Planning a yacht charter in Marbella for 2040? One of the first questions most people ask is about age limits. Whether you're bringing the family, organising a corporate day out, or hoping to take the helm yourself, the rules are straightforward. In short: the person booking must be 18 or over, but passengers of all ages are welcome on most boats. Here's the full breakdown of the Marbella yacht charter minimum age policy 2040, so you know exactly what to expect before you step aboard.
Minimum Age to Book a Charter
The legal age to enter into a charter contract in Spain is 18. This applies to all our boats, from the compact Mariah SX21 (6.4m) to the superyacht Ferretti 94 (29m). The lead passenger must be 18 or older, with a valid ID (passport or EU ID card) at check-in. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must make the booking and be present on the day. This policy is non-negotiable and aligns with Spanish maritime law.
Passenger Age Limits: All Ages Welcome
Unlike some operators, we don't set a minimum age for passengers. Infants, toddlers, and grandparents are all welcome on our charters, provided the boat's capacity allows. For example, the Astondoa 40 (12.5m) carries up to 9 passengers, while the Mangusta 80 (24m) takes 12. For families with young children, we supply life jackets in sizes for kids from 2 years upwards. Just let us know ages when you book.
Skipper Licence Requirements
You don't need a licence to charter a boat with us – every booking includes a licensed skipper. This is a key part of our policy: the skipper is responsible for safety, navigation, and docking. However, if you're a qualified skipper and want to take the helm, you must be 18+ and hold a valid Spanish or internationally recognised licence (e.g., RYA Day Skipper or ICC). The skipper will assess your competence before handing over control.
Age Restrictions on Tenders and Jet Skis
On our Mangusta 80 charters (both white and grey), a jet ski is included free of charge. The minimum age to ride the jet ski is 16, and riders under 18 need parental consent. For safety, only one rider at a time unless the jet ski is designed for two. On other boats, tenders (like those on the Ferretti 94) have similar rules – passengers must be 12+ unless wearing a life jacket.
Children's Safety on Board
Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times when on deck, even if they can swim. This is a strict safety policy we enforce on every charter. For infants under 2, we provide specialised life jackets with a crotch strap. Our crew are trained in child safety and can advise on the best spots for swimming – like the calm waters of Cala del Faro or Cala Cortés.
Senior Passengers: No Upper Age Limit
There's no maximum age for passengers. We regularly host 70- and 80-year-olds on our cruises. However, for boats with steep steps or high freeboards – such as the Canados 86 (26m) or Maiora 26m – we recommend informing us of any mobility issues. We can arrange for crew assistance boarding and disembarking at Puerto Banús or Marbella Marina. The key is to book in advance and mention any needs.
Group Bookings and Age Verification
For group charters (e.g., stag or hen parties), all passengers must be 18+ if the booking is made as an adult-only event. If under-18s are included, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. At check-in, we verify the age of the lead booker and may ask for ID of any young passengers. This is to ensure compliance with our policy and local regulations.
How to Book with Confidence
Now you know the age rules, you can plan your trip. Our fleet departs from Puerto Banús, with options from the speedy Dubhe (8m, 5 pax) to the luxurious Ferretti 94 (29m, 12 pax). For a family day out, the Lagoon 380 catamaran (11.6m, 10 pax) is stable and spacious. For a party, the Mangusta 80 includes a free jet ski – perfect for teens aged 16+. Check our fleet overview to see all options, or contact us via WhatsApp for a custom quote. We'll confirm age requirements for your specific group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to charter a yacht in Marbella in 2040?
You must be at least 18 years old to book a yacht charter in Marbella. This applies to the person signing the contract and acting as the lead passenger. If you're younger, an adult over 18 must make the booking and be present during the charter.
Can children come on a yacht charter in Marbella?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome on most of our boats. For safety, children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times while on deck. We provide life jackets in various sizes – just let us know when booking. Our crew are experienced with families.
Do I need a boating license to rent a yacht in Marbella?
No, you don't need a boating license. Every charter includes a licensed skipper who handles navigation and docking. This is standard on all our boats, from the Dubhe (8m) to the Ferretti 94 (29m). You can relax and enjoy the coast.
Is there a minimum age to ride the jet ski included with the Mangusta 80?
Yes, for the free jet ski included on our Mangusta 80 charters (both white and grey variants), the minimum age is 16. Riders under 18 need parental consent and must wear a life jacket. The skipper provides a safety briefing before use.
Are there any age restrictions for passengers on larger yachts?
No upper age limit applies to passengers. However, for safety and comfort, we assess mobility needs on boats like the Ferretti 94 or Canados 86, which have steps and higher freeboards. Our crew can assist boarding – just mention any requirements when booking.
What if I'm 17 and want to book a charter for my family?
Unfortunately, you must be 18 or older to make a booking. A parent or guardian over 18 can book on your behalf and be present during the charter. This policy is in line with Spanish maritime regulations and our insurance requirements.
Do age policies differ for private vs. shared charters?
No, the same minimum age of 18 applies to all bookings, whether private or shared. For shared charters, all passengers must be at least 18 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.