Planning a yacht charter in Marbella for 2035? The minimum age policy affects who can skipper, who can ride along, and what safety rules apply. Whether you're renting a Mangusta 80 from Puerto Banús or a smaller Azimut 39, here's exactly what you need to know about age limits in the upcoming season.
All our Marbella yacht charters include a licensed skipper, so you don't need a personal boating license to enjoy the Costa del Sol. But age still matters — for legal contracts, insurance, and onboard activities like jet skiing.
Legal Skipper Age in Marbella (2035)
Spanish maritime law sets the minimum age to operate a recreational vessel at 18 years. You must hold a valid Spanish or internationally recognised boating license (e.g., PPER or ICC). Since every charter from our fleet comes with a professional skipper, this rule applies only if you request to take the helm yourself — which we don't allow for safety and insurance reasons.
The skipper on board is always over 18, licensed, and experienced with local waters from Puerto Banús to Cabopino.
Passenger Age Limits on Charters
There is no minimum age for passengers on a Marbella yacht charter. Infants, toddlers, and teenagers are all welcome. However, children under 16 must wear a life jacket at all times when on deck. We provide life vests in sizes for children and adults free of charge.
For boats with open decks like the Speedboat (7m), we recommend extra supervision for young children. The Azimut 58 Flybridge offers a more enclosed saloon, which can be safer for families.
Jet Ski Age Requirement on Mangusta 80
Our Mangusta 80 (both white and grey variants) includes a free jet ski with every charter (minimum 4 hours at €4,719). The minimum age to drive a jet ski in Spain is 16, and you need either a jet ski license or a valid boating license. Drivers under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult with a license.
Passengers on the jet ski must also wear life jackets. We provide a 10-minute safety briefing before launch.
Booking and Contract Age Rules
The person making the booking — the lead booker — must be at least 18 years old. We verify age using a passport or national ID at check-in. If a minor attempts to book without parental consent, the reservation is voided, and a full refund (minus processing fees) is issued.
All contracts are governed by Spanish law, and the legal drinking age on board is 18. Our inclusive drinks package (beer, white wine, cava, soft drinks) is served only to adults.
Safety Briefings for Children
Our skippers provide a safety briefing at the start of every charter, covering emergency procedures, life jacket locations, and areas where children should sit while the boat is underway. For boats with cabins like the Ferretti 94 or Canados 86, children can stay inside the saloon during cruising.
We recommend bringing sun protection, hats, and towels for children. The Marbella sun is strong even in spring and autumn.
Fleet Capacity and Age
Children count towards the maximum passenger capacity. For example:
- Astondoa 40: 9 pax total
- Azimut 39: 11 pax total
- Mangusta 80: 12 pax total
- Bandido: 8 pax total
Overloading is illegal and unsafe. Always confirm your group size (including infants) when booking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age to skipper a yacht charter in Marbella in 2035?
The minimum age to skipper a yacht charter in Marbella is 18 years old, provided you hold a valid Spanish or internationally recognised boating license. All our charters include a licensed skipper, so you don't need a license unless you specifically request a bareboat charter, which we do not offer.
Is there a minimum age for passengers on a Marbella yacht charter?
There is no legal minimum age for passengers on a Marbella yacht charter. However, children under 16 must wear a life jacket at all times while on deck. Infants and toddlers are welcome, but we recommend bringing appropriate safety gear and informing us in advance so we can prepare child-sized life vests.
Can teenagers drive a jet ski on a Mangusta 80 charter?
Yes, teenagers aged 16 and above can drive a jet ski on the Mangusta 80 charter, which includes a free jet ski. Drivers must have a valid jet ski license or be accompanied by a responsible adult with a license. We provide a brief safety orientation before use.
What documents are needed to prove age for a boat charter in Marbella?
All charter guests must present a valid passport or national ID card at check-in. The lead booker must be at least 18 years old and show the same ID used for booking. We do not accept photocopies or digital copies for age verification.
Are there any age restrictions for alcohol on board?
Spanish law prohibits alcohol consumption by anyone under 18 on board. Our charter packages include beer, white wine, and cava, which are served only to guests aged 18 and over. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for younger guests.
What happens if a guest under 18 books a charter without parental consent?
Bookings made by individuals under 18 without parental or guardian consent are not valid. The lead booker must be at least 18 years old. If a minor attempts to book, we will cancel the reservation and issue a full refund minus any processing fees.
Do children count towards the maximum passenger limit?
Yes, children count towards the maximum passenger limit on each boat. For example, the Astondoa 40 carries up to 9 passengers total, including infants. Overloading is illegal and unsafe, so please ensure your group size fits within the boat's certified capacity.
Are there special safety measures for young children on yacht charters?
Yes, we provide life jackets in children's sizes upon request. We also recommend keeping children under 5 in shaded areas and using sun protection. Our skipper will give a safety briefing covering emergency procedures, including where children should sit during cruising.