Puerto Banús is where the best boats on the Costa del Sol are moored, and the catamaran tour that departs here is the standout option on the water: a luxury Bali catamaran, small group, two hours along the Marbella coast with a swimming stop, drinks and snacks on board, and dolphins spotted on good days. It is the kind of activity from Marbella that works for everyone on a warm afternoon.
- 01Well-reviewed small group catamaran (max 10 people) – not a crowded party boat
- 022 hours along the Marbella coast – swimming stop included when sea conditions allow
- 03Drinks and snacks included – live guide in English and Spanish
- 04Luxury Bali catamaran departing from Puerto Banús marina
- 05Dolphins spotted regularly – not guaranteed, but the coast between Marbella and Gibraltar is an active corridor
- 06Private option available for groups – check availability when booking
What the Tour Covers
The tour departs from Puerto Banús on a modern Bali catamaran – one of the nicer boats operating along this stretch of coast. Groups are capped at 10 people, which keeps it comfortable on deck.
The route: out from Puerto Banús along the Marbella coastline, heading either east towards Marbella town or west towards Estepona depending on conditions and wind. The crew keeps watch for dolphins – the waters between Marbella and Gibraltar are part of a well-known dolphin corridor.
Swimming stop: when sea conditions allow, the catamaran anchors for a swim. The Mediterranean here is clear and warm from June through September – water temperature typically 22–25°C in summer.
On board: drinks and snacks included. Live guide in English and Spanish. Music on the sound system. The trampoline nets at the bow are the spot to lie back and watch the coast go past.
Getting to Puerto Banús
Puerto Banús is 8km west of Marbella town centre on the N-340. By taxi from central Marbella: ~10 minutes, ~€8–10. Free parking at the marina car parks. From Málaga: 50 minutes by car on the A-7.
The catamaran departs from the Puerto Banús marina – your booking confirmation will include the exact meeting point within the port.
What to Bring
- Swimsuit and towel – the swimming stop is the highlight for most passengers
- Sunscreen – two hours on deck with no shade cover burns fast, even in spring
- A light layer for early morning or autumn departures – the sea breeze is cooler than the air temperature suggests
- Sunglasses secured around your neck – the wind at speed makes loose eyewear a liability
- Cash or card for any extras – drinks and snacks are included but the bar may have additional options
Leave large bags ashore. A small dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone is worth having if you plan to swim.
Best Time to Go
April–October is the main season. Water temperature reaches swimming comfort (above 20°C) by May and stays warm through October. July and August are the busiest months – book well ahead.
Morning vs afternoon: morning departures have the calmest sea conditions, which matters if anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness. Afternoon slots catch the best light and the warmest water temperature of the day.
Avoid: November through March if you want guaranteed swimming. The tour runs year-round but sea conditions are rougher and the water is cold. Worth booking in spring or summer.
Dolphins on the Costa del Sol
The stretch of coast between Marbella and the Strait of Gibraltar is an active dolphin feeding ground. Bottlenose and striped dolphins are the most commonly spotted species. Sightings are regular on this tour but are never guaranteed – the crew actively watches and will reposition if a pod is spotted nearby.
For a dedicated dolphin-watching experience, the Benalmádena dolphin watching boats run dedicated departures daily from Puerto Marina with a higher emphasis on wildlife tracking.
Either way, book ahead in July and August. The afternoon departures from Puerto Banús are the first to sell out, and walk-up space is rare once the season is in full swing.
Images: Mattstone911 / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons
