Estepona Dolphin Search Boat Cruise with Swim Stop Marbella

Estepona, the garden of the Costa del Sol

Estepona is a seaside town on the western Costa del Sol, about 30 minutes' drive from Marbella along the coast towards Gibraltar. Behind its long beaches lies a charming old town of whitewashed streets decorated with thousands of flowerpots, which has earned it the nickname of the garden of the Costa del Sol, as well as large murals painted on the facades of apartment blocks.

Behind the town rise the reddish slopes of Sierra Bermeja, a mountain range of rare peridotite rock covered in pine forests. Combining an Estepona boat trip with a stroll through the flower-filled lanes of the old town and the Orchid House botanical garden makes a perfect day out from Marbella, quieter and more traditional than the busy resorts further east.

Estepona marina and the departure

The cruise departs from Estepona's port, which combines a working fishing harbour with a leisure marina lined with cafés and restaurants. Fishing boats still unload their catch here, and on Sunday mornings the marina hosts a popular open-air market. Your booking confirmation gives the exact pier and berth.

The boat is a comfortable motor cruiser designed for small groups, far from the crowded tourist boats. At the bow there is a huge cushioned sunbed of 4 x 4 metres, 16 square metres to lie back and soak up the sun, while the stern has a table and shaded seating for those who prefer the breeze in the shade. Life jackets are on board, and a Bluetooth speaker adds music if you wish.

Dolphins of the western Costa del Sol

The waters between Estepona and the Strait of Gibraltar are among the best in Spain for spotting dolphins. Common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins live and feed here, attracted by the rich currents where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, and striped dolphins are sometimes seen further offshore. Pods are often found swimming and leaping close to the surface.

Your skipper knows where the dolphins tend to appear and keeps a lookout throughout the cruise, approaching calmly and at a respectful distance so as not to disturb them. Because they are wild animals in their natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the chance of seeing them adds an exciting touch to every trip. Keep your camera ready and your eyes on the horizon.

The swim stop and life on board

When sea conditions allow, the skipper stops the boat for a refreshing swim in the open Mediterranean, away from the crowded beaches. The water off Estepona is clear and deep blue, and swimming from the boat with the coast and the mountains in view is one of the most memorable moments of the trip. Remember to bring your own towel.

Refreshing soft drinks and light snacks are served during the cruise, so you can simply relax and enjoy the views. The trip suits couples, families with children and small groups of friends alike; children from 3 to 12 pay a reduced rate on the shared cruise, and infants travel with their parents. Optional extra food portions can be added to your booking on request.

Views towards Gibraltar and choosing your departure

On clear days the views from the water stretch along the whole coast, from the white towns of the Costa del Sol to the unmistakable Rock of Gibraltar to the west, and sometimes even the mountains of North Africa on the horizon across the Strait. Early morning and late afternoon bring the softest light, ideal for photographs.

Departures run at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 17:00 and 19:00. The morning trips usually enjoy the calmest sea, while the 19:00 cruise often coincides with a beautiful golden sunset in summer. If you want the boat to yourselves, choose the private cruise option for your group, with the same route, dolphin search, swim stop, soft drinks and snacks.