The Balearic Islands’ nautical sector has begun 2026 on a positive note, recording growth in recreational boat registrations at a time when the wider Spanish market continues to decline.
According to the monthly report published by ANEN, based on data from Spain’s Directorate General of the Merchant Marine, 31 recreational boats were registered in the Balearic Islands in January 2026, representing an increase of 34.8% compared to the same month last year, when 23 registrations were recorded.
This positive performance contrasts sharply with the national trend. Across Spain, 176 recreational boats were registered in January, marking a year-on-year decrease of 8.8%.
Balearic Islands lead national registrations
Despite the overall slowdown in the Spanish market, the Balearic Islands accounted for the highest volume of registrations nationwide, representing 17.6% of total registrations. This places the region ahead of Murcia (9.7%) and Barcelona (8%), reinforcing its importance as a key hub for nautical activity in Spain.
Charter market remains under pressure
The report also highlights continued challenges in the nautical charter sector. At a national level, the year began with 37 charter registrations, down 27.5% compared to January 2025. Charter registrations represented 21% of total registrations, compared to 26.4% in the same period last year, indicating that recovery in the charter market has yet to fully consolidate at the start of the year.
Market still below post-pandemic peaks
ANEN notes that the more moderate pace of decline in January reflects a less pronounced contraction across several market segments. However, the market remains below the levels recorded in recent years, when the nautical sector experienced record activity following the pandemic, driven by increased demand, changes in leisure habits and a shift toward safer alternatives to traditional tourism.
A positive signal amid a national slowdown
The Balearic Islands’ performance in January places the region back in positive territory after several months of decline, standing out within a national context that continues to trend downward in both the general recreational boating market and the charter sector.
