Planning a boat rental from Marbella in 2028? You’ve likely heard of Sotogrande, Cabopino, and Estepona – three popular destinations along the Costa del Sol. But which one suits your day on the water best? This guide compares distances, costs, and the best boats for each, so you can book with confidence. All our charters depart from Puerto Banús, the heart of Marbella’s luxury marina scene.
Sotogrande: The Luxury Marina Escape
Sotogrande is 35 km south of Puerto Banús – about 30 minutes by car or 1.5–2 hours by boat. It’s known for its exclusive marina, golf courses, and polo fields. For a full-day charter (8 hours), the Tier A Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39 at €2,299 all-inclusive gives you time to cruise down, enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and return. If you’re short on time, the Tier B Mangusta 80 (€4,719/4h) includes a free jet ski for extra fun along the way.
Cabopino: Quick and Laid-Back
Cabopino is only 7 km east of Puerto Banús – a 10-minute drive or 20–30 minutes by boat. Its small marina and sandy beach with chiringuitos make it ideal for a half-day trip. The Dubhe (8m) or Mariah SX21 (6.4m) are perfect for up to 5 people (pricing on request), while the Fairline Targa 12m handles groups of 10. Anchor off the beach for a swim, then grab tapas at the beach bar. A 4-hour charter is plenty.
Estepona: Old Town Charm and Modern Marina
Estepona lies 15 km west of Puerto Banús – 15 minutes by car, 30–45 minutes by boat. The marina is modern, and the old town is a short walk away with flower-lined streets and authentic tapas. The coastline passes Cala del Faro and Cala Cortés, two beautiful coves for swimming. A 6-hour charter on the Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m, 12 pax, pricing on request) gives you a comfortable day out. All charters include skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, insurance, and 21% VAT.
Distance and Time Comparison
| Destination | Distance from Puerto Banús | Car Time | Boat Time | Suggested Charter Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabopino | 7 km | 10 min | 20–30 min | 4 hours |
| Estepona | 15 km | 15 min | 30–45 min | 6 hours |
| Sotogrande | 35 km | 30 min | 1.5–2 hours | 8 hours |
Which Boat Fits Your Trip?
For a quick Cabopino run, the Dubhe or Mariah are nimble. For Estepona, the Lagoon 380 catamaran (11.6m, 10 pax) offers stability and space. Sotogrande calls for speed – the Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax, €4,719/4h) gets you there in style. All boats depart from Puerto Banús. For pricing on boats not in Tier A or B, message us on WhatsApp.
Cost Breakdown for 2028
- Tier A (Astondoa 40, Azimut 39): €749/2h → €2,299/8h (skipper, drinks, VAT included)
- Tier B (Mangusta 80 any colour): €4,719 minimum 4h (free jet ski included)
- Other boats: pricing on request via WhatsApp
All charters include fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). No hidden fees.
Frequently asked questions
Which departure point is closest to Marbella?
Cabopino is closest – only 7 km east of Puerto Banús, so a 10-minute drive or 20–30 minutes by boat. Estepona is 15 km west (15 min drive, 30–45 min boat), and Sotogrande is 35 km south (30 min drive, 1.5–2 h boat).
Can I rent a boat to Sotogrande for the day?
Yes. A full-day charter (8 hours) from Puerto Banús gives you time to cruise to Sotogrande, enjoy lunch at the marina, and return. The Tier A Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39 at €2,299 all-inclusive is a popular choice. For a faster trip, the Mangusta 80 (€4,719/4h) covers the distance easily.
What is there to do in Cabopino by boat?
Cabopino has a small, picturesque marina and a wide, sandy beach with several chiringuitos (beach bars). You can anchor offshore and swim, or dock for lunch. The sand dunes behind the beach are a protected natural area. A half-day charter (4 hours) is enough to enjoy it.
Is Estepona a good destination for a boat trip?
Absolutely. Estepona’s marina is modern and well-equipped, and the old town is a short walk away with its flower-filled streets and tapas bars. The coastline between Puerto Banús and Estepona passes Cala del Faro and Cala Cortés, perfect for swimming stops. A 6-hour charter works well.
Which boat is best for a trip to Cabopino?
For a small group (up to 5), the Dubhe (8m) or Mariah SX21 (6.4m) are nimble and cost-effective – pricing on request. For up to 10, the Fairline Targa 12m or Pershing 46 are excellent. All depart from Puerto Banús.
How much does a boat rental to Sotogrande cost?
A Tier A boat (Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39) costs €2,299 for 8 hours, including skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, insurance and VAT. For a shorter trip, the Tier B Mangusta 80 costs €4,719 for 4 hours and includes a free jet ski. Other boats are priced on request via WhatsApp.
Do I need a license to rent a boat in Marbella?
No. Every charter includes a licensed skipper who handles navigation. You just relax and enjoy. All boats depart from Puerto Banús, so you don't need to worry about docking or paperwork.
What is the best time of year for a boat trip in 2028?
The season runs April to October, with peak conditions June to September – water temperatures 22–26°C and calm seas. May and October offer quieter marinas and lower prices. Book early for August, as boats fill fast.