Planning a yacht charter in Marbella and wondering about the Marbella yacht charter license requirements? You don't need one. All our charters include a fully licensed skipper who takes care of everything—navigation, mooring, safety, and even the drinks. You just show up, relax, and enjoy the Mediterranean. Here's everything you need to know about licences, age limits, and what's included.
No Licence Needed for Our Charters
Every boat in our fleet departs from Puerto Banús with a professional skipper. That means zero paperwork, no exams, and no prior experience. Whether you're on a Boat Rental Marbella Astondoa 40 or a Mangusta 80, the skipper handles the helm. You simply sit back and take in the views of La Concha, the Golden Mile, and the Costa del Sol coastline.
What About Bareboat Charters?
If you want to rent a boat without a skipper (bareboat), Spanish law requires a recreational licence called the PER (Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo). This allows you to operate vessels up to 15m in length. However, we don't offer bareboat hire—all our charters are skippered. So for our fleet, a licence is never needed.
Age and ID Requirements
You must be at least 18 to book a charter. All passengers need a valid ID or passport, which the skipper checks at departure. There's no upper age limit, but everyone should be comfortable boarding and moving around the boat. Life jackets are provided for all sizes, including children.
Our Fleet at a Glance
We have 18 boats ranging from a 6.4m speedboat to a 29m Ferretti 94. All depart from Puerto Banús, Marbella. Here are the highlights:
| Boat | Length | Max Pax | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astondoa 40 | 12.5m | 9 | €749/2h |
| Azimut 39 | 12.5m | 11 | €749/2h |
| Mangusta 80 (White/Grey) | 24m | 12 | €4,719/4h |
| Ferretti 94 | 29m | 12 | On request |
For all other boats, pricing is on request via WhatsApp. Every charter includes fuel, a licensed skipper, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, and Spanish IVA (21%).
Can You Drive the Boat Yourself?
Yes, with the skipper's permission. If you're curious about handling a 12.5m Azimut or a 24m Mangusta, the skipper can let you take the helm in open water. This is a great way to get a feel for yacht handling without needing a licence. The skipper remains responsible for safety, so you can learn in a controlled environment.
Local Destinations You Can Visit
From Puerto Banús, you can cruise to Cala del Faro, Cala Cortés, or head west to Estepona and Sotogrande. The skipper knows the best spots for swimming, snorkelling, and lunch at a beach club. No licence required—just pick your destination and enjoy.
International Licence Holders
If you already hold an International Certificate of Competence (ICC), RYA, or USCG licence, it's not needed for our charters. But it's a nice backup. For bareboat hire elsewhere in Spain, you'll need to check with local authorities whether your licence is recognised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Marbella?
No, not for a skippered charter. All our boats come with a licensed skipper who handles navigation, mooring, and safety. You simply relax and enjoy the coast. If you want to rent a boat without a skipper (bareboat), you'll need a Spanish recreational licence (PER) or an equivalent international certificate.
What is the PER licence and do I need it?
The Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo (PER) is a Spanish qualification for operating recreational boats up to 15m in length. It requires theory and practical exams. For our charters, you don't need it—our skippers take care of everything. Only consider it if you plan to hire a bareboat in Spain.
Can I drive the boat myself during a skippered charter?
Yes, with the skipper's permission and supervision, you can take the helm in open water. The skipper remains responsible for safety and navigation. This is a great way to get a feel for handling a boat without needing a licence.
What if I have a foreign boating licence?
International licences (ICC, RYA, USCG) are not required for our skippered charters. However, for bareboat hire in Spain, you may need to exchange your licence for a Spanish one or obtain a temporary permit. Check with the local maritime authority.
Is there an age limit for chartering a yacht in Marbella?
You must be at least 18 years old to book a charter. There's no upper age limit, but all passengers must be physically able to board and move around the boat. Children are welcome, and life jackets are provided for all sizes.
What documents do I need to bring on the day?
Just a valid ID or passport for all passengers. No licence, no certificate. The skipper will check your ID at departure. We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket for the evening.
Can I charter a boat without a skipper in Marbella?
Yes, but only if you hold a valid Spanish recreational licence (PER or similar). Our fleet is available for skippered charters only—we don't offer bareboat hire. If you want to go solo, you'll need to approach a bareboat specialist with your licence.
What happens if I have a licence but still want a skipper?
No problem. You can still book a skippered charter and enjoy a stress-free day. Some experienced boaters prefer having a skipper to handle mooring and local knowledge. Just let us know when booking.
Ready to book? Check our full fleet on Boat Rental Marbella and choose your perfect boat. No licence needed—just a sense of adventure.