Category Dolphin Watching

MÁLAGA · DOLPHIN WATCHING

The 15 Best Dolphin Watching Trips on the Costa del Sol

23 reviewed

Pods sit a few miles out from Benalmádena and Fuengirola and are seen on most sailings, though nobody sells you a guarantee. Compare the boats here: catamaran or yacht, how long you stay out, what the sighting policy is, and what each trip costs per person.

Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour - Getting to the boat at Costasol Cruceros, and where to sit

1.Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

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

Dolphin watching from Benalmádena on a shaded catamaran, underwater windows, onboard bar, and an optional summer sea swim.

“This tour was the best any of our group had been on. The boat was in excellent condition, clean with plenty of room for all guests. The bathrooms were spotless throughout the trip and the shop was well stocked and reasonably priced. The crew were second to none, they made everyone feel welcome, even myself who spent most of the trip in the throes of morning sickness induced sea sickness. We spent precious time with a dolphin pod although I personally was very relieved to head back to the marina. If you book any trip on your travels make it this one. We will definitely be returning once the wee…”

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Fuengirola: Dolphin Watching by Yacht with Snacks and Drinks

Fuengirola: Dolphin Watching by Yacht with Snacks and Drinks - The dolphin search: how it feels when the captain looks hard

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

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

2-hour Fuengirola dolphin spotting by luxury yacht with snacks and drinks, swim breaks, and views of Calaburras lighthouse and Torrequebrada.

“We loved our experience and seeing the dolphins was amazing. Loads of refreshments on offer we were lucky as had the boat to ourselves so added bonus. Captain, hosts were very attentive . Thank you for a great trip.”

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From Malaga: Day trip to Gibraltar and Dolphin Boat Tour

From Malaga: Day trip to Gibraltar and Dolphin Boat Tour - Crossing into Gibraltar at La Línea: your passport is not optional

Fuengirola: Catamaran Tour to Spot Dolphins

Fuengirola: Catamaran Tour to Spot Dolphins - Gate 3 to Dock 3: How to Meet the Boat Without Stress

4.Fuengirola: Catamaran Tour to Spot Dolphins

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

2-hour catamaran from Fuengirola to spot dolphins, with an onboard bar and roomy decks. Sightings are usually 90%.

“Overall a great trip, appropriately 45 minutes out to sea, with a small stop to view the dolphins, then approximately 45 minutes back. Did see a lot of dolphins when stopped. Not really what I’d call ‘glass bottomed’ though, this was just two small areas either side of the boat.”

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Marbella: Sailing & Dolphin Watching with Snacks and Drinks

Marbella: Sailing & Dolphin Watching with Snacks and Drinks - Your sailboat: what 12 to 14 meters feels like in practice

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

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

Sail from Puerto Banús for dolphin chances, snacks and drinks, and sweeping sea views. Choose shared or private on a 2 to 2.5 hour trip.

“We had a fantastic time on our tour. The captain was great, lots of fun and very informative. The boat was beautiful and it was super ease to book. I’d recommend to anyone with a free afternoon. It’s a beautiful way to see Marbella.”

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Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour from Benalmadena

Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour from Benalmadena - Dolphin Spotting: The Part You Cannot Force (and How to Win Anyway)

6.Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour from Benalmadena

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

Sail a Blue-Flag catamaran from Benalmádena in search of dolphins in the Alboran Sea, with snacks, deck views, and flexible routes.

“Unfortunately, we had bad luck with the trip. The waves were moderate, but we got seasick; the boat sometimes drove directly into the waves. Some found this funny, others didn't. We didn't see any dolphins either. The crew was very friendly and handed out spit bags and blankets.”

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Estepona: Dolphins Searching Sea Cruise with Drink & Snacks

Estepona: Dolphins Searching Sea Cruise with Drink & Snacks - Boarding at La Martingala docks: what you’ll do in the first minutes

Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay

Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay - Dolphin Watching Is the Goal, But Wild Means Not Guaranteed

8.Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay

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

A small sail on Estepona Bay to look for wild dolphins, cool off with a swim, and relax with drinks aboard the Velero Intrepido.

“Why is this called “dolphin viewing“ if it’s guaranteed you see no dolphins? Just cruising around for two hours, in the called and with a coke, no music or entertainment, is definitely not worth this price!”

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Estepona: Dolphin Watching Sailboat Cruise with Drink

Estepona: Dolphin Watching Sailboat Cruise with Drink - The 2-hour rhythm on the water

Sailing Adventure: Sailing, Dolphins and Relaxation with Drinks

Sailing Adventure: Sailing, Dolphins and Relaxation with Drinks - The 2-hour rhythm: sailing, relaxing, and drinks that actually matter

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

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

Sail off Marbella near Malaga for dolphin spotting, included beer and cava, and a relaxing coastal ride with optional swimming when seas allow.

“We had a really enjoyable morning on Varuna with our children (ages 1-12) and saw dolphins which was a highlight! We tracked a pod of 8 or more dolphins for about 30 minutes including a juvenile which was very playful! We also swam off the side of the boat and loved lying out on deck taking in the views. A really memorable morning spent on board! Juan and Sophia took great care of us ensuring me saw dolphins and had anything we needed on board.”

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Boat Trip in Fuengirola, Dolphin Watching and Drinks

Boat Trip in Fuengirola, Dolphin Watching and Drinks - The Two Hours That Matter: Costa del Sol Sailing and Dolphin Watching

11.Boat Trip in Fuengirola, Dolphin Watching and Drinks

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

2-hour Fuengirola dolphin-watching yacht ride with drinks and snacks, small groups up to 12, sailing the Costa del Sol from a 15-meter boat.

“What a phenomenal experience!! The entire staff from the meeting office to the captain himself were extremely friendly and welcoming. We departed on time and were given tons of options to drink, alcoholic (rosè, cava, white wine) and non-alcoholic (sodas/water bottles). They assured us that if we ran out of booze, there was plenty more. In the first ten minutes, we saw dolphins! The co-captain was super cool and made sure everyone was having a great time. There were a total of 8 of us on board, which was perfect amount of space. You could freely move from the back where the seating area and bar was to the front…”

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Malaga: Boat Rental without a License for Dolphin Watching

Malaga: Boat Rental without a License for Dolphin Watching - Getting to Benalmádena, and what that means for your day

12.Boat Rental without a License for Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 169 reviews · from $46

Drive a small boat along Malaga’s coast without a license, look for dolphins, swim in quiet coves, and enjoy sunset with Bluetooth music.

“Would definitely recommend this trip, the guide was so nice and helpful. He drove the boat to the end of the harbour (2 mins) and then jumped off and let us drive from there as far as we want. Just be aware that the meet up point is in Benalmadena and not Malaga city, but it is only a 30 min Uber (€20) away. 1 hour was enormous hh for us but 2 hours would have been great also. Highly recommend!”

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Fuengirola: Dolphin-Watching Sailing Tour with Drinks

Fuengirola: Dolphin-Watching Sailing Tour with Drinks - Meeting at Fuengirola Marina, and Finding the Right Berth Fast

13.Fuengirola: Dolphin-Watching Sailing Tour with Drinks

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

Fuengirola dolphin-watching on a 2-hour classic sailboat with unlimited cold drinks and snacks, plus a possible sea swim.

“We really enjoyed the tour, a lovely boat with a friendly crew who provided drinks and snacks throughout. We were lucky enough to see dolphins several times, my grandchildren were amazed! Good value for a lovely trip.”

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Fuengirola: Fantastic Dolphin Watching Yacht Tour with Drink

Fuengirola: Fantastic Dolphin Watching Yacht Tour with Drink - The Dolphin Search: Why The Skipper Matters

14.Fuengirola: Fantastic Dolphin Watching Yacht Tour with Drink

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

2-hour yacht dolphin search from Fuengirola with onboard drinks, 12m comfort, live commentary, and chances to spot playful dolphins.

“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”

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

2-Hour Excursion in Search of Dolphins/ Includes Drink and Snacks - What the 2-Hour Dolphin Search Feels Like On the Water