Malaga isn’t just famous for its sunny beaches and historic sites — it also boasts a lively nightlife scene that’s perfect for exploring via guided drinking tours. Whether you’re after a fun night of pub hopping, a relaxing boat cruise, or a touch of luxury on the water, Malaga has options that cater to all tastes and budgets. We particularly like the Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl for its fun, social vibe and local insights, and the private boat trip with open bar for a more personalized experience on the Mediterranean. With a variety of tours available, you’ll find the perfect way to get to know Malaga’s vibrant drinking culture.
If you’re wondering which tour suits your style, keep reading. We’ve picked the best options based on reviews, uniqueness, and value, so you can choose with confidence.
Quick Overview
This list features a mix of pub crawls, boat trips, and luxury yacht experiences. The Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl offers a social evening exploring local bars and clubs with free drinks, perfect for mingling. For a more intimate water adventure, the Benalmadena private boat trip and luxury yacht trip provide options for relaxing on the sea with open bars and scenic views. Each experience offers something unique — from lively nightlife to peaceful ocean vistas — ensuring there’s an option for every type of traveler.
1. Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry
This popular pub crawl is a great way to experience Malaga’s vibrant nightlife while making new friends. For around $18.50 per person, you get access to several local bars and clubs over 3 to 5 hours. The tour includes free drinks at each venue and lively icebreaker games to help everyone loosen up. Your host shares insights about Malaga’s drinking culture and introduces you to popular drinks, making this a fun, social way to explore the city after dark.
The tour is highly rated at 4.5/5 from over 300 reviews, with many praising the friendly atmosphere and affordable prices. Reviewers mention the lively group environment, with one saying, “Amaizing time with good people from all around the world,” and another noting, “Really nice people and very warm-hearted.” The organizer carefully selects the bars and clubs, ensuring a mix of popular spots and hidden gems.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a lively night out, meet fellow travelers, and experience Malaga’s bar scene without breaking the bank.
2. Benalmadena Private Boat-Trip / Excursion with Open bar 1-10Pax
Venture out on the Mediterranean Sea with a private boat trip in Benalmadena, a short ride from Malaga. For about $196.59, your group (up to 10 people) can enjoy a personalized 1 to 4-hour cruise. This trip is ideal if you’re after a more exclusive experience where you can relax, sip drinks, and soak up the coastal scenery. The crew, composed of local sailors, will ensure your safety and comfort as they share stories about the area.
The boat is described as comfortable and spacious, making it suitable for families or groups celebrating special occasions. Guests consistently praise the helpful crew, with one review stating, “The boat was lovely and comfortable, and it was so nice to get out on the water for a few hours.” The tour includes an open bar with sangria, beer, wine, or soft drinks, and snacks like crisps. Many reviews highlight the flexibility and friendly service, with one mentioning how they spotted dolphins and enjoyed snorkeling.
Bottom Line: If you value privacy, personalized service, and a relaxed atmosphere on the water, this boat trip offers excellent value and a memorable experience.
3. Luxury Yacht trips + Open Bar + Tapas + Paddle Surf + Snorkel
For those seeking a touch of luxury, this ** yacht experience** around La Herradura and Nerja is a standout. Priced at just $74 for about two hours, it includes an open bar, tapas, paddle surfing, and snorkeling. This tour departs with a minimum of six people, making it ideal for groups looking for a special day on the water.
The itinerary focuses on visiting the Punta de la Mona, La Herradura Bay, and the Natural Park Maro-Cerro Gordo. During the trip, you’ll enjoy paddle surfing and snorkeling, perfect for adventurous travelers or families with kids. The boat is described as luxurious, offering a comfortable setting to unwind while taking in scenic coastlines. Reviewers love the combination of activities and the friendly crew, with one noting it was a “great trip for enjoying the sea with family and friends.”
This experience stands out for its well-rounded mix of relaxation and adventure. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a luxury feel without an exorbitant price tag, and who enjoy water sports.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active families or groups seeking a luxury day out on the Mediterranean with food, drinks, and water fun included.
4. Málaga: Pub Crawl Málaga Madness
Finally, for those who want to dance and party, the Málaga: Pub Crawl Málaga Madness offers a day-long exploration of the city’s iconic bar scene. Although the starting times vary, this tour is great for travelers wanting to experience multiple venues in one go. The tour includes visits to the city’s most famous bars and clubs, with a chance to mingle with locals and other travelers alike.
Rated 4/5 from 15 reviews, this pub crawl is praised for its energetic vibe and the lively guide, Anna, who “spoke English very well and engaged a lot with the group.” The tour includes several stops, such as Pub Camden Lock Malaga, and even secret venues, making it a fun, unpredictable way to experience Malaga’s nightlife.
Though it’s a full-day experience, it’s best suited for those who love dancing, socializing, and exploring multiple venues in one night. The tour’s strength is in its ability to connect travelers to Malaga’s lively bar culture, making it a memorable night for party lovers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a structured, social night out with plenty of opportunities to dance and meet new friends.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Malaga
When selecting a drinking tour in Malaga, consider your budget, timeframe, and what kind of experience you’re after. If you want a lively night with new friends and affordable fun, the Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl is a solid choice. For a more exclusive experience, the private boat trip offers privacy and scenic views, perfect for celebrating special occasions. If luxury combined with water sports appeals, then the yacht trip balances comfort, adventure, and scenic beauty.
Consider your interest in water activities, social settings, or energetic nightlife. For example, if you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy snorkeling and paddleboarding, the luxury yacht is ideal. For those with limited time but a desire for fun, the pub crawl provides a quick, lively taste of Malaga’s bar scene.
Booking early, especially for popular tours like the private boat or yacht trips, is recommended to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Malaga offers a surprising variety of drinking tours, from energetic pub crawls to relaxed boat trips and luxurious yacht experiences. Whether you’re looking to meet new people over drinks, enjoy scenic views on the sea, or dance the night away, you’ll find an option that fits your style. For budget travelers, the pub crawl delivers fun at a low price. For romantics or groups celebrating a special occasion, the private boat or luxury yacht provides a memorable day on the water.
Remember to book early during peak season, and don’t hesitate to try a couple of different experiences if time allows. Cheers to discovering Malaga’s vibrant drinking culture — salud!