Ferry Benalmádena <> Fuengirola

The best part of this trip is that the journey is part of the day out. From the Starfish, you get an open-water view of the Costa del Sol, with beaches and landmarks passing along the shore instead of another stretch of road.

I like two things in particular: the ferry gives you a more scenic alternative to the bus, and there’s a chance of seeing dolphins close to the boat. The crew is often described as helpful, and the vessel has been noted for being clean and well kept.

One consideration: this is a ferry ride, not a guided sightseeing cruise with a narrated tour of every landmark. The meeting point can also be hard to find, and one account describes an overcrowded boat with too few seats, so check the departure details and arrive prepared.

The trip at a glance

• A coastal ride, not a bus transfer: You travel between Benalmádena and Fuengirola by boat, with views of beaches and shore-side landmarks.
• A chance to spot dolphins: Marine life may appear along the route, but sightings are not guaranteed.
• Landmarks from the water: Look for Castillo de El-Bil-Bil, Casino Torrequebrada, the Stupa of Enlightenment and Torre de Torremuelle.
• Time ashore in Fuengirola: The marina, street market and Miramar shopping centre offer different ways to spend your visit.
• A practical family option: The crew has been praised for helping adults boarding with children, and service animals are allowed.
• A variable outing length: The full experience is listed at about two to six hours, depending on your plan and time in Fuengirola.

A ferry ride with a view

The ferry crosses between Benalmádena and Fuengirola along a busy stretch of the Malaga coast. Instead of watching the road, you can look back at the shoreline, pick out beaches and buildings, and get a different sense of how the resorts and towns fit together.

The boat is called the Starfish. Wi-Fi is available onboard, and drinks are sold at prices described as reasonable. Those are small comforts, but they matter on a warm day or when you’re travelling with children. Some passengers have also praised the boat’s cleanliness and the crew’s friendly service.

Keep your expectations in the right place. You’re using a ferry to get from one town to another, with sightseeing along the way. There’s no indication of a guide providing commentary or making separate stops at the landmarks. If you want a structured history tour, this is not it. If you like the idea of a relaxed ride with something to look at, it’s a good fit.

The ride may last only part of your day, but the outing as a whole is estimated at two to six hours. That broad range likely reflects how much time you spend ashore and which return plan you choose. The exact sailing time and schedule are not specified here, so check those details before you set your day around the crossing.

Landmarks on the Benalmádena coast

As the ferry leaves Benalmádena, look for Castillo de El-Bil-Bil, a red castle-like building with Moorish-inspired details. From the water, it makes a striking contrast with the modern holiday coast around it. You’ll see it from outside rather than touring the building.

The route also passes an old lookout point once used to watch the coastline. Its identity is not specified, so treat it as a glimpse of the area’s defensive past rather than a named stop. The same goes for the historic Torre de Torremuelle, a watchtower that speaks to the coast’s earlier need to keep an eye on the sea.

Casino Torrequebrada appears along the shore as a more modern landmark, while the Stupa of Enlightenment Benalmádena offers a distinct change in shape and style. It is a Buddhist monument that symbolizes peace and harmony. Seeing it from the ferry gives you a useful sense of its place above the coast, though you won’t be visiting it on this ride.

Further along, you may spot Pueblo de Mijas on the hillside, a white village known for traditional Andalusian architecture. The giant Osborne bull silhouette at Torreblanca is another recognizable sight. These are passing views, not stops, so keep an eye on the shoreline and don’t expect close-up access.

The landmarks make the ferry more than a plain transfer, but they’re best thought of as visual markers. You can enjoy the succession of buildings, towers and beaches without needing to identify every one. If a particular sight matters to you, note its name before setting off and keep your camera handy.

Dolphins, open water and the boat itself

The most memorable moment may be an unscheduled one. Dolphins have been seen near the boat, including close enough to delight a young child on a family trip. That possibility adds a little anticipation to the crossing, but wildlife sightings can’t be promised. Go for the coastal ride first and consider dolphins a bonus.

The open-water setting is also a welcome break from a hot day on land. One passenger particularly valued getting out to sea during a heatwave. If you’re sensitive to sun or heat, plan accordingly; no details are provided about shaded seating, so don’t assume every seat is protected.

Comfort can vary with how busy the boat is. Many accounts describe a pleasant, leisurely ride and a well-maintained vessel, but one passenger found the boat overcrowded and had trouble finding a seat. The stated maximum is 100 people. That limit gives you a useful sense of the boat’s capacity, though it doesn’t guarantee how full a particular sailing will be.

Wi-Fi is available, and drinks can be bought onboard. I’d still bring anything you know you’ll need, especially if you’re travelling with children. The crew has been praised for helping families get on and off with young children, and assistance for less mobile passengers has also been described positively.

Making the most of Fuengirola

The ferry arrives at Puerto Deportivo Fuengirola, the town’s marina, where boats sit among shops and restaurants. It’s a natural place to start exploring, whether you want a meal, a stroll by the water or simply a pause before heading farther into town.

The Fuengirola Street Market is another option, but timing matters: it is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays. If the market is part of your plan, check that your ferry day matches. The available information describes it as a coastal market with a broad range of goods, but does not give its exact location, hours or a specific route from the marina.

For shopping and indoor entertainment, Miramar Centro Comercial has more than 140 stores, with Spanish and international brands, restaurants and entertainment. It’s a different sort of outing from the marina or market, and a useful alternative if the weather turns or you want a longer stop in town.

The market and shopping centre are not ferry stops in the sense of the boat letting you off at each place. They’re places to visit after arriving in Fuengirola. The listed time for each destination is two hours, but the total outing is given as roughly two to six hours, so plan around the time you actually want ashore and confirm your return options.

Is the ferry good value at $16.87?

At $16.87 per person, you’re paying for transport plus a scenic stretch of coast, rather than for a guided tour or a full day of activities. The price makes the most sense if you already want to travel between Benalmádena and Fuengirola and would prefer a boat ride to a bus journey.

The value improves if you enjoy the crossing itself, make use of the views and spend time in Fuengirola. A family may also appreciate the change of pace, the chance of seeing dolphins and the crew’s reported help with children. But if your only goal is the quickest, cheapest transfer, compare the alternatives before booking. The information provided says the ferry is faster than the bus, but gives no exact journey times or bus fares for a precise comparison.

Advance booking is offered as a way to skip the lines. It can help you plan, but it won’t turn the ride into a guided excursion or guarantee a particular seat. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the experience, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I’d choose this ferry if you’re staying in Benalmádena and want an easy way to spend time in Fuengirola without making the journey itself feel like dead time. It suits families, casual day-trippers and anyone who enjoys being out on the water. The possibility of dolphins is a nice extra for children, though it should never be the main reason you book.

It also works well if you prefer a relaxed outing to a tightly scheduled tour. You can take in the coast, reach the marina and decide whether the market, shops or a meal are the best use of your time. If you’re seeking detailed commentary, guaranteed wildlife, a quiet boat or a close visit to each landmark, look for a different experience.

Before you go, confirm the exact meeting point and sailing details. Finding the departure location has been a problem for at least one passenger, and missing the boat would undo the convenience you’re paying for. The operator is Costasol Cruceros, but no individual guide or crew member is named.

Should you book the Benalmádena to Fuengirola ferry?

Book it if the boat ride is part of the appeal, not just a way to get from A to B. You’ll trade road time for open-water views, a chance of spotting dolphins and a convenient arrival at Fuengirola’s marina. The friendly, helpful service and well-kept boat are meaningful pluses.

Think twice if you need a narrated tour, guaranteed seating or a precisely timed day plan. Confirm the meeting point, check the market calendar if that’s on your list, and verify the sailing schedule before you commit. For a modest fare and a more scenic route between two Costa del Sol towns, it’s a worthwhile choice when your expectations match the experience.

FAQ

How much does the ferry cost?

The listed price is $16.87 per person.

How long does the experience take?

The approximate duration is two to six hours. The exact sailing time and schedule are not specified.

Is this a guided sightseeing tour?

No. It is a ferry ride between Benalmádena and Fuengirola, with coastal views and landmarks visible along the way.

Can I see dolphins?

You may spot marine life, including dolphins, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the ferry suitable for service animals?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience starts.