Planning a yacht charter in Marbella for 2036? The good news: you don’t need a licence if you charter with a skipper. Every boat in our fleet comes with a licensed professional, so you can focus on sun, sea, and sangria. But if you dream of taking the helm yourself, there are clear rules. This guide covers the licence categories, boat size limits, and exactly what you need – or don’t need – to set sail from Puerto Banús.
Who Needs a Yacht Charter Licence in Marbella 2036?
If you charter a boat with a skipper (which we include on all our vessels), you need zero paperwork. The skipper holds the required qualifications – typically a Spanish PER or higher. You simply turn up, relax, and enjoy. The only time you need a licence is if you want to drive the boat yourself. In that case, you must hold a valid Spanish recreational boating licence or an equivalent recognised foreign licence.
Spanish Recreational Boating Licences Explained
Two main licences cover most private charters:
- PLE (Licencia de Navegación) – for boats up to 8m length, within 4 nautical miles of shore. Good for small speedboats like our Mariah SX21 (6.4m, 5 pax).
- PER (Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo) – for boats up to 15m, up to 12 nautical miles. Covers our Astondoa 40 (12.5m) and Azimut 39 (12.5m).
For yachts over 15m, you need a higher licence (e.g., Patrón de Yate). But honestly, why bother? Our skippers handle all that.
Boat Categories and Licence Requirements in Our Fleet
Here’s how our boats map to licence rules:
| Boat | Length (m) | Max Pax | Licence Needed to Self-Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariah SX21 | 6.4 | 5 | PLE or higher |
| Dubhe | 8 | 5 | PLE or higher |
| Astondoa 40 | 12.5 | 9 | PER or higher |
| Azimut 39 | 12.5 | 11 | PER or higher |
| Mangusta 80 | 24 | 12 | Professional skipper required |
| Ferretti 94 | 29 | 12 | Professional skipper required |
All boats over 24m (like the Canados 86 and Maiora 26m) legally require a professional skipper. We provide one on every charter, so no worries.
Foreign Licences: Are They Valid in Spain?
Yes, but with caveats. EU licences are generally accepted. Non-EU licences (e.g., USCG, RYA) usually need an official translation or a recognised international certificate. The simplest route? Charter with our skipper – it’s included, stress-free, and you avoid paperwork.
What If I Don’t Have a Licence?
No problem. Every booking includes a licensed skipper. You can still enjoy the helm under their supervision (many guests do). The skipper handles navigation, safety, and mooring. You just steer and soak up the views of La Concha, Cabopino, or the Golden Mile.
Pricing and What’s Included
Our Tier A boats (Astondoa 40, Azimut 39) start at €749 for 2 hours, up to €2,299 for 8 hours – skipper, drinks, snacks, fuel, and IVA included. Tier B (Mangusta 80) is €4,719 minimum 4 hours, with a free jet ski. For other boats, contact us via WhatsApp for a custom quote.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Marbella in 2036?
No, if you charter with a licensed skipper – which we include on every boat. You can relax and enjoy the coast. If you want to drive the boat yourself, you need a Spanish recreational boating licence (PLE or PER).
What is the difference between PLE and PER licences?
PLE (Licencia de Navegación) is for boats up to 8m length and within 4 nautical miles of shore. PER (Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo) allows boats up to 15m and up to 12 nautical miles. For larger yachts, you need a higher qualification.
Can I charter a yacht without a skipper if I have a foreign licence?
Yes, if your foreign licence is recognised by Spanish authorities. In practice, most non-EU licences require an official translation or endorsement. We recommend chartering with our skipper to avoid paperwork.
Which boats in your fleet require a professional skipper?
All boats over 24m, such as the Ferretti 94 (29m), Canados 86 (26m), and Maiora 26m, require a professional skipper. We provide one on every charter, so you don't need to worry.
Can I drive a boat myself on a charter with you?
Yes, if you hold a valid PLE or PER licence and we agree it in advance. Most guests prefer our skipper to handle navigation while they enjoy the day. Contact us via WhatsApp to arrange self-drive.
What is included in your charter prices?
Every charter includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). No hidden costs.
Are there age restrictions for chartering a yacht?
You must be at least 18 to book. Children are welcome on board. There is no minimum age for passengers, but life jackets for all sizes are provided.
How do I book a charter in Marbella?
Browse our fleet on the website, pick your boat, and contact us via WhatsApp or the booking form. We'll confirm availability and send you the details. All charters depart from Puerto Banús.