Planning a Marbella yacht charter in 2051? One of the first questions we get is about age limits. Good news: there's no minimum age for passengers on our boats. Whether you're bringing a newborn or a grandparent, everyone is welcome. However, there are a few age-related rules you should know before you book – from the lead passenger requirement to life jacket rules for kids. Here's our clear, no-nonsense breakdown of the Marbella yacht charter minimum age policy 2051.
Minimum Age for Passengers: No Limit
Unlike some activities, we don't impose a minimum age for passengers. Infants, toddlers, and seniors are all welcome on our charters. The only condition is that every passenger must be accompanied by a responsible adult (18+). For example, you can book the Dubhe (8m, 5 pax) for a family with a baby, or the Ferretti 94 (29m, 12 pax) for a multi-generational trip. Just let us know the ages when you enquire so we can prepare the right safety equipment.
Lead Passenger: Must Be 18+
The person making the booking – the lead passenger – must be at least 18 years old. This is a legal requirement for charter contracts in Spain. You'll need to provide a valid passport or national ID at the time of booking. If you're under 18 and want to charter a boat, you can do so as long as an adult (18+) is the lead passenger and is present on the day. This applies to all our boats, from the Astondoa 40 (€749/2h) to the Mangusta 80 (€4,719/4h).
Children Under 12: Life Jacket Rule
For safety, children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times while on board. We provide life jackets in all sizes, including infant jackets. Our crew will help you fit them correctly. This rule is non-negotiable, even in calm waters. For older children and adults, life jackets are available but not mandatory unless the skipper deems them necessary. If you have any concerns, our crew will be happy to advise.
Skipper Age Requirements
All our charters include a licensed skipper, so you don't need a licence. However, if you're considering a self-drive option (not offered on our boats), the minimum age is 18 and you'd need a valid Spanish-recognised boating licence. Since we always provide a skipper, you can relax and enjoy the coast from Puerto Banús to Marbella Marina without worrying about navigation.
Group Bookings with Minors
If you're planning a group trip with teenagers or children, we welcome it. However, we require a reasonable adult-to-child ratio – typically at least one adult per five minors. For larger groups, please contact us via WhatsApp to discuss your specific needs. We can tailor the charter to ensure safety and fun for everyone. For example, the Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax) is a popular choice for family celebrations.
Age Policy on Different Boats
The minimum age policy is the same across our entire fleet. However, passenger capacity varies, so ensure your group size (including infants) fits within the boat's limit. For instance, the Azimut 39 (12.5m) holds 11 pax, while the Speedboat (7m) holds 6 pax. Always check the capacity when booking with children, as infants count as passengers.
Booking Process and Verification
When you book, we'll ask for the lead passenger's ID and the ages of all passengers. This helps us prepare the right life jackets and safety briefings. For 2051, we've tightened ID verification – you'll need to show a valid passport or national ID at boarding. This is a quick process and ensures compliance with Spanish maritime regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to charter a yacht in Marbella?
There is no minimum age for passengers on our Marbella yacht charters. Children of any age are welcome, provided they are accompanied by an adult. However, for safety, children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times while on board. The lead passenger (the person making the booking) must be at least 18 years old.
Can teenagers book a yacht charter without an adult?
No. The lead passenger making the booking must be 18 or older. If you are under 18, you can still enjoy a charter, but an adult (18+) must be present as the responsible person. This applies to all our boats, from the Dubhe (5 pax) to the Ferretti 94 (12 pax). For group bookings with under-18s, please contact us via WhatsApp for specific arrangements.
Is there a minimum age to drive a boat in Marbella?
For self-drive charters, the minimum age is 18, and you must hold a valid boating licence recognised in Spain. However, all our boats include a licensed skipper as standard, so you don't need a licence unless you specifically request a bareboat charter. For skippered charters, the skipper is responsible for navigation and safety.
Do infants count towards the maximum passenger capacity?
Yes, infants (including babies) count towards the maximum passenger capacity of each boat. For example, the Astondoa 40 has a maximum of 9 passengers, so if you have 8 adults and 1 infant, you are at capacity. Please inform us of the exact ages of all passengers when booking so we can ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Are life jackets provided for children?
Yes, we provide life jackets for children of all sizes, including infant life jackets. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times while on board. Our crew will assist with fitting and ensure all safety equipment is properly used. For older children and adults, life jackets are available but not mandatory unless conditions require them.
Can I book a Marbella yacht charter for a school or youth group?
Yes, we accept bookings for youth groups, but the lead passenger must be 18+ and responsible for the group. For groups with minors, we may require additional safety briefings and a higher adult-to-child ratio. Please contact us via WhatsApp to discuss your specific group needs and we'll tailor a charter that meets all safety requirements.
Does the 2051 minimum age policy differ from previous years?
The core policy remains the same as previous years: no minimum age for passengers, but lead passengers must be 18+. However, for 2051, we've clarified that children under 12 must wear life jackets at all times (previously this was only recommended). Also, all bookings must include a lead passenger's ID verification at the time of booking.
What ID do I need to bring for a charter?
The lead passenger must bring a valid passport or national ID card. For non-EU citizens, a passport is required. We also recommend bringing a copy of your booking confirmation. If you have children on board, you may need to show their ID or birth certificate for age verification, especially for life jacket sizing.