Planning a family yacht charter in Marbella for 2038? The good news: there’s no minimum age for kids or teens on any of our boats. From newborns to 17-year-olds, everyone is welcome aboard. But there are a few rules to know – especially around life jackets, jet skis, and which boat suits your family best. Here’s the honest, up-to-date policy for 2038.
No Minimum Age – But Safety Rules Apply
Unlike some operators who set a minimum age of 5 or 8, we allow children of any age on all our charters. Infants, toddlers, and teens are all welcome. The only non-negotiable rule is that children under 12 must wear a CE-approved life jacket whenever they are on the open deck. We provide life jackets in all sizes, from newborn to adult, free of charge. Just tell us the ages of your kids when you book, and we’ll have the right sizes ready.
What About the Jet Ski on the Mangusta 80?
If you book the Mangusta 80 (either the white or grey version), you get a jet ski included free for the 4-hour minimum charter. But here’s the catch: the jet ski can only be driven by someone aged 16 or over. Teenagers under 16 can ride as passengers, but they can’t take the controls. This is a strict safety rule that we enforce on every charter – no exceptions, even if your teen has a jet ski license.
Which Boat Is Best for Kids and Teens?
For families with young children, we recommend boats with a protected cockpit and a small cabin – like the Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39. These are 12.5m boats that carry up to 9 and 11 passengers respectively, and have a shaded seating area plus a toilet. For larger families or groups with teens, the Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m, 12 pax) offers plenty of space, and the flybridge is a hit with older kids – just keep an eye on them up there. The smallest boats, Dubhe (8m) and Mariah SX21 (6.4m), are fine for a quick spin with a toddler, but they lack a toilet and cabin, so plan accordingly.
Teenagers (13–17): What’s Allowed?
Teens aged 13 to 17 are treated as adults in terms of passenger capacity – they count towards the maximum pax on each boat. They can swim, snorkel, paddleboard (if available), and use the onboard amenities. On some boats, with the skipper’s permission, a teen aged 16+ can take the helm under supervision – a great photo op. But they cannot operate the jet ski until 16, and they must always follow the skipper’s safety brief.
Life Jackets and Safety Equipment – All Included
Every charter includes licensed skipper, fuel, insurance, safety equipment, and life jackets for all ages. We also provide water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, and light snacks – but for kids, we can add fruit juice and extra water on request. If you need a baby cot, a car seat adapter, or a harness, just ask – we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Booking with Kids: What to Tell Us
When you book via WhatsApp, let us know the ages of your children. This helps us prepare the right life jackets, suggest the best boat, and advise on any special needs. For example, if you have a baby, we’ll recommend the Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39 over the Dubhe, because they have a cabin where the baby can nap. If you have teens who want to try the jet ski, we’ll make sure you book the Mangusta 80 – and remind you that only 16+ can drive it.
Weather and Sea Conditions – A Note for Parents
Marbella’s Mediterranean weather is generally calm, especially from May to October, with sea temperatures around 20–25°C. But even in summer, a sudden Levante wind can kick up waves. Our skippers are experienced and will always prioritise safety. If conditions are rough, we may suggest a sheltered route along the coast towards Cabopino or Estepona, or reschedule your charter at no extra cost. For families, we never take risks – your kids’ safety comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum age for children on a Marbella yacht charter?
No, there is no minimum age for infants or children on any of our boats. Babies and toddlers are welcome on all charters, provided they wear a suitable life jacket while on deck. We supply life jackets in all sizes, including infant sizes, free of charge. Just let us know the ages of your children when booking so we can have the right equipment ready.
Can teenagers drive the jet ski included on the Mangusta 80?
No, the jet ski that comes free with our Mangusta 80 charters (both white and grey) is strictly for persons aged 16 and over. Teenagers under 16 can ride as a passenger with an adult, but they cannot operate the jet ski. This is a safety regulation we enforce on all charters, and it applies even if the teenager has a jet ski license.
Are life jackets provided for children and teens?
Yes, we provide life jackets for all ages, from infant to adult, on every charter. They are included in the charter price and are CE-approved. We recommend that children under 12 wear a life jacket whenever they are on the open deck, and we also have child-sized harnesses for the flybridge areas on boats like the Azimut 58 and Mangusta 80.
What is the minimum age to operate a boat in Marbella?
On our charters, the licensed skipper always operates the boat – you don’t need a license, and there is no minimum age to be a passenger. If you want to drive the boat yourself, that’s a separate arrangement and requires a valid Spanish boating license (or an ICC). We don’t offer self-drive charters, but the skipper can let older teens (16+) take the helm under supervision on some boats.
Are there any restrictions for toddlers on the smaller boats like the Dubhe or Mariah?
Toddlers are welcome on all boats, including the Dubhe (8m, 5 pax) and Mariah SX21 (6.4m, 5 pax). However, for safety and comfort, we recommend the larger boats with more deck space and shade, such as the Astondoa 40 or Azimut 39, if you have very young children. These have a protected cockpit area and a small cabin where a baby can nap.
Can we bring our own child car seat or harness on board?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own child car seat, booster seat, or harness, provided it can be securely fitted to the boat’s seating. We recommend a 5-point harness for younger children rather than a standard car seat, as boats move differently. Please inform us in advance so we can advise on the best seating location.
What happens if the weather is rough – is it safe for kids?
Our skippers monitor weather conditions closely and will cancel or postpone a charter if it’s unsafe for any passenger, especially children. If the sea state is moderate, the skipper may adjust the route to calmer waters, such as the lee of La Concha or the sheltered bay of Cabopino. We always prioritise safety over itinerary, and you’ll be informed of any changes before departure.
Do you have baby-changing facilities or a toilet on board?
Yes, all boats in our fleet except the smallest (Dubhe, Mariah SX21) have a toilet and a small cabin area where you can change a baby. We also provide a foldable changing mat and nappy disposal bags on request. For the Dubhe and Mariah, we recommend using the marina facilities before departure, as they are day boats without a toilet.