Marbella: Private Sailing Charter & Dolphin Watching with Drinks

Summary

Marbella sunset sailing charter with dolphin watching and drinks

You’ll feel Marbella’s sea breeze as you set sail on a private yacht with drinks in hand. Watch for dolphins alongside your captain, try paddleboarding or just relax with snacks on deck. Sunset brings soft light over the Costa del Sol — an experience that stays with you long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Mediterranean to smell so clean — like salt and sun-warmed rope — when we stepped onto the “Bliss” in Marbella. Our captain, Pieter, was all smiles and bare feet, tossing us cold sodas before we even left the harbor. I’d never been on a Beneteau Oceanis before (I had to Google it later), but you could stretch out anywhere on deck, which felt both fancy and somehow totally relaxed at the same time. There was this gentle rocking as we drifted past the Costa del Sol coastline, a kind of slow rhythm that made me forget about my phone for once.

We spotted dolphins maybe twenty minutes in — not right up close, but enough to see their fins slicing through the water. Pieter pointed them out with this quiet excitement, like he still wasn’t bored of it after all these years. He let us try steering for a bit (I’m not sure I did it right; my friend laughed when we veered off course). There were snacks and some surprisingly good local wine, and at one point I just lay back listening to the sails creak overhead while someone else tried paddleboarding off the side. The light got softer as we sailed further out — not dramatic or anything, just this calm gold everywhere.

I keep thinking about how easy everyone seemed with each other out there — strangers waving from other boats, Pieter telling stories about storms he’s seen roll in from Africa (“but not today,” he said). We didn’t do much except talk and watch the sky change color. It sounds simple but honestly, that’s what made it feel like a real break. If you want loud music or crowds, this isn’t your thing. But if you want to just be on the water for a few hours with good people and no rush to get anywhere… yeah, I’d do this private sailing charter again in a heartbeat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private 3-hour sailing charter

• Board luxury Beneteau Oceanis yacht
• Enjoy sunbathing on ample deck
• Learn sailing ropes or relax
• Spot dolphins in Mediterranean waters
• Watch sunset over Costa del Sol
• Return to Marbella harbor

Top questions

How long does the private sailing charter in Marbella last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Are drinks included during the Marbella sailing trip?

Yes, alcoholic beverages (for guests 18+), soda, bottled water, and snacks are included.

Is dolphin watching guaranteed on this Marbella yacht charter?

Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

Is paddleboard or snorkel equipment provided?

Yes, both paddleboard and snorkeling equipment are included for guest use.

Can infants join this sailing tour?

Specialized infant seats are available for infants.

Is hotel pickup included for this Marbella sailing experience?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby.

Is there a bathroom onboard?

Yes, there are two bathrooms available on board.

What languages does the captain speak?

The crew offers service in English and Dutch.

What’s included

Your day includes a 3-hour private yacht charter from Marbella with an experienced captain at the helm (and fuel covered), complimentary soft drinks, bottled water, local wine or beer for adults over 18, plus snacks throughout. Paddleboard and snorkeling gear are ready to use onboard — just bring yourself and maybe a hat for that late afternoon sun.