You want a yacht charter Puerto Banús, and you don't want the fluff. Here's the straight answer: BoatHire24 gives you access to dozens of private yachts, catamarans, and sailing boats based right in Puerto Banús and the nearby Marbella marinas. Every single booking includes a licensed skipper, so you don't need a licence or any experience. You pick the boat, pick the date, and we handle the rest.
Puerto Banús is the obvious starting point for a day on the Mediterranean. You're minutes from the port's restaurants and shops, and once you're out on the water you can see the Sierra Blanca mountains, the coast of Africa on a clear day, and maybe even dolphins near the Strait of Gibraltar. Whether you want a three-hour sunset cruise or a full day exploring the coves around Estepona and Marbella, we have options from around EUR 400 for a small motorboat up to price-on-request for a superyacht.
No hidden fees, no surprise charges. The price you see includes the boat, the skipper, fuel for the itinerary, and basic insurance. You just bring your group, your drinks, and your playlist. Let's get into the specifics.
What's Included in a Yacht Charter Puerto Banús
When you book a yacht charter Puerto Banús through BoatHire24, the headline inclusions are straightforward. Every charter includes a professional skipper who knows the local waters, fuel for the agreed itinerary (usually up to 4-6 hours for a half-day, 8 hours for a full day), and standard insurance. You also get the use of the boat's onboard facilities: a sound system, a cooler or fridge, a shaded cockpit or saloon, and a bathroom on most boats over 10 metres. Some larger yachts and catamarans have a galley kitchen, a sun deck with cushions, and a bow seating area. What you don't get is food and drink, though you can bring your own or order catering through us at an extra cost. No skipper tip is required, though it's appreciated if you have a good time. We don't charge cleaning fees unless you leave a major mess, and there's no deposit for standard charters.
Departure Ports for Your Charter
Puerto Banús is the most famous port on the Costa del Sol, but it's not the only option. Our search tool lets you filter by departure port, and you can choose from Puerto Banús itself, Marbella Marina (Puerto Deportivo) about 3 km east, Cabopino to the east near Cala del Faro, Estepona to the west, Sotogrande further west near Gibraltar, and Benalmádena to the east. Each port gives you a slightly different cruising area. From Puerto Banús, you can head west to the Marbella coast and the exclusive villas of the Golden Mile, or east towards Cabopino and the dunes of Artola. The typical cruising range for a half-day charter is about 10-15 nautical miles, so you can reach the Cala del Faro cove or the coast of Estepona in around 30-40 minutes. For a full day, you can push further to the Strait of Gibraltar or even across to the African coast, depending on the boat and the skipper's advice.
Boat Types Available for Hire
We categorise boats into six main types for your yacht charter Puerto Banús. Motor yachts are the most popular: they're fast, stable, and have plenty of deck space. You can get a 10-metre motor yacht for around EUR 500-700 for a half day, or a 15-metre one for EUR 1,200-1,800. Catamarans are wider and more stable, ideal for larger groups or families with kids; prices start from EUR 800 for a half day on a 12-metre cat. Sailing yachts are quieter and more traditional, and you can charter a 12-metre sailboat for around EUR 400-600 for a half day. RIBs and speedboats are the cheapest option, from EUR 350 for a 2-3 hour trip, and they're great for a fast ride to a beach club. Fishing boats are equipped with rods and tackle, and you can book a half-day fishing trip from around EUR 500. Licence-free day boats are small motorboats up to 6 metres that you can drive yourself without a licence; they start from EUR 200 for a half day. Superyachts over 20 metres are price on request, and we can arrange them for events, weddings, or corporate charters.
Pricing Guidance for Different Budgets
Prices for a yacht charter Puerto Banús vary by boat size, age, and season. In low season (November to March), you can find a small motor yacht for around EUR 400 for a half day, or a catamaran for EUR 600. In high season (June to September), the same boats cost 30-50% more, and you need to book at least 2-4 weeks ahead. For a sunset cruise (usually 3 hours, 18:00-21:00), expect to pay EUR 500-1,200 depending on the boat. For a full day (8 hours), budget EUR 800-2,500 for a motor yacht, EUR 1,200-3,500 for a catamaran, and EUR 3,000+ for a premium motor yacht over 15 metres. Superyacht charters start at around EUR 5,000 for a day and go up to EUR 50,000 for a week. All prices include the skipper and fuel, but not food or drinks. We recommend budgeting an extra EUR 50-100 per person for catering if you want a proper meal on board. You can also bring your own food and drink, and many groups do that to keep costs down.
Best Time of Year for a Yacht Charter
The Costa del Sol has a Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days a year, so you can charter a yacht year-round. The best months for a yacht charter Puerto Banús are May, June, September, and October. In those months, the air temperature is 22-28 degrees C, the water is 18-23 degrees C, and the wind is generally light to moderate. July and August are hotter, often 30-35 degrees C, and the sea is flat calm most days, but the ports are crowded and prices are at their peak. Winter charters (November to March) are possible, but the water is cooler (14-17 degrees C) and the wind can be stronger, especially near the Strait. That said, you can still get beautiful sunny days with fewer tourists and lower prices. For dolphin watching, the best time is spring and autumn when the migratory patterns bring them closer to the coast. For sunset cruises, the sun sets around 21:30 in June and around 18:00 in December, so plan accordingly.
Popular Itineraries from Puerto Banús
Most yacht charter Puerto Banús trips follow one of a few standard routes. The classic half-day itinerary goes west from Puerto Banús along the Marbella coast, past the Golden Mile villas and the La Concha mountain backdrop, to the Cala del Faro cove near Cabopino. You anchor there for a swim and lunch, then return. Another option is to head east towards Estepona, passing the Rio Verde estuary and the old town, then stop at the Playa del Cristo beach for a swim. For a full day, you can go further west to Sotogrande or even to the Strait of Gibraltar, where you can see dolphins, whales, and the African coast. A sunset cruise typically stays close to the port, cruising past the Puerto Banús marina and the luxury yachts, then anchoring offshore for the sunset with views of the Sierra Blanca. If you want a party boat, some motor yachts have a sound system and a dance floor, and you can anchor near a beach club for drinks.
How to Book a Yacht Charter Puerto Banús
Booking a yacht charter Puerto Banús on BoatHire24 takes about five minutes. Go to our search page, enter your date, group size, and preferred port. You'll see available boats with photos, specs, and prices. Click on any boat to see the full details, including the itinerary options, cancellation policy, and what's included. When you're ready, select your time slot (morning, afternoon, or sunset), add any extras like catering or water toys, and pay a 30% deposit online. The balance is due on the day of the charter, paid directly to the skipper in cash or by card. We send you a confirmation email with the skipper's contact details and the meeting point at the port. If you have special requests, like a specific route or a celebration, you can add a note during booking. We recommend booking at least a week in advance for high season, but last-minute bookings are sometimes available if a boat is free.
Who Is a Yacht Charter For
A yacht charter Puerto Banús works for almost any group: couples, families, friends, or corporate teams. It's not a party boat unless you make it one, but most charters are relaxed and social. If you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or a bachelor/bachelorette party, many boats allow decorations and a DJ. Families with kids are welcome, and catamarans are especially good because they have a shallow draft and a trampoline net at the front. For corporate clients, we can arrange a catered day with a presentation area and Wi-Fi on some yachts. If you're a solo traveller, you can join a shared charter on some boats, but that's less common. The main requirement is that you're 18 or over to book, and children under 12 need a life jacket (provided). No one needs a licence or sailing experience because the skipper handles everything. If you have mobility issues, some boats have a ramp or a wide gangway, but most smaller boats require stepping onto the deck from the pontoon.
What to Bring on Your Charter
For your yacht charter Puerto Banús, bring sunscreen (SPF 50, because the sun is strong even in spring), a hat, sunglasses, and a swimsuit. A towel is useful, though some boats provide them. If you're prone to seasickness, take a motion sickness pill an hour before departure, especially if you're going on a small boat or a RIB. For food and drink, bring a cooler bag with your own supplies, or order a catering package (EUR 30-60 per person for a platter of Spanish ham, cheese, olives, and drinks). Most boats have a fridge and a sink, but no oven. You can also bring a Bluetooth speaker if the boat's sound system doesn't connect to your phone. For a sunset cruise, bring a light jacket or a sweater because it gets cooler after sunset, even in summer. Don't bring glass bottles on some boats, as they can break on deck; use plastic or metal containers instead. And leave your high heels at the port, as they damage the deck and the skipper will ask you to take them off.
Local Attractions and Sights from the Water
From the deck of your yacht charter Puerto Banús, you can see some of the best sights on the Costa del Sol. The most obvious is the La Concha mountain, which rises to 1,215 metres behind Marbella and gives the entire coast a dramatic backdrop. On the water, you'll pass the Puerto Banús marina with its superyachts and designer boutiques, then the Marbella coastline with its golden beaches and beach clubs. Further west, you'll see the Rio Verde estuary, a nature reserve where you might spot flamingos and herons. Near Cabopino, the Cala del Faro is a small cove with a lighthouse and clear water, great for snorkelling. If you go east, you'll pass the Estepona old town, with its whitewashed houses and flower-filled streets, and then the coast opens up towards the Strait of Gibraltar. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of North Africa, and if you're lucky, you'll see dolphins, pilot whales, or even orcas in the strait. For a longer trip, you can head to the Nerja caves from the sea, though that's a full-day charter from Puerto Banús (about 2.5 hours each way).
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charter Puerto Banús
We get a lot of questions about yacht charter Puerto Banús, so here are the most common ones answered. If you have a specific question that's not listed, search our boats or check our blog for more detailed guides.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Puerto Banús?
No, you don't need a licence. Every charter through BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper who handles navigation, mooring, and safety. You just relax and enjoy.
How many people can fit on a yacht charter?
It depends on the boat. Small motor yachts and RIBs take 6-8 people. Catamarans and larger motor yachts take 10-12. Superyachts can take 20+ guests. Check the boat's max capacity on the listing.
Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 48 hours before the charter for a full refund of your deposit. Rescheduling is free up to 24 hours before, subject to availability. Bad weather may allow a free reschedule.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The skipper decides if it's safe to sail. If they cancel due to weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule. If you decide to cancel because of light rain or wind, the standard cancellation policy applies.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drink. Most boats have a fridge and a cooler. You can also order a catering package through us for an extra fee, which includes Spanish platters and drinks.
Is there a toilet on board?
Most boats over 10 metres have a marine toilet (head) in a small cabin. Smaller RIBs and speedboats usually don't. Check the boat's amenities on the listing page before booking.
How far in advance should I book?
For high season (June-September), book at least 2-4 weeks ahead. For low season, a few days to a week is usually fine. Last-minute bookings are sometimes available up to 24 hours before.
