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Boating. What documents are needed?

Mediterranean boating and yachting regulations of European countries

Sailing in the Mediterranean? Discover the Mediterranean boating and yachting regulations of European countries: France, Monaco, Italy, Spain, Gibraltar, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Slovenia and Malta.

Documents. Passport. Yacht registration papers. VAT receipt or other proof of payment. You may be asked for: proof of insurance for the yacht, proof of competence to handle a yacht such as the RYA ICC.

Customs (Douane). France, as part of the EU, comes under EU legislation regarding the payment of VAT. Non-EU boats must report to customs on arrival in France. The non-EU temporary importation of  a yacht is carried out under a Titre de Séfour obtained at major customs offices.

A yacht registered in a country that does not have a special financial arrangement with France (most do but those that do not include Australia, New Zealand,  South Africa and flags of convenience such as Panama, Liberia, Honduras and the Maldives) must pay an additional charge while in French harbours.

When  it was introduced the tax caused a mass exodus of boats from French marinas which left many of the locals out of work. An unofficial edict from Paris cancelled implementation in practice, but it still remains law.

Entry formalities. EU flag yachts on which VAT has been paid or which are exempt can enter France from other EU countries without formalities.  Random  checks are carried out by customs.

Non-EU flag yachts should report to customs and immigration at the first major port of call. Here you will be stamped into the country and a record of your entry made. An inventory of yacht equipment and crew lists will be required.

Yachts chartering in France must have proof VAT (TVA) has been paid on the charter boat and VAT must be paid on the charter fee. Private EU yachts can  change crews (including the skipper) as long as no fee is paid for the use of the boat.

Other regulations. Black Water New restrictions on black water effectively prohibit discharge of untreated sewage less than 12M offshore. Some ports require yachts to have holding tanks. Fines for discharging black water may be levied.

Entry formalities. Report to Direction des Ports (Monday—Friday) or Pilot Station (Saturday—Sunday) within 24h. French Customs operate in Monaco. Notify the Pilot Station  on departure (or on the previous day if between 2300— 0800).

Other laws. Monaco Harbour. All vessels leaving the harbour have priority. Max speed 3 knots. All vessels must be able to manoeuvre at all times. Any works affecting manoeuvrability must be reported to the Port Authority. It is forbidden to leave vessels unmanned.

Documents. Passport. Yacht registration papers. VAT receipt or other proof of payment. Insurance papers which must have an Italian translation for  proof  of third party liability and serial numbers of tender and outboard.. You may be asked for proof of competence to handle a yacht such as the RYA ICC  or Yachtmaster’s certificate.

Customs (Guardia di hinanza). Italy as part of the EU comes under EU legislation regarding the payment of VAT.

Non-EU boats should report to customs on arrival in Italy.

Entry formalities. EU yachts on which VAT has been paid or which are exempt can enter Italy from other EU countries without formalities. The old Constituto in arrivo per il naviglio di diporto has been shelved for EU- registered yachts with EU nationals on board.

Non EU- registered yachts or non-EU nationals should report to the first large port in order to clear into the country with the relevant authorities and apply to the harbourmaster for a Costituto (an entry declaration) at the first port.

Yacht Tax 2012 The yacht tax proved universally unpopular and was repealed in 2013 for foreign flag vessels.

• It is against Italian law to swim in any Italian harbour. Swimmers are subject to hefty fines.
• It is against Italian law to motorsail within 300m of the shore, except when entering or  leaving  a harbour.
• Anchoring is prohibited anywhere around the coast within 200m of a beach or within 100m elsewhere.

This rule can often be seen to be flouted, particularly during the high season, but it is a law which is increasingly being enforced, and can attract a fine of €350.

Documents. Passport. Yacht registration papers. VAT receipt or other proof of payment. You may be asked  for a radio licence, proof of insurance for the yacht and proof of competence to handle a yacht such as the RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or Yachtmaster’s certificate. Insurance papers must have a Spanish translation of the Third Party agreement.

Customs (Aduana). Spain as part of the EU comes under EU legislation regarding the payment of VAT. Non-EU boats must report to customs on arrival in Spain.

Entry formalities . EU flag yachts on which VAT has been paid or which are exempt can enter Spain from other EU countries without formalities.  Random  checks by customs are carried out. Non-EU flag yachts should report to customs and immigration at the first port of call. Here you will be stamped into the country and issued with a special form. An inventory of yacht equipment and crew lists will be required.

Other regulations. Black water New restrictions on black water effectively prohibit discharge of untreated sewage less than 12M offshore. Some ports require yachts to have holding tanks. Fines for discharging black water may be levied.

Documents. Valid passport. Yacht registration papers. Radio licence.

Customs. Formalities may now  be completed at either of the marinas. Yachts not using a marina currently have no way to clear in.

Entry formalities. A yacht should fly a ‘Q’ flag and head for a marina. A number of forms for customs, immigration and harbour officials must  be completed. A list of crew and passengers is required in triplicate. The following regulations should be noted:

• Any crew member or passenger intending to reside ashore during the time the vessel is in port must report to immigration control at Waterport police station and give the address ashore;
• Immigration control should be advised of any guests residing aboard
• If any person has employment in Gibraltar it must be reported to the immigration office;
• Crew must not be paid off or enrolled (regardless of nationality) without permission from the immigration office;
• Before leaving report to the immigration office at Waterport the time and date of departure;

Croatia joined the EU on 1 July 2013. It is in line with EU Immigration and VAT rules, although it is not part of the Schengen Area. Reports that customs demanding proof of VAT paid status is causing problems for UK yachts. See RYA for latest www.rya.org.uk

Documents. Passport. Yacht registration  papers. Proof of ownership/authorisation. Insurance papers. Proof of VAT status. Proof of competence.

Crew List. Foreign registered yachts must declare a Crew List on entering Croatia. It includes crew and passengers. The list must be re-submitted each time the list changes. If there are no changes made, a yacht has no need  to check in with the authorities until departing Croatia.

List of Persons. Foreign registered yachts must declare a List of Persons when replacing crew or passengers in Croatia. The maximum number of people on the list may not exceed 230% of the registered maximum for that vessel. The list must be re-submitted each time the list changes, but should not include children under the age of 12. The number of changes is not limited.

Evidence of Seaworthiness . In accordance with the country of the vessel’s flag. Harbourmaster may perform an inspection  of  the vessel.

Entry formalities . All yachts entering Croatia should fly the Q flag and the Croatian courtesy ensign. Yachts approaching Croatia should monitor VHF Ch 16 and expect to be called by patrol vessels.

On entering Croatia, yachts  must proceed  to a  port of entry. Immigration, customs, and the harbourmaster are visited.

All persons on board must also register with the  police for the duration of the stay. In practice this can  be done in the harbourmaster’s or marina office.

Ports of entry

Permanent Ports of Entry : Umag, Zadar, Porec, Sibenik, Rovinj, Split , Pula , Vela Luka, Ploce, Rijeka, Ubli (Lastovo), Mali Losinj , Metkovic, Senj, Korcula , Dubrovnik (Gruz)

Seasonal Ports of Entry (from 1 April to 30 October): ACI Marina Umag, Novigrad, Sali (Dugi Otok), Bozava (Dugi Otok), Primosten (Kremik), Starigrad (Hvar), Komiza (Vis), Vis (Vis), Cavtat

Cruising Tax. Following Croatia’s accession to the EU the old Vignette has been replaced by the Navigation, safety and pollution prevention fee. Changes have been proposed to the Cruising Tax (incorporating  the Sojourn Tax) from Jan 2018.

The Sojourn Tax Fee. The vessel owners or users pay the sojourn tax for themselves and all persons spending the night on that vessel on a lump sum basis. In this sense, a vessel is every vessel over 5 m in length with built-in beds, which is used for rest, recreation or cruising, and which is not a nautical tourism vessel.

The lump sum of the sojourn tax is paid by sailors prior to the departure of the vessel in the harbourmaster’s offices or branch offices, or in nautical tourism ports, when they stay overnight in nautical tourism ports or at a berth in the nautical part of a port open for public transport.

Harbourmaster offices or branch offices or nautical tourism ports shall issue a sojourn tax receipt to sailors who have paid the sojourn tax in the lump sum.

The lump sum of the sojourn tax for sailors depends on the length of the vessel and the time period for which sailors purchase the sojourn tax. The invoice for the paid sojourn tax must always be on the vessel and the master of the vessel must present it at the request of an authorized person.

Skippers are also required to pay fees as shown below: an Admin fee, the navigation safety fee (N), the maritime chart fee (C) and the aids to navigation fee (A).

So for a 13m yacht with a 60kW engine there will be an additional 40+380+20+325 = 765HRK to pay.

Other regulations

When underway, motor boats and sailing boats  must not navigate within 50m of the coast. Rowing  boats may navigate at a distance less than 50m from the coast. When near beaches, all boats shall navigate at a distance greater than 50m from the enclosure of the marked bathing area i.e. 150m from the coast of a natural  beach. The Croatian tourist board has a nautical guide that is free to download on their website, www.htz.hr

All fishing in Croatian waters requires a permit which can be obtained from the harbourmaster.

Documents. Passport. Visas are no longer required by most nationals for stays of up to 90 days. Yacht registration papers. A radio licence, proof of insurance and some proof of competence may be asked for.

Customs. A yacht must report to a Port of entry when entering Montenegrin waters.

Entry formalities. Call Bar Radio on entering Montenegran waters. A listening watch on VHF Ch 16, 24 is recommended. On arrival at a port of  entry call Bar Radio on VHF Ch 16, 24.

On first entering  a port of entry you must report to the harbour office, customs and frontier police. The Vignette is proof of clearance, light dues and administration fees and should be displayed. Costs for 12m yacht:

• €29 – one week
• €77 – one month
• €221 – one year

(more than double for multihulls and motorboats)

Other Regulations . Swimming is strictly prohibited outside of marked zones.

Documents . Passport. Yacht registration papers. VAT receipt or other proof of payment. You may be asked for proof of competence to handle a yacht such as the RYA ICC.

Customs (Telenion). Greece as part of the EU comes under EU legislation regarding the payment of VAT.

Entry formalities . All yachts entering Greek waters should fly a Greek courtesy ensign. Entry formalities will  depend  on  the flag of the vessel and the nationalities of the crew. This will determine whether it is necessary to visit a port of entry where all the relevent officials will be found.

• Arrivals from outside the Schengen area are no longer obliged to use a port of entry,  but  must  notify  the port police in advance (usually on VHF Ch12) and provide two completed signed copies of the new Pleasure Boat’s Document on arrival. Any harbour with a port police presence can be used.
• Non EU registered yachts must obtain a Transit log from Customs officials.
• Non EU passport holders must complete immigration formalities and obtain visas if necessary.

If a full check in is required, a port of entry should be chosen and the authorities should be visited in the following order:

• Immigration Passports, visas
• Customs  VAT,  Transit  log
• Port police   PBD, TPP, DEKPA

Pleasure Boat’s Document (PBD). This is a pro forma crew list. One completed copy is retained by the port police on entry to Greece, the other stamped copy must be kept on board at all times. It should be handed in to a port police office when leaving Greek waters.

Note It appears that this document is no longer  required by EU vessels.

Traffic Document (DEKPA). All yachts over 7m LOA must purchase a Traffic Document (DEKPA) from the Port Police. The DEKPA must be stamped by the port police annually.

This will likely happen on entry to Greece or on launching, when the TPP is paid (see below). It may be checked at any time and can be re-used even after the yacht has left and re-entered Greece. The cost of the DEKPA is €50.

• Ionian: Kerkira (Corfu), Preveza, Argoostoli (Kephalonia), Zakynthos
• Peloponnese: Katakolon, Pflos, Kalamata
• Gulf of Patras: Patras
• Saronic Gulf: Zea Marina , Glyfada, Vouliagmeni Marina
• Argolic Gulf: Navplion
• Cyclades: Ermodpolis (Siros)
• Northern Greece: Volos, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Alexandropolis
• Eastern Sporades: Mirina (Limnos), Mitilini (Lesvos), Kos , Pithagorion (Samos), Vathi (Samos)
• Dodecaneese: Kalimnos, Kes, Rhodes
• Crete: Chania, Iraklion, Agios Nikolaos

Greek Cruising Tax (TPP)

The new Greek tax was ratified at the beginning of 2014. It is likely to be implemented soon, but as yet is not being collected (Oct 2018). Payments will be made via a bank or local tax office. The receipt should  be kept with the DEKPA and PBD.

Transit Log

The Transit Log is a customs record for non-EU yachts visiting the EU. It is now valid for 18 months, and an extension for up to six months may be applied for. A yacht may be left in Greece for as long as the Transit Log remains valid. Your passport will be stamped by customs to indicate that the vessel remains in Greece. The Transit Log must be surrendered when the yacht leaves Greece. In addition, all non-EU registered yachts (except those from the EEA) are subject to a Reciprocal Tax of €15 per metre, every three months, levied at the end of the period. This tax will likely be dropped when the TPP is in operation.

Other documents

Yacht registration papers will usually be requested. Proof of VAT status, insurance cover, radio licenses and certificates of competence may also be requested.

Marinas and boatyards at a Port of Entry will usually assist with the paperwork.

You need a certificate stating the amounts for  which you are covered and this is required to be carried on board the yacht. Contact your insurance company and they will be able to provide the necessary documentation including a Greek translation.

Greek insurance requirements:

• All yachts must have insurance for liability for death or injury for those on board and any third party for  a minimum of €500,000.
• Insurance for liability for damage of at least €150,000.
• Liability for pollution resulting from an incident of  €150,000.

Yacht damage and salvage. If your boat is damaged, either through your own devices or by a third party, and it is reported to the port police, they are obliged to constrain your yacht until it  is proved to be seaworthy.

In these cases, the port police will usually require that you have your  boat surveyed by a registered yacht surveyor and this can cost anything from €500-1000. Without the survey the port police cannot release your boat. If at all possible try to resolve smaller matters without going to  the  port police. In major cases of salvage your insurance company will be involved and  will employ a surveyor in any case.

Documents Passport. Most foreign nationals, including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa. Yacht registration papers. You may be asked for proof of insurance and proof of competence to handle a yacht such as the RYA ICC or Yachtmaster’s certificate.

Entry formalities A yacht entering Turkish waters for the first time must do so at a designated Port of  Entry. A ‘Q’ flag and a Turkish courtesy flag should be flown.

You will have to visit the health office, passport police, customs and harbourmaster, usually, but not always, in that order. The Transit Log can be requested at any port or on demand from the Sahil Guvenlik (Coastguard).

Note Yachts registered in Cyprus may not enter Turkish waters.

Ports of entry: Istanbul, lzmir, Bodrum, Finike, Ta§ucu, Bandirma, Kusadasi, Datca, Kemer, Mersin, Canakkale, Cesme, Bozborun, Antalya Iskenderun, Ayvalik, Didim, Marmaris, Alanya, Dikili, Gulluk, Fethiye Turgutreis, Kas

Customs. A Transit Log will be issued by customs and it costs US$30. It is valid for one year, or one continuous visit, or until the yacht is laid-up, whichever happens first. On issue you must list your intended itinerary and crew list in the Transit Log, and changes to either must also be recorded and authorised by the harbourmaster at the time of the change.

When leaving Turkey with the yacht you must surrender the Transit Log, even if you intend to return to Turkey at any time. Foreign flag yachts with the owner aboard can have friends or relatives aboard. If anyone leaves this must be noted on the Transit Log.

If new friends arrive a new Transit Log must be purchased. A foreign flag yacht without the owner aboard can enter Turkey and sail to another port to pick the owner up, but cannot change the complement of those on board.

New harbour dues must be paid on entry to Turkey for vessels over II NRT (this equates to yachts around 10-12m LOA). The dues are around 7TL for vessels up to 45NRT.

The payment process can only be done by an agent who may also complete all clearance procedures at the same time. Agent charges vary from €35-150 so ask around before committing to one agent, and make sure you know what is included. It is possible to complete clearance procedures yourself, up to the payment process.

It may be helpful to carry proof of NRT if your vessel is under 11NRT, as otherwise the harbourmaster will assess your NRT.

Light dues must also be paid by larger vessels over 30NRT. Again tonnage certificates would be helpful.

Visa regulations . Sticker-type visa stamps are no longer issued on entry. All those who require a visa must apply for an e-visa online before arriving in the country. The visa is multi-entry and costs US$20 for a UK citizen. You must have a passport which remains valid for at least six months beyond the end of the visa period: www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

All EU, N American and Australasian citizens receive 90 days. South Africa passport holders get just 21 days.

• Maximum stay in Turkey is 90 days in a 180 day period (i.e. you must be out of the country for at least 90 days in every six month period).
• Multiple entries into Turkey within the 180 day period are permitted on the same visa (as long as the total days spent in Turkey do not exceed 90 days). i.e. the 90 days do not have to be consecutive
• Those who need to stay for longer should apply for a Turkish Residence permit

Residence permit costs:

• a current transit log
• a residence permit book (US$80)
• 6 colour passport photos
• a copy of passport, showing identification page, and most recent entry stamp
• original passport
• a completed application form
• Short term residence permits no longer require a marina contract or a bank account.
• Heavy fines are imposed for over-staying your visa, even by one day.
• Permits can be obtained by EU and US nationals and no doubt by some other nationals as well.

Recent changes to the regulations suggest that residence permits can be cancelled if the holder remains outside Turkey for a cumulative period of more than 120 days in the previous 12 month period.

It may be possible to reapply if you are planning to stay longer than 90 days in any 180 day period, but enquire well in advance to avoid heavy penalties for overstaying your visa limit. Most marinas are very helpful to those needing assistance.

Blue Card (Mavi Kart). The new scheme governing the discharge of black and grey water.

• All boats are required to have a blue card. This can be obtained from all marinas.
• There are no plans to inspect individual foreign flag yachts to see if they have adequate tankage.
• Monitoring of the blue card will be carried out by the harbourmaster and the coastguard.
• In the Fethiye-Goqek area yachts were required to present evidence of a pump-out to obtain a new Transit Log.
• There are pump-out stations in the marinas and these work efficiently. A charge is made for pump- out, usually 15—20TL.
• Grey water is still included in the SEPA regulations although there is still plenty of boat washing and outdoor showering going on. All the Goqek charter companies use ecological  brand detergents, as should everyone. It should be evident that any yachts away from a pump-out station for more than a few days will have filled the holding tank. Here you can draw your own conclusions as to what happens in practice.

Note Large fines are levied on yachts discharging waste into the sea, particularly in harbour. The maximum official fine is in the region of €235-310. However fines have been known to be as much as €620 and, in one case, €1,550.

Chartering. Foreign flag yachts can charter in Turkey if registered with an authorised Turkish charter operator and on payment of the requisite fees for registration. Charter yachts entering Turkey (inevitably from Greece) must pay a substantial charter fee (depending on LOA) to cruise around the Turkish coast.

Mobile phone registration. Turkish authorities are clamping down on illegal/stolen mobile phones. If you wish to use a Turkish SIM card in your UK handset you must register your mobile phone’s IMEI number with customs officials when you enter Turkey.

You are advised to carry proof of ownership. Failure to register it will mean your phone may cease to work after a few days.

In practice this can be done at most Turkcell shops in major (tourist) towns where the procedure is well understood.

Documents Passport. Yacht registration documents.

Customs Southern Cyprus: Rules on temporary importation and VAT are in line with EU regulations.

Entry formalities Southern Cyprus: A yacht should make for Paphos, Limassol or Larnaca. Southern Cyprus is part of the EU and is in line regarding movement of EU-registered vessels.

Customs and immigration are located nearby at ports of entry.

In Limassol , St Raphael Marina and L arnaca Marina, they are located within the marina. A yacht coming from northern Cyprus may be denied permission to enter southern Cyprus and you may be liable  for  the penalties mentioned below.

• The government in southern (Greek) Cyprus considers any visit by a yacht to northern (Turkish) Cyprus to be illegal. It should be pointed out that under UN Resolution 34/30 (1979) and 37/253 (1983) the UN views the Government of Cyprus (i.e. presently southern Cyprus) as the legal government of all Cyprus. If a yacht does visit northern Cyprus and then goes to southern Cyprus it can incur heavy penalties. Under the laws of the Republic of Cyprus  a fine of up to €17,086 and/or two years imprisonment can be imposed. It is legal to proceed from mainland Turkey directly to southern (Greek) Cyprus.
• Check in procedures out of hours are subject to a €60 surcharge.
• Reunification talks are ongoing.

Documents Passport. No visas are required for EU nationals for stays of less than three months Yacht registration papers. A radio licence and proof of insurance may be asked for.

Customs. A yacht must report to a Port of entry when entering Slovenian waters.

Ports of entry: Koper, Piran (permanent), Izola (seasonal, from 1 May to 31 October).

Entry formalities Sailing permit costs are limited to a small payment for light dues. Around €30 for a 10-12m yacht.

Documents. Passport. Yacht registration documents.  You may be asked for proof of insurance for the yacht and a radio licence.

Customs. As part of the EU, Malta comes under EU legislation regarding VAT. All non EU yachts coming from outside Maltese territorial waters must make for Valletta harbour or Mgarr to clear customs. The EU pet passport scheme now applies in Malta, and so pets with the correct official paperwork may enter Malta from another EU country.

Pets on yachts may have special requirements and enquiries should be made well in advance.

Entry formalities. A yacht entering Malta should fly a ‘Q’ flag and a Maltese maritime courtesy ensign (not the same as the national flag). When 10M  off  Malta call Valetta Port Control VHF Ch 16, 12 to advise them of your arrival. They will usually ask you to call again when you are one mile off to receive instructions. Depending on where you are the following customs clearance procedure applies.

Mgarr, Gozo. Berth where directed and clear in. If you arrive at night berth where possible and clear in in the morning.

Grand Harbour . If you call in on VHF as you should then you will be directed to go to Grand Harbour. The situation at Grand Harbour is far from convenient with only a very high quay to tie up on if you cannot get on the lower sections of quay used by the customs boats.

You will need several crew lists. Customs procedure is thorough yet polite. EU yachts with EU crew arriving from an EU country may be permitted to berth at a marina and clear in afterwards.

Source: Mediterranean Alamanac 2019-20 / imray.com

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The RYA would be pleased to receive reports of your experiences by email to [email protected] .

UK Government travel advice

FCDO advice including information on permitted duration of stay and visas for Spain: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain

Evidence of competence

The skipper of the vessel is required to have evidence of competence and it is not uncommon for the Spanish Authorities to inspect it.

Since 1 January 2021, the UK has been treated as a third country by EU Member States. This changed how certificates demonstrating competence for recreational boating are accepted in Spanish legislation. 

For visitors to Spain, UK certificates should still be acceptable if a British Citizen is operating a UK flagged vessel. Although Spain has not adopted UNECE Resolution 40, the ICC is recommended for British Citizens operating UK flagged vessels when visiting Spain. 

If somebody is operating a foreign flagged pleasure boat in Spain (i.e. a boat which is not Spanish flagged) and they are not a citizen of the flag state, we understand they are required to have the certificate required by their country of residence or the country of which they are a citizen. 

Spanish Citizens and residents may find that a UK certificate issued by the RYA isn't sufficient, irrespective of where the boat is flagged. 

Until the end of 2020, the acceptance UK certificates for the operation of Spanish flagged pleasure boats was based on the UK being an EU Member State. Acceptance on that basis ceased from 1 January. In order to be recognised by Spain for the operation (including bareboat charter) of Spanish flagged pleasure boats, RYA certificates needed to be listed in Annex IX of the Royal Decree 875/2014 regulating nautical qualifications for the operation of pleasure boats.  

Royal Decree 339/2021 regulating the safety equipment and pollution prevention of recreational craft was published on 19 May 2021 (in force on 1 July 2021). Crucially this also amends Annex IX of Royal Decree 875/2014, to include the following RYA practical certificates:

Royal Decree 875/2014 refers to Annex IX specifically in relation to the hire of Spanish flagged pleasure boats. These certificates may not be accepted in other scenarios. Professional RYA certificates that were previously accepted in Spain when the UK was an EU Member State may still not be acceptable for commercial activities in Spain. If we receive further information it will be added here. 

Standard entry and exit formalities

EU member state (part of the customs territory of the EU (which includes territorial waters)).  Further information is provided on the Entry & Exit Formalities  page under Customs - EU Member States.

Part of the Schengen area .

As part of the customs territory of the EU (which includes territorial waters) and the Schengen area customs and immigration checks may not always be required on arrival and departure.

Canary Islands

The Canary islands are not part of the EU for the purposes of VAT (see  https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/turnover-taxes-canary-islands_en ). VAT does not exist in the Canary Islands. Instead, there are two local consumer taxes, the IGIC (Impuesto General Indirecto de Canarias - Canaries General Indirect Tax) and the AIEM (Arbitrio sobre Importaciones y Entregas de Mercancías en las Islas Canarias - Tax on imports and deliveries to the Canary Islands). There is some information about these two taxes on the European Commission’s website at https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/other-taxes/turnover-taxes-canary-islands_en . The RYA does not offer detailed advice on keeping your boat in the Canary Islands and recommends taking advice locally in the Canary Islands, to establish what taxes and rules apply there.

You must carry on board

Spanish translation of your insurance.

Holding tanks

See holding tanks  for information on the discharge of waste water.

Keeping a boat in Spain

Generally speaking the RYA does not have the resources to investigate regulations applicable to boats kept abroad for extended periods in one country.  Although outside this scope the RYA has been made aware of and is therefore sharing the following information.

Boat owners should be aware of that some Spanish legislation relevant to recreational boating is applicable to foreign flagged boats owned by people or resident in Spain or companies with a registered office in Spain. This is the case with Royal Decree 339/2021 , of 18 May which regulates the safety equipment and pollution prevention systems of recreational boats.

Law 38/1992 "Impuesto Especial sobre Determinados Medios de Transporte (IEDMT) which translated means special tax on particular means of transport states that a person or company that has a “permanent establishment” in Spain who owns a new or second hand boat that is intended to be used in Spanish waters must pay this special tax. The tax on "IEDMT" is often referred to as matriculation tax and is believed to be set at 12% of the market value of the boat. A guidance note from 2009 remains available for the historical information it contains. The law required the boat registration to be changed to the Spanish flag, however we have been told that as a result of Royal Decree 2/2011 (article 252) re-registration ceased to be required.

The onus will be on you to show that you are not subject to this legislation (e.g. not resident in Spain).

Other information

There are two further taxes G5 and T0. They are often collected with berthing fees, but as a result of regional and administrative variations they are sometimes payable separately.

The G5 tax is a tax which covers the use of Spanish waters, the harbour and its facilities.

The T0 tax is a tax relates to maritime signals (buoyage / lights etc.).

Incidents involving Orcas (Killer Whales) and recreational boats continue along the Spanish and Portuguese coasts. Find out more

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Ports In Spain – Marinas & Yacht Guide

20 marinas & ports in spain.

The country attracts boat and yacht owners from around the globe accommodating crafts of all shapes and sizes from small boats to super luxury mega yachts.

Owners are attracted to the warm Mediterranean seas, stunning island coves and upmarket marinas that cater perfectly to the needs of boat and yacht owners.

Spain currently boasts around 350 nautical sports marinas that offer a total of some 132.000 berths of all sizes.

All the marinas and ports in Spain offer a whole range of facilities including, electrical and water hookups, showers, shops, bars, restaurants, and other nautical-related services

This is our ultimate one-stop guide to the best marinas and ports in Spain.

Here are the marinas we are covering in this guide:

• Port Vell – Barcelona
• Ibiza Marina – Ibiza
• Puerto Banus – Marbella
• Marina Port de Mallorca – Mallorca
• Marina Puerto Portals – Mallorca
• Puerto Calero – Lanzarote
• Sotogrande Marina – Cadiz
• Port Adriano – Mallorca
• Marina Santa Eulalia – Ibiza
• Mahon Marina – Menorca
• Benalmadena Marina – Malaga
• Alicante Marina - Alicante
• Port Andratx – Mallorca
• La Gomera Marina – Gran Canaries
• Corralejo Marina – Fuerteventura
• Puerto Rico – Gran Canaria
• Torrevieja Marina – Alicante
• Puerto Sherry – Cadiz
• Cala´n Bosch Marina – Menorca
• Isla Canela – Huelva

1. Marina Port Vell – Barcelona

Port Vell is one of the most prestigious marinas in Spain. Located in the heart of Barcelona, one of Europe´s most loved cosmopolitan cities.

The marina accommodates all types of crafts from luxury cruise liners to smaller boats and everything in between. It offers 60 large berths up to 190 meters for the super luxury yacht owner.

Port Vell offers just about every kind of amenity you would ever want for short or long-term stays.

Barcelona is renowned for its captivating culture, breathtaking landscapes, Michelin-starred dining scene, unique gastronomy, high-end shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Port Vell hosts a number of prestigious nautical events including the MYBA Charter Show and The Superyacht Show.

Moorings : 241 Max Length: 190m Max Draft: 9m GPS Coordinates: 41°22,6’ E / 2°11,04’ N Website: https://www.marinaportvell.com/

2. Ibiza Marina - Ibiza

The Marina Ibiza is one of the most picturesque and exclusive in Spain. It can accommodate smaller sailing craft and mega-yachts up to 100m in length.

The materials used in the construction of the marina are of high quality and designed with an eye to making it extremely convenient to access the berths.

This prestigious marina offers all the facilities you would expect to find such as bars, shops, restaurants, sailing clubs, showers and storage lockers, and parking, and is just a short walk away from Ibiza town.

Ibiza marina is popular with the wealthy, celebrities, and politicians alike the Island is the preferred holiday destination due to the high number of hidden coves and beaches, pristine waters, amazing gastronomy, and the night-long vibrant nightlife.

Ibiza is home to some of the best beaches in Spain , many of which are only reachable by boat. The pick of the best-hidden coves includes those found at Ses Salinas, Cala Tarida, and Playa D’en Bossa.

Moorings: 539 Max Length: 100m Max Draft: 6m GPS Coordinates: 1° 26.6538’ E / 38° 54.8015’ N Website: https://marinaibiza.com/en/

3. Marina Puerto Banus – Marbella

The Puerto Banus marina is one of the most famous in Spain located close to the chic town of Marbella on the Costa del Sol.

Since the late '70s, Puerto Banus has been the playground of the rich and famous and is synonymous with luxury, glamour, culture and commerce.

The marina has also become one of the places most visited by holidaymakers to the area that simply loves to look in awe at the fantastic luxury mega yachts on display.

If you are looking to birth your yacht in a stunning marine that offers upmarket restaurants and cocktail bars, high-end shopping and vibrant nightlife, this is the destination for you.

The marina accommodates short stays as well as longer anchorage. Mooring rentals cost around 30.000 Euros per annum for a 15m birth.

Moorings: 915 Max Length: 50m Max Draft : 4m GPS Coordinates: LAT 36° 29.9' N LONG 4° 57.17' W Website: https://puerto-banus.com/en/

4. Marina Port de Mallorca – Palma de Mallorca

The stunning Marina Port de Mallorca opened in 2001 and is now one of the leading ports on the Balearic Islands.

The port boasts a prime location in the heart of the island's capital, Palma de Mallorca . Overlooked by the city skyline and the historic Palma Cathedral the marina attracted many of Spain´s elite from royalty to the wealthy business community. A string of homegrown, and international celebrities are also frequent visitors to the port.

Marina Port de Mallorca offers just about every facility you will ever need for an enjoyable and comfortable stay including 24-hour security and surveillance, impressive restaurants, fashion boutiques, casinos, gyms, swimming pools, discos, chandlers and supermarkets are all located close to the berths.

The marina underwent a major upgrade in 2017 that improved many of the installations including the electric and water, new black water collections, firefighting, access roads, pathways, and security systems.

And just a short stroll away is the vibrant city of Palma de Mallorca which offers the yachting community a chance to explore one of Spain´s most popular cities during their stay.

Moorings: 200 Max Length: 50m Max Draft: 6m GPS Coordinates: 39° 33.7178' N / 2° 37.7950' E Website: https://www.portdemallorca.com/en

5. Marina Puerto Portals – Mallorca

The Puerto Portals Marina is a prestigious nautical and leisure complex located just a short drive away from the island's capital, Palma de Mallorca.

This first-class marina offers a wide range of services boat charter, car hire, water, electricity, showers, toilets, ATM, sailing school, and a nautical social club. There is a good commercial zone with bars, restaurants, chic boutiques, and shops.

For boat owners, you will find every type of service that you may require during your stay including boat and yacht repair companies, painting, cleaning, travel lift, dry dock, crane, crew area, divers, and a workshop.

There are a variety of nautical events held throughout the year which include the Dragon Winter Race and Sailing Week. The marina is also known for its Christmas market.

Moorings: 650 Max Length: 60m Max Draft: 8m GPS Coordinates: 39º 32’N / 002º 35’E Website : https://puertoportals.com/en/

6. Puerto Calero – Lanzarote

Puerto Calero is located on the sheltered southeastern coastline of the popular Canary island of Lanzarote .

The marina opened its doors over 35 years ago and is the island's most established yachting harbour.

With its privileged natural protection, a warm year-round sunny climate, and excellent facilities, the marina is a perfect retreat for yachts, boats, and pleasure craft of all sizes.

Puerto Calero boasts a whole host of quality amenities and services including a number of highly rated eateries, shops, onsite services, a boatyard, electricity and water hookups, showers, car and bike hire, camping gas canisters and sailing schools.

Within a short distance of the marina, there is a range of supermarkets, restaurants, bars and amazing beaches.

Moorings: 438 Max Length: 80m Max Draft : 7m GPS Coordinates: 28 54.922 N / 13 42.417 W Website: https://www.caleromarinas.com/en/puerto-calero/

7. Sotogrande Marina – Cadiz

The prestigious Sotogrande Marina is located on the southeastern tip of mainland Spain in the province of Cadiz .

A sprawling nautical sports and leisure complex, the marina currently boasts 1382 moorings that accommodate yachts, large and small.

Puerto Sotogrande is well connected for sailors looking to explore the southern Mediterranean, Gibraltar and North Africa as well as being the gateway to the Atlantic Ocean.

The whole marina oozes class with its high-end installations and surroundings and luxury villas and apartments that line the moorings.

Visitors to the marina enjoy a whole range of luxury amenities including 5-star restaurants, beach bars, shops, and yacht and boat services.

Moorings: 1382 Max Length: 50m Max Draft: 5m GPS Coordinates: 36º17´24″N, 5º16´10″W Website: https://puertosotogrande.es/

8. Port Adriano – Mallorca

Port Adriano is a stunning marina located on the southwestern tip of the Balearic Island of Mallorca .

Designed by Phillipe Starck, Port Adriano is one of the most modern marinas in Mallorca and can accommodate small, medium and long yachts.

The facilities and services offered at the marina are second to none and include, electricity, water, showers, restrooms, a fuel area, Wi-Fi, security surveillance and a lifting crane.

If you plan to spend time at Port Adriano you will also be able to enjoy a wide range of other amenities such as bars, restaurants, shops, car hire and high-end fashion stores. It is also home to a number of exclusive events held throughout the year such as concerts, street food festivals and sunset yoga.

Moorings: 493 Max Length: 50m Max Draft: 7m GPS Coordinates: 39° 29.35' N / 2° 28.68' E Website: https://www.portadriano.com/en/ .

9. Marina Santa Eulalia – Ibiza

The beautiful Santa Eulalia Marina is located on the western coastline of the Balearic Island of Ibiza and is one of the best ports in Spain.

With 763 berths, the marina offers moorings to smaller boats and larger yachts alike and has been a popular destination for seafarers looking for a discreet place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Ibiza, its hidden coves, sandy beaches, and pristine waters.

One of the main attractions for many yacht owners staying at the marina is the 5-star facilities that have nearly 20 restaurants, with cuisine ranging from Ibiza and Mediterranean dishes to international fare dining such as Italian, Asian, German, and British cuisine.

And for partygoers, there are plenty of nearby bars to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

The port is home to the Santa Eulalia Yacht Club which is noted for holding numerous events throughout the year such as regattas and the World Class Tornado Sailing Championship, as well as many local sailing competitions.

And staying on the island of Ibiza you are never far away from a secluded beach or cove, including Cala Xarraca in the North, Platja De S´Aigua, Cala Olivera, Cala Llentrisca and Cala Mastella.

Moorings: 763 Max Length: 22m Max Draft: 3.5m GPS Coordinates: 38.9825° N, 1.5383° E Website: https://marinasantaeulalia.com/

10. Mahon Marina – Menorca

Marina Mahon is located in Mahon (Mao) the capital city of the picturesque Balearic Island of Menorca .

Puerto Mahon enjoys stunning surroundings and is just a 10 minute walk away from the historic town of Mahon.

The marina´s services and facilities are of a high standard and include phones, parking, security cameras, ISPS, Wifi, secure access, car rental, fuel dock and sewage disposal.

Staying at the Mahon Marina you are never far away from numerous bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets.

The waters around Menorca are crystal clear and like other islands in the Balearic chain, there are plenty of hidden coves and beaches to explore. Each one is perfect to chill out either sunbathing on deck, swimming, or diving in the warm shallow Mediterranean waters.

Moorings: 166 Max Length : 20m Max Draft: 6-7m GPS Coordinates: 39°52.00’N / 04°18.00’E Website: https://www.marinamenorca.com/

11. Benalmadena Marina – Malaga

The award-winning Benalmadena Marina is a mega port located on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain .

The marina has won “The Best Marina in the World” on numerous occasions and offers 1.100 moorings for yachts of all sizes, a large commercial area and a popular sea life aquarium.

Works began on the marina back in 1972 although it didn’t really open up in its current form until around 1996. Since then it has gone from strength to strength.

Benalmadena marina has been awarded the EU Blue Flag every year since 1987 in recognition of the quality of its services and of its clean waters.

Architecturally, the marina impresses on many levels with the way it has laid out the moorings around various islands that are also home to luxury apartments. The busy commercial area is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, boutiques, supermarkets, and other leisure establishments.

You will never get bored staying at the Benalmadena Marina as there are plenty of activities for the adventurous including boat hire, fishing trips, boat trips, a patio flamenco show, the impressive sea-life aquarium, and the wakeboarding school. You can even sign up for fun Spanish cookery lessons at the local culinary school.

The Marina facilities are second to none and include, showers, toilets, electricity hook-ups, postal service, Wi-Fi, fuel area, a boat lift up to 50 tons, a social nautical club, and private business areas.

The mooring rates are some of the most reasonable in Spain and start at around 150 Euros per month plus Vat.

Moorings: 1.100 Max Length: 35m Max Draft: 6m GPS Coordinates: 36º 36' N / 4º 31' W Website: https://www.puertomarinabenalmadena.com/

12. Alicante Marina – Alicante

The Alicante Marina is located in the city of Alicante on the Costa Blanca in South Eastern Spain and is a large complex devoted to leisure and navigation.

Alicante is well connected to the rest of Spain and the world with a nearby international airport and a high-speed train service.

The region boasts an enviable warm climate, plenty of year-round sunshine hours, sandy beaches and varied cuisine to suit all tastes.

The leisure and commercial area offers a wide range of amenities including bars, restaurants, cafeterias, pubs, shops and numerous nautical companies. The marina also offers lots of concerts, activities, and events throughout the year including the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race Regatta.

Facilities include parking, fuel dock, truck delivery, 24-hour security, travel life, and water and electricity supply (380v).

Moorings: 744 Max Length: 60m Max Draft: 7m GPS Coordinates: 38°20.47’N / 00°28.8’W Website: https://www.marinaalicante.com/

13. Port Andratx – Mallorca

The picturesque Andratx marina is located on the eastern tip of the Balearic island of Mallorca.

Mooring prices are very reasonable and start at around 24 Euros per day ( VAT included ) for a 6-meter craft in the high season. The marina offers beautiful landscapes and a stunning coastline lapped by crystal-clear waters.

The facilities and amenities at Port Andratx are second to none and include a crew area, travel lift ( up to 100 tons ) and hoists, deadweight moorings at all berths, 220 and 380 W water and power (single-phase and three-phase), municipal waste containers, recycling stations, grey water pump-out and bilge cleaning, ice for sale, a service/petrol station, security, water, electric hookups, showers, laundry service, controlled secure parking, CCTV security cameras, repair shops, mechanics, painters and other nautical services plus a dry dock.

The leisure amenities at the marina include cafeterias, bars, restaurants, a cantina, a swimming pool, and a busy social nautical club.

Moorings: 244 Max Length: 60m Max Draft: 6m GPS Coordinates: 39°32,60N / 002°22,86’E Website: https://cvpa.es/?lang=en

14. La Gomera Marina – Gran Canaries

The La Gomera Marina is located on the eastern tip of the Island of La Gomera in Gran Canarias .

This small but stylish small marina is situated within the San Sebastian Port on La Gomera.

The marina has 290 berths for boats up to 20m in length and offers a wide range of amenities and facilities to ensure a comfortable stay.

The services included for boat owners include showers, toilets and changing rooms, on-site laundry and vending machines, card-activated secure access control, petrol/fuel station and a boatyard in case you need to carry out repairs and maintenance.

The berths are just a short walk to the town of San Sebastian where you will find a range of bars, shops, restaurants, supermarkets, boutiques and enough nightlife for a fun evening out.

Moorings: 290 Max Length : 20m Max Draft: 10m GPS Coordinates: 28° 05′ 00 N / 17° 06′ 00 W Website: https://marinalagomera.es/en/home/

15. Corralejo Marina – Fuerteventura

Corralejo Marina is located on the northern tip of the Canary Island of Fuerteventura.

The marina is ideally suited to small to medium-sized boats and yachts with a maximum length of 15m.

Corralejo offers easy access to the popular Lobos Island and is just a short sail from Lanzarote.

Although not a large marina it does offer all the facilities you will need for a comfortable stay such as electricity, drinking water, parking, a crane, dressing rooms, showers, waste disposal, and a ramp. Other amenities include a bank, supermarket, car rental, and a bar/restaurant.

Just a short walk from the marina is the popular tourist resort of Corralejo where you will find a wide range of cafeterias, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, boutiques, banks, hotels, and vibrant nightlife.

The area is well known for its golden sandy beaches, some of the most popular is just a short drive down the coast and include Playa del Medano, Playa del Pozo and Playa del Viejo. Due to the winds that generally prevail on Fuerteventura, the beaches are perfect for kinds of water sports activities.

Moorings: 110 Max Length: 15m Max Draft: 5m GPS Coordinates: 28° 44,47′ N / 13° 51,88′ W Website: https://puertoscanarios.es/en/project/corralejo-en/

16. Puerto Rico – Gran Canaria

The Puerto Rico marina is located on the south-western tip of the island of Gran Canaria beside the popular holiday resort with the same name.

The marina is a popular stover for sailors on their way to crossing the Atlantic Ocean and those looking to explore the African continent.

A short stroll away from the marina is the picturesque town of Puerto Rico that offers a whole range of amenities, hotels, apartments, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, shops, boutiques and plenty going on when it comes to nightlife.

There are a few good beaches to relax on including the local Playa de Puerto Rico and Playa de Amadores.

Facilities at the Puerto Rico marina include water, electricity, a fuel station, a ramp, a service station for ships, an area for repairs and maintenance, a bar, and a restaurant.

Moorings: 531 Max Length: 45m Max Draft: 10m GPS Coordinates: 27.9202° N / 15.5474° W

17.Torrevieja Marina – Alicante

The Torrevieja marina is located in the province of Alicante on the Costa Blanca in South Eastern Spain.

The marina boasts a whole range of facilities including a waiting dock, toilets, showers, changing rooms, laundry, electricity and water hookups, free Wi-Fi, rubbish collections, wastewater disposal, a travel lift, recycling points, workshops, disabled toilets, a nautical shop, security and parking.

There is currently a major upgrade taking place at the marina that is due to be completed in 2023. This will upgrade the commercial area with a new hotel and a new area for dining.

Moorings: 859 Max Length: 30m Max Draft: 9.9m GPS Coordinates: 37° 58' 13" N / 0° 40' 54" Website:   https://torreviejanauticalexperience.com/

18. Puerto Sherry – Cadiz

Puerto Sherry gets its name from the famous wine of the same name due to the fact that it is located just a short drive from Jerez de la Frontera, where Sherry wine originated from.

A quite magnificent marina situated on the southwestern tip of mainland Spain in the historical province of Cadiz. It is popular with sailors looking to explore both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean whilst also being in close proximity to navigate around North Africa.

The marina offers a wide range of services including a petrol/fuel station, shipyard, slipway, boat stores, sail makers, nautical shops, bars, restaurants, luxury hotel, gym, parking, free Wi-Fi, video surveillance security and a chemist.

There are also plenty of water sports activities to choose from such as surfing, kite surfing, boat rental, aquatic bikes, diving school, banana boats and beach clubs.

For food lovers, the marina offers a wide selection of cuisines within seven restaurants that serve everything from pizza to Iberian meats to the freshest fish and seafood.

Moorings: 842 Max Length: 71m Max Draft: 3.5m GPS Coordinates: 36° 34.54' N / 6° 15.22' W Website: https://www.puertosherry.com/en/home/

19. Cala´n Bosch Marina – Menorca

The picturesque Cala´n Bosch marina enjoys an ideal location on the southwest coast of the Balearic island of Menorca.

The town of Cala´n bosch is a popular holiday destination located just a short drive south of the island's historic capital city of Ciutadella.

The island of Menorca has been a. go-to place for sailors for many years due to the many fine beaches and hidden coves that are perfect to weigh anchor and enjoy swimming in the crystalline warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The marina is limited to smaller boats and yachts due to the existence of a bridge at the entrance that allows for a maximum height of just under 7 meters, also the entrance has a maximum draft of just 1.5 meters.

The marina offers a wide range of nautical and leisure services including water and electricity hook-ups, showers, toilets, wifi, oily waste collection, crane, crew and sailor areas, car and boat rental, waiting dock, restaurants, bars, hotels, supermarkets and shops.

And for beach lovers, some of the best ones located close to the town include Cala´n Bosch, Son Saura, Son Xoriguer and Cala Turqueta.

Moorings: 276 Max Length: 14m Max Draft: 1.5m GPS Coordinates: 39°55′40″N 3°49′59″E

20. Isla Canela – Huelva

The Isla Canela marina enjoys an ideal location in the Bay of Cadiz on the southern Spanish coast known as the Costa de la Luz .

Just a hop away from Spain´s neighbour Portugal, the Isla Canela marina is located close to some of the finest sandy beaches in Spain.

The marina is open to smaller boast and yachts with berths ranging from 6 to 24 meters in length and offers a laid-back Tranquille setting for visitors.

Facilities at the marina are second to none and include, floating docks, 24-hour mooring, berthing assistance, a crane, large dry standing and workshop areas, a travel lift ( up to 32 tons ), toilet and shower facilities, entrance barriers and doors, petrol/fuel station, marinas office and shop.

There are a few beach bars and restaurants within a few minute's walk of the marina although, for more shopping possibilities, supermarkets, boutiques, chemists, banks and markets, it is best to head over to the Isla Cristina or the larger border town of Ayamonte.

The Costa de la Luz is blessed with some of the best beaches anywhere in Spain , nearby award-winning beaches include Playa Isla Canela, Playa de los Haraganes, Playa de la Gaviota, Playa Central and Playa de la Casita Azul.

Moorings: 231 Max Length: 24m Max Draft: 1.5m GPS Coordinates: 37º11’13’’N / 7º20’25’’W Website: https://www.marina-islacanela.com/en/

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Vacations in Spain: Where can I travel from and what are the requisites for entry to the country?

Ahead of the tourism high season, the spanish government is seeking to facilitate international mobility. here are the main conditions you will need to meet before you can cross the border.

Spain reopened its borders to global travelers on Monday, and tourists from any part of the world will be able to visit the country during the summer high season. That was the announcement made by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on May 21 at the Fitur tourism fair in Madrid – but there is plenty of small print for those traveling to Spanish shores, depending on who they are and where they are coming from. There are different requirements according to the reason for the trip – essential travel or for leisure – the place of origin – from inside or outside the European Union – and even the type of tourist – whether or not they have been vaccinated.

The new measures are aimed at facilitating international mobility now that the coronavirus vaccine campaigns are progressing across the world. The EU’s Digital Covid Certificate will also assist with this process, a scheme that will be fully in force by July 1 but is already being used in a number of member states (the majority of Spanish regions are already issuing them, for example).

Below are the main questions and answers for tourists who want to visit Spain in the coming months.

Can you visit Spain for a leisure trip from other EU countries?

Yes, you can. This kind of travel, in fact, was only restricted during the toughest part of the pandemic – the three-month lockdown that began in March 2020. After this phase, once the internal borders of the EU were reopened, they have not been closed again apart from a few exceptions. That led to a paradoxical situation that lasted for months, whereby a German national could travel to the Balearic Islands or Andalusia, while residents of Spain could not leave their own region due to the perimetral lockdowns in force.

Are there any restrictions for these European travelers?

It depends on the case. From the green-light areas designated by the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) you can travel without any barriers – but in practice there are few European territories that are on this level. The majority – except some zones in Finland, Norway, Iceland and Malta – will have to present an additional requirement for entry: a vaccination certificate, a negative PCR or antigen test carried out in the 48 hours prior to arrival, or a certificate showing the bearer has contracted, and recovered from, Covid-19. Any of these documents should be in Spanish, English, French or German, or alternatively translated into Spanish by an official body. Minors under 12 are exempt from these requirements.

Are any vaccines accepted, and is one dose enough?

No. Firstly, the vaccines administered must have been approved by either the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the World Health Organization (WHO) – i.e. Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Janssen, Sinopharm or Sinovac-Coronavac. What’s more, proof of vaccination will only be valid once 14 days have passed since receiving the full doses required for the vaccine to offer full protection – two doses in all cases but the Janssen medication, which only requires one. The vaccination certificate must have been issued by the appropriate authorities in the country of origin and must include name and surname, date of vaccination (indicating the day the last shot was administered), type of vaccine, number of doses, country of issue and the details of which body issued the certificate.

How do you prove that you have had and overcome Covid-19?

In this case, the recovery certificate must be issued by the competent authority or by a medical service at least 11 days after the first positive PCR test has been carried out. These natural antibodies against the virus are considered to be valid for 180 days, which is the time that this certificate will allow people to travel within the EU. The document must include the bearer’s full name, the date the test was taken, the type of test and the country of issue.

From which non-EU countries can you travel without restrictions?

There is a list of countries whose residents are not affected by the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel to the European Union. That’s to say, areas from which you can travel with no barriers due to their current control of the pandemic. These countries or territories are: Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom , Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand, China, Hong Kong and Macao. In these cases, it is not necessary to present evidence of a negative coronavirus test, vaccination or having overcome the disease. It should be noted that in the case of the United Kingdom , Spain remains on the government’s “amber list.” This means travelers returning to the UK from Spain must take a coronavirus test before travel, quarantine for at least 10 days on return, and take two home PCR tests that must come back negative before quarantine can end.

And from the rest of the non-EU countries, can people visit Spain for tourism?

The reopening of the country on Monday was designed for these countries. Specifically, all travelers who have been fully vaccinated with one of the medications approved by the EMA or the OMS two weeks prior to arrival . Tourists who cannot prove they are immunized under these conditions are excluded, even if they have a negative test, have been vaccinated with a different medication, or can prove they have overcome Covid-19.

What about minors who have not been vaccinated?

The under-12s who are traveling with an adult who has had a vaccine that’s been approved by the EMA or the WHO can enter Spain with no restrictions.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. The government has kept an ace up its sleeve for when new variants of the virus emerge and can thus exclude countries where these strains are circulating out of control. For example, the government order specifies that risk countries are subject to quarantine. Currently, only India is in this situation, meaning that tourists cannot come from there to Spain even if they are fully vaccinated.

In practice, arrivals from Brazil and South Africa are also barred. The exceptions are for Spanish or Andorran nationals, residents of those two countries, or passengers in transit to a non-Schengen area country with a layover of less than 24 hours (without leaving the airport transit area), as well as airline personal necessary for air transportation activities.

Are there any ways you can travel to Spain from outside the EU if you are not vaccinated?

Not if the trip is for leisure or tourism. There are only a few exceptions that can justify the journey: if you are a habitual resident of the EU, Schengen-associated states, Andorra, Monaco, the Vatican or San Marino and you are traveling to that destination; if you are the holder of a long-term visa issued by a Schengen member state or associated state and are traveling to that country; healthcare professionals, including researchers and professional senior carers who are returning to their jobs; transportation, marine and aeronautical personal who are needed for air transportation activities; diplomatic and consular staff, as well as personnel from international, military or civil protection organizations, and members of humanitarian organizations who are working; students who are studying in Schengen member states and associated states and have the corresponding permission or visa for a long stay, provided they are traveling to the country where they are studying, and that they enter during the academic term or during the 15 days prior to its commencement; highly skilled workers whose work is essential and cannot be postponed or done remotely, including high-level sportsmen and sportswomen taking part in high-level sporting competitions in Spain; people who are traveling for essential and documented family reasons; and people who can provide evidence of force majeure or essential need.

If you have any doubts about these requirements, the full text of the Official State Bulletin (BOE) can be read here in Spanish .

Is there any official documentation to be filled out?

Yes, in all cases independently of origin, whether you arrive by air or sea, and for the under-12s too. All travelers must fill out a health control form, which can be found at www.spth.gob.es or the Spain Travel Health app. The QR code that will be created on filling out the form must be shown before boarding, as well as on arrival.

Do passengers on cruise ships have to fill out the same obligatory documentation?

Passengers on international cruises should not use the Spain Travel Health application. In that case, the necessary information is collected via the EU Digital Passenger Locator Form .

What controls are there when you arrive in the country by land?

When entering by land from risk zones in France, travelers should carry one of the aforementioned tests: vaccination certificate, negative coronavirus tests or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19.

English version by Simon Hunter .

More information

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Spain holidays: Spanish travel restrictions dropped - when will cruises resume? FCDO update

Author: Harriet Mallinson

Published on: 26 May 2021

Updated on: 26 May 2021

Spain holidays have boomed this week with hordes of Britons jetting off to Spanish shores after the hotspot dropped all travel restrictions. What does this mean for cruises?

Spain cruises have been sorely missed during the Covid pandemic - so when can we cruise to the much-loved Mediterranean destination once more?

Hopes were boosted this week when Covid restrictions were axed.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice on Monday.

"From May 24, entry restrictions and testing requirements for arrivals from the UK to Spain no longer apply," the authority stated.

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The FCDO added: "All passengers entering Spain will still be required to complete a pre-travel declaration form."

Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said at a tourism fair in Madrid on Friday: “Spain will be delighted, very delighted to welcome all British tourists and tourists from some other countries with low Covid infection rates.”

However, it's vital British holidaymakers remember that Spain is not yet on the UK's green list .

The country is currently on the Amber list which comes with a number of restrictions for returning to England.

The FCDO explains: "Before you travel to England you must: take a COVID-19 test, book and pay for day two and day eight COVID-19 travel tests – to be taken after arrival in England, and complete a passenger locator form.

"On arrival in England you must: quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days, and take a COVID-19 test on or before day two and on or after day eight."

A number of Government officials have warned against travelling to Amber countries in recent days.

Boris Johnson told the House of Commons on Wednesday: “You should not be going to an amber list country unless for some extreme circumstance such as the serious illness of a family member. You should not be going to an amber list country on holiday.”

Many have ignored the advice, however, and the number of flights to Spain have rocketed since the ban on international travel was lifted on May 17.

There are hopes Spain will be added to the green list at the next review on June 7.

“Spain is doing a great effort not only in terms of vaccination, we have at least one-third of our whole population with at least one dose,” Spain’s tourism minister Fernando Valdes told Sky News.

"I have to suspect that on the next review that the UK Government can provide... Spain is going to change on its notification."

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So, with Spanish travel easing - will holidaymakers be able to enjoy a cruise to Spain soon?

A number of cruise lines are offering cruises to Spain this summer, including TUI, Norwegian Cruise Line and Riviera .

However, the Government has yet to officially give the green light for international cruises.

Domestic cruises are currently permitted but, regarding international cruises, the Government warns: "The FCDO advises against international sea-going cruise travel based on the latest public health medical advice.

The Global Travel Taskforce's report adds: "The UK government will restart international cruises alongside the wider restart of international travel, in line with the 'traffic light' system."

It is hoped that when more countries are added to the green list, cruises will be able to go ahead with confidence.

However, until more certainty is issued, cruise lines are being forced to come up with contingency plans.

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For instance, Riviera Travel has said it will axe Spanish stops from its Portugal and Spain itineraries should the country remain on Amber - but is optimistic the cruise will able to go ahead in the summer.

A CLIA spokesperson told World of Cruising: "The Global Travel Taskforce has stated it will restart international cruises, including to Spain, alongside wider international travel. CLIA welcomes this approach and is actively engaging with government and other authorities to determine a safe and successful restart at the earliest opportunity."

In further Spain news, today, the FCDO updated its travel advice for Spain regarding the Canary or Balearic Islands.

"If you are travelling to the Canary or Balearic islands from mainland Spain, you may be required to present a negative COVID test depending on the region you are travelling from," the authority detailed.

"You should refer to your travel operator and the local authorities in your final destination for guidance on domestic entry requirements."

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Spain luxury yacht charter

Spain’s vibrant cities and diverse cruising grounds are rich with culture and well-equipped for welcoming superyachts, with over 300 hundred marinas spread along the country's 8,000 kilometres of stunning coastline. A luxury superyacht charter in Spain offers guests the chance to enjoy the mainland’s yachting hubs like Marbella in Andalusia, with its famous megayacht-lined Puerto Banús, as well as electric cities like Barcelona and the former America's Cup venue of Valencia. From the mainland on the Iberian Peninsula, charter guests can cruise over to the sun-kissed Balearics to sample some of Europe’s finest island and Cala-hopping and world-renowned nightlife.

Spain yacht season and weather

The southern and eastern coasts of Spain have year-round balmy temperatures, with the Costa del Sol and the Balearic islands enjoying sunny days and temperatures in the low 20s even in November.

The Spanish charter season runs from May to October, when blue skies and warm weather prevails. Peak holiday months are July and August when average temperatures are between 25°C and 29°C, although temperatures regularly head into the 30s during the summer. During these peak months, resorts are bustling, nightlife is at its best but anchorages can be busy. Travel early or late in the season to miss the crowds and still enjoy plenty of sunshine.

Spain yacht charter itineraries

From Marbella on the Costa del Sol to Barcelona and the Costa Brava, Spain’s mainland coastline has a host of attractive options and facilities for visiting yachts.

On Spain’s southern coast, Puerto Banús marina has over 900 berths to accommodate yachts up to 50 metres (with the potential to accommodate larger craft if booking ahead) and has the pick of the glam nightlife right off the passerelle. Charterers on Spain’s sun-drenched south coast will find championship golf courses, chic beach clubs, traditional fishing towns and sweeping golden sandy beaches.

With the Costa Brava coastline littered with sandy bays and quaint, charming towns, and the enigmatic cities of Barcelona (teeming with Michelin-starred restaurants and incredible architecture) and Valencia (known for its museums and regatta racing history) lying in wait, plus artsy Sitges and historic sites such as the UNESCO listed Tarragona, it’s easy to spend a week or more exploring the colourful delights of Spain’s east coast.

Barcelona’s OneOcean Port Vell has berths up to 190 metres. Sailing yachts with masts higher than 55 metres must inform the marina as entry under the cable car line across the port will need to be arranged. Valencia Yacht Base offers berths for yachts up to 120 metres.

The Balearic Islands lie around 86 nautical miles west from Valencia and 100 nautical miles south of Barcelona and remain Spain’s most popular cruising destination, with Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza boasting a mix of irresistible calas, nature reserves and scintillating nightlife, with sleepy Formentera offering more spectacular coves.

Spain by superyacht

Getting to spain.

For the Costa del Sol, Malaga airport serves commercial and private jets. On the Costa Brava, Girona airport handles commercial and private jet traffic. Multiple airports in Barcelona and Valencia also serve commercial and private jets.

As foreign-flagged boats may not start or end charters in Spain, typical routes into the country for charters include crossing from the French-Spanish border.

Legal requirements

All boats from outside the EU must report to customs officials on entry into Spain.

Unlike in some EU countries, where VAT tax can be reduced depending on time spent cruising outside of the country, Spain has a flat rate of 21% for VAT. Commerical charter yachts can however receive a break from Spanish matriculation tax.

Generally, but not in every case, local maritime safety regulations dictate that a maximum number of 12 guests are allowed on board a charter yacht.

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Spain - Facts

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• The most attractive natural cruising areas of Spain are situated at its extremes, the north-west Atlantic coast and the Balearics –  these islands being one of the Mediterranean’s prime yachting centres.
• Slowly but surely, however, anchoring in the Balearics is becoming more difficult, with the protection of seagrass prohibiting anchoring in most places and the expansion of mooring fields.
• In the last decade, Spain’s Mediterranean coast and islands have seen tremendous development in yachting facilities with new marinas being built everywhere, so that one is never more than a few hours’ sails away from the next harbour.
• Good repair facilities can now be found in the majority of Spanish ports, with the most comprehensive, but almost most expensive, being in the prime yachting centres (such as Palma de Mallorca).
• Facilities are also good in Barcelona and the surrounding area, where berthing and boatyard charges are surprisingly economical.
• The holding of America’s Cup in Valencia and the Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante have meant both these ports now have greatly improved yachting facilities.
• Cruising the Atlantic coast of Spain can be much more rewarding as nature has rewarded this coastline with an abundance of natural harbours and inlets.
• Facilities in Atlantic Spain tend to be more basic, with boatyards catering to both yachts and commercial boats. On the Atlantic coast, there are good facilities at the new Puerto Sherry near Cadiz. On the North West coast, the best range is to be found at La Coruña, where the yacht club can be particularly helpful, and in Vigo.
• There are chandleries with a good selection in the main sailing centres, but in smaller ports and marinas the availability of spares is limited.
• Most Spanish yacht clubs are exclusive social clubs, where visitors are not particularly welcome. Those which have docking facilities operate on a commercial basis charging visitors marina fees. Dress etiquette is strict and a sloppy appearance is frowned upon.
• If heading into Portugal from Spain, be sure to top up your tanks before departure as diesel is cheaper in Spain than in Portugal. Note also that diesel is even cheaper in Gibraltar, and cheaper still in Morocco.

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Spain was last updated 11 months ago.

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Main Ports - Spain

• Andraitx (Mallorca)
• Ciutadella (Menorca)
• Fornelells (Menorca)
• Ibiza Port of Entry
• La Rapita (Mallorca)
• Mahon (Minorca) Port of Entry
• Palma de Mallorca Port of Entry
• Porto Colom (Mallorca)
• Porto Cristo (Mallorca)
• Puerto de Alcudia (Mallorca)
• Puerto de Soller (Mallorca)
• Puerto Pollenca (Mallorca)
• Santa Ponsa (Mallorca)
• Aguilas (Murcia)
• Alicante Port of Entry
• Almeria Port of Entry
• Barcelona Port of Entry
• Cartagena (Murcia) Port of Entry
• Denia Port of Entry
• L'Escala - Girona
• La Herradura
• La Linea Port of Entry
• Malaga Port of Entry
• Motril Port of Entry
• Puerto Banus & Marbella Port of Entry
• San Pedro del Pinatar (Murcia)
• Sant Carles de la Rapita
• Santa Pola Port of Entry
• Tarragona Port of Entry
• Valencia Port of Entry
• Aviles Port of Entry
• Bilbao Port of Entry
• Ensenada de Santa Marta
• Finisterre Port of Entry
• Gijon Port of Entry
• Hondarribia Port of Entry
• La Coruna Port of Entry
• Ria de Arousa
• Ria de Camarinas
• Ria De Cedeira
• Ria de Muros
• Ria de Pontevedra
• Ria De Ribadeo
• Ria de Vigo and Baiona Port of Entry
• Ria De Viveiro
• San Sebastian
• Santander Port of Entry
• Algeciras Port of Entry
• Ayamonte (River Guandiana) Port of Entry
• Cadiz Port of Entry
• Isla Canela
• Isla Cristina
• Sanlucar (River Guandiana)
• Sevilla Port of Entry
• Ceuta Port of Entry
• Melilla Port of Entry

Formalities

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We are a US Passport holders on a US Flagged vessel and will be transiting from France to Spain on the Med side. I have read the clearance information on here and it is still not clear if and how we need to check in. I am wondering if any non-EU folks can advise as to how they handled it.

1) We are already stamped into the Schengen Zone and have been in Germany, Malta, Italy and France (minding our 90/180) on this 90 days. It appears since we are already stamped in we do not need to visit the Policia la Frontera correct?

2) We do not have a Temporary Import Permit. We have been in and out of the EU (7 times in and 6 times out) and have never had a piece of paper called a TIP, simply understanding that we need to keep documentation of our times inside and outside the EU. Is there a specific document that we should have obtained?

3) Do we need to visit Spanish Customs, given we are already in the EU? If so where is the closest to the French Med border?

Thanks. It is always a bit unclear as to what we need to do. We have so far managed 10 borders but have not figured out Spain from my reading.

La Linea. Be aware the Spanish Police (most varieties believe it or not) visit Alcaidesa marina (La Linea) almost every day. I perceived they focus in UK flags. They slowly wonder, literally, the pontoons in groups of 4 (so long as it’s sunny) and seemingly have little to occupy them. In seven days, I was asked three times. They are nice enough but it’s sort of a harassment of the law abiding and, given all the real issues and locations in need of policing in this part of Spain, the choice of this disployment of vast resource seems strange. Just so you know….

Calima – big red dust cloud coming from the Sahara desert: Over Easter the situation could be similar to that of 2 years ago when a massive airborne haze of sand arrived from North Africa in Andalucia in the south of Spain. Skies will turn red and the red sand will likely cover everything.

Where can I get my passport stamped when I leave end of sept ? I’m in Torrevieja? Spain

Hi Karen, take a look at our Spain Immigration section for info. on this – https://www.noonsite.com/place/spain/view/immigration/ . It’s difficult in Spain, you may have to beg. Worth asking at the yacht club/marina, but nearest port of entry for you is Santa Pola to the north. Let us know how you get on.

Con Sprenger – long time contributor to Noonsite – sent the following suggestion to perhaps deter orcas.

“I bought a Pet Deterrent Mat from Amazon to keep the stray cats from using my vegy garden as a litterbox. It has many plastic spikes. I think this could easily be mounted on a rudder in a few strategic places, would not cause much drag and can be easily removed once through the danger areas. Just a thought…. “

Port Ginesta travel lift has been out of action for over a week now leaving us high and dry. Very little communication and no offer to compensate from the marina. They say another 8 days to fix the simple issue of a broken radiator.

Stay clear of Prt Ginesta in castelldefels

Where can I find a list of port of entry’s (eg into Spain)

Hi Rose of Kingston, just click on the anchor symbol in the blue bar at the top of the country page and you’ll get a list of regions, and within those regions ports of entry.

Robo en Real Club Regatas Cartagena. Reportado por velero youtuber BahiaLas islas Ángel Viana armador ( ver comentarios en Nabyli), entraron de noche con gente dentro, y robaron 2 ordenadores teléfonos y cartera dinero y tarjetas de crédito. Amarrados de costado al muelle en pantalan Norte.

Thank you for reporting this – some marinas in Cartagena do not have good security. Google Translation: Robbery at Real Club Regatas Cartagena. Reported by youtuber sailboat Bahia Las Islas Ángel Viana shipowner (see comments in Nabyli), they entered at night with people inside, and stole 2 computers, telephones and a wallet, money and credit cards. Moored sideways to the pier in the North jetty.

During my trip south, I have to divide Spain in 2 parts. One is at the Atlantic side and the other is at Gibraltar and Spanish Mediterranean Costa del sol. The Atlantic side is amazing! After incredible expensive Portugal with really lousy services for the price (€ 37.– for a 9.25 Meter boat), I decided to enter the Spanish Ayamonte, intead of Portugal Marina. What a delight is Ayamonte. Beautiful and very well located. Quiet Marina, helpful people and the start for a amazing Spain on the Atlantic side. I looked up http://www.puertosdeandalucia.es for locations and here is our choice and experiences: Ayamonte! Simply wonderful. Price is right for what you get. Mazagon! Simply wonderful. Price is right for what you get. Chipiona! Stay away. It is a shitty place. All dirty from Seagulls, nobody from there seems to care. The only good thing in Chipiona is the Mausoleum of Rocio Jurado. The harbormaster is unpolite and he charges as his own will. We paid a day in Mazagon, arrived at 0600 in Chipiona and he charged the hole day before, since he argued, the new day starts when he arrives in the Marina. Boats entering before will have to pay the hole night and day before. His own law and interpretation. He had arguments with all our group of boats and we left Chipiona after visiting Rocio Jurados grave. Rota! Simply wonderful. Price is right for what you get. We were twice in Rota and experience repeated. Cadiz! What a city? We had to wait for a weather window and did for almost 15 days. But it was worth it. Cadiz is spectacular. Historically and all, it is a delight. Sancti Petri! We were warned of a 35-40 knots gale and sheltered in Sancti Petri. The regular Marina threw us out and we got a Buoy to tie up from the Restaurant. Not pleasant due to the Rivers current, but people and hospitality was spectacular. La Linea de la Concepción! Disappointing, just disappointing. Price is incredibly high for what you get. Estepona! Really shitty place. The Costa del sol locations exploit the cruising yacht traffic wihtout returning even hospitality. The mediterranean Tie up Marinas are not a real catch. My boat (rather small) was always sandwiched and I got the first scratches after 2 years of taking care. Fuengirola! My experience with Estepona repeated. Read up! Ceuta! Well, that was a experience. 2 weeks waiting for some package. We departed before due to the shitty place. Day 1: We got sandwiched between some 13 meter boats in the Med way of docking. Most boaters would not even care with Fenders. My famous crie out for “I hope you have a good third party insurance made them change their attitude” (I speak erfectly Spanish, so they understood. Day 2: At 0600 we got out from the yelling within the Marina. A speedboat had taken fire and since they had not even fire extinguishers, the just pushed the boat in the middle of the Marina. 2 sailboats took fire and burned down completely. Weather the Marina nor the Ceuta Fire Department were prepaired. The first had all extinguishers outdated and not properly working and the Fire Department lacked of longitude of hoses. The water pressure was not enough for fighting the fire, so they just wet the neighbor boats. Day4: I asked the Marina for a better place, since I would stay up to a month. They relcoated me to an area for only up to 10 Meter boats. At 2200 hours, the Marina guy placed 2 boats, one 15 meter and one 16 meter on my sides. The second one, a Danish guy had a woman on board, she was to old to handle Fenders. When he heard me with my famous insurance threat and saw me with the camera. then he asked for assistance. Finally we decided to take the chance to go into Tanger and it was the best decision. I am already 15 days relaxing from my Spanish Mediterranean experience. I really don´t get the boaters, why they would take all this crap from the Spanish Marinas, although the fear from the Orcas attacking, has appearantly all frantic. We were 5 boats meeting Orcas off Cap Trafalgar and none had an incident. The Orcas not even cared about us. We didn´t cared about them neither…

Here is my cruising experience with (NW) Spain! For information I am a liveaboard and “on route”. So far I´ve come from Germany, Netherland, France, northern Spain and am now in Morocco. Northern Spain Marinas, Laredo, Gijon, Ribadeo, Viveiro, A Coruña, Camariñas, Muros, Portosin, Ribeira, Villagarcia. Laredo Marina! Is well equipped, but dirty place. It is rather expensive for the service you get. It is definitely not used to pleasure cruising. Gijon! Very nice Marina, price is according to what you get. Ribadeo! Very nice Marina. Well equipped and you get good quality for what you pay. Viveira! Very nice Marina, price according to what you get. A Coruña! Very nice Marina. Well equipped and you get good quality for what you pay. Camariñas! Very nice Marina, price according to what you get. Muros! I needed mechanical assistance in Muros and they like to rip you off. Changed my boat to Portosin and thatfore, they had not even a outboard dinhy, to tow me out of the harbour. Another sailor hauled me over to Portosin, where I got assisted to enter. Wonderful Marina! Portosin! I arranged my mechanical work and the Mechanic José is a genious. He does very fine work, very diligent with great knowledge of mechanics and to a very fair price (Muros asked € 3000, Jose charged € 986 for great work). I stayed all the wintertime in Portosin as liveaboard and I was VERY welcomed by the local members of the Yacht Club. Every Friday they would invite me for lunch, I got some trip for fishing and participations in local Regatas on their boats. The nearby Noia is comfortable and nice for riverwalk jogging and the only 30 Km far Santiago de Compostela is a must. I also explored future stops like Ribeira, Vigo… Ribeira! Rather expensive and not nice facilities. Villagarcia! Is not a common Yacht Port, so they´ll accomodate you in a corner, but ok. Good to walk to Cambados. Cambados is a MUST in Galicia… Vigo! Very nice Marina. Rather cheap for what you get.

Fuel prices in Spain: In Spain now you get a discount on the advertised pump price of 20 cents per litre.

Reported by Jason Banks:

I have just become a test-case for British yachtsmen trying to get his boat out of the EU and failing. After a 3-month ordeal to sail from Croatia back to the UK, I reached Gibraltar just as my 90 day period expired, but was told they are full to capacity for all vessels. The natural alternative was always Morocco, but their ports are closed due to Covid. Meanwhile, the Spanish authorities offhandedly denied my application for an extension or long-stay visa. Bereft of options, today I left my boat in Alcaidesa and checked into a hotel in Gibraltar, being unable to return for 3 months. Absurd times!

Update from Jason: I am in Melilla now. They have welcomed me and according to the port police, basically I can stay as long as I like, it is not currently inside the Schengen zone.

Personally, I seriously doubt the EU would ever consider bringing it into Schengen, as that would put an EU border on the African mainland. Apparently it’s already hard to police and requires a huge presence by Spanish border control.

So for the interim (until ETIAS comes into effect) this is a solution. Let people know, it’s beautiful but lonely here!

Great report thanks. I’m in Cadiz with 7 days left in Schengen after coastal cruising from Brest and was about to sail to Tangier on Monday. Didn’t know they were closed! I assume Ceuta is a similar option though closer

I’ve just had a beer with Jason. Started in Ceuta but it’s a bit expensive and quite noisy, so took the plunge and am now in Melilla. Nice place and a real bargain

Ceuta a good starting point just to get out of Schengen quickly as just a few hours sailing from Gibraltar

Non-EU Skippers should be aware that, despite what local port police may say, the territories of Melilla and Ceuta are within the Schengen zone with special rules for local immigrants only. Spain is required to police movements between each of the territories and the remainder of Schengen. Noonsite has liaised with the Cruising Association RATS team who have researched this in depth and confirm the same. These territories should not be relied upon as a Schengen “get out”. See our EU page for more information: https://www.noonsite.com/cruising-resources/european-union/

https://www.orcaiberica.org/mitigationactions?fbclid=IwAR0Ak3M7iBl6abeCaeXG3dvM1oUjDCMx5a8T4_iOoC7DH-DvSKyYxdNwGzI

Please take note of the restrictions in place.

Now lifted, with the whales apparently moving north

The information regarding the clearing in formalities into Spain by a third country visiting yachtsman on this site, while helpful, all the links and recommended apps to complete Health Declaration Form before arrival to obtain a QR code, requires the entering of a flight number. It would be good if Noonsite could post either a link to a form or other means to obtain the QR code for visiting sailors which does not require the input of a flight number or explains what we need to do to clear in at customs.

Thanks for the prompt. I am currently working on getting all of Europe updated re. Covid protocols for sailors. I am waiting on replies from various contacts in Spanish ports to get the true picture, likely it will vary from place to place. Probably it is similar to the Canaries, whereby, there are no specific biosecurity rules for yachts. The Covid-19 border rules that apply to tourists arriving in the Canaries, apply also to yacht crew, however, only when they officially cross the border (i.e. disembark from their vessel and sign off the crew list). Crew that sleep on board, and don’t venture far from the port, are considered crew in transit and therefore no Covid protocols are applied other than the normal shoreside restrictions. Will confirm once I get an idea from our contacts.

It appears that in some Spanish ports there is no requirement to have a PCR test for yacht arrivals, however others have told Noonsite that a negative Covid test is recommended. See Biosecurity for more details: https://www.noonsite.com/place/spain/formalities#biosecurity-section

MASS EXODUS OF BRITISH YACHTS FROM THE BALEARICS British qualified cruise ship captains are also at threat

Brexit is threatening to sink the British yachting and nautical industries in the Balearics with a hugely damaging impact on the local economy.

British commercial skipper and Royal Yacht Association instructor Martin Whyte, who ran a sailing and sea training school in Alcudia for 15 years, until earlier this year, has been forced to close his yachting businesses in Mallorca because British yachting qualifications, across the board from skippers to stewards, crew and engineers are no longer recognised as a result of Brexit.

Martin, an MCA Master 200 Commercial Captain, RYA Principal Yachtmaster Instructor Sail and RYA Principal Yachtmaster Instructor Motor, said yesterday: “I keep seeing a lot about the yachting situation in Mallorca bit I’m not sure people have really understood the current situation.

“As of January 1, The authorities in Mallorca no longer recognise British Marine Qualifications.

“In short and as a starter, any British person with a boat in Balearic waters who holds a UK qualifications to skipper it no longer has a qualification recognised here and may be treated in the same way as someone without a license caught driving a car.

“This is a disaster for all British boat owners and their options are to either get a Spanish qualified skipper, pass their Spanish maritime exams or take their boat and leave, although technically they are no longer permitted to even move it from its berth.

“The RYA were made aware of this problem in January, 2020 when I contacted their Chief Instructor, Richard Falk to advise him but they have failed to get it resolved.

“The ICC ( International Certificate of Competence) issued by the RYA for use in most EU countries has still not been confirmed by the Spanish as remaining acceptable, so nobody actually knows if it is valid or not.

“The yacht crews operating from Palma with internationally recognised RYA / MCA certification are not longer legal here either.

“The Spanish and German etc. yacht charter companies are no longer able to rent boats to British license holders.

“The Spanish commercial skippers who decided that the RYA /MCA commercial license was far better and more widely recognised are now also unable to work.

“All this will have a huge affect on the yachting industry in the Balearics and if its the same throughout Spain and the Canaries then the situation is far worse of course.

“To date I have shipped, delivered and removed 27 British flagged vessels from Spanish waters and I am aware of over 60 People, Spanish , English and EU Captains and crew that have already lost their jobs.

“It seems that the Spanish do not want British boats in their waters and are seeking to destroy the entire yachting industry at a time when they should actually be grateful for the huge amount of income it generates.

“It makes no sense when one considers that a Briton can come to the Balearics and hire a car with a UK license but can’t charter or use his or her yacht.

There are countries bending over backwards to attract vessels, making life as easy as possible and this is where British yacht owners and skippers are moving their vessels to.

“Some are returning to the or Channel Islands, I’ve taken others to Sardinia, Tunisia, Greece, Malta, Gibraltar and the exodus has only just begun as the full implications of the situation is only just sinking in.

“OK, the current Covid travel restrictions have not helped, but the simple fact that British yachting qualifications are not recognised in the Balearics will kill the industry and cost the region billions in lost revenue in the long term.

“Superyacht skippers and crews are being hit, not to mention the small yacht owners or those wishing to come and charter a vessel. It’s does not matter where the vessels is flagged, it’s the qualification issue.

“It could even impact the cruise industry. “Will British qualified cruise line captains be allowed to operate in Balearic waters – it’s a nightmare?

“Over my 15 years in businesses as an instructor, I’ve trained people from all over the world, from Russia to Canada passing through most European countries tries and now, their RYA qualifications are null and void here in the Balearics.

“Around 30 percent of the vessels moored in the Balearics belong to owners with RYA qualifications and, as things stand, they can’t move their vessels, not even from their moorings to the hard, all they can do is come and sit on board,” Martin stressed.

“In theory negotiations with the Spanish authorities have been on going since the alarm bells first began ringing last year, but the Spanish don’t appear to be willing to make any concessions – so all they are doing is forcing boat owners to take their vessels out of Spanish waters and move them to more welcoming and quite often cheaper destinations. “They are destroying a massive industry.”

DEAR ALL In November 2020 a storm hit the region of Cannes, thousands of trees came down with the flood, most were stranded on the beaches but a lot are still drifting in the sea. On 28.11.20 we were sailing from PALMA to PORT NAPOLEON. We could avoid trees and all kind of debris during the day, slaloming, but during the night… We struck a floating tree (and got a big dent in our bow). Be careful this winter in the Med – Keep a Sharp Lookout!! Dirk Mertens S/V EULALA – LAGOON 52

Hello – we have a new Lagoon 40 Cat. and plan to install solar panels mounted over the s.s. dinghy davits. Anyone advise on a good place to have stainless steel work done – brackets to hold panels.? on the Atlantic coast – Portugal or Spain ? Thanks

We had a good job done on our broad blue 385 by Pritchard’s in Gibraltar. All done in a day in a marina once the solar arch had been built. Then another day to sort out electrics.

We sailed across the Atlantic last spring ending in Spain and then returned to US due to Schengen visa restrictions. And then Covid-19… Our plan had been to sail to Tunisia on our way to Italy this year to reset the VAT. That seems unlikely at present. So… we are wondering if there is any information regarding the VAT since people are unable to return to their boats?

Yep – news item posted about this yesterday – https://www.noonsite.com/news/covid-19-advice-for-non-eu-sailors-stuck-in-the-eu/

Hello, Just checking to see if anyone has information regarding when foreigners will be able to return to their boats in Spain. We are in the US but our boat is in Cartagena, Spain. We are hoping to return sometime this summer. Any information would be appreciated.

Dillards s/v Talaria

For the latest on Spain see https://www.noonsite.com/place/spain/formalities/#biosecurity-section It is currently not possibly to fly into Spain unless you are a Spanish citizen or resident. There will be a Government announcement today about possible extension to the lockdown.

Dear sailors, from Spain we want to wish you enjoy good health. The marinas in Spain are not closed, although there are restrictions on the movement of people.

Puerto Sotogrande, on the southern Spanish coast of the Mediterranean, next to Gibraltar, is an open port. The boats can enter prior contact ( [email protected] ) at least one day in advance informing ETA to inform the authorities of the arrival of the boat. That yes, the crew and passengers may not disembark except for health reasons that are considered emergencies and that must be expressly authorized. Fuel supply and provisions are available. The dry dock is operating applying containment measures recommended by the authorities and the World Health Organization.

Hello, I am about to take private yacht voyage as a passenger from Spain to Italy for 1 month. What documentation will I need for immigration when I arrive in Spain from the USA and what documentation do I need for immigration when I depart Italy. Thank you.

Hi Claus, Citizens of the United States with a valid US passport can travel to 25 European member countries of the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days without having to apply or obtain a Schengen visa for short-term tourism or a business trip. Spain and Italy are two of the 25 member countries. Find out more about Schengen here – https://www.noonsite.com/european-union/ . Make sure on arrival in Spain your passport is stamped so you have proof of first entry into Schengen. If you intend to return to Europe anytime soon, it’s worth getting your passport stamped on departure in Italy so you have proof of how many days you used of your permitted 90 in 180 days. Documents you’ll need to show on entry include: – A US Passport. It must not be older than 10 years and it should be valid for at least three more months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area. – Evidence on purpose of entry. Documents that show why you are traveling to the Schengen Area (booking confirmation, letter from the Skipper etc.). – Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during the stay in Europe. The ETIAS system doesn’t start until 2021 so there’s no pre-arrival registration you have to do at this time. Any further questions, please do ask.

Hi, Wondering if anyone has any first hand information on the state of the cruising in the Baleras Islands or the coast of Spain between Alicante and Barcelona after the storm Gloria. Cheers

Hi Lawrence, Storm Gloria did cause damage to quite a lot of facilities up the coast of Spain. Some of the more exposed marinas lost pontoons and boats sunk. It’s definitely recommended to contact marinas in advance to confirm they have visitor space available. There was also a great deal of debris in the water following the storm (trees, dead animals and large amounts of seaweed). This appears to have improved but it’s still a problem in some places so keep a good lookout. I will post a tweet with your question to see if we can get some feedback from cruisers based there.If anyone has first-hand experience of conditions at berthing facilities up the coast of Spain following Storm Gloria, in particular in Murcia, Valencia, Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, please post your feedback here.

Jan 31 Replying to @NoonsiteEditor All good in Almerimar. There was hail in Murcia and hail in Malaga buy somehow Almerimar was not affected by Gloria.

Hi We are trying to book to stay at Cabrera and the Webb site is showing it is fully booked even though. You can not book for twenty day Can anyone help or advise what to do Thank you James

Hi all Can anyone recommend a good yard at fair market prices to store my boa, Orkka, (2005 Beneteau 473 Oceanis Clipper) in southern Spain, on hard–stands, for July and August? (I tried one in Palma, and frankly, it seemed about 3x the price of Greece…) I need a little work done–simple stuff–repair/replace Bimini, clean the bottom, probably a coat of bottom paint… Thanks very much for any suggestions…max And thanks to Noonsite…so super helpful…

Max, I don’t know if you found a suitable yard, but please do give us some feedback if you did to help those needing the same. Many thanks.

Apr 26, 2019 03:43 PM

Checking out for Australians and other non-EU folk. After some frustration with the lack of information available and a great deal of angst, we finally managed to find out how to, and successfully achieve, checking out of La Linea in Spain. We needed that all important exit stamp in our passports in order to preserve our 90/180 Schengen Visas. So…we booked into La Linea (Alcadeisa) Marina for 1 night. The next morning we settled our account, and then took that, along with our passports, boat documents and crew list for a short walk over to the Frontier Police (or Border Police) located in a building to the right (but on the Spain side) of the Spain/Gibraltar border crossing. At reception we needed to explain that we were on our own sailing boat in the La Linea Marina and that we needed to get an exit stamp in our passports to preserve our Schengen Visas before we could then sail out. They will ask where you are going and when, what was your last port, where did you enter the EU/Schengen Area etc etc. Very little or no English is spoken so for us it was a challenge. But eventually, you will get there. The officials are friendly but a big smile and lots of patience and respect helps!!

Posted on behalf of Jan Harzem

Immigrants at sea Due to the issue of immigrants trying to get to Spain from North Africa, you will no doubt encounter some of their boats, as we did. The Spanish coast guard will put out notifications on VHF about boats that they know of, their approximate vicinity and no. of people on board. My advice is as follows: When you spot such a vessel, get in contact with the closest MRCC centre in Spain or Italy. Get close to the vessel so you can report status etc., but do not attempt to take anybody onboard. Some of these boats have 28 people or more on board. In these areas help is only a couple of hours away. We spotted a small boat about 60 miles south of Carthagena and changed course 90 degrees to investigate.

Within 3 minutes we were called up by MRCC Carthagena asking us to help in the search of a vessel with 8 people on board. We followed the small boat for a couple of hours until dusk but never caught up with the boat as they were going as fast as we were, but gave course and heading to the Spanish Coast Guard who picked them up a couple of hours later.

August 2017

Enjoyed the dramatic sights offered by circling Isla Dragonera before dropping the hook in what passes for the island’s only anchorage at Cala Llado. A quick jump in the water with a mask revealed a less than ideal anchorage and all who use it should BE AWARE:

Holding is very sketchy. The bottom offers tiny patches of grass amongst a cavernous collection of large and jagged rock. Our anchor bit simply because it snagged a crack along the top of a rock, lucky us. However, an anchor could easily land in any one of the abundant crevasses and become seriously fouled, or it could fail to grab anything. We watched a neighbouring boat attempt to anchor several times before ultimately moving on.

There is a massive ridge-like rock amongst the surrounding 5-meter depths than raises much closer to the surface, to within about 2 meters (approximately N 39* 35.18’ by E 2* 19.68’). This rock was noted during my snorkelling explorations, however, it appeared far-enough away to not warrant concern. Then, of course at O’dark thirty, a 180-degree wind-shift (seemingly not uncommon in these locales) swung our boat directly over said rock, and thunderous smashing sounds and vibrations had all hands on deck to remedy the situation.

Anchor retrieval saw a small glitch but luckily the anchor did come up without too much fuss, perhaps the swing in direction actually helped dislodge us from our little “crack” holding. At any rate, my imagination was certainly capable of imagining a much worse outcome, and it served as a good reminder to always anchor with a 360* view in mind. We got underway and decided to cross the channel (less than a mile) in hopes of snagging a vacant mooring ball from the nearby Sant Elm field, we’ll sort the rest out in the morning.

All went according to plan, and we were sleeping soundly until woken by the second round of smashing/crunching noises. “You gotta be kiddin’ me!” is all I could think as I hastily wrestled on a pair of shorts before gaining the deck. A large (18-meter or so) motor yacht still tied to its mooring ball was somehow tangled with us.

Wha? A younger crew member of the said yacht was doing his best to fend off the embattled bows. We joined the fight. We soon realized that their mooring had failed and they awoke as surprised as us. The skipper got his engines running, the crewman cast off his mooring lines, and we both parted ways relatively unscathed, thankfully. After the mess, I watched their yellow mooring ball bob itself out to sea.

That was the first (and last) time we ever used one of the CBBA mooring balls. I am not writing this post as a targeted criticism against CBBA, nor am I opposed to fixed-moorings. Accidents do happen and even well-made parts do fail. Sooner or later, the sea claims all. That said, we should all be aware that such failures do occur, even in popular, protected, and well-funded first-world cursing grounds.

Because we tied-up in the middle of the night and had not paid for the mooring, we were told by a staff member the following morning that we had little room for recourse. Considering that we received only scratches, the other boat was already gone, and that our itinerary was very tight we choose not to pursue the issue any further. All in all, it was quite a night, but thankfully—for me at least—all’s well that ends well.

I should note that we observed a number of boats using the anchorage at Isla Dragonera seemingly without trouble or hassle. I can only offer an account of my observations and experiences, of course, every crew must decide for themselves.

If you are new to the Med, as I am, I do recommend diving your anchor (especially if staying overnight) as the holding conditions seem quite differentiated and erratic.

The drive to protect Seagrass (Posidonia) is making cruising Mallorca (Balearics) at anchor in particular very difficult. You are not allowed to anchor anywhere where there is sea grass where your anchor or your chain touches it. The “posidonia police” come along and inspect your anchor then tell you to move on, even if your own dive onto your anchor showed no weed present. This is ANYWHERE. So if you drop into a cala or anchor off a beach (e.g. Cala Carogol) they will turn up and turf you off, even where they have not yet laid buoys.

Others have mentioned the price of moorings (Euro 50-100)and the fact you have to book them in advance by phone talking to someone whose English is about as good as my Spanish.

Makes you feel very unwelcome – we shall move on next season.

Wintering in Spain at Sotogrande

WE are leaving out boat out of the water at this marina the cost seems reasonable for a 13M sailboat at 4200 EU. The boat yard appears organized and there are lots of staff and security people around

Posted on behalf of Mark & Lisa Powell

A warning to non-EU cruisers in the Med.

We would like to pass on our experience yesterday with French customs. As the website correctly states, non-EU registered boats may remain in EU waters for 18 months before payment of VAT is required. We entered the EU last July, after crossing the Atlantic in May and then spending some time in Portugal and “resetting the clock” in Gibraltar in July. Therefore, the boat could stay in the EU until Jan 2017 without paying VAT. However, before returning the US for the winter, we obtained a “Precinto” (6-month customs bond) in Spain. This basically put the boat in bond while we went back to the U.S. for 6 months. Our understanding was that this Precinto would stop the Temporary Importation (TI) clock for 6 months, effectively extending our time to 24 months in EU waters before VAT payment is required.

Yesterday, while motoring along the south coast of France (near Bandol/Toulon), we were approached and boarded by French customs. Because out boat has only been in EU waters for since last July (13.5 months), they were very cordial and we had no problems. We also showed them our Precinto from Spain. They were completely unfamiliar with this document. I also showed them the paragraph in the IMRAY cruising guide describing the customs bond and 6-month extension. In no uncertain terms, they told us that France does not provided such an extensions and that they would not recognize or honor this Precinto from Spain. They kindly suggested that we sail to Tunisia for a day to “reset the clock” before our 18-month deadline in Jan 2017.

The above report is VERY astonishing! Spain, having been hit by the crises quite hard (unemployment rate shooting to an average of 50%!) is in desperate need of funds – and they go and look for income wherever they can.

Very recently a yacht (“Air”) has been seized by the authorities in Palma de Mallorca for an outrageous claim for “back taxes” because it had advertised on its website to be available “for charter in the Western Med”! Mind you: They have not advertised to be available for charter in Spain and they have not been caught actually doing an illegal charter in Spain – just the mentioning on their website was enough for the authorities to seize the vessel! The owner – a billionaire – has received very little sympathy from the public when he was billed € 20 Million(!) for the authorities to again release the yacht! While I have to admit that I can also keep my sympathies at check for people in that income range, I still feel that the concept behind this system to compensate for a significant drop in income from the yachting industry should be taken as a major alert to all of us!

Also very important to keep in mind is, that Spain may be a “member of the European Community” – but only on the paper. Sad truth is, that there is a lot of corruption and at least “massive bending of the law” going on – and foreigners can’t expect to see much help from their own governments because by them Spain is considered a “law-abiding member of the EC”.

See for your info the story of an attempt to make a salvage case out of a simple emergency reported on our blog at http://786global.com/?p=147 (in German and English) as well as an at least as outragous story that is still happening to us which you can read up at: http://786sail.com/786global/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMAGINE_en.pdf (in English) or at: http://786sail.com/786global/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMAGINE_de.pdf (in German)

As far as importing your boat to Europe I would most seriously dispute Spain to be the “by far best place” to go about this.

If you are coming from outside the Med, I would strongly recommend going about this in Portugal (where most people speak English on top of it!). I personally know the first-hand story of a large 38m Schooner that had been imported to the EC in Lissbaon with the Authorities happily accepting the value stated by the owner as a basis to compute the taxes. (Which, in that case, were ridiculously low!)

Another good option I have heard a lot about is Croatia. But also Greece seems to be a place where one can strike a fairly good deal with just a tiny little bit of negotiation.

On the other hand, does Spain, France and most of all Italy have the reputation of being “hard-headed” and especially if you run into an official having a bad hair day can quickly get out of hand.

Just my 2 Cents…..

Posted on behalf of Don Stewart, SV Glenn Farr

By far the best place to import your boat into in Europe is Spain. The valuation of the boat is based on the “blue book” price (or if your boat is not listed, then listed sale price of your model boat or similar found on the internet). This was the case with my sailboat. Of course there were a number of different boats for sale.

They took the middle of the road price. The procedure is then to take 10% of that price and charge VAT/IVA on that. So for example, if your boat is valued at $50,000 then you pay VAT/IVA on $5,000. The whole process took place at the customs office in Barcelona. This was the only office we had to visit. Officials were very friendly.

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Palma de Mallorca to Puerto Andratx (17 nautical miles)

From the marina in Palma, it's a relatively brief journey to Puerto Andratx, located on the southwestern tip of Mallorca. The harbor sits at the base of steep and scenic hills, sprinkled with enchanting villas. Revel in the bars and restaurants along the harbor, or explore deeper inland to the quaint little town of Andratx.

Puerto Andratx to Puerto Soller (25 nautical miles)

Puerto Soller sits in the arms of a gorgeous, natural horseshoe bay and is the jewel of the island's west coast. This town is more rustic and artsy than other Mallorca destinations, with delightful cobbled streets and small restaurants and bars. If you're in the mood to explore, an old-fashioned tram climbs the hills from the port to the historic town of Soller, offering amazing panoramic views of island and sea.

Puerto Soller to Puerto Pollensa (35 nautical miles)

Perched on the rugged north coast of the island, Puerto Pollensa is surrounded by dozens of picturesque, sheltered anchorages that are perfect for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and relaxing. This area is one of the most naturally beautiful on the island and filled with opportunities to enjoy fun & sun activities.

Puerto Pollensa to Cala Rajada (25 nautical miles)

Curving around now to the northeastern tip of the island, Cala Rajada is a small, traditional fishing village that is home to gorgeous white sand beaches and amazing turquoise seas that are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The local lighthouse is an attraction all its own and offers dramatic views in all directions. Play and relax in ultimate style!

Cala Rajada to Cala d’Or (18 nautical miles)

Swinging gradually to the southeast side of the island, Cala d'Or is famous for having the best weather in all of Mallorca. Warm breezes and white sand beaches beckon you to relax, and the numerous five-star resorts, restaurants, and entertainment options provide endless opportunities to sample the delights of the island. You can also explore inland, to hike among wooded hills and dramatic sea cliffs.

Cala d'Or to Cabrera Island (30 nautical miles)

Cabrera Island is a short sail south of Mallorca and is a protected nature reserve. The natural bay is one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful snorkeling destinations, with plentiful turtles, fish, dolphins, marine life, and birds to amaze you. The island also has several historic attractions, including a Napoleonic-era military base and 19th century lighthouse.

Cabrera Island to Palma (35 nautical miles)

Back to luxurious Palma de Mallorca, the crown jewel of the island and one of the world's premier luxury resort destinations. Bars, clubs, fine dining, and more – Palma has something for everyone and is a wonderful way to tie a ribbon on your glorious yacht charter Mallorca holiday!

7 DAYS - Itinerary 2

Suggested sailing itinerary: mallorca itinerary 2.

7 DAYS Itinerary 2

The Balearic Islands have everything you could want in a yacht charter vacation: warm and welcoming weather, amazing clear waters teeming with marine life, luxurious white sand beaches, and the endless variety of dining & entertainment options you expect from one of the world's true five-star destinations.

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Palma de Mallorca to Cabo Blanco and Es Trenc

Setting out eastward from the marina at Palma, sail for Cabo Blanco, a gorgeous resort town perched in scenic hills above the sea. A brilliant white sand beach shelves gently into the water and the view is spectacular. Es Trenc is a bit further up the coast. It's a calm natural harbor with an isolated and spacious beach, not attached to any resort developments. With 2km of warm golden sand and crystal clear water, Es Trenc is one of Mallorca's premier relaxation destinations.

Es Trenc to Cabo Salinas and Porto Colom

Cabo Salinas is at the center of a long and lovely stretch of sheltered coves, hidden beaches, and stunning cliffs along Mallorca's eastern coast. The vistas here are both dramatic and soothing, with tropical maritime scenery that feels pulled from a film. Porto Colom is a small fishing village of pastel cottages and cobbled streets. Venture inland to explore caves, hike the gently rolling hills, or visit the Santuari de Sant Salvador, an historic pilgrimage destination.

Porto Colom to Porto Cristo

This area is called the Calas de Mallorca, “the Coast of the Coves.” The crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, or just sun yourself in the unbelievably pleasant weather of Mallorca's east coast. Porto Cristo's terrace restaurants overlook the bay, with wide views of sand and sea. The famed “Dragon Caves” are a nearby attraction popular with hikers and nature explorers.

Porto Cristo to Cala Formentor

Situated along the northern tip of the island, Cala Formentor is one of the region's most beautiful and stirring locations. Rugged mountains clad in pine and brush march down to the sea, where a long strip of pristine sandy beach beckons you to lounge and play in the sun. Several bars and restaurants offer cozy dining & entertainment options to while away the long summer hours.

Cala Formentor to Sa Calobra

Sailing now down the northwest coast of the island, Sa Calobra is a small bay and a very scenic string of pebbly beaches, with several restaurants and bars along the way. Small tunnels under the hills link the beaches and the area is also fun to explore while hiking or biking. Adjacent sheltered coves offer secluded places to tie up, swim, and enjoy the added relaxation that privacy allows.

Sa Calobra to Sa Dragonera and Peguera

Sa Dragonera National Park is named for the abundant indigenous lizards that call the island home. Stay in the water and you'll see an amazing proliferation of marine life and intriguing underwater scenery. Go ashore and explore several kilometers of trails and pathways, including a route that takes you to an ancient watchtower that crowns the island. The plentiful wall lizards will crawl on your hands and arms with a little coaxing, but don't feed them!

Peguera to Palma

Palma de Mallorca is one of the world's most coveted luxury destinations – it's the perfect place to spend the last night of your epic Mallorca yacht charter holiday. There are dining & entertainment options around every corner, including numerous five-star establishments that cater to the luxury crowd. Treat yourself, you deserve it!

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Spain yacht charter

Separated from the rest of Europe by the Pyrenees, Spain reaches south to the coast of North Africa and Mediterranean coastlines, and includes two archipelagos – the Balearics and the Canary Islands. Spain yacht charter will help you to discover an endlessly fascinating country: flamenco dancing, bullfighting, tapas bars and various colorful fiestas - are only some of many images of Spain.

Rent a Boat in Spain: 662 Available

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Bavaria Cruiser 34 - 2 cab. sailboat charter (2024)

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Discover Yacht Charter Spain with 12 Knots

Are you ready for an unforgettable sailing experience in Spain? Look no further than 12 Knots. Our yacht charter Spain service offers a wide range of rental options, from bareboat charters to fully crewed sailboats, at competitive prices. Explore the stunning coastlines of Ibiza , Mallorca , Spain South , and the Canary Islands on one of our boats.

Why Choose 12 Knots for Your Yacht Rental in Spain?

12 Knots provide a wide variety of boats to ensure that you will getin best possible yacht rental experience in Spain. Here's why you should choose us:

• The largest quantity of boats in key locations, including Palma , Sant Antoni de Portman , Tenerife , Talamanc, and Mahon
• A wide variety of boats to choose from, including sailboats, catamarans, and motorboats
• Competitive pricing and flexible rental options
• Professional and experienced staff to assist you throughout your rental period

Explore the Best Sailing Destinations in Spain

Spain is a paradise for sailors, with a coastline that offers stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters. Here are some of the most popular sailing destinations in Spain:

• Ibiza: This island is famous for its lively nightlife, but it also offers quiet coves and beaches to explore.
• Mallorca: With its diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to picturesque bays, Mallorca is a perfect destination for sailing enthusiasts.
• Spain South: The southern coast of Spain is a great destination for those looking for a mix of history, culture, and sailing.
• Canary Islands: This archipelago off the coast of Africa boasts a subtropical climate and stunning natural beauty, making it a unique destination for sailors.

Plan Your Yacht Rental in Spain

Planning your yacht rental in Spain is easy with 12 Knots. Follow these steps to book your rental:

• Choose your preferred location and boat type
• Check availability and prices on our website
• Select your rental period and any additional services
• Make your payment and confirm your reservation

It's that simple!

If you're looking for a yacht rental in Spain, look no further than 12 Knots. With our competitive prices, wide variety of boats, and professional staff, we're here to help you plan an unforgettable sailing adventure in Spain. Browse our website today to explore our rental options and start planning your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions about yachting in Spain

How much does it cost to rent a yacht in spain , how many boats are available for rent in spain , what are the main yacht charter bases in spain , what boats are available for charter in spain .

By Tax Marine Spain 10 May 2021

Temporary Admission - Customs formalities in Spain 2021

The ta regime is laid down in articles 250 to 253 of the ucc. for the specific case of means of transport (yachts), the conditions to be fulfilled for granting total relief from import duty are established in article 212 of the commission delegated regula….

• Name and address of the declarant;
• Description of the goods, their value and quantity;
• Place of use and kind of use of the goods and means of identifying them;
• Period for discharge;
• Customs office(s) of discharge.
• Copy of the owner’s passport;
• Certificate of registration of the yacht;
• Copy of the hull insurance policy;
• Certificate of incorporation of the company owning the yacht;
• Certificate of incumbency of the company owning the yacht;
• Copy of the passport of the company director(s);
• Notarized and apostilled power of attorney of the person acting on behalf of the owning company (if different from the company director, typically that would apply to those situations where the captain acts before customs).

If that was of your interest, you can also watch a  video version  of the report. You can also read similar publications in our  Knowledge Bank .

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Spain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK .

If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the latest FCDO travel advice for France before you start your journey.

If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the latest FCDO travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Spain.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.

If travelling to Spain and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Check with Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK before you travel about what type of visa or work permit you may need.

If travelling to Spain for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you cannot return to the UK before the expiry of your visa, permit or visa-free limit, contact the Spanish government’s national information service (In Spanish, English speaking operators are available). You can dial 060 from a Spanish phoneline.

If you are visiting Spain and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to the immigration authorities (‘Extranjería’) (in Spanish).

If you stay in Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Passport stamping

Check your passport is stamped as you enter or exit the Schengen area through Spain as a visitor.

Border guards check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If you do not have relevant entry or exit stamps in your passport, they will assume you have overstayed.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence includes boarding passes and tickets.

Use the desks staffed by border officers. If you are aged 18 or over, and airport staff instruct you to, you may be able to use e-gates where they are in operation.

If you use an e-gate, make sure you get your passport stamped by a border officer.

Additional documents required by tourists

If you enter the Schengen area as a tourist, you may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, when travelling to Spain you could be asked to show:

• you have enough money for your stay
• a hotel booking confirmation
• proof of address if visiting your own property (such as second home)
• an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family. A carta de invitation completed by your hosts is one of the options available.

You can visit the Spanish Ministry of Interior website for more information (only available in Spanish).

Residents of Spain

If you are resident in Spain your passport should not be stamped when entering or leaving Spain.

Actively show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner’s identity card (‘la tarjeta de identidad de extranjero’ or ‘TIE’), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control. For further information, read about living in Spain .

Travel between Spain and Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. If you are travelling to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for entry requirements for Gibraltar .

There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. You should not hand over money to anybody claiming there is a charge.

Unaccompanied minors

Spanish law considers anyone under 18 to be a minor. If an unaccompanied minor comes to the attention of the Spanish authorities (particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital) they will be considered vulnerable and may be taken to a minors centre until a parent or guardian is found.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about what goods can be taken into and out of Spain. You can find details on the National Tax Agency leaflet (in Spanish and English). Declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Spain

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money and goods into Spain

Check the National Airport Association website for guidance on taking money and goods into and out of Spain.

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Tugboats left before ship reached Baltimore bridge. They might have saved it.

As investigators work to determine what caused the hulking Dali container ship to topple Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge in a matter of seconds on Tuesday, maritime experts around the country are pointing to what could have stopped it.

These small but mighty vessels tow and push ever-larger ships through channels and help them when their propulsion systems – or lack thereof – cannot. They are standard equipment in ports worldwide and are especially useful to help ships with docking and undocking.

On Tuesday, a pair of tugboats operated by McAllister Towing and Transportation did just that, helping the Dali unmoor itself from the main terminal at the Port of Baltimore and orient the ship toward the open waters.

But they broke away before the massive ship navigated under the bridge , as is common practice. Minutes later, the Dali appeared to lose power and propulsion, sending the craft adrift and directly into one of the bridge’s support columns. The steel-truss bridge immediately collapsed into the frigid Patapsco River.

The accident is igniting debate over the proliferation of “megaships” that fuel today’s commercial transportation industry and whether port protocols have ramped up to safely accommodate them. Although the Dali is average-sized compared to many of these behemoths, the devastation it caused in Baltimore was formidable.

Live updates: Two bodies in Baltimore bridge collapse recovered; search for 4 others ends

Had the tugboats accompanied the ship all the way under the bridge, some experts said, they might have been able to stop, slow, or steer it away from danger.

Such a scenario should be standard operating procedure in all ports, said Capt. Ashok Pandey, a master mariner and associate professor of maritime business at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. But he said the industry’s reliance on tugs has waned over the years as technological advancements gave many ships the ability to maneuver through channels independently.

Technology is great, Pandey said, until it fails.

“We went wrong by simply equipping ships with bow and stern thrusters that we use in lieu of tugs to maneuver in and out of the ports,” Pandey said. “When we are getting into ports like Baltimore, within a few miles of the bridge, that's too important an asset that we must think of protecting it by all means possible. And we can do that. We can easily do that.”

It may be rare for a ship to lose power at such a high-stakes moment, but it clearly does happen, and he said tugboats could have averted catastrophe.

Implementing such a practice would require a significant investment for U.S. ports, which either own and operate their own tugboats or contract out for tug services. Those costs are then rolled into the ports’ fees charged to shipping companies who use their facilities.

“There are a finite number of tugs, and 99.9% of the time there are no issues,” said Sal Mercogliano, a former merchant mariner and current maritime historian at Campbell University who also hosts a YouTube show called “What’s Going On With Shipping?”

“If the port required tug escorts in and out, then they would not be able to help other ships dock, and undock,” Mercogliano said. “It would need more tugs, and the question becomes, how much will this cost, and will it be passed on to the consumer?”

Because ports compete with each other for shipping business, he said, it’s unlikely that one port would mandate tug escorts unless all of the ports did it for fear of losing lucrative contracts. Shipping companies want the most efficient and cost-effective deal and will simply move to the next port if confronted with higher costs or longer waits.

Mercogliano said he’s not even sure tugboats would have been able to stop the Dali from hitting the bridge. When its power appeared to fail, the ship was going about 8 knots – roughly 9 mph – with a weight of over 100,000 tons.

“It would be like a Prius trying to move a Mack truck on the highway,” he said.

Realities of the container ship arms race

The Dali isn’t even big compared to other container ships hauling goods from port to port these days.

Over the past several decades, newly constructed ships have ballooned to gigantic proportions with load-carrying capacities that used to require five or six ships. The largest container vessel in the 1980s had a maximum capacity of 4,300 20-foot containers – otherwise referred to as TEUs, or 20-foot equivalent units – the standard unit of measurement for cargo capacity.

Today’s largest ship, the MSC Irina, has a capacity of 24,346 TEUs.

The Dali, by comparison, has a capacity of just under 10,000 TEUs, making it the typical “meat and potatoes of container ships,” said Kevin Calnan, assistant professor of marine transportation at California State University Maritime Academy.

Like most container ships, Calnan said, the Dali has one engine and one propeller. Its emergency diesel generator, standard in all such vessels, has enough power to keep key systems going – but not enough to restart the engine or provide propulsion.

In a video posted to social media, lights on the Dali shut off, then turned back on, then shut off again before the ship struck the bridge. Experts said that was likely the generator as it powered up the lights but not the engine.

It would have taken a second engine on board to fully power the ship and restore propulsion at that point. But Calnan said nobody in the commercial shipping industry is advocating for two engines because of their size and cost.

“Cargo is money, and companies want to maximize the amount of space they want to put cargo in, so to build a ship with a whole other engine would be taking up the space of, like, 150 containers on that ship,” he said. “Unfortunately, there’s not too much movement to require these ships to have two engines.”

Calnan, who has worked and sailed on numerous ships during his career, is among the experts who believe tugboats “definitely” could have stopped the Dali from hitting the bridge. He said he has been in similar situations where the power went out and “having tugs there basically saved the day.”

It may take a disaster for industry and ports to change

The bigger the boats and the more sophisticated the technology, the fewer the crew members on board. The Dali's crew is 22-strong.

In his 26 years sailing on commercial ships, Capt. Mike Campbell said he witnessed that shift to smaller crews as automation and electronics made it possible to do more with less when it came to docking, navigating and maintaining the engines.

“I had captains who would turn the radar off in the middle of the day because they didn't want to wear it out, and you'd just go off visual cues, take readings off lighthouses. Now everything is chips and boards,” he said. “And people are more dependent or reliant on it because they are more reliable.”

Campbell, now a professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and master of the training ship Kennedy, said he’s also seen captains push to meet tight schedules, recalling a time when several other chemical carriers owned by competitors sailed out of the Port of Philadelphia into bad weather. His ship stayed put for three days, and arrived in Houston, safely, a day behind schedule. The other ships, he said, all had to sail to shipyards for repairs caused by the storm.

“I was fortunate that the people I sailed under, my mentors, they never worried about the schedule. It was always about the safe operation of the ship,” he said. “You don't want to push things.”

Mariners are always worried about their schedules now, Pandey said.

The shipping industry has become so highly competitive, with companies all vying for a slice of the business, that crews are more likely to leave port without containers than wait on a late shipment and risk falling behind. Ships typically go from port to port, spending anywhere from six to eight hours in each before moving on to the next.

He called it a race to nowhere in which everyone – from the ports to the shipping companies – is playing along.

U.S. ports have spent billions of dollars over the years adapting to the new reality – upgrading their facilities and dredging their channels deep enough to accommodate these massive ships. Some experts warn they could get even bigger in the future, possibly doubling in cargo capacity at some point.

Amid the race to compete for the revenue and jobs brought by these ever-larger ships, port authorities seem to have forgotten about protecting their critical infrastructure, according to Pandley, the former master mariner. He said Tuesday’s accident might be the wake-up call they need to do some real soul-searching.

USA TODAY reached out to the American Association of Port Authorities to ask its thoughts on requiring tug escorts or any other measures to avert the kind of disaster that happened in Baltimore, but a spokesman said nobody was immediately available to take those questions.

Unfortunately, experts said, it often takes a tragedy to improve an industry.

That’s what happened after the 1989 Exxon-Valdez oil spill in Alaska when the U.S. government required double-hull construction for all newly built oil tank ships and all oil tank barges in American waters. California passed a law in the aftermath of that disaster, requiring all oil tankers to have tug escorts in its ports and harbors.

“We have a saying that the laws are written in blood,” said Roland Rexha, international secretary-treasurer of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, the oldest maritime union in the United States.

“Knowing what we know now, could we have had tugs accompany the ship to the bridge? Sure. But what were the issues that caused the vessel to lose power in the first place?” he said. “There will be an investigation, and we’re hopeful that the lessons learned will lead to an active change in how things are operated.”

How Captains And Harbor Pilots Safely Guide Ships Into Port

Details are still emerging about the disaster that happened in the early morning of March 26, 2024, when the Dali, a large cargo ship on its way out of the port of Baltimore,  hit a major bridge and caused it to collapse .

The Conversation’s senior politics and democracy editor, Naomi Schalit, spoke with Captain Allan Post, a veteran ship’s officer, about the role a ship pilot plays in bringing a large ship in and out of a harbor.  Post, who now directs  Marine Education Support and Safety Operations at Texas A&M University at Galveston and is also deputy superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, said the disaster was “absolutely” every crew member’s nightmare.

What was your first thought when you heard about the accident?

Post: My first thought was, thank God it happened at night, because of the low amount of traffic on the bridge. If that had happened during the daytime, casualties would be in the thousands. My heart aches for those lives lost.

There were two ship pilots aboard the ship as it left its berth in the Port of Baltimore. Can you tell us what ship pilots do?

Post: Ship pilots are brought on board in what are considered restricted maneuverability or navigation areas. They are local experts who are usually certified by the state or federal government  to provide advice to the master of the vessel as to how to control the vessel , safely and adequately, through the pilotage waters, which in this case would be down the river from the Port of Baltimore.

Pilots are well practiced in close-quarters maneuvering, especially with tugboats and docking the vessel alongside the assigned berth.

But a pilot doesn’t come aboard the ship and take control of it, do they?

Post: They are just  advisers to the captain , who is known as the “master.” The master still has full responsibility for the safe navigation of the vessel. So the pilot will meet the ship out at sea or at the dock if it’s in port and leaving to go to sea. They proceed up to the bridge. Usually they exchange greetings, and usually a little bit of ship’s swag is given, either a hat or something else, or at least a cup of coffee.

They then set up their gear. With the electronics that we now have, they plug into the ship’s electronic chart data information system. And then they conduct the pilot exchange with the master of the vessel, where the master of the vessel describes where they are going, what the characteristics of the ship are, who’s on the bridge, what their first language is and the air draft of the vessel, which refers to how high out of the water the vessel is, so that you know whether you can take the ship under a bridge safely.

Once that’s completed, the pilot then starts instructing the officer of the watch or the captain – those are usually the same person – in how to get to where they need to be to dock the ship, or undock the ship and bring it to sea. This instructing is done during complex maneuvers, not all the time. The pilot can also say he’s not going to do it, and can shut down their operations if conditions are unsafe or if they feel that the vessel is not in condition to be able to transit safely. That happens a lot, especially in fog.

The ship pilot also interacts with the Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service and other ships in the area, and coordinates with the tugboats and line handlers to be able to safely maneuver the vessel close to the pier or when a ship is leaving the berth.

Can you describe the training of a ship pilot?

Post: Most of them start out at a maritime academy and have to spend many years at sea in command or as a bridge watch-stander on a vessel. From there, they start into the pilot apprentice program that each one of the pilot associations has, and those programs last years. What they do in those programs is use simulators and real, actual hands-on training, so that they can see how the different ships maneuver, how different places along the route have different currents and tides, and how the channels affect the ships.

It’s not something that you can go to a sea school for three weeks to learn and then come out and be a pilot.  It’s many years long . They’re really the surgeons of the sea.

So when a ship’s pilot shows up, they’re going to be someone with a minimum of how many years training before they even get onto your ship?

Post: Many have 10-plus years before they are allowed to work on their own.

They have to be specialists in the place where they work, don’t they?

Post: Most of them are ship’s officers licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard, and they’re licensed for unlimited tonnage vessels. But that’s not the end of training. From there, they are hired into the pilot apprentice programs for the area in which they’re going to gain their pilot endorsement or credentials. One pilot may not be credentialed in another area. They spend many years under the guidance of senior pilots who teach them basically everything that they need to know about the local waterways, about the navigation, current tides, where all the berths are. They become absolute experts in how to do this. And then, when most of them end up taking the pilotage exam, they have to draw the charts that they would be using in the pilotage waters – from memory.

Are there legal requirements for ship pilots to be present both going out of and coming in these restricted areas?

Post: Yes, there are – state law, federal law or both.

This is an almost 1,000-foot-long vessel. Is that big, small or medium?

Post: That’s about standard size these days. Ship sizes have absolutely grown monstrous over the years. But 1,000 feet is just about normal.

Has ship piloting been around for a long time?

Post: It’s been around for almost as long as man has been using the sea for commerce. In the early years of sea travel, and even now, a captain is not going to know every port, so he would bring on a person with local knowledge. It started out a lot of times as local fishermen. In the U.S., the  Sandy Hook Pilots Association  has been piloting ships  in and out of New York Harbor for about 300 years .

Was what happened in Baltimore every captain, pilot and crew’s nightmare?

Post: Absolutely. My initial assumption is that I think it’s going to come down to an electrical fault on the ship that was just terrible timing.

This article originally appeared on The Conversation .

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What we know about the container ship that crashed into the Baltimore bridge

• The ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday was the Singapore-flagged Dali.
• The container ship had been chartered by Maersk, the Danish shipping company. 
• Two people were recovered from the water but six remain missing, authorities said.

A container ship crashed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing its collapse into the Patapsco River.

A livestream showed vehicles traveling on the Francis Scott Key Bridge just moments before the impact at 1:28 a.m. ET.

Baltimore first responders called the situation a "developing mass casualty event" and a "dire emergency," per The Associated Press.

James Wallace, chief of the Baltimore Fire Department, said in a press conference that two people had been recovered from the water.

One was uninjured, but the other was transported to a local trauma center in a "very serious condition."

Wallace said up to 20 people were thought to have fallen into the river and some six people were still missing.

Richard Worley, Baltimore's police chief, said there was "no indication" the collision was purposeful or an act of terrorism.

Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, declared a state of emergency around 6 a.m. ET. He said his office was in close communication with Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary.

"We are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration," Moore added.

Understanding why the bridge collapsed could have implications for safety, in both the shipping and civil engineering sectors.

The container ship is the Singapore-flagged Dali, which is about 984 feet long, and 157 feet wide, per a listing on VesselFinder.

An unclassified Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency report said that the ship "lost propulsion" as it was leaving port, ABC News reported.

The crew notified officials that they had lost control and warned of a possible collision, the report said, per the outlet.

The Dali's owner is listed as Grace Ocean, a Singapore-based firm, and its manager is listed as Synergy Marine, which is also headquartered in Singapore.

Shipping news outlet TradeWinds reported that Grace Ocean confirmed the Dali was involved in the collapse, but is still determining what caused the crash.

Related stories

Staff for Grace Ocean declined to comment on the collision when contacted by Business Insider.

"All crew members, including the two pilots have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution," Synergy Marine said in a statement.

The company did not respond to a request for further comment from BI.

'Horrified'

Maersk chartered the Dali, with a schedule for the ship on its website.

"We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected," the Danish shipping company said in a statement.

Maersk added: "We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed."

Per ship tracking data, the Dali left Baltimore on its way to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, at around 1 a.m., about half an hour before the crash.

The Port of Baltimore is thought to be the largest in the US for roll-on/roll-off ships carrying trucks and trailers.

Barbara Rossi, associate professor of engineering science at the University of Oxford, told BI the force of the impact on one of the bridge's supporting structures "must have been immense" to lead to the collapse.

Dr Salvatore Mercogliano, a shipping analyst and maritime historian at Campbell University, told BI: "It appears Dali left the channel while outbound. She would have been under the control of the ship's master with a Chesapeake Bay pilot onboard to advise the master.

"The deviation out of the channel is probably due to a mechanical issue as the ship had just departed the port, but you cannot rule out human error as that was the cause of the Ever Forward in 2022 just outside of Baltimore."

He was referring to the incident two years ago when the container ship became grounded for a month in Chesapeake Bay after loading up cargo at the Port of Baltimore.

The US Coast Guard found the incident was caused by pilot error, cellphone use, and "inadequate bridge resource management."

Claudia Norrgren, from the maritime research firm Veson Nautical, told BI: "The industry bodies who are here to protect against incidents like this, such as the vessel's flag state, classification society, and regulatory bodies, will step in and conduct a formal investigation into the incident. Until then, it'll be very hard for anyone to truly know what happened on board."

This may not have been the first time the Dali hit a structure.

In 2016, maritime blogs such as Shipwreck Log and ship-tracking site VesselFinder posted videos of what appears to be the stern of the same, blue-hulled container vessel scraping against a quay in Antwerp.

A representative for the Port of Antwerp told BI the Dali did collide with a quay there eight years ago but couldn't "give any information about the cause of the accident."

The Dali is listed as being built in 2015 by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

Watch: The shipwreck at the center of a battle between China and the Philippines

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Four Seasons Yachts Unveils Inaugural Itineraries to the Caribbean and Mediterranean and a First Look at its 95 Spectacular Suites

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Four Seasons , together with luxury yachting company Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd, Joint Owner/Operator, Four Seasons Yachts, and venerated Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, continues to chart a new course of luxury at sea. As momentum builds towards the inaugural season of Four Seasons Yachts , the first 10 unique voyages are unveiled, each inviting travellers to make the iconic islands and hidden gems of the Caribbean and Mediterranean their playground, with meticulously designed suites that guests will call home along the journey.

“We are excited to showcase the breathtaking destinations and world-class design awaiting guests aboard Four Seasons Yachts as we approach our inaugural season in 2026,” says Alejandro Reynal , President and Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons. “At Four Seasons, guest-centricity has always been the foundation of our luxury service offering and our exceptional Yacht will extend this approach to the seas. Our teams are dedicated to innovating and delivering genuine service, ensuring each journey is defined by comfort, elegance, and personalization, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality experiences at sea.”

A Journey Across Crystal Clear Caribbean Waters   and Magnificent Mediterranean Seas

In its debut year, Four Seasons Yachts will explore more than 130 distinct destinations across over 30 countries and territories. All itineraries are crafted with flexibility in mind, allowing guests to tailor their own adventure as they explore beyond the familiar. The team curating each itinerary understands the nuances of these locales, ensuring each experience is truly extraordinary. Enhancing itineraries are customizable with pre-and-post hotel and overland programs at beloved Four Seasons hotels and resorts.

The first Four Seasons Yacht, currently under construction in Ancona, Italy, will travel westbound as part of its repositioning and will welcome guests to set sail amid the serene turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea from January to March 2026. The first Caribbean itineraries feature seven nights of exploration through the most exciting yachting destinations including Saint Barthélemy (St Barths), Nevis, the Grenadines, St Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Curaçao and Aruba. Destination highlights include indulging in the dazzling nightlife of St Barths, discovering Martinique’s volcanic coral reefs and lush rainforest landscapes, a marina day in St Lucia’s Tobago Cays, and much more.

With more destinations and details to be unveiled in the coming months, the first  Grand Mediterranean  voyages will begin in March 2026 and will include sailings through Croatia, Gibraltar, Montenegro, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Türkiye. The Mediterranean itinerary will also highlight the Greek Isles , with stops in Athens, Ios, Santorini, Milos, and more. Guests will explore under-the-radar islands steeped in culture and history, offering a variety of experiences that go above and beyond the ordinary of Mediterranean sailings.

Bespoke Suite Designs Focused on Comfort, Connection and Care

In collaboration with Tillberg Design of Sweden and the Yacht’s Creative Director, Prosper Assouline, the Yacht’s suite design embodies the essence of intuitive luxury, each a sanctuary of tranquillity with panoramic views, elegant interiors, thoughtful details and a residential feel that creates the sense of a welcoming home at sea.

"Our goal was to craft an environment that feels both familiar and extraordinary, with warm hues and open designs. We are creating an inviting, welcoming environment that reflects the same feeling one experiences at a Four Seasons hotel or resort," says Fredrik Johannson, Partner and Executive Director of Tillberg Design of Sweden. “At the same time, we are designing a look and feel that is unique to this project, creating an elegant yet simple interior that stands out on its own, while blending beautifully with the majestic seas that will surround it.”

With 50% more living space per guest than currently available with any competitor at sea, all suites will offer floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing sweeping sea views, double vanity bathrooms with spacious showers and closets, expansive private terraces, and dynamic use of space and light.

The Yacht’s extensive network of adjoining suites will feature an innovative system that connects accommodations with modular walls, offering numerous options of vertical and horizontal combinations within the signature suites. This versatility will unlock more than 100 different connection options and the unique opportunity to reserve an entire side of a deck, perfect for those travelling with family, friends, or larger groups. For example, this one-of-a-kind design will allow for more than 13,000 square feet (1,200 square metres) of total living space.

A New Suite Standard: Funnel and Loft Suites

The largest accommodations are seven signature suites ranging from 2,981 to 9,975 square feet (277 to 927 square metres) of indoor and outdoor living space. They offer two to three bedrooms, separate living rooms, indoor and outdoor dining space, splash pools, outdoor showers, and the option to connect to additional suites.

The premier signature suite accommodations – the Funnel and Loft Suites – both feature three bedrooms, outdoor showers, and splash pools. The largest on board, the Funnel Suite, housed within the Yacht’s glass-enclosed funnel, is 9,975 square feet (927 square metres), spanning four levels of living space. The suite’s towering floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows, made up of the largest contiguous piece of glass at sea, is a one-of-a-kind engineering feat offering stunning 280-degree panoramic views. The Loft Suite is 7,952 square feet (739 square metres) and can accommodate large group sizes of up to 20 people by connecting with seven additional suites, the largest number of connecting suites available.

When exploring beyond the comforts of their stunning suites, guests can enjoy 11 dining options, spa and wellness offerings, a state-of-the-art transverse marina, and the stern pool, set to be one of the largest in the industry at nearly 19 metres long and 5 metres wide (65 feet long and 18 feet wide). Its unique hydraulic lift design will allow the pool deck to level out, creating an expansive outdoor space for weddings, celebrations and other events.

Four Seasons Yachts will redefine luxury at sea with its all-suite, residential style product, best in class design and the brand’s renowned service and care delivered through a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio.

For more information visit fourseasonsyachts.com and to express interest in a future sailing, please join the list .

About Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD

Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD was founded and conceived by luxury entrepreneur Nadim Ashi, who serves as executive chair of the newly formed yacht company. Ashi is the owner of Fort Partners and the visionary responsible for Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida and multiple other properties, including the future Four Seasons hotel in Rome. Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD is incorporated in Valletta, Malta and is responsible for yacht sales and marketing, marine, technical operations, navigation, deployment strategy, port operations, reservations, and related shoreside and vessel crewing.

About Fincantieri

Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, the only one active in all high-tech marine industry sectors. It is leader in the construction and transformation of cruise, naval and oil & gas and wind offshore vessels, as well as in the production of systems and component equipment, after-sales services and marine interiors solutions. Thanks to the expertise developed in the management of complex projects, the Group boasts first-class references in infrastructures, and is a reference player in digital technologies and cybersecurity, electronics and advanced systems.

With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, Fincantieri maintains its know-how, expertise and management centres in Italy, here employing 10,000 workers and creating around 90,000 jobs, which double worldwide thanks to a production network of 18 shipyards operating in four continents and with almost 21,000 employees.  www.fincantieri.com

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The Dali was just starting a 27-day voyage.

The ship had spent two days in Baltimore’s port before setting off.

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By Claire Moses and Jenny Gross

• Published March 26, 2024 Updated March 27, 2024

The Dali was less than 30 minutes into its planned 27-day journey when the ship ran into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday.

The ship, which was sailing under the Singaporean flag, was on its way to Sri Lanka and was supposed to arrive there on April 22, according to VesselFinder, a ship tracking website.

The Dali, which is nearly 1,000 feet long, left the Baltimore port around 1 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday. The ship had two pilots onboard, according to a statement by its owners, Grace Ocean Investment. There were 22 crew members on board, the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore said in a statement. There were no reports of any injuries, Grace Ocean said.

Before heading off on its voyage, the Dali had returned to the United States from Panama on March 19, harboring in New York. It then arrived on Saturday in Baltimore, where it spent two days in the port.

Maersk, the shipping giant, said in a statement on Tuesday that it had chartered the vessel, which was carrying Maersk cargo. No Maersk crew and personnel were onboard, the statement said, adding that the company was monitoring the investigations being carried out by the authorities and by Synergy Group, the company that was operating the vessel.

“We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected,” the Maersk statement said.

The Dali was built in 2015 by the South Korea-based Hyundai Heavy Industries. The following year, the ship was involved in a minor incident when it hit a stone wall at the port of Antwerp . The Dali sustained damage at the time, but no one was injured.

Claire Moses is a reporter for the Express desk in London. More about Claire Moses

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross