As of today, 23 July 2025, the authorisation allowing private recreational boat owners (registered under List Seven) to rent out their vessels for a maximum of three months per year comes into effect. This measure is part of the new Maritime Navigation Management Regulation (RONM), approved by the Spanish Government and published in the Official State Gazette. However, new permits cannot be processed until 15 August, when the regulation becomes fully operational.

Llauts

Until now, tourist rentals were exclusively limited to commercial-use vessels (List Six), so this change represents a significant expansion of the nautical offer by allowing private boats to operate commercially for a limited period each year.

Firm opposition from the Govern and the local nautical sector

The Govern of the Balearic Islands has expressed its strong opposition to this measure, arguing that it threatens the sustainability of the Balearic coastline, increases pressure on already saturated coastal areas, and paves the way for new speculative activities. The regional executive has announced it is exploring all available legal and administrative options to prevent the effective implementation of the regulation within the autonomous community.

It has also stated that it will not authorise this activity in the ports under its direct management, in line with its coastal policy model: “orderly, safe, sustainable, and compatible with environmental conservation and public use of the maritime-terrestrial domain,” according to sources from the regional government. “Each region has its own specific circumstances that must be considered. The pressure on the Balearic coastline is not comparable to that of other mainland territories,” they add.

The position of the Balearic Government is backed by the local nautical sector. The Balearic Charter Companies Association (AECIB) and the Balearic Yacht Clubs Association (ACNB) have also voiced concern about the measure’s impact and oppose allowing private boat rentals for tourism without a regulatory framework tailored to the region’s characteristics.