More about: The 7 Best Boat Tours and Cruises in Malaga
Malaga is one of the most visited and busiest cities in Andalusia, Spain, and it is also a coastal area, so it is common to see boats around the coast offering a sea tour around the city.
Whether you want to see dolphins, watch the sunset from the sea or cruise along the coast on a catamaran, this is always a good option to include among the things to see and do in Malaga, whether you choose private or shared trips.
1. Private sailboat trip along the Costa del Sol

This is a tour that will take you along the entire Costa del Sol on a fun and incredible private cruise for you and your group, where you can see not only the city of Malaga, but also other cities located near the coast.
From the sea, you will be able to see places such as Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Benalmádena. If you're lucky and the sea is calm, you may even see dolphins swimming in the area. This is a tour that you will love doing with children, with your family and even with your partner.
It is one of those tours that you will never forget because of the many privileges that the sea offers you to admire. If you ask me about the schedule for this tour, I would say that this is an experience that you can arrange according to your preferences. But I can assure you that whatever time you choose, this is one of the best tours in Malaga and the surrounding area.
You can arrange the trip at sunrise, so you can experience seeing the sun rise from aboard a boat. You also have the opportunity to take the tour during the day to see dolphins or at dusk to watch the sun set over the horizon with the sea in the background.
Details of interest
- Price: This tour costs approximately £55 per person.
- Duration: The tour lasts approximately two hours.
- Transportation: You will need to make your own way to the port. Once at the port, you will board a boat equipped with all amenities.
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2. Tourist boat tour of Gibraltar to see dolphins

One of the things I like most about this tour is how comprehensive it is, because it not only takes you on a boat trip, but also on a bus tour of the Malaga area. The first thing you will do during the tour is visit the tourist attractions of Malaga and then cross the border into Gibraltar.
At this point, I recommend that you have your documentation to hand so that crossing the border is not too complicated. Once in Gibraltar, you will continue on the Malaga tourist bus, touring the area until you finally reach the port where you will board the boat to go whale watching.
Some of the species you are most likely to see during this tour are dolphins. You will also be able to see and learn about the life of the different cetaceans that live in this area. As the tour lasts approximately one hour, you will then have plenty of time to continue exploring Gibraltar.
Details of interest
- Price: From £47 per person.
- Duration: This complete tour can last between 8 and 9 hours, approximately.
- Means of transport: The experience will begin on land by bus, after which you will board a boat and travel around the bay.
3. Catamaran cruise around the bay

This is one of the most comprehensive boat trips you can find in Malaga, as it will take you around the entire bay on board an all-inclusive catamaran. Unlike other similar trips, the price of this trip also includes food and drinks on board.
This is an experience that you can enjoy either in a shared or private setting. For the private experience, you will need at least 8 people to accompany you on a private charter. Some of the activities offered on this catamaran cruise include a kayak trip for you and everyone travelling with you.
You can also go snorkelling with a guide who will teach you everything you need to know to enjoy this experience. If there is one thing you cannot miss while on board, it is watching the marine wildlife, sea conditions permitting. In addition to this, you will be able to see enchanting landscapes in places such as La Herradura Bay and the Punta de la Mona promontory.
Details of interest
- Price: You can enjoy this experience for a price starting at £112 per person.
- Duration: The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours.
- Transportation: You will need to make your own way to the port and board the catamaran. Once you arrive at the port, you will board the catamaran and the entire experience will take place on board.
4. Sunset catamaran tour with wine tasting

If there is one thing that sets Spain apart from other countries, it is the unquestionable quality of its wines, which is why you will enjoy this catamaran cruise so much more than expected. During the catamaran trip, you will have the opportunity to taste exquisite sweet wines typical of Spanish production.
You will also be accompanied by an expert guide who will not only tell you all about the dynamic lifestyle of the Malaga coast, but also everything you need to know about the wines produced in Spain.
During the sunset tour, you will see the sun set behind the mountains of the Costa del Sol. A true spectacle if you are a lover of nature and beautiful views.
This is a trip that , in addition to bringing you peace and calm, will leave you with incredible memories, making it one of the activities you should include on your list of things to do in Malaga at night.
Details of interest
- Price: This excursion costs approximately £10 per person.
- Duration: It lasts at least an hour and a half from sunset until late at night, when the sun goes down.
- Transport: You will need to make your own way to the port, but once you arrive, you will complete the catamaran trip, ending the tour in the same place where you started.
5. Boat trip and dinner in the port of Malaga

This programme is ideal if you want to spend some relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The trip begins in the port of Malaga, where you will board a catamaran that will take you along the coast to see all the most interesting places around the coast.
On board the catamaran, you'll have an incredible experience, with the opportunity to enjoy alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, depending on your preferences, take in the beautiful views and take all the photos you want.
Once the catamaran trip is over, the programme invites you to stop by the pier for lunch or dinner, depending on the plan and schedule you have chosen. The meal is, of course, included in the price of the package.
Details of interest
- Price: The approximate price is £72 per person.
- Duration: This plan is estimated to last approximately 2 hours.
- Transportation: You will need to make your own way to the pier, but once you board the boat, the rest of the experience takes place on board the catamaran.
6. Kayak route along the cliffs of Nerja and Maro

During this kayak route, you will have the privilege of discovering the impressive cliffs of Nerja and Maro from Malaga. You will also visit other nearby places that will captivate you with their grandeur and beauty, such as the Doncella Waterfall, Caleta de Maro beach, the Maro Cliffs and many other places that stand out for their beautiful scenery.
If you want an extreme adventure to enjoy with friends or family, this is an activity you cannot miss on your visit to Malaga. It is important to note that, although this is one of the 10 best activities to do in Malaga, it may be cancelled due to weather conditions, in which case your money will be refunded and the adventure will be cancelled.
Details of interest
- Price: The approximate price is £30 per person.
- Duration: The entire tour lasts around two and a half hours.
- Transport: To get to the port to start the kayak tour, you will need to make your own way there using public transport or a hire car. Once you are on the kayak, the rest of the activity takes place on this mode of transport.
7. Paddle surfing route along the cliffs of Nerja and Maro with snorkelling

Continuing with the water activities around the cliffs of Nerja and Maro, another experience I recommend is this paddle surfing route in this area. It is a guided excursion that includes all the necessary equipment for this sport, as well as the accompaniment of an expert.
For two and a half hours, you can take a complete tour of the cliffs, seeing not only the beautiful landscape around you, but also some of the marine fauna, if the ocean allows it.
Details of interest
- Price: The price usually ranges between £20 and £24 per person, depending on the season in which the activity takes place.
- Duration: It can last around two and a half hours depending on sea conditions and the number of people taking part in the adventure.
- Transport: You will need to make your own way to the place where the paddle surf team will depart. Once there, the rest of the activity will take place on board the paddle surf board.
Duration of boat trips in Malaga

Depending on the type of experience you book, the trip may be a little shorter or longer. Some boat trips usually last half a day, while others are full-day experiences. You can also find trips that offer between two and three hours of travel along the Costa del Sol.
In all cases, the duration will depend on the number of activities you do during the tour, as well as the time of day you take the excursion. If you take one of these excursions in the afternoon or evening, they usually last no more than three hours, which is how long the sunset usually lasts.
If you go on a morning excursion, it usually lasts approximately four to five hours, ending at midday with a nice lunch in the city's port. This is a good option, especially if you are travelling at the weekend.
What will I see on this type of excursion?

Depending on the type of trip you book, you will see different things. You will usually see dolphins swimming in the area, and you will also have the chance to see the city from different viewpoints.
If you take the evening or night tour, you will have the chance to see the sunset and how it descends over the city of Malaga. This is undoubtedly a tour that will leave you with many memories, regardless of the time of day you take it.
You should also know that the experience on board can vary considerably depending on the type of experience you book. If you go on a private tour, you will probably be able to enjoy exquisite tastings and wine and other spirits.
Some of the best excursions from Malaga allow you to try water sports such as snorkelling and even parasailing. Each boat trip is different and offers a range of experiences to enjoy.
Why is a boat trip along the coast of Malaga recommended?

A trip along the Costa del Sol is definitely recommended to discover everything the coast has to offer. I recommend this type of excursion because, together with an expert guide, you will learn incredible details about tourism in the area, but you will also have fun at all times.
The boat or ship experience is something you have to try at least once in your life, but before you do, it is important to make sure you are not afraid of boats. I recommend seeing Malaga from the sea because it gives you a perspective from afar of everything the city has to offer.
In addition, this tour is a great experience to include among the things to see and do in Malaga with children because they always love seeing the sea and the city skyline from a different point of view. It is definitely a tour you cannot miss if you are visiting the city of museums.