Planning a yacht charter in Marbella for 2036? The minimum age policy is straightforward: you must be 18 or older to be the charterer (the person who books and signs), but passengers of all ages from 5 years old are welcome. No boating licence is needed because every boat in our fleet comes with a licensed skipper. This page explains the rules, exceptions, and what you need to know before you book.
Minimum Age to Charter a Yacht in Marbella 2036
The legal minimum age to enter into a charter contract in Spain is 18. This applies to all our boats, from the 12.5m Astondoa 40 (€749/2h) to the 29m Ferretti 94. If you are 16 or 17, a parent or guardian must sign the booking and be present during the charter. Solo charters for under-18s are not permitted under any circumstances.
Minimum Age for Passengers
Passengers aged 5 and above are welcome on all our charters. Children under 12 must wear life jackets whenever on deck, and we provide them free of charge. Infants under 5 can be accommodated on request on larger boats (e.g., Azimut 58 Flybridge, Mangusta 80) but are not permitted on speedboats or small vessels like the Mariah SX21 (6.4m) or Dubhe (8m). Always inform us at booking if you plan to bring a child under 5.
Alcohol and Age Restrictions
Spanish law sets the drinking age at 18. Our crew will only serve beer, wine, cava, or spirits to guests aged 18 and over. Soft drinks, water, and snacks are included for all ages. This policy is strictly enforced by our skippers, and we ask that you respect it to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone.
Do You Need a Boating Licence?
No. All our charters include a licensed skipper, so you never need a licence. If you prefer to self-drive, you would need a valid Spanish or international licence and be at least 18, but that is not our standard offering. Our skippers handle navigation, mooring, and safety, leaving you free to relax.
Age Policy Across Our Fleet
The same minimum age rules apply to every boat in our fleet. Whether you choose the 24m Mangusta 80 (€4,719/4h, includes jet ski) or the 11.6m Lagoon 380 (10 pax), the charterer must be 18+. Passenger age minimum is 5, except for infants by prior arrangement. For a full list of boats, visit our Marbella yacht charter hub.
What About Insurance and Liability?
Our insurance covers all passengers aged 5 and above. Children under 12 must wear life jackets on deck, and all guests must follow the skipper's safety briefing. The charterer (18+) is responsible for the conduct of their group. Any damage caused by under-18 guests is the charterer's liability.
Booking with Under-18 Guests
If you are booking for a family group or a party with teenagers, the process is simple: the person making the booking must be 18+. Provide the ages of all guests at booking so we can prepare life jackets and safety equipment. We recommend family-friendly boats like the Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m, 12 pax) or the Lagoon 380 for larger groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charter a yacht in Marbella if I am under 18?
No. The minimum age to be the charterer (the person who signs the contract) is 18. If you are 16 or 17, a parent or guardian must sign on your behalf and be present during the charter.
What is the minimum age for passengers on a yacht charter?
Passengers aged 5 and above are welcome. Children under 5 can be accommodated on request, but you must inform us at booking. Life jackets are mandatory for children under 12 on deck.
Do I need a boating licence to charter a yacht in Marbella?
No. All our charters include a licensed skipper. You simply relax and enjoy the cruise. If you want to self-drive, you need a valid Spanish or international licence and be 18+.
Can teenagers drink alcohol on the yacht?
No. Spanish law prohibits serving alcohol to anyone under 18. Our crew will only serve beer, wine, or cava to guests aged 18 and over. Soft drinks are available for all ages.
Is there a maximum age for yacht charter guests?
No upper age limit. Guests of any age can enjoy our charters, provided they are in good health and able to move safely on board. We recommend informing us of any mobility needs.
What happens if someone in our group is under 5?
We can accommodate infants under 5 on most boats, but you must request this at booking. Life jackets and safety briefings will be provided. For safety, infants are not permitted on speedboats or small vessels.
Does the minimum age policy apply to all boat types?
Yes. The policy applies across our entire fleet, from the 6.4m Mariah SX21 to the 29m Ferretti 94. All charters include a skipper, so the age rule only affects who signs the contract and who can be served alcohol.
Can I book a yacht for a party with mostly under-18s?
Yes, but the charterer (person booking) must be 18+. Under-18 guests are welcome, but alcohol will not be served to them. Our crew will enforce this. We recommend family-friendly boats like the Lagoon 380 or Azimut 58 Flybridge.