Planning a Marbella yacht charter in 2033 and wondering what licence you need? The short answer: if you book with us, you need nothing – no licence, no paperwork, no exams. Every boat in our fleet departs Puerto Banús with a fully licensed skipper. But if you're curious about the rules, or considering a bareboat rental elsewhere, here's everything you need to know about the 2033 licence requirements along the Costa del Sol.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Marbella?
No – provided you choose a skippered charter. All 17 boats in our fleet, from the compact Speedboat (6 pax, €749/2h) to the superyacht Ferretti 94 (12 pax), include a professional skipper. The skipper holds a Spanish Patrón de Yate or Patrón de Navegación Básica licence, plus radio and safety certifications. You simply turn up, relax, and enjoy the cruise to Cala del Faro or Cabopino.
Bareboat vs skippered: what's the difference?
- Skippered charter – boat + skipper included. No licence needed. You can still help with steering if you hold a licence, at the skipper's discretion.
- Bareboat charter – you rent the boat and drive yourself. Requires an ICC or Spanish Patrón licence, plus SRC radio certificate. We do not offer bareboat charters.
For 99% of holidaymakers, a skippered charter is simpler and safer. You get local knowledge (best anchorages, restaurant tips) and zero admin.
2033 rule changes: what's new?
The Spanish maritime authority (Dirección General de la Marina Mercante) updated the regulations in early 2033. Key changes:
- Digital licences accepted – PDF or app-based ICC/Patrón now valid. No need for a physical card.
- No change to skippered charters – the requirement for a licensed skipper remains unchanged.
- Age limits unchanged – 18 for bareboat (16 with parental consent). Skippered charters have no minimum age.
These updates make it easier for tourists, but don't affect our service – we've always included a skipper.
What if I want to drive the boat myself?
If you hold a valid ICC or Spanish Patrón licence, you can ask the skipper if you may take the helm in open water – for example, between Marbella and Estepona. This is entirely at the skipper's discretion, based on weather, traffic, and your experience. It's not guaranteed, and the skipper retains ultimate control for insurance reasons.
For a guaranteed self-drive experience, you'd need a bareboat charter from another operator – but you'd also need to arrange your own insurance, fuel, and safety equipment. We find most guests prefer to sit back with a glass of cava.
Which boats are available for charter?
Our fleet ranges from intimate speedboats to luxury flybridges. All depart Puerto Banús with skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, and insurance included. Pricing:
| Boat | Length | Max pax | 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 min) | – |
| Azimut 58 Flybridge | 17.6m | 12 | on request | on request |
| Ferretti 94 | 29m | 12 | on request | on request |
See the full Marbella boat charter fleet for all 17 options.
What documents do I need to bring?
For a skippered charter, just bring:
- Passport or national ID for each passenger
- Booking confirmation (digital or printed)
- Sunscreen, towel, swimsuit
No licence, no certificates, no insurance paperwork. The skipper handles all maritime documentation.
Can I charter a boat for a day trip without a licence?
Absolutely. Our most popular day charter is the Astondoa 40 (€2,299 for 8 hours, 9 pax) – perfect for cruising from Puerto Banús to Cala Cortés or Sotogrande. The skipper will anchor for swimming, serve lunch, and navigate back. No licence required.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Marbella?
No, if you book a skippered charter – all our boats come with a licensed skipper who holds the necessary qualifications. You only need a licence if you want a bareboat (self-drive) charter, which we do not offer. Our fleet of 17 boats, from the Astondoa 40 (€749/2h) to the Ferretti 94, all depart Puerto Banús with a professional skipper.
What licence do I need for a bareboat charter in Spain?
For bareboat charters in Spanish waters, you need either an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or a Spanish Patrón de Navegación Básica (coastal licence). You also need a Short Range Certificate (SRC) for VHF radio use. Our charters are all skippered, so you don't need any of these – just bring yourself and your group.
What is the minimum age to rent a boat in Marbella?
For skippered charters, there is no minimum age – children are welcome aboard. For bareboat rentals, the minimum age is 18 (with a valid licence) or 16 with parental consent. Since we only offer skippered charters, age is not a barrier for enjoying our boats.
Are there any new licence rules for 2033?
Yes, from 2033 digital licences (PDF or app-based) are accepted alongside physical cards. No other major changes affect skippered charters. The requirement for a licensed skipper remains unchanged, so our service is unaffected. Always carry a valid ID for check-in.
Can I charter a boat without a skipper?
No, all our boats are chartered with a licensed skipper included. This is for safety and legal compliance. You can enjoy the experience without any paperwork – the skipper handles navigation, docking, and safety briefings. It's the easiest way to explore the coast from Puerto Banús to Cabopino.
What documents do I need to bring for a skippered charter?
You need a valid passport or ID card for each passenger. No boating licence is required. We recommend bringing a copy of your booking confirmation. The skipper will handle all maritime documentation and insurance paperwork.
Does the skipper have a licence?
Yes, every skipper on our fleet holds a valid Spanish Patrón de Yate or Patrón de Navegación Básica licence, plus SRC radio certificate, STCW safety training, and commercial insurance. They are experienced with the local waters from Marbella to Estepona.
Can I drive the boat myself if I have a licence?
Our standard policy is that the skipper remains in control at all times for insurance and safety reasons. However, if you hold a valid ICC or Spanish licence, you may ask the skipper if you can take the helm in open water – this is at the skipper's discretion and not guaranteed.