Marbella & Puerto Banús: Sailing Tour with Drinks & Dolphin Spotting

Sail marbella’s coast, watch for dolphins, relax with drinks in puerto banús

You’ll sail from Marbella with a local crew, searching for dolphins while sipping cava or cold beer on deck. There’s time to swim or just watch life go by in Puerto Banús’ famous harbor. Expect laughter, sun on your face, and that peaceful feeling only the sea can give you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing and dolphin watching adventure

• Board modern sailboat
• Sail along the coast
• Spot dolphins and marine animals
• Enjoy drinks on board
• Swim or paddle surf if possible
• Visit Puerto Banús port

The experience

“Sometimes they show up, sometimes they don’t, but the sea always gives you something,” our skipper grinned as we left Marbella’s marina. The boat rocked gently under my feet, and I could smell sunscreen mixing with salt air. There was a quiet hum from the engine at first, then just the slap of water against the hull once we caught enough wind to really sail. I didn’t expect how quickly everything felt different out there, lighter, maybe? Or just less noisy inside my head.

We scanned the horizon for dolphins (main keyword), hoping for that flick of silver. Some folks leaned over the rail, pointing at every shadow in the water: our guide laughed and said even locals get fooled by floating plastic bags sometimes. I sipped cold white wine (too early? who cares) and let my hand trail in the chilly water. At one point someone spotted something moving (maybe a dolphin, maybe not), but it got everyone talking and laughing anyway. The sun kept shifting on the waves. Sometimes it was blinding, then suddenly soft again.

There was this moment when we stopped near Puerto Banús and some people jumped in for a swim. I stayed on deck with a beer and watched all these fancy yachts gliding past: honestly, it’s a wild mix of luxury and laid-back energy here. Our guide told us stories about celebrities who docked nearby. I only recognized half the names but nodded along like I did. Later, when we headed back toward Marbella (day trip marbella puerto banús sailing), I felt that weird happy-tired feeling you get after being outside all day. Still think about that salty breeze sometimes.

What’s included

Your day includes expert navigation by local crew from Marbella’s marina with all drinks provided (water, sodas, beer, white wine and cava) plus time to explore Puerto Banús by boat. Swimming or paddle surfing may be possible depending on sea conditions before returning to port together.

Options for this experience

6 options

Sailboat Váruna (12.5 meters)Up to 11 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 11:30, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00Lasts 2 hours. Drinks and snacks: water, soft drinks, white wine, beer and cava. Dufour 410 Grand Large

Sailboat Nirvana (14 meters)Up to 11 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 11:30, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00Lasts 2 hours. Drinks and snacks: water, soft drinks, beer, white wine and cava. Dufour 455 Grand Large

Sailboat Váruna (12.5 meters)Up to 11 people · Guide in English or Spanish · Available from 13 Oct 2027Lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. Drinks and snacks: water, soft drinks, beer, white wine and cava. Dufour 410 Grand Large

See 3 more options

Sailboat Nirvana (14 meters)Up to 11 people · Guide in English or Spanish · Available from 13 Oct 2027Lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. Drinks and snacks: water, soft drinks, beer, white wine and cava. Dufour 455 Grand Large

Sailboat Neptune (14.70 meters)Up to 12 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 11:30, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00Lasts 2 hours. Drinks and snacks: water, soft drinks, beer, white wine and cava. Beneteau Oceanis 48

Sailboat Neptune (14.70 meters)Up to 12 people · Guide in English or Spanish · Available from 13 Oct 2027Lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. Drinks and snacks: water, soft drinks, beer, white wine and cava. Beneteau Oceanis 48

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:30, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alquiler Veleros Marbella

Traveler reviews

4.71★★★★★★★★★★

446 verified traveler reviews

5 ★367

4 ★51

3 ★15

2 ★4

1 ★9

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is dolphin spotting guaranteed on this Marbella sailing tour?

No, seeing dolphins isn’t guaranteed as they live freely in the area. Each trip is unique.

Are drinks included during the sailing tour?

Yes, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and cava are included on board.

Does this sailing tour include a stop at Puerto Banús?

Yes, you’ll visit Puerto Banús during your day trip from Marbella.

Can I swim during the tour?

If weather and sea conditions allow, there will be a chance to swim or paddle surf.

Do I need any sailing experience to join?

No previous sailing experience is needed. Expert crew handle navigation.

Are public transport options nearby for reaching departure point?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the marina in Marbella.