If you're looking for a no-nonsense day boat in Marbella, the Astondoa 40 'Fufi' delivers exactly what it promises: a comfortable, stylish, and affordable way to explore the Costa del Sol coastline. Based in Puerto Banús, this 12.5-metre cruiser is one of our most popular choices for small groups who want a proper boat without the superyacht price tag. In this honest review, we'll cover the onboard experience, performance, pricing, and why it might be the perfect fit for your Marbella charter.
First Impressions: Stepping Aboard 'Fufi' at Puerto Banús
Meeting the boat at Puerto Banús is straightforward. The Astondoa 40 'Fufi' is berthed in the marina, and you'll be greeted by the skipper who handles all the ropes. The first thing you notice is how clean and well-maintained the boat is – white gelcoat, polished stainless steel, and a teak-laid cockpit. The layout is typical of a modern sports cruiser: a large aft sunpad, a U-shaped seating area in the cockpit, and a small bow sundeck. For a 12.5m boat, the space feels generous, especially for the maximum of 9 passengers. There's no feeling of being cramped, even with a full group.
Onboard Comfort: Sunpads, Seating, and Shade
The Astondoa 40 'Fufi' is designed for day trips, so comfort is key. The aft sunpad is the star – big enough for two adults to stretch out, with a backrest that can be adjusted. The cockpit seating wraps around a table that can be lowered to create another sunbathing area. Overhead, a Bimini top provides shade for those who want to escape the Andalusian sun. The helm station is well laid out, with twin seats and clear visibility. Below deck, there's a small cabin with a double bed (useful for a nap or changing), and a full bathroom with an electric toilet and shower – a welcome feature for longer charters or families with children.
Performance: How Does the Astondoa 40 Handle?
Powered by twin Volvo Penta diesel engines, the Astondoa 40 'Fufi' cruises comfortably at 22–24 knots, with a top speed around 28 knots. The ride is smooth in the typically calm waters of the Marbella coast, though you'll feel a bit of chop if the wind picks up. The boat planes quickly and handles well at low speed for manoeuvring in the marina. Fuel is included in the price, so you don't have to worry about the skipper taking it easy to save costs – they'll happily open it up if conditions allow. For a day boat, the performance is more than adequate for reaching spots like Cabopino or Estepona in good time.
Itinerary Ideas: Where Can You Go?
Most charters on the Astondoa 40 'Fufi' stay within 15–20 nautical miles of Puerto Banús. Popular destinations include:
- Cabopino – a quiet cove with sandy beach and clear water, about 20 minutes at cruising speed. Great for a swim stop and lunch at the beach club.
- Cala del Faro – a small rocky cove near Marbella, ideal for anchoring and snorkelling. The water is usually calm and clear.
- Marbella Marina – a quick cruise past the Golden Mile to see the luxury hotels and villas from the sea. You can also stop for a drink at the marina.
- Estepona – a longer run of about 40 minutes, but worth it for the picturesque old town and the quieter anchorages near the port.
The skipper will tailor the route to your preferences, but the classic sunset cruise towards Cabopino is hard to beat.
Pricing and Value: What Does It Cost?
The Astondoa 40 'Fufi' is priced in our Tier A category. For a 2-hour charter, the cost is €749, and for a full 8-hour day, it's €2,299. All prices include the skipper, fuel, insurance, a selection of drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava), light snacks, and Spanish VAT at 21%. There are no hidden extras. When you compare this to other boats in our fleet, the Astondoa 40 offers excellent value for groups of up to 9 people. The Azimut 39 is similarly priced and has a slightly higher passenger capacity (11), but the Astondoa 40 feels more spacious in the cockpit area. For a smaller group, the Astondoa 40 is often the better choice.
What We Liked (and What We Didn't)
Pros:
- Spacious sunpad and cockpit for a 12.5m boat
- Full bathroom with shower – rare at this size and price point
- All-inclusive pricing means no surprises
- Smooth, comfortable ride in typical Marbella conditions
- Easy to book and straightforward departure from Puerto Banús
Cons:
- The Bimini top provides limited shade – on very hot days, the cockpit can feel exposed
- Below-deck cabin is small and only really useful for changing or a quick nap
- Maximum 9 passengers might be tight for some groups (but that's the legal limit)
Overall, the Astondoa 40 'Fufi' is a solid, honest day boat that does exactly what it says on the tin. It's not a superyacht, but it doesn't pretend to be – and that's part of its charm.
How to Book the Astondoa 40 'Fufi'
Ready to experience it yourself? You can check availability and book directly through our boat rental Marbella page. The Astondoa 40 'Fufi' is available for half-day and full-day charters, with flexible start times. For last-minute bookings or specific requests, drop us a message on WhatsApp – we're usually able to accommodate. Just remember that the boat is popular, especially during peak summer months, so booking a week or two in advance is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can the Astondoa 40 'Fufi' hold?
The Astondoa 40 'Fufi' has a maximum capacity of 9 passengers. This makes it a great choice for small groups, families, or couples who want a private, uncrowded experience on the water. The boat is certified for this number and includes all safety equipment.
What is included in the charter price for the Astondoa 40?
The price includes a licensed skipper, fuel, insurance, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, and Spanish IVA (21% VAT). There are no hidden extras – just show up at Puerto Banús and step aboard.
Where does the Astondoa 40 'Fufi' depart from?
All charters depart from Puerto Banús, the famous marina in Marbella. You'll meet the crew at the designated berth, usually near the main entrance. The marina is easy to reach by car or taxi, and there is paid parking nearby.
Can we swim or stop for a swim break during the charter?
Yes, absolutely. The skipper will choose a calm spot along the coast – often near Cabopino, Cala del Faro, or Cala Cortés – where you can anchor and swim. The boat has a bathing platform and a ladder for easy access to the water.
Is there a bathroom onboard the Astondoa 40?
Yes, the Astondoa 40 'Fufi' has a full bathroom below deck with an electric toilet, sink, and a small shower. It's compact but perfectly functional for a day on the water. This is a real plus for families or longer charters.
What is the top speed of the Astondoa 40?
The Astondoa 40 'Fufi' can reach a top speed of around 28 knots, depending on sea conditions and load. Cruising speed is typically 22–24 knots, which is fast enough to cover ground but still comfortable for passengers. The ride is smooth in calm conditions.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
The charter already includes a selection of soft drinks, beer, wine, cava, and light snacks. You are welcome to bring additional food or special drinks if you wish, but most guests find the included offerings sufficient. Just check with the skipper beforehand.
How do I book the Astondoa 40 'Fufi'?
Booking is easy via our website. You can check availability and make a reservation through the boat rental Marbella page. Alternatively, you can contact us on WhatsApp for last-minute requests or custom itineraries. Payment is typically required in advance to secure the slot.