Boat hire on the Mar Menor

The Mar Menor is a 170 km² saltwater lagoon separated from the Mediterranean by La Manga, with flat water, no waves, bottoms of 3 to 7 metres and several islands in the middle, which makes it the best place in Spain to take a boat out with no experience. Rental is done from its harbours, each with its own page: San Pedro del Pinatar and Lo Pagán, with 17 companies, the biggest choice; San Javier and Santiago de la Ribera, with 5; Los Alcázares; and La Manga, with harbours on both sides. Cabo de Palos, on the Mediterranean, adds 4 with sailing boats.

The season runs from April to October, with companies open all year thanks to the climate. You sail in any wind; the passage to the Mediterranean is through the golas of La Manga, with little depth. Scheduled boat trips run round the lagoon and to the islands for those who would rather not charter.

Indicative high-season prices from the directory's reference table, reviewed September 2026: a no-licence motorboat costs €120–250 a day; a RIB of 6–8 m, €250–650; a 10–12 m sailing yacht, €400–900 bareboat or €600–1,500 skippered; a catamaran, €1,000–2,500; a skippered motor yacht, from €900. Expect 20–40% less outside July and August. Deposits run from €300 to €2,000 and fuel is extra. Each company sets its own prices.