Planning a Marbella boat charter with friends or family? One of the first things to check is your group size. Every boat has a strict maximum passenger capacity, set by Spanish maritime law and the vessel's licence. Exceeding it isn't just inconvenient – it's illegal and unsafe. This guide explains the capacity rules for our fleet in Puerto Banús, so you can pick the right yacht for your party.
Why group size limits matter
Capacity limits aren't arbitrary. They're based on the boat's design, safety equipment, and stability calculations. Spanish authorities enforce them rigorously. If your group exceeds the limit, the skipper cannot take you out. That means wasted time and money. Always book a boat that fits your exact headcount – including children.
Our fleet: passenger capacities at a glance
Here are the maximum passenger numbers for each boat in our Marbella fleet. All depart from Puerto Banús.
- Ferretti 94 (29m) – 12 pax
- Canados 86 (26m) – 12 pax
- Maiora 26m (26m) – 12 pax
- Mangusta 80 (24m) – 12 pax (also Grey and White variants)
- K80 (24m) – 12 pax
- Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m) – 12 pax
- Azimut 39 (12.5m) – 11 pax
- Astondoa 40 (12.5m) – 9 pax
- Fairline Targa 12m (12m) – 10 pax
- Pershing 46 (14m) – 10 pax
- Lagoon 380 (11.6m) – 10 pax
- Bandido (11.5m) – 8 pax
- Red Tide (11m) – 6 pax
- Speedboat (7m) – 6 pax
- Mariah SX21 (6.4m) – 5 pax
- Dubhe (8m) – 5 pax
How to choose the right boat for your group
First, count your guests including children. Then match that number to a boat with capacity equal to or greater than your group. For example:
- 5 people – Dubhe or Mariah SX21 are perfect for a cosy day out.
- 8–10 people – Bandido, Fairline Targa 12m, Pershing 46, or Lagoon 380.
- 11–12 people – Azimut 39 (11 pax) or any of the 12-pax yachts (Mangusta 80, Azimut 58, Ferretti 94, Canados 86).
If your group is smaller than the maximum, you still get the whole boat to yourselves – no sharing with strangers.
What's included in every charter
Every booking includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). You don't pay extra for the skipper – he's part of the package. Prices start from €749 for 2 hours on an Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39 (Tier A). Larger yachts like the Mangusta 80 start at €4,719 for 4 hours and include a jet ski.
Popular routes for different group sizes
All charters depart from Puerto Banús. From there, you can cruise to:
- Cala del Faro – a quiet cove 15 minutes away, great for swimming.
- Cala Cortés – another scenic spot, ideal for anchoring.
- Marbella Marina – the town's main harbour, 20 minutes east.
- Estepona – 30 minutes west, with its charming old town.
- Cabopino – a smaller marina with sandy beaches.
Larger yachts (12 pax) can comfortably reach Sotogrande or even Gibraltar for a full-day trip.
Pricing by group size: get the best value
Because we charge per boat, not per person, larger groups often get better value. For example, a 12-person charter on an Azimut 58 Flybridge costs the same for 8 people as for 12. So if you have a full group, you're maximising your spend. Smaller groups might prefer the Dubhe or Mariah SX21 for a more intimate, budget-friendly trip.
For boats outside Tier A and Tier B, pricing is on request. Just contact us via WhatsApp and we'll send a quote within minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum group size for a boat charter in Marbella?
The maximum passenger capacity across our fleet is 12, on yachts like the Mangusta 80, Azimut 58 Flybridge, Ferretti 94, and Canados 86. Smaller boats carry 5 to 11 passengers. All limits are set by the boat's licence and Spanish maritime regulations.
Can I bring more people than the stated capacity if they are children?
No. The passenger limit includes everyone on board, regardless of age or size. Infants and children count towards the total. This rule is enforced for safety and insurance compliance.
Does the skipper count as part of the passenger limit?
No, the skipper is not included in the passenger count. Every charter includes a licensed skipper, so your group size refers only to guests. For example, a boat with a 12-passenger limit can carry 12 guests plus the skipper.
Which boat is best for a group of 10 adults?
For 10 adults, we recommend the Pershing 46 (10 pax), Fairline Targa 12m (10 pax), Lagoon 380 (10 pax), or the Azimut 39 (11 pax). All depart from Puerto Banús and include drinks, snacks, and a skipper.
Are there any boats that can carry 8 passengers?
Yes. The Bandido (8 pax) is an 11.5m motorboat ideal for smaller groups. It departs from Puerto Banús and is priced on request. Other options for 8 include the Astondoa 40 (9 pax) and the Red Tide (6 pax – too small).
What happens if we exceed the capacity limit?
Exceeding the capacity is not allowed under any circumstances. The skipper will refuse to depart if the group is larger than the boat's licensed limit. This is a legal requirement for safety and insurance. Always book a boat that fits your exact group size.
Can I charter a boat for just 2 people?
Yes. The Dubhe (5 pax) and Mariah SX21 (5 pax) are excellent for couples or small groups. Both are available from Puerto Banús. You can also book any larger yacht for a private charter – you pay for the boat, not per person.
Do you offer per-person pricing or only per-boat?
We offer per-boat pricing only. The rates quoted (e.g., €749 for 2 hours on an Astondoa 40) cover the entire vessel for your group, up to its maximum capacity. There are no per-person charges, so larger groups often get better value.