Planning a yacht charter in Marbella for 2033? The minimum age rules are simple: you must be 18 to rent and 21 to skipper a boat yourself. All our charters include a licensed skipper, so age requirements mainly affect who can sign the contract and who can operate the vessel. Here is everything you need to know before stepping aboard at Puerto Banús.
Minimum Age to Charter a Yacht in Marbella 2033
The legal minimum age to rent any boat from our fleet is 18 years old. This applies to all vessels, from the 6.4-metre Mariah SX21 (5 pax) to the 29-metre Ferretti 94 (12 pax). The lead renter must present a valid passport or EU ID card at check-in. No exceptions are made for younger drivers, even with a skipper present — the contract holder must be of legal age.
Skippered vs. Bareboat: Age Differences
Our standard charters always include a professional skipper, so you never need a licence. The skipper handles navigation, mooring, and safety. If you wish to charter a boat without a skipper (bareboat), you must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid Spanish or internationally recognised boating licence. Bareboat charters are available on request — contact us via WhatsApp for pricing.
ID Requirements for All Renters
Every lead renter must bring a physical, valid passport or EU national identity card. Photocopies, photos on phones, or expired documents are not accepted. Non-EU residents need a passport with a valid entry stamp. The skipper will verify ID before departure from Puerto Banús. This policy aligns with Spanish maritime regulations and insurance requirements.
Age Limits for Passengers and Children
There is no minimum age for passengers — children of any age are welcome. Life jackets are provided free for guests under 12 years old. Parents are responsible for supervising children. For family-friendly charters, we recommend the Dubhe (8m, 5 pax) or the Lagoon 380 (11.6m, 10 pax), both stable and safe for young guests.
No Upper Age Limit — Medical Fitness Only
There is no maximum age to charter a yacht in Marbella. The only requirement is that all guests are medically fit to be on a boat. If you have mobility concerns, let us know and we can recommend a vessel with easy boarding, such as the Mangusta 80 or Ferretti 94, which have wide gangways and stable platforms.
Special Rules for Jet Skis and Water Toys
On our Mangusta 80 charters (white and grey variants), a jet ski is included free of charge. The minimum age to drive a jet ski in Spain is 16 with a licence or 18 without. All riders must wear a life jacket. For other water toys, age restrictions vary — ask our team for specifics when you book.
Our Fleet and Pricing Overview
We operate from Puerto Banús with a diverse fleet. Here is a quick reference:
| Boat | Length | Max Pax | Price (example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astondoa 40 | 12.5m | 9 | €749/2h |
| Azimut 39 | 12.5m | 11 | €749/2h |
| Mangusta 80 | 24m | 12 | €4,719/4h |
| Ferretti 94 | 29m | 12 | On request |
| Dubhe | 8m | 5 | On request |
All prices include skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, insurance, and 21% IVA. For full details on our entire fleet, visit our boat rental Marbella page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to rent a yacht in Marbella in 2033?
You must be at least 18 years old to charter any boat from our fleet. This applies whether you book a small speedboat or a 29-metre superyacht. All bookings require a valid passport or EU identity card.
Can I skipper the boat myself if I am under 21?
No. The legal minimum age to operate a charter boat without a skipper in Spanish waters is 21. If you are 18–20, a licensed skipper is mandatory. Our rates already include a professional skipper, so you can relax and enjoy the coast.
Is there an upper age limit for chartering a boat?
There is no maximum age. The only requirement is that you are medically fit to be on a vessel. We recommend informing us of any mobility needs so we can match you with a suitable boat, such as our Mangusta 80 or Ferretti 94 with easy boarding.
Can children come on a yacht charter in Marbella?
Yes, children are welcome on all our boats. Life jackets are provided free of charge for guests under 12 years old. Parents must supervise children at all times. Our smaller boats like the Dubhe (5 pax) are ideal for families.
What ID do I need to bring for the charter?
Bring your valid passport or EU national identity card. Photocopies, digital scans, or expired documents are not accepted. The skipper will check ID before departure. Non-EU residents must also present their passport with a valid entry stamp.
Do I need a boating licence to charter a yacht with a skipper?
No licence is required when you book with a skipper. Our licensed skippers handle all navigation. If you want to rent a boat without a skipper (bareboat), you need a Spanish or internationally recognised boating licence and must be at least 21.
What happens if someone in my group is under 18?
Guests under 18 are allowed on board as passengers, but they cannot be the lead renter or sign the contract. An adult aged 18 or over must be the responsible party for the booking. We recommend the Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39 for mixed-age groups.
Are there any age restrictions for jet skis or water toys?
Jet skis and water toys (included free on our Mangusta 80 charters) have separate rules. The minimum age to drive a jet ski in Spain is 16 with a licence, or 18 without. All participants must wear a life jacket. Ask our team for details.