The short answer
No, you can no longer drive a rental boat in Mallorca without a licence. You can still go out to sea. Either a skipper drives the boat for you, or you get a licence.
What changed on 1 October 2026
Spain used to have an exception. Any adult could drive a motor boat of up to 5 metres and 15 hp, in daylight and no further than two nautical miles from the harbour. Boats like these were for hire on many beaches around the island, often under a sign saying “no licence needed”.
With Royal Decree 1188/2025 the Spanish government removed this exception for rental boats. It now only applies to boats you own. If you hire, you need a licence, however small the boat. The rental company has to check it before you leave. The government gave the high number of accidents with small rental boats as the reason.
Nothing changes for larger boats. A licence was always required there, with us too.
Which licences count in Mallorca
- Licences from EEA countries: Spain recognises the licence issued by your home country or your country of residence if it belongs to the European Economic Area. It is valid within the limits it has at home.
- Spanish licences: The Licencia de Navegación is the smallest Spanish licence, a short course without an official exam. It covers boats of up to 6 metres, in daylight and up to two nautical miles from the harbour. Larger boats need the PNB or the PER.
- Other licences, such as RYA certificates or the ICC: send us a photo before you book. We will tell you straight away whether it covers the boat you want.
Our sports boats are between 7.42 and 9.50 metres long. The Licencia de Navegación is not enough for them.
Option 1: our skipper takes you out
You step on board, we drive. The skipper knows every cove between Cala Màrmols and Cala Virgili and anchors where the water is clearest. You need no licence and leave no deposit.
The skipper costs €140 for 4 hours or €220 for 8 hours, plus the boat price and fuel as used. An example: the Cap Camarat 7.5 “Mailo” in May, 4 hours with skipper, 320 + 140 = €460. The calculator on every boat page shows the exact price for your day.
More about the skipper service
Option 2: get a licence
If you plan to drive more often, a licence pays off. Our boat school in the Marina de Cala d'Or teaches the German Sportbootführerschein See in one week. The course is held in German, with the exam on site by the German Sailing Association. The course costs €950, the exam fee of €214 (as of 2026) goes directly to the association.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still hire a boat in Mallorca without a licence?
Not to drive it yourself. Since 1 October 2026 everyone who steers a rental boat in Spain needs a licence. Without one, you hire the boat with a skipper.
How much is a boat with skipper?
The skipper costs €140 for 4 hours or €220 for 8 hours. Add the boat price from €320 and fuel as used.
Can I take the helm myself when a skipper is on board?
Without a licence the helm stays with the skipper. That is what the new rule requires.
Does the rule only apply in Mallorca?
No, it applies across Spain, including Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera, the Canary Islands and the mainland.
Is my licence accepted?
Send us a photo before you book and tell us which boat you would like. You will have an answer within 24 hours.
As of November 2026. Based on Royal Decree 1188/2025, published in the Spanish official gazette BOE on 30 December 2025.