Spanish Government legalises ‘Airbnb-Style’ rentals for private boats
The Spanish Government has officially legalised the short-term rental of private recreational boats across the country, including here in the Canary Islands, a measure widely being dubbed the “Airbnb of private boats.”
As of Tuesday, 22nd July, individuals who own recreational boats may rent them out for up to three months per year anywhere in Spain. The regulation, published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), forms part of a wider amendment to the country’s Merchant Marine laws, originally introduced by decree in January 2024.
Temporary Regulation in Place Until August
Until a formal royal decree is passed, expected after 15th August, a provisional resolution will govern the activity to ensure maritime safety and environmental standards.
To legally rent out a private vessel, owners must meet minimum requirements, including:
- Civil liability and accident insurance
- Up-to-date safety and inspection certificates
- A favourable report from a Collaborating Inspection Entity
Boats must be operated through a registered nautical chartering company, which will manage the rental and request the change of vessel status electronically with the Ministry of Transport. This commercial-use authorisation will be valid for five years.
If the owner does not work with a charter company, a licensed professional skipper and crew must be provided. Boat owners may not act as crew unless they hold a valid professional maritime licence. All vessels under this scheme must display the initials “CT” on both sides, indicating temporary commercial use.
Concerns in the Balearic Islands
While the regulation opens up new opportunities for private boat owners and tourists, regional governments are not all on board.
The Balearic Islands, one of Spain’s most popular sailing destinations, have raised concerns about the possible “pull effect” of this new law. Local authorities are currently preparing a regional decree to limit these rentals, especially from owners who do not have authorised mooring points on the islands.
Officials in the Balearics argue that allowing uncontrolled rentals could worsen overcrowding in the Balearic Sea, already strained by the post-pandemic surge in nautical tourism. The regional government plans to ban private boat rentals without registered embarkation points to avoid what they call “unsupervised nautical tourism.”
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