Planning a yacht charter in Marbella for 2042? The good news: you don't need a licence if you book with us. Every boat in our fleet departs Puerto Banús with a licensed skipper included, so the new 2042 rules simply don't apply to your day out. This guide breaks down what's changed, what you need to know, and how to get on the water without a single piece of paperwork.
Do you need a licence for a Marbella yacht charter in 2042?
No – not for any of our charters. All boats – from the Dubhe (8m, 5 pax) to the Ferretti 94 (29m, 12 pax) – come with a professional skipper as standard. The skipper holds a valid Spanish licence, handles all navigation, and ensures safety. You and your guests simply relax. The 2042 rule changes only affect private, self-drive (bareboat) rentals, which we don't offer.
What are the new 2042 license rules?
From 2042, Spain has tightened requirements for private boat rentals. If you rent a boat without a skipper, you must hold:
- Licencia de Navegación – for boats up to 8 metres, valid within 5 nautical miles of the coast.
- Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo (PER) – for boats up to 15 metres, with extended coastal navigation.
- For larger vessels, you'll need a higher-grade professional licence.
These licences require a medical certificate, written exam, and practical test. But again – if you book a skippered charter, none of this applies.
Our fleet: no licence, all options
Because we include a skipper, you can choose any boat in our fleet without worrying about licence categories. Here's a snapshot:
| Boat | Length | Max pax | Price (incl. skipper) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubhe | 8m | 5 | On request via WhatsApp |
| Astondoa 40 | 12.5m | 9 | €749/2h, €2,299/8h |
| Azimut 39 | 12.5m | 11 | €749/2h, €2,299/8h |
| Mangusta 80 (white/grey) | 24m | 12 | €4,719 minimum 4h |
| Ferretti 94 | 29m | 12 | On request via WhatsApp |
All prices include skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, insurance, and IVA. No hidden costs.
Why a skippered charter is the smart choice
Beyond avoiding licence requirements, a skipper adds real value. They know the local waters – from the glamour of Puerto Banús to hidden gems like Cala del Faro and Cala Cortés. They'll anchor where the water is calmest, suggest the best spots for swimming, and handle mooring in busy marinas like Marbella Marina or Cabopino. You can focus on the sun, the sea, and the views of La Concha.
What about foreign licences and ICC?
If you're visiting from abroad, you might wonder if your home licence is valid. For private rentals, EU licences are generally recognised, and non-EU visitors often need an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). But since our charters are fully skippered, these questions never come up. You don't need to bring any documents – just your swimsuit.
Booking your licence-free charter
Ready to set sail? Here's how it works:
- Message us on WhatsApp with your preferred date, boat, and duration.
- We confirm availability and send a simple booking link.
- Pay a deposit (balance due on the day).
- Meet your skipper at Puerto Banús – no licence checks, no forms.
For the best value, consider the Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39 at €749 for 2 hours – perfect for a quick sunset cruise. Or go all-in with the Mangusta 80 at €4,719 for 4 hours, which includes a free jet ski.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Marbella in 2042?
No, not if you book a skippered charter. All our boats come with a licensed skipper, so you don't need any qualifications. The skipper handles navigation, docking, and safety. If you plan to rent a boat without a skipper (bareboat), then you'll need a valid Spanish boating licence – new 2042 rules require it for any boat over 6 metres.
What are the new 2042 license requirements for private boat rentals?
Under the updated 2042 rules, anyone renting a boat without a skipper must hold a Spanish 'Licencia de Navegación' for boats up to 8 metres, or a 'Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo' (PER) for larger vessels. You'll also need to pass a short practical check at the marina. These rules don't apply to skippered charters, which remain licence-free.
Can I drive the boat myself if I have a foreign licence?
If you hold a valid recreational boating licence from an EU country, it's generally recognised in Spain. For non-EU licences, you may need an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or a temporary Spanish permit. However, on our skippered charters, the skipper always drives – you're welcome to take the helm under their supervision if you wish.
What boats can I charter without a licence in Marbella?
You can charter any of our boats without a licence, as long as a skipper is included. That includes the Dubhe (8m, 5 pax), the Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 pax), right up to the Ferretti 94 (29m, 12 pax). The skipper is always part of the package, so no licence is needed – just pick your boat and go.
Are there age restrictions for passengers or skippers?
There's no minimum age for passengers, but children must be accounted for in the boat's capacity. Skippers must be over 18 and hold a valid licence. For private (bareboat) rentals, the minimum age to obtain a Spanish licence is 16 for the Licencia de Navegación, and 18 for the PER. On our charters, age limits only apply to the skipper, not guests.
What's included in the charter price?
Every charter includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). For Tier A boats (Astondoa 40, Azimut 39), the price is €749 for 2 hours or €2,299 for 8 hours. Tier B (Mangusta 80) starts at €4,719 for 4 hours, including a free jet ski.
How do I book a yacht charter in Marbella without a licence?
Booking is simple – just message us on WhatsApp. We'll confirm availability, answer any questions, and take a deposit. On the day, you'll meet your skipper at Puerto Banús, and you're off. No paperwork, no licence checks, no hassle. Just show up and enjoy the Costa del Sol.
What happens if I want to rent a boat without a skipper?
We don't offer bareboat rentals – all our boats come with a professional skipper. This is actually a benefit: you avoid the 2042 licence requirements, and you get local knowledge of the best coves like Cala del Faro and Cala Cortés. If you're set on driving yourself, you'd need to look elsewhere and provide your own licence.
Still have questions about Marbella yacht charter license requirements in 2042? Explore our fleet overview or read our Marbella sailing guide for more tips. When you're ready, contact us via WhatsApp – we'll get you on the water in no time.