Wild dolphins, out at sea
The Costa del Sol is home to striped and bottlenose dolphins all year round. Our skipper knows their passing grounds off Marbella and sails slowly and respectfully so you can see them up close without disturbing them.
We leave Puerto Banús heading for open water, with stops to swim, paddle board and enjoy the catering on board. The perfect trip for families and groups who want nature without giving up the exclusivity of a private yacht.
Skipper, fuel, insurance, paddle board, snorkel and light catering on board.
4 hours is the best option to get far enough out. Also 2h and 8h.
Families, couples and groups wanting nature and swimming offshore.
Jet ski and extended catering.
Note: sightings depend on nature and cannot be guaranteed, but the odds along the Costa del Sol are very high for most of the year.
Free cancellation 24h ahead · Confirmed in under 2h
Shall we go find dolphins?
Book my tripA closer look at dolphin watching in Marbella
Few experiences on the Costa del Sol feel as memorable as watching wild dolphins glide alongside your own private yacht. Our dolphin watching in Marbella trips leave straight from Puerto Banús aboard the De Antonio D50, giving you the freedom to follow the pods at a gentle, respectful pace rather than sharing a crowded tour boat. With an expert skipper reading the sea and the light, you get the best possible chance of an unforgettable encounter, followed by time to swim in clear water offshore.
Which dolphins you'll see & when
The most frequent visitors are common bottlenose dolphins, which live in the Alborán Sea between the Spanish coast and North Africa all year round. Striped and common dolphins pass through too, often in larger, faster-moving groups. Sightings are possible in every season, but the odds and the experience are best when the sea is calm: an early morning departure or a golden sunset sail, when a flat surface makes every fin and splash easy to spot. Our skipper knows the depths and currents where the pods tend to feed, so time on the water is spent looking in the right places.
How the trip works
You board at Puerto Banús and head out into open water, where the dolphins roam beyond the busy inshore traffic. When we find a pod, the skipper eases off the throttle and keeps a courteous distance, letting the animals approach on their own terms; we never chase or crowd them, which is both the ethical choice and the surest way to enjoy a longer encounter. Afterwards, we drop anchor in a sheltered spot so you can swim, snorkel and paddle board. If you love a calm cove, our guide to the best coves to anchor near Marbella shows where we like to pause.
Who it's ideal for
Because the boat is entirely yours, the trip suits families with children, couples and small groups of nature lovers alike. Kids stay glued to the rails watching for the next fin, while the private format means the tempo, the music and the swim stops all follow your lead. Photographers appreciate the low, uncrowded viewpoint, and anyone who prefers wildlife to nightlife will feel right at home. Prefer to end the day with warm light on the water instead? Pair the wildlife with our sunset yacht tour in Marbella for the best of both.
Frequently asked questions
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
No. Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed. That said, the waters off Marbella hold resident pods all year and our skipper knows their usual grounds, so encounters are very common, especially on calm mornings.
What is the best time of day for dolphin watching in Marbella?
Early morning and late afternoon are best, when the sea is calmest and the dolphins are most active. A flat sea makes fins and splashes far easier to spot, so we recommend booking either a morning slot or a sunset departure.
Is dolphin watching suitable for children?
Yes. The De Antonio D50 is spacious and stable, and the private format means the pace suits your family. Children love spotting the dolphins, and there is a swim and snorkel stop afterwards. Life jackets for kids are provided on board.
Can we swim during the dolphin watching trip?
Yes. Once the dolphins have moved on we anchor in a sheltered spot so you can swim, snorkel and use the paddle board. We never swim with the dolphins, as that would disturb them, but the offshore swim stop is a highlight of the trip.
Ready to head out and meet the pods? Reserve your private departure from Puerto Banús and let us do the rest.
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