboats and RIBs available for hire by the hour or half-day from Puerto Banús, Marbella Marina, Estepona, Benalmádena, Sotogrande and Cabopino. Every booking includes a professional skipper, so you can relax with a cold drink while the boat does 40 knots past the Marbella coastline. No licence, no stress.

What Speedboat Rentals Include

When you book a speedboat through BoatHire24, you get more than just a hull and an engine. Every rental includes a licensed skipper who knows the local waters, the best coves, and the spots where dolphins often appear. The skipper takes care of navigation, mooring, and safety, leaving you free to enjoy the ride.

Most speedboats come with a bimini top for shade, a cooler for drinks, and basic safety equipment. Some larger RIBs have a small cabin with a toilet and a Bluetooth sound system. Fuel is usually included in the hourly rate, but check the listing details because a few operators charge extra for fuel beyond a set number of hours. You can bring your own food and drinks on board, and the skipper will often stop at a chiringuito for lunch if you want.

All our listed operators are licensed and insured. You do not need a boating licence or any previous experience. The minimum age to ride is typically 5 years old, and children must wear life jackets provided by the crew.

Departure Ports for Speedboat Rental

The Costa del Sol has several marinas where you can pick up a speedboat. Each port has its own character and advantages, depending on where you are staying and what you want to see.

Puerto Banús

Puerto Banús is the most famous port on the coast, packed with superyachts, designer shops, and flashy bars. Renting a speedboat from here puts you right in the middle of the Marbella scene. You can zip past the golden beach of Marbella, head east towards Cabopino, or cross the bay to see the Puerto Banús skyline from the water. Departure is from the main harbour, so you are on the water within minutes.

Marbella Marina (Puerto Deportivo)

Marbella Marina is the main public marina in the town centre. It is less glitzy than Puerto Banús but more practical if you are staying in Marbella old town or the Golden Mile. From here you can cruise past the Marbella Club Hotel and the dunes of Artola, or head out to the open sea for a longer trip. The marina has plenty of parking and is a short walk from the old town restaurants.

Estepona

Estepona port is quieter and more laid-back. If you want to escape the crowds, this is a good option. Speedboats from Estepona can take you west towards the Strait of Gibraltar, where you often see pilot whales and common dolphins. The port itself has a nice promenade with seafood bars and a small marina. You can also cruise along the Estepona coastline and stop at the Estepona old town for a walk.

Benalmádena

Benalmádena Marina is a large, modern port with a lively atmosphere. It is close to Torremolinos and Fuengirola, making it convenient for visitors staying in the central Costa del Sol. From here you can head east towards the cliffs of Torremolinos or west towards the Cabopino dunes. The marina has several bars and restaurants right on the water, perfect for a pre- or post-rental drink.

Sotogrande

Sotogrande is an exclusive residential area with a large marina. Speedboat rentals here are less common but available, and the water is generally quieter than around Marbella. You can cruise through the Sotogrande estuary or head out to the Mediterranean and look for dolphins. It is a good choice if you are staying in the southern part of the coast near Gibraltar.

Cabopino

Cabopino is a small, charming marina near the Artola dunes. It is less commercial than the others, with a handful of restaurants and a sandy beach. Speedboat rentals from Cabopino give you easy access to the Cabopino dunes and the Marbella coastline. The water is calm and the scenery is more natural, with pine trees and sand dunes rather than high-rise hotels.

Types of Speedboats Available

The term "speedboat" covers a few different types of vessels on our platform. Here is what you can expect to find.

RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats)

RIBs are the most common type of speedboat for hire. They have a rigid fibreglass hull and inflatable tubes around the sides, which makes them stable and fast. Most RIBs are between 6 and 10 metres long and can carry 6 to 12 passengers. They typically have outboard engines ranging from 150 to 350 horsepower, giving a top speed of 40 to 60 knots. RIBs are ideal for a short, adrenaline-filled trip to a nearby cove or for dolphin watching.

Motor Yachts Under 12 Metres

Some smaller motor yachts are fast enough to be considered speedboats. These are more comfortable than a RIB, with a proper cabin, a toilet, and seating inside and out. They are usually 10 to 12 metres long and have inboard diesel engines. Top speed is lower, around 25 to 30 knots, but the ride is smoother and you can stay out for a full day. These are a good option if you want speed but also a bit of luxury.

Open Speedboats

Open speedboats are classic fibreglass runabouts with a single outboard engine. They are smaller, typically 5 to 7 metres, and carry 4 to 6 people. They are less common for hire but sometimes available. They are great for a quick blast along the coast, but they have no cabin and limited shade, so bring sunscreen.

Pricing Guidance for Speedboat Rentals

Prices vary depending on the boat size, engine power, duration, and departure port. As a rough guide, expect to pay from around EUR 350 for a 2-hour RIB hire for up to 6 people from Marbella or Benalmádena. A 4-hour rental for a larger RIB with 10 passengers might cost from EUR 700. Full-day rentals (8 hours) for a motor yacht under 12 metres start from around EUR 1,200.

Fuel is usually included in the price for the first few hours, but some operators charge extra for fuel beyond 4 hours. Always check the listing details. The skipper is always included in the price, as are basic safety equipment and insurance. You can often negotiate a discount for longer rentals or off-peak days.

For the most accurate prices, use our search page to filter by port, date, and boat type. Prices are displayed in EUR and include VAT unless stated otherwise.

Best Time of Year for Speedboat Rental

The Costa del Sol has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The best time for a speedboat rental is from May to October, when the sea temperature is above 18 degrees C and the air temperature is 25 to 35 degrees C. July and August are the hottest months, with sea temperatures around 24 degrees C and calm seas most days.

In spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October), the weather is still warm enough for a boat trip, but you might get a light jacket for the return journey after sunset. These shoulder months are less crowded, so you can often find better availability and lower prices.

Winter (November to March) is not ideal for speedboat rental because the sea can be rough and the air temperature drops to 10 to 15 degrees C. Some operators still run trips in good weather, but the chances of cancellation due to wind are higher. If you want to go in winter, check the forecast and book a boat with a cabin.

How to Book a Speedboat Rental

Booking through BoatHire24 is straightforward. You can browse our listings, filter by date, port, and boat type, and see real-time availability. Once you find a boat you like, you can book it online with a credit card or PayPal. You will receive a confirmation email with the skipper's contact details and meeting point instructions.

You can also contact the operator directly through our platform if you have questions about the boat or the itinerary. Most operators speak English and Spanish, and some speak German and French. You can usually customise the route, add extra hours, or request a specific departure time.

If you are not sure which boat to choose, give us a call or send an email. Our team knows the fleet and can recommend a boat based on your group size, budget, and preferences. We also have a blog with guides to the best coves and anchorages along the coast.

Who Is Speedboat Rental For

Speedboat rental is not for everyone, but it suits a few specific types of traveller. If you are a group of friends looking for an adrenaline hit, a RIB is perfect. If you are a family with older children who want a day out on the water with a bit of speed, a larger RIB or small motor yacht works well. Couples on a romantic trip might prefer a smaller, more private boat for a sunset cruise.

Speedboat rental is also popular for bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate events, and team-building days. You can bring your own music, drinks, and food, and the skipper will take you to a quiet cove for swimming and snorkelling. Some operators allow you to bring a paddleboard or inflatable toys.

If you are prone to seasickness, a speedboat might not be the best choice because the ride can be bumpy at high speed. For a smoother experience, consider a catamaran or a larger motor yacht. Also, if you have very young children or elderly guests, a slower boat with a cabin might be more comfortable.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, and sunglasses. Even on a cloudy day, the reflection off the water can burn you. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker because the wind chill at 40 knots is significant, especially on a RIB. You can bring your own food and drinks, but check with the operator if they provide a cooler or ice. Most boats have a small fridge or cooler box.

On the day, you will meet the skipper at the designated marina. They will give you a safety briefing, show you the life jackets, and explain the route. You can agree on a route or let the skipper suggest one based on the weather and sea conditions. Typical stops include Cala del Faro, the dunes of Artola, or a chiringuito for lunch. The skipper will anchor in a calm bay for swimming and snorkelling.

Speedboat rentals are generally 2, 4, or 8 hours. A 2-hour trip is enough for a quick blast to a nearby cove and back. A 4-hour trip allows for a longer cruise, a swim stop, and maybe lunch at a beach club. An 8-hour trip covers more ground, such as a run to the Nerja caves or a crossing to the African coast (if the weather permits and you have a fast enough boat).

For more ideas, check our blog on the best day trips by boat from Marbella.

Why Rent a Speedboat Through BoatHire24

BoatHire24 is a marketplace that connects you directly with licensed boat operators on the Costa del Sol. We do not own the boats; we list them so you can compare prices, read reviews, and book online. Our platform is free to use, and you pay the same price as booking directly with the operator. We have been operating since 2015 and have helped thousands of visitors find the perfect boat for their holiday.

We vet every operator to ensure they have the correct licences and insurance. We also provide customer support in English and Spanish, so if anything goes wrong, we are here to help. You can read real reviews from previous customers on each listing page, which gives you an honest picture of what to expect.

If you want to book a speedboat rental on the Costa del Sol, start your search on BoatHire24. Filter by port, date, and budget, and book your trip in minutes.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to rent a speedboat?

No. Every speedboat rental on BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper who operates the boat. You do not need any boating licence or experience.

How many people can fit on a speedboat?

Most RIBs carry 6 to 12 passengers. Smaller open speedboats carry 4 to 6. The maximum capacity is listed on each boat's page and depends on the boat size and safety regulations.

Can I drive the speedboat myself?

No. Insurance and local regulations require a licensed skipper on board at all times. You can sit next to the skipper and learn, but you cannot take the helm.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the sea conditions are unsafe, the operator will cancel and offer a full refund or reschedule. We recommend checking the forecast before booking and choosing a flexible cancellation policy.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

Yes. You can bring your own drinks and food on board. Some operators provide a cooler or ice. Just be sensible and do not get so drunk that you become a safety risk.

How long is a typical speedboat rental?

Rentals are available by the hour, but most people book 2, 4, or 8 hours. A 2-hour trip is a short blast, 4 hours gives you time for a swim and lunch, and 8 hours covers a longer cruise.

Can I see dolphins on a speedboat trip?

Dolphins are common in the Strait of Gibraltar and along the Costa del Sol. Skippers often know where to look, but sightings are not guaranteed. The best chance is on a longer trip towards Estepona or Gibraltar.

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