The privileged Costa del Sol offers endless sport options year-round. You can enjoy doing sports like tennis or padel, hiking, mountain biking or golf, the king of sports on the Costa del Sol. But when the sun comes out, the water plays the biggest role. Indeed, the Costa del Sol in general and Marbella in particular are a true paradise for water sports lovers. With mild winters and over 320 sunny days a year, Marbella would not be complete without a good offering of water activities where you can enjoy the waves, the deep sea or refreshing tours of natural settings. An unbeatable offering!
We have found the best water sports on the Marbella coast and surrounding area so you can try them this summer and learn more about this incredibly beautiful part of the Costa Del Sol. Read on to find out more.
Jet skis
Do you like driving? Well, look no further, since gliding through the waves on a jet ski is one of the most fun and exciting activities you can do. With good weather and sun, it is one of the most recommended sports if you enjoy an adrenalin rush and having fun. What’s more, if you are passionate about motor sports, riding a jet ski will be quite an experience for you.
Parasailing
Dare to feel like you can fly at a height of over 230 ft; dare to feel like a bird while safely harnessed to a boat. We can assure you that you will enjoy a true sensation of peace and tranquillity. And if this has still not convinced you to enjoy this activity, let us just say that the views will make this an unforgettable experience, since you will be one of the privileged ones who will be able to say that they have enjoyed the Marbella coast from a new perspective.
Diving
You probably did not know that in Marbella you can enjoy a rich, varied and, above all, incredibly beautiful seabed. If you are a diver, you have surely heard that Marbella is home to a large amount of pretty peculiar marine life, and it has to be said that there are even some shipwrecks. On the Marbella coast you can find endless places to enjoy diving. This activity is designed both for beginners, since Marbella does have shallow waters, and for more experienced divers, who can enjoy some deep-sea exploration.
Flyboarding
Do you want to feel like Ironman and enjoy an adrenalin rush? Then you’ll love flyboarding, an exciting experience which lets you fly over the sea. You just need to meet a couple of requirements: some equilibrium, some strength and most importantly… an adventurous spirit. We’ll tell you a secret about this activity: it’s really easy. Indeed, you’ll barely need any prior experience. It’s a very intuitive activity and you will amaze yourself in no time by doing a pirouette.
Boat trips
After the excitement of the activities, we’ve just been talking about, you surely think that a boat trip might be a little pedestrian. Nothing could be further from the truth. Enjoying a wonderful tour from Puerto Banus to Marbella or even to Gibraltar is not boring in the slightest. And if you think that taking a dip in crystal clear waters far away from the crowds is not for you, try it because we can assure you that it is a true pleasure.
Kitesurfing
Are you willing to surf with a kite and harness the power of the wind as you glide along the sea? Do you fancy flying over the waves and feeling the adrenalin course through your veins at the speed of the sea? Kitesurfing offers you this and many more sensations, so if you have not yet been lucky enough to enjoy it, we suggest you try this activity which will surely elicit several screams of joy.
Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is the best way to enjoy a different type of water sport. This exciting activity allows you to glide on a board while being towed by a motorboat, which can seem dangerous before you do it, but then you end up realising that it’s the most fun thing in the world. We can also assure you that at the end you will end up doing more than one pirouette on the water as you are towed along the waves.
Cable skiing
After telling you that you can go wakeboarding in Marbella, with cable skiing, we want to go one step further. So how would you feel about putting what you learned from water skiing into practice, but this time being pulled by a system of cables along Guadalmina Alta natural lake?
Kayaking
Kayaking is an activity for those of us who want to spend some quiet time gliding over the waves to the rhythm of our own breathing, and if you can enjoy the Mediterranean landscape at the same time, what more could you want? The plus offered by Marbella for kayaking is that you will have the chance to choose from doing it on the sea or on one of our fabulous lakes or rivers.
Sailing
The Costa del Sol in general and Marbella in particular has the ideal climate conditions for sailing. As you sail along the Marbella coast, you can enjoy the journey itself like never before, and the wonderful views while you do the next water activity we suggest.
Whale watching
One of the most wonderful experiences we can guarantee you will experience if you travel to Marbella is whale watching, more specifically dolphin, pilot whale and orca watching. In the Alboran Sea you will find a fabulous sanctuary where you will spend an amazing day.
In conclusion then, we can say that doing water sports in Marbella will make your summer very special, since you will enjoy unforgettable experiences like never before.
Tips and Suggestions
- Choose the right sport for you: The Costa del Sol offers a wide variety of water sports, including surfing, kitesurfing, paddle surfing (SUP), windsurfing, diving, and jet skiing. If you are a beginner, paddle surfing or kayaking can be good options to start with, while kitesurfing and windsurfing require more skill and practice.
- Take lessons if you’re a beginner: There are many water sports schools in Marbella and its surroundings. Taking lessons can be an excellent way to begin safely practising these sports. The schools provide equipment and professional advice that will help you improve quickly.
- Check the weather and maritime conditions: Before heading to the beach, it’s crucial to check the sea and weather conditions. Look for days with suitable wind and waves for the sport you want to practice. Also, be mindful of the flags on the beaches that indicate safety for swimming and water activities.
- Use the appropriate equipment: Ensure you use the right equipment for the sport you are practising. This includes a wetsuit if the water is cold, a life jacket for motorised sports, and water-resistant sunscreen to protect you from the sun.
- Respect marine life and the environment: The Costa del Sol is rich in marine biodiversity. If you practice diving or snorkelling, avoid touching corals or disturbing marine life. Additionally, pick up your rubbish and that of those around you to keep the beaches clean.
- Safety first: Never practice water sports alone. It is always better to have company, especially when you are learning. Also, inform someone about your plans and where you will be.
- Explore different places: Marbella and its surroundings boast many excellent beaches for water sports. Do not hesitate to explore different areas; each one can offer unique conditions and different challenges.
- Hydration and nutrition: Stay well hydrated and carry healthy snacks, especially if you plan to spend several hours in the water. Physical activity and sun exposure can dehydrate you quickly.
- Consult the locals: Talking to local residents can provide you with valuable information about the best places and times to practice water sports. Locals know the currents, the best spots to see marine life, and the times of day when the beaches are less crowded.
- Plan according to the season: Keep in mind that the Costa del Sol has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Some sports may be more enjoyable outside the high summer season, when there are fewer tourists and conditions may be more suitable for certain types of water activities.
Worth a visit: discovering the best beaches in Marbella
Where To Stay
El Fuerte Marbella
If you want to feel the adrenaline of all these sports, do not hesitate to stay at the best hotels to get the best out of each of them. The best option certainly is Fuerte Hoteles. The chain has branches where you can enjoy the best of each area throughout the province, in addition to its services. Its more than 60 years of experience are the best guarantee. Marbella, or Torrox are some sites where you can find this amazing accommodation.