Benalmadena Catamaran: dolphins & tapas in open water

You choose when to jump in the water, what to snorkel and how long to stay.

You sail from Benalmadena Port into the Costa del Sol, watch for dolphins in open water, then stop to swim and snorkel with gear provided. Spanish tapas and drinks arrive during the water stop. The return journey takes you back to port in the late afternoon, with the whole outing lasting 2 hours 30 minutes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran sailing and sea activities

• Depart from Port of Benalmadena
• Sail along Costa del Sol coastline
• Spot dolphins in natural habitat
• Stop for swimming and snorkeling
• Taste Spanish tapas and drinks
• Return to the port

The Experience

How do you pack a swim, a meal and wildlife into one afternoon without spending the whole time organizing it? The catamaran leaves Benalmadena Port and heads into the clear waters of the Costa del Sol in search of dolphins in their natural habitat. The boat stays in open water long enough that sightings happen regularly — not guaranteed, but common enough that most departures see them. You're on deck the whole time, so you watch the coast recede and the water change color as you move deeper.

The stop comes about halfway through. You get snorkeling glasses, a tube and a paddle board if you want one; the water is warm enough that you don't need a wetsuit. Some people jump straight in, others ease in from the board. There's no schedule — you swim as long as you want while the crew stays on deck. This is when the tapas come out: Spanish small plates made with local ingredients, plus drinks. You can eat first and swim after, or the other way around. The whole stop runs long enough that you're not rushing back to the boat.

The return to port takes the same route back, and the whole thing lands at 2 hours 30 minutes. Benalmadena Port is walkable from the town center, and public transport stops nearby if you're staying elsewhere on the Costa del Sol. Bring a towel and sunscreen; the boat has shade but you're in the sun most of the crossing.

What’s included

• Snorkeling glasses and tubes.
• paddle board access.
• Spanish tapas with local ingredients.
• drinks during the water stop.
• catamaran sailing through the Costa del Sol.
• dolphin-watching in open water.
• supervised swimming and snorkeling stop.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by HelenaNautic-Boat Trips

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to swim and eat without arranging gear rentals or a separate meal — the catamaran bundles it all into one afternoon, and the long water stop means you're not rushed between the two.

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Top questions

Do you actually see dolphins on this catamaran?

Dolphin sightings are common on this route along the Costa del Sol, though not guaranteed on every departure. The boat searches in open water where they naturally occur.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling glasses, tubes and paddle boards are all provided at no extra cost.

How long do you get to swim?

The water stop is long enough to swim, snorkel and eat at your own pace. There's no fixed time limit — you stay in as long as you want while the crew remains on the boat.

What kind of tapas are served?

Spanish tapas made with local ingredients, served with drinks during the water stop.

Is this suitable for young children?

Yes. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and small children can sit on an adult's lap. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels.

How do I get to Benalmadena Port?

The port is in Benalmadena town center and is walkable from most accommodations. Public transport stops are available nearby.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. The boat has some shade, but you'll spend most of the crossing in the sun.