Lately, the weather has been getting better and better, and the color of the Mediterranean is simply breathtaking! Several of my friends have been talking about learning to sail and getting a boating license to rent a boat and go out on the sea. It’s a fantastic idea, so I’ve done some research myself and found that Spain has quite a few reliable sailing schools, especially those that cater to international students with instruction in English. I’ve put together a list here as a reference for anyone else with the same idea.
Unlike in some other countries, the certification system from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is more prevalent here in Europe. This certificate is highly recognized worldwide, making it the ’international driver’s license’ of the sailing world. Therefore, when choosing a school, I personally lean towards finding an officially certified RYA training center. This ensures the training is standardized and the certificate holds a lot of weight.
Recommended Popular Sailing Schools
I’ve mainly focused on Barcelona and the island regions, as they are the most popular destinations with the best scenery. The following schools are ones I’ve come across on various international forums and the official RYA website, and they all have excellent reputations:
1. Barcelona Watersports
- Location: Barcelona
- Features: This school is located right next to Port Vell in Barcelona, making its location super convenient. They offer a full range of RYA courses, from beginner to advanced levels. I’ve read in reviews that their instructor team is very international and experienced, and they use small class sizes to ensure every student receives ample guidance. For those living in Barcelona city, this is definitely a top choice.
2. Palmadog Marine Services
- Location: Palma, Mallorca
- Features: Mallorca is a world-class sailing destination, so the Spanish sailing schools here are naturally top-tier. Palmadog is a very well-established and renowned RYA training center on the island. In addition to sailing courses, they also offer powerboat courses. If your goal is to become a professional skipper or you want to learn in the most beautiful surroundings, you should definitely consider this place. The only downside might be that you have to fly to the island specifically for the training.
3. Aigua Sea School
- Location: Barcelona & Palma
- Features: This school has bases in both Barcelona and Palma, giving students more options. Their course schedule is very flexible, offering intensive 5-day courses as well as programs spread over several weekends, which is great for those of us who work or study. Their website is comprehensive, with transparent pricing and direct online booking.
To make comparison easier, I’ve created a simple table with information on the basic RYA introductory course. The prices are approximate; you should check the official websites for exact figures.
| School Name | Main Location(s) | RYA Day Skipper Course |
|---|
| Barcelona Watersports | Barcelona | €700 - €900 |
| Palmadog Marine Services | Mallorca | €750 - €950 |
| Aigua Sea School | Barcelona/Mallorca | €700 - €900 |
In summary, learning to sail in Spain is a fantastic experience! You not only get a new skill but also get to enjoy incredible sea views. I might personally start by ‘testing the waters’ with an introductory course in Barcelona, and if I fall in love with it, I’ll head to Mallorca for advanced training. Is there anyone on the forum who has already gotten their license? Please share your experiences! Let’s discuss it together!
