The province of Málaga is a top destination for water enthusiasts, offering everything from paddle surfing and kayaking to snorkeling, scuba diving, boat tours, and yachting. To ensure a safer and more sustainable experience, Capitanía Marítima Málaga, the local maritime authority, is rolling out new regulations aimed at enhancing safety and reducing maritime pollution across these popular water activities.
These measures, aimed at protecting lives and preserving the coastal environment, will soon be in effect across Málaga’s beaches and surrounding waters. Francisco Hoya, the maritime captain of Málaga, explains in the newspaper SUR that the primary goal of these new regulations is to ensure maximum safety for all water users, while also focusing on the reduction of marine pollution. By keeping the waters clean and safe, Capitanía Marítima hopes to maintain a healthy and inviting environment for both locals and visitors.
New rules for boats and watercraft
Among the new regulations, the use of non-motorised boats—such as kayaks and paddle boards—will now be restricted to a distance of 50 to 200 metres from the shore. For private trips or maritime excursions with supervision, users will be allowed to venture as far as 400 metres from the coast. Additionally, boats with an engine under 3.5 kW will also be limited to a 400-metre distance offshore.
Clear distance boundaries for water motors
Water motors, including jet skis, will be strictly restricted to a distance of no more than one mile (1.6 km) from the shore. Surfboards and kite surfers will have an even stricter limit, with a maximum of 200 metres off the coast.
Regulations for self-propelled devices
Self-propelled recreational devices like flyboards will be restricted to half a mile from the coast. These devices may only be used during daylight hours and under safe weather conditions, including a visibility of at least one nautical mile.
Swimming guidelines
Open water swimming is allowed, but it must take place during daylight hours. It is prohibited in ports, launch channels, docks, and areas designated for other activities. Swimmers must avoid zones where other water activities take place.
Rules for jet skis
Jet skis will need to maintain a minimum distance of 100 metres from ships and other boats. They must be used no closer than 400 metres from the coast and must adhere to designated routes. For jet skis with power up to 11.26 kW and under 5 metres in length, rental without a license is prohibited if wind conditions exceed a force of 4 on the Beaufort scale, or if waves are higher than 0.5 metres. Jet skis can only be used when visibility exceeds 6 miles, and their speed must be limited to 7 knots.
Parasailing regulations
Parasailing will now be restricted to commercial operations only. The activity can only take place 400 metres from the coast, with a 500-metre buffer zone from boats, ships, and other potentially dangerous vessels. Additionally, parasailing must take place outside of the Málaga airport maritime zone to prevent conflicts with aircraft. Life jackets will be mandatory for all participants.
Age limits for water activities
Certain activities like banana boats and parasailing are now restricted to participants over the age of 16, provided they wear a helmet and life jacket. Children aged 12 to 16 may take part with parental consent, but must also wear the necessary safety gear.
Delimitations and safety zones
Water activities such as surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing will be confined to clearly marked areas, each at least 300 metres wide. These areas will be off-limits for swimming, ensuring that water activities are not disrupted. Rescue teams and first aid services will be on hand in these zones to guarantee quick response times in case of emergencies.
No more cave adventures
Motorised watercraft will no longer be permitted in caves, eliminating a risky activity that has posed safety concerns in the past.
Wind and wave regulations
When winds exceed level 3 on the Beaufort scale or when waves rise above 0.25 metres, the new regulations will prohibit watercraft use. However, in all conditions, users are urged to exercise extra caution and maintain a 50-metre distance from potential hazards.
Also read: Water sports in Spain: a regional guide