Starlite Festival 2046 is the summer's hottest ticket on the Costa del Sol, and there's no better way to start the evening than with a pre-concert cruise from Puerto Banús. Imagine sipping cava as the sun dips behind La Concha, the sea turning gold, and you're just 10 minutes from the festival gates. Our Marbella boat rental service makes it effortless – here's how to plan the perfect Starlite pre-concert cruise.
Why a Pre-Concert Cruise Works
Starlite is an open-air venue in the hills above Marbella, so the evening starts with a transfer from the coast. By booking a 2-hour cruise before the show, you turn a simple commute into a highlight of your trip. You get the sea breeze, the sunset, and a relaxed start – then you arrive at the venue with that holiday glow. It's a practical way to make the most of Marbella's best asset: the Mediterranean.
Our cruises depart from Puerto Banús, the marina that's synonymous with luxury. From there, you can sail west towards Cabopino or east towards the Golden Mile – both routes offer stunning coastal views. The skipper will tailor the route to the weather and your preferences, always keeping an eye on the clock so you dock in time for the concert.
Timing Your Cruise for Sunset
In July and August, sunset in Marbella is around 21:30. For a typical Starlite evening, we recommend boarding at 18:00 and cruising until 20:00. This gives you two full hours of golden light, a chance to swim if you fancy, and enough time to dock, freshen up, and grab a taxi to the venue. If you prefer a longer pre-party, consider a 4-hour charter starting at 16:00 – you'll have time for a late afternoon dip and a more leisurely sail.
Our team can also advise on the best boarding time based on the specific concert schedule – just ask when you book. We'll make sure you're never rushing.
Boat Options for Your Group
We have a fleet of 17 boats, but for a pre-concert cruise, these are the standouts:
| Boat | Length | Capacity | Price (2h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astondoa 40 | 12.5m | 9 pax | €749 |
| Azimut 39 | 12.5m | 11 pax | €749 |
| Mangusta 80 | 24m | 12 pax | €4,719 (4h min) |
For a couple or a small group, the Astondoa 40 is ideal – it's fast, stylish, and has a spacious cockpit for socialising. The Azimut 39 offers similar performance with a slightly different layout. If you're celebrating a special occasion or want to impress clients, the Mangusta 80 (24m) comes with a free jet ski and a crew that will pamper you. Other boats like the Pershing 46 or Fairline Targa are available on request – just message us for a quote.
What's Included – No Surprises
Every charter includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). That means the price you see is the final price. No extra charges for ice, no hidden fuel fees. Just bring your sunglasses and a light jacket for the evening breeze.
For the Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39, the 2-hour rate is €749, and the 8-hour rate is €2,299. The Mangusta 80 has a 4-hour minimum at €4,719, which includes the jet ski – a fun addition if you want to get the adrenaline going before the concert.
How to Get to Starlite After Your Cruise
Once you dock back in Puerto Banús, the festival venue is about 6 km away – a 10-minute drive. We can arrange a private transfer for you (at cost), or you can easily grab a taxi from the marina. If you're coming in a group, we recommend booking a minivan in advance, as taxis can be scarce on concert nights. Our team can handle all of this for you – just let us know when you book.
If you're staying in Marbella's Golden Mile or the town centre, you can also walk to the venue from some hotels, but the transfer from the marina is quickest.
Book Your Starlite Pre-Concert Cruise
Starlite 2046 runs from early July to late August, and weekends sell out fast. To secure your boat, contact us via WhatsApp with your preferred date and group size. For the Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39, you can also book directly through our website – just select your date and pay a deposit. All other boats are priced on request, so get in touch for a tailored quote.
Don't miss the chance to turn a concert night into a full Mediterranean experience. Start with the sea, then let the music take over. Check out our Marbella boat rental hub for more ideas, or browse our blog for other cruise inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Puerto Banús from the Starlite Festival venue?
Puerto Banús is about 10 minutes by car from the Starlite Festival venue in the hills above Marbella. After your pre-concert cruise, our team can arrange a taxi or private transfer to get you there with plenty of time to spare. Most guests dock by 20:00 and arrive at the venue by 20:30.
What time should we start our pre-concert cruise for Starlite 2046?
For a typical Starlite evening (gates open around 20:30, show starts ~22:00), we recommend a 2-hour cruise from 18:00 to 20:00. This gives you sunset views over the Mediterranean, a relaxed sail along the coast, and enough time to dock and transfer to the venue.
Which boats are best for a Starlite pre-concert cruise?
For a couple or small group, the Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 pax) at €749 for 2 hours is a great choice. For a larger party, the Azimut 39 (11 pax) offers the same price. If you want more space and a jet ski, the Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax) from €4,719 for 4 hours is the premium option.
What's included in the pre-concert cruise price?
Every charter includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). There are no hidden costs – the price you see is the price you pay. Just bring your swimwear if you fancy a dip before the show.
Can we watch the concert from the boat?
No, the Starlite Festival is held at an open-air venue in the hills, not on the water. Our pre-concert cruise is designed to enhance your evening – you enjoy the sea and sunset first, then head to the venue. The cruise is the perfect warm-up, not a substitute for the concert experience.
Do you offer longer cruises for Starlite Festival dates?
Yes, for the Starlite 2046 season, we can tailor the cruise duration to your schedule. The Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39 are available for up to 8 hours at €2,299, so you could combine a day at sea with the evening event. For the Mangusta 80, the minimum is 4 hours, but longer charters are available on request.
How do we book a Starlite pre-concert cruise?
The easiest way is to message us on WhatsApp with your preferred date and group size. We'll confirm availability, suggest a boat, and send you a booking link. For the Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39, you can also book directly through our website – just select your date and pay a deposit.