Planning a family boat day from Cabopino is one of the best ways to enjoy the Costa del Sol with kids. Cabopino’s sandy beach, protected dunes and clear waters make it an ideal base for a half-day or full-day charter. Our fleet departs from nearby Puerto Banús (just 5 minutes by car), and we offer family-friendly boats starting at €749 for 2 hours, with a licensed skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks and VAT included. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your day: snorkeling spots, beach stops, boat options and practical tips.
Why choose Cabopino for a family boat day?
Cabopino is quieter than Marbella’s Golden Mile beaches, with a natural dune system and shallow waters that are safe for children. The marina has a small harbour with a restaurant and parking. From the water, you can anchor off Cabopino Beach (Playa de Cabopino) or explore nearby coves like Cala del Faro and Cala Cortés. The sea here is often calmer than further west, making it a good choice for families with young kids. Average water temperatures in summer reach 24–26°C.
Our family-friendly boats departing from Puerto Banús
All our charters depart from Puerto Banús Marina, a 5-minute drive from Cabopino. For families, we recommend these boats:
- Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 pax) – €749/2h or €2,299/8h. Spacious cockpit, sunpad, and a small cabin for changing.
- Azimut 39 (12.5m, 11 pax) – same pricing. Flybridge option for shade and views.
- Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax) – €4,719 minimum 4h, includes a free jet ski. Ideal for larger families or multi-family groups.
Smaller groups (up to 5 pax) can use the Dubhe (8m) or Mariah SX21 (6.4m) – pricing on request via WhatsApp. Every charter includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment and Spanish IVA (21%). No hidden fees.
Snorkeling spots near Cabopino
The coastline between Cabopino and Marbella has several good snorkeling locations. Our skippers know the best spots based on wind and tide:
- Cala del Faro – rocky seabed with bream, wrasse and occasional octopus. Depth 3–6m.
- Cala Cortés – sheltered cove with clear water and sandy patches. Good for beginners.
- Cabopino reef – just off the beach, shallow (1–3m) and safe for young children.
We provide snorkeling masks and fins on request. Bring your own if you prefer. Water visibility is typically 10–20m in summer.
Beach stops and anchor points
You can anchor for a swim stop, have lunch on board, or go ashore at these beaches:
- Playa de Cabopino – fine sand, dunes, chiringuito (beach bar). Shallow entry.
- Playa de Artola – quieter, with natural dunes and fewer crowds.
- Playa del Alicate – long stretch of sand, good for walking.
- Playa de Calahonda – further east, with rocky areas for snorkeling.
Your skipper will anchor in a spot that suits your group. If you want to go ashore, they’ll drop you by tender (small dinghy) if the boat is too large to beach.
What to bring for a family boat day
Pack light and smart. Essentials include swimsuits, towels, sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe), hats, sunglasses, and a light jacket for the afternoon breeze. If anyone gets seasick easily, bring motion sickness tablets (take 30 minutes before departure). You can bring your own food, but we provide light snacks and drinks. No glass bottles on board. A dry bag for phones and valuables is useful.
Booking tips and availability
Book at least 1–2 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. For weekdays, 3–4 days is usually enough. You can book any boat via WhatsApp. Payment confirms the date. If the weather looks bad (strong Levante wind), we’ll reschedule or refund. For a full overview of all boats and pricing, visit our main boat rental page.
Sample itinerary for a half-day family trip
A typical 4-hour trip from Puerto Banús might look like this:
- 10:00 – Depart Puerto Banús, head east towards Cabopino (15–20 min).
- 10:30 – Anchor off Cabopino Beach for swimming and snorkeling.
- 11:30 – Cruise to Cala del Faro for more snorkeling.
- 12:30 – Anchor near Playa de Artola for lunch on board.
- 13:30 – Return to Puerto Banús.
For a full day (8 hours), you can extend east to Cala Cortés or even Estepona. Your skipper will tailor the route to your preferences.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a family boat day from Cabopino cost?
Our family-friendly boats start at €749 for 2 hours (Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39) and go up to €2,299 for a full 8-hour day. All prices include a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment and Spanish IVA (21%). For larger groups, the Mangusta 80 (12 pax) costs €4,719 for a minimum 4 hours and includes a free jet ski.
What is the best time of year for a family boat day in Cabopino?
The best time is from May to October, when sea temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C and average air temperatures are 25–30°C. July and August are peak season with calm seas and long daylight hours. For quieter conditions, consider June or September. Always check the wind forecast (Levante or Poniente) before booking.
What should we bring for a family boat day?
Pack swimsuits, towels, sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe), hats, sunglasses, light jackets for the afternoon breeze, and any personal medication. Snorkeling gear is provided on request. You can also bring your own food, but we include light snacks and drinks. No glass bottles on board for safety.
Can we snorkel near Cabopino?
Yes, the coastline around Cabopino has excellent snorkeling spots. Cala del Faro and Cala Cortés offer clear water and rocky seabeds with marine life. The reef near Cabopino Beach itself is also good for beginners. Our skippers know the best spots depending on wind and tide conditions.
How long does it take to get from Puerto Banús to Cabopino by boat?
From Puerto Banús Marina to Cabopino Beach is about 3 nautical miles, which takes approximately 15–20 minutes at cruising speed on a motor yacht. This makes it an easy and quick trip for families with young children. Departures are from Puerto Banús for all our boats.
What beaches can we visit on a family boat day from Cabopino?
Popular anchor spots include Cabopino Beach itself, Playa de Artola (dunes and calm water), Playa del Alicate, and further east Playa de Calahonda. For a quieter stop, head to Cala del Faro or Cala Cortés. Our skipper will suggest the best options based on sea conditions and your preferences.
What is the maximum number of guests on a family boat?
Our family-friendly boats accommodate between 5 and 12 guests. The Astondoa 40 takes 9 pax, the Azimut 39 takes 11 pax, and the Mangusta 80 (24m) takes up to 12 pax. Smaller boats like the Dubhe (8m) take 5 pax. All capacities include the skipper. Children count as guests.
Do we need to book in advance for a family boat day?
Yes, advance booking is recommended, especially during July and August when availability is limited. We suggest booking at least 1–2 weeks ahead for weekends and 3–4 days for weekdays. You can book via WhatsApp for any boat. Payment is required to confirm the date.
For more ideas on planning your day, read our guide on family boat day Cabopino Marbella or browse all boat rental options in Marbella.