The Balearic Islands led recreational boat registrations in Spain in 2025, despite a decline compared to 2024

The Balearic Islands maintained their prominence in 2025 as Spain’s leading market for recreational boat registrations, despite recording a year-on-year decline in activity, according to the market report prepared by ANEN using data from the Directorate General of the Merchant Marine.

Specifically, the archipelago recorded a total of 664 recreational boat registrations last year, consolidating its position as the province with the highest number of registrations nationwide, ahead of Barcelona (564) and Murcia (491), which ranked second and third respectively.

While these figures confirm the strength of the Balearic nautical sector compared to other regions, the trend reflects a 19.9% decline compared to the same period in 2024 — a pattern repeated across much of the Spanish market. Nationwide, registrations up to September totaled 4,992 units, representing a 0.9% decrease year on year. The market showed weaker performance up to May, followed by a gradual recovery in the final quarter, allowing the year to close with a stabilizing trend.

ANEN’s Director General, Jordi Carrasco, noted that “2025 has been a year of adjustment and consolidation for the nautical sector, following the strong growth seen in previous years. The positive evolution in the final quarter, particularly in smaller-length vessels, confirms that recreational boating maintains a solid demand base and a remarkable ability to adapt to a more challenging economic environment.”

The nautical charter segment has also followed the general downward trend, with a significant reduction in accumulated registrations. However, the Balearic Islands continue to lead this subsector within the Spanish market.

At national level, the boat rental market recorded 1,418 registrations, representing a 19.3% decline, reflecting a sharper adjustment after the strong growth experienced in previous years. The Balearic Islands registered 321 charter boat registrations, leading the market nationwide and accounting for nearly one quarter of total national charter activity, despite a 23.2% decrease. Barcelona followed with 194 registered units, and Alicante with 171.