The Balearics recorded a total of 138 recreational boat registrations in the first quarter of this year and accounts for the highest volume in the domestic market, which recorded a total of 970 registrations during the first quarter of 2026, representing an increase of 15.3% compared to the same period last year, according to data from the National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN) based on records from the Directorate-General for the Merchant Navy.
The sector highlights the strong momentum seen in March, which, with 502 registrations, achieved year-on-year growth of 36.8%, marking the best figure for this month in the last three years. In the January–March period, the segment up to 6 metres accounted for 638 registrations (65.8% market share) and recorded growth of 8.3%. This is followed by vessels between 6 and 8 metres in length, with 174 units registered (+20.8%), and the 8 to 12-metre segment with 92 registrations (+21%).
Growth accelerates for vessels over 12 metres in length, with the 12–16 metre segment registering 38 vessels (+58.3%); and vessels over 16 metres recorded their best quarter since 2024, with 28 units registered and an increase in market share of nearly 2 percentage points (2.9% market share). In terms of vessel type, motorboats accounted for 471 registrations (+29%), followed by jet skis with 208 registrations (stable compared to 2025). Meanwhile, sailing saw a significant upturn of 37% with 48 units.
The charter market has returned to positive growth after recording 288 quarterly registrations, 15.7% more than in the previous year, although still below the levels reached in 2024. In March, charter registrations reached 170, a year-on-year increase of 37.1%, consolidating the positive trend for the month across the market as a whole.
Geographically, the Balearic islands remain the region with the highest level of nautical activity in the country with 138 registrations, followed by Murcia (124), Barcelona (92) and Alicante (73).
In the rental market, the Balearics lead the way (69), with Murcia and Barcelona close behind (31 each), and Alicante and Girona as the main additional hubs (23 each).
ANEN’s Director General, Jordi Carrasco, has described these figures as a “gradual recovery” and a sign of “vitality” ahead of the summer season, although he has urged close monitoring of demand trends over the coming months.