Why Catamarans Rule the Charter World
Catamarans have ancient Polynesian roots — double-hulled canoes were used for ocean voyaging across the Pacific thousands of years ago. The modern cruising catamaran was born in the 1960s and 70s when pioneers like James Wharram and Lock Crowther began designing twin-hull vessels for extended ocean cruising.
Today, French builders Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, and Catana dominate the charter catamaran market. The BVI, Greece, and Croatia are the three largest catamaran charter fleets globally. The appeal is simple: 50% more living space than a monohull of the same length, virtually no heeling, and the ability to anchor in 1.5m of water where keel boats cannot reach.
Types of Catamarans
Catamarans come in three main categories, each offering a distinct charter experience.
Sailing Catamaran
12-18m | 6-8 guests | 3-4 cabinsThe classic bareboat choice. Sailing catamarans offer a stable, spacious platform with shallow draft — perfect for accessing secluded anchorages. Twin hulls provide separate sleeping quarters for privacy and a vast covered cockpit for al fresco dining.
Power Catamaran
12-20m | 8-10 guests | 4-5 cabinsCombining catamaran stability with motor yacht speed. Power cats reach 15-20 knots while maintaining the wide beam and shallow draft advantages. Ideal for those who want to cover more distance without the heel of a monohull.
Luxury Catamaran
18-24m | 10-12 guests | 5-6 cabinsThe premium segment of the catamaran world. These bespoke vessels feature fly bridges with 360° views, forward cockpit lounges, jacuzzis, water toy garages, and professional crew service rivaling boutique hotels.
Life on a Catamaran
A catamaran charter is defined by space and stability. The wide beam creates enormous deck areas — many cats feature trampolines between the bows for sunbathing and forward cockpits for sunset watching. The salon sits at deck level, flooding the living space with natural light. With two separate hulls, each cabin gets its own hull for maximum privacy — particularly appealing for groups of couples. The shallow draft means you can anchor right off pristine beaches while deeper-draft boats swing on moorings far from shore.
Catamaran vs Gulet vs Monohull
| Feature | Catamaran | Gulet | Monohull |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | Excellent (no heeling) | Good | Moderate (heels) |
| Space/length | 50% more | 40% more | Baseline |
| Draft | 1.2-1.8m (shallow) | 2.5-3.5m | 1.8-2.5m |
| Speed (sail) | 8-12 knots | 8-10 knots | 6-8 knots |
| Price/week | €2,000-15,000 | €3,500-25,000 | €1,500-8,000 |
Best Destinations for Catamaran Charter
Price Guide
| Category | Weekly Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Bareboat Sailing Cat (38-42ft) | €2,000-5,000/wk | Yacht only, you captain |
| Skippered Sailing Cat (40-50ft) | €4,000-8,000/wk | Captain included, you choose route |
| Crewed Luxury Cat (50-70ft) | €8,000-15,000/wk | Full crew, chef, all-inclusive |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bareboat a catamaran without experience?
Basic sailing certification (ASA 104, ICC, or RYA Day Skipper) is typically required for bareboat charters. If you're new to catamarans specifically, many companies offer a skipper for the first day to familiarize you with twin-engine maneuvering and anchoring. Power catamarans may require a motor boat license.
How stable are catamarans compared to monohulls?
Dramatically more stable. Catamarans don't heel (lean to one side) when sailing, making them ideal for families with young children or anyone prone to seasickness. In beam seas they can have a snappier motion, but most cruising grounds offer protected waters.
How many people should I book for a catamaran?
A 40ft catamaran with 4 cabins is ideal for 6-8 guests (3-4 couples or a family of 6). Avoid maxing out cabin capacity — you'll want communal space. For groups of 10-12, look at 50ft+ luxury cats with 5-6 cabins and professional crew.
What are the running costs of a bareboat charter?
Beyond the charter fee, budget for: provisioning (€50-80/person/day for self-catering), marina fees (€30-80/night if you choose marinas over anchorages), fuel (€100-200/week for sailing cats), and end-cleaning fee (€200-400). Most companies also require a refundable security deposit of €2,000-4,000.
Is a catamaran good for scuba diving?
Excellent. The wide stern platform makes entry/exit easy, the shallow draft lets you anchor close to dive sites, and the spacious deck provides ample room for gear storage and rinse stations. Many charter cats come with a compressor for tank fills.