Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course on Organizing Boat Trips
This course provides you with the tools and knowledge necessary to turn your passion for the sea into a profitable business. Learn to design unique experiences, manage onboard safety, and comply with current regulations, from…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course on Organizing Boat Trips?
The Organizing Boat Excursions
This course provides you with the tools and knowledge necessary to turn your passion for the sea into a profitable business. Learn to design unique experiences, manage onboard safety, and comply with current regulations, from initial planning to the flawless execution of every detail.
The Organizing Boat Excursions
This course provides you with the tools and knowledge necessary to turn your passion for the sea into a profitable business. Learn to design unique experiences, manage onboard safety, and comply with current regulations, from initial planning to the flawless execution of every detail.
Key Benefits:
- Comprehensive Planning: Create attractive itineraries, set competitive prices, and manage bookings efficiently.
- Maritime Safety: Master safety protocols, first aid, and emergency management at sea.
- Legislation and Permits: Understand the regulations applicable to boat trips and obtain the necessary permits.
- Marketing and Promotion: Learn how to promote your trips online and offline, attracting new customers.
- Customer Experience: Offer exceptional service, exceeding your customers' expectations and building loyalty.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Comprehensive Planning: Master the creation of safe and attractive maritime routes, optimizing time and resources.
- Safety and Regulations: Learn current regulations and emergency protocols to ensure the safety of your passengers.
- Marketing and Sales: Discover effective strategies to promote your excursions and maximize your business's profitability.
- Customer Management: Enhance the customer experience through exceptional service and customer loyalty.
- Case Studies: Analyze real-world examples and develop skills to solve problems and make efficient decisions.
- Boost your nautical tourism business and offer unforgettable experiences to your customers.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of organisation of nautical excursions, tourist experience and safe operation on boats
- Boat tour concept and differences between recreational tour, sightseeing tour, private charter, themed departure and guided activity
- Typologies of excursions: coastal routes, wildlife sighting, sunsets, snorkeling, recreational fishing, gastronomy, private events and cultural visits
- Key players: operator, skipper, crew, passengers, guides, agencies, ports, suppliers and local authorities
- Relationship between itinerary, boat, security, service, tourist narrative and customer satisfaction
- Frequent risks: Adverse weather, dizziness, delays, cancellations, on-board incidents, overcrowding and poorly managed expectations
02
Route design, itineraries, scheduling and operational planning of the excursion
- Selection of routes according to tourist attraction, distance, duration, navigation conditions, points of interest and profile of the public
- Schedule planning, boarding, disembarking, stops, restrooms, activities, breaks and return times
- Assessment of weather, tides, wind, waves, visibility, maritime traffic and route alternatives
- Organisation of reservations, quotas, passenger lists, confirmations, cancellation policies and prior communication
- Coordination with port, marina, skipper, crew, suppliers, guides, land transport and complementary services
03
Safety, regulations, permits and management of passengers during boat trips
- Basic safety requirements, insurance, permits, degrees, maximum capacity and responsibilities of the operator
- Passenger safety briefing: vests, permitted areas, on-board mobility, emergencies, bathroom standards and responsible behaviour
- Shipment control, passenger counting, minors, people with reduced mobility, tourist groups and special needs
- Protocols before man to water, fire, waterway, dizziness, injury, change of climate, technical failure or evacuation
- Coordination with emergency services, port, salvage, nearby boats and competent authorities
04
Customer experience, tourist service, storytelling and on-board service
- Design of the passenger experience from the reservation to the disembarkation and subsequent follow-up
- Customer service, welcome, clear communication, professional treatment, management of expectations and resolution of doubts
- Storytelling of the route: landscape, local history, wildlife, maritime culture, ports, navigation and unique elements of the tour
- Organisation of activities on board: bathroom, snorkel, photography, tastings, music, games, observation and resting moments
- Managing complaints, delays, plan changes, nervous passengers, dizziness, minor conflicts and special requests
05
Applied boat tour organisation project
- Case definition: coastal tour, sunset tour, snorkeling, cultural route, sighting, private charter or family activity
- Destination diagnosis, target audience, boat, season, competition, permits, risks and business opportunities
- Itinerary design with route, times, activities, stops, tourist narrative, alternatives and cancellation criteria
- Preparation of the safety plan, briefing, passenger management, emergency protocols and operational coordination
- Development of the economic model, pricing strategy, sales channels, marketing, sustainability and quality control
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Tourism entrepreneurs looking to start a profitable and safe maritime excursion business.Recreational boat skippers who want to expand their knowledge in planning, safety, and group management.Tour guides who want to enrich their offerings with unique onboard experiences and knowledge of the marine environment.Boat rental companies looking to train their staff in organizing quality excursion
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Maximize customer satisfaction
- 02Ensuring safety and regulatory compliance
- 03Optimize resource management and profitability
- 04Creating memorable and innovative nautical experiences
- 05Promoting sustainability and respect for the marine environment
- 06Develop and promote a diverse and attractive range of excursions
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Boat Tour Guide: Leading groups, explaining points of interest, onboard safety.
02Recreational Boat Skipper: Handling the vessel, basic maintenance, customer service.
03Nautical Event Organizer: Planning and coordinating excursions, boat rentals, promotion.
04Boat Excursion Salesperson: Selling tour packages, customer service, reservation management.
05Tourist Boat Crew Member: Assisting passengers, preparing food and drinks, cleaning the vessel.
06Water Sports Instructor: Instructing snorkeling, kayaking, paddle surfing, etc. on excursions.
07Boat Excursion Company Manager: Administration, marketing, human resources, operations.
08Boat Tour Entertainer: Onboard entertainment, organizing games and activities, creating atmosphere.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Ship
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Ship
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Demonstrable experience in the tourism sector, preferably in nautical or leisure activities; or specific training in tourism, sociocultural animation, or similar.Specific Knowledge:Basic knowledge of navigation, maritime safety, first aid, and local tourism regulations.Skills:Excellent interpersonal communication skills, ability to organize and manage groups, fluency in languages (especially English and other languages relevant to local tourism), problem-solving skills, and a proactive attitude.Documentation:Updated CV, criminal record
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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