Marbella's coastline hides some of the Costa del Sol's most pristine snorkeling spots — but you can't reach them by foot. These secluded coves, with crystal-clear water and abundant marine life, are accessible only by private boat. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, our fleet of 18+ boats from Puerto Banús offers the perfect way to explore them. This guide covers the 5 best snorkeling spots in Marbella by boat, plus practical tips for your day on the water.
1. Cala del Faro – Best for Beginners
Location: 2.5 NM west of Puerto Banús (10 minutes by powerboat)
Depth: 2–6 metres
Marine life: Saddled seabream, ornate wrasse, occasional octopus
Cala del Faro is a small, sheltered cove tucked beneath the lighthouse at Punta de la Mona. Its gentle slope and sandy bottom make it ideal for inexperienced snorkelers. The water is usually calm, with visibility reaching 12 metres on a good day. Drop anchor from any of our boats — the Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 pax) is a popular choice for small groups. Bring a mask and float effortlessly among the rocky edges where bream and wrasse gather.
2. Cala Cortés – Most Secluded
Location: 6 NM west of Puerto Banús (25–30 minutes)
Depth: 3–10 metres
Marine life: Damselfish, painted comber, sea stars
Cala Cortés is a narrow inlet framed by steep cliffs, accessible only by boat. There is no beach — just rocks and deep, clear water. This means fewer crowds and a more immersive experience. The rocky seabed is home to colourful damselfish and the occasional painted comber. For a comfortable day out, charter the Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax) which includes a free jet ski — perfect for zipping between this cove and the next. Water temperature here is typically 1–2°C cooler than the open sea, so a thin wetsuit is advisable in spring.
3. Cabo de Plata Marine Reserve – Best for Biodiversity
Location: 4 NM east of Estepona (20 minutes from Puerto Banús)
Depth: 5–15 metres
Marine life: Red mullet, two-banded seabream, moray eels (in crevices)
This protected marine area stretches along the coast between Estepona and Marbella. Fishing is prohibited here, so fish populations are denser and less wary. Snorkel along the rocky reef where red mullet and two-banded seabream feed in the shallows. The deeper sections (10–15 metres) are better for experienced snorkelers; stick to the 5–8 metre range for the best balance of light and life. Our Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m, 12 pax) offers a stable platform with a large swim platform for easy entry and exit.
4. Punta de la Mona – Best for Advanced Snorkelers
Location: 3 NM west of Puerto Banús (15 minutes)
Depth: 6–18 metres
Marine life: Barracuda, damselfish, occasional stingray
Punta de la Mona is the rocky headland that separates Marbella from the western coast. The underwater terrain drops off quickly, creating a wall-like environment where larger pelagic fish patrol. Barracuda are commonly seen in small schools, and stingrays rest on sandy patches at 12 metres. This spot requires good buoyancy control and confidence in deeper water. A Pershing 46 (14m, 10 pax) is a fast and agile choice to reach this spot quickly and spend more time in the water.
5. La Cala de Mijas – Best for Families
Location: 5 NM east of Marbella Marina (25 minutes)
Depth: 1–5 metres
Marine life: Small bream, crabs, sea urchins (avoid)
La Cala de Mijas is a wide, sandy bay with very shallow water close to shore. The gentle gradient makes it perfect for children or less confident swimmers. The seabed is mostly sand with scattered rocks, where small bream and crabs hide. Anchor the Bandido (11.5m, 8 pax) or Lagoon 380 (11.6m, 10 pax) — both have shallow drafts and can get close to the beach. The water here warms up fastest in summer, often reaching 26°C by August.
Snorkeling Charter Tips for Marbella
Best time to go: May to October, with July and August offering peak visibility and water temperature (up to 26°C). Mornings (9 AM – 12 PM) are calmest with the least boat traffic.
What to bring: Sunscreen (reef-safe, SPF 50+), a towel, a hat, and a thin wetsuit if you visit outside summer. We provide masks, fins, and life jackets on all charters.
Boat recommendations:
- Small group (up to 9 pax): Astondoa 40 from €749/2h
- Medium group (up to 11 pax): Azimut 39 from €749/2h
- Large group with jet ski (up to 12 pax): Mangusta 80 from €4,719/4h (free jet ski included)
All our charters include a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). No hidden fees.
Book your snorkeling adventure: Contact us via WhatsApp for any boat. For Tier A boats (Astondoa 40, Azimut 39), you can book directly online. Explore all options on our main page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own snorkeling gear?
No. All our charters include snorkel masks, fins, and life jackets at no extra cost. Just bring your own towel and sunscreen.
Which boat is best for a snorkeling trip with a group?
For up to 12 guests, the Mangusta 80 (24m) or Ferretti 94 (29m) offer ample deck space and a free jet ski. For smaller groups, the Azimut 39 (11 pax) is a great value option.
How long does it take to reach the snorkeling spots?
Most coves are 15–30 minutes from Puerto Banús by powerboat. Cala del Faro is the closest at about 10 minutes; Cala Cortés is the furthest at around 30 minutes.
Is swimming experience required?
Yes, basic swimming ability is recommended. Life jackets are provided, but these are open-water coves without lifeguards.
What is the best time of year for snorkeling in Marbella?
May to October offers the warmest water (up to 26°C) and calmest seas. July and August have peak visibility, but mornings are less crowded.
Can we combine snorkeling with other activities?
Absolutely. Our boats have sun decks, a BBQ option (on select yachts), and a free jet ski on Mangusta 80 charters. Many guests stop for lunch at a chiringuito in Cabopino or Estepona.
Are there any marine life restrictions in these coves?
No fishing or spearfishing is allowed in the Cabo de Plata marine area. Touching or removing marine life is prohibited. We provide eco-friendly sunscreen recommendations.
How do I book a snorkeling charter?
Contact us via WhatsApp for availability and pricing. For Tier A boats (Astondoa 40, Azimut 39), you can book directly online at €749/2h. All other boats are priced on request.