Planning a yacht charter in Marbella for 2035 and wondering if you need a licence? The short answer: no – if you book a skippered charter, which is what we offer on every boat in our fleet. All our charters come with a licensed skipper, so you can relax and enjoy the Costa del Sol without paperwork. This guide covers the 2035 rules, what licences exist, and exactly what you need (or don't need) to get on the water.
Do You Need a Licence for a Marbella Yacht Charter?
For a skippered charter, no licence is required. The skipper holds a valid Spanish navigation licence (typically PER or PNB) and is responsible for the vessel. You just need a passport or ID. If you want to rent a bareboat (no skipper), you need a Spanish licence or an ICC for boats over 6 metres. Our fleet ranges from the 6.4m Mariah SX21 (5 pax) to the 29m Ferretti 94 (12 pax) – all skippered.
Spanish Navigation Licences Explained (2025–2035)
Spain has two main recreational licences:
• PNB (Patrón de Navegación Básica) – for boats up to 8m, valid within 5 nautical miles of the coast.
• PER (Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo) – for boats up to 15m, valid up to 12 nautical miles. You can extend this with additional endorsements.
For boats over 15m, you need a higher-level licence (e.g., Patrón de Yate). The ICC is accepted for non-residents renting bareboats, but many rental companies still require a Spanish licence.
What Our Skippered Charters Include
Every charter includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). You pay nothing extra. Our Tier A boats – the Astondoa 40 and Azimut 39 – cost €749 for 2 hours or €2,299 for 8 hours. The Mangusta 80 (both white and grey variants) starts at €4,719 for 4 hours and includes a free jet ski.
Boat Size and Licence Requirements
Under Spanish law, boats over 6m require a licence to operate. Our smallest boat is the 6.4m Mariah SX21 – just over the limit. But since all our charters are skippered, size doesn't matter for you. From the 8m Dubhe (5 pax) to the 26m Canados 86 (12 pax), every boat is fully crewed.
Where You Can Sail Without a Licence
With a skipper, you can explore the entire Marbella coastline: Puerto Banús, Marbella Marina, Cabopino, Estepona, and even Sotogrande. Popular spots include Cala del Faro, Cala Cortés, and the beaches near the Golden Mile. The skipper knows the best anchorages and can adjust the route to your preferences.
What About VHF Radio and Safety Licences?
If you drive a boat yourself, you need a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (ROC) to use the VHF radio. On our charters, the skipper handles all communications. Safety equipment (life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers) is provided and checked before departure.
Can You Charter a Boat for a Party Without a Licence?
Yes – and it's popular. Groups often book the Mangusta 80 or Azimut 58 Flybridge for celebrations. The skipper stays onboard, so you can focus on the party. Just remember: all passengers must have ID, and the skipper has the final say on safety (e.g., weather conditions, alcohol limits for the skipper).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to rent a boat in Marbella in 2035?
No – if you book a skippered charter, which is what we offer on every boat. The licensed skipper handles everything. If you want to rent a bareboat (no skipper), you need a Spanish navigation licence or an ICC for boats over 6m.
What licence do I need to drive a boat myself in Marbella?
For boats over 6m (20ft), you need a Spanish recreational navigation licence (PER or PNB) or an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). For boats under 6m, no licence is required, but you must follow local navigation rules.
Can I charter a boat without a skipper in Marbella?
Yes, but only for private use where you are not charging passengers per seat. Most rental companies, including us, only offer skippered charters for safety and insurance reasons. Bareboat rentals are rare in Marbella.
What documents do I need to bring for a skippered charter?
Just a valid passport or ID for all passengers. The skipper has all required licences, insurance, and safety equipment. No boating licence is needed from you.
Is a VHF radio licence required for boaters in Marbella?
If you are driving a boat yourself and using the VHF radio, you need a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (ROC). On our skippered charters, the skipper handles all radio communications.
What are the age limits for renting a boat in Marbella?
For skippered charters, there is no minimum age for passengers. Children are welcome. If you want to drive a boat yourself, you must be at least 16 for a PNB licence or 18 for a PER licence.
Do I need insurance to charter a boat in Marbella?
All our charters include comprehensive insurance and safety equipment. If you rent a bareboat elsewhere, you must have your own insurance or buy it from the rental company.
What happens if I don't have a licence and try to rent a bareboat?
Rental companies will refuse the booking. Spanish law requires proof of a valid licence for boats over 6m. Without it, you cannot take the boat out. Always book a skippered charter if you lack a licence.
Ready to book? Browse our fleet and choose your perfect Marbella yacht charter – no licence needed.