Benalmádena to Fuengirola Ferry: Coastal Views & Dolphin Spotting
Forty minutes on the water between two Costa del Sol towns, with landmarks sliding past and dolphins sometimes visible.
You board at Benalmádena Marina and spend forty minutes watching the coastline — castles, watchtowers, a Buddhist monument, a white village on the hillside — pass by as the ferry carries you to Fuengirola. The bar and WiFi keep you comfortable, dolphins sometimes appear in the water, and you arrive at a working marina where you can explore beaches, markets, or shops. No driving, no bus station, no arrangement needed beyond showing up.
2h–6h
Step-by-step itinerary
Ferry trip and Fuengirola visit
- Board ferry at Benalmádena Marina
- View Castillo de El-Bil-Bil castle
- See historic coastal lookout point
- Pass Casino Torrequebrada
- Spot Stupa of Enlightenment
- Gaze at Torre de Torremuelle watchtower
- Glide past Pueblo de Mijas village
- See El Toro de Osborne bull silhouette
- Arrive at Fuengirola marina
- Explore Fuengirola Street Market
- Visit Miramar Shopping Centre
The Experience
The ferry pulls away from Benalmádena Marina and the Castillo de El-Bil-Bil — that red Moorish castle — rises up on your left almost immediately. You're standing on deck or settled in a seat with WiFi already connecting, and the whole coastline starts unfolding like someone's slowly turning a postcard. The Casino Torrequebrada glints ahead, then the Stupa of Enlightenment Benalmádena catches the light, white and geometric against the blue. It's the kind of journey where you don't need a guide pointing things out because the water itself is doing the work.
As the ferry moves along the coast toward Fuengirola, the Torre de Torremuelle — an old watchtower — passes on the starboard side, and then Pueblo de Mijas appears on the hillside, all whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs stacked up the slope in that classic Andalusian way. The El Toro de Osborne de Torreblanca, that giant black bull silhouette, becomes visible against the landscape, and if you're paying attention you start to understand why this ferry route exists at all — it's not just transport, it's the view that matters. Dolphins do show up sometimes in these waters, though nobody promises it. When they do, people actually stop their conversations and point.
You arrive in Fuengirola at the Puerto Deportivo, a working marina packed with boats, restaurants, and shops. The town itself spreads out from there — sandy beaches, the street market running on Tuesdays and Saturdays with local goods and souvenirs, and the Miramar Shopping Centre if you want something more structured. The ferry gives you access to both towns without driving, without the bus station, without any of that. There's a bar onboard if you want coffee or something cold, restrooms if you need them, and the whole thing takes about forty minutes depending on conditions.
The ferry runs regularly between the two marinas, so you can do this as a one-way trip to explore Fuengirola, or round-trip if you just want the ride itself. It's wheelchair accessible, and families with small children or strollers can manage it fine. If you're staying in either town and want to move between them without a car, or if you're just looking for a different way to see the coast, this is how locals and visitors actually do it.
What’s included
Your ferry ticket includes WiFi access throughout the journey, use of the onboard bar for refreshments, and access to restroom facilities. The crossing runs between Benalmádena Marina and Fuengirola's Puerto Deportivo, with views of coastal landmarks and the possibility of dolphin spotting along the route.
Operated by Costasol Cruceros
Is this one for you?A good fit if you're staying in Benalmádena or Fuengirola and want to move between the two towns without driving or taking a bus — the ferry is the local way, and the forty-minute crossing is itself the experience, not just the transport.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
How long does the ferry take between Benalmádena and Fuengirola?
Approximately forty minutes, depending on sea conditions.
What landmarks will I see from the ferry?
The Castillo de El-Bil-Bil, Casino Torrequebrada, Stupa of Enlightenment Benalmádena, Torre de Torremuelle, Pueblo de Mijas, and the El Toro de Osborne de Torreblanca bull silhouette.
Are dolphins guaranteed on this route?
Dolphins often play in these waters, but sightings are not guaranteed.
What's included on the ferry?
WiFi, an onboard bar, and restroom facilities.
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair on the ferry?
Yes, the ferry is wheelchair accessible and strollers are permitted.
What can I do in Fuengirola once I arrive?
Explore sandy beaches, visit the street market (Tuesdays and Saturdays), shop at Miramar Shopping Centre, or dine at waterfront restaurants near the marina.
Is this a round-trip or one-way service?
You can book either one-way or round-trip, depending on whether you want to explore Fuengirola or just experience the ferry ride.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on board.
Benalmádena to Fuengirola Ferry: Coastal Views & Dolphin Spotting
2h–6h · EN · ES
from € 14 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.58126 reviews
