CommonBottlenose dolphin
Tursiops truncatus
The most common along the whole Málaga coast. It forms curious coastal pods that come up to the boats. It's the species you're most likely to see on a trip from Puerto Marina.
Departing from Puerto Marina · 15 min from Málaga
Dolphin watching in Málaga (departing from Puerto Marina)
No watching boats leave from Málaga city itself, but a quarter of an hour down the motorway is Puerto Marina, in Benalmádena, our nearest base. Sheltered waters, a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins and an easy trip — perfect for a getaway from the city.
Can you see dolphins in Málaga city?
It's one of the questions we get most. There are no dolphin-watching trips from Málaga city harbour: cruise and cargo traffic and the lack of operators make it unworkable. What you do have, very close by, are the province's marinas, from which we sail daily in season.
The handiest from the city is Puerto Marina, in Benalmádena, about 15 minutes down the A-7. From there we sail to the sheltered waters between Benalmádena and Mijas, home to a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. If you're staying further west, you can also sail from Manilva or Estepona.
High
Chance of a sighting in season
~15 min
From Málaga centre to Puerto Marina
Apr–Oct
Best time to see them
Over 85% chance of sightings in the summer season. Driving times are approximate and depend on A-7 traffic.
Which dolphins you can see off the Málaga coast
The Alborán Sea, off the province of Málaga, is one of the most cetacean-rich areas in Europe. These are the species most commonly seen on trips from our harbours.
Common
FrequentStriped dolphin
Stenella coeruleoalba
A deeper-water species, travelling in large, lively groups. More frequent the further west you sail, towards Estepona or Manilva.
FrequentLoggerhead turtle
Caretta caretta
Common in summer, resting at the surface. A very rewarding sighting, as it usually lets you watch calmly.
OccasionalLong-finned pilot whale
Globicephala melas
A deep-water cetacean, more likely from the harbours in the west of the province (Estepona, Manilva), near the transition to the Strait.
Choose your departure harbour
We don't sail from Málaga city harbour, but from three marinas across the province. Pick the one that suits where you're staying — each has its own character.
Puerto Marina (Benalmádena)
The closest to Málaga city, 15 minutes away. Sheltered waters and an easy trip: the best option for families and for a quick getaway from the city.
See dolphin watching in Benalmádena
Puerto de la Duquesa (Manilva)
The closest to the Strait, with deep water and more variety of cetaceans: striped dolphins in groups, pilot whales and, in summer, a remote chance of orca.
See dolphin watching in Manilva
Estepona marina
Beside the underwater canyons of the Guadiaro, a middle-ground spot with good wildlife variety and a lovely old town for afterwards.
See dolphin watching in EsteponaHow to get to Puerto Marina from Málaga
Puerto Marina, Calle la Fragata, Amarre 685, 686 y 687, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga
By car
From Málaga centre, take the A-7 towards Cádiz/Algeciras and exit 222 to Puerto Marina. About 15-20 minutes without traffic. From the airport, barely 12 minutes.
By commuter train
The C1 commuter line (Málaga–Fuengirola) leaves from María Zambrano and Centro-Alameda and stops at Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel in about 25 minutes. From the station to the harbour, a short taxi or local bus.
Parking at Puerto Marina
Puerto Marina has paid public parking inside the complex and metered spaces around it. In summer it's worth arriving early, as it fills up.
Our boats for the trip
For trips from Puerto Marina we use stable, shaded boats, comfortable for watching. We have up to 13 boats available along the Costa del Sol and in the province of Málaga. Here are the ones available right now at Puerto Marina, Benalmádena.
Frequently asked questions
What people looking to see dolphins from Málaga ask most.
Make the most of the day in Málaga
If you're coming from the city, you can combine the trip with the best of Málaga before or after.
Muelle Uno and La Malagueta
Málaga's urban port, with shops, terraces and the Centre Pompidou. A nice stroll before driving to Puerto Marina.
Old town and Alcazaba
Cathedral, Alcazaba and Calle Larios a step away. Culture in the morning and sea in the afternoon, all in one day.
La Carihuela, in Benalmádena
Right by Puerto Marina, the La Carihuela beach-bar promenade is ideal for grilled sardines after the boat trip.
What people who've sailed with us say
Real reviews from customers.
The experience was spectacular. So good was our personal experience with them that, after trying an Octopus 47cc, we bought one. Aitor treated us really, really well, he was very kind and very professional — you can tell he loves what he does and lives for it.
Definitely worth it. Our captain, Ramón, and his colleague Brian made the experience a 5-star one. They were extremely friendly, welcoming and gave us excellent service. Sailing on the sea was simply wonderful. We were also lucky enough to see dolphins poking out of the water. Thank you, team! The boat trip was the best part of our trip!
An unforgettable experience, I'd definitely do it again. I recommend it to anyone looking to have a good time with friends or family and enjoy the sea, sailing or watching dolphins. Aitor was very professional and attentive with us.
Your dolphin-watching getaway, 15 minutes from Málaga
Book your trip from Puerto Marina, or message us and we'll help you choose a harbour and time.