7 Sailing Trips in Costa del Sol, With the Real Per-Head Price

1.Fuengirola: Dolphin Watching by Yacht with Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,729 reviews · 2 hours · from $47Our pick

Board a 15-meter yacht in Fuengirola for a two-hour dolphin search with a skipper and multilingual crew. You can watch for dolphins near Calaburras Lighthouse and Torrequebrada Beach, swim from the yacht using its stairs, and help yourself to cava, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and savory snacks. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the boat ride works well even when dolphins stay out of view.

“Everything was perfect. The captain and his partner were so friendly and welcoming. They made the boat trip a joy. We were able to jump off the back of the yacht and have a swim. Drinks and snacks were replenished when needed. Even though we didn’t see any dolphins, we all agreed what a fabulous time we had. Amazing and would definitely do it again. Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Fuengirola: Catamaran Tour to Spot Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,214 reviews · 2 hours · from $21Best value

Set sail from Fuengirola’s gate 3 for a two-hour catamaran trip along the Costa del Sol. You can watch for wild dolphins from the spacious deck, buy drinks and snacks at the bar, and use the onboard bathroom. Sightings are common but never guaranteed. Morning departures may offer cooler conditions.

“Fantastic, looked like heading back without seeing dolphins with a sad 9 year old. Boat then turned and we saw them close up. Made her holiday”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Estepona: Dolphin Watching Sailboat Cruise with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 488 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Join Captain Manuel and his crew aboard the Intrépido at Estepona’s Puerto, then spend two hours sailing the bay in search of dolphins. You’ll get one soft drink, beer, or wine, coastal views, and possibly a swim stop. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the relaxed sail, small-group feel, and chance of seeing whales add real value.

“We managed to see the dolphins, but it would still have been enjoyable without it as well. The crew considered of a very lovely couple, who were attentive and accommodating. There were four of us, so it wasn’t overly crowded. Well spent two hours on the sea”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Fuengirola: Dolphin-Watching Sailing Tour with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 155 reviews · 2 hours · from $47Top rated

From Fuengirola Marina, you’ll cruise with a small group of up to six people while the crew searches for wild dolphins. José Antonio, Santi, and Santos have been praised for friendly service and respectful dolphin watching. Drinks, crisps and other snacks are unlimited, with swimming possible when time and sea conditions allow. Sails open only on private trips.

“When we saw the dolphins the Captain was very respectful of them. Being careful not to follow them but allowed them to chose to follow us. Plenty of good quality snacks and drinks.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Fuengirola: Fantastic Dolphin Watching Yacht Tour with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 151 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Meet your skipper at Puerto de Fuengirola for a two-hour cruise along the Costa del Sol. Search for dolphins from a modern 12-meter boat with covered seating and an open viewing area. Your ticket includes water, a soft drink, wine, or beer, plus commentary in English, Spanish, German, or French.

“Wasn’t the boat I booked plus found it upsetting the large tourist boat was near us pumping out pure black diesel into the sea the boat it antiquated also it hounded the dolphins do they really was not in their natural habitat too touristy”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Estepona: Sunset Sailboat Cruise with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 129 reviews · from $40

Meet your host at door 6 in Estepona Port and board the Intrépido, a real sailing boat with a small-group feel. Cruise the bays of Estepona and Casares for two hours, watching the sunset and looking for dolphins. Your included drink may be cava, wine, beer, juice, water, or a soft drink. Spanish, English, and French are spoken.

“Excellent, a must for any visitor to estepona. We will book again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.La Herradura: Sailing with a view of dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 124 reviews · from $79

Join Alberto and David aboard a Bavaria 37 Cruiser from Marina del Este. Sail the Maro-Cerro Gordo coast, watch for wild dolphins, then swim, snorkel, or paddleboard in a clear cove. Choose a shared or private trip, with drinks, snacks, music, and English or Spanish guidance included.

“We had a great time. Alberto was fun and laid back. He spotted dolphins straight off and we saw quite a few of them! Sailing was fun and the weather was beautiful! Great day out at sea after several days of rain up in Seville!”

Check availability →Read our full review