Theory and practical modules for Spanish recreational licences, with tier options for LN, PER, and yachtmaster blocks. Instruction is on school yachts from Donostia marina with some tidal work at Hondarribia where required.
You receive a schedule of classroom hours, self-study, and sea days for your tier. LN covers legal limits, pilotage, and safety; PER adds coastal navigation and longer passages; advanced modules need prior tickets and sea time.
Practical days start at the marina with syllabus manoeuvres: berthing, springs, MOB, reefing, and engine drills. Training yachts match those used for charter and exams. Some theory may be intensive or online where allowed; PER tidal work can include Hondarribia. English is often used on the water; exam forms may be Spanish.
Between modules you receive feedback on manoeuvres and study tasks for exams where your tier requires them. We align sea days with classroom hours so you arrive at the test window with the logged time and paperwork the Spanish authority expects.
Theory and practical modules are based at Donostia-San Sebastián marina, with sea time in La Concha and nearshore channels suited to training traffic.
PER tidal work may move to Hondarribia marina when the syllabus needs estuary practice. Classroom and pontoon start times are on the schedule we issue for your tier.
Requirements depend on tier: LN for beginners; PER needs prior study and authority medical standards; yachtmaster blocks need existing certificates and logged time.
Attend scheduled sea and theory hours to qualify for exams. Non-slip deck shoes required on practical days.
Licence pathways from basic navigation through PER and yachtmaster blocks combine classroom study with homologated motor, sail, and radio practice on the yachts used for charter and exams.
More than fifteen years issuing Spanish recreational tickets means instructors can guide you through classroom, on-board, or blended formats while keeping pilotage and tidal work tied to the Cantabrian coast you will sail.
Primary meeting point is Donostia-San Sebastián marina at La Concha. Plan to arrive about fifteen minutes before departure for briefing.
Some sailings also start from Hondarribia marina on the Bidasoa estuary. We confirm which marina applies when we accept your date.
LN suits beginners who want legal limits for small craft. PER is the standard Spanish recreational skipper qualification. Yachtmaster modules are for advanced coastal and offshore tickets.
If you are unsure, message us with your existing certificates and we will point you to the correct tier before you pay.
Most trips meet at Donostia-San Sebastián marina below La Concha. We confirm the pier and check-in time when we accept your date, usually about fifteen minutes before departure.
Some sailings leave from Hondarribia marina on the Bidasoa. If your tier lists both ports, message on Adventuro chat to confirm which marina applies.
You pick a date and party size on Adventuro. We check crew, tides, and existing sailings before accepting. Payment runs through Adventuro once the request is approved.
If we cannot match your date, we suggest alternatives by chat or email. The total shown on Adventuro is confirmed when we accept your request.
Lifejackets are issued at the pontoon and must be worn as directed. The skipper or instructor covers man-overboard steps, moving on deck, and how to use grab lines before leaving the berth.
The yacht carries standard coastal safety equipment for the activity. Tell us about mobility needs when you book so we can advise on boarding.
Wear non-slip shoes, warm layers, and a windproof jacket. Sun cream and sunglasses with a retainer are useful even on cloudy days.
Bring a refillable water bottle. Pack a light waterproof if you have one. Hard-soled heels and open flip-flops are not suitable on deck.
Sailing needs suitable wind and sea state. If we cancel for safety, we offer another date or follow the Flexible cancellation terms inherited from the centre preset.
Light wind days may mean a shorter route or more motor assistance. The skipper decides on the day; we do not push beyond safe limits for the vessel and group.
Most licence modules start from age 16, when you can sign the training paperwork and meet the medical standards the Spanish authority sets for recreational tickets. Younger students may be considered only for specific introductory blocks if we agree it in writing after reviewing your goals and any school requirements.
If you are booking for a teenager or you are unsure which tier matches your age and sea experience, message us on Adventuro chat with your date of birth and any certificates you already hold. We will confirm the right pathway and whether a guardian needs to attend the first classroom session.
Transport to the marina is not included. Donostia has bus links and taxis to the port; parking near the waterfront can be limited in peak season.
Hondarribia marina is served by local buses from Irun and Hendaye area. Allow extra time for luggage if you are joining a multi-day cruise.
Briefings are given in Spanish and English in most sessions. If you need another language, ask when you request the date and we will confirm if an instructor is available.
Licence courses may use Spanish syllabus terms for exams even when teaching in English. We outline what materials you need before the first practical day.
La Concha and nearshore legs are often calmer than offshore passages. If you are sensitive, eat lightly, stay hydrated, and look at the horizon.
Tell the crew early if you feel unwell. They can adjust seating and route within safe limits. Medication is a personal choice; we cannot provide it on board.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
About the centre
Donostia-San Sebastián
For more than fifteen years we have taught sailing and skippered yachts on the Cantabrian coast from Donostia-San Sebastián and Hondarribia. Whether you want a gentle first trip out of La Concha bay or a longer cruise along the Basque shoreline, our skippers and instructors focus on safety, clear briefings, and time on the water that suits your group.
We run a nautical school alongside bareboat and skippered charter, so the same team can help you book a family day sail, train for Spanish recreational licences, or plan a weekend or week aboard. Our fleet ranges from easy day boats to larger yachts for private groups, and we welcome children on suitable trips when conditions allow.
Operated by Navegavela, a partner of adventuro.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £225
