- You can drive a small motorboat up to 15 HP without any licence.
- Best spots: Es Trenc from the sea, the coves (Es Port, Es Dolç, Es Marquès), Es Carbó and the na Moltona islet for snorkelling.
- Season April–October; the water is calmest early in the morning.
- Cabrera is NOT for self-drive boats — it’s a national park you visit on the organised excursion.
- Book ahead in July–August; in bad weather rentals are cancelled and refunded.
Max without a licence
Typical rental
Season
Calmest, clearest water
One of the best things you can do in the south of Mallorca is take a small boat out for the day — no licence needed. From the port of Colònia de Sant Jordi you’re minutes from turquoise coves, wild beaches you can’t easily reach on foot, and water so clear you’ll see the bottom several metres down. After years living here and taking these boats out dozens of times, here’s everything that actually matters: what you can drive without a licence, where to go, where to rent, when, and the rules that keep you (and the seabed) safe.
Data: Open-Meteo.
What you can rent without a licence
In Spain you can skipper a boat with an engine up to 15 HP without any qualification, as long as you stay within the limits the rental company sets (distance from shore and, on some boats, no night sailing). From the port you’ll find three main options:
- Small motorboats (up to 15 HP). The most popular choice and the one we recommend for first-timers: stable, easy, and perfect for reaching the nearby coves and the Es Trenc area at your own pace.
- Inflatable boats with a small outboard. Light and easy to handle, and they get into shallow coves the bigger boats can’t. Good for families.
- Pedal boats and kayaks for those who prefer no engine at all. Slower, but peaceful and ideal for the closest coves — and you don’t depend on any limit.
Whatever you take, the rental company briefs you before you set off and marks the area you can move in. Don’t try to reach distant spots that are out of range; the nearby coast already gives you an incredible day.
Where to go: the best spots by boat
Once you have the boat, time flies — so it helps to know what you want to prioritise. These are the ones we send people to:
| Spot | Time | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Es Trenc from the sea | Half day | The famous white-sand beach seen from the water; anchor in the shallows and swim away from the crowds |
| Es Port, Es Dolç, Es Marquès | Quick stops | Village coves, natural aquariums for snorkelling |
| Es Carbó & na Moltona islet | Morning | Wild beach and clear water over Posidonia — the best snorkelling |
| Cala Galiota / Es Caragol | Short hop | Rock and clear water, great for masks and fins |
Seeing Es Trenc from the boat gives you a completely different view of it: white sand, turquoise water, and space to anchor in the shallows well away from the packed sand. Go early morning or late afternoon — at midday the vertical sun is brutal, so bring plenty of water and a hat.
One important thing: Cabrera is a National Park and you don’t sail there on a rental boat. It has a strict daily visitor quota and you visit it on the organised excursion from the port. If Cabrera is on your list, book that separately.
Where to rent it in Colònia de Sant Jordi
The rental boats operate from the port area of Colònia de Sant Jordi. A reliable local option for a boat without a licence is Colònia Boat Charter (Carrer Gabriel Roca 18, right by the port), with boats for up to 4–6 people; you can arrange it by WhatsApp on +34 648 06 70 58. In high season don’t leave it to chance — availability is limited and the best mornings go first, so book a few days ahead.
Prices vary by season, boat and duration, and rentals usually run for a half or full day (6–8 hours). Always confirm exactly what’s included (fuel, snorkel gear, deposit) before you pay.
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When to go
The season runs roughly from April to October. The best months are May–June (good weather, warm water, few people) and September (warm sea, golden light, and the feeling of having the coast almost to yourself). In July and August you’ll need to book days ahead.
The single best tip: start early. In the morning the sea is at its calmest and clearest and you reach the best spots before other boats arrive. From midday the breeze picks up — usually a gentle sea, but with the north wind it can get choppy. Good local skippers only rent when it’s safe; if you’re prone to seasickness, take something half an hour before setting off.
What to bring, and the rules
There’s little shade on a small boat and the sun reflects hard off the water, so the essentials are: SPF 50, a hat and a rash top for swimming, plus plenty of water per person (drinks at coastal spots are pricey), your own snorkel gear, comfortable shoes for getting in and out, cash (not every beach bar takes cards) and a waterproof bag for phone and documents.
A few rules keep the day safe and the sea healthy: stay within the area and engine limits the company gives you; don’t anchor on the Posidonia meadows (the protected seagrass that keeps the water so clear — anchor on sand); take all your rubbish back; and remember the whole area is a marine reserve, so respect the wildlife.
If the weather cancels your boat
The sea rules, and some days conditions don’t allow safe sailing. Don’t worry: operators refund 100% or move your date, and they never rent when there’s risk — which is exactly why it’s smart to plan your boat day early in your trip, so you have room to reschedule. Great plan-B options nearby: the salt flats of Es Trenc with their flamingos, the calm village beaches like Es Dolç, or the coastal walk to Es Carbó.
Who it’s for (and who it isn’t)
Great if you want your own boat with no licence for the nearby coves.
Skip it if you want to go far: without a licence the engine power is limited.
Local tip: book the boat the day before in season and set off early: the wind usually picks up around midday.
Sources: verified local operators; locations from Google Maps; indicative prices and times, to confirm with the provider. Reviewed August 2026.
Where to stay? See where to stay in Colònia de Sant Jordi: hotels and apartments compared.
The operator, live
Foto © GoogleColonia Boat CharterActivity4.3 ★ (76 reviews, per Google)“From booking to boat handover, the service at Colonia Boat Charter was excellent. Whether by phone, WhatsApp, or in person, the…”Christian S. · 2 years agoClosed nowFrom our apartments: 4 min walk · 2 min driveCarrer Gabriel Roca 18, Colònia de Sant Jordi
Tel. 648 06 70 58Get directions (from where you are) →
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FAQ
Do you need a licence to rent a boat in Colònia de Sant Jordi?
No — you can drive a small motorboat with an engine up to 15 HP without any licence, staying within the distance and power limits the rental company sets. They brief you before you go.
When is the best time to rent a boat?
May–June and September: warm water, good light and few people. July–August need booking days ahead. Early morning is best — the sea is calmest and clearest and you beat the other boats.
Where can I rent a boat without a licence?
From the port area of Colònia de Sant Jordi. A reliable local option is Colònia Boat Charter (Carrer Gabriel Roca 18), for up to 4–6 people, bookable by WhatsApp on +34 648 06 70 58.
Can I sail to Cabrera on a rental boat?
No. Cabrera is a National Park with a daily visitor quota; you visit it on the organised excursion from the port, not on a self-drive rental boat.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Operators never rent when there’s risk and refund 100% or change your date. Plan your boat day early in your trip so you can reschedule if needed.
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