Spain Yacht Charter

Spain yachts and boat charter

From the stunning Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza to Barcelona‘s enchanting city and the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, Spain invites charter yachts of all kinds. The country offers sunshine, beaches, heritage, well-known tapas, and a world-famous relaxed lifestyle spiced with a bit of salsa.

The most popular destinations are the world-famous islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, with plenty of sailing and motor charter yachts and great charter routes. If you’re interested in a bareboat or crewed charter, these islands offer everything from secluded coves with stunning sunsets to famous nightlife.

Charters from the Costa del Sol can cover Spain’s entire south-eastern coast, including ports such as Marbella’s holiday resort. Below is our curated list of quality charter yachts that we have available for your next holiday in the beautiful country of Spain.

Spanish yacht charter guide

Spain provides excellent charter in both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic and often requires an extraordinary Spanish approach to life, food, and pleasure. Mentioned below are our many excellent guides to help you schedule your next Spanish Yacht Charter. They will help you determine the right venue, itinerary, type of yacht that best fits your needs and list our curated collection of Spain’s top charter yachts.
Spain has always been a maritime country, and it is no surprise that some of the world’s best charter yacht destinations are in clear blue waters. The sun is the only constant. From April to October, Spain offers almost unbroken sunny days that provide the ideal weather for your boating holidays. Although Spain is a vast country with diverse cultures, the charter areas combine to give you beautiful beaches, Spanish food, a comfortable lifestyle, and a warm atmosphere.

The Balearic Islands, comprising Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca, and the Mediterranean coastal cities of Barcelona, Valencia, and the Costa del Sol, are the central charter regions of Spain. You may also want to visit the isolated Canary Islands off the coast of Spain’s Atlantic coast.

Traditional sailing charters explore Mallorca’s beautiful island, from Palma to the famous sailing town of Valencia. Motor yachts also visit all of the Balearic Islands or several ports along the Costa del Sol. Whatever you’re looking for, Spain will give it to you. We suggest you familiarize yourself with regions’ wonders.

FAQs for Spain Yacht Charter

Which yachts are legally permitted to charter in Spanish Waters?

Generally speaking, to charter in Spanish waters, the yacht must have the Spanish flag (registered in Spain) and must have a charter license. Non-Spanish vessels can not start or end charters in Spain.
What are the ideal destinations for each area and time of year?
The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and Menorca) offer a wide variety of possibilities, suitable for crewed motor yacht charters and bareboat sailing holidays.
Ibiza provides many luxury motor yachts to explore the island and the outskirts of Formentera. There are also several day boats to go from Ibiza to Formentera. Due to the high demand during the summer months, we always suggest that you book well in advance to ensure the best yacht tailored to your needs. June and September is a fantastic time to go, but the summer starts in July and August!
Palma de Mallorca is the center of all yachting events in the Balearic Islands. With beautiful anchorages, turquoise waters, and excellent sailing, Mallorca is ideal for exploring the Balearic Islands.

What is the difference between bareboat charters, skippered charters only, or fully crewed charters?

In Spain, bareboat charters typically have to start/end on Saturday; embarkation is usually in the afternoon and disembarkation early in the morning, so what we call a week charter is 6 days + night as the boat needs to return to base on Friday night.
Skippered charters are typically bareboat yachts to which we add a skipper, so the same rules apply.
The Canary Islands are usually a bareboat sailing destination; there are very few crewed sailing yachts or motor yachts, so we will suggest other areas if you prefer. The best time of the year is November through February; summer can be a little too hot because of Africa’s proximity.
Menorca is a small and very charming island. Both options are available, bareboat and crewed but are more limited due to the island’s size and lower demand than Mallorca & Ibiza. August has powerful winds, called the Tramontana, so the best time is June and July.
The Costa de Valencia and Alicante are perfect destinations for sailing and enjoying ideal weather with not very heavy winds (except the winter months).
Marbella, Puerto Banus, Sotogrande

What are the rules for yacht capability in Spanish waters?

The maximum number of guests permitted onboard is usually 12, based on the government’s safety and maritime regulations, but may be lower depending on the size. Every yacht is different. For crewed yachts, this will depend on the yacht’s size, but typically the number of berths indicated in the charter yacht capacity is the norm. Thus the 5 cabins will be capable of hosting 10 passengers + crew. This is laid down in government safety legislation and is not adjustable. There is no distinction between children and adults.
Sailing holidays in Spain
From the Mediterranean coast to the Balearic Islands and off the coast of Africa, Spain has enjoyed a long and fruitful friendship with the sea. With a variety of challenges, from the Canary Islands to the Balearic Islands’ smooth sailing, exploring the beauty of Spain and its lifestyle is made even more satisfying when it’s traveled by sea.

Spain’s rich history

Dating back to the fifteenth century, Spain has a long and historical history with warships, sailing, and conquering the world’s oceans. Based on its history and reputation for diverse, relaxed culture and lifestyle, it is no wonder that it is one of Europe’s most popular charter destinations. With many choices open, a boating holiday in Spain will lead you to explore all the different aspects: the Mediterranean coast from Barcelona to Gibraltar; the Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca; the shores of the Indian Ocean and the Canary Islands of Tenerife, Santa Cruz, and Las Palmas.

Spain’s massive 1,700 km coastline along the Mediterranean Sea is a landmark destination for sailors wishing to experience the Spanish coastal lifestyle. Divided into three regions: the northern part of Barcelona; the central regions of Valencia and Alicante; and the southern regions of Malaga and Marbella-the marinas appear to be uniformly distributed along the coast. As Spain’s lesser-traveled path, chartering yachts’ options are relatively limited compared to the Spanish islands. Barcelona is the area with the most opportunities to sail on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. From here, you can sail south and explore a plethora of sandy beaches, relaxed coastal towns, and breathtaking scenery that only Spain has to offer. The Costa Blanca is a famous waterfall stop in Alicante’s beautiful harbor town. It’s only a short ride from Alicante to the Balearic Islands.

Isles of Spain

Located in the Balearic Sea and off Africa’s coast in the Indian Ocean, Spain’s islands are among the most common charter areas all year round. With constant temperate temperatures, beautiful waters, and breathtaking scenery, it’s no wonder. The largest islands in the Balearic Islands, each catering to a wide variety of holidaymakers. Ibiza has everything you need for a fun-filled holiday. Mallorca (Majorca) is excellent for families who want to keep children happy by a wide variety of water sports activities and relaxation on many of the island’s beaches. Menorca is a wid-life paradise for sailors, with stunning marine and land species inhabiting the smaller island. The Balearic Islands’ waters are usually not a big challenge and are also a perfect experience for inexperienced sailors. The Canary Islands boast that they are the islands of everlasting spring. The temperature here remains a steady average of 25 ° C in summer and 22 ° C in winter. The waters surrounding Tenerife and Las Palmas, can be very daunting for even the most seasoned sailors. It is best to review the local news before embarking on a trip if you are unfamiliar with the region or consider hiring a skipper.
Spain, the destination of every seaman’s dream. With more than 7,900 km of coastline and a wide range of climates (the subtropical Canary Islands, the Mediterranean Sea in the East and South, and the seas in the North and West), Spain is a dream destination year long for any sailor who wants to charter a yacht. Several internationally renowned coastal destinations are located in Spain, such as the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Majorca), the Canary Islands, Catalonia (Empuriabrava, Sitges), Andalusia (Marbella, Cadiz), Valencia, Galicia, and the Spanish Basque Country. All these destinations attract all sea lovers to anchor weight and launch their new sailing adventure.
You can explore the Mediterranean coast of sandy beaches, the north’s rugged coastline with secluded turquoise water parks, some cliffs, and small seaside villages. In the far south, the Straits of Gibraltar, at the mouth of the Guadiana River, the Costa de la Luz awaits you with its dunes, winds, and the wilderness of its ocean, incredibly welcoming to water sports fans.

Rental of a boat in Spain

Travel to the Spanish coast, and you’ll discover some of the most remarkable spots in all of Europe. The diversity of regions is the great advantage of travel in Spain. You can easily find peaceful bays, endless sandy beaches, plenty of sunlight, and a soothing Mediterranean climate. If you’re looking to delve into the local nightlife, Spain boasts some of the country’s best party locations. Rent a boat in Spain and explore the versatility of the beautiful Spanish coast.
Sailboat and motorboat rentals are ubiquitous on the Mediterranean coast and for a useful purpose. Barcelona, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands are the main departure destinations for your holidays in paradise, conveniently located off Spain’s coast. Make sure to include in your holiday time to discover the abundance of exciting places such as the Cap de Creus Nature Reserve, the Medes Islands, the Bay of Cadaques, Cala Major, the Costa Brava, the ruins of the Empuries, or the charming town of Sant Pere Pescador.
This unique country is well known for hosting some of the most famous beaches in the world. There will be no shortage of destinations to choose from while visiting Spain. Charter a yacht from Marbella, or choose from the Balearic Islands to Barcelona’s vibrant city. You can encounter great diversity and a wide range of offerings that are truly special to Spain.

Details and charter rates in Spain

The best time to rent a boat in Spain is between May and October. Typically, the navigation conditions are usually calm, but it is always possible to encounter a sudden windstorm. It would help if you always avoided the hazards caused by these dire conditions and still be alert and up to date with local weather. If you’re looking to charter a boat outside this time, you may want to rent a boat in the Canary Islands, which has a warmer climate during the low season.
Since Spain is the world’s leading sailing destination, it is essential to book well in advance. The price of renting a boat in Spain can vary depending on the type of boat and the season. If you wish to charter a catamaran, the average price would be around €450 per day, with sailboats of about €350 per day. As far as day-boats are concerned, the price drops to an average of 200€. Depending on the number of cabins and the same port of departure, this price will vary, but you will find that these are estimated costs. We recommend sorting by operation or filtering by boats that suit your project best.

Do I need a charter license in Spain?

The type of license would depend on whether you borrow a motorboat or a sailboat. In the case of motorboats, if the boat you choose to drive is more than 15hp long and more than 4 meters long, you would need a license. If you’re chartering a catamaran or a sailboat, you’ll need a permit if the boat is over 5 meters in size.
If you consider like you don’t have enough experience or have zero nautical experience, most boats will have the ability to rent with a skipper. You can either assist with some movements in this way or just sit back and relax while the skipper is captaining the ships. Another advantage of getting a skipper is that most of them are locals and know the area like the back of their hands. Ask the skippers for suggestions about local restaurants and secret coves for an even better sailing route.

Top Sailing Places in Spain

With the different scenery and destinations that Spain offers, there is an extensive inventory of Steamboat boats. Although the fleet may be multiple, it is essential to bear in mind when preparing for your holiday. Due to the demand in this area, it is necessary to schedule your boating holidays well in advance. Chartering a yacht in Spain during the high season and planning to book it at the end of the previous year or the beginning of the year. The explanation is that most of the high-season sailing boats are leased before March.
With the number of choices you have, you will be able to customize your itinerary indefinitely. As you’ll know, you’re going to have islands and destinations that are more geared towards the nightlife, some more for relaxing holidays, and somewhere both of these can be incorporated. To experience the Spanish nightlife, hire a boat in Ibiza and spend the day learning about the area and the thriving scene. Another excellent spot for a day trip or a trip to the Costa Brava is Barcelona. Most people consider this a day out because there is as much to be seen on the land as on the waters. Rent a boat in Barcelona and explore the beautiful coast of the Costa Brava. Mallorca is the most popular 7-day charter destinations. Charter a boat in Mallorca and explore the Balearic Islands.
Spain is a diverse and stunning yacht charter destination. Whether you’re renting a boat from the mainland or the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean or the Canary Islands in the Atlantic, the landscape is breathtaking. The beaches are gorgeous, and the cuisine exquisite! A country of vibrant art with infectious culture, Spain is a truly unique place to sail, and cities like Barcelona will be an experience of their own. Discover Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and Ibiza’s party scene … there’s something to satisfy every taste, so book a boat and set sail for an adventure into the world of flamenco and fiestas!

Three reasons for chartering a yacht in Spain

1. Conditions of navigation

Spain has the ideal climate for chartering a yacht. With the Mediterranean sun ensuring hot, dry summers, sailing between May and October is bliss. The winds are moderate, coming from the north, and are about 5-15 knots. Although stronger gusts are possible, smooth sailing is likely to be the right destination for sailors of all abilities (but check the VHF channel for regular weather forecast updates)!

2. Bright Beaches

No matter which yacht charter base you start from, you’ll never be far from some of Spain’s beautiful sands. If you’re sailing on the Costa Brava, rent a boat from Roses or Palamos, and you’ll find charming coves and unspoiled beaches hidden in the stunning, rough coastline. Or charter a boat from Malaga and head east to Cabo de Gata, where you’ll meet sparkling turquoise waters and glistening golden sands. But if you’re exploring the Balearic Islands, make sure you get anchored at Formentera and look for ‘Els Pujols’ beach, where sweeping white sands are more reminiscent of the tropical Caribbean paradise!

3. Art

Spain has a lot of interesting and famous art and artists who have influenced their cultures and traditions for years and remain a critical factor in their tourism. A charter yacht in Malaga will give you the chance to visit ‘Museo Picasso,’ a gallery with a large portion of the artist’s work on display, and you can see the masterpieces of Spain’s most famous painter. If you’re cruising around Catalonia, you won’t be able to miss the charm of Barcelona, the birthplace of Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia-Spain ‘s most visited monument, and the mosaic wonders of Parc Güell.

Charter of yachts in Spain

Gentle for beginners and experienced sailors alike, Spain is a perfect yacht charter destination. While mainland Spain has its regions where sailing can be enjoyable, the Spanish Mediterranean archipelagos such as the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands are real marine magnets.
With just under 5,000 km of coastline and 60 islands on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to chartering a Spanish yacht. From the often temperamental yet enjoyable winds of the Costa Brava to the ever-changing Atlantic coast and islands, there’s so much variety to choose from that you will never get bored.
Spain has an illustrious tradition of seafaring, from Colombus finding the Americas for the Spanish Throne to its Armada’s attempt to dethrone Queen Elizabeth I. Spanish seafarers have long made history through their campaigns.
On a boat trip off the country’s coast, you can encounter the varied conditions first-hand and see just why the government has spawned such a devoted race of seafarers and explorers. Dealing with the unpredictable weather of Biscay’s coast or handling the weather’s mood swings as katabatic winds run from the mountains to the sea, you’ll soon understand why its seafarers were confident that they would leave the comfort of coastal sailing and take on the oceans of the word.
That said, much of the country’s coast and islands’ seas are mostly calm in the summer. You will come to appreciate the jewel-blue seas and the perfect boating conditions that can only put a wide grin on your face as you reach the coast. Thanks to its position at the center of recent world history, you will be able to see, feel, and taste the culture in all the ports you visit. Soon you will fall in love with Spain for all that it has to offer!

Renting a yacht in Spain

As far as the Spanish yacht charter is concerned, the country has one of the most advanced marine leisure industries globally. There are hundreds of yacht clubs and marinas along the east coast of Spain, and you will almost certainly find the perfect yacht charter for your needs.
You will find that there are quite strict rules on having the right qualifications and paperwork, but as long as you have it to hand when you arrive, you will soon find that chartering a yacht in Spain is no more difficult than anywhere else in the world. Charter insurance providers across the globe typically lay down similar laws to those enshrined in Spanish law.
The Civil Guard is policing the sailing laws of the country. If you have all your passports, boat license, sailing qualifications, insurance, and charter documents on a bareboat charter, as the police do spot checks on sailors.
With these issues in mind, you will soon forget to explore the coastline and islands you choose based on your charter. Absorb yourself in the food and culture of all the ports and anchorages you frequent. Inaccessible to all-inclusive holiday crowds, chill out on the beaches. Party at some of the best locations in the world, or chill when you’re enjoying tapas for a lazy afternoon. There’s so much to be done if you could have a new Spanish sailing holiday every year and never covered the same ground twice.
The hottest season-and the most expensive time of year is the school holiday months of July and August. If you are limited to these months, be prepared to pay a premium on the boat you hire and in the marinas you visit.
The country’s sailing season runs from April to October to be charged to leave sooner or later in the year. The weather is still a lot colder than in Northern Europe-be. Prepared to smile on your tee shirt when you see locals packed in their winter jackets-but you’ll find locals warmer towards you and the marinas cheaper. As a suggestion, October is better than April, as the Mediterranean Sea is still warm in the summer months.

Climate change

Sea Breezes: These onshore breezes build in the morning between June and September and hit full intensity by mid-afternoon. Unlike the Aegean, for example, these are generally not too thrilling, which means that you can enjoy the best sailing in the Mediterranean with the weather to remember.
Tramontana: This is a northerly mountain wind that blows south from the Pyrenees, affecting most of the Costa Brava and the Balearic Islands. If one blows and can be picked up at almost any time of the year, it pays to be under-covered than to have too much sail on. This is because the katabatic winds slumped off the mountains and abruptly increased with almost no warning. You’re going to see them splash as they land! It’s safer to be in port if a strong one is expected.
Galena: It’s an NW wind that also affects northern Spain. It’s marked by stormy, hot air that can blow 100 km / h again, so it’s best to be in port if a strong one hits.
Levanter: This is an E-NE wind that can get very aggressive and funnels across the Strait of Gibraltar-infecting the southern Costa del Sol.
Chubasco: This is a fairly common occurrence that can occur almost anywhere in Spain and in any direction. Essentially, Chubasco is a thunderstorm that may be over as soon as it appears.