No licence needed
Self-drive boat rental
Rent one of our no-licence boats and explore the canals and the Bay of Roses at your own pace. No prior experience required. Boats for 4–6 people.
Half day (4h): from €200
Full day (8h): from €350
The Santa Margarita Canals by boat — the most singular experience in Roses
500+ trips · 5★ Google · Departure from Marina de Santa Margarita
The perfect start to your first time on the water
The Santa Margarita canals are the ideal environment for anyone renting a boat for the first time. Calm water, no waves, 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 sharply with the open sea.
Setting off from the canals is already an experience in itself. More than 500 waterfront homes line the canal network, each with direct water access. Seen from a boat, life in Santa Margarita takes on a perspective no walking tourist ever gets.
How to explore the canals
Choose your option
See no-licence boats
Skipper included
Private excursion with skipper
Tomàs or Max will take you through the canals and on to Cap de Creus. You relax, they navigate. Perfect for groups who want to focus entirely on enjoying the experience.
Half day (4h): from €300
Full day (8h): from €600
Points of interest
What you will see on the canal tour
Houses with private moorings
More than 500 homes have direct water access. From the boat you see life in Santa Margarita from an angle no land-based visitor can reach.
Low stone bridges
The canals are crossed by low bridges that require slow, careful navigation. This slowness transforms the route into something contemplative — and very photogenic.
Local wildlife
Herons, ducks and occasionally egrets can be seen in the canals. Particularly engaging for families with children.
The opening to the bay
When the canals open onto the sea, the contrast is striking. The Bay of Roses stretches ahead with the Pyrenees in the background and Cap de Creus on the horizon.
Total peace of mind
Why the canals are ideal for no-licence boating
Inland waterways are narrow, sheltered and see very little boat traffic. No waves, no currents, and low speed limits throughout. It is the ideal setting to build confidence on the water before heading out to sea.
When renting a boat for the first time, the main concern is always the same: will I be able to handle it? The Santa Margarita canals eliminate that uncertainty from the very first minute.
And the canal route justifies the trip on its own. You don't need to go as far as Cap de Creus for an unforgettable experience — the scenery of the canals, with houses right on the water, is something you don't forget.
Practical information
- How long does the canal tour take?
- The canal route itself takes around 60–90 minutes. You can combine it with a trip into the Bay of Roses for a half-day or full-day experience.
- Is it suitable for families with children?
- Yes — the canals are one of the safest and most family-friendly environments for boating. Calm water, low speed, engaging scenery.
- Best time to visit
- Early morning for the best light and calmest water. May, June and September are quieter than August. Sunset on the canals is particularly atmospheric.
- Prices
- Half day (4h): from €200 · Full day (8h): from €350. Prices vary by boat model and season.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a nautical licence to explore the canals?
No. You can navigate the Santa Margarita canals with one of our no-licence boats. No prior experience is needed — Tomàs or Max will give you a brief explanation before you set off.
How long does the canal tour take?
The canal route itself takes around 60 to 90 minutes. You can combine it with a trip into the Bay of Roses for a complete half-day or full-day experience on the water.
Is it suitable for families with young children?
It is one of the safest environments for families with children. The water is calm, speed is low, and the scenery keeps younger passengers entertained throughout.
What is the best time to visit the canals?
Early morning gives you the calmest water and the best light for photos. At sunset the reflections on the water are equally stunning. May, June and September are quieter than August.
Can we reach Cap de Creus from the canals?
Yes, in good conditions. Our no-licence boats can reach the closest coves of Cap de Creus when the sea is calm. For a deeper exploration of the Natural Park, we recommend one of our private excursions with a skipper.
Where to find us — Marina de Santa Margarita, Roses
We are at the entrance to Roses, at the beginning of the Marina de Santa Margarita. Easy to find, with parking nearby.
Av. Clot Franquest Nord, 17480 Roses, Girona