Planning a marbella hen party boat catering ideas session? You’re in the right place. A boat charter from Puerto Banús is a brilliant way to celebrate, but the food and drink can make or break the day. Our fleet of 18 boats accommodates 5 to 12 guests, and while every charter includes a licensed skipper, fuel, soft drinks, beer, cava, white wine, light snacks, insurance, and IVA, you’re free to bring your own catering. This guide covers practical ideas, local suppliers, and menu tips to keep your hen party fed, happy, and on the water.
Why Bring Your Own Catering on a Marbella Boat Rental?
Our standard inclusions cover drinks and light snacks, but for a hen party you’ll likely want more substantial food. Bringing your own catering means you control the menu, budget, and dietary requirements. Most boats have a small fridge and counter space for pre-prepared platters. Plus, you can order from Marbella’s top delis and restaurants and collect it before boarding at Puerto Banús. This flexibility is one of the best marbella hen party boat catering ideas we recommend.
Top Menu Ideas for a Hen Party on the Water
Keep it simple, shareable, and easy to eat. Here are six proven options:
- Spanish tapas platters – jamón ibérico, manchego, olives, pimientos de padrón, and patatas bravas. Easy to pick and share.
- Seafood paella – order a large paella from a Marbella restaurant and reheat in the boat’s microwave (if available) or enjoy cold as a salad.
- Gourmet sandwiches and wraps – filled with roasted vegetables, chicken, or prawns. No cutlery needed.
- BBQ skewers – pre-cooked chicken, halloumi, or prawn skewers served at room temperature.
- Fruit platters and churros – fresh fruit for a light option, churros with chocolate dip for indulgence.
- Mini desserts – macarons, brownies, or individual cheesecakes. Easy to serve without plates.
Drinks: What’s Included and What to Bring
Every charter already includes water, soft drinks, beer, cava, and white wine. For a hen party, many groups add champagne, rosé, or pre-mixed cocktails. Non-alcoholic mocktails are also popular. Bring a cooler bag with ice to keep drinks cold. Remember, glass bottles are allowed but be careful on deck. The skipper can advise on storage. For a fun twist, consider a DIY cocktail station with pre-mixed ingredients.
Local Caterers and Suppliers in Marbella
Several Marbella businesses offer takeaway or delivery to Puerto Banús. Here are trusted options we’ve seen hen parties use:
- La Taberna del Puerto – tapas platters and paella, order 24 hours ahead.
- El Aduar – traditional Spanish dishes, including paella and seafood.
- Bazaar – gourmet sandwiches and salads, ideal for lunch.
- Orgánica – vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free platters.
- Sushi Marbella – sushi platters for a lighter option.
Most caterers will deliver to the marina if you arrange in advance. Alternatively, pick up from their shops in Marbella town or the Golden Mile.
Boat Size and Group Capacity for Hen Parties
Our fleet suits groups from 5 to 12 guests. For smaller hen parties (5–8 pax), the Bandido (11.5m, 8 pax) or Dubhe (8m, 5 pax) are cosy options. For up to 12 guests, choose the Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax) or Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m, 12 pax). All depart from Puerto Banús. The larger boats have more deck space for dining and dancing. See our full fleet for details.
Dietary Requirements and Special Requests
Communicate dietary needs to your caterer when ordering. Most Marbella delis offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. For example, Orgánica has vegan tapas, and Sushi Marbella has gluten-free sushi. The boat has no cooking facilities, so pre-prepared food is best. If you have allergies, let the skipper know – they can help with storage and serving.
Best Time of Day for a Hen Party Charter
Late morning to mid-afternoon (11:00–17:00) is ideal for a lunchtime charter with paella or tapas. Sunset charters (17:00–21:00) work well for lighter catering and drinks. The 4-hour minimum on Tier B boats like the Mangusta 80 (Grey) gives ample time for a relaxed meal and swim stops. For a full day, the 8-hour option on Tier A boats like the Astondoa 40 allows for multiple swim breaks and a sit-down lunch.
Practical Tips for Catering on a Boat
- Use disposable or reusable plates, cups, and cutlery – avoid glass if possible.
- Bring a cooler bag with ice for perishables.
- Pre-portion food to avoid mess.
- Check with the skipper if you need to use the boat’s microwave or fridge.
- Order catering at least 24 hours in advance, especially for larger groups.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my own food and drink on a Marbella hen party boat rental?
Yes, absolutely. Our charters include a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, cava, white wine, light snacks, insurance, and IVA. You are welcome to bring your own food and additional drinks. Many groups order catering from Marbella delis or restaurants and bring it onboard in cool boxes.
What catering ideas work best for a hen party on a boat in Marbella?
Finger foods are ideal: Spanish tapas (jamón, cheese, olives, pimientos de padrón), mini empanadas, seafood paella, gourmet sandwiches, and BBQ skewers. For dessert, churros with chocolate or fruit platters. Keep dishes easy to eat without plates or cutlery.
How many guests can a hen party boat in Marbella accommodate?
Our fleet ranges from 5 to 12 passengers. For smaller groups (5–8 pax), the Bandido (11.5m, 8 pax) or Dubhe (8m, 5 pax) work well. For up to 12 guests, choose the Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax) or Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m, 12 pax). All depart from Puerto Banús.
Are there any catering restrictions on board?
No strict restrictions, but we recommend avoiding greasy or messy foods that could stain upholstery. Glass bottles are allowed, but be careful on deck. The skipper can advise on storage. Most boats have a small galley and fridge for keeping items cool.
Can we order catering from a local Marbella restaurant for our boat rental?
Yes, many Marbella restaurants and caterers offer takeaway or delivery to Puerto Banús. Popular choices include tapas platters from La Taberna del Puerto, paella from El Aduar, or gourmet sandwiches from Bazaar. We recommend ordering at least 24 hours in advance.
What drinks should we bring for a hen party boat charter?
The charter includes beer, cava, white wine, soft drinks, and water. For a hen party, many groups bring extra champagne, rosé, or pre-mixed cocktails. Non-alcoholic options like mocktails or sparkling water are also popular. Remember to bring plenty of ice.
How do we handle dietary requirements for a hen party boat catering?
Communicate dietary needs to your caterer when ordering. Most Marbella delis offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free platters. For example, gluten-free tapas from Orgánica or vegan sushi from Sushi Marbella. The boat has no cooking facilities, so pre-prepared options are best.
What is the best time of day for a hen party boat charter with catering?
Late morning to mid-afternoon (11:00–17:00) is popular, as you can enjoy lunch onboard and swim stops. Sunset charters (17:00–21:00) work well for lighter catering and drinks. The 4-hour minimum for Tier B boats like the Mangusta 80 gives ample time for a relaxed meal.