Boat rental without license – B452 ‘Doris’ (4p) – Can Pastilla

From Can Pastilla, you can take a small motorboat out into Palma Bay without holding a nautical licence. The Doris is rented to your group of up to four, so you set the pace, choose where to go, and can stop to swim or snorkel if conditions and your route allow.

I like two things in particular: the operator gives you a briefing and a map before you leave, and four hours offers time to get out on the water without committing to a full day. The main consideration is that the advertised price is not the whole cost: fuel, cleaning, and a €500 deposit are extra, and one account describes a serious dispute after an engine problem.

At a glance

• A boat for four: The B452 Doris is a private rental for up to four people.
• No nautical licence required: You receive operating and safety instructions before departure.
• Can Pastilla departure: Boarding is at pontoon F, at the CMSAP Maritime Club, Carrer de Virgili, 36.
• Four hours on the water: The rental is approximately four hours, with a longer eight-hour fuel rate also stated.
• Extra charges apply: Fuel is €20 for four hours, cleaning is €20 per day, and the damage deposit is €500.
• Plan around conditions: Poor weather can lead to a new date or full refund, but other cancellations and changes are non-refundable.

Setting off from Can Pastilla

Your starting point is the port of Can Pastilla, at pontoon F, by the CMSAP Maritime Club on Carrer de Virgili, 36. The location puts you at the edge of Palma Bay, the stretch of coast this outing is designed to explore. The meeting point is specific, which helps, but allow time to find the club and the right pontoon before your rental begins.

The boat is described as easy to operate, including for first-time drivers. Before departure, the operator gives instructions on how to handle it and where the safety equipment is kept. You also receive a map showing where to go. That guidance matters: a licence-free rental still puts you in charge of the boat, your group, and your decisions on the water.

The listed itinerary gives the maritime club as the stop, which is the embarkation point, not a series of scheduled shore stops. Once you leave, you have flexibility to explore the bay’s coves, beaches, caves, and cliffs. The exact route and time at each spot are up to you, so think of this as a self-directed outing rather than a guided coastal tour.

What four hours can give you

Four hours is a useful middle ground. It gives you time to get beyond the harbour, look for a suitable place to anchor, and enjoy a swim or snorkel without giving up the whole day. One renter found four hours enough for a birthday outing, while another chose a six-hour rental and stopped in a sandy bay for lunch and snorkelling.

Those examples give you a sense of how the boat can be used, not a promise that any particular bay or activity is guaranteed. You’ll need to choose your stops based on the map, conditions, and the operator’s instructions. A relaxed plan is more sensible than trying to cover every cove and cliff in the bay in one go.

The boat is described as comfortable and in good condition by several people who rented it. They also found its speed adequate for their outing. That is a helpful expectation to set: this is a small rental boat for exploring, swimming, and spending time together, not a high-speed ride.

Learning to handle the Doris

The briefing is one of the most important parts of the experience. You are shown how to operate the boat and where safety equipment is stored, and you get a map for your route. If you have never driven a boat, pay close attention and ask questions before casting off. The fact that no nautical licence is required does not mean no care is needed.

Keep your group balanced and avoid abrupt manoeuvres. The operator has disputed an account of an engine failure, saying that sharp turns with everyone on one side caused water to come aboard and damaged the engine. Those details are contested, but the practical lesson is clear: follow the instructions, keep people sensibly spread out, and handle the boat smoothly.

There is also a more serious account of an engine breaking down, water entering the boat, and belongings getting wet. The operator says help arrived in under 15 minutes and gives a different explanation of what caused the incident. The two accounts conflict, so I would not treat either description as a settled account of what happened. Still, the incident is worth considering. Keep phones and other valuables protected from water, listen carefully to the emergency instructions, and make sure you know what number to call before leaving the harbour.

What the rental costs, beyond the headline price

The listed price is $232.29 per group of up to four for about four hours. Divided among four people, that is roughly $58 per person before extra charges. For a private boat outing, the group price can make sense if you want control of your own schedule and a place to swim or have lunch. For a couple or a smaller group, the per-person cost rises, so compare it with other ways you might spend time on the bay.

Fuel is not included. The stated charge is €20 for four hours or €30 for eight hours. Cleaning is also separate at €20 per day. These amounts are in euros, while the rental price is listed in dollars, so check the total and payment details before you go rather than assuming the headline figure covers everything.

You also need to provide a €500 damage deposit. One renter says it was held as a payment and returned promptly after the boat came back without damage. That is useful context, but it does not spell out the exact payment method or return timing for every rental. Treat the deposit as money you need to have available, and clarify how it is handled before departure.

The rental includes insurance with a franchise. That wording means you should ask the operator what the excess or deductible is, what the insurance covers, and what could lead to a charge against your deposit. Those details are not specified here, and they matter when you are taking responsibility for a boat.

Choosing stops around Palma Bay

The appeal is the freedom to explore coastal scenery at your own pace. The experience is presented as a chance to visit coves, beaches, caves, and cliffs around Palma Bay. Since no fixed route or named stops are specified, use the map and briefing to shape a realistic plan rather than setting your heart on a particular spot.

If you want to swim or snorkel, plan to stop somewhere suitable and anchor only as instructed. One outing included lunch on board and snorkelling after anchoring in a sandy bay. That shows how a boat rental can turn into an unhurried day on the water, but conditions and access can vary. Bring what you need for your own outing, and keep belongings protected in case water comes aboard.

There is no guide accompanying you on the route. That is the trade-off for having the boat to yourselves: more independence, but less interpretation and no one else choosing the day’s plan. If you enjoy making your own decisions and are comfortable listening carefully to a safety briefing, that freedom is a real part of the value. If you would rather have someone else steer and plan, a guided trip may suit you better.

Who should book this boat

The Doris makes most sense for a group of friends or a family of up to four who want a private half-day on the water. It can suit a birthday outing, a swim-and-snorkel plan, or a relaxed change from spending the day on shore. The ability to drive without a nautical licence opens the experience to people who would otherwise need to book a crewed boat.

You should be comfortable following instructions and taking responsibility for the boat. If your group expects to take sharp turns, move around carelessly, or drink enough to affect judgement, this is not a good fit. The operator’s account of the disputed breakdown specifically warns against abrupt turns and having everyone crowd onto one side. Keep the outing sensible, and treat the boat as a vehicle, not a toy.

The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, except that poor weather cancellations come with the option of another date or a full refund. Confirmation is normally received at booking; if you book within seven days of travel, confirmation may take up to 48 hours and depends on availability. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity is listed as suitable for most people.

Should you book the Doris?

Book it if you want a private, self-directed outing, can work within the extra costs, and are happy to follow a careful safety briefing. The strongest practical advantages are the licence-free access, the pre-departure instructions and map, and the freedom to decide how to use your four hours. For a group of four, the price may be reasonable for a private boat day.

Think twice if you need a guaranteed route, a guide, or a fully inclusive price. The €500 deposit is substantial, insurance details need clarifying, and a serious engine incident has been described, with the cause disputed by the operator. Ask about the insurance franchise, emergency contact procedure, and deposit handling before you pay. If those answers satisfy you and the weather looks good, this can be a straightforward way to see Palma Bay from the water on your own terms.

FAQ

Do I need a nautical licence to rent the Doris?

No. The boat is offered without a nautical licence, and the operator provides instructions before departure.

How many people can go on the boat?

The rental is for a group of up to four people.

Where do I meet the operator?

Boarding is at pontoon F at the CMSAP Maritime Club, Carrer de Virgili, 36, in Can Pastilla.

How long is the rental?

The rental lasts approximately four hours.

Is fuel included in the rental price?

No. Fuel is listed at €20 for four hours or €30 for eight hours.

Is there a deposit?

Yes. A €500 deposit is required.

What happens if poor weather cancels the experience?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. A poor-weather cancellation is handled separately, with a new date or full refund offered.