Can You Rent a Boat Without a License in Mallorca? Real Options With and Without a Title

Renting a boat without a license means using small vessels that can be operated without a nautical qualification, but with strict limits on size, power, and navigation zones, which change according to current regulations. At Attraction Catamarans, this definition is the starting point for explaining the real options available to those who want to sail in Mallorca without a title. If you are looking to find out if you can rent a boat without a license, this is what you can actually do today.

Can you rent a boat without a license in Spain today?

The short answer is: it depends. And the long answer deserves a detailed explanation because there have been recent changes that have complicated the scenario a bit.

Until recently, the regulations were clear: you could operate boats up to 5 meters in length with 15 hp of power without any type of nautical title. Daytime navigation, up to 2 miles from the coast, no complications. The problem arrived with Royal Decree 186/2023, which tightened the conditions for renting these vessels without a qualification.

Right now, renting many of these small boats requires at least a Navigation License, also known as the “titulín.” Not always, but more and more rental companies are requiring this minimum qualification to cover themselves legally, even if the boat itself could technically be operated without a title.

At Attraction Catamarans, we summarize the current landscape as follows: you can sail without a license under very specific conditions, but renting that type of boat is another story. The regulations have introduced filters that didn’t exist before, and that changes what you can do when you arrive at the port wanting to head out to sea.

What exactly is a “boat without a license” and what are its limits?

A boat without a license is a simple vessel, designed for short trips near the coast with clear rules regarding size, power, and safety. We are talking about small motorboats—and some sailboats—with low power, designed for basic recreational use.

Typical characteristics include:

Maximum length: Up to 5 meters
Power: No more than 15 hp in the motor
Distance from the coast: Up to 2 nautical miles (about 3.7 kilometers)
Schedule: Daytime navigation only, with good visibility
Weather conditions: Calm seas, without strong winds or swells

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Renting a boat without a license in Mallorca: What options are there really?

Mallorca is a paradise for sea lovers, with crystal-clear coves, impressive cliffs, and a coastline that invites exploration. But there is a problem: the best coves are not next to the port.

In the context of Mallorca and the Balearic Islands, the situation is this: it is possible to find offers for boats without a license in Mallorca, but real availability is subject to how each company adapts to RD 186/2023 and the navigation conditions in the area.

Typical unlicensed outings

When you rent a boat without a license in Mallorca (if you find one available without being asked for a titulín), the plan usually looks like this:

Outings of 2 to 4 hours maximum
Navigation very close to the departure port
Nearby coves, those that are literally within sight
Total responsibility for maneuvers, anchoring, safety, and compliance with regulations

Practical limitations that no one tells you

It’s curious: many believe that a boat without a title is the freest option, and then they discover they feel freer when someone else takes the helm. The real limitations are:

Distance: With a 2-mile maximum from the coast, forget about reaching iconic coves like Es Trenc from certain ports, or exploring remote areas of the Tramuntana.
Experience: Even if you don’t need a title, you do need to know how to maneuver, anchor, and interpret the wind and currents. No one wants to be fighting with the anchor while everyone else is just thinking about taking photos.
Space and comfort: These are small boats for small groups. If there are more than four people, it starts to get uncomfortable.
Stress: You are responsible for everything. If the weather changes, if the swell is heavier than expected, or if you don’t know how to return to port against the wind… the plan gets complicated quickly.

At Attraction Catamarans, we have seen groups arrive with the clear idea: “we wanted a little boat without a license, but in the end, we’re glad we had a skipper.” In Mallorca, this happens more often than it seems.

Sailing without a title vs. Going out on a catamaran with a skipper in Mallorca

Here is the real comparison, without the fluff. The important thing—the truly important thing—is not just the boat, but how you feel on board.

Aspect	Boat without a license (when available)	Catamaran with skipper in Mallorca
License requirement	Not required, but very limited by regulations	No license required; the skipper handles everything
Navigation zone	Near the port, up to 2 miles	Routes designed to visit several coves and key spots in Mallorca
Experience needed	Recommended to learn basic maneuvers	No experience needed; the skipper sails and advises
Comfort and space	Small boats, small groups	Spacious, stable catamaran; ideal for groups, families, and events
Type of plan	Short and simple trip	Full day or sunset with swimming, snorkeling, music, and relaxation
Stress/Responsibility	You assume maneuvers, safety, and rules	You just enjoy; safety and nautical decisions are handled by the skipper

What a day or sunset catamaran excursion in Mallorca includes

At Attraction Catamarans, we don’t just move a catamaran from one point to another; we set the stage for your day at sea. The difference compared to a boat without a license is not just size or regulations; it’s the entire concept.

Full-day outings

Departure from a well-connected port: Easy access, nearby parking, everything designed for a hassle-free arrival.
Routes through iconic coves: Places we know by heart, those corners that are best seen from the water.
Swimming and snorkeling stops: The catamaran anchors in crystal-clear coves; you jump in whenever you want.
Catering and drinks: Without worrying about carrying a cooler or ice.
Ambient music: Because a day at sea without a soundtrack isn’t the same.

Sea Day Catamaran Tour

Sunset outings

Sunset catamaran excursions are something else. When the sun starts to go down and the sea calms, Mallorca transforms. At Attraction Catamarans, we organize specific outings for this moment:

Peaceful navigation toward the sunset.
A more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for couples or small groups.
A cold drink in hand, soft music, calm sea.
Views you can’t see from land: the silhouette of the Tramuntana at sunset, the coastal lights turning on bit by bit.

Sunset Boat tour

Three clear messages about sailing in Mallorca with a skipper

One: You don’t need a license or experience. The professional skipper takes care of everything technical; you just choose who to bring.
Two: You enjoy more and see more places than with a small boat without a license. The routes are designed to make the most of the time, reaching the best coves and avoiding crowded areas.
Three: It is ideal for families, groups of friends, and celebrations. A catamaran with a skipper in Mallorca is a plan that works equally well for a birthday, a farewell, a family vacation, or simply a different kind of day.

Is it always better to go out on a catamaran with a skipper than on a boat without a license? Not necessarily. It depends on how much you want to be in charge of everything… or nothing at all.

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Frequently Asked Questions about renting a boat without a license in Mallorca

What do I need to rent a boat without a license in Mallorca?

Officially, boats up to 5 meters and 15 hp can be operated without a title, but more and more companies are requesting a Navigation License (titulín) due to legal issues derived from RD 186/2023. It is best to check with the rental company before booking. If you don’t have any qualification and want to avoid complications, a catamaran with a skipper solves the issue at its root.

How many people can go on a boat without a license?

It depends on the model, but usually between 4 and 6 people maximum. And that’s in theory. In practice, with five adults aboard a 5-meter boat, space is tight. If you are a large group or a family with children, a catamaran offers much more space, stability, and comfort.

Can I see the best coves in Mallorca with a boat without a license?

It’s not easy. The most spectacular coves (like Caló des Moro, Cala Mondragó, or those in the Serra de Tramuntana) are often beyond the 2-mile limit or require experience to anchor safely. With a professional skipper, you reach those coves without worrying about distances, wind, or complicated maneuvers.

What do I do if I don’t have a title and want to sail further?

The most direct answer: get on a boat with a skipper. At Attraction Catamarans, we organize specific outings for people without experience who want to enjoy Mallorca from the sea without limits on distance or duration. You decide the route (full day or sunset—these outings are in open groups; you can also rent a catamaran just for yourself), and the skipper takes care of the rest.

Is it safe to go on a catamaran with children in Mallorca?

Absolutely. Catamarans are much more stable than small boats; they don’t rock as much and have more space to move around safely. Additionally, the skipper is constantly monitoring sea conditions and adapts the route if necessary. For families with children, it is the calmest option and the one that causes the least motion sickness.

The real option if you don’t have a title and want to discover Mallorca from the sea

The data says you can sail without a title under certain conditions. The experience of Attraction Catamarans in Mallorca says something else: people remember the sunset more than the maneuvers. You choose what you want to remember when you get back home.

If you don’t have a nautical title and want to sail in Mallorca without giving up distant coves or peace of mind, a catamaran with a skipper solves that problem. You don’t need to be a movie captain. You decide if you want to be in charge of the helm or the playlist; doing both at once, with wind and waves, is less fun than it looks on Instagram.

Does the idea of sailing through Mallorca without complicating things with licenses or rules appeal to you? Book your spot on one of the Attraction Catamarans and live the experience of sailing like a local. Or, continue browsing our blog to read more relevant information like this article.