Nerja is easily one of the most epic coastal towns on Costa del Sol with one of the most pristine coastlines. When visiting Nerja, boat trips, snorkeling, and kayaking should be on your itinerary, especially in the summer.
With plenty of dolphin spottings off the coast, underwater caves, abundant marine life, hidden beaches, unique rock formations, and waterfalls cascading straight into the sea, you’ll not be disappointed.
I’ve spent plenty of time in Nerja throughout the years, and can with certainty say that Nerja encompasses the best of the best with plenty of sustainable exploration options.
One of the things I love to do in Nerja, is to get on a boat, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the waters.
That’s why I decided to share the best boat trips in Nerja, as well as the best kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding tours to spice up your vacation. Get ready to create the best vacay memories of all time!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi, I’m Linn Haglund, the face behind Brainy Backpackers. I’ve been based in Spain for the last 10+ years, and travel locally and abroad whenever I have a chance. I’m passionate about responsible travel, slow and off the beaten path travel, and outdoor activities, especially hiking. I’m currently slow traveling in my van Persistence (Persi among friends) with my fiancée Mohammed and rescue puppy Atlas. I’m excited to help you explore this planet responsibly!
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MY TOP 3 PICKS – COASTAL EXCURSIONS AND NERJA BOAT TRIPS
Nerja: Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo Boat Trip – an epic 4-hour Nerja boat tour including paddleboarding and snorkeling.
From Nerja: Guided Paddle Surf Cliffs and Maro Waterfall – a fun paddleboarding adventure along the cliffs of Maro to secluded beaches and below waterfalls.
Nerja: Sea Kayak Tour – a relaxing experience paddling along the mesmerizing Maro coast where waterfalls cascade into the sea and you can paddle through large rock formations.
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What to bring on coastal excursions and boat trips in Nerja Spain
The coastal excursions and boat trips in Nerja all include water activities, so you must wear swimwear and slather on a good amount of reef-safe sunscreen.
Some of these tours include snorkeling gear, but not all, so make sure you check up front if you need to bring your own.
In my experience, it is always a good idea to have your own snorkeling gear. First of all, you don’t have to share tubes with others, and secondly, you ensure that you have a mask that fits your face.
Make sure you carry a dry bag to keep your things dry, but also a waterproof phone case if you plan to take photos with your phone. You can get this at Ale Hop along Burriana Beach.
Summed up, here are the things I suggest you always bring with you on any of these Nerja boat trips and coastal excursions.
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Suncream
- Phone/camera
- Waterproof phone case
- dry bag
Best Nerja boat trips
1. Nerja: Maro Waterfall Boat Trip with Paddleboarding & Drink
Duration: 4 hours
What’s included in this boat tour:
- Local Guide
- Snorkel gear
- Paddleboards
- A bottle of water per person
- Pictures of the trip with a GoPro
What’s not included in this boat tour:
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
This is by far one of the best boat trips in Nerja, taking you to the mesmerizing cliffs of Maro and Cerro Gordo.
It’s full of action, as you’ll board a paddleboard to explore the cliffs closer, including the Maro waterfall cascading into the sea.
There’s also plenty of time for snorkeling to uncover the underwater world, which is at its best in Nerja. Boat trips last 4 hours, making it a fabulous half-day out.
2. 4.5-Hour Nerja–Maro Catamaran Tour with Lunch
Duration: 4.5 hours
What’s included in this boat tour:
- lunch
- one beverage
- guide
What’s not included in this boat tour:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Note that this Nerja boat tour leaves from Puerto de La Caleta de vélez which is near Torre del Mar which is half an hour west of Nerja. So you must be able to get there either by car or bus, as they don’t offer pick up.
That said, this is an exclusive opportunity for a private boat tour in Nerja, sailing past Balcon de Europa. You might be lucky to see wild dolphins too. I have often seen dolphins on boat trips around Nerja, and it is just as magical each time – yet no guarantee.
Passing Nerja, you’ll cruise past the mesmerizing Maro Coast with secluded beaches, waterfalls cascading into the sea, and beautiful rock formations.
3. Boat rental without a license in Nerja
Duration: 4 hours
What’s included in this boat tour:
- fuel
What’s not included in this boat tour:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to explore the coast of Maro and Cerro Gordo on their own. Even if you don’t have your boat license, you will get good guidance before you set out.
At sea, you might see dolphins (which you must NOT chase) and along the coast, there are several hidden beaches, rock formations, and Maro waterfalls cascading into the sea.
Bring food and drinks to make this an unforgettable, private experience.
4. Nerja-Maro: Snorkeling & Sea Scooter Speedboat Trip
Duration: 2 hours
What’s included in this boat tour:
- Local Guide
- Snorkel gear
- Wetsuit
- Sea scooter
- Pictures of the trip
What’s not included in this boat tour:
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
This action-filled adventure is easily one of the best boat trips from Nerja, especially if you’re an adrenaline junkie. The speedboat takes you out to the snorkeling spot, where you will be briefed on snorkeling if it is your first time.
You will likely see plenty of fish and possibly octopus and sea turtles. The area is frequented by dolphins, too, and while I haven’t seen them while snorkeling yet, I have seen them off the beach multiple times besides the boat.
What sets this boat trip apart from the others I’ve listed here is the opportunity to ride a sea scooter! So much fun!
Besides, you’ll get photos of your adventure to keep the memory of the incredibly crystal-clear water for a lifetime.
This is a great family-friendly boat tour, as our guides were very attentive and made sure everyone felt safe using the equipment, even as first-timers.
Nerja is truly one of the best places to go snorkeling in Spain, so you should not miss out on this opportunity!
Best Nerja water activities
1. Nerja: Guided Kayak Tour Nerja Cliffs and Maro Waterfall
Duration: 2.5 hours
What’s included:
- Local Guide
- Kayaking equipment
- Swimming goggles
- Life jacket
- Pictures of the trip
What’s not included:
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
If you fancy kayaking in Nerja, this is by far the best experience you will have. The calm of paddling in crystal-clear water along the dramatic cliffs of Maro is unmatched.
During the kayak trip, the guide will tell you everything about the unique natural reserve of Maro-Cerro Gordo, the cliffs, the marine life, and everything you might wonder about.
You will pass secluded beaches and waterfalls cascading straight into the water, which I’m happy to say are cascading again after a few years of drought!
As you can imagine, this is a great adventure to be had and one of the best things to do in Nerja.
2. From Nerja: Guided Paddle Surf Cliffs and Maro Waterfall
Duration: 2 hours
What’s included:
- Local Guide
- SUP equipment
- Life jacket
- Pictures and videos of the trip
What’s not included:
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Snorkel equipment
If you would rather try paddleboarding along the cliffs of Maro, you can take a guided SUP tour. This is one of my favorite water excursions in Nerja for sure.
If you have not tried SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) before, do not worry. The guide will help you with the basics, how to sit on the boards, stand up, and paddle with minimum effort.
Paddleboarding along the pristine cliffs of Maro gives you a unique opportunity to get close to the secluded beaches, unique rock formations, and waterfalls.
This is really a fun activity, and Nerja is one of the best places to do it in all of Andalucia, if not Spain.
Note that this tour does not include snorkeling gear, so if you want to duck under the surface, make sure you grab a snorkel and tube at one of the shops near Burriana Beach.
MORE FROM NERJA:
- Best things to do in Nerja
- Kayaking in Nerja
- Where to stay in Nerja
- Best beaches in Nerja
- Burriana Beach Guide
- Calahonda Beach Nerja Guide
- Day trips from Nerja
Final thoughts on water excursions and boat trips from Nerja
As you can tell, some epic adventures and boat trips in Nerja are likely to be the highlight of your Andalucia itinerary.
This corner of southern Spain is a haven for water activities, adventure, and boat tours. Nerja is easily one of my favorite places on the planet because of its pristine coast, clear water, and diverse underwater world.
So no matter which of these adventures or Nerja boat trips you decide to do, I am sure you will have a fabulous time and memories of a lifetime.
Happy travels!