More boats, skippers, tourism: Spain's boating sector enjoys a buoyant summer

The Barcelona International Boat Show returns in october to drive the sector forward © Fira de Barcelona

This summer, boating is proving to be one of the major attractions of holidays along Spain's coastline.

More people than ever are choosing the sea for their holidays, a trend reflected in an 11% rise in new boat registrations, growing demand for skipper qualifications and the continued strength of the country's marine tourism sector, which now generates an economic impact of more than €6.2 billion.

Following a challenging 2025, when 4,992 new vessel registrations were recorded, down just a 0.9% compared with 2024, according to the Spanish National Association of Marine Industry Companies (ANEN), the Spanish boating sector has made a strong start to 2026 with a total of 3,105 new recreational craft registrations during the first part of the year, representing an 11.2% increase over the same period in 2025 and confirming the market's steady growth.

Boating continues to establish itself as one of the fastest-growing leisure activities, particularly during the summer holiday season. In 2025, more than 5.7 million boating-related trips were taken in Spain, generating an economic impact of €6.2 billion — 15% higher than in 2024 — according to the Sports Statistics Yearbook published by the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports.

Domestic travellers accounted for nearly 80% of both trips and total expenditure. However, international visitors were the main driver of growth. The number of boating trips by overseas tourists increased by 45%, surpassing one million journeys along the Spanish coast and generating more than €1.6 billion in economic activity.

At the same time, the sea is attracting new audiences. Increasing numbers of Spaniards are taking an interest in boating with the aim of piloting their own vessels. In 2025 alone, more than 57,000 skipper licences and qualifications were issued, highlighting the continued appeal of recreational and leisure boating across the country.

Spain also provides the ideal setting for this positive momentum. With over 7,900 kilometres of coastline, a network of 375 marinas and over 134,700 berths, the country offers world-class infrastructure which, combined with its outstanding natural scenery, makes access to the sea easier and expands opportunities for enjoying a different kind of summer.

In this regard, the President of the Barcelona International Boat Show, Luis Conde, said: "Boating is a major driver of economic activity in Spain, a country that has all the ingredients needed to become a global benchmark for the industry. Now is the time to maximise its opportunities, encourage new experiences, attract new audiences and move towards a more sustainable boating sector that protects the sea on which it depends."

Barcelona International Boat Show, boats and destinations

To this end, the Barcelona International Boat Show, organised by Fira de Barcelona in collaboration with ANEN, will take place from 14 to 18 October, further strengthening its role as a catalyst for commercial activity across the sector and as a driving force behind this growing trend.

The leading event for the boating industry in Spain and a recognised benchmark across Europe will feature more than 200 exhibitors representing the sector's leading brands. It will showcase the latest innovations in vessels of all sizes and introduce new areas where visitors can discover destinations and marinas from across Spain, as well as the latest leisure and watersports experiences.