You've booked a boat in Marbella — great choice. Now the question is: what do you actually need to bring? Most first-timers overpack or forget the one thing that makes the day comfortable. This checklist covers exactly what to pack for a boat rental in Marbella, based on real conditions on the Costa del Sol. No fluff, just what works.
What's Already Included (So You Don't Pack It)
Every charter from Boat Rental Marbella includes a licensed skipper, fuel, insurance, and Spanish IVA (21%). On board you'll find water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, and light snacks — all complementary. You do not need to bring drinks or ice. The skipper will handle the route, anchoring, and safety. So leave the cool box at home.
Sun Protection: The Non-Negotiables
The Andalusian sun is intense. Even on a cloudy day, UV reflection off the water can burn you in 20 minutes. Pack:
- SPF 50+ sun cream (water-resistant, reef-safe if possible) — one bottle per two people for a full day.
- Lip balm with SPF — wind + sun dries lips fast.
- Wide-brimmed hat — caps leave your ears and neck exposed.
- Polarised sunglasses with a strap — polarisation cuts glare on the water; the strap stops them going overboard.
- UV-protective rash guard or long-sleeve swim top — ideal for kids and fair skin.
Swimwear and Towels
Towels are not provided. Bring one quick-dry towel per person (microfiber towels pack small and dry fast). If you plan to swim at multiple spots — say Cala del Faro and Cabopino — a second towel is smart. A sarong or kaftan works as a cover-up and doubles as a towel. Swimwear: one pair for swimming, a dry pair for lunch. Nobody likes sitting in wet shorts.
Snorkel and Water Toys
We don't supply snorkel sets. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins. The water around Marbella is clear — visibility often exceeds 15 metres, especially around the rocky coves near Estepona and Cala Cortés. If you want a paddleboard or wakeboard, ask when booking; some can be added for a fee. On the Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax), a jet ski is included free with the 4-hour minimum charter.
Clothing for All Conditions
From May to September, shorts and a T-shirt over swimwear are fine. From October to April, bring a light jacket or windbreaker — even on a 22°C day, the boat creates its own breeze at 20 knots. Non-slip shoes (boat shoes or rubber-soled flip-flops) are a must; deck shoes with white soles won't mark the fibreglass. Avoid black-soled shoes — they leave scuffs. A small dry bag for your phone, keys, and wallet is worth its weight.
Food: What to Bring (and What Not To)
Snacks are included, but if you want a proper meal, you can pre-order a catering platter (typically €20–€40 per person) or bring your own. Good options: cold cuts, cheese, bread, olives, fruit, and nuts. Avoid anything that melts (chocolate) or crumbles (pastries). No glass bottles — they break and leave shards on deck. Cans or plastic bottles only. Many guests stop at a supermarket near Puerto Banús on the morning of the charter.
Seasickness Prevention
The Marbella coast is generally calm, especially inside the bay. But afternoon chop can unsettle sensitive stomachs. Bring non-drowsy seasickness tablets (meclizine or cinnarizine) and take them 30 minutes before departure. Ginger candies or biscuits help. Avoid a heavy breakfast — stick to toast, banana, or crackers. If you feel queasy, look at the horizon, not the phone.
Documents and Tech
Bring your booking confirmation (digital is fine) and ID or passport for all adults — Spanish authorities may check. A waterproof phone pouch lets you take photos without worry. A portable charger is useful on longer charters (8-hour trips). If you're playing music, most boats have Bluetooth speakers; ask your skipper for the code. Download offline maps — mobile signal can be patchy in coves.
What NOT to Bring
- Glass bottles or cups — banned on all our boats for safety.
- Large coolers — drinks are already on board.
- Heavy suitcases — the boat is not a hotel room.
- Valuables you can't lose — leave jewellery, expensive watches, and irreplaceable items at home.
- Your own skipper — our licensed skippers are mandatory for insurance reasons.
Quick Checklist (Printable)
- ☐ Sun cream (SPF 50+)
- ☐ Lip balm with SPF
- ☐ Hat (wide-brimmed)
- ☐ Polarised sunglasses with strap
- ☐ Towel (quick-dry)
- ☐ Swimwear (at least two pairs)
- ☐ Snorkel set
- ☐ Light jacket (Oct–Apr)
- ☐ Non-slip footwear
- ☐ Dry bag for valuables
- ☐ Seasickness tablets
- ☐ ID / passport
- ☐ Portable charger
- ☐ Waterproof phone pouch
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring my own food and drinks on a Marbella boat rental?
No — every charter includes water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, and light snacks. If you want a full meal, you can pre-order a catering platter (typically €20–€40 per person) or bring your own food. Many guests bring a picnic or order from a local deli.
Is sun cream provided on the boat?
No, sun cream is not provided. You must bring your own. The Mediterranean sun is strong from April to October, and reflection off the water increases UV exposure. Use SPF 50+ and reapply every two hours. A lip balm with SPF is also a good idea.
Should I bring a towel for swimming?
Yes, towels are not included. Pack a quick-dry beach towel or two. If you're on a longer charter and plan to swim multiple times (e.g., at Cala del Faro or Cabopino), a second towel is handy. Some guests also bring a sarong or wrap for sun protection.
Can I bring my own snorkel gear?
Absolutely. We don't supply snorkel sets, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins. The water clarity around Marbella is excellent — visibility often exceeds 15 metres. Popular snorkel spots include Cala Cortés and the rocky coves near Estepona.
What should I wear on a boat trip in Marbella?
Swimwear, a cover-up or T-shirt, and non-slip shoes (boat shoes or flip-flops). From October to April, add a light jacket or windbreaker — the sea breeze can be cool at 20+ knots. In summer, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with a strap are essential.
Do I need to bring cash for extras like jet ski fuel?
No. On the Mangusta 80, the jet ski is included free with the 4-hour minimum charter — fuel is part of the package. For optional extras like paddleboards or wakeboards, payment can be made by card or bank transfer. Most skippers carry a card reader.
Is there a place to store bags and valuables on the boat?
All our boats have dry storage compartments and a cabin area for bags. The larger yachts (Ferretti 94, Canados 86) have full cabins with lockers. We recommend leaving jewellery and unnecessary valuables at home. A small waterproof pouch for your phone is useful.
What about seasickness — should I bring medication?
If you're prone to motion sickness, yes. The Marbella coast is generally calm (especially inside the bay), but afternoons can get choppy. Bring non-drowsy seasickness tablets (e.g., meclizine) and take them 30 minutes before departure. Ginger biscuits also help.