Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

On the rental day our team does a training where it will be explained:

  • How to drive a boat
  • How to anchor a boat
  • How to use the equipment of the boat
  • All the rules and procedures that are to be followed in order to guarantee the safety for you, your passengers and other boats
  • What is allowed and what is not allowed

Aboard our boats there is a map that will help navigate the coast and find interesting places that are worth visiting.

Our team is prepared to answer all of your questions.

Boat rentals with and without a license

WHY DO YOU HAVE TO PAY A DEPOSIT?

Even though our boats have a special insurance, this doesn’t cover some minor damages or the
loss/damage of the equipment (for example, the loss or damage of the Bimini anchor or loss of
life vests, etc). For that reason, you will be charged a deposit euros per boat.
In the case you return the boat with all the equipment in the same state that it was handed over,
the deposit will be returned in full.
In the case of damage we will take the quantity of the deposit necessary to cover the repairs.
The remaining quantity of deposit will be returned.

IS THE FUEL INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE RENT OF THE BOAT?

Fuel only is included in No License boats.
License boats the fuel is not included, the gas tank is to be full when handed over and also when returned.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO RENT A BOAT?

To rent a boat you need a valid identity document (Passport, ID or a driving license).

DO I NEED A LICENSE TO RENT A BOAT?

If you wish to rent one of our boats you do not need a license. The Spanish law allows sailing a boat up to 5 m of length with a motor of a maximum of 15 BHP without a license. However, there are rules that you have to comply. While you are sailing the boat, you have to go a minimum of 200 m from the shore but no more than 2 miles (3,2 km). In the circumstance a change in weather occurs or there are any problems, you can return.

If you wish to anchor the boat near the coast, you should sail at low velocity just like in the port or the canals of the Marina of Empuriabrava at a maximum of 3 knots per hour (5,5 km/h aprox.) and be careful. You need to watch out for people that are swimming, divers and other boats.

ARE THERE RULES TO FOLLOW WHEN SAILING A BOAT?

Yes, there are some that you have to comply to guarantee the safety of yourself, the passengers and other boats.  The rules are the following:

  1. Maximum speed in port -canals is 3 knots per hour (5,5 km/h). But it is highly recommended sailing as slowly as possible.
  2. Entering and exiting with the boat from and to the port always be on the right.
  3. Never sail more than 2 miles out from the shore.
  4. Don’t leave the boat unwatched.
  5. If you wish to anchor the boat, then you should make sure you do it where the water is deep around 5-9 m (never in high seas, close to rocks or on the sea plant posidonia). Anchor the boat where there is sand.
  6. Don’t sail or anchor the boat where it is a swimming zone. These zones are indicated
    by buoys.
  7. During the trip near the coast or in areas where other boats are anchored you should reduce your speed and watch out for people in the water, divers and ofcourse the other boats.
HOW TO RESERVE?

To make a reservation you can contact us by calling this phone number: 0034 646 806 306, emailing this adress: empuriabravaseaexplorer@gmail.com or visiting us in our shop located on Carmanço 126 Empuriabrava.

WHAT HAPPENS IF OUR PLANNED TRIP CANNOT OCCUR DUE TO THE BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS?

In the improbable circumstance, we will postpone the excursion to another more convenient day. If this is not possible, you will be returned your reserve price.

CAN WE BRING CHILDREN ABOARD?

All of our boats are prepared for children and we assure you that there will be life vests adequate for children aboard.

WHAT CAN WE DO DURING THE TRIP?

During the trip you can discover spectacular and incredible coves of the Costa Brava, furthermore, we provide basic snorkel equipment so that you can also discover what is beneath the water.

CAN WE BRING OUR OWN FOOD AND BEVERAGES ABOARD?

Our clients are allowed to bring their own food and drink aboard our boats only if the boat is
returned in the same conditions that it was handed over.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Navigation License

General Questions

What is the Navigation License and what types of boats is it valid for?

The Navigation License allows you to operate recreational boats up to 6 meters in length, without engine power limitations, exclusively during daylight hours and within a maximum distance of 2 nautical miles from the coast. It also applies to jet skis with no power restriction.

Formerly known as the “TitulĂ­n”, this certificate is no longer issued. The Navigation License expands the privileges granted by the TitulĂ­n.

IS THE FUEL INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE RENT OF THE BOAT?

No previous sailing experience is required to apply for this license.

Is there an exam required to obtain the Navigation License?

No exam is necessary. You only need to complete a training course consisting of 2 hours of theory and 4 hours of practical instruction.

How can I obtain the Navigation License?

You must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be at least 16 years old. Minors must provide signed parental consent.
  2. Pass a psychotechnical medical exam at an authorized driver’s medical center. The certificate can be submitted on the day of the course or earlier.
  3. Complete a 2-hour theoretical course at an approved nautical school.
  4. Complete a 4-hour practical session focusing on safety and navigation at the same school.
Can I sail a sailboat with this license?

Yes. This is the only recreational license in Spain that allows you to operate both motorboats and sailboats (within the authorized length) without the need for additional training.

Is the Navigation License valid outside Spain?

This depends on the country. In some European countries it may be accepted. We recommend checking with the maritime authorities of the country where you intend to navigate.

Questions About the Course

What will I learn during the training?

During the 2-hour theory class, you will learn about:

  1. Rules for navigation near marked and unmarked beaches, access channels, lateral marks (Region A), how to steer to avoid rolling and pitching, and the applicable rules from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) — specifically rules 4 to 8, 11 to 19, and 37.
  2. Basic use of a portable VHF radio: understanding channel 16, emergency communication procedures, routine communication, and how to contact Maritime Rescue (channel 16, numbers 112 and 900 202 202).

During the 4-hour practical session, you will cover:

  1. Safety checks before departure: handling safety equipment and inspecting key areas of the vessel.
  2. Engine operation: identifying components, starting the engine, and running checks.
  3. Knots and ropework: learning essential knots and rope handling.
  4. Docking and maneuvering: docking, undocking, safe navigation in port areas.
  5. Anchoring and route monitoring: anchoring procedures, avoiding risks to swimmers and divers.
  6. Safety maneuvers and emergency handling.
How long does the course last?

The full course takes 6 hours (2 theory + 4 practice). In most cases, the license can be issued the same day or the day after.

Where are the practical sessions held?

The practical training takes place in Empuriabrava, either in its canal system or at sea in the Bay of Roses. The sessions use an 8-meter semi-rigid boat with an outboard motor, and up to 11 participants per session.

Will I be able to steer the boat during the practical training?

Yes. During the 4-hour session, each participant will have the opportunity to take the helm, under the instructor’s supervision, including docking maneuvers and navigating outside the harbor.

License Processing

What documents do I need to obtain the license?

To register for the course, you must present:

  • A valid ID (DNI, NIE, or passport).
  • A psychotechnical medical certificate for a nautical license, similar to that required for a driver’s license (can be submitted after the course).
Is any medical certificate valid?

No. It must be issued by a Driver Recognition Center. You must indicate that it is for a nautical license.

How long does it take to receive the license?

If you provide your medical certificate on the course day, the license is usually ready by the next day.

I still have the old TitulĂ­n. How can I exchange it for the Navigation License?

On the day of the practical session, bring your TitulĂ­n (even if expired), a valid ID, and your nautical medical certificate.