Skip to main content
Adventure Collective Logo
Adventure ExperiencesLocal ExpertsLocationsAbout
Menu

The Adventure Collective

The Adventure Collective Discover, plan, and share your outdoor adventures with our global community of explorers.

Add as a preferred

source on Google

Explore Adventures

  • All Adventures
  • Boat Charters
  • Water Activities
  • Fishing
  • Land Adventures
  • Motorized Land
  • Winter Sports

Explore Adventures

  • Aerial Adventures
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • Camping & Overnight
  • Climbing & Mountaineering

Find Local Experts

  • Browse Local Experts
  • Become a Featured Expert

Company

  • About Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising
  • Add Your Business
  • Contact Us
  • The Adventure Network

Legal & Privacy

  • Privacy Policy
  • General Terms and Conditions
  • Cookies and Marketing Preferences
  • Legal Notice
  • Information according to the Digital Services Act
  • Do not Sell or Share my Personal Information
  • Sitemap

Adventure Town Guides

View All Adventure Towns

© 2026 The Adventure Collective. All rights reserved.

Editorial Policy
Skip to main content
Adventure Collective Logo
Adventure ExperiencesLocal ExpertsLocationsAbout
Menu

The Adventure Collective

The Adventure Collective Discover, plan, and share your outdoor adventures with our global community of explorers.

Add as a preferred

source on Google

Explore Adventures

  • All Adventures
  • Boat Charters
  • Water Activities
  • Fishing
  • Land Adventures
  • Motorized Land
  • Winter Sports

Explore Adventures

  • Aerial Adventures
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • Camping & Overnight
  • Climbing & Mountaineering

Find Local Experts

  • Browse Local Experts
  • Become a Featured Expert

Company

  • About Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising
  • Add Your Business
  • Contact Us
  • The Adventure Network

Legal & Privacy

  • Privacy Policy
  • General Terms and Conditions
  • Cookies and Marketing Preferences
  • Legal Notice
  • Information according to the Digital Services Act
  • Do not Sell or Share my Personal Information
  • Sitemap

Adventure Town Guides

View All Adventure Towns

© 2026 The Adventure Collective. All rights reserved.

Editorial Policy
Scenic Ferry Ride from Fuengirola to Benalmádena Along Costa del Sol

Scenic Ferry Ride from Fuengirola to Benalmádena Along Costa del Sol

Salida desde Fuengirola | Todas las edades | Descuento en tickets de ida y vuelta!

  1. Home
  2. Local Experts
  3. Costasol Cruceros
  4. Scenic Ferry Ride from Fuengirola to Benalmádena Along Costa del Sol

Adventure Brief

Cruise the sparkling Alboran Sea aboard the Ferry Starfish Dos from Fuengirola to Benalmádena, soaking in stunning coastal vistas, spotting dolphins, and exploring cultural landmarks along Spain’s Costa del Sol. Perfect for families and couples seeking a relaxing maritime adventure.

1–2 hours
easy
Family Friendly

Keep the Adventure Going

More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders

No Experience Required

Set sail from the bustling Puerto Deportivo Fuengirola and embark on the Ferry Starfish Dos for a captivating maritime journey along Spain’s renowned Costa del Sol. This one-hour ferry cruise, gliding gracefully through the clear waters of the Alboran Sea, offers travelers a unique perspective of the Andalusian coastline, blending natural beauty with cultural landmarks that define this iconic region.

The trip begins at Fuengirola, a lively Mediterranean town celebrated for its golden beaches, vibrant harbor, and relaxed seaside atmosphere. As the ferry departs, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the coastline dotted with pristine sands and historic watchtowers, once the guardians against pirate incursions. These towers, relics of centuries past, create a striking contrast against the azure sea and the olive-green foothills rising in the background.

Onboard, the Ferry Starfish Dos provides an inviting deck area with sunbathing spots and shaded seating to unwind while enjoying the fresh sea breeze. A small bar serves refreshing drinks and light snacks, ensuring picnickers and casual travelers stay refreshed. Keep your gaze skyward—dolphins and native seabirds often accompany the ferry, making each crossing a possible wildlife encounter.

Highlights of the route include the impressive Toro de Osborne at Torreblanca, a towering cultural symbol visible from the water, embodying Spain’s deep-rooted traditions. Glimpse the whitewashed villages clinging to the hillsides that flank the coast, their narrow streets and terracotta roofs a snapshot of Andalusian charm.

Approaching Benalmádena, the focal point is the striking Buddhist Stupa rising above the coastline, a modern monument promoting peace and reflection. The ferry also passes near the shipwreck site of the Isabella, a 19th-century brigantine resting on the seabed, a site of interest for history and diving enthusiasts.

The journey ends at Benalmádena’s Puerto Marina, twice awarded the world’s best marina, overflowing with restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment options. After disembarking, visitors can explore local markets held weekly or visit attractions like the castle-inspired Castillo de Colomares or the butterfly sanctuary.

This ferry experience seamlessly combines convenience, coastal sightseeing, and cultural immersion in one accessible outing perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Offering options for one-way or return tickets, it’s a stress-free way to avoid traffic, savor the coastal air, and connect with the essence of the Costa del Sol. With Bandera Azul certification, the operator emphasizes sustainable practices, making this maritime voyage as responsible as it is enjoyable. Your adventure on Spain’s sun-drenched southern shore awaits aboard the Starfish Dos.

Hang tight — photos are loading

This usually takes just a second.

Trip Details from the Operator

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pets are welcome on the ferry. However, large dogs and certain breeds must wear a muzzle onboard.

Yes, the Ferry Starfish Dos accommodates standard wheelchairs and offers accessibility assistance when informed in advance.

Absolutely! Return tickets are flexible and can be used for trips on separate days within the same season.

Key Highlights

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels including families with children and seniors, as the ferry ride involves minimal physical exertion.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Dolphins often seen cruising near the ferry route.
  • Mediterranean seabirds like Audouin’s gulls that inhabit the coastal cliffs.

History

The star-shaped watchtowers along this coast date back to the 16th century, built as defenses against pirate raids.

Conservation

The ferry operates under the Blue Flag certification program, ensuring minimal environmental impact and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Related Adventures & Guides

  • See other trips from Costasol Cruceros
  • Explore more Fuengirola adventures
  • Browse more boat charters experiences

Operated By

Costasol Cruceros

Salida desde Fuengirola | Todas las edades | Descuento en tickets de ida y vuelta!

About Costasol Cruceros

Costasol Cruceros is a maritime tour operator based in Benalmádena, Andalucía, offering boat experiences along the Costa del Sol. The company specializes in catamaran dolphin-watching excursions across the Mar de Alborán, with onboard platforms and underwater viewing areas designed for comfortable wildlife observation. Costasol Cruceros operates scheduled routes between Fuengirola and Benalmádena aboard the Ferry Starfish Dos and runs dedicated dolphin-spotting departures from Puerto Marina.

Trips prioritize safety and passenger comfort, with crew trained to follow marine wildlife viewing guidelines and to provide multilingual commentary when available. The dolphin-watching catamaran records an 82% sighting success rate, based on cruise reports from regular departures. Vehicles and facilities comply with local maritime regulations for coastal excursions in Andalucía.

Visitors choose Costasol Cruceros for scenic coastal travel, relaxed onboard amenities such as spacious decks and refreshments, and easy access to Benalmádena’s Puerto Marina after tours conclude. The operator offers flexible ticketing for single crossings and round trips, accommodating families, couples, and independent travelers. Schedules and booking options are published for each season and are subject to sea and weather conditions. Payment and reservation policies follow standard local tourism practices.

All public descriptions and trip summaries reflect routes and services offered by Costasol Cruceros between Benalmádena, Fuengirola, and marine areas of the Mar de Alborán. Customers can view timetables and purchase tickets in advance through official channels or at the Puerto Marina ticket office, subject to availability. Seasonal timetables adjust to demand and local maritime advisories. Language assistance is provided when staff available regularly.

Costasol Cruceros fleet
Costasol Cruceros team

Base

Benalmádena

Located in Puerto Marina

Dolphin Rate

82%

Reported sighting success rate

Vessel

Ferry Starfish Dos

Used for Fuengirola crossings

Routes

3 trips

Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mar de Alborán

CTA Section Background Image

Book a Benalmádena Boat Experience

Reserve dolphin-watching or Ferry Starfish Dos crossings today — check timetables and availability before travel.

Adventure Tips

Bring Sun Protection

The open deck offers limited shade; pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to stay comfortable under the Andalusian sun.

essential

Keep Binoculars Handy

A pair of binoculars enhances views of coastal villages, wildlife, and distant landmarks like the Estupa Budista de Benalmádena.

info

Arrive Early to Explore Fuengirola Harbor

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure to enjoy the lively bars and shops surrounding Puerto Deportivo Fuengirola.

info

Check Sea Conditions if Pregnant

If pregnant, choose days with calm waters to ensure a smooth and comfortable trip on the ferry.

warning

Recommended Gear

Light Jacket or Windbreaker

Provides protection against cool sea breezes during spring crossings.

spring

Essential

Sunscreen

Essential for sun protection while on the open ferry deck under intense summer sun.

summer

Essential

Camera or Smartphone

Capture the stunning coastline, wildlife, and historic landmarks during your journey.

Essential
  • Read our Fuengirola travel guide
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes

    For exploring Fuengirola or Benalmádena’s ports before or after your ferry ride.