
Estepona from the sea: sunsets, marine life and a boat of your own
Leave from Estepona marina and see the Costa del Sol differently: on a sunset sail, a guided excursion or at the helm of your own boat.
You’re going to love Estepona
Estepona is the Costa del Sol at its most charming: a whitewashed old town where every street is lined with flowerpots, murals on the walls, a lively marina and more than 20 km of coastline between the sea and the Sierra Bermeja. It has kept its Andalusian soul, and it is known as the “garden of the Costa del Sol”.
From the water, the town looks even better: the mountains rise straight behind the beach, the light is warm for most of the year and the Strait of Gibraltar is only a short sail away. Whether you want a relaxed trip with the family or your own boat for the day, the sea here is calm, blue and close.


The 5 best reasons to visit Estepona
- 1
A beautiful, walkable old townThe historic centre is a maze of white streets with flower-filled balconies, small squares such as Plaza de las Flores and more than 50 murals to discover.
- 2
Relaxed beaches, all yearPlaya de la Rada, Playa del Cristo and others along a long promenade, with a more family-friendly feel than the busiest resorts.
- 3
Mountains and sea togetherThe Sierra Bermeja, with its rare pinsapo fir forests, rises just behind the coast, so you can combine a beach day and a hike.
- 4
Fresh fish and Andalusian cookingGrilled fish, fried “pescaíto”, prawns and tapas in the old town and by the port, at much friendlier prices than in nearby Marbella.
- 5
Easy to reachMálaga airport is around an hour away, Gibraltar about 40 minutes, and the AP-7 motorway passes by the town.
What to do in Estepona
- Wander the old townStart at Plaza de las Flores and follow the flowered streets of the Casco Antiguo to the Mirador del Carmen and the old watchtowers.
- Visit the OrchidariumA large botanical glasshouse with a waterfall and one of Europe’s biggest orchid collections, a perfect break from the sun.
- Walk the seafront promenadeA long, flat path between the beaches, with terraces, sculptures and views of the Mediterranean and, on clear days, Gibraltar.
- Eat by the marinaThe Puerto Deportivo has terraces serving fresh fish and seafood a few metres from the boats.
- Take a trip to the mountainsSelwo Aventura safari park or a walk in the Sierra Bermeja and the Genal valley, with white villages such as Casares not far away.

When to go to Estepona
Estepona has a mild Mediterranean climate: dry, sunny summers and short, gentle winters. The sea is warm enough to swim from June to October.
High season
July and August
Hot and sunny, 28–32 °C, with the warmest sea (around 22–24 °C). Beaches and terraces are lively until late.
€€€The highest hotel and apartment rates of the year, and the busiest weeks, so book early.
Shoulder season
April to June and September to October
Warm and bright, 20–27 °C, with long days. Ideal for beach, walks and boat trips without the heat.
€€Clearly lower rates than in summer and fewer crowds: the best value.
Low season
November to March
Mild, 14–18 °C by day, with some rain. Sunny days are common, and the old town is quiet and pleasant to walk.
€The cheapest period, though you might miss the swimming.
Our pick: May, June and September. For flowers, the old town is at its best in spring; for a long sunny day on the water without the crowds, early autumn is hard to beat.
How to get to Estepona
Estepona sits on the A-7/AP-7, between Marbella and Gibraltar.
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By plane
Málaga airport (AGP) is the main gateway, about an hour away by car (around 80 km). Gibraltar airport is some 40 minutes away, and Jerez roughly two hours.
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By car
Take the AP-7 (toll) or the free A-7 coast road. Parking is available near the port and in the old town car parks.
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By bus
Direct buses connect Málaga airport and city with Estepona, and local lines link it to Marbella and Sotogrande. Check current timetables with the operator.
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To the boat
Our trips leave from the Puerto Deportivo de Estepona. The meeting point and a map are below.

Boat trips and attractions in Estepona
Estepona is meant to be enjoyed from the water. A sailing trip along the coast, with a stop to swim in a quiet cove and the mountains behind you, or a private boat for you and your group: here you can even hire a boat with no licence needed, which makes a day at sea simple for anyone.
At the end of this guide you will find all our experiences from Estepona, with live availability and secure online payment.
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Getting here and where to park
Estepona marina is a lively port with restaurants, shops and bars. Getting here is easy, and here is what you need.
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By car
Enter “Puerto Deportivo de Estepona” (Avenida del Puerto) in your satnav and follow the signs to the port area.
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Parking
Parking inside the port is paid. A cheaper option is the Escollera area, and there is also a sand esplanade at Playa del Cristo, also paid.
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Bus
There are Estepona urban bus stops about 250 m from the port, on Avenida del Carmen and Avenida Puerta del Mar (see them on the map).
Step by step to the boat
- 1Reach Estepona marina via Avenida del Puerto.
- 2Park (inside the port, in the Escollera area or at Playa del Cristo) or get off your taxi or bus in the port area.
- 3Head to the Control Tower: with Estepona Fishing the boat is next to the tower; for the sunset sail or the private sailboat for 10, pier 2 is behind the tower.
- 4Cannot find us? Message us on WhatsApp and we will guide you to the boat.
Map and key points
- ⚓Meeting pointMeeting point: Estepona marinaAvenida del Puerto. Next to the Control Tower (Estepona Fishing) or at pier 2, behind the Control Tower.Directions ↗
- 🚌Public transportBus stop “Av. del Carmen – Urb. Kai Alde”Estepona urban bus, about 250 m from the port.Directions ↗
- 🚌Public transportBus stop “Av. Puerta del Mar – Balcón del Mar”Estepona urban bus, about 250 m from the port.Directions ↗
- 🚕Taxi rankTaxi rank “Parada del Puerto”About 120 m from the meeting point.Directions ↗
Meeting point and boarding
Exact meeting point
Puerto Deportivo de Estepona (Avenida del Puerto). Estepona Fishing: next to the Control Tower. Sunset sail and the private sailboat for 10: pier 2, behind the Control Tower (Mr. Good Times).
Address: Puerto Deportivo de Estepona, Avenida del Puerto, Estepona, Málaga
Good to know
- The private rental includes skipper and crew, insurance, fuel, port fees, paddle board and inflatable mat, and one drink per person.
- On the private rental, unaccompanied minors, sharp objects and fireworks are not allowed.
- Some no-licence rentals ask for a refundable deposit on site: you will see it on each experience page.
- If you are prone to seasickness, take a remedy beforehand. The boat is not adapted for wheelchairs.
What to bring
- ID or passport (a copy is accepted).
- Comfortable shoes and clothes; for the sunset sail, a warm layer from October to March.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Swimsuit and towel if you want to swim (towels are not provided).
Around the marina
Estepona, the “garden of the Costa del Sol”, is just as good before and after sailing.
The marina
A lively spot with restaurants, shops and bars, ideal for a bite with sea views.
Old town
Narrow streets, whitewashed houses with flowers and plenty of Andalusian charm, with the Garden of Flowers a highlight.
Playa de la Rada
Estepona’s best-known beach: golden sand and calm water.
Selwo Aventura
An animal park in a natural setting, a good idea if you travel with children.
Sail with peace of mind
Professional skipper and crew
On skippered rentals we take care of the sailing so you can enjoy it.
Insurance included
The private rental includes traveller insurance, fuel and port fees: no surprises.
Clear rules
We tell you in advance what you can and cannot bring on board.
Personal attention
Message us on WhatsApp and we will answer any question before you board.
Ready to sail?
Pick your experience and book direct, or message us and we will help you choose.
Experiences we offer in Estepona
★RecommendedEstepona⏱ 2 h
Sunset by Sailboat: Estepona Sunset Experience
Watch the sun go down from a sailboat off Estepona: a 2-hour sunset sail along the Costa del Sol and the Strait of Gibraltar. Book online.
- Duration
- ⏱ 2 h
from €75 / person
★RecommendedEstepona⏱ 2 h
Estepona: Private sailboat rental for up to 10 people with paddle surf
Private sailing trip from Estepona for up to 10 people, with paddle surf, a swim in clear water and drinks on board. Book your date online.
- Duration
- ⏱ 2 h
- Type
- 🛥 Private, per boat
from €290 / boat
✓AvailableEstepona⏱ 2 h
The Essential Experience: Private Boat in Estepona, 2 Hours
Two hours on a private boat from Estepona Marina for up to 8 guests: swim stop, paddle SUP, snorkelling, drinks and snacks included.
- Duration
- ⏱ 2 h
- Type
- 🛥 Private, per boat
from €365 / boat
✓AvailableEstepona⏱ 3 h
The Complete Experience: Private Boat in Estepona, 3 Hours
Three hours at your own pace on a private boat from Estepona for up to 8 guests, with a longer swim stop, water toys, drinks and snacks.
- Duration
- ⏱ 3 h
- Type
- 🛥 Private, per boat
from €550 / boat
✓AvailableEstepona⏱ 4 h
The Ultimate Escape: Private Boat in Estepona, 4 Hours
Our most flexible private charter: four hours from Estepona for up to 8 guests, with several swim stops, SUP, snorkel, drinks and snacks.
- Duration
- ⏱ 4 h
- Type
- 🛥 Private, per boat
from €680 / boat
✓AvailableEstepona⏱ 2 h 1 min
Private Sunset Cruise with a Bottle of Cava from Estepona
Toast the sunset with a bottle of cava on a private boat from Estepona, 2 hours for up to 8 guests, with drinks, snacks and a swim stop.
- Duration
- ⏱ 2 h 1 min
- Type
- 🛥 Private, per boat
from €365 / boat
✓AvailableEstepona⏱ 2 h
Sunset on the New Moonday 780 WA with Cava, Private Boat
Fixed 20:00 sunset departure from Estepona Marina on a new Moonday 780 WA: private for up to 8, cava, drinks, snacks and paddle-board.
- Duration
- ⏱ 2 h
- Type
- 🛥 Private, per boat
from €365 / boat
✓AvailableEstepona⏱ 2 h
Private Dolphin Trip in Estepona with Drinks Included
Look for wild dolphins from a private boat out of Estepona: 2 hours for up to 8 guests, drinks included. Morning departures give best odds.
- Duration
- ⏱ 2 h
- Type
- 🛥 Private, per boat
from €365 / boat
✓AvailableEstepona⏱ 4 h
Half Day Private Cruise from Estepona to Puerto Banús
Half-day private cruise from Estepona to Puerto Banús for up to 8 guests: swim, paddle, snorkel and a chance to visit the floating BarcoBar.
- Duration
- ⏱ 4 h
- Type
- 🛥 Private, per boat
from €790 / boat
✓AvailableEstepona⏱ 5 h
Gibraltar Premium Day Trip by Private Boat from Estepona
Sail from Estepona to see the Rock of Gibraltar from the sea: 5 private hours for up to 8 guests, with swim stops, drinks and snacks.
- Duration
- ⏱ 5 h
- Type
- 🛥 Private, per boat
from €990 / boat

