Discover the best boat tours in Malaga—from sunset catamaran cruises to dolphin-spotting adventures. Find out one that's right for you and make the most of your Costa del Sol getaway!
By Liza S. | Updated 14 Apr 2025 | Málaga | Places To Go |
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Let’s be honest—if you’re in Malaga and not spending at least some time on the water, you’re seriously missing out. There’s just something about seeing the coastline from a boat, drink in hand, sea breeze in your hair… pure Costa del Sol magic.
Whether you’re in the mood for a sunset cava cruise, a DIY dolphin-spotting mission, or a half-day adventure with snorkelling and sangria, there’s a boat tour here with your name on it.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best boat tours in Malaga—what they include, who they’re best for, and why they’re totally worth it. All you have to do is pick your vibe and hop aboard.
Ready to set sail? Here are the best boat tours in Malaga to make your Costa del Sol holiday unforgettable.
Here’s a quick overview of my picks for the best Malaga boat tours:
Read on for more details on what to expect on each tour and why it’s worth it!
Best For: Couples, solo travellers, or honestly anyone who loves a good sunset and a bit of sparkle. This is holiday happiness, bottled.
If you do one boat tour in Malaga, make it this one.
Picture this: you’re lounging on a catamaran, gentle waves beneath you, warm breeze in your hair, and the sky putting on an absolute show as the sun sets over the Costa del Sol. Oh—and there’s a cold glass of cava in your hand. Dreamy, right?
This 90-minute cruise sets off just before sunset and gives you front-row seats to the kind of views that make you forget about everything else. It’s calm, relaxing, and a little bit magical. The catamaran has loads of space, so you’re not packed in, and the vibe is very much laid-back luxury. You won’t want it to end.
Best of all, it’s affordably priced!
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Best For: Families, first-time visitors, or anyone short on time but still wanting that “I went sailing in Spain” moment. It's low effort, high reward—and a great way to dip your toes into the Mediterranean (figuratively, unless you're really keen).
Not a sunset person? No worries—this chilled-out daytime catamaran cruise lets you soak up Malaga’s stunning coastline in full daylight, with zero stress and max views. It’s short, sweet, and super relaxing—perfect for slotting into your itinerary between sightseeing and your next round of tapas.
You’ll hop aboard a spacious catamaran and sail gently along the Mediterranean, with sea breezes and coastal scenery galore. It’s only an hour long, so it won’t take over your whole day, but it gives you just enough time to unwind, snap some scenic shots, and enjoy a peaceful break from the city buzz.
Sit back, stretch out on the deck, and let Malaga do the work.
PS. If you’re doing the tour from May to September, you may want to choose the tour option that includes a swimming stop!
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Best For: Independent travellers, spontaneous adventurers, and anyone who thinks, “Hey, I could totally drive a boat today.” It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s a brilliant way to see Malaga from the water—your way.
Ever wanted to drive your own boat along the Costa del Sol? Well, guess what—you totally can, and you don’t even need a boating licence.
This self-drive boat rental is the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure experience. You’re the captain, the music DJ, and the dolphin-spotting pro (hopefully) all in one.
You’ll be handed the keys (well, not literally) to a compact, easy-to-steer motorboat and set free to cruise the Mediterranean at your own pace. You can follow the coastline, anchor for a dip, or—fingers crossed—spot dolphins splashing around in the open sea.
It’s just you, your people, and the sea breeze. No rigid schedule, no guide—just freedom.
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➡️ Book this tour on Get Your Guide or Viator
Best For: Travellers who want a bit of everything—sun, sea, snorkelling, and sangria. It’s relaxed, scenic, and a fab way to spend a morning away from the city.
This one’s for the “let’s make a day of it” crowd.
If you're up for a little adventure, a lot of sun, and lunch with a view, this half-day coastal cruise from Benalmádena checks all the boxes.
Bonus? It includes pick-up from selected areas, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Just show up and enjoy.
You’ll start the day with a hassle-free transfer to Benalmádena, where your boat awaits. From there, it’s all about cruising the beautiful coastline, jumping into crystal-clear water for a snorkel, and soaking up the sunshine. There’s even a freshly prepared lunch on board to keep you fuelled for all that relaxing.
With the sea breeze in your hair and a cold drink in hand, you’ll be living your best holiday life.
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➡️ Book this tour on Get Your Guide or Viator
Best For: Anyone who wants a breezy break from the heat and crowds. It’s simple, scenic, and a great little add-on to your Malaga itinerary.
You’ve probably seen the red City Sightseeing buses around town—but did you know they also run a boat tour?
This breezy 1-hour cruise is a fun, budget-friendly way to see Malaga from the water, complete with chilled vibes and coastal views. It’s super easy to fit into your day and perfect if you want something low-key without committing to a full-on excursion.
Departing from the port, you’ll cruise along Malaga’s coastline with plenty of open-air seating and great views of the city, the beaches, and the sparkling Mediterranean. It’s a calm, relaxing ride—no guide, no frills, just a lovely way to break up your sightseeing with a splash of sea air.
Personally, I feel like the catamaran tours are a better value but this is a good, reliable option especially if you’re looking for a last-minute, easy activity to add to your Malaga itinerary.
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As you’ve seen, you’ve got plenty of ways to enjoy Malaga from the water—whether you’re sipping cava at sunset, steering your own boat, or snorkelling off the coast.
Each of these boat tours offers something a little different, so it’s all about choosing the one that fits your vibe (or doing more than one—no judgement!). However you set sail, cruising along the Costa del Sol is one of the best ways to soak up that laid-back Malaga magic.
Buen viaje!
Visiting Malaga? Check out our other articles to help plan your trip:
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