Renting a boat in Mallorca: What is still possible without a license as of October 2026

In short: As of October 1, 2026, you are required to have a valid boat license to rent even small motorboats under five meters and up to 15 hp in the Balearic Islands. You can still get out on the water without a license: with a skipper, on an excursion boat, or by kayak and SUP.

Having your own boat for a day. Anchoring in a bay inaccessible from land, swimming where no one else’s towel is right next to yours, and having a picnic on deck at noon. For many, this is the best day of their vacation. Until recently, this was easy to do in Mallorca, even without a boat license. Since the fall of 2026, it has become a bit more complicated—but no less beautiful.

What has changed?

Previously, vacationers in the Balearic Islands could rent small motorboats without presenting a boat license. Boats under five meters in length with a maximum of 15 hp were permitted. This exception no longer applies to rentals. According to the Mallorca Magazin, renters have been required to present a valid boat license since October 1, 2026. Authorities state that this affects about 600 of the approximately 3,500 charter licenses in the Balearics. The rule was planned earlier but was postponed to allow the season to finish.

This means: Anyone wanting to rent and drive a boat themselves in 2027 needs a license. If you don't have one, you can hire a skipper.

Which boat license is valid in Mallorca?

For vacationers from Germany, the Sportbootführerschein See (SBF See) is the obvious license for motorboats. In addition, there are Spanish licenses such as Licencia de Navegación, PNB, or PER. For sailing yachts in coastal waters, experts also recommend the Sportküstenschifferschein. If the boat has a radio, you also need a radio operator's certificate. It is best to ask the rental company directly which licenses they accept for which boat before booking, as requirements can vary depending on the vessel.

By the way, you can also obtain the SBF See in Mallorca, in German. If you were planning to use your vacation for a course anyway, now you have a good reason. However, plan for several days and book early, as theory, practice, and the exam cannot be squeezed in between breakfast and the pool.

Getting on the water without a license: the alternatives

Boat with a skipper

The most convenient solution, especially for families and groups. The skipper knows the bays, knows where you are allowed to anchor, and where the wind shifts in the afternoon. You don't have to worry about anything except sunscreen and who gets to jump in first. You can organize a boat trip with a skipper through the WOW CONCIERGE, tailored to your group and your preferred day.

Excursion boats

In many harbors, excursion boats sail along the coast during the season. In the north, the bay of Pollença with its view of the Formentor peninsula is particularly beautiful. This is cheaper than your own boat, but you won't be alone on board.

Kayak and SUP

For short trips directly from the bay, you don't need a license at all. In Cala Sant Vicenç or the protected bay of Port de Pollença, this makes for a lovely morning. You can read about which beaches are suitable for this in our overview Beaches in the North of Mallorca.

The most beautiful destinations from the water in the north

The north is made for boat days. The bays of Pollença and Alcúdia are vast and relatively sheltered; the water remains smooth on calm days. From there, you can head along the Formentor peninsula, whose rugged coastline looks even more impressive from the sea than from the viewpoint. Small bays that can only be reached by long trails from land are suddenly ten minutes away. The rocky coast around Cala Sant Vicenç also looks completely different from the water. How far you go depends on the wind: A good skipper will honestly tell you in the morning which side is better today, and that is often not the one you saw on Instagram.

For a day with a skipper, it is better to plan fewer destinations and spend more time in the water. Two swimming stops and a long lunch on board are usually better than five bays in a quick run-through.

Checklist for your boat day

• Bring your original license and ID if you are driving yourself
• Clarify before booking: are a skipper, fuel, deposit, and insurance included?
• Check the weather and wind the evening before; afternoon winds are often underestimated
• Pack plenty of water, snacks, and fruit
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a t-shirt for the midday sun
• Snorkeling gear and water shoes for rocky bays
• Children: request life jackets in the appropriate size in advance

The WOW MART will deliver water, snacks, and sun protection for your boat day to your finca, so no one has to go to the supermarket in the morning.

Respect for the sea: seagrass meadows

The underwater Posidonia meadows are one of the reasons why the water around Mallorca is so clear. For this reason, it is forbidden to anchor on these meadows in the Balearic Islands. Good skippers anchor on sand or use buoys. If you are driving yourself: only anchor where you can see the light sandy bottom.

The perfect finca for your boat day

The day on the water is most fun when the harbor is not far away. Most of our houses are located in the north around Pollença, just a few kilometers from the harbors in Port de Pollença and Alcúdia. You can find suitable houses under Finca Mallorca by the Sea or in the overview of all WOW FINCAS. And if you come back in the evening and no one wants to cook anymore, there is always the red phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still rent a boat in Mallorca without a license?

No, not for self-driving anymore. Since October 1, 2026, renters in the Balearic Islands must present a valid boat license even for small motorboats under five meters and up to 15 hp. Without a license, you can book a boat with a skipper.

Which license is valid for rental boats in Mallorca?

For German vacationers, the Sportbootführerschein See is the usual choice for motorboats. In addition, there are Spanish licenses such as Licencia de Navegación, PNB, or PER. Clarify which licenses are accepted with the rental company before booking.

What is the alternative to a rental boat without a license?

A boat with a skipper, an excursion boat, or a kayak and SUP. If desired, the WOW CONCIERGE can organize a boat trip with a skipper.

Is it allowed to anchor everywhere in Mallorca?

No. Anchoring on Posidonia seagrass meadows is prohibited in the Balearic Islands. Only anchor on sandy bottoms or use buoys.

Can you get a boat license in Mallorca?

Yes, courses for the Sportbootführerschein See are also offered in German in Mallorca. Plan for a few days of your vacation to do this.