Charter boating in Spain

If you like sailing, Spain is a destination that you will love for many reasons: because of the good weather, the variety of settings its coasts have to offer, the quality of the facilities, and because hiring a boat is simple. Getting to know Spain from the sea, on a charter boat, can be a fun option to enjoy with friends or as a family. Find out how.

Nearly 8,000 kilometres of varied coastline, with islands, cliffs, coves, unspoilt beaches and urban bays. Good winds and pleasant temperatures, making sailing possible most of the year. Nearly 110,000 moorings and over 320 marinas, which increase in number every season. This is what you will find in Spain. Sounds good, doesn't it? Especially if you want to go on a sea voyage or spend your holiday on a sailboat. It is easier than you might imagine to do this, because you do not need your own boat: charter boats are an excellent alternative for enjoying the sea which anyone can afford.

In Spain, you will find many different possibilities to choose from, ranging from one-day excursions or more extensive programmes to hires of several weeks. Many of the available options are concentrated on the Mediterranean coast, primarily in the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and the Region of Valencia. However, you can also find an increasing number of companies in other areas: this is the case, for example, of Andalusia and Murcia; or on the Atlantic coast, Galicia and Asturias. Spain's Marine Resorts are an outstanding option when planning a charter, as they will prepare a trip to your specifications, right down to the last detail. Use the search feature for water sports at www.spain.info to find out which of them offer this service.

Things you should know...

Boats can be hired with or without a crew, so if you have a sailing licence, you can sail the pleasure craft yourself. As far as insurance and other mandatory documentation are concerned, you will not have to worry about a thing, as the hire company will provide it. The boat will come with the equipment and accessories you need to ensure a safe sail. It is recommended that you request an inventory sheet showing the material included before you set out, because it may be useful when you return the boat if anything is missing or damaged.

Prices will vary depending on the hire period, the type of boat and whether the crew is included or not. Keep in mind the fact that by law a maximum of 12 people can sail on a pleasure craft, so if you go with a group of friends, you will not only have a good time, but can also share expenses. It is also a good idea to plan the charter in advance, especially if you intend to go on your voyage during the summer: apart from being the season with the heaviest demand, many companies offer special deals and discounts for early booking.

Sailing in Spain is simple and a real pleasure. What are you waiting for? Come and see for yourself!

 

More information: Spanish Association of Marine Resorts