Private Puerto Banús Sailing Trip with Paddleboarding and Snorkelling

Puerto Banús marina

Puerto Banús is the most famous marina on the Costa del Sol, built in 1970 in the Nueva Andalucía area a few kilometres west of Marbella's old town. Designed in the style of a traditional Andalusian fishing village, with white houses and tiled roofs around the harbour, it quickly became a magnet for luxury yachts, designer boutiques and waterfront cafés, and it is still one of the most visited places in Marbella.

Your private sailing trip begins on Pier 4 of the marina, where the captain meets you at the pier entrance and walks you to the sailboat. Leaving the harbour you pass rows of superyachts moored along the quays, a sight that alone makes a Puerto Banús boat trip memorable, before heading out into the open sea.

Sailing the Marbella coastline

Once outside the harbour the sails are raised and the 12-metre boat settles into an easy rhythm along the coast. From the water you see the long Puerto Banús beach, the villas and gardens of Nueva Andalucía and, rising directly behind the coast, the rocky peak of La Concha in the Sierra Blanca mountains, the landmark of Marbella.

Because the boat is private, the captain can adapt the route and pace to your group, whether you want a lively sail with the boat heeling in the breeze or a gentle cruise with long stops. Sitting on deck with the wind and the sun, you understand why sailing is such a popular way to discover Marbella and the Costa del Sol.

Paddle boarding, snorkelling and the swim stop

When the sea is calm, the captain anchors off the coast for a swim in the Mediterranean. The stand-up paddle board on board is perfect for exploring around the boat, and snorkel masks let you look at the sandy seabed and the fish that gather around rocky patches. These activities are offered only when conditions are safe for everyone.

The water off Marbella is at its warmest from July to October, but even in spring a short swim from the boat is refreshing. Bring your swimwear and towel, and the crew will help beginners get on the board and find their balance. If you prefer to stay dry, the deck is a comfortable place to relax with a soft drink.

Dolphins and marine life of the Costa del Sol

Common and bottlenose dolphins live in the sea between Marbella and the Strait of Gibraltar, where the cooler, nutrient-rich water of the Atlantic flows into the Mediterranean, and they are sometimes seen playing in the waves close to the boats. Sightings are never guaranteed, as these are wild animals, but the possibility adds excitement to every outing, and the captain always keeps a respectful distance if a pod appears.

Seabirds such as gulls and shearwaters follow the coast, and on clear days you can see the outline of Gibraltar to the west and the mountains of Morocco across the water. The captain knows the area well and shares stories about the coast, the marina and the wildlife during the trip, so keep your camera ready.

Why choose the private sailing trip

With the private option the sailboat and crew are reserved only for your group, which makes it ideal for couples, families and friends celebrating a special occasion. You choose the 12:00 or 15:00 departure, and the price shown in the booking panel covers the whole boat rather than each person.

Soft drinks, water and snacks are served on board, and the captain shapes the two hours around what you enjoy most: sailing, swimming or simply relaxing. Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear and a towel. In summer and on Saturday mornings, allow extra time to reach Puerto Banús, as the roads around the marina can be busy because of the street market.