An Estepona day trip from Marbella by boat is one of the most rewarding excursions on the Costa del Sol. Depart from Puerto Banús, cruise 10 nautical miles southwest along the coast, and arrive at a whitewashed Andalusian town with a fraction of the crowds you’ll find in Marbella. With your own private charter, you set the pace: anchor for a swim, tie up for lunch, or simply enjoy the sea breeze. All our boats include a skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, and taxes – no surprises.
Distance and Duration: Marbella to Estepona
The straight-line distance from Puerto Banús to Estepona Marina is 10 nautical miles (18.5 km). At a typical cruising speed of 15–20 knots, the crossing takes 45–60 minutes. Faster boats like the Pershing 46 or Speedboat can cut that to 30 minutes, while a catamaran like the Lagoon 380 may take closer to an hour. The route hugs the coast, passing the Golden Mile, Cabopino, and the undeveloped dunes of Artola before reaching Estepona’s seafront.
Boat Options and Pricing
We offer two fixed-price tiers for this trip. For small groups (up to 11 pax), Tier A boats – the Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 pax) and Azimut 39 (12.5m, 11 pax) – start at €749 for 2 hours and €2,299 for 8 hours. For a larger group (up to 12 pax), Tier B includes the Mangusta 80 (24m) and its white/grey variants from €4,719 for 4 hours (includes a free jet ski). All other boats – from the Ferretti 94 to the K80 – are priced on request via WhatsApp.
What’s Included on Every Charter
- Licensed skipper (speaks English & Spanish)
- Fuel and mooring fees
- Water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and cava
- Light snacks (olives, crisps, nuts)
- Insurance and safety equipment
- Spanish IVA (21% VAT)
No hidden costs. You pay only the charter fee – tips are optional.
Itinerary Ideas for Your Estepona Day Trip
Your skipper will work with you on the day’s plan. Here are three popular options:
- Swim stop at Cala del Faro – a rocky cove 15 minutes south of Puerto Banús, with clear water and no crowds.
- Lunch ashore in Estepona old town – dock at Estepona Marina (5-minute walk to Plaza de las Flores) for tapas at El Merendero de Victoria or fresh seafood at Chiringuito El Muro.
- Sunset cruise back – leave Estepona around 19:00 to watch the sun set behind La Concha mountain as you return to Puerto Banús.
Best Time of Year
The Costa del Sol enjoys over 300 sunny days a year, but the ideal window for a boat trip is May to October. Sea temperatures range from 20 °C in May to 26 °C in August. July and August are the hottest (air temps 30–35 °C), so book a morning or late-afternoon departure to avoid peak heat. Spring and autumn offer milder conditions and fewer boats at anchor.
Why Choose a Private Charter Over a Shared Tour
A private charter from Boat Rental Marbella gives you total flexibility. You choose the departure time (as early as 09:00, as late as 18:00), the route, and the stops. There’s no fixed schedule, no other passengers, and no rushed lunch. The skipper is there to navigate and assist – not to entertain. You can swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the ride without a loudspeaker commentary.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to sail from Marbella to Estepona by boat?
From Puerto Banús, the distance is about 10 nautical miles. At a cruising speed of 15–20 knots, the trip takes 45–60 minutes. Slower boats like the Lagoon 380 catamaran may take up to an hour, while a speedboat can do it in 30–40 minutes.
What is the cost of a boat trip from Marbella to Estepona?
Our Tier A boats (Astondoa 40, Azimut 39) start at €749 for 2 hours, including skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, and VAT. For a full day (8 hours), the price is €2,299. Larger yachts like the Mangusta 80 start at €4,719 for 4 hours.
Can we stop for lunch in Estepona?
Yes. You can anchor off Playa de la Rada or dock at Estepona Marina (subject to berth availability). The old town is a 5-minute walk from the marina and has dozens of seafood restaurants, tapas bars, and chiringuitos.
What boats are available for an Estepona day trip?
We have 18 boats departing from Puerto Banús. For a small group (up to 5 pax), consider the Dubhe (8m) or Mariah SX21. For up to 12 pax, the Azimut 58 Flybridge or Mangusta 80 are popular. All include a licensed skipper.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially in summer (June–September). We recommend booking at least 3–5 days ahead. Weekends fill up fast. Contact us via WhatsApp for availability and pricing for boats not listed with fixed rates.
What is included in the charter price?
Every charter includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). There are no hidden extras.
Can we swim or snorkel along the way?
Absolutely. Popular stops include Cala del Faro and Cala Cortés, both between Marbella and Estepona. Your skipper will anchor in calm, shallow coves so you can swim, snorkel, or paddleboard.
What is the best time of year for an Estepona boat trip?
May through October offers the best conditions: sea temperatures 20–26 °C, calm winds, and long daylight hours. July and August are the hottest, with average air temps of 30 °C.