When you charter a boat in Marbella, the standard package already includes drinks and light snacks – but for a truly memorable day on the water, you'll want proper catering. From a simple tapas spread to a full BBQ cooked on the bow, this guide breaks down your options, prices, and which boats suit which menu. We'll also cover what's included, dietary needs, and how to book.
What's Included in Every Marbella Boat Rental
Before you add catering, know that every charter from Boat Rental Marbella includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks (crisps, nuts, olives), insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). So you're never starting from zero – but if you want a proper meal, you'll need to add catering.
Tapas Platters: The Classic Choice
Tapas are the most popular catering option for Marbella boat rentals. A typical platter includes Spanish ham, manchego cheese, olives, marinated anchovies, patatas bravas, and crusty bread. Prices start at €25 per person, and platters are delivered to the boat before departure – no cooking required.
Tapas work brilliantly on any boat, from the Astondoa 40 (12.5m, up to 9 guests) to the Mangusta 80 (24m, up to 12 guests). For a 2-hour sunset cruise, tapas are ideal. For longer charters, you might combine tapas with a main course.
Paella: Cooked On Board
Paella is a Spanish icon, and having it cooked fresh on your yacht is a highlight. Our catering partners can prepare a traditional Valencian paella (chicken, rabbit, beans) or a seafood paella (prawns, mussels, squid) on boats with a full galley – think Ferretti 94, Canados 86, or Maiora 26m.
Paella menus cost around €35–€45 per person and include a starter (e.g., mixed salad) and dessert. Cooking takes about 40 minutes, so we plan it around your swim stops. On smaller boats like the Azimut 39 (12.5m, 11 guests), we can serve paella that's been pre-cooked and kept warm – still delicious, but not the same theatre.
Full BBQ: Grill on the Water
For a full-day charter, nothing beats a BBQ. We set up a portable gas grill on the swim platform or bow – or use the built-in BBQ on yachts like the Mangusta 80 and Ferretti 94. The menu typically includes marinated chicken skewers, beef burgers, chorizo, fresh fish (sea bass or bream), grilled vegetables, and a selection of sauces and salads.
BBQ catering costs €45–€60 per person (minimum 6 guests). It's perfect for groups who want to anchor at Cala del Faro or Cala Cortés, swim, and then eat. On a Mangusta 80 charter (minimum 4 hours, jet ski included free), adding a BBQ makes it a full party.
Premium & Luxury Catering
If you're on a superyacht like the Ferretti 94 (29m) or Canados 86 (26m), you might want something more upscale. We can arrange sushi platters (from €50 per person), lobster thermidor, oysters, caviar, and even a private chef for the day. These menus are priced on request – just WhatsApp us with your preferences.
Premium catering works best on longer charters (6+ hours) where you have time to savour the experience. Pair it with a sunset cruise from Puerto Banús towards Estepona – the backdrop of La Concha mountain makes it unforgettable.
Which Boats Suit Which Catering?
| Boat | Length | Guests | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astondoa 40 | 12.5m | 9 | Tapas, light snacks |
| Azimut 39 | 12.5m | 11 | Tapas, pre-cooked paella |
| Mangusta 80 | 24m | 12 | Full BBQ, premium menus |
| Ferretti 94 | 29m | 12 | Private chef, luxury catering |
| Canados 86 | 26m | 12 | Paella, BBQ, large groups |
| Lagoon 380 | 11.6m | 10 | Tapas, casual lunch |
For a full list of boats, visit our fleet page.
How to Book Catering
All catering must be booked at least 48 hours in advance. You can add it when you reserve your boat, or later via WhatsApp. We'll confirm the menu, quantities, and any dietary requirements. Payment is usually on the day, but for premium menus we require a 50% deposit.
If you're unsure what to choose, we'll recommend based on your group size, trip length, and budget. For example, a 4-hour lunch on the Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m, 12 guests) might call for paella, while a 2-hour sunset cruise on the Pershing 46 (14m, 10 guests) is better with tapas.
Tips for a Perfect Catered Charter
- Book early – popular dates (July/August) fill up fast.
- Mention any allergies – we cater for gluten-free, vegan, etc.
- For BBQs, choose a boat with a built-in grill or a large swim platform.
- Combine catering with a stop at Cabopino or Sotogrande for a change of scenery.
- On the Mangusta 80, the free jet ski adds fun between courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the standard charter price?
Every charter includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks (e.g., crisps, nuts, olives), insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). So you're never starting from zero – but if you want a proper meal, you'll need to add catering.
How much does catering cost on a Marbella boat rental?
Tapas platters typically cost €25–€35 per person. A paella menu (cooked on board) is around €35–€45 per person. A full BBQ with meat, fish, and sides is €45–€60 per person. Premium options (sushi, lobster) are priced on request. All prices exclude drinks, which are already included.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food aboard most boats. However, some yachts (like the Ferretti 94 or Mangusta 80) have strict policies due to insurance – check when booking. If you bring your own, note that a corkage fee may apply for outside alcohol on larger yachts.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Absolutely. We can arrange vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, or kosher menus on request. Just let us know at least 48 hours before your charter. Our catering partners in Marbella are used to customising platters and BBQ menus to suit all guests.
Which boats have a galley for cooking on board?
Most of our larger yachts – including the Mangusta 80, Ferretti 94, Canados 86, and Maiora 26m – have full galleys with oven, hob, and fridge. This means we can cook paella or a BBQ fresh on board. Smaller boats like the Astondoa 40 have a compact galley for prep but not full cooking.
Can we have a BBQ on a small boat like the Astondoa 40?
Yes, but we'll use a portable gas BBQ set up on the swim platform or bow. It's best for up to 6 guests. For larger groups, we recommend a yacht with a built-in BBQ, like the Mangusta 80 or Ferretti 94, which have dedicated outdoor grills.
How far in advance should I book catering?
We recommend at least 48 hours' notice. For premium menus (sushi, lobster, whole fish) or large groups (10+), 72 hours is safer. Last-minute bookings can sometimes be accommodated – just WhatsApp us and we'll try our best.
What are the most popular catering choices for Marbella charters?
The top three are: (1) Spanish tapas platters – perfect for a 2-hour sunset cruise; (2) Paella cooked on board – a classic for a 4-hour lunch; (3) Full BBQ – ideal for a full-day charter with swimming stops. Many groups combine tapas for the outward leg and BBQ for the return.