A family boat day in Marbella is its own type of charter — different boat choice, different itinerary, different pace from a stag-party flybridge or a sunset cruise for two. This page is the practical playbook: which of our boats works best for kids, what we pre-load on board, and where to anchor for the calmest snorkel of the day.
Which boat for a family day?
| Family size | Boat we recommend | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 2 adults + 1–2 kids | Astondoa 40 | Spanish-built, classic teak interior, AC saloon, cabin for naps, gentle ride. |
| 2 adults + 3–4 kids | Azimut 39 | Flybridge upstairs for the kids, AC saloon downstairs, marine head with shower. |
| 3+ families together (10–12 guests) | Mangusta 80 | 24 m of deck space — kids have their own zone, adults have theirs, jet ski included. |
What's already on board for kids
- Life jackets in every size — infant (under 12 kg), child (12–25 kg), youth (25–40 kg), adult. Spanish maritime law requires under-12s wear them while underway; we provide.
- Snorkel masks & fins in junior sizes.
- Inflatable donut + paddleboard for anchor stops.
- Bimini shade covering the cockpit (we keep kids out of direct midday sun).
- AC interior as a refuge from the heat on full-day charters.
- Marine head with shower — proper toilet, not a Porta-Potti, with running water.
What we pre-load if you ask 24 hours ahead
- Fresh fruit (banana, apple, watermelon, grapes)
- Crisps and biscuits the kids actually like (tell us brands if it matters)
- Juice boxes (apple, orange, no high-sugar Capri-Suns by default — we go neutral)
- Ice lollies for older kids — kept in the freezer until you ask
- Sandwiches if you want a no-fuss lunch (€8 per child for a ham & cheese + fruit + lolly box)
The calm-water itinerary (under-5s)
- 10:00 Boarding at Puerto Banús — calmer mouth in the morning, less queue.
- 10:30 Slow cruise east 25 min to anchor off Cabopino dunes — sandy bottom, gentle slope, sheltered from the levante.
- 11:00–12:30 Swim and snorkel stop. Donut launched. Kids can walk waist-deep on the sand bar.
- 12:30 Light lunch on board.
- 13:00–13:30 Naps in the cabin if needed.
- 13:30 Cruise back to Puerto Banús — return by 14:00, well within attention span.
Total: 4 hours, €1,299. Easy half-day even with very young children.
Snorkel stops worth the trip
- Cala Cortés (east of Cabopino) — small protected cove, 3–5 m depth, sea bream and small wrasse. Easy snorkel for 6+ year-olds.
- Río Real — sandy bottom with occasional octopus spotting near the rocks. Suits all ages.
- Cala del Faro (west of Estepona) — rockier, deeper. Better for confident swimmers 9+.
Safety basics that come up
- UV doubles at sea — reflection off the water. UPF 50 rash vest + hat + 50+ sunscreen is non-negotiable.
- Engine zone is off-limits while running — skipper will brief the kids in 30 seconds before departure.
- Bare feet on deck — better grip than any shoe on wet teak.
- Marine life — Marbella waters are benign. No jellyfish bloom most years, no aggressive fish. Watch for sea urchins at rocky entries (Cabopino dunes is sandy so safe).
How to book a family day
Tap Book now top-right — tell us how many adults + kids, ages of the kids, your date and rough budget. We reply with 2–3 specific boats and the exact total. 50% deposit secures the date, balance the morning of the charter. Free cancellation up to 7 days out; weather cancellations 100% refunded.
For the full guide on charting with kids in Marbella (life-jacket rules, packing list, things that go wrong), see our kids on a boat in Marbella blog post.
Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum age for a family charter?
No legal minimum, but operators recommend 6 months and above. Babies under 6 months struggle with the sun and motion on most boats. From 1 year up, with the right boat and a short morning itinerary, kids do brilliantly.
Do you provide life jackets for kids?
Yes, in every size — infant (under 12 kg), child (12–25 kg), youth (25–40 kg), and adult. Spanish maritime law requires under-12s wear them while underway. Mention any unusual sizing when booking.
Can we bring our own food?
Yes — BYO welcomed for snacks, sandwiches, fruit. We also pre-load on request with 24 h notice. Catered lunches (paella, sushi platter, hot meals) are €25–€60 per head.
How long can young kids cope on a boat?
Under-3s: 2–3 hours total. 4–7s: 3–4 hours comfortably (longer with naps in the cabin). 8+: full day works if there's a swim stop and snacks. Build in shade — bimini covers the cockpit, but the foredeck is sun-exposed.
What if the kids get seasick?
Mention it when booking and the skipper picks a calm-water route (Marbella Marina to Cabopino in the morning is virtually flat). Ginger biscuits help. If symptoms appear, we anchor in the calmest spot immediately. Catamarans and motor yachts both have flat-deck stability that minimises motion.