Renting a boat without a licence in Colònia de Sant Jordi

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.

What you can rent without a licence

No licence does not mean no limits. As of 16 September 2026, the motorboat exemption includes a maximum length of 5 m and power of 11.26 kW (approximately 15 HP), daylight navigation, a minimum age of 18 and a limit of 2 nautical miles from a port, marina or place of shelter. A rental company may impose stricter conditions, but cannot relax the law. Check the rules for your travel date: Article 10 changes on 1 October 2026.

• 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:

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.

Cabrera can be visited on authorised excursions or by private vessels with the required CAIB permits. Navigation, mooring and visits have their own conditions. This does not authorise a licence-free boat trip from Colònia: the limits of the boat, skipper and rental agreement still apply.

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.

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.

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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. Check the operator’s refund or rescheduling terms and follow their safety instructions — 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.

Sources: verified local operators; locations from Google Maps; indicative prices and times, to confirm with the provider. Reviewed August 2026.

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FAQ

Do you need a licence to rent a boat in Colònia de Sant Jordi?

No licence does not mean no limits. As of 16 September 2026, the motorboat exemption includes a maximum length of 5 m and power of 11.26 kW (approximately 15 HP), daylight navigation, a minimum age of 18 and a limit of 2 nautical miles from a port, marina or place of shelter. A rental company may impose stricter conditions, but cannot relax the law. Check the rules for your travel date: Article 10 changes on 1 October 2026.

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?

Cabrera can be visited on authorised excursions or by private vessels with the required CAIB permits. Navigation, mooring and visits have their own conditions. This does not authorise a licence-free boat trip from Colònia: the limits of the boat, skipper and rental agreement still apply.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Each operator has its own terms for changes or refunds: ask about them when you book. Plan your boat day early in your trip so you can reschedule if needed.

Boating-qualification rules and effective dates

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