Reviewed · LUNCH EXPERIENCES
Boat Tour with Snorkeling, Water Slide, Lunch and Pick Up
Benalmadena’s coast is usually about beach time, but this 3.5 hour boat tour adds the best kind of action: dolphin spotting, a real 20-foot water slide, and a snorkel stop at an 1852 shipwreck. You start by looking for dolphins in open water, then you get to gear up and go into the water, and later you can choose extra calm-water fun with a kayak or paddle surfing.
I like that the tour includes the stuff that usually costs extra, like snorkeling equipment and a neoprene wetsuit, plus the slide. I also like that the group stays small, capped at 12 travelers, so you are not fighting for time in the water. The main thing to think about is that the snorkeling experience depends on what the sea is doing that day, and you should not count on a guaranteed full-color fish show or a big, fancy lunch.
Key Highlights That Make This Tour Worth Your Time
- Dolphins first: A focused search in the morning water near Benalmadena.
- 1852 shipwreck snorkeling: A built-in story stop, with snorkeling gear and a wetsuit provided.
- 20-foot slide into the sea: From the top deck, straight into the water.
- Optional kayak or paddle surfing: Two ways to stay active without needing to be an expert.
- Small group of up to 12: More personal pacing and less crowding.
- Snacks included, lunch is simple: Expect basic fuel, not a full meal service.
Benalmadena Boat Day With Real Water Fun, Not Just Sightseeing

This is the kind of outing that works even if you are not a lifelong “boat person.” You are on the water for a shorter stretch, but the schedule is packed with hands-on moments. Dolphins are the opener, then you get a genuine water activity change-up: snorkeling at a shipwreck, and later a slide that turns the boat into a moving water park.
You also get a choice after snorkeling, which matters. If the sea is calm, kayak or paddle surfing lets you move at your own pace. If the sea is a bit choppy, you can still enjoy the slide and the main snorkel stop without feeling like you must master everything.
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Getting to the Boat: Pickup, Mobile Ticket, and a Simple Start
You meet at Tour en Barco por la Costa del Sol, Lu Sea Charters, at Sebastian El Cano, Av. Juan Sebastian Elcano, 29631 Benalmádena. Pickup is offered, and the pickup time is sent to you by email the day before the tour.
That one detail helps a lot. It means you are not stuck guessing when the driver will arrive, and you can plan your morning in Benalmadena without the stress of constant checking. You also get a mobile ticket, which is handy if you are bouncing between beaches and cafés.
The tour is offered in English, and it runs with a small group max of 12. In practice, that usually means the crew can move people through gear and activities without turning your day into a long wait.
Dolphin Spotting in Open Water: What to Watch For

The tour begins with a search for dolphins that jump and play in their natural habitat. The idea is simple: you get out on the water, watch for movement, and enjoy the show if the dolphins decide to perform.
Two things make this stop especially fun:
First, you are not just looking from shore. Being out at sea tends to make sightings feel closer and more alive. Second, the crew runs the schedule with dolphins as the priority, then moves on once the day’s water has delivered.
Now for the real-world expectation setting. Dolphins are wildlife. Some days you will see plenty. Some days you might see fewer, or you might just catch a brief moment. Even with that, the trip is still built to keep you busy afterward with snorkeling and the slide.
Snorkeling at the 1852 Shipwreck: Great Gear, Mixed Fish Odds

After dolphins, you head to the remains of an 1852 shipwreck. This is where the tour changes from “watch and wait” into “gear up and get in.”
What you should know before you jump in:
- Snorkeling equipment is included.
- You also get a neoprene wetsuit, which is a big deal if the water feels cool.
- The shipwreck area is meant for snorkeling, with marine life to look for.
Here is the honest consideration based on real experiences: the fish situation is not guaranteed. On some days, you may see lots of color. On other days, you might notice the structure more than the wildlife, and you could leave wanting more fish or a turtle sighting. That does not mean snorkeling was bad, it just means the ocean controls the final outcome.
One more practical note: the shipwreck stop is best for normal snorkeling, not for people planning long breath-hold sessions. If you are the kind of diver who expects constant clear water action right near the shoreline, you might find the conditions do not match that style.
Still, the shipwreck adds something special. Even when the fish are quiet, you are looking at an underwater site that has an actual age behind it, and the crew positions you so you can experience it safely and comfortably.
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The 20-Foot Sea Slide, Plus Kayak or Paddle Surf

This is the part that turns the day into a memory. From the top floor of the boat, you can take a plunge down an exciting 20-foot slide straight into the sea. If you are traveling with kids or a youth-at-heart adult, this is the moment that gets the most excited energy.
And it is not just “one thrill then done.” After the main excitement, you can choose kayak or paddle surfing (paddle surf board) depending on conditions and what you feel like doing that day. This optional part is valuable because it gives you control. If you want more movement, go for it. If you want a slower pace, you can stay with what you already enjoyed.
In my view, this balance is what makes the tour feel like more than a standard snorkel boat:
- You get structured highlights (dolphins, shipwreck).
- Then you get flexibility (slide and optional paddling).
- Finally, you are not stuck doing only one activity for hours.
Lunch, Snacks, and What You Might Want to Add

Snacks are included, and the tour provides snack-style fuel rather than a full meal. Some experiences include basic items like a sandwich and water, which can work if you are not expecting a real lunch spread.
Because of that, I recommend you plan for a “light lunch” day. If you get hungry easily, pack an extra snack that you can eat on your own schedule before or after the boat. Also, since alcoholic beverages and soda are not included, consider whether you want to bring or buy something you actually prefer.
One small tip that helps on the water: bring something you can grab quickly when you are back on land. Sea days can shift timing, so having your own food backup keeps the day from feeling like you are rationing.
Crew and Service: Why People Keep Rebooking

The tour is run by EMOTIONS BY LU, and the experience comes down to the captain and crew. The strongest praise is consistent: the staff is professional, courteous, friendly, and helpful, especially when it comes to keeping everyone comfortable with gear and activities.
That matters most during the water parts. If you have never snorkeled from a boat or used a wetsuit before, good guidance changes everything. When people mention the crew doing a great job, it is usually about that calm, practical support, not just nice conversation.
There is also a weather reality to respect. This tour requires good weather, and there can be schedule changes if conditions shift. One real example included an issue while on the boat, with the activity postponed to the next day due to wind that was stronger than expected. When that happens, the tone of how the crew explains things makes the difference between a frustrating delay and a manageable one.
If you want to reduce stress, watch the sky early, and go in with patience. A sea day can change. A well-run crew helps you roll with it.
Price and Value: Is $106.82 a Good Deal?

At $106.82 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes, you are paying for a packed mix of guided water time and included equipment. The value gets better because several of the usual add-ons are already covered:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Snorkeling equipment and a neoprene wetsuit
- The 20-foot slide
- Snacks
- Paddle surfing board and kayak access
For many travelers, the “hidden cost” on day trips is time and gear. Here, you are not trying to rent a wetsuit or coordinate equipment on your own. And the slide is not the kind of thing you find included on most basic snorkeling tours.
That said, value only makes sense if your expectations match the format. This is not a long, luxury catamaran day with a full catered lunch. Lunch is more snack-level, and drinks like alcohol and soda are not included. If you want a big meal and unlimited drinks, you should plan to spend extra or eat before you go.
Booked about 28 days in advance on average, this tour also shows it has steady demand. That often lines up with consistent operations and a product people like.
Who This Tour Fits Best in Your Malaga Trip
This is a strong match if you want a break from sitting on the beach. You should like wildlife viewing and be comfortable switching between three modes: watching dolphins, snorkeling at a shipwreck, and then doing something active like the slide or paddling.
It also works well for mixed groups. You do not have to love all parts equally. Kids can focus on the slide. Adults might enjoy dolphins and the shipwreck structure. People who prefer calm movement can choose kayak or paddle surfing.
If you are a hardcore snorkeler who expects perfect conditions and lots of fish on every day, keep your expectations flexible. The shipwreck setting is promising, but the sea decides what you will see.
Should You Book This Boat Tour With Snorkeling and a Slide?
I would book this if you want a lively half-day on the water with real included activities, especially if the 20-foot slide is on your wish list. The small group size and included wetsuit and snorkeling gear help you get value fast, and the crew sounds like the type that keeps things organized when things get wet and fun.
I would think twice if you are mainly chasing a guaranteed colorful snorkeling show or if you expect a big, sit-down lunch. In this format, you are buying experiences more than a meal service.
If you like dolphins, you like water activities, and you do not mind that wildlife and weather influence the day, this tour is a solid pick for Benalmadena.
FAQ
How long is the boat tour?
It runs for approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.
What is the meeting point for the tour?
The tour starts at Tour en Barco por la Costa del Sol – Lu Sea Charters, at Sebastian El Cano, Av. Juan Sebastian Elcano, 29631 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain.
Is pickup included?
Pickup is offered. You receive the pickup time by email the day before the tour.
What activities are included besides snorkeling?
You can use a 20-foot water slide and you also have the option to kayak or paddle surf.
What snorkeling gear and clothing are provided?
Snorkeling equipment and a neoprene wetsuit are included.
What food and drinks are included?
Snacks are included. Alcoholic beverages and soda are not included.
What group size should I expect?
The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. This experience also requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
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