Planning a yacht charter in Marbella and wondering about licence requirements for 2030? The short answer: for most visitors, no licence is needed. All our boats from Puerto Banús come with a licensed skipper who handles navigation, safety, and docking. This guide covers the legal rules, what changes in 2030, and how to book a stress-free day on the water.
Do You Need a Licence for a Yacht Charter in Marbella?
If you book a crewed charter (which all our boats are), you don't need any licence. The skipper holds the relevant Spanish qualifications, such as the Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo (PER) or higher. You just need to show up, relax, and enjoy. For bareboat charters without a skipper, you need a PER or an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) to operate vessels under 15m within 12 nautical miles of the coast.
Spanish Licence Categories Explained
Spain's recreational boating licences are tiered:
- PER (Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo) – for boats up to 15m, coastal navigation up to 12 NM.
- Patrón de Yate – for boats up to 24m, up to 150 NM from shore.
- Capitan de Yate – for any size, unlimited navigation.
For our fleet, boats under 24m (like the Astondoa 40 or Azimut 58 Flybridge) require a PER or Patrón de Yate for bareboat use. Boats over 24m (e.g., Ferretti 94, Canados 86) require a professional crew – included in your charter.
What Changes in 2030?
As of 2025, no major changes to licence requirements have been confirmed for 2030. The Spanish government has discussed stricter environmental zones in the Mediterranean, but these affect speed limits and anchoring, not licence categories. Always check with us for the latest updates when booking.
Our Fleet: Skipper-Included Charters from Puerto Banús
Every boat in our fleet includes a licensed skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, and insurance. Here are some popular options:
| Boat | Length | Max Guests | Price (2h) | Price (8h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astondoa 40 | 12.5m | 9 | €749 | €2,299 |
| Azimut 39 | 12.5m | 11 | €749 | €2,299 |
| Mangusta 80 | 24m | 12 | €4,719 (4h) | — |
| Ferretti 94 | 29m | 12 | On request | On request |
All prices include VAT (21%), skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, cava, light snacks, and insurance. No hidden fees.
Bareboat Options for Licence Holders
If you hold a PER or ICC, we offer bareboat rentals on smaller boats like the Dubhe (8m, 5 pax) or Mariah SX21 (6.4m, 5 pax). These depart from Puerto Banús and are ideal for exploring Marbella's coastline, Cala del Faro, or Cabopino. Prices are on request via WhatsApp.
What's Included in Every Charter?
- Licensed skipper (fluent in English and Spanish)
- Fuel for the full charter duration
- Water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava
- Light snacks (chips, olives, nuts)
- Full insurance (third-party, passenger, hull)
- Safety equipment (life jackets, flares, first aid)
- Spanish IVA (21%)
No extra costs – just bring your sunscreen and swimwear.
Popular Destinations from Puerto Banús
With a skipper, you can visit:
- Marbella Marina – 20 min from Puerto Banús
- Cabopino – quiet coves and dunes
- Estepona – charming old town and beach clubs
- Sotogrande – luxury marina and golf
- Cala Cortés – crystal-clear waters for swimming
- La Concha – iconic mountain backdrop
Your skipper will tailor the route to your preferences.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Marbella?
No, if you book a crewed charter with a licensed skipper (as all our boats do). The skipper holds the required qualifications. For bareboat charters (without crew), you need a Spanish recreational licence such as the PER or an equivalent international certificate.
What is the PER licence and do I need it for a 2030 charter?
The PER is the Spanish basic recreational boat licence, allowing you to operate vessels up to 15m in length within 12 nautical miles of the coast. For our crewed charters, you don't need it. For bareboat rentals in 2030, the PER or an ICC will still be required.
Are there any changes to licence requirements in 2030?
Spanish maritime authorities have proposed tighter environmental regulations for 2030, but no changes to recreational licence categories are expected. The current system remains. Always check with us for updates.
Can I drive the boat myself if I have a licence?
Yes, on bareboat charters. However, most guests prefer our skippered charters because the skipper handles navigation, docking, and safety. If you have a valid PER or ICC, we can arrange a bareboat rental from Puerto Banús on boats like the Dubhe or Mariah SX21.
What documents do I need to bring for a crewed charter?
Just a valid passport or ID card. No licence, no prior experience. The skipper manages all legal and safety requirements. We recommend bringing sunscreen, swimwear, and a camera.
Are there age restrictions for chartering a yacht in Marbella?
You must be at least 18 years old to book a charter. Children are welcome on board, but life jackets are provided for all ages. The skipper will brief everyone on safety before departure.
What about insurance – is it included?
Yes, full insurance is included on every charter – third-party liability, passenger accident cover, and hull insurance. The skipper holds all necessary certifications. You don't need to arrange separate insurance.
Can I charter a yacht without a skipper in Marbella?
Yes, but only for boats under 15m (e.g., Dubhe, Mariah SX21) and only if you hold a valid PER or ICC. For larger vessels like the Mangusta 80 or Ferretti 94, a professional crew is mandatory. We recommend crewed charters for safety and relaxation.