Boat Rental in Moraira
Hire a boat with a licence or explore the coast with a skipper
Seeing Moraira from the Mediterranean is a completely different experience. Along the coastline you will find small coves, rocky headlands and impressive cliffs that are sometimes difficult to appreciate from land. From Club Náutico Moraira, you can hire motorboats and sailing boats, take the helm yourself if you have the appropriate boating licence, or simply choose a private charter with a professional skipper. There is one important change visitors need to know about. From 1 October 2026, renting a motorboat in Spain and driving it yourself without a boating licence is no longer permitted. On this page we explain the new rules and show you some of the main options for boat rental and private charters in Moraira.
From 1 October 2026: no more self-drive rental without a licence
Until 1 October 2026, certain small motorboats up to 5 metres long and with a maximum engine power of 15 HP could be rented in Spain and driven without a boating licence. That exemption no longer applies to rental boats from 1 October 2026.
If you rent a recreational motorboat in Spain and want to drive it yourself, you must now hold an appropriate boating licence or recognised nautical qualification for that particular boat. This means that the familiar “boat rental without a licence” or Spanish “alquiler sin licencia” concept no longer applies to commercial self-drive boat rental in Spain. There is still a limited exemption for private use of certain privately owned small recreational boats, but this does not apply when you rent the boat.
What does this mean for holidaymakers?
For most visitors, the new situation is quite straightforward. If you have a valid boating licence, ask the rental company which boats you are permitted to drive with your qualification. If you do not have a boating licence, choose a boat or sailing yacht with a professional skipper.
A skippered charter is also a very relaxing way to spend a day at sea. You do not need to worry about navigation, anchoring, harbour manoeuvres or local sea conditions and can simply enjoy the Costa Blanca coastline. If you have a boating qualification issued outside Spain, send a copy to the rental company before booking. They can confirm whether it is recognised in Spain and sufficient for the boat you want to hire.
Which boating licence do you need in Spain?
That depends on the length and engine power of the boat and how far you intend to navigate. Spain has several recreational boating qualifications, including the Licencia de Navegación, PNB and PER. A Spanish Licencia de Navegación, for example, provides limited permission to operate certain recreational boats, while larger or more powerful boats and longer-distance navigation require higher qualifications. You do not need to work all of this out yourself before your holiday. Tell the rental company:
- which boating licence you hold
- which country issued it
- which boat you would like to rent
They can then confirm whether your qualification is sufficient.
Boat rental companies in Moraira
Moraira Boats Adventures
Moraira Boats Adventures is one of the main nautical activity companies operating from Moraira harbour. They offer a range of motorboats, boats with a skipper, sailing activities, fishing experiences, kayaking, paddleboarding and nautical courses. From 1 October 2026, anyone renting a motorboat to drive themselves must have the appropriate boating qualification. Some activities also depart from Les Bassetes, on the Benissa Costa.
📍Club Naútico Moraira | Moraira | +34 610 400 308 | website
The Boat Experience
The Boat Experience specialises in private boat trips with a professional skipper. You can choose between motorboat and sailing trips and spend a few hours or a full day discovering the coastline around Moraira, Benissa, Calpe and Jávea. Depending on the conditions and the trip, there are opportunities to anchor, swim, snorkel and relax at sea. This is a particularly convenient option if you do not have a boating licence or simply prefer not to be responsible for the boat yourself.
📍Club Náutico Moraira | Moraira | +34 606 454 082 | website
Charter Moraira
If you prefer sailing, Charter Moraira offers private sailing trips from Moraira harbour with a professional skipper. Their trips range from shorter outings to half-day and full-day sailing experiences. Depending on the route and weather conditions, you can sail along the Moraira coastline and stop near one of the coves for swimming or snorkelling.
📍 Puerto de Moraira | Moraira | +34 609 002 479 | website
Náutica Mengual
Náutica Mengual has been established in Moraira for many years and is well known for boat sales and nautical services. They also offer charter boats from Club Náutico Moraira. Their current charter selection includes boats that can be driven with the required qualification as well as larger motorboats with a professional captain.
📍Club Naútico Moraira | Moraira | +34 651 892 885 | website
Luxury yacht charter in Moraira
Takara | Solaris Power 44
For something more luxurious, Takara Charter offers a Solaris Power 44 from Moraira. The yacht is almost 13.5 metres long and has capacity for up to 10 people. It has large outdoor areas, cabins and plenty of space for relaxing at sea. Options include half-day, full-day and sunset cruises, while longer trips towards Ibiza and Formentera can also be arranged. For the regular charter, the captain and fuel are included in the advertised price.
📍Club Naútico Moraira | Moraira | +32 495 303 121 | website
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Moraira?
Prices vary considerably depending on:
- the type and size of boat
- how long you rent it for
- the season
- whether a professional skipper is included
- fuel consumption
- any additional services
A smaller self-drive motorboat will normally cost less than a private motorboat or sailing charter with a skipper. Luxury yacht charters are naturally at the other end of the price range. When comparing prices, check carefully what is included. Possible additional costs include:
- fuel
- skipper or captain
- cleaning
- security deposit
- drinks or catering
- snorkelling or watersports equipment
Prices can change throughout the season, so always check the current total price directly with the boat rental company.
Where can you go by boat from Moraira?
Leaving the harbour immediately gives you a different view of Moraira. Heading north, you pass El Portet and Cap d’Or. Continue further and the coastline towards Benitachell and Jávea becomes increasingly dramatic, with cliffs, caves and small coves.
Heading south takes you past Cala l’Andragó and Benissa Costa, including Baladrar, L’Advocat and La Fustera. Further along the coast you reach Calpe and the unmistakable Peñón de Ifach. How far you can travel depends on the boat, your licence, the length of the charter and, of course, the weather and sea conditions.
Renting a boat with a skipper
If you do not have a boating licence, a private charter with a professional skipper is the easiest way to enjoy a day at sea from Moraira. There are several advantages. A local skipper knows the coastline, the anchorages and the local weather conditions. They can adjust the route depending on wind and waves and know which bays are suitable for stopping. It also means nobody in your group has to remain responsible for the boat throughout the day. For families or groups of friends, we often think this is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the Mediterranean.
Other watersports in Moraira
Hiring a boat is not the only way to enjoy the water around Moraira. Tsunami Aventura specialises mainly in jet ski excursions and other watersports. Moraira Boats Adventures also offers activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, rowing and sailing.
Our practical tip
If you want to rent a boat during July or August, book in advance. Larger boats, sailing trips and private charters with a skipper can fill up quickly during the summer. If you already have a boating licence, send a copy to the rental company before confirming your booking. This way you know in advance which boats you are legally allowed to drive. If you do not have a licence, search specifically for a boat charter with skipper. And be careful with older websites or advertisements that still mention “boat rental without a licence” or “sin licencia”. From 1 October 2026, that exemption no longer applies when you rent a motorboat and drive it yourself in Spain.
Frequently asked questions about boat rental in Moraira
Can I rent a boat in Moraira without a boating licence?
Not if you want to drive the rented motorboat yourself. From 1 October 2026, the person operating a rented recreational motorboat in Spain must hold an appropriate boating licence or recognised nautical qualification. If you do not have a licence, you can still rent a boat with a professional skipper.
Does “boat rental without a licence” still exist in Spain?
Not for commercial self-drive motorboat rental. The Spanish regulations changed from 1 October 2026. The previous exemption that allowed certain small rental motorboats of up to 5 metres and 15 HP to be driven without a licence no longer applies to rented boats. You may still find older websites or advertisements using phrases such as “no licence required” or “sin licencia”, but these can refer to information published before the new rule came into effect.
Why did Spain change the law on licence-free boat rental?
The Spanish government stated that the change was introduced because of the relatively high number of incidents and accidents involving this type of rental activity. The exemption was therefore restricted to private and sporting use and removed from commercial self-drive rental.
Is it now completely illegal to drive a boat without a licence in Spain?
No. There is still a limited exemption for the private use of certain privately owned boats. Under the Spanish rules, some privately used recreational motorboats up to 5 metres and a maximum of 15 HP can still be operated without a recreational boating qualification, subject to restrictions including distance and daytime navigation. However, this exemption does not apply to a rented motorboat.
Which boating licence do I need to rent a boat in Moraira?
It depends on the boat’s length, engine power and navigation area. Smaller recreational boats may be covered by a basic qualification, while larger boats require qualifications such as the Spanish PNB or PER, or an appropriate recognised foreign equivalent. Always ask the rental company to confirm that your particular qualification is valid for the boat you want to hire.
Can I use a foreign boating licence in Spain?
Certain foreign recreational boating qualifications are recognised in Spain, including qualifying licences issued within the European Economic Area and other recognised jurisdictions. However, you can only operate a boat within the permissions provided by your qualification. The safest approach is to send a copy of your licence to the rental company before booking and ask them to confirm that it is accepted for the chosen boat.
Can I rent a boat with a skipper if I do not have a licence?
Yes. If a professional skipper operates the boat, passengers do not need their own boating licence. For visitors without a nautical qualification, this is the simplest way to charter a motorboat or sailing yacht in Moraira.
Where do boat trips leave from in Moraira?
Many boat rentals and private charters depart from Club Náutico Moraira, located directly beside the town centre. Some companies also operate from Les Bassetes on the Benissa Costa.
Is fuel included when renting a boat?
It depends on the company and the boat. Some private charters include fuel in the advertised price, while other rentals calculate fuel separately according to consumption. Always ask for the total price before booking.
Do I have to pay a security deposit?
A deposit is common when you rent a boat to operate yourself. The amount varies depending on the boat and rental company. A professionally skippered charter may have different booking conditions. Check the deposit and cancellation terms before making your reservation.
What happens if the weather is too bad to go out?
The rental company or skipper may cancel the trip if the weather or sea conditions are unsafe. Policies regarding a new date or refund differ between providers, so check the conditions before booking.
Should I book a boat in Moraira in advance?
During quieter months, it may be possible to book at short notice. In July and August, we recommend booking in advance, especially if you want a larger boat, sailing yacht or private charter with a skipper.