Malaga · MALAGA DOLPHIN WATCHING

Dolphin Watching in Malaga: The 15 Best Boats

27 tours  ·  from $21 a head

Common dolphins feed in the bay off Benalmadena and Fuengirola, and the morning sea is usually calmest. These 15 trips are compared on boat size, time on the water and what they charge for a seat.

Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour - Following the dolphins, and the coastline
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Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

1.Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5,786 reviews · 1h 40m · from $22Our pick

Cruise aboard the New Magic for a 100-minute dolphin-watching trip from Benalmádena. The captain chooses the route according to sea conditions and dolphin activity. Look for coastal landmarks and marine life, then enjoy the bar, shaded seats and underwater windows. A summer swim may be possible if time and conditions allow. The crew speaks Spanish, English and French.

“We absolutely loved this trip!! The captain knew exactly where the dolphins were and ensured that we had lots of time to see them. I would recommend sitting at the front of the boat as we had the best view! Would book again next time we come! Highly recommended”

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Fuengirola: Dolphin Watching by Yacht with Snacks and Drinks - Coastal views from lighthouse to beach
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Fuengirola: Dolphin Watching by Yacht with Snacks and Drinks

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

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

Sail from Fuengirola on a 15-meter yacht for a two-hour search for wild dolphins, with a skipper, snacks and drinks included. You’ll pass the Calaburras lighthouse and Torrequebrada Beach, and may have time for a swim. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, but the coastal cruise is part of the appeal. Crew members have included Nando, Dylan and Toni; who’s aboard can vary.

“Staff were so friendly throughout the whole journey. Unfortunately did not get to see any dolphins but still had a great time regardless. Thank you so much. Would highly recommend.”

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Fuengirola: Catamaran Tour to Spot Dolphins - Watching for wild dolphins offshore
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Fuengirola: Catamaran Tour to Spot Dolphins

3.Fuengirola: Catamaran Tour to Spot Dolphins

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

Leave Fuengirola’s harbor on a spacious catamaran with an experienced skipper and spend two hours scanning the Mediterranean for wild dolphins. You can move between the open upper deck and indoor seating, buy drinks and snacks at the bar, and use the onboard bathroom. Sightings are common but never guaranteed; the glass-bottom viewing windows are small.

“Staff were lovely and very friendly. unfortunately our daughter became very sea sick and they checked on her many times and offered drinks and plastic bags. we spotted a family of dolphins and one was following us along side the boat very playfully! it was incredible. 10am is the best time to go as its cool and the sea breeze is lovely!”

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Marbella: Sailing & Dolphin Watching with Snacks and Drinks - Searching for dolphins off Marbella
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Marbella: Sailing & Dolphin Watching with Snacks and Drinks

4.Marbella: Sailing & Dolphin Watching with Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,062 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $71

Leave Puerto Banús aboard a 12 to 14-meter sailboat for a relaxed coastal cruise and a search for wild dolphins. Your captain and crew handle the navigation, while drinks and snacks are served on board. Choose a shared or private trip. Captains including Agustin, Juan, Vinny, and Tony have led recent outings, but dolphin sightings are never guaranteed.

“The sailboat ride off of Marbella was great and the captain definitely made it that way! It was a 2 hr sailboat ride and viewing dolphins and the captain went out of his way to connect teeth his captain colleagues to track the dolphins. After the first hour, we changed direction and had a real treat seeing the dolphins for about half hour. Awesome experience . Also a nice size of other passengers and we had drinks and some snacks which was a lovely touch. So glad we went on this adventure today. Learned a bit from the captain too, 👍. Highly recommend.”

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Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour from Benalmadena - Scanning the Alboran Sea for dolphins
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Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour from Benalmadena

5.Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour from Benalmadena

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 683 reviews · 1 hour 40 minutes (approx.) · from $22

Sail for about 100 minutes from Benalmádena on a Blue Flag catamaran, scanning the Alboran Sea for wild dolphins with help from the crew. The route changes with sea conditions and animal sightings, so you may pass Fuengirola, Torremolinos or the coast toward Málaga. Snacks and drinks are sold on board, and a swim stop may be possible.

“You have to exchange your tour email/voucher at the little office booth next to the boat before joining the queue to board. Also if you don't see dolphins they give you a discount off another tour to try again. Was still a nice ride down the coast to Fuernigola and there are refreshments available to buy on board. Don't expect any extras like history of the coastline and references to landmarks along the way. This is just a boat ride, with a small amount of dolphin info.”

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Estepona: Dolphins Searching Sea Cruise with Drink & Snacks - Two hours around the Bay of Estepona
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Estepona: Dolphins Searching Sea Cruise with Drink & Snacks

6.Estepona: Dolphins Searching Sea Cruise with Drink & Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 645 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Spend two hours sailing the Bay of Estepona with a qualified skipper, looking for wild dolphins and other marine life. Your fare includes one drink and snacks, plus time to relax on deck and a possible swim stop if conditions allow. Shared and private options are available, with crews speaking Spanish, Bulgarian, and English.

“An amazing experience, i was at a loss for words. seeing the sunset, i recommend the 8pm charter. Great temperature and lovely people guiding you through an unforgettable experience. The dolfins were playfull and plentiful. Thank you once again 😀”

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Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay - Leaving the marina and scanning the bay
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Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay

7.Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 626 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Sail aboard the Intrepido from Estepona Marina for about 1 hour 45 minutes, scanning the bay for wild dolphins and stopping for a swim when conditions permit. The small-group trip includes drinks, English-language service, and a return to the marina. Dolphins are wild, so sightings are never guaranteed.

“Although the dolphins didn't show themselves, we really enjoyed the tour. We did spot a sunfish! Even my granddaughter of 2 years old, started to sing on the rythm of the swell. We felt very at ease, welcome and comfortable, thanks tot the hosts! We certainly try to join in again!”

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Estepona: Dolphin Watching Sailboat Cruise with Drink - Looking for dolphins, not chasing a guarantee
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Estepona: Dolphin Watching Sailboat Cruise with Drink

8.Estepona: Dolphin Watching Sailboat Cruise with Drink

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

Join Captain Manuel and his crew aboard the Intrépido for a two-hour sail from Estepona’s harbor. Search the bay for dolphins, enjoy one included drink, and take a swim if conditions permit. The captain’s wife and small dog may be aboard too. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the coastline and time under sail are part of the trip.

“Lovely trip under sail, saw a pod of dolphins, had a refreshing swim and a choice of drinks included.”

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Sailing Adventure: Sailing, Dolphins and Relaxation with Drinks - Sailing, not just riding on a boat
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Sailing Adventure: Sailing, Dolphins and Relaxation with Drinks

9.Sailing Adventure: Sailing, Dolphins and Relaxation with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 411 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $66

Set sail from Puerto Banús with a captain such as Alberto, Juan, or Toni for an approximately two-hour dolphin search along the coast. Beer, white wine, cava, water, and soft drinks are included. If wind and sea conditions cooperate, you may swim or try a paddleboard. Dolphin sightings are possible, not guaranteed.

“Had a very nice trip with great weather, drinks and the very nice and skilled captain Alberto. Not only was the sailing very smooth, but he also gave great recommendations and background on the area. Highly recommend!”

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Boat Trip in Fuengirola, Dolphin Watching and Drinks - Dolphins: the wonderful bonus, not a promise
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Boat Trip in Fuengirola, Dolphin Watching and Drinks

10.Boat Trip in Fuengirola, Dolphin Watching and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 345 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $48

Set out from Fuengirola marina for about two hours aboard a 15-meter yacht, with drinks and light snacks included. The group is capped at 12, and dolphins may appear, though sightings are not guaranteed. Some trips have been hosted by crew members named Tio, Pepe or Saskia. Meet at Puerto Deportivo Fuengirola and return to the same point.

“Great 2 hour-ish boat ride with drinks and light snacks. Nice size boat, small group, not at all crowded. Beautiful day, we had a great time, even though we didn't see any whales or dolphins.”

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Malaga: Boat Rental without a License for Dolphin Watching - From the SOLNAUTIC meeting point to the open coast
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Malaga: Boat Rental without a License for Dolphin Watching

11.Boat Rental without a License for Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 169 reviews

Rent a private, 4.5 to 5-meter boat for up to six people from SOLNAUTIC RENT in Benalmádena, near Málaga. Staff handle the harbor exit, explain the controls, then let you steer along the coast. Fuel and safety gear are included; dolphins are possible, not promised. Choose a rental from 30 minutes to four hours.

“It was a great experience. A quick cab ride from Malaga and Alejandro was waiting and ready for us. He showed us where to go and then we were off up and down the coast. I highly recommend this tour for a new perspective of Malaga and the beauty of the coast.”

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Fuengirola: Dolphin-Watching Sailing Tour with Drinks - A Swim Stop, If Conditions Cooperate
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Fuengirola: Dolphin-Watching Sailing Tour with Drinks

12.Fuengirola: Dolphin-Watching Sailing Tour with Drinks

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

Leave Fuengirola Marina aboard a classic sailboat for a two-hour Costa del Sol cruise. The crew, including captains such as José Antonio and attendants such as Santi, searches for wild dolphins without promising a sighting. Expect unlimited cold drinks and snacks; a swim stop depends on time and sea conditions. The sails are opened only on private trips.

“Amazing, the crew were fantastic hosts, drinks and snacks provided (don’t think my Prosecco glass was ever empty!) we found the dolphins and stayed with them over an hour, it was absolutely amazing!”

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Fuengirola: Fantastic Dolphin Watching Yacht Tour with Drink - The search for dolphins
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Fuengirola: Fantastic Dolphin Watching Yacht Tour with Drink

13.Fuengirola: Fantastic Dolphin Watching Yacht Tour with Drink

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

From Puerto de Fuengirola, a licensed skipper takes you on a two-hour cruise along the Costa del Sol to look for dolphins in their natural habitat. The 12-meter boat has covered seating and an open viewing area. Water, soft drinks, wine, or beer are included, and commentary is offered in several languages.

“Aucun commentaire, explication, ni même un mot de bienvenue ou consigne de sécurité. Nous avons eu un mini verre de vin après une heure et on ne nous en a pas offert un deuxième.”

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2-Hour Excursion in Search of Dolphins/ Includes Drink and Snacks - Starting at Estepona Marina
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2-Hour Excursion in Search of Dolphins/ Includes Drink and Snacks

14.2-Hour Excursion in Search of Dolphins/ Includes Drink and Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 148 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $42

Set out from Estepona Marina with a skipper or crew member for a two-hour search for wild dolphins. The group is capped at 12, and the trip includes one drink, snacks and a chance to swim. Dolphins are not guaranteed, so treat the boat ride and coastal views as part of the outing, not just a means to a sighting.

“Fantastic boat trip and we saw loads of dolphins, it was a real treat. The boat was great too, very comfortable and a choice of refreshments. We took our 17 year old daughter and she also loved it. We would definitely recommend!”

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Estepona: Dolphin Search Boat Trip with Drink and Snacks - A swim stop in open water
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Estepona: Dolphin Search Boat Trip with Drink and Snacks

15.Estepona: Dolphin Search Boat Trip with Drink and Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 144 reviews · from $44

Set out from Estepona Marina for a two-hour coastal cruise with a maximum of 10 people. The crew, including Shonia and Chicki, searches for dolphins, offers a sea swim and snorkeling gear, and serves snacks plus one drink. Children can try marine knots. Sightings are possible, not guaranteed.

“Myself and my husband booked this trip & it was absolutely beautiful, Sonia is just the loviest woman & full of knowledge The sunset was just stunning Such a lovely way to spend a couple of hours & well worth the money Looking forward to going again next time we’re in Estepona”

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New in Malaga Dolphin Watching

★ 3.9Gibraltar Dolphin Watching by BoatFrom $10624 reviews
★ 4.8Estepona: Dolphin Searching Sunset Cruise with Drink & SnackFrom $4163 reviews
★ 4.4Fuengirola: Dolphin Watching Tour with Snacks and DrinksFrom $4133 reviews
★ 4.1From Benalmádena & Torremolinos: Dolphin Watch Boat TripFrom $4216 reviews
★ 4.8Benalmádena: license-Free Rent Boat for Dolphin Watching4 reviews
★ 4.8Benalmadena: Dolphin Sighting Boat TourFrom $6516 reviews

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