Marbella's coastline hides some of the Costa del Sol's clearest waters, and a snorkeling tour from Puerto Banús is the best way to reach them. Whether you're a first-timer or seasoned snorkeller, the area offers rocky coves, seagrass meadows, and calm bays teeming with marine life. With our fleet of private boats—starting at €749 for 2 hours—you can design your own itinerary, escape the crowds, and dive into the Mediterranean at your own pace. No set schedules, no packed tours: just you, your group, and the sea.
Why Choose a Private Snorkeling Tour from Puerto Banús?
A private boat gives you freedom that group excursions can't match. You choose the departure time, the spots, and how long you stay. All our charters include a licensed skipper who knows the local waters, fuel, insurance, and a selection of drinks and snacks. The 21% Spanish IVA is already in the price—no surprises. For example, our Boat Rental Marbella fleet includes boats from 6.4m to 29m, so whether you're a couple or a group of 12, there's a vessel for you.
Best Snorkeling Spots Near Puerto Banús
The coastline between Marbella and Estepona has several excellent snorkeling sites, all within 30 minutes of Puerto Banús. Here are the top picks:
- Cala del Faro – A rocky cove just east of Marbella Marina, with clear water and small caves. Depths of 3–8 metres, good for spotting bream and octopus.
- Cala Cortés – Sheltered bay west of Puerto Banús, popular with families. Sandy bottom with patches of rock, visibility often 10–15 metres in summer.
- Cabopino – Near the Cabopino marina, seagrass meadows attract sea horses, pipefish, and cuttlefish. Best accessed by boat as it's a protected area.
- Estepona Coast – Deeper reefs off the Estepona shore, home to larger fish like groupers and barracuda. Requires a slightly longer trip (20–25 mins from Puerto Banús).
- Río Verde – The mouth of the Río Verde river creates a mix of fresh and saltwater, attracting diverse species. Best after a calm spell for clear water.
Our Boats for Snorkeling Tours
We have a range of boats suited to snorkeling trips. For a quick afternoon outing, the Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 pax) or Azimut 39 (12.5m, 11 pax) are ideal—both are Tier A boats at €749/2h. For larger groups, the Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m, 12 pax) offers plenty of deck space and a flybridge for sunbathing. The Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax) is our premium option at €4,719 for 4 hours and includes a jet ski for exploring coves. All boats depart from Puerto Banús. See the full list on our boat rental page.
What's Included in Your Snorkeling Charter?
Every booking comes with: a licensed skipper, fuel for the day, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, and safety equipment (life jackets, first aid). You just bring your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Snorkeling gear is not automatically included, but we can arrange it—just ask via WhatsApp when booking.
Sample Itinerary: 4-Hour Snorkeling Tour
Here's a typical half-day trip from Puerto Banús:
- 10:00 – Meet at Puerto Banús, board your boat, meet the skipper.
- 10:15 – Depart west towards Cala Cortés (15 mins).
- 10:30–11:30 – Snorkel at Cala Cortés (clear water, rocky bottom).
- 11:30 – Cruise to Cabopino (20 mins), enjoy drinks and snacks en route.
- 12:00–13:00 – Snorkel at Cabopino seagrass meadows.
- 13:00–13:30 – Return to Puerto Banús, with views of the Golden Mile and La Concha mountain.
This itinerary is flexible—you can swap spots or add a stop at Estepona for deeper reefs.
When to Go: Best Season for Snorkeling in Marbella
Water temperatures on the Costa del Sol range from 15°C in winter to 28°C in August. The best snorkeling conditions are June to October, when visibility often exceeds 15 metres. July and August are warmest but busiest; September offers calm seas and fewer tourists. Even in May, you can snorkel with a wetsuit (we can advise on rentals).
How to Book Your Snorkeling Tour
Booking is simple. Visit our Boat Rental Marbella page, choose your boat, and contact us via WhatsApp for availability. For Tier A boats (Astondoa 40, Azimut 39), you can book directly at €749/2h. For other vessels, we'll provide a quote. We recommend booking at least 3–7 days in advance during summer. Last-minute? WhatsApp us—we often have same-day slots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for snorkeling in Marbella?
The best snorkeling season is June through October, when water temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C and visibility is at its peak (10–20 metres). July and August offer the warmest water, but September often has calmer seas and fewer crowds.
How much does a snorkeling boat tour cost from Puerto Banús?
Our Tier A boats (Astondoa 40, Azimut 39) start at €749 for 2 hours, including skipper, fuel, drinks, and snacks. For a premium experience, the Mangusta 80 is €4,719 for a minimum 4 hours and includes a jet ski. All prices include 21% Spanish IVA.
Which boat is best for a snorkeling group of 10 people?
The Azimut 39 (11 pax), Mangusta 80 (12 pax), or Azimut 58 Flybridge (12 pax) are excellent choices. They offer spacious decks, easy water access, and shade. For a catamaran experience, the Lagoon 380 (10 pax) is stable and ideal for snorkeling.
Do you provide snorkeling equipment on board?
We do not include snorkeling gear automatically, but you can bring your own or request it when booking. Many guests prefer to bring their own masks and fins for a perfect fit. We recommend contacting us via WhatsApp to arrange equipment.
Where are the best snorkeling spots near Puerto Banús?
Top spots include Cala del Faro (rocky coves, clear water), Cala Cortés (sheltered bay, good for beginners), Cabopino (seagrass meadows, marine life), and Estepona coast (deeper reefs). All are within 15–30 minutes from Puerto Banús by boat.
Can I combine snorkeling with jet skiing on the same trip?
Yes. Our Mangusta 80 charter (€4,719 for 4 hours) includes a jet ski free of charge. You can explore coves, snorkel, and ride the jet ski all in one trip. Other boats can also be arranged with jet ski add-ons—ask via WhatsApp.
Is the skipper included in the snorkeling tour price?
Yes, every charter includes a licensed skipper who knows the best snorkeling spots, ensures safety, and handles navigation. You can focus on enjoying the water while they take care of everything.
How far in advance should I book a snorkeling boat in Marbella?
We recommend booking at least 3–7 days in advance during peak season (July–August), as popular boats like the Azimut 58 and Mangusta 80 book quickly. For last-minute requests, WhatsApp us—we sometimes have same-day availability.