We operate a 29-boat fleet in Marbella, led by two 12.5 m flybridge motor yachts — the Astondoa 40 and the Azimut 39 — all departing Puerto Banús with licensed skipper, fuel, drinks, insurance and VAT included. Prices start at €749 for 2 hours and run up to €2,299 for a full 8-hour day. This page is the full overview — fleet, ports, license rules and how to book.
Skip the long-form below and message us on WhatsApp for an instant quote with real-time availability across all five ports.
Boat rental Marbella prices in 2026
Same boat, same crew, transparent hourly pricing. No high-season uplift, no levante surcharge, no marina fee added at the dock.
| Duration | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| 2 hours | €749 | Quick spin along the Golden Mile, one swim stop |
| 4 hours | €1,299 | Half-day — comfortable lunch + swim |
| 6 hours | €1,799 | Two swim stops, paddleboard, real day out |
| 8 hours | €2,299 | Full day — Sotogrande or Cabopino itineraries |
Full grid and per-boat detail at /boats/. Compare the Astondoa 40 (9 guests, Spanish-built, classic Mediterranean styling) vs the Azimut 39 (11 guests, Italian flybridge, modern lines).
Astondoa or Azimut?
Both boats are the same length (12.5 m), price (€749 → €2,299), and depart from the same marina (Puerto Banús). What differs:
- Astondoa 40 — Spanish-built, classic teak and cream interior, up to 9 guests. The "Fufi" you see in our photos. Best for couples and groups up to 8 who want the local Mediterranean feel.
- Azimut 39 — Italian-built flybridge, modern lines, up to 11 guests. Pick this one for larger groups (9+) or anyone who wants the upper sun-deck experience.
Departure ports: Puerto Banús, Marbella Marina, Cabopino, Estepona, Sotogrande
Puerto Banús is the default departure for any boat over 12 metres and for everything that calls itself a luxury yacht. It sits 7 km west of Marbella old town, has the deepest berths, and puts the lined-up Ferraris on display as you walk to the pontoon. Marbella Marina (officially Puerto Deportivo Virgen del Carmen) is far more central, walking distance from any old-town hotel, and ideal for guests with mobility constraints. Cabopino, 12 km east, is the quietest pickup point and the closest to the dune beaches; licence-free rentals are concentrated here. Estepona and Sotogrande add another 30 minutes by car each way and are usually only worth it if you're staying there. Our full Puerto Banús vs Marbella Marina comparison covers parking, walking distance and which boats live where.
Licence rules you actually need to know
You do not need a Spanish boat licence to rent in Marbella as long as either (a) the boat is small enough to fall under the licence-free rules, or (b) the charter comes with a qualified skipper — the case for ~95% of bookings on this site. The licence-free thresholds in Spain are: hull up to 5 metres, motor up to 15 hp, sail up to 6 metres, distance from coast up to 2 nautical miles, daylight hours only, captain at least 18 years old. A quick test before you self-drive: are you confident reversing into a windy berth at Cabopino with a queue of boats waiting? If not, book with a skipper.
What's included — and what is not
Standard inclusions on a Marbella skippered charter are the captain, fuel for a normal coastal cruising itinerary, soft drinks and water, ice, light snacks, towels, snorkelling masks and an inflatable donut or paddleboard. What's not included by default: alcohol on board (you can BYO on most boats, ask first), prepared lunch (€25–€60 per head depending on caterer), berth taxes for stops in non-home ports, and tip for the skipper (€20–€50 is normal for a good day, or 10% on luxury charters).
Typical itineraries from Marbella
Half-day from Puerto Banús: head west past Estepona, stop for a swim at Cala del Faro, optional tapas at Sotogrande, back by sunset. Full-day from Marbella Marina: east towards Cabopino's dunes and snorkel anchorage at Cala Cortés, lunch on board, then ice cream stop in the Cabopino port itself. Two-hour sunset: cruise the Golden Mile coastline at displacement speed, anchor briefly off Nikki Beach, return as the sun drops behind La Concha. A Gibraltar day trip (see our Gibraltar by boat piece) is doable from Sotogrande but adds 80 NM round trip and only makes sense in flat sea.
How to book in 60 seconds
Three ways:
- WhatsApp us with your date, group size and rough budget — instant quotes from local operators, no account, no deposit until you confirm.
- Call if you want to talk through itinerary options first.
- Browse our 29-boat fleet at /boats/ if you'd rather pick a specific hull yourself.
Whichever route you pick, the price you see is what you pay — no booking fees added at checkout, no surprise marina charges. Same advice applies whether you're after a luxury yacht rental Marbella for a corporate day out or a quick 2-hour spin from the central Puerto Banús pontoon.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Marbella?
Boat rental in Marbella on our fleet starts at €749 for 2 hours and runs to €2,299 for a full 8-hour day. Same price across seasons. Every charter includes licensed skipper, fuel, drinks, insurance and Spanish IVA (VAT). For larger groups (9+ guests on Azimut 39) the per-person cost drops to about €70 for the 2-hour cruise.
Where do boats depart from in Marbella?
The five working pickup points are Puerto Banús (the marquee yacht marina, west of Marbella town), Marbella Marina/Puerto Deportivo Virgen del Carmen (right by the central promenade), Cabopino (eastern Marbella, near the dunes), Estepona, and Sotogrande further west. Puerto Banús handles the largest yachts and most luxury bookings.
Do I need a licence to rent a boat in Marbella?
No. Spain allows licence-free rentals for boats up to 5 m hull length with engines up to 15 hp (or sail up to 6 m), within 2 nautical miles of the coast, in daylight, captain aged 18 or over. For anything larger, you either hold a PNB/PER licence or — by far the most common option — book a charter with the skipper included.
What is included in the price?
Every charter on our Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39 includes: licensed Spanish skipper, fuel for the standard coastal route, soft drinks and water, snorkel gear, inflatable donut, paddleboard, towels, insurance and Spanish IVA (VAT). Catered lunch (€25–€60 per head) is the main optional add-on.
When is the best time to rent a boat in Marbella?
June and September are the sweet spot — warm sea (22–24 °C), long sunshine hours, fewer afternoon levante winds than July–August, and prices roughly 10–15% under peak. July and August are busiest and warmest but choppier from 14:00 onwards. April–May and October still deliver flat morning seas at noticeably lower rates.
How far in advance should I book?
For July, August and any Saturday in summer, book 2–4 weeks ahead — the larger yachts (15 m+) sell out first. For weekday trips in May, June, September or October, 3–5 days is usually enough. For licence-free boats and weekday 2-hour sunset cruises, same-day WhatsApp bookings are routinely possible.
Can children come on the boat?
Yes — virtually every operator welcomes children. Spanish maritime law requires a correctly-sized life jacket per child on board, which charters provide. The calmest waters for under-5s are typically Marbella Marina to Cabopino in the morning; for older kids, snorkel stops at Cala Cortés or Cala del Faro are the highlight.
What if the weather is bad?
Skippers postpone trips at no cost when forecast wind exceeds Force 4–5 (~20+ knots) or sea state makes the trip unsafe — the call is made the evening before. You re-book a new date or get a full refund. Light rain alone is not normally a cancellation reason on the Costa del Sol.
What if I've never been on a boat before?
Marbella charters are designed for first-timers. The skipper handles everything — you just step on board, find a sun pad, and enjoy the day. The safety briefing takes 90 seconds. Catamarans are the most reassuring boat type for nervous first-timers because they barely move.
Are pets allowed on board?
Most private charters welcome small dogs (typically <15 kg) on request — mention when booking. Larger dogs need a calm temperament around water; some operators decline. Bring a dog-safe life jacket (operators don't carry these). Shared/commercial charters typically do not accept pets.
What's the cancellation policy?
Standard across operators: full refund for cancellations 7+ days before; 50% refund 3-6 days before; no refund inside 48 hours. Weather cancellations called by the skipper are always 100% refundable. Travel insurance with cruise/charter cover is recommended for high-value bookings.
Can I extend the charter on the day?
Often yes if the boat isn't booked for a subsequent slot — additional hours typically cost 80-100% of the hourly rate. Confirm with the skipper before the charter ends; on busy summer Saturdays the boat is usually back-to-back.
On the water with us
Real charters with real groups across Marbella, Puerto Banús and the Costa del Sol.
