A Marbella sunset snorkeling combo cruise from Puerto Banús is the most efficient way to fit two of the Costa del Sol’s best experiences into a single afternoon. You get a sheltered cove for swimming and snorkelling while the sun is still high, then a leisurely cruise back past the Golden Mile as the sky turns orange and pink. No rushing, no crowds – just your group, a skipper, and an open bar.
How the combo works
The charter runs for four hours, split roughly 50/50. You depart Puerto Banús at around 16:00 (or 17:00 in high summer) and head east or west to one of two coves: Cala del Faro (near the Marbella lighthouse) or Cala Cortés (just past Cabopino). The skipper drops anchor in 3–6 m of clear water, hands out masks and fins, and you have about 90 minutes to swim, snorkel, or simply float on a paddleboard if you prefer.
At around 18:00–18:30 you weigh anchor and motor back along the coast. The return leg takes you past the Marbella Marina, the Golden Mile, and finally into Puerto Banús as the sun sets behind La Concha mountain. Drinks remain open throughout – cava for a toast, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
Which boats are used
This experience runs on two boats from our fleet:
- Astondoa 40 – 12.5 m, max 9 guests, with a spacious sundeck and a small cabin for changing.
- Azimut 39 – 12.5 m, max 11 guests, with a larger cockpit and a wet bar.
Both are Tier A boats priced at €749 for 4 hours or €2,299 for 8 hours if you want a full day. The price includes the skipper, fuel, insurance, Spanish IVA, snorkel gear, and the open bar with snacks. You can see the full fleet and compare options on our boat rental Marbella page.
Snorkelling conditions and marine life
The Costa del Sol is not a coral reef destination, but the rocky bottoms around Cala del Faro and Cala Cortés host a surprising variety of fish. Expect to see sea bream, damselfish, wrasse, and the occasional octopus hiding in crevices. Water visibility ranges from 5–15 m depending on wind and recent swell. Late afternoon light actually improves visibility because the sun is lower and glare is reduced.
Water temperature in summer (June–September) is 22–26°C – a shorty wetsuit is optional. In May and October it drops to 18–21°C, so we recommend a thin 3 mm wetsuit (we can provide one on request). The coves are sheltered from the prevailing easterly wind, so the surface is usually calm.
Sunset timing and best months
Sunset in Marbella varies by season:
| Month | Sunset time | Departure time |
|---|---|---|
| May | 21:15 | 17:00 |
| June | 21:40 | 17:00 |
| July | 21:40 | 16:00 |
| August | 21:15 | 16:00 |
| September | 20:30 | 16:00 |
| October | 19:45 | 15:00 |
The best months for this combo are June through September, when the sea is warmest and the sunset lasts longer. May and October are also good but cooler – bring a light jacket for the return cruise.
What to bring and what to expect
- Swimwear, towel, sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), and a light jumper for the evening breeze.
- Your own snorkel mask if you have a prescription – we provide standard ones.
- A camera or phone – the sunset light on La Concha is worth a few shots.
- No red wine – it stains the upholstery. White wine, cava, and beer are provided.
The skipper handles all navigation and anchoring. You do not need a boat licence – this is a private charter with a licensed professional. The boat has a marine toilet and a fresh-water shower on the swim platform for rinsing off after snorkelling.
How to book
This experience is available on request – we do not have a live calendar. To reserve, send us a WhatsApp message with your preferred date, group size, and whether you want the Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39. We will confirm availability within 2 hours. Payment is by bank transfer or card link. Cancellations are free up to 48 hours before departure.
For a full list of boats and other experiences, visit our boat rental Marbella page.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the sunset snorkeling combo start?
Typically 16:00 or 17:00 depending on the season. The first two hours are spent at a sheltered cove for snorkelling, then you cruise back towards Puerto Banús as the sun sets around 20:30–21:30. Your skipper will confirm the exact departure time after booking.
Which coves do we snorkel at?
We use Cala del Faro or Cala Cortés, both within 20–30 minutes of Puerto Banús. Cala del Faro has a rocky seabed with sea bream and occasional octopus. Cala Cortés is slightly sandier and more sheltered. The skipper chooses based on wind and sea conditions.
Is snorkelling equipment provided?
Yes – masks, snorkels, and fins are included at no extra cost. We carry adult sizes and a few youth options. If you have your own prescription mask, bring it along. Life jackets are also available for non-swimmers.
What is included in the €749 price?
The price covers the full 4-hour charter, a licensed skipper, fuel, insurance, Spanish VAT (21%), snorkel gear, and an open bar of water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and cava. Light snacks (olives, crisps, nuts) are also provided.
Can we bring our own food and drink?
Yes – you are welcome to bring extra snacks, a picnic, or your own beverages. The boat has a small fridge and a cooler box. Glass bottles are fine, but please avoid red wine (stains). We recommend a light meal before boarding.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Your safety is our priority. If the skipper deems conditions unsafe (high wind, thunderstorms, or rough seas), we will reschedule at no cost or issue a full refund. We monitor forecasts 48 hours ahead and will notify you.
Can we stay out longer than 4 hours?
Yes – the Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39 can be booked for 8 hours (€2,299) if you want a full day at sea. That gives you 3–4 hours of snorkelling plus a longer sunset cruise. Contact us via WhatsApp to arrange.
Do we need to be experienced swimmers?
No – the skipper will anchor in calm, shallow water (3–6 m deep) so you can stand or float easily. Life jackets are mandatory for non-swimmers. We also carry a floating ring. The crew will brief everyone before entering the water.