Planning a Marbella yacht charter means sun, sea, and luxury — but what happens if you're running late? Whether it's traffic on the Golden Mile, a delayed flight into Málaga, or a long lunch at a Puerto Banús beach club, arriving on time matters. Our late arrival policy is designed to be fair to all guests while keeping the schedule smooth for everyone. Here's exactly what you need to know before you step aboard.
Why Punctuality Matters for Your Marbella Yacht Charter
Every charter departs from Puerto Banús, and our skippers plan the route based on the booked duration. A 2-hour trip on the Astondoa 40 (€749 for 2 hours) might head to Cala del Faro, while an 8-hour charter on the Azimut 39 (€2,299 for 8 hours) can reach Estepona or Cabopino. Late departure means less time on the water, and the skipper cannot extend the trip into the next booking slot. Our policy protects both your experience and the next group's.
The 30-Minute Rule: Grace Period and No-Show
We allow a 15-minute grace period after your scheduled departure. During this window, the skipper waits at the dock. If you arrive between 15 and 30 minutes late, the charter starts late but ends at the original time — effectively shortening your trip. After 30 minutes without any contact, the charter is treated as a no-show, and the full fee is forfeited. To avoid this, call or WhatsApp us as soon as you know you'll be delayed.
Cancellation Policy at a Glance
| Time Before Charter | Refund |
|---|---|
| 14+ days | 50% refund |
| 7–13 days | No refund (credit for future booking may be offered) |
| Less than 7 days | No refund, no credit |
| No-show (30+ min late, no contact) | Full fee forfeited |
These terms apply to all boats in our fleet, from the Mangusta 80 (€4,719 minimum 4 hours) to the Ferretti 94 (pricing on request). We recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected delays.
Late Return to Port: Overtime Charges
Returning the yacht late can incur overtime fees of €150–€300 per hour, depending on the boat. The skipper will remind you of the return time 30 minutes before. If you're enjoying a swim at Cala Cortés and lose track of time, the extra charge covers the crew's overtime and any knock-on effects for the next charter. Always agree on extensions with the skipper beforehand.
Force Majeure: Weather and Port Closures
If severe weather, port closures, or other force majeure events delay your arrival or departure, we handle each case individually. Contact us immediately — we may reschedule your charter or offer a full refund if sailing is unsafe. Our priority is your safety and satisfaction. For example, if a storm rolls in from La Concha, we'll adjust the plan rather than risk a rough sea.
How to Avoid Late Arrival Issues
- Plan to arrive at Puerto Banús 15 minutes before your charter time.
- Factor in traffic on the A-7 or AP-7, especially in summer.
- Use our WhatsApp number for real-time updates if delayed.
- Book a longer charter (e.g., 4 or 8 hours) to have more flexibility.
- Choose a boat with a larger capacity for groups — the Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m, 12 pax) is popular for full-day trips.
What's Included in Every Charter
All our charters include a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). Whether you're on the Lagoon 380 or the Pershing 46, these inclusions are standard. Late arrival doesn't affect what's included — but it does reduce your time to enjoy them.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I arrive late for my Marbella yacht charter?
If you arrive late without informing us, the skipper will wait up to 30 minutes. After that, the charter may be cancelled with no refund. We recommend calling or WhatsApp-ing us as soon as you know you'll be delayed. If we can adjust the departure time without affecting other bookings, we'll try to accommodate you.
Is there a grace period for late arrivals?
Yes, we offer a 15-minute grace period after the scheduled departure time. During this window, the skipper will wait. Beyond 15 minutes, the charter time may be reduced to ensure a safe return. After 30 minutes without contact, the charter is treated as a no-show.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my charter due to a late arrival?
No, cancellations due to late arrival are not eligible for a refund. However, if you cancel at least 14 days before the charter, you receive a 50% refund. Within 14 days, no refund is given. We recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected delays.
What counts as a 'no-show' for a Marbella yacht charter?
A no-show is when you fail to arrive at the Puerto Banús departure point within 30 minutes of the booked time and do not contact us. In this case, the full charter fee is forfeited with no refund or rescheduling option. Always keep our WhatsApp number handy.
Does bad weather affect the late arrival policy?
Yes. If severe weather (e.g., storms, high winds) forces a port closure or makes sailing unsafe, we contact you to reschedule or cancel with a full refund. Late arrival due to weather is handled case-by-case; call us immediately to discuss options.
What if I'm late returning the yacht to port?
Returning late may incur overtime charges: typically €150–€300 per hour depending on the boat. The skipper will brief you on the return time before departure. Delays beyond 30 minutes without prior agreement may also affect the next charter and result in additional fees.
Can I extend my charter if I arrive late?
No, the charter duration is fixed from the booked start time. If you arrive late, the end time remains the same, so you effectively lose that time. Extensions are possible only if the boat is available and you agree to pay the additional hourly rate on the spot.
How do I contact you if I'm running late?
Call or message us on WhatsApp at +34 123 456 789 (or the number on your booking confirmation). We monitor messages up to departure time. Provide your booking name and estimated arrival time, and we'll do our best to adjust.
For more tips on planning your trip, read our Marbella yacht charter guide.