Balearic boat market closes 2024 with a decline in registrations compared to 2023

The Balearic boat market maintained the country-wide top position in 2024, recording 904 recreational boat registrations, according to the annual report by ANEN based on data provided by the Directorate General of the Merchant Marine. Although this figure represents a 15.91% drop compared to 2023, the Balearic Islands retained its position as the region with the largest market share in Spain, accounting for 18% of the national total, the same percentage as in 2023.

The Spanish boat market ended the year with 5,027 registrations, reflecting a 15.9% decline compared to the previous year—a trend seen across all segments and provinces. Despite this downturn, the Balearic Islands remain the driving force of the sector, standing out in leading position.

Other notable provinces included Barcelona, with 550 registrations (10.94%), and Madrid, with 345 (6.86%), ranking second and third in market share, respectively. However, neither came close to matching the Balearic figures, which remain the undisputed benchmark in the sector.

In the charter boat segment, the Balearic Islands solidified its dominance. Of the 904 registrations in the region, 59% were for the charter market, representing 27.27% of the total registrations in the country in this segment, despite a 21.88% decline over the year. 

This dominant position, ahead of Barcelona (11.33%) and Girona (8.73%), underscores the critical role of charter in the Balearic nautical economy.

Despite the declines in 2024, the Balearic Islands showed strong resilience amid the market slowdown. The region's thriving charter sector and its reputation as a top boating destination highlight its potential for recovery and growth in the coming year, further cementing its leadership in Spain's nautical market.