When clients compare yacht charter quotes in Marbella, the headline price almost always grabs their attention first — and that is exactly where most comparisons fall apart. After more than fifteen years chartering yachts from Puerto Banus, we can tell you with certainty that two charters at near-identical prices can include completely different services, and the difference often runs into hundreds of euros once you add drinks, fuel, catering or skipper. This guide explains exactly what is included in a private yacht charter in Marbella with us, what costs more, and what you should always confirm in writing before paying any deposit. No surprises, no hidden extras at the end of the day.
Is the skipper included?
Yes. Every private charter we operate includes a qualified, experienced skipper who speaks English and knows the local waters intimately. This is one of the most important details for our guests, particularly tourists and first-time charter clients, because it means you do not need a boating licence, you never operate the vessel yourself, and navigation, anchoring and safety are handled by a professional. On larger yachts we also include the necessary crew. Your only responsibility on the day is to enjoy the experience. If you want to learn how the boat or sails work during the trip, our skippers are happy to walk you through it.
Is fuel included?
Yes. Fuel is included in our prices under the standard conditions shown for each boat. This is one of the points where we differ from many international charter models, where fuel is billed separately at the end of the day and can deliver an uncomfortable surprise. With us, the cruising radius shown for each boat is what you pay for. Unusual scenarios — substantially longer routes such as full-day Gibraltar crossings or sustained higher cruising speeds — may carry a fuel supplement, but we always confirm this in writing in advance so there is nothing to discuss after the charter.
Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes. Complimentary drinks and snacks come as standard on the vast majority of our charters. Depending on the boat, this typically includes water, soft drinks, beer and a selection of snacks. On many of our larger yachts we extend this to white wine and cava, and our standard provisioning is generous enough that most groups never need to think about drinks during the day. If you want to bring your own drinks or champagne for a special occasion, we are happy to accommodate it — just let us know in advance.
Are water toys included?
This depends on the vessel, and it is one of the most genuinely variable inclusions across our fleet. Many of our motor yachts include:
- Paddle surf boards for use during swim stops
- Snorkelling equipment on selected boats
- Bluetooth music systems — every guest can connect their phone and play their own playlist
- Swim platforms and ladders for easy water access
- On selected premium yachts, jet ski, wakeboard, sea scooter or inflatable donut rides
If a specific extra matters to you — paddle surf for the kids, jet ski for a stag party, a wakeboard for the sportier guests — mention it when requesting your quote and we will recommend a boat that already includes it as standard. That is almost always cheaper than adding it as an extra later.
Is catering included or extra?
A selection of light snacks is included as part of the standard service on most charters. Full catering, however, is an optional upgrade — and one we genuinely recommend for charters of four hours or more, particularly for celebrations and corporate groups.
Our catering Marbella menus include trays of gourmet canapés (foie with caramelised onion and apple, smoked salmon, prawn salad, asparagus pâté, roquefort with cherry) priced from around €65 per tray of 30 units, mini-sandwich selections with Iberian ham and Spanish cheeses, sushi platters, Spanish cured meats, petit fours and fruit. We also offer bar upgrades from approximately €17.50 to €56 per person depending on duration and drinks selection, covering everything from soft drinks, beer, sangria and wine up to full bar service with spirits and mixers. All catering prices exclude 10% VAT, and final pricing is confirmed in your quotation. See our full yacht catering options in Marbella for the complete menu.
What is not usually included?
To set clear expectations, here is what typically sits outside the standard charter price:
- VAT or applicable taxes, where prices are displayed excluding tax
- Mooring fees in ports other than Puerto Banus (for example, if you stop for lunch in Sotogrande or Estepona and want to disembark)
- Additional fuel for extended routes or sustained high cruising speeds
- Premium catering packages and bar upgrades
- Transfers to and from your hotel or villa
- Decoration for birthdays, proposals, anniversaries or corporate branding
- Extra hours added on the day
- Multi-day charter conditions, which differ from day chartersWatersports instructors when you want certified instruction rather than equipment use
What should you confirm before booking?
Run through this checklist before you pay any deposit. It applies to us and to any other operator you compare us against.
- Final price, with VAT clearly stated
- Whether skipper and crew are included
- Whether fuel is included and whether there are any route or speed conditions
- The suggested route and any restrictions
- Drinks and snacks inclusions for that specific boat
- Catering options and prices
- Water toys and onboard equipment carried by that yacht
- Maximum capacity of the vessel
- Cancellation policy and what happens if weather deteriorates
- Departure and return points and timings
- Payment methods accepted
For reference, we accept bank transfer, secure card payments and PayPal (with a 3% surcharge). For card payments, the cardholder must be present on the day of the charter with the card and photo ID.
Why inclusions matter when comparing yacht charter prices
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value, and the most expensive quote is rarely the worst. We see this every season. A charter that looks 15% cheaper on the headline rate can end up substantially more expensive once you add the drinks, fuel supplement or skipper fee that another quote already covered. The honest comparison is the all-in experience, not the line price. When you ask us for a quote, we make every inclusion explicit in writing, so the figure you see is the figure you pay.
Ask Marbella Boat Charter what is included in your chosen yacht
Choose a yacht from our private yacht charter in Marbella catalogue — or browse our luxury motor yachts range — and ask for a personalised charter quote. Our team in Puerto Banus will confirm the full inclusions, final all-in price and best option for your group, with everything in writing before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Every private charter with us includes a qualified, English-speaking skipper.
Yes, under the standard conditions shown on each boat page. Substantially longer routes or higher cruising speeds may add a fuel supplement, confirmed in advance.
Yes. Most charters include water, soft drinks, beer and a selection of snacks. Many yachts also include white wine and cava.
Yes, generally. If you want to bring champagne for a special occasion or a specific item, let us know when booking.
Yes. We offer optional catering upgrades from gourmet canapé trays to full lunch menus, plus bar packages.
Many yachts include paddle surf, snorkelling gear and Bluetooth music as standard. Jet ski, wakeboard and sea scooter are included on selected premium
Some website prices are displayed excluding VAT. We always confirm the final all-in figure in your personalised quotation.
No. Our written quote details every inclusion, so the figure you agree on is the figure you pay.
