Fuengirola Boat Trips: Best Options & Things to Keep in Mind

Are you looking for Fuengirola boat trips?

In this article, I will share some of the options available, and also a few tips on what to watch out for when you’re booking your trip.

Let’s dive in! (pun intended)

Table of Contents

What to Know Before Booking a Boat Trip in Fuengirola

Dolphin Watching Trips – I think these types of trips are potentially a source of a big disappointment, rather than the adventure most of these companies promise.

The first thing you need to know is that to see wild dolphins, you need to be in Fuengirola at the right time of the year (spring and summer), and even then it’s not guaranteed you will see anything. The time also plays a role, you get the best chance of spotting them if you’re at sea early in the morning or latest by noon. Their breeding season also impacts when they come closer to the coastline, and the water temperature plays a role also.

I’ve seen dolphins a couple of times, without booking any dedicated tour – the first time on a catamaran cruise in Malaga in mid-September (which I was told is unusual as by that time they don’t hang around there), where I saw even baby dolphins. The second time was on a sunrise winter walk on Paseo Maritimo, when I could spot them easily from the beach as the sea was very calm.

If you set your mind on booking a trip like this, please manage your expectations and consider whether the money would be better spent on other experiences. A lot of these trips are also 1 hour long, so that’s a very small window that will just lower your chances to see them.

Boat Licensing – this one is rather obvious, but I thought I would mention it for completeness – most of the boat rentals offered by the local companies do not require a license, but the bigger capacity boats do, so do check that before you book anything.

Alternative Destinations – Fuengirola has a fairly limited availability of different types of boats you can rent and the types of trips you can take. If you want to expand your options, I would recommend looking into boat trip options from Benalmadena Marina, which is much bigger and has more options to choose from.

Fuengirola Boat Trips from Fuengirola Marina

Most of the boat rental companies and those offering dedicated trips to the sea have their offices in Fuengirola Marina. In the list below, you will find all the ones that are available, in no order of priority or quality. I do not have any personal experience with any of these.

I am planning to do a boat trip this year, and I would personally book the Bombay Sapphire sunset cruise, as I’ve seen the boat in the marina and they look like the best value for money option out of all of the companies (plus British run business, which is always a good thing).

1. Fuengirola Nautic

Fuengirola Nautic offers a nice selection of boats, ranging from 5 person boats to yachts with a capacity of 12 people. The smallest boat you can rent without a license, with a capacity of 5 people, costs 70 euros per hour, with the most expensive option being the yacht at 230 euros per hour.

In addition to boat rental, you can also book a dolphin watching tour, with 2 hours costing 40 euros per adult.

2. Splash Watersports Fuengirola

Splash offers a range of services, from water sports equipment, and boat charters to dolphin watching tours. Their boat selection is not extensive, online they only showcase their luxury charter – a Portofino Yacht with prices starting from 500 euros.

The dolphin trip is 1 hour trip costing 45 euros per person.

3. Bombay Saphire Sailing Trips

Bombay Saphire Sailing Trips and Charter offers a range of different trips and services, including yacht charters, sunset cruises and dolphin trips:

sunset cruise – unlimited drinks and snacks, 35 euros per person
dolphin trips – 2 hour trip with unlimited drinks and snacks, 35 euros per person
private party charters – starting from 190 euros per hour

4. Ferry from Fuengirola to Benalmadena

Ferry from Benalmadena to Fuengirola and back is a popular option to commute between the two cities and see a bit of the coastline.

It is available from March to November, with one-way tickets at 12 euros per person, and return tickets at 18 euros per person. The only issue is that it doesn’t run very frequently (four times per day) and the journey is rather long.

5. Nathan’s Charter Fishing Trips

Nathan’s Charter Fishing Trips focus on fishing and water sports services and activities. They have also private charters available but no information online about prices and terms. Also dolphin watching option, again with no details about trip duration or prices.

Water Sports & Activities

Pirate Parasailing Fuengirola – parasailing trips around the coastline

Jet Watersports – jet ski rental and other water sports and activities

Paddle Surf Center Fuengirola – rent equipment like SUP board or kayaks, or book one of their courses

Fuengirola: Recommended Day Trips & Experiences

Caminito del Rey Day Trip with Guide – explore the world-famous pathway of the king, and admire the stunning views from the gorge El Chorro. Includes pick up in Fuengirola, entrance to Caminito del Rey and helmets.
Day Trip to Gibraltar – with pick up from Fuengirola with a minibus, with free time in Gibraltar for shopping and an optional tour of the nature reserve.
Gibraltar Sightseeing Day Tour – a more structured day trip with a full tour of the nature reserve, showing you all the highlights, with free time for shopping. Pick up from Fuengirola.
Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas Day Trip – see the famous Puente Nuevo bridge in Ronda, with one of the oldest bullrings in the country, and admire the homes and restaurants built into caves in Setenil. Pick-up in Fuengirola – includes a walking tour of Ronda and a complimentary glass of wine in Ronda.
Day Trip to Granada with Alhambra Tour – see one of the architectural wonders of Spain, the Moorish Palace complex of Alhambra, with free time to explore Granada. Includes pick-up from Fuengirola, tickets to Alhambra and a guide.