Things To Do
Diving · Kayaking · Sailing · Paddleboarding · Jet Ski
On the Water
The Mediterranean coastline of Málaga offers some of the finest water sports conditions in Europe, warm, calm and clear water from June to October, with excellent infrastructure at every major beach resort.
The eastern Costa del Sol (Nerja and the Maro-Cerro Gordo area) offers the most naturally beautiful water sports environment, extraordinary sea caves accessible only by kayak, crystal-clear snorkelling in protected marine areas and a coastline of dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.
The western coast (Marbella, Puerto Banús, Benalmádena) has the best sailing and yacht charter infrastructure, with world-class marinas and professional operators for everything from jet ski hire to multi-day blue water sailing.
Sea Temperature
22–26°C (Jun–Oct)
Best For Diving
Nerja coast & Maro
Best For Sailing
Puerto Banús marina
Best For Kayaking
Maro sea caves
Season
May–October ideal
Wind Sports
Tarifa (2 hrs from Málaga)
Activities
The Costa del Sol’s clear Mediterranean waters offer good snorkelling from May to October, particularly around the rocky headlands of Nerja-Maro and the Marine Reserve of Cabo de Gata. Visibility of 10–15 metres is common in summer.
Tip: The Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs between Nerja and Almuñécar have the finest snorkelling on the eastern coast. Go early morning for the clearest water.
Several dive centres operate along the coast, the Nerja area is particularly popular for beginners and intermediate divers, with calm conditions and interesting underwater terrain. PADI courses are widely available.
Tip: Buceo Nerja and Dive Marbella have excellent reputations. October and May offer the best visibility and water temperature balance.
SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) and kayaking are hugely popular on the calmer coves of the eastern Costa del Sol. The sea caves below the Nerja cliffs are an extraordinary kayak destination, accessible only from the water.
Tip: The sea caves at Maro (accessible by kayak from Playa Maro) are one of the most beautiful experiences on the coast. Book a guided kayak tour.
Puerto Banús in Marbella is the sailing capital of the Costa del Sol, yacht charters, skippered boat hire and catamaran day trips are all easily arranged. An afternoon on a private boat with the Sierra Nevada as backdrop is unforgettable.
Tip: Our concierge team can arrange private yacht charters from Marbella and Benalmádena marina at very competitive rates.
High-energy water sports are available at every major beach resort. Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella and Nerja all have jet ski hire and towable inflatable rides on well-organised beach platforms.
Tip: Book jet skis in the morning before afternoon sea breezes build choppiness. Maximum 2 passengers per ski.
The area around Tarifa (2 hours from Málaga) is the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of Europe, the convergence of Atlantic and Mediterranean winds creates perfect conditions. Several schools offer lessons for beginners.
Tip: Tarifa is a full day trip from the Costa del Sol but worth every kilometre for wind sports enthusiasts. Los Lances beach has the best schools.
Our villas combine private pool relaxation with easy access to the best water sports on the coast. Our concierge team arranges boat charters, diving and more.
Browse VillasFAQ
June through September is the prime water sports season, warm sea temperatures (22–26°C), calm morning conditions and long days. Snorkelling, kayaking and swimming are excellent from May to October. Diving visibility peaks in October and May. Wind sports (Tarifa) are best in July and August when the Levante wind blows consistently.
The Mediterranean off the Costa del Sol is generally very safe for swimming and water sports, calm, clear and with excellent beach supervision (lifeguards on all Blue Flag beaches). Currents are minimal and jellyfish, while occasionally present in late summer, are generally not a significant problem.
Yes, our concierge service can arrange private boat and yacht charters from any of the main marinas along the coast (Marbella, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Nerja). A half-day boat charter for a group of 8–10 is an extraordinary way to experience the coast from the sea, with swimming stops in hidden coves.
Yes, paddleboarding, kayaking and banana boat rides are excellent for families with older children (7+). Aqualand water parks in Torremolinos and Marbella are ideal for families with all ages. Snorkelling in shallow, calm coves is wonderful for children from age 6 upwards.
