⚓ 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.
Spustelėkite temą, kad iš karto prie jos pereitumėte
Laivų nuoma be kapitono, trumpi faktai
Valčių nuoma be kapitono Gran Kanarijoje, 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.
- Nuo 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.
- Iki 12 svečių, double the mini catamaran.
- Food, drinks and crew included.
- Nuo 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.
- Delfinų ir banginių stebėjimas with a licensed crew.
- Further out than the coastal zone.
- Bendrinama, so you split the cost with others.
Ar reikia laivybos licencijos norint vairuoti valtį Gran Kanarijoje?
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 galiojantis laivavedžio pažymėjimas: 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 iki 6 žmonių, ir yra trys iš jų, so a bigger group with licences can book two boats and stay together.
Lauke: pavėsis ir deginimosi vietos, „Bluetooth“ stereo sistema jūsų muzikai, gėlo vandens dušas, centrinis stalas ir skyrius su šaldytuvu maistui bei gėrimams.
Kuras įskaičiuotas. Jokių papildymų, jokių staigmenų sąskaitoje pabaigoje.
Atsineškite savo ledą. Šaltkrepšis ten yra, bet jis tuščias.
Two boats gets you to 12, and every driver needs their own licence. Above that, message us and we will look at the alternatives.
Kiek tai kainuoja
Kaina yra už visa valtis, up to 6 guests, not per person. Fuel included, and the rate per hour drops the longer you take it.
| Trukmė | Iš viso | Deposit | Atvykus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 valanda | 125€ | 35€ | 90€ |
| 2 valandos | 250€ | 70€ | 180€ |
| 3 valandos | 370€ | 100€ | 270€ |
| 4 valandos | 490€ | 130€ | 360€ |
| 5 valandos | 610€ | 160€ | 450€ |
| 6 valandos | 720€ | 180€ | 540€ |
| 7 valandos | 830€ | 200€ | 630€ |
| 8 valandos | 935€ | 215€ | 720€ |
Užsisakykite 3 valandas ar ilgiau ir vandens sportas bus nemokamas
Verta žinoti prieš pasirenkant trukmę. Nuomojantis 3 valandoms ar ilgiau, irklentų ir nardymo įranga suteikiama nemokamai. Trumpesnis nei šis, ir pavarų dėžė neįskaičiuota.
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.
Jūsų diena ant vandens
Simple process, and the boats run between 10:00 and 18:00.
Jūsų nuomojamas automobilis be vairuotojo, žingsnis po žingsnio
- 1Kai užsisakote
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.
- 2Prieš eidami
Supakuok ir pirk
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 minučių anksti
Atvykti į Arguineguín
Av del Muelle 34, Arguineguín. Atvykite bent 15 minučių antes nei jūsų laikas. Vėlavimas sutrumpina jūsų nuomos laiką, o jo nepratęsia.
- 4Prie liepto
Likutis, indėlis ir instruktažas
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.
- 5Eikš
Tu esi kapitonas
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.
- 6Grįšiu iki 18:00
Grąžinti ir pervesti atgal
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.
Poros. Quiet bays, nobody else on board, total privacy. Considerably cheaper than a private charter for the same solitude.
Šeimos. 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“ privatus užsakomasis skrydis arba gido vadovaujama kelionė valtimi. Both are good, and the charter includes food and drinks.
Praktiniai dalykai, bakstelėkite skyrių, kad jį atidarytumėte
Kas įskaičiuota laive
- Visa valtis: mini katamaranas iki 6 asmenų.
- Kuras visiškai įskaičiuota.
- Belaidė stereofoninė „Bluetooth“ įranga savo pačių muzikai.
- Gėlo vandens dušas laive.
- Centrinis stalas ir daiktadėžė.
- Šaltkrepšis maistui ir gėrimams.
- Saulės vonių vietos ir pavėsio sėdimosios vietos.
- Instruktažas prieš išvykstant.
- Nemokama irkllentė ir nardymo įranga nuo 3 valandų ar ilgesnėms nuomoms.
- A captain or skipper. Not available on these boats. You drive, with a licence.
- Maistas ir gėrimai. Bring your own, or ask us to arrange a picnic from +50€.
- Ledas šaldytuvui.
- 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 galiojantis laivavedžio pažymėjimas. 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 metų arba vyresni and carry valid ID or passport.
- Av del Muelle 34, Arguineguín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Peržiūrėti "Google" žemėlapiuose.
- Atvykite bent 15 minučių prieš jūsų išvykimo laiką.
- Boats run from 10:00–18:00. 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.
- Maudymosi kostiumėlis, rankšluostis ir kremas nuo saulės.
- 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", mes atsakome greitai.
Do I need a boat licence to rent a boat in Gran Canaria?
Taip. 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“ privatus užsakomasis skrydis takes up to 12 guests with food, drinks and a crew included, from 645€ for 3 hours. Or take a gido vadovaujama kelionė valtimi, which is cheaper again and goes further out than these small boats legally can.
How much does it cost, and is fuel included?
Kaina yra už visa valtis, 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€ užstatas 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?
Iki 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.
Atsineškite savo ledą. 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 gido vadovaujama kelionė valtimi 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 10:00–18:00. 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.
Savarankiškai vairuojamų valčių nuomos taisyklės
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.
Kur galite nuvykti ir saugumas
- These are small boats with a ribotos navigacijos zona 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.
Atšaukimas ir datos keitimai
- Free cancellation or date change up to 72 valandos before your slot. Email office@clubcanary.com.
- nuo 24 iki 72 valandų 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.
Amžius ir asmens tapatybė
- 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.
Užstatas ir įranga
- A 100€ užstatas 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.
Alkoholis ir atsakomybė
- You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, but the person driving must not drink alcohol.
- Už bet kokias baudas, atsiradusias pažeidus tą taisyklę, atsako klientas.
Jūros gyvūnija
- Swimming with whales or dolphins is neleidžiama, and approaching them is forbidden.
- Bet kokios baudos už laukinės gamtos trikdymą yra kliento atsakomybė.
Weather And Seasickness
- Jei orai bus nesaugūs, galbūt turėsime atšaukti, ir rasime jums tinkančią kitą datą.
- The decision on whether the trip can run rests with the operator and crew, not the customer.
- Jei nutrauksite kelionę anksčiau laiko dėl jūrligės, pinigai negrąžinami.
No licence in your group? Paimkite „Blue M“ privatus užsakomasis skrydis, from 645€ for 3 hours with up to 12 guests, food and drinks included.
Or browse guided boat trips ir pilnas laivų asortimentas Gran Kanarijoje. Planuojate kažką grupei? Parašykite el. laišką events@clubcanary.com.
Questions about licences, durations or your group? Chat with our local team on "WhatsApp". Mes greitai atsakome.
Nuoširdi „Club Canary“ Nuomonė
Tikras pokalbis iš jūsų vietinės komandos Kanarų salose
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“ su mūsų vietine komandaSu meile sukūrė Club Canary komanda.
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