Watch the sun rise over the Mediterranean as wild dolphins play in the bow wake of your private yacht. Our dawn dolphin cruise from Marbella departs Puerto Banús at 07:00 for a 2-hour trip designed to catch dolphins feeding at first light. With a licensed skipper, drinks, and snacks included from €749 for your group, it's the most memorable way to start a day on the Costa del Sol.
Why a dawn dolphin cruise?
Dolphins are most active at dawn. The sea is calm, the light is soft, and the water temperature is cooler, which pushes baitfish closer to the surface — exactly where bottlenose and common dolphins hunt. From May to October, we record sightings on over 95% of our dawn trips. You'll see them riding the bow wave, leaping alongside, and feeding in pods of 5 to 20 individuals. The 2-hour window (07:00–09:00) is ideal: long enough to find the pods, short enough to stay comfortable before the heat builds.
Your boat: Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39
We run the dawn dolphin cruise on two of our most popular boats from Boat Rental Marbella:
- Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 guests) — a Spanish-built flybridge cruiser with a shaded helm, aft seating, and a bow sunpad for lounging while you watch.
- Azimut 39 (12.5m, 11 guests) — an Italian sport yacht with a spacious cockpit, a forward sunpad, and a lower cabin for storing bags or changing.
Both boats have a cruising speed of 18–22 knots, enough to reach the dolphin grounds off the coast between Marbella and Cabopino in under 20 minutes. Each charter includes a licensed bilingual skipper, fuel, insurance, and all taxes.
What's included in the €749 price
The price is a flat €749 for the entire group — no per-person pricing. That covers:
- Licensed skipper (English & Spanish)
- Fuel for the 2-hour cruise
- Water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and cava
- Light snacks (olives, crisps, nuts, or similar)
- Insurance and safety equipment
- 21% Spanish IVA (VAT)
No hidden extras. You can bring your own food if you like, but it's not necessary.
Where you'll cruise
We depart from Puerto Banús, Marbella's glamorous marina, and head west towards the Cabopino sand dunes or east towards the Cala del Faro cliffs — depending on where the dolphins are feeding. You'll pass the La Concha mountain backdrop, the Golden Mile hotels, and the exclusive villas of Río Verde. The route is flexible; if dolphins are spotted closer to Estepona or Sotogrande, the skipper will adjust course. The focus is on finding wildlife, not following a fixed itinerary.
Best time of year for dolphin watching
| Month | Sighting probability | Average sea temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| May | >90% | 18 |
| June | >95% | 21 |
| July | >95% | 24 |
| August | >95% | 26 |
| September | >95% | 23 |
| October | >90% | 20 |
We run the dawn dolphin cruise from May through October. Outside these months, sightings are less reliable due to cooler water and shorter daylight, but we can arrange private charters on request.
What to bring
- Light jacket or jumper (mornings are 18–22°C on the water)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- Camera or phone for photos (waterproof case recommended)
- Non-slip shoes
How to book
Reserve your dawn dolphin cruise via WhatsApp on +34 123 456 789 or through the enquiry form on our Boat Rental Marbella homepage. We'll confirm availability, take a 50% deposit, and send you joining instructions for Puerto Banús. Full balance is due 48 hours before departure. Cancellations made more than 7 days in advance receive a full refund.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the dawn dolphin cruise depart?
We depart at 07:00 from Puerto Banús, returning at 09:00. This early start gives you the best chance to see dolphins feeding at sunrise, when the sea is calm and the light is magical.
Which boats are used for the dawn dolphin cruise?
We use our Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 guests) or Azimut 39 (12.5m, 11 guests). Both are spacious, comfortable motor yachts with shaded seating, a bow sunpad, and a cabin for changing or storing gear.
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
From May to October, sightings are almost certain — we see bottlenose and common dolphins on over 95% of trips. If no dolphins are spotted, we offer a free rebooking on another dawn cruise.
What is included in the price?
The price of €749 includes the licensed skipper, fuel, insurance, 21% Spanish VAT, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, and light snacks. No hidden extras.
Can we bring our own food or drink?
You're welcome to bring extra snacks or a picnic, but we already provide drinks and light snacks. Glass bottles are discouraged for safety. Let us know if you have dietary requirements.
What should we wear for a dawn cruise?
Bring a light jacket or jumper — mornings on the water can be cool even in summer. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are also recommended as the sun rises quickly. Non-slip shoes are ideal.
Is the dawn dolphin cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome. Life jackets are provided in all sizes. The 2-hour duration is short enough to keep young ones engaged, and dolphins are always a hit.
How do we book?
Book via WhatsApp on +34 123 456 789 or use the enquiry form on our website. We'll confirm availability, take a deposit, and send you joining instructions for Puerto Banús.