Deciding between a half day vs full day yacht charter Marbella comes down to how you want to spend your time on the Costa del Sol. Half-day trips (2–4 hours) are perfect for a quick celebration, sunset cruise, or a taster session. Full-day charters (6–8 hours) unlock the coastline all the way to Estepona or Sotogrande, with multiple swim stops and a leisurely lunch. This guide breaks down the costs, itineraries, and value of each option so you can choose what fits your group best.
Cost Comparison: Half Day vs Full Day
Our Tier A boats — the Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 pax) and Azimut 39 (12.5m, 11 pax) — offer the clearest price difference. A 2-hour half-day charter costs €749, while a full 8-hour day is €2,299. That works out to €374/hour for the short trip versus €287/hour for the full day — a 23% saving per hour. For Tier B boats like the Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax), the minimum charter is 4 hours at €4,719, which includes a free jet ski. A full-day on the Mangusta is priced on request, but the per-hour rate drops significantly.
All prices include skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, insurance, and 21% VAT. No hidden extras.
Itinerary Reach: How Far Can You Go?
From our base at Puerto Banús, a half-day charter typically stays within 5–8 nautical miles. You can cruise past the Golden Mile, stop at Cala del Faro or Cala Cortés, and enjoy a swim or two. A full-day charter (6–8 hours) gives you enough fuel and time to head west to Estepona (10 NM), anchor for lunch, and even push to Sotogrande (20 NM) if you choose the 8-hour option. Eastbound, you can reach Cabopino and the dunes of Artola.
Which Group Size Fits Which Duration?
- Half-day (2–4h): Best for groups of 2–9 people on Tier A boats, or up to 12 on the Mangusta 80. Ideal for couples, small families, or a quick corporate event.
- Full-day (6–8h): Suits groups of 6–12 who want a proper day out. The Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m, 12 pax) and Ferretti 94 (29m, 12 pax) are popular for full-day charters with multiple stops.
Weather and Season Considerations
In summer (June–September), sea temperatures average 24–26°C and winds are light in the morning. A half-day from 10:00 to 14:00 avoids the afternoon heat. A full-day from 10:00 to 18:00 lets you enjoy the calm morning, a lunch stop, and an afternoon swim. In spring or autumn, a half-day is often enough — the sun sets earlier and the water is cooler (18–22°C).
What’s Included in Every Charter?
| Inclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensed skipper | Experienced, English-speaking |
| Fuel | Unlimited for agreed itinerary |
| Drinks | Water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava |
| Snacks | Light snacks (nachos, olives, crisps) |
| Insurance | Full liability and passenger cover |
| VAT (21%) | Included in all prices |
When to Choose Half Day
Choose a half-day if you want a sunset cruise (19:00–21:00 is popular), a short celebration like an anniversary, or a taster before booking a longer trip. It’s also the budget-friendly option — from €749 for 2 hours on a Tier A boat. Half-day is also ideal if you have other plans for the day, like a round of golf at Río Verde or shopping in Puerto Banús.
When to Choose Full Day
Choose a full-day if you want to explore beyond Marbella, have a long lunch at anchor, or enjoy multiple swim stops. It’s the best value per hour and gives you a proper Mediterranean experience. Full-day charters are also recommended for larger groups (10–12 pax) who want space and time to relax. The Mangusta 80 with its free jet ski is a full-day favourite.
How to Book
Ready to decide? Browse our full fleet on the Marbella boat rental hub and pick your boat. For half-day or full-day availability, contact us via WhatsApp — we’ll confirm your slot within 2 hours. All charters depart from Puerto Banús.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between half-day and full-day charters in Marbella?
The main difference is time on the water and distance covered. Half-day charters (2–4 hours) are ideal for a quick sunset cruise or a short celebration. Full-day charters (6–8 hours) let you explore further afield, visit multiple beaches, enjoy a longer lunch, and include more swim stops.
How much does a half-day yacht charter cost in Marbella?
For Tier A boats like the Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39, a half-day (2 hours) costs €749, and a 4-hour charter is priced on request. Tier B boats like the Mangusta 80 start at €4,719 for a 4-hour minimum. All prices include skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, insurance, and 21% VAT.
Can I reach Estepona or Sotogrande on a half-day charter?
No. A half-day charter typically stays close to Marbella and Puerto Banús, visiting Cala del Faro, Cala Cortés, or the coast near the Golden Mile. To reach Estepona (about 10 NM) or Sotogrande (about 20 NM), you need a full-day charter of 6–8 hours.
What is included in every charter, regardless of duration?
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. The only extra is a crew gratuity if you wish.
Which boat is best for a half-day charter with 9 people?
The Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 pax) is a great fit for a half-day. It departs from Puerto Banús, is comfortable for a small group, and costs €749 for 2 hours. The Azimut 39 (11 pax) is also a solid option for slightly larger groups.
Is a full-day charter worth the extra cost?
If you want to truly explore the Costa del Sol coast, anchor for a long lunch, swim at multiple coves, and enjoy a relaxed pace, yes. The per-hour cost drops significantly — for Tier A boats, €2,299 for 8 hours works out to €287/hour versus €375/hour for 2 hours.
Do I need to book in advance for a half-day or full-day charter?
Yes, especially in peak season (June–September). Half-day sunset slots are the most popular and often sell out. Full-day charters require at least 48 hours’ notice to confirm skipper availability and provisioning.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks. Our standard bar includes water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and cava, plus light snacks. If you want a specific catering menu, let us know in advance and we can arrange it at an extra cost.