Malaga is a lovely seaside city filled with history and culture. Going on a Malaga boat trip to explore the coastline is a great way to spend a few hours or even a whole day during your visit.
There are a lot of different options and I have listed the best Malaga boat tours in this guide so that you can start planning your adventure.
There is something for everyone. Whether you want to sail into the sunset with a romantic glass of bubbles or go on a party boat with friends, Malaga has it all. Read on to find the top Malaga boat trips to choose from.
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MY TOP 3 PICKS FOR MALAGA BOAT TOURS
MOST ROMANTIC❤️
Sunset Sailing Catamaran Trip with Glass of Cava
A lovely sunset experience with cava and music!
MOST ACTION-FILLED Benalmadena Coast Tour with Lunch & Water Activities
A fun Malaga boat tour with waterslide, paddleboard, kayak, and snorkeling options.
BEST FOR PARTY🥂
Friday Evening Boat Party
A fun experience to meet other travelers and spend time on the sea with music and drinks.
Malaga Boat Tours
Malaga: Sunset Sailing Catamaran Trip with Glass of Cava
Duration: 1.5 hours
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
What’s included in the boat tour:
- local guide
- glass of cava
- live DJ on specific days in the summer
What’s not included in the boat tour:
- food and additional drinks
- swimming stops
- hotel pick-up and drop-off
If you would like to enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise with a bubbly glass of cava, this is a great option for you! In the high season, you can even pick a departure with a live DJ some days a week, playing relaxing music on board as you soak in the pink sunset.
Seeing the sunset from the sea is one of my favorite adventures, as you get the contrast of a busy Malaga where the city lights get clearer and clearer as the sun goes down behind the mountains.
This is without a doubt a wonderful Malaga sunset cruise that will leave you will unforgettable memories!
Malaga: Friday Evening Boat Party
Duration: 3 hours
Age limit: 18 years with a valid ID card
What’s included in the boat tour:
- one drink (beer, wine, soft drink, or bottle of water)
- swimming stop (when the sea allows it)
What’s not included in the boat tour:
- food and additional drinks
- hotel pick-up and drop-off
This is the ideal Malaga boat tour for the younger crowds that are looking for a party boat experience. With upbeat music, a bar with affordable drinks (make sure you bring enough cash!), and the opportunity to meet other travelers, this is a really cool experience!
Make sure you bring your swimwear too because this boat will stop for swimming too (as long as the weather is not grumpy, but you might not even be on the boat in that case.)
The boat does not provide any swimming gear, but you are welcome to bring your own. This is probably one of the most fun boat trips in Malaga.
There is also a photographer on board taking pictures of everyone to make sure you keep the memories for the future.
Note that this tour leaves from Benalmadena and not from Malaga port. You can take the train or a taxi from Malaga to Benalmadena.
Gibraltar + Dolphin Watching by Boat
Duration: 10 hours
Mandatory documents: Passport + visa (if required)
What’s included in the boat tour:
- guide
- bus ride from Malaga to La Linea (border of Gibraltar) and back
- dolphin watching tour
What’s not included in the boat tour:
- food and drinks
- hotel pick-up and drop-off
- entry tickets to sites in Gibraltar
This is without a doubt the best Malaga to Gibraltar day trips! Not only do you get to explore the little British territory, see the only wild monkeys in Europe, and explore the Rock of Gibraltar.
You also get a 90-minute boat ride in the Strait of Gibraltar looking for dolphins. While there is no guarantee of seeing dolphins in the wild, there is a great chance of spotting them in this area.
Shopaholics will also be happy to know that you can shop tax-free in Gibraltar, so make sure you bring your credit card!
Malaga: Catamaran Cruise with Optional Swimming Stop
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
What’s included in the boat tour:
- swimming stop on the 1.5 hours tour
What’s not included in the boat tour:
- food and drinks
- hotel pick-up and drop-off
- tour guide
This is an excellent Malaga catamaran tour with music and a bar on board where you can purchase drinks. If you choose the 1-hour tour, you can sunbathe on the net in the front and take in the sea breeze.
The 1.5 hours catamaran trip (not available in December and January) offers a swimming stop. On a good day, this is the best catamaran trip Malaga can offer. I love getting into the water and it is a lovely way to cool down on a hot day.
Note that this is not one of those guided boat tours in Malaga which includes a commentary with info about the city and the things that you see. This is basically a trip out on the sea, to enjoy the catamaran, the sun, a few drinks, and a swim (if opted for and possible.)
Malaga: A Sea of Stars Nighttime Stargazing Catamaran Tour
Duration: 1.5 hours
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
What’s included in the boat tour:
- guide explaining the constellations
- a glass of cava
- live music
What’s not included in the boat tour:
- food and additional drinks
- hotel pick-up and drop-off
This is one of the new boat trips from Malaga that I can’t wait to go on! There is no better way to stargaze than from the open sea and this Malaga boat tour offers exactly that.
With a guide that explains all the constellations and stars that you see in the sky, live music on board, and a glass of cava in hand, it is hard to rival such an experience. There is also a bar onboard where you can purchase additional drinks.
While you enjoy a stargazing catamaran tour, Malaga at night is also a mesmerizing sight at night with the glittering lights meeting you on the way back to the port.
Malaga: Captain Your Own Boat without a License
Duration: 30 minutes-4 hours
Age limit for boat driver: 18 years
What’s included in the boat tour:
- fuel
- cleaning
- insurance
- explanation of how to use the boat
What’s not included in the boat tour:
- food and drinks
- hotel pick-up and drop-off
- water sport equipment
If you have dreamt of going out on a private boat ride, Malaga offers boat rentals where you can drive yourself without a license.
This is a great opportunity to get the freedom of exploring the coast as you want and check out beaches and bays yet in the privacy of your own party.
You will get good instructions on how to drive the boat before you set out and insurance for both you and the boat is included. As far as boat trips in Malaga Spain go, this is a truly unique and fun experience.
Malaga: Benalmadena Coast Tour with Lunch & Water Activities
Duration: 3.5 hours
What’s included in the boat tour:
- tour guide
- transportation from Malaga to Benalmadena and back
- 20-foot water slide
- snorkeling equipment
- wetsuits
- kayaks and paddleboards
- small lunch
- hotel pick-up and drop-off
What’s not included in the boat tour:
- additional food and drinks
If you are looking for a fun-filled day jam-packed with water activities, there are no better Malaga boat tours than this! With a 20-foot water slide on board, snorkeling gear, and kayaks/paddleboards to use, this is a hit for the whole family.
I especially like that these action-filled boat trips in Malaga Spain leave with smaller groups on board. This gives you a chance to get to know others on the boat while it doesn’t get too crowded.
Get ready for a fun and wet day on this epic Malaga boat tour!
READ: Is Malaga or Marbella best to visit?
Final thoughts on Malaga boat trips
Whether you are looking for a party boat, an action-filled boat tour, or a romantic sunset cruise, Malaga has it all. I am sure you will find something for your liking within the above options.
Personally, I love this city so much, and going on a Malaga boat trip is one of the best things to do in Malaga without a doubt.
If you are staying only one day in Malaga, you could go on a Malaga sunset boat trip before leaving or check out the boat trips from Malaga port, Muelle Uno – just a stone’s throw away from the bustling historic center of Malaga.
Nonetheless, I am sure you will have a blast! Happy travels!