Spanish boating licence: how much does it cost in 2026?

If you want to get the Licencia de Navegación (Spain’s basic boating licence), the first thing to know is that there is no exam: you just take a short course at a nautical school or federation and pass a medical check. The price varies by school and city. For example, in 2026 we’ve seen the course in Madrid from €107 (and up to €153 depending on the date), plus around €35 for issuing the licence and the cost of the medical check.

What’s more, the licence is now more useful than ever: since 1 October 2026 you need at least the Licencia de Navegación to hire a boat without a skipper, including the small boats of up to 5 metres and 15 hp that you could previously hire without a licence. We explain everything below.

What is the Licencia de Navegación?

It’s the most basic recreational boating qualification in Spain. It’s governed by Royal Decree 875/2014, it replaced the old ‘titulín’ and it’s issued by recreational nautical schools and by the sailing and motorboating federations.

How much does the Licencia de Navegación cost in 2026?

• Course: each school sets its own price. As a guide, in Madrid we’ve found courses from €107, with some dates at €153. Before booking, check whether the price includes issuing the licence, insurance and course materials.
• Issuing the licence: some schools charge for this separately; in the Madrid example, it’s €35.09.
• Medical check: almost always paid separately. At that Madrid school’s partner centres it costs €35, although you can have it done at any driver medical assessment centre.

Requirements for getting the Licencia de Navegación

• Age: 18. You can also get it from the age of 16, with written consent from your parents or guardians.
• Training: 2 hours of theory and 4 hours of practical training at a nautical school or federation. It’s usually done in a single day.
• No exam: you don’t have to pass any theory test.
• Medical (psychophysical) check: this is compulsory for the licence to be issued.

What does the medical check for the Licencia de Navegación involve?

It’s a psychophysical assessment carried out at a driver medical assessment centre, just like the one for a driving licence. Its purpose is to check that you have the physical and mental fitness needed to handle a boat safely.

The medical report is valid for two years from the date of issue, so you can have it done before or after the course. Ask your school how to get it to them.

What can you do with the Licencia de Navegación?

• Skipper recreational boats up to 6 metres long, with whatever engine power the manufacturer considers suitable for the boat.
• Ride class C jet skis of less than 55 hp.
• Sail only during daylight hours and no more than 2 miles from a port, marina or sheltered spot.
• Hire a boat without a skipper that falls within those limits.

New for 2026: you can no longer hire a boat without a qualification

Royal Decree 1188/2025 amended article 10 of Royal Decree 875/2014. Since 1 October 2026, the exemption that lets you skipper motorboats of up to 5 metres and 15 hp (and sailing boats of up to 6 metres) without a licence applies only to private or sporting use. If the boat is a hire boat, whoever is at the helm needs the relevant qualification, at least the Licencia de Navegación.

So if you’re planning to hire a boat on holiday, it’s worth getting the licence before your trip. And if you don’t have it, you can always hire the boat with a skipper.

With or without a licence, remember that in the Balearic Islands anchoring on posidonia seagrass is prohibited: always drop anchor on sand or use the designated mooring buoys. Before setting off, check the current regulations with your school or the Harbour Master’s Office (Capitanía Marítima), as they may change.