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⚓ Spanish Law Changed On 1 October 2026
You can no longer rent a self-drive boat in Spain without a boat licence. A new national rule ended the old licence-free category. It covers the whole country, Gran Canaria included, and no operator can work around it.
If you hold a licence, nothing changes. Titulín, PER or a recognised foreign licence and the boat is yours exactly as before, same price, same freedom, no captain aboard.
If you do not hold a licence, this boat is not an option. Unlike some of our other islands, there is no skipper available for these mini catamarans, so there is no workaround we can offer you. We would rather say that plainly than let you book and find out at the harbour.
Still want a boat day? You absolutely can, just on a different boat. The options are right below and one of them is probably better than this anyway.
Tap a topic to jump straight to it
Self Drive Boat Hire, Quick Facts
Self Drive Boat Hire Gran Canaria, What Changed And What To Do Now
For years these mini catamarans from Arguineguín could be hired with no licence at all. That ended on 1 October 2026. This page gives you the straight version: what the rule means, who can still take one out, and the honest alternatives if you cannot. The boats themselves have not changed one bit, and for licence holders this is still one of the best value days on the water in the south.
No licence? Skip to the options below. There is no skipper for these boats, but there is a very good alternative.
Your Options Now
Nothing changes. Take the mini catamaran out yourself, up to six of you, fuel included, from Arguineguín.
- Accepted: Titulín, PER or recognised foreign licence.
- From 125€ for the whole boat, not per person.
- We check it at booking so nobody is refused at the dock.
A private charter with a captain. Honestly, for a group this often works out better than the self-drive ever did, because the food and drinks come with it.
- Up to 12 guests, double the mini catamaran.
- Food, drinks and crew included.
- From 645€ for 3 hours, so around 54€ a head at full capacity.
Cheaper again if you do not need the boat to yourselves, and these go where the little catamaran legally cannot.
- Dolphin and whale watching with a licensed crew.
- Further out than the coastal zone.
- Shared, so you split the cost with others.
Do You Need A Licence To Drive A Boat In Gran Canaria?
Yes, since 1 October 2026. Spain used to allow small boats under a certain engine power to be rented with no qualification at all, under tight limits on daylight hours and distance from shore. These mini catamarans sat neatly inside that category, which is exactly why this product existed. A national rule removed the category entirely.
What you need now. A valid boat licence: a Spanish Titulín, a PER, or a recognised foreign licence. Plus 18 or over and valid ID or passport at the dock.
Send us a photo when you book. We confirm it with the operator before your date. Far better than finding out at Arguineguín that your licence is not accepted.
No licence, no boat, no refund. That sounds harsh, and it is not the operator being difficult. Letting an unlicensed person drive is now illegal, so they have no flexibility at all.
Still true: the person driving must not drink alcohol, and any fine for that is yours. That part has not changed.
The Mini Catamarans
Stable, easy to handle and set up for a day on the water rather than for going fast. Each takes up to 6 people, and there are three of them, so a bigger group with licences can book two boats and stay together.
On board: shade and sunbathing spots, a Bluetooth stereo for your own music, a freshwater shower, a central table, and a compartment with a coolbox for your food and drinks.
Fuel is included. No topping up, no surprise bill at the end.
Bring your own ice. The coolbox is there but it comes empty.
Two boats gets you to 12, and every driver needs their own licence. Above that, message us and we will look at the alternatives.
What It Costs
The price is for the whole boat, up to 6 guests, not per person. Fuel included, and the rate per hour drops the longer you take it.
| Duration | Total | Deposit | On Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 125€ | 35€ | 90€ |
| 2 hours | 250€ | 70€ | 180€ |
| 3 hours | 370€ | 100€ | 270€ |
| 4 hours | 490€ | 130€ | 360€ |
| 5 hours | 610€ | 160€ | 450€ |
| 6 hours | 720€ | 180€ | 540€ |
| 7 hours | 830€ | 200€ | 630€ |
| 8 hours | 935€ | 215€ | 720€ |
Book 3 Hours Or More And The Watersports Are Free
Worth knowing before you pick a duration. Rentals of 3 hours or more include free paddle surf and snorkelling equipment. Shorter than that and the gear is not included.
Three hours is also the point where the day starts making sense. An hour is enough to get out, look around and come back. Three hours lets you reach a quiet bay, anchor, get in the water, eat something and still not feel rushed. If you are choosing between two hours and three, take the three.
Your Day On The Water
Simple process, and the boats run between 10:00 and 18:00.
Your Self Drive Rental, Step By Step
- 1When You Book
Send Us Your Licence
A photo of the driver's boat licence on WhatsApp. We confirm it with the operator before your date, so there are no surprises at the dock.
- 2Before You Go
Pack And Shop
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, your licence and ID, and your own food, drinks and ice. There is a coolbox on board but it comes empty.
- 315 Min Early
Arrive At Arguineguín
Av del Muelle 34, Arguineguín. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot. Late arrival comes off your rental time rather than extending it.
- 4At The Dock
Balance, Deposit And Briefing
Pay the balance in cash or by card, leave the 100€ security deposit, show your licence and ID, and take the briefing on the boat and where you can go.
- 5Off You Go
You Are The Captain
Out of the harbour and along the coast at your own pace. Your music on the Bluetooth stereo, your drinks in the coolbox, nobody else on board.
- 6Back By 18:00
Return And Deposit Back
Back to Arguineguín, gear checked, and your 100€ returned. Simple as that.
Who This Suits Now
Licence holders, first and foremost. That is the whole list now, and if that is you, it is still one of the best value boat days in the south.
Friends with a skipper among them. Six people, your own music, your own drinks, and no crew watching. One licence in the group is enough.
Couples. Quiet bays, nobody else on board, total privacy. Considerably cheaper than a private charter for the same solitude.
Families. Stable boats, shade, a shower and a swim stop wherever you choose. The driver stays sober.
Who it no longer suits: anyone without a licence. There is no skipper for these boats, so your options are the Blue M private charter or a guided boat trip. Both are good, and the charter includes food and drinks.
The practical stuff, tap a section to open it
What Is Included On Board
- The whole boat: a mini catamaran for up to 6 people.
- Fuel fully included.
- Bluetooth stereo for your own music.
- Freshwater shower on board.
- Central table and a storage compartment.
- Coolbox for your food and drinks.
- Sunbathing spots and shaded seating.
- Briefing before departure.
- Free paddle surf and snorkel gear on rentals of 3 hours or more.
- A captain or skipper. Not available on these boats. You drive, with a licence.
- Food and drinks. Bring your own, or ask us to arrange a picnic from +50€.
- Ice for the coolbox.
- The 100€ security deposit, taken at the dock and returned in full if everything comes back fine.
- Watersports gear on rentals under 3 hours.
- Whale watching. These boats cannot legally approach them.
Licence, Meeting Point And What To Bring
- The person driving must hold a valid boat licence. Titulín, PER or a recognised foreign licence.
- Send us a photo when you book. We confirm it with the operator before your date.
- There is no skipper option on these boats. If nobody in your group holds a licence, this product is not available to you.
- The driver must also be 18 or over and carry valid ID or passport.
- Av del Muelle 34, Arguineguín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. View on Google Maps.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your departure time.
- Boats run from 10:00 to 18:00. For anything outside those hours, ask us.
- Have your Club Canary ticket ready, plus the driver's licence and ID.
- The balance is settled on arrival, in cash or by card.
- A 100€ deposit is taken when you board, returned in full provided the boat comes back in good condition and no equipment is lost or damaged.
- It also covers the paddleboard and snorkel masks, so keep an eye on the gear.
- Swimwear, a towel and sunscreen.
- Your own food, drinks and ice. The coolbox comes empty.
- Prone to seasickness? A tablet about 30 minutes before departure helps.
- The person driving must not drink alcohol. Any fine for that is the customer's responsibility.
- Stay inside the coastal navigation zone explained in your briefing, and clear of the ferry and large boat routes.
- Keep your distance from whales and dolphins and do not swim with them. Fines for disturbing wildlife are yours.
Self Drive Boat Hire, Frequently Asked Questions
The questions people ask us most since the licence rule changed. Still unsure? Message our local team on WhatsApp, we reply fast.
Do I need a boat licence to rent a boat in Gran Canaria?
Yes. Since 1 October 2026 Spanish law requires a valid boat licence for self-drive rental. The old licence-free category, which these mini catamarans used to sit in, no longer exists anywhere in Spain.
A Titulín, PER or recognised foreign licence is accepted. Send Club Canary a photo of yours when you book and we confirm it with the operator before your date, so nobody is turned away at Arguineguín.
I do not have a licence. Can a captain come with us?
Not on these boats, no. There is no skipper option for the mini catamarans, so if nobody in your group holds a licence this product is not available to you. We would rather say that plainly than let you book and find out at the harbour.
You have two good alternatives, and honestly one of them may suit you better. The Blue M private charter takes up to 12 guests with food, drinks and a crew included, from 645€ for 3 hours. Or take a guided boat trip, which is cheaper again and goes further out than these small boats legally can.
How much does it cost, and is fuel included?
The price is for the whole boat, up to 6 people, not per person. Fuel is included, and the rate per hour drops the longer you take it.
From 125€ for 1 hour, 250€ for 2, 370€ for 3, 490€ for 4, 610€ for 5, 720€ for 6, 830€ for 7 and 935€ for 8 hours.
You reserve with a deposit through Club Canary and pay the balance on arrival, in cash or by card. A refundable 100€ security deposit is taken at the dock.
What happens if I turn up without a valid licence?
You will not be allowed to take the boat out, and it is treated as a no-show with no refund.
That is not the operator being awkward. Letting an unlicensed person drive is now illegal, and because there is no skipper available on these boats there is no fallback they can offer on the day.
This is exactly why Club Canary checks your licence at booking. Send the photo and it is handled.
Why should I book 3 hours or more?
Two reasons. Rentals of 3 hours or more include free paddle surf and snorkelling equipment, which is not included on shorter rentals.
And three hours is where the day starts making sense. An hour gets you out, around and back. Three hours lets you reach a quiet bay, drop anchor, get in the water, eat something and still not feel rushed. If you are torn between two hours and three, take the three.
What is the 100 euro security deposit for?
It is taken when you board and returned in full, as long as the boat comes back in good condition and nothing is missing.
It also covers the snorkel masks and the paddleboard, so keep an eye on the gear during your swim stops. That is the most common reason people lose part of it.
How many people fit, and what is on board?
Up to 6 people per boat, and there are three boats, so a group with more than one licence holder can book two and cruise together, up to 12.
On board: shade and sunbathing spots, a Bluetooth stereo for your own music, a freshwater shower, a central table, and a storage compartment with a coolbox.
Bring your own ice. The coolbox is there but it comes empty. Food and drinks are not included, though Club Canary can arrange a picnic in advance from +50€.
Where can we go, and can we see dolphins?
These boats stay within a set zone close to the coast around Arguineguín, and cannot enter the routes used by ferries and larger boats. The briefing covers the limits before you set off.
So it is a relaxed swim-and-cruise day rather than a trip out to a specific spot. If you see whales or dolphins you must keep your distance and cannot swim with them. Fines for disturbing wildlife are steep and they land on you.
If dolphins are your main goal, book a guided boat trip with a licensed crew instead. They go where these boats legally cannot.
Where do we meet, and what time can we go?
Av del Muelle 34, Arguineguín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot.
Boats run from 10:00 to 18:00. Bring your Club Canary ticket, the driver's boat licence and valid ID or passport. The balance is paid at the dock, in cash or by card.
Arriving late comes off your rental time rather than extending it, so leave yourself room.
Self Drive Boat Hire Policy
The Licence, Read This First
- Since 1 October 2026 a valid boat licence is required by Spanish law for self-drive rental.
- Send a photo of the driver's licence when you book. We confirm it with the operator before your date.
- Arriving without a valid licence means you cannot take the boat out, treated as a no-show with no refund. This is the law, not the operator being difficult.
- No skipper is available for these boats. If nobody in your group holds a licence, book a charter or a guided trip instead.
Where You Can Go And Safety
- These are small boats with a limited navigation zone close to the coast, set for safety. Stay inside it and keep clear of the routes used by larger boats and ferries.
- Follow the safety briefing, watch your fuel and the weather, and keep a safe distance from swimmers and marine life.
Cancellation And Date Changes
- Free cancellation or date change up to 72 hours before your slot. Email office@clubcanary.com.
- 24 to 72 hours before: a 50€ charge applies.
- Under 24 hours or a no-show: 75% of the booking price is due.
- Arriving late comes off your rental time rather than extending it.
Age And Identification
- You must be at least 18 to rent and to drive the boat.
- Bring your ID or passport alongside the licence. Without either, boarding can be refused with no refund.
Security Deposit And Equipment
- A 100€ security deposit is taken when you board and returned in full if the boat and all equipment come back in good condition.
- It also covers the snorkel masks and the paddleboard, so please look after all the gear.
Alcohol And Responsibility
- You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, but the person driving must not drink alcohol.
- Any fines resulting from breaking that rule are the customer's responsibility.
Marine Life
- Swimming with whales or dolphins is not permitted, and approaching them is forbidden.
- Any fines for disturbing wildlife are the customer's responsibility.
Weather And Seasickness
- If the weather is unsafe we may have to cancel, and we will find another date that works for you.
- The decision on whether the trip can run rests with the operator and crew, not the customer.
- If you cut the trip short because of seasickness, no refund applies.
No licence in your group? Take the Blue M private charter, from 645€ for 3 hours with up to 12 guests, food and drinks included.
Or browse guided boat trips and the full range of boats in Gran Canaria. Planning something for a group? Email events@clubcanary.com.
Questions about licences, durations or your group? Chat with our local team on WhatsApp. We reply fast.
Club Canary's Honest Take
Real talk from your local team in the Canary Islands
Straight answer, because most people landing here searched for a boat with no licence.
If somebody in your group has a licence, book it. This is still the boat day people actually picture. Six of you, a mini catamaran, your own drinks in the coolbox and the southern coast to poke around in. From 125€ for the whole boat it is hard to beat. Take three hours or more, that is where the free paddleboard and snorkel gear kicks in and where the day stops feeling like a quick spin.
If nobody has a licence, this one is closed to you. There is no skipper for these little boats, so we cannot bend it, and we would rather tell you here than at the dock.
And here is the thing: the alternative might suit you better anyway. The Blue M charter takes 12 instead of 6 and includes food, drinks and a crew. At full capacity that is around 54€ a head for three hours. Split between a group, that is a serious day out for not much more than the self-drive.
Licence? Go and enjoy it, and bring ice. No licence? The Blue M is the one.
⛵ See Your Options 💬 WhatsApp Our Local TeamMade with love by the Club Canary Team.
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