Uber is launching boats in Spain this summer and these are the first holiday hotspots included 

Uber is going another step ahead and expanding further than taxis and food deliveries in Spain by launching boat rentals in a brand new partnership with Click&Boat. Customers will now be able to book leisure boats in major Spanish destinations including Ibiza, Mallorca, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Alicante and Tenerife from June 2026.

Demand for charter boats rises sharply in the summer in some of the busiest tourist spots like the Balearics and Costa del sol and  Uber say the partnership will help simplify boat bookings for travellers, with the vessels themselves still being operated by local charter companies through Click&Boat.

What exactly is “Uber boats”

Uber and Click&Boat announced their collaboration earlier this month. The new feature, known as “Uber Boats”, will begin rolling out from June 2026 in Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Croatia. In Spain, launch areas in the plans to be included are Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Alicante and Tenerife.

It won’t be the same hailing boats in the same way we book taxis, instead, users browse available vessels through Uber-linked booking systems before completing reservations through Click&Boat’s charter platform, people will now be able to search available boats through a network of more than 50,000 vessels across Europe. 

Industry reports say the Spanish launch will focus mainly on skippered day charters, sightseeing trips and leisure experiences rather than self-drive yacht rentals.

Most boats will need to be booked in advance, particularly during peak summer weeks in Ibiza and Mallorca.

Ibiza is predicted to become one of the busiest locations for the service, with local reports stating more than 1,100 boats across three different ports in the island could be included during the first phase.

Locally what does this mean for boat users

The launch could make boat rentals far easier and more accessible to those who may never have previously used a charter company.

The Costa del Sol, Ibiza and Mallorca already have huge demand for short luxury cruises, dolphin-watching trips and private day charters, especially in July and August. 

The boats themselves will continue to be operated by licensed local businesses and not Uber directly. Industry analysts say the partnership could help smaller Spanish charter operators reach more international visitors, particularly British, German and American tourists already familiar with the Uber app.

Can tourists just rent boats without a licence in Spain?

In some parts of Spain, yes, tourists can legally rent small boats without a boating licence, but should be aware strict limits apply.

Licence-free rentals are usually restricted to smaller vessels with engine and distance limitations. Larger motorboats, luxury yachts and higher-powered vessels usually require either a skipper or recognised boating certification.

Many of the boats expected on the Uber platform in Spain are likely to include skippers as part of the booking package.

What is going to happen next and what you should do before booking

If you plan to use Uber Boats in Spain this summer – 

• Check whether the booking includes a skipper.
• Confirm insurance coverage and fuel costs.
• Verify departure ports before paying.
• Book early for Ibiza, Mallorca and Marbella during peak season.
• Review cancellation policies carefully.

Prices will vary depending on destination, season and boat size, with Ibiza expected to remain one of Spain’s most expensive charter markets.

Uber has not yet confirmed whether the service will expand into additional Spanish coastal towns later in 2026, but tourism analysts expect demand to grow quickly if the initial rollout proves successful.

More details on booking features, pricing and supported destinations are expected closer to the official launch in June.