Andalusian marinas expect a record-breaking summer

Nautical tourism is on the rise, and Andalusian marinas are set to benefit from it. Data from the Association of Sports and Tourist Ports of Andalusia (Marinas de Andalucía) predict a record-breaking summer, with some of these facilities fully booked. The association confirms that most expect an occupancy rate ranging from 85% to 100%, reflecting the robust health of nautical tourism in the region and the important role these nautical venues play, which together offer more than 9,000 moorings along the Andalusian coast. Manuel Raigón, president of Marinas de Andalucía, asserts that "the forecasts for this summer are very positive and confirm the good moment our ports are experiencing. Both the expected level of occupancy and the diversity of visitors reflect the international appeal of our coast and the quality of the services we offer."

Regarding the rise of nautical activities, they point to the boost from the nautical charter business, which continues to grow steadily in Andalusian ports. According to data collected by Marinas de Andalucía, most of the associated sports ports have between five and fifteen active nautical charter companies, although in some specific cases the number is even higher, exceeding a hundred. "This trend confirms the consolidation of renting as an increasingly common option for those wishing to enjoy the sea without needing to own a vessel," they highlight to explain that the profile of this client is more of a young person who is encouraged to obtain their navigation license to rent a boat for a few days with friends or family. "It's a simple and accessible way to live the nautical experience," details Raigón.

Regarding the visitors arriving at the Andalusian ports, he assures that they are mainly Spanish, British, and French travelers, although there is a greater presence of Germans and emerging markets such as Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, or the United States are beginning to stand out. "This diversity reflects the international appeal of the Andalusian coast and the positioning of the ports of Marinas de Andalucía as reference destinations for sailors," he details, noting that intense daily activity is expected in the associated ports, registering an average influx of eight to nine boats, although some venues reach 20 and even 40 moorings per day. The average duration of short stays visiting the ports varies between two and four days.

As for the types of vessels, motorboats predominate, although sailboats and catamarans are also very common, especially among those traveling the coast with family or friends. Marinas de Andalucía, which includes infrastructures like Marina El Rompido, Puerto Sherry, Alcaidesa Marina, Puerto Sotogrande, La Duquesa, Real Club Náutico Estepona, Puerto Deportivo Estepona, Puerto Banús, Puerto Deportivo Marbella, de Fuengirola, Benalmádena, IGY Málaga Marina, Club El Candado, Marina del Este, Marina Motril, Puerto Deportivo Almerimar, de Aguadulce and Club Náutico de San José, anticipates that "to meet the high demand, many ports have already planned reinforcements in their teams, especially in mariners, customer service, security, surveillance, or in-water maintenance, with the goal of ensuring a quality experience for all visitors and users."