Do you need a licence to ride a jet ski?
It depends on the type of activity.
To use a jet ski privately or through a full-day rental, you normally need a valid nautical qualification that allows you to operate it.
However, users do not need a licence when taking part in certain hourly rental activities, such as authorised circuits or organised group excursions carried out under the applicable regulations.
So the right question is not simply whether a jet ski “needs a licence”, but what type of activity you are planning to do.
Licence-free experiences at Aqua Rides Club
Aqua Rides Club experiences are organised as hourly rental activities and are carried out under the relevant operational and safety conditions.
Before confirming your booking, our team will explain:
- Which type of activity you will do.
- Whether a licence is required.
- Which documents you need to bring.
- The specific rules for the outing.
- The instructions you must follow while riding.
If you book an experience advertised as licence-free, you do not need to have obtained a nautical qualification beforehand.
When is a qualification required?
A qualification is required, among other situations, when using a jet ski privately or renting one by the day with the autonomy associated with that type of rental.
Spanish recreational boating qualifications and a navigation licence may allow the holder to operate a jet ski within their permitted conditions of use.
If you already hold a Spanish or foreign qualification, tell us before booking so that our team can check whether it is valid for your chosen activity.
What is the minimum age?
The general minimum age for riding a jet ski is 18.
People aged 16 or 17 may also ride if they have valid consent from a parent or legal guardian.
The authorisation must be in writing and accompanied by a copy of the identity document or passport of the person giving consent.
The minor must be able to present that authorisation during the activity.
Can two people ride the same jet ski?
Yes. Each jet ski can carry up to two people, within the capacity and limits set by the manufacturer.
The displayed price is per jet ski, not per person.
Whether riders can swap drivers during the activity depends on the booked option, sea conditions and the team’s instructions.
Do you need previous experience?
No previous experience is required for an activity designed for beginners.
Before departure, a safety briefing explains:
- How to accelerate and slow down.
- How to stop the jet ski.
- How to maintain a safe distance.
- Which formation the group must follow.
- How to respond to the instructor’s signals.
- What to do if an incident occurs.
You must follow these instructions even if you have ridden a jet ski before.
What documents should you bring?
Always bring a valid identity document.
You may also need:
- Your booking confirmation.
- Written authorisation for riders under 18.
- A copy of the parent or guardian’s identity document.
- A nautical qualification when required by the booked activity.
Our team will confirm the exact requirements before departure.
What happens if conditions are unsafe?
The activity depends on sea conditions, wind and the applicable safety instructions.
If Aqua Rides Club determines that the outing cannot be carried out safely, the alternative set out in the booking terms will apply, such as changing the date or issuing the corresponding refund.
Quick summary
- Private use or full-day rental: qualification normally required.
- Authorised circuits and organised group excursions: may be available without a licence.
- General minimum age: 18.
- From age 16: with valid parental or guardian authorisation.
- Identity document: required.
- Safety briefing and team instructions: mandatory.
Read our frequently asked questions or explore our jet ski experiences in Roses.