When booking a Marbella yacht charter, one practical question often comes up: where do you go to the toilet? This guide covers everything you need to know about onboard heads (marine toilets), how many each boat has, how waste is handled, and what to expect from our fleet departing Puerto Banús. Whether you're on a 6.4m speedboat or a 29m superyacht, every charter includes fully functional, environmentally compliant facilities.
Every Boat Has a Marine Toilet (Head)
All 18 boats in our fleet are equipped with at least one marine toilet, known as a head. From the compact Mariah SX21 (6.4m, 5 pax) to the Ferretti 94 (29m, 12 pax), you'll never need to find a shore-based toilet. Heads use an electric flush system and discharge into a holding tank – never directly overboard. This is standard on all modern charter vessels operating from Puerto Banús.
Number of Toilets by Boat Size
The number of heads varies by yacht size and layout. Here's a quick reference for our most popular boats:
| Boat | Length | Max Pax | Heads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferretti 94 | 29m | 12 | 3 guest + 1 crew |
| Canados 86 | 26m | 12 | 3 guest |
| Mangusta 80 (all variants) | 24m | 12 | 2 guest |
| Azimut 58 Flybridge | 17.6m | 12 | 2 guest |
| Pershing 46 | 14m | 10 | 1 guest |
| Astondoa 40 | 12.5m | 9 | 1 guest |
| Mariah SX21 | 6.4m | 5 | 1 compact head |
On yachts over 24m, separate crew facilities keep guest areas private. Even on smaller boats, the single head is perfectly adequate for day charters.
How Onboard Heads Work
Marine heads are not like household toilets. They use an electric macerator pump that grinds waste and flushes it into a holding tank. You press a button to flush – no manual pumping. Important rules: only human waste and rapid-dissolving toilet paper go in. Wet wipes, sanitary products, and food scraps will block the system. Our crew will brief you at the start of the charter.
Waste Disposal: Environmentally Compliant
All holding tanks are emptied at designated pump-out stations in Puerto Banús marina after every charter. This complies with Spanish Law 41/2010 on marine environmental protection and EU Directive 2008/56/EC. Our crew handles the process – you never need to touch anything. No waste is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea.
Accessibility During the Charter
Heads are accessible at all times – while anchored, moored, or underway. On larger yachts, heads are usually located on the lower deck (below the saloon). On smaller boats like the Speedboat (7m, 6 pax) or Bandido (11.5m, 8 pax), the head is under the bow seating area. All are well-ventilated and equipped with a sink, mirror, and storage for toiletries.
What's Included in Every Charter
Your Marbella yacht charter includes: licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). Toilet paper, hand soap, and towels are also provided. You don't need to bring anything except swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel if you prefer your own.
Special Considerations for Larger Groups
If you're chartering a 12-person yacht like the Azimut 58 Flybridge or Canados 86, two or three heads mean minimal waiting. Our crew manages head usage to avoid queues during meal times or after swimming. For private events, we can also arrange a dedicated guest head schedule if requested.
What About Seasickness?
Heads are usable even if you feel queasy, but we recommend staying on deck and looking at the horizon. Our crew carries seasickness tablets and ginger sweets. If you do use the head while feeling unwell, the electric flush makes it easy – but avoid locking the door in case you need assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Marbella yacht charter boats have toilets?
Yes – every boat in our fleet, from the 6.4m Mariah SX21 to the 29m Ferretti 94, has at least one marine toilet (called a head). On smaller vessels the head is compact but fully functional, with an electric flush and holding tank. Larger yachts offer multiple heads for guest convenience.
How many toilets are on a 12-person charter boat?
Most 12-person boats in our fleet – such as the Mangusta 80 (24m), Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m), or Canados 86 (26m) – have 2 or 3 separate heads. This means guests rarely queue, even on full-day charters. The Ferretti 94 (29m) has 3 guest heads plus a separate crew head.
Are the toilets usable while the boat is moving?
Yes – all our heads are electric-flush and can be used at any time, whether anchored, moored, or underway at cruising speed. The holding tank system works independently of engine operation. Just avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper.
What about waste disposal – is it environmentally friendly?
Absolutely. All our boats are fitted with holding tanks. Waste is never discharged overboard. At the end of each charter, our crew pumps out the tank at designated marina pump-out stations in Puerto Banús. This complies with Spanish and EU maritime environmental regulations.
Do I need to bring my own toilet paper or supplies?
No – every charter includes a full provisioning pack with toilet paper, hand soap, towels, and paper towels. Our standard inclusions also cover drinks, snacks, and safety equipment. Just bring yourself and swimwear.
Can I use the head if I'm prone to seasickness?
Yes – the heads are always accessible. However, if you feel queasy, we recommend staying on deck in fresh air and looking at the horizon. Our crew can also provide seasickness tablets. If you do need to use the head while feeling unwell, the electric flush makes it straightforward.
Are there separate toilets for crew and guests on larger yachts?
Yes – on yachts over 24m, such as the Ferretti 94 (29m), Canados 86 (26m), and K80 (24m), there is a separate crew head. This keeps guest facilities private and reduces queueing. On smaller boats, the skipper uses the same facilities as guests.
What happens if the toilet breaks during a charter?
Our boats are fully maintained and inspected before every charter, so breakdowns are extremely rare. If a technical issue did occur, the crew would manage it immediately. On multi-head yachts, alternative facilities are available. We also carry a backup portable toilet on request for day charters.