Choosing the right charter boat in Marbella often comes down to three popular models: the Astondoa 40, Azimut 39 and Pershing 46. All three depart from Puerto Banús, include a licensed skipper, fuel, drinks and snacks, and are perfect for a day on the Costa del Sol. But they differ in size, speed, capacity and price. This comparison breaks down the specs, costs and best-use scenarios so you can book with confidence.
Astondoa 40 vs Azimut 39 vs Pershing 46: Specs at a glance
| Feature | Astondoa 40 | Azimut 39 | Pershing 46 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 12.5 m | 12.5 m | 14 m |
| Max passengers | 9 | 11 | 10 |
| Departure point | Puerto Banús | Puerto Banús | Puerto Banús |
| Price (2h) | €749 | €749 | On request |
| Price (8h) | €2,299 | €2,299 | On request |
| Inclusions | Skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, IVA | Skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, IVA | Skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, IVA |
Capacity and group size
The Azimut 39 carries the most passengers at 11, making it the best choice for slightly larger groups. The Pershing 46 takes 10 guests, and the Astondoa 40 is capped at 9. If you have 12 people, you'll need to step up to a larger vessel like the Mangusta 80 or Azimut 58 Flybridge. For groups of 8–11, all three boats work well, but the Azimut 39 gives you one extra seat compared to the Pershing 46 and two more than the Astondoa 40.
Speed and performance
The Pershing 46 is the clear winner for speed, with twin 800 HP engines pushing it to around 38 knots. The Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39 are more relaxed cruisers, typically cruising at 18–22 knots. If you want to cover more coastline — say, from Puerto Banús to Estepona or Sotogrande — the Pershing 46 gets you there faster. For a leisurely day anchoring at Cala del Faro or Cala Cortés, the Tier A boats are perfectly adequate.
Onboard comfort and layout
The Astondoa 40 features a spacious sunpad aft, ideal for sunbathing, and a comfortable saloon with good headroom. The Azimut 39 has a larger cockpit with U-shaped seating and a table, great for dining or socialising. The Pershing 46 offers a more sporty, sleek layout with a large sunpad and a well-equipped galley. All three have a bow sunpad area. The Azimut 39's cockpit is the most sociable, while the Astondoa 40's sunpad is the most generous for its length.
Price comparison: Tier A vs Pershing 46
The Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39 are both Tier A boats, priced identically: €749 for 2 hours, €1,249 for 4 hours, €1,599 for 6 hours, and €2,299 for 8 hours. These prices include everything — skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance and Spanish IVA (21%). The Pershing 46 is priced on request via WhatsApp, as it falls outside the Tier A category. Typically, a Pershing 46 will cost more per hour, but you get more length and speed. For a budget-friendly option, the Tier A boats are excellent value.
Best use cases: which boat for which trip?
- Astondoa 40: Best for couples or small families (up to 9) who want a relaxed day with plenty of sunbathing space. Ideal for a 4-hour trip to Cabopino or a sunset cruise along the Golden Mile.
- Azimut 39: Perfect for groups of friends (up to 11) who want to socialise, eat and drink on a spacious cockpit. Great for a 6-hour charter with lunch at a beach club.
- Pershing 46: Suits those who value speed and a sporty aesthetic. Ideal for a full-day trip to Estepona or Sotogrande, or for guests who want to feel the thrill of a high-performance yacht.
What's included on every charter?
No matter which boat you choose, your charter includes a licensed skipper, all fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, full insurance and Spanish IVA (21%). There are no hidden extras. You just need to bring sunscreen, towels and your camera. All charters depart from Puerto Banús, with the option to arrange pickup from Marbella Marina or other nearby ports on request.
Frequently asked questions
Which boat is bigger: Astondoa 40, Azimut 39 or Pershing 46?
The Pershing 46 is the longest at 14m, followed by the Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39 (both 12.5m). In terms of passenger capacity, the Azimut 39 takes 11 guests, the Pershing 46 takes 10, and the Astondoa 40 takes 9.
Are the Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39 the same price?
Yes, both are Tier A boats and cost €749 for 2 hours, €1,249 for 4 hours, €1,599 for 6 hours, and €2,299 for 8 hours. All prices include skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, insurance and 21% IVA.
How much does the Pershing 46 cost to charter in Marbella?
Pricing for the Pershing 46 is on request via WhatsApp. It is not a Tier A boat, so rates depend on season, duration and extras. Contact us for a custom quote.
Which boat is faster: Astondoa 40, Azimut 39 or Pershing 46?
The Pershing 46 is the fastest, with a top speed around 38 knots thanks to its twin 800 HP engines. The Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39 are more relaxed cruisers, typically cruising at 18–22 knots.
Can I take 12 guests on the Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39?
No. The Astondoa 40 is licensed for 9 passengers, and the Azimut 39 for 11. For groups of 12, consider our Mangusta 80, Azimut 58 Flybridge or Canados 86, which all carry 12 guests.
Which boat is best for a party or celebration?
The Azimut 39 offers the largest cockpit and seating for up to 11 guests, making it ideal for social gatherings. The Astondoa 40 has a generous sunpad area for lounging. The Pershing 46 suits those who want speed and style.
Do all three boats depart from Puerto Banús?
Yes. The Astondoa 40, Azimut 39 and Pershing 46 all depart from Puerto Banús, Marbella's premier marina. You can also arrange pickup from Marbella Marina or other nearby ports.
Which boat should I choose for a family day trip?
For families with children, the Astondoa 40's stable ride and spacious sunpad are great. The Azimut 39's larger cockpit offers more shade and seating. Both are comfortable for a relaxing day on the water.