Sunset catamaran cruise

The Costa del Sol faces south and west, which means the sun sets over the sea along virtually the whole western coastline. A sunset catamaran cruise is probably the most enjoyable way to take advantage of that geographical detail.

What the trip involves

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
• Route: sailing parallel to the coast, with views of the line of beaches, the Sierra Blanca and, on clear days, Gibraltar and the African coast.
• Swim stop in open water on most summer sailings.
• Drink included (usually cava, beer or a soft drink) and sometimes snacks.
• Typical price: €35-60 per person.

Where they depart from

The main departure points are Puerto Banús, Puerto Marina in Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Estepona and the port of Málaga. There are also sailings from Puerto de la Duquesa and Caleta de Vélez in the east.

Types of trip

• Shared catamaran: the standard option, in a group, at a fixed time. The cheapest.
• Private charter: the whole boat for your group, with or without a skipper. From around €300-400 for small groups.
• Sailings including dolphin watching: these combine both and usually leave at midday rather than at sunset.

Tips

• Book ahead in July and August: sunset sailings are the first to fill.
• Bring an extra layer: out at sea it gets cooler after sundown than you’d expect from the shore.
• If you get seasick, take something an hour beforehand.
• Swimwear and a towel if there’s a swim stop.
• Flat shoes; on many catamarans you sail barefoot.

When to go

May to October is the main season, though some operators sail all year. In June and July the sun sets close to 9.30pm, so departures are late; in September and October the sunset comes earlier and the colours are better.