No-licence boat in the Santa Margarita canals
Sail the Santa Margarita canals without a licence from Roses. Calm waters, waterfront houses and the most authentic Costa Brava.
Check availabilityThe perfect start for your first time
If you are looking for a no-licence boat rental in Roses, the Santa Margarita canals are the perfect setting for anyone renting a boat for the first time. Calm waters, no swell, no currents and a landscape you wouldn't expect to find on the Costa Brava: houses with private moorings, low stone bridges and a stillness that contrasts with the open sea. At Experience Boat we set off from here — and for first-timers, it's the best possible start.
Why the canals are ideal for sailing without a licence
Safe, traffic-free sailing
The inland waterways are narrow, sheltered and with very limited boat traffic. No swell, no currents and low speed limits. It's the ideal setting to gain confidence with the boat before heading out to sea.
The best way to start
When you rent a no-licence boat for the first time, the main worry is always the same: will I be able to handle it? The Santa Margarita canals remove that uncertainty from the very first minute.
A landscape that stands on its own
What's more, the journey through the canals already makes the trip worthwhile on its own. You don't need to reach Cap de Creus for a memorable experience — the canal scenery itself, with houses leaning over the water, is unforgettable.
What you'll see sailing through the canals
Houses with private moorings
More than 500 homes have direct access to the water. From the boat you see the life of Santa Margarita from a perspective no visitor on foot can have.
Stone bridges
The canals are crossed by low bridges that force you to sail slowly. That slowness turns the journey into something contemplative and highly photogenic.
Local wildlife
In the canals it's common to see waterbirds, ducks and occasionally an egret. Especially interesting for families with children.
The exit to the bay
When the canals open out to the sea, the contrast is spectacular. The bay of Roses with the Pyrenees behind and Cap de Creus on the horizon.
Can you reach Cap de Creus without a licence from the canals?
Yes, with some caveats. Our no-licence boats are designed for calm coastal sailing. The bay of Roses is perfectly accessible and highly recommended. The closest coves of Cap de Creus are also within reach if sea conditions are good.
To explore the Cap de Creus Natural Park more deeply, we recommend one of our private skippered trips — Tomàs or Max know the routes and the coves worth visiting depending on the time of year.
Practical information
How long does the canal route take?
The route through the inner canals takes between 60 and 90 minutes. If you combine it with a trip out to the bay of Roses, you can spend a full half-day on the water without going too far.
Is it suitable for young children?
It's one of the safest settings for families with children. The waters are calm, the speed is low and the scenery keeps little ones entertained throughout the trip.
When is the best time to go?
Early in the morning the canals are perfectly still and the light is spectacular for photography. At sunset, the reflections on the water are just as stunning. In the shoulder season (May, June, September) there is far less boat traffic than in the height of August.