The route from Sotogrande to Marbella by boat is one of the most scenic coastal trips on the Costa del Sol. Covering 18 nautical miles (33 km) of Mediterranean coastline, it takes just 35–50 minutes between the two marinas. Whether you're heading to Sotogrande for polo, golf, or a luxury lunch, or returning to Marbella for evening cocktails, a private charter offers flexibility, comfort, and stunning sea views. Below we break down the distance, time, cost, and best itineraries for this popular trip.
Distance and Travel Time
The straight-line distance between Puerto Banús (Marbella) and Sotogrande Marina is 18 nautical miles (33 km). At a cruising speed of 20–25 knots, you can expect a crossing time of 35–50 minutes. Faster boats like the Mangusta 80 (24m) can cover it in 35 minutes, while a more relaxed Azimut 39 (12.5m) might take 45–50 minutes. Sea conditions are usually calm from May to October, with swell rarely exceeding 0.5 metres. If you add a swimming stop at Cala del Faro or Cala Cortés, plan for an extra 20–30 minutes.
Boat Options and Costs
We offer two pricing tiers for this route. All boats depart from Puerto Banús and include skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, insurance, and 21% VAT.
| Boat | Length | Max Pax | Price (2h) | Price (8h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astondoa 40 | 12.5m | 9 | €749 | €2,299 |
| Azimut 39 | 12.5m | 11 | €749 | €2,299 |
| Mangusta 80 | 24m | 12 | €4,719 (4h min) | On request |
For larger groups or a more luxurious experience, the Mangusta 80 (Tier B) starts at €4,719 for 4 hours and includes a free jet ski. Other boats like the Ferretti 94, Canados 86, or Pershing 46 are priced on request via WhatsApp. Smaller groups can use the Dubhe (8m, 5 pax) or Speedboat (7m, 6 pax) — contact us for a custom quote.
Best Itinerary: Sotogrande to Marbella
A typical day charter from Sotogrande to Marbella might look like this:
- 10:00 — Depart Puerto Banús southbound along the coast.
- 10:30 — Stop at Cala del Faro (Manilva) for a swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water.
- 11:30 — Arrive at Sotogrande Marina. Explore the marina, have lunch at a beach club, or visit the polo club.
- 14:00 — Depart Sotogrande northbound, passing Estepona's coastline.
- 14:45 — Anchor off Cabopino or Cala Cortés for a second swim with views of La Concha mountain.
- 16:00 — Return to Puerto Banús.
This 6-hour itinerary costs €2,299 on a Tier A boat, or you can extend to 8 hours for the same price. For a shorter trip, a 4-hour charter (€1,499 on request) can focus on a direct crossing with a single stop.
What's Included and What's Extra
Every charter includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). There are no hidden costs. Optional extras include a catered paella lunch (from €25/person), premium champagne, or water toys like a jet ski (included on the Mangusta 80). You can also request a custom playlist or decorations for a birthday or proposal.
Why Choose a Private Charter?
A private boat from Sotogrande to Marbella gives you total control over your schedule. Unlike a ferry or taxi, you decide when to leave, where to stop, and how long to stay. The route passes the Golden Mile, Estepona's old town, and the Gibraltar Strait on clear days. You'll also avoid traffic on the AP-7 motorway, which can take 30–60 minutes by car. For groups of 5–12 people, the cost per person is often lower than a restaurant bill, making it a practical and memorable way to travel.
How to Book
Booking is simple. Browse our full fleet here. Choose your preferred boat, date, and duration, then contact us via WhatsApp for availability. We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance, especially in July and August. Payment is secure via bank transfer or card, and we confirm your charter within 24 hours. For last-minute bookings, call or WhatsApp us directly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to go from Sotogrande to Marbella by boat?
The direct crossing covers about 18 nautical miles and takes 35–50 minutes depending on your boat's cruising speed. A Mangusta 80 can do it in around 35 minutes, while a slower Azimut 39 may take 45–50 minutes. Add 10–15 minutes if you stop for photos or a swim.
How much does a Sotogrande to Marbella boat charter cost?
Prices start at €749 for 2 hours on a Tier A boat (Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39), which includes skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, insurance, and 21% VAT. The 8-hour day charter costs €2,299. For larger groups, the Mangusta 80 (Tier B) starts at €4,719 for 4 hours and includes a free jet ski. Other boats are priced on request via WhatsApp.
Can I stop at beaches or coves along the way?
Yes. The route passes several excellent anchorages. Cala del Faro (near Manilva) and Cala Cortés (Cabopino) are popular for swimming and snorkelling. You can also stop at Estepona's marina for lunch or at Cabopino beach. Your skipper will recommend the best spots based on sea conditions.
What boats are available for this route?
We have 18 boats in our fleet, all departing from Puerto Banús. For a fast direct transfer, the Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax) is ideal. For a more affordable option, the Azimut 39 (12.5m, 11 pax) or Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 pax) work well. Smaller groups can use the Dubhe (8m, 5 pax) or Speedboat (7m, 6 pax).
What's included in the charter price?
Every charter includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, full insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). There are no hidden fees. You only pay extra if you want a catered meal or premium beverages, which can be arranged in advance.
Can I start from Sotogrande instead of Marbella?
Yes, we can arrange a one-way charter departing from Sotogrande. However, our fleet is based in Puerto Banús, so a return leg is normally included. For a one-way trip, please contact us via WhatsApp for a custom quote. The same pricing structure applies, adjusted for the shorter return distance.
What is the best time of year for this trip?
May through October offers the best conditions: calm Mediterranean seas, water temperatures above 20°C, and air temperatures around 25–30°C. July and August are peak season with more boat traffic. Spring (April) and autumn (November) can still be pleasant but expect cooler winds and occasional rain.
Do I need a boating license?
No. All our charters include a professional skipper who handles navigation, mooring, and safety. You can relax and enjoy the journey. The skipper will also point out landmarks like La Concha mountain, the Golden Mile, and the Gibraltar Strait on clear days.