When planning a Marbella yacht charter, one of the first questions is: how many people can come aboard? The answer depends on the boat's certified capacity—not on how many seats you think it has. Every vessel in our fleet at Boat Rental Marbella has a strict guest limit set by Spanish maritime law, insurance, and safety equipment. Exceeding it is not allowed, even for a short trip. Here's exactly what you need to know about Marbella yacht charter group size limits for boats departing from Puerto Banús.
Why Group Size Limits Exist
Each boat is issued a certificado de navegabilidad (navigation certificate) by the Spanish Dirección General de la Marina Mercante. This document specifies the maximum number of persons allowed on board, factoring in life raft capacity, stability calculations, and escape routes. Our charters are insured and licensed under these exact numbers. No skipper will exceed them, and no amount of haggling changes the physics. For a stress-free day out, always book for your exact guest count.
Maximum Capacity Per Boat in Our Fleet
Our largest yachts—Mangusta 80 (white and grey), Azimut 58 Flybridge, Ferretti 94, Canados 86, K80, and Maiora 26m—all carry a maximum of 12 guests. The Azimut 39 takes 11, the Astondoa 40 takes 9, and the Lagoon 380 catamaran holds 10. Smaller vessels like the Dubhe (8m) and Mariah SX21 (6.4m) are limited to 5 guests. The Speedboat and Red Tide take 6. There is no boat in our fleet that allows more than 12 passengers.
Tier A and Tier B Pricing & Capacity
Our Tier A boats (Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39) cost €749 for 2 hours or €2,299 for 8 hours, including skipper, drinks, and VAT. The Astondoa 40 holds 9 guests; the Azimut 39 holds 11. Tier B boats (Mangusta 80 variants) require a minimum 4-hour charter at €4,719 and include a jet ski. These boats hold 12 guests. For any other vessel, pricing is available on request via WhatsApp.
Children Count as Guests
There is no child discount or infant exemption. Every person on board—including babies and toddlers—counts toward the guest limit. Life jackets are provided for all sizes, but the seat count is fixed. If your group includes children, include them in your total headcount when booking. A family of four with two young children, for example, would need a boat with a capacity of at least 4 guests.
What If Your Group Is Larger Than 12?
If you have 13 or more guests, you cannot all fit on a single boat from our fleet. The solution is to charter two boats simultaneously. We can coordinate two departures from Puerto Banús—for instance, a Mangusta 80 (12 guests) plus an Azimut 39 (11 guests), giving combined capacity for up to 23. Contact us via WhatsApp to arrange a multi-boat charter. This is common for corporate events, wedding parties, and large family reunions.
Boats for Small Groups (2–6 Guests)
If your group is small, you don't need a 24-metre superyacht. The Dubhe (8m, 5 guests) and Mariah SX21 (6.4m, 5 guests) are perfect for couples or small families. The Speedboat (7m, 6 guests) and Red Tide (11m, 6 guests) offer a sportier ride. These boats are more affordable and easier to book at short notice. All depart from Puerto Banús and include the same inclusions: skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, and insurance.
How to Confirm Your Guest Count
When you book through Boat Rental Marbella, you'll be asked for the exact number of guests. We recommend confirming this number 48 hours before departure. If your group size changes, let us know immediately. We can switch you to a different boat if capacity permits, but last-minute increases may not be accommodated. The skipper will check the count before casting off—no exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum group size for a yacht charter in Marbella?
The maximum is 12 guests on most large yachts like the Mangusta 80, Azimut 58 Flybridge, Ferretti 94, and Canados 86. Smaller boats like the Dubhe or Mariah SX21 take up to 5 guests. All limits are set by the boat's safety certificate and cannot be exceeded.
Do children count towards the group size limit?
Yes, children of any age count as guests. There is no separate child rate or infant exemption. Each person on board, including babies, occupies a seat and is included in the maximum capacity.
Can I add extra guests if we pay more?
No. The capacity is a legal safety limit enforced by Spanish maritime authorities and our insurance policy. No additional payment can override it. If your group is larger than 12, consider booking two boats or a larger vessel (none larger than 12 in our fleet).
Which boats in your fleet hold the most guests?
Twelve guests is the maximum across our fleet. Boats with 12-guest capacity include the Mangusta 80 (white and grey), Azimut 58 Flybridge, Ferretti 94, Canados 86, K80, and Maiora 26m. The Azimut 39 holds 11, and the Astondoa 40 holds 9.
What is the smallest boat available for a group?
The smallest is the Dubhe (8m) and Mariah SX21 (6.4m), both taking up to 5 guests. The Speedboat (7m) and Red Tide (11m) take 6 guests. These are ideal for couples or small families wanting a short trip from Puerto Banús.
How do I book for a group of 13 or more?
You would need to charter two boats simultaneously. We can coordinate departures from Puerto Banús on two vessels, such as a Mangusta 80 (12 guests) and an Azimut 39 (11 guests), giving you combined capacity for up to 23. Contact us via WhatsApp for a custom quote.
Are there any boats that allow more than 12 guests?
No. Under Spanish recreational charter regulations, vessels under 24m in length are typically limited to 12 passengers plus crew. Our largest boats (Ferretti 94, Canados 86, Maiora 26m) are all under this threshold and thus capped at 12 guests.
What happens if we show up with more guests than allowed?
The skipper will refuse to depart until the group size matches the boat's capacity. No refund is given for no-shows or overbooking. To avoid disappointment, confirm your exact guest count when booking and double-check it 48 hours before departure.
Ready to book? Check our full fleet at Boat Rental Marbella and choose the right size for your group. For any questions about capacity, pricing, or multi-boat charters, message us on WhatsApp.