Renting a Boat in Mallorca Without a Licence: What’s Allowed

Yes, you can go out on the water in Mallorca without a boat licence — but only on small, low-powered boats close to the coast, or on a yacht with a professional skipper. Here is how the rules work, and how to choose.

Please note: this is a practical overview, not legal advice. Spanish rules change and details depend on the boat. We check your licence with you before every self-drive booking.

Option 1: licence-free boats

Spain allows small boats to be rented without any licence. The limits are strict: roughly up to 5 metres in length with a low-powered engine (around 15 hp), in daylight only and within 2 nautical miles of the port or beach you started from. The rental company gives you a short briefing before you leave.

These boats are fun for a lazy morning in a nearby cove, but they are slow, small and exposed to the afternoon sea breeze. They are not suitable for groups, longer distances or anyone who gets seasick.

Option 2: drive yourself with a licence

For anything bigger or faster you need a licence that matches the boat’s length and engine. In Spain the common levels are the Licencia de Navegación (small boats, close to the coast), the PNB and the PER for larger yachts. Our Frauscher 858 “Mare” is 8.67 m long with 350 hp — you need a licence valid for a boat of that size.

Foreign licences

EU licences and the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) are generally accepted for boats within their limits. Recognition of licences from outside the EU — including US state boater cards — depends on the country and the boat, and is often not enough on its own. Send us a photo of your licence before you book and we’ll tell you honestly whether it works.

Option 3: a skippered yacht (no licence needed)

With a skipper or captain on board, nobody in your group needs a licence. The captain drives, anchors, knows where the wind drops and handles the marina. You swim, eat and relax. It is also the only way to charter bigger yachts like our Fairline Targa 52 or Cranchi 41, where the captain is always included.

Price-wise the gap is smaller than people expect: the Frauscher with skipper costs €990 + €300 on a high-season full day, and you do not have to watch the depth sounder while your friends are in the water.

What about jet skis?

Driving a jet ski on your own in Spain requires a licence. Without one, you can usually only join a guided jet ski tour with an instructor in a marked area. Our Sea-Doo GTX 300 and RXT-X 300 are rented to licence holders, or delivered alongside a skippered yacht.

Rules everyone on the water must follow

• Never anchor on Posidonia seagrass. The Balearic Islands protect these meadows by law. Anchor on sand — the lighter patches — or use a buoy. Fines are high.
• Keep out of buoyed swimming zones near beaches (usually yellow buoys, about 200 m from shore).
• Slow down near the coast and in coves (generally 3 knots close to shore).
• Nature reserves like the Malgrats islands and Cabrera National Park have their own rules; Cabrera needs a permit.

Which option is right for you?

• Two people, calm morning, no licence: licence-free boat.
• You hold a suitable licence and love driving: Frauscher 858 self-drive.
• Group, special occasion, or you just want to relax: skippered yacht — see live availability and prices.