How to rent a boat in Mallorca: complete guide 2026

Mallorca has 550 km of coastline and more than 300 beaches. Most of the island’s most impressive coves can only be reached by sea. If you truly want to discover Mallorca, a day on a boat is not an extra: it is an essential part of the trip.

However, the boat rental market in Mallorca is huge and, without knowing exactly what to look for, it is easy to end up paying too much or choosing an option that does not fit your needs.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to rent a boat in Mallorca safely: what license you need (or whether you can sail without one), how much it costs, which rules you must follow, and which areas of the island are most worth visiting.

Do You Need a License to Rent a Boat in Mallorca?

The short answer: it depends on the type of boat you want to rent. In Spain, nautical regulations distinguish between two main situations:

Boat Rental with a Nautical License

If you want to operate a motorboat longer than 5 meters or with more than 11.26 kW of power (15 HP), you need a valid boating license. The same applies to sailboats longer than 6 meters.

The most common licenses in these cases are the Navigation License or the Recreational Boat Skipper License (PER), depending on how far from the coast you want to sail.

Boat Rental Without a License

If you do not have a license, you can still rent a boat, provided the vessel meets these requirements:

• Maximum length of 5 meters (motorboat) or 6 meters (sailboat)
• Maximum power of 11.26 kW (15 HP)
• Daytime navigation and good visibility conditions
• Maximum distance of 2 nautical miles from the port
• Only for adults

Under these conditions, you can go out to sea, explore nearby coves, and enjoy a perfect day on the water without needing any type of license. With 15 HP of power, the boat remains safe and manageable even if you have never operated one before.

Important: Jet skis always require a license in Mallorca, regardless of their power.

Charter with Skipper

You rent the boat together with a professional skipper who takes care of the navigation. You and your group simply enjoy the day without worries.

This is the preferred option for groups who want to explore the coast without needing a license and with maximum comfort.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Boat in Mallorca?

The price varies depending on the type of boat, the season, and the departure area.

Factors That Influence the Price

• Season: Prices are lower during mid-season (April–June and September–October). In August, demand increases and so do prices.
• Mooring area: In certain marinas on the island, mooring fees are very high, which affects rental prices.
• Extras: The skipper, fuel, and security deposit are usually calculated separately.

Basic Rules for Sailing in Mallorca

Before heading out to sea, there are some important rules you should know. Ignoring them may lead to heavy fines or, in the worst case, put safety at risk.

Anchoring on Posidonia Is Forbidden

Posidonia oceanica is a protected marine plant largely responsible for the transparency and quality of Mallorca’s coastal waters. Anchoring on posidonia meadows is strictly prohibited, and fines can exceed €6,000.

How to recognize it? If the seabed looks dark (green-black), do not anchor. Look for a light sandy area instead.

Respect Swimming Areas

• If there is a buoy line parallel to the beach, entering with any type of boat is prohibited. It is an exclusive swimming area.
• If there are no visible buoys, the swimming area is considered to extend 200 meters from the shore. Within this zone, the maximum speed is 3 knots and navigation must only be perpendicular to the beach.

Common Sense at Sea

• Do not perform dangerous maneuvers.
• Do not navigate under the influence of alcohol.
• Keep a safe distance from the coast and other boats.
• Do not throw anything into the sea.

Best Areas to Rent a Boat in Mallorca

Each area of the island has its own character. Here is an overview of the most interesting ones:

Southwest: Sant Elm and Andratx

One of Mallorca’s most underrated areas. Renting a boat here allows you to sail around Dragonera Island, a Natural Heritage site, and explore the wild coastline of Andratx. Rental prices here are also usually more competitive.

Northwest: Port de Sóller

Located in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenery from the sea is spectacular, with cliffs dropping dramatically into the water and coves difficult to access by land. Prices here are slightly higher, but the experience is worth it.

Why Choose Prima Boats to Rent Your Boat in Mallorca?

At Prima Boats, we specialize exclusively in boat and yacht rentals in Mallorca. We work with a carefully maintained and modern fleet, and our skippers know the island inside out.

This is what makes us different:

• Transparent pricing: no hidden costs. The price you see includes everything you need to know before booking.
• Flexible schedules: half-day, full-day, or multi-day rentals. You decide.
• Safety first: if weather conditions are not suitable, we cancel or postpone the departure. The sea always comes first.