A boat trip in Marbella in winter: what it’s actually like

People are surprised we run in winter. Then they see the sunset from the water in December and understand why.

What the weather is like

Marbella has one of the mildest winters on the Spanish coast. On a clear afternoon it’s warm enough in the sun to sit out in a T-shirt; once the sun goes, you want a jumper. The sea is usually calmer in winter than in summer — many of the flattest days of the year fall between November and March — and when it isn’t calm, we don’t go, and you move your date free of charge. Rain comes in short spells rather than grey weeks.

The one honest caveat: the sea is cold for swimming from November to April. Some guests still jump in. Most don’t, and the trip doesn’t need it.

What we run in winter

The Sunset Cruise (2 hours, €499 for the boat, from €63 per person with a full group of 8). In winter the sun sets mid-to-late afternoon, so you leave the town marina mid-afternoon, run along the Golden Mile as the light drops, anchor for the sunset with a glass of Prosecco, and you’re back alongside before dinner. The old town is a nine-minute walk from the berth. This is the winter product and the one we’d recommend to almost everyone.

The Coastal Escape (2 hours, €449, from €57 per person) runs in the mornings and early afternoons: the coast towards Puerto Banús and back in the morning light. We often see dolphins on the quieter winter water, though we’d rather not promise them.

The Mediterranean (4 hours, €779, from €98 per person) still runs on calm, settled days for groups who want a proper afternoon on the water.

Every winter charter includes your skipper, fuel, Prosecco, cold beers, soft drinks and water, the Bluetooth sound system for your own playlist, and photos and videos taken for you on the day. There are blankets on board for the run home, and hot coffee — ask about an Irish coffee. Same boat, same skipper, up to 8 guests, private to your group.

Sunset times, month by month

Start times are roughly two hours before sunset. We confirm the exact time for your date before we take a deposit.

• October (to the 25th) — sunset about 19:50 falling to 19:30 · leave around 17:30
• Late October — sunset about 18:25 · leave around 16:30
• November — sunset about 18:05 · leave around 16:00
• December — sunset about 17:55 · leave mid-afternoon, around 15:45
• January — sunset about 18:20 · leave around 16:15
• February — sunset about 18:50 · leave around 16:45
• March — sunset about 19:20 · leave around 17:15

Who it suits

Couples here for a few days of winter sun. Anniversaries and milestone birthdays. A group of friends who came for the golf and have a spare afternoon. Families in Marbella for the holidays who want one thing everyone does together. And anyone who has been to Marbella in summer and wants to see the coast without the summer crowds.

What to wear

Layers. Sunglasses and sun cream in the afternoon; a jumper or jacket for the run home. Flat shoes for stepping aboard. If you plan to swim, bring a towel — we don’t provide them.

Christmas and New Year

We run right up to mid-December and again from early January, but the boat is closed from 16 December to 4 January. If you’re here for the holidays, the dates either side go first — message early.

How booking works

Pick a date and time on the booking calendar and secure it with a 25% deposit by card, or message Jason on WhatsApp with a date and rough time. The balance is on the day. Free date change up to 7 days before, and if we cancel for weather you reschedule free. Book direct and there’s a second bottle of Prosecco on us.

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