What Is a Catamaran Charter? The Full Guide

The Fastest-Growing Segment in Charter Sailing

Between 2019 and 2024, catamaran charter bookings across the Mediterranean grew by more than 30%, according to fleet data from major operators like Dream Yacht Charter and Navigare. In Croatia alone, catamarans now make up roughly 45% of all charter starts. That shift is not a marketing gimmick. It reflects what first-time and repeat charterers actually want: stability, space, and ensuite bathrooms.

If you have never stepped aboard a sailing catamaran, or if you are trying to decide between one and a traditional monohull, this guide covers the practical differences, real prices, and honest trade-offs. For a broader look at how chartering works, start with our comparison of the four main charter types.

What Makes a Catamaran Different

A catamaran has two hulls connected by a wide bridgedeck, the flat platform between them. This twin-hull design changes almost everything about the sailing experience compared to a monohull. Here are the differences that matter most on charter.

Near-Zero Heeling

Heeling is the sideways tilt a sailing yacht makes when wind pushes against the sails. On a monohull, you might heel 15 to 25 degrees in a Force 4 breeze (11 to 16 knots). On a catamaran, heel rarely exceeds 5 degrees. This single factor is the number-one reason families and first-timers choose cats. Drinks stay on the table. Nobody gets thrown across the cabin. If seasickness is a concern in your group, the reduced motion makes a significant difference.

Twice the Living Space

A 42ft catamaran offers roughly 20 to 25 square metres of cockpit and saloon space. A 42ft monohull typically gives you 10 to 12 square metres. The cockpit alone on a mid-size cat is large enough for eight adults to sit down to dinner without anyone feeling cramped. Add the forward trampoline nets stretched between the two bows, a favourite lounging spot on any passage, and the flybridge helm on many newer models, and you have three distinct outdoor zones.

Ensuite Cabins

Most charter catamarans from 38ft upward carry four double cabins, each with its own head including a shower, toilet, and basin. This layout makes cats well-suited to groups of friends or two families sailing together. Privacy matters on a week-long trip. Sharing a single head is one of the most common complaints on smaller monohulls.

Shallow Draft

Draft is how deep the hull sits below the waterline. A typical 42ft catamaran draws about 1.2 metres. A comparable monohull draws 1.8 to 2.1 metres. That 0.6m difference lets you anchor closer to shore, enter shallow bays, and reach beaches that deep-keel boats simply cannot. In destinations like the BVI or the Ionian islands, this opens up significantly more anchorage options.

The Trade-Offs

Catamarans are not perfect. They are wide, often 7 to 8 metres for a 42-footer, which means marina berths cost more and some smaller ports cannot accommodate them at all. Sailing upwind, a cat is slower and less efficient than a well-trimmed monohull. You will motor more. The price premium is real too: expect to pay 30 to 50% more per week compared to a monohull of the same length.

A Typical Day on a Catamaran Charter

Understanding the daily rhythm helps you decide whether this type of holiday fits your group. Here is what a standard day looks like on a skippered or bareboat cat in the Greek islands during July.

07:30: Wake up at anchor. The boat is flat and still. Someone makes coffee in the galley, which has a full-size fridge, a two-burner stove, and counter space comparable to a small apartment kitchen.

08:30: Swim off the stern platform. On most cats, the sugar-scoop transoms create two swim platforms, each with a ladder. No queuing.

09:30: Weigh anchor and motor or sail to your next stop, typically 8 to 15 NM away. Under sail in Force 3 to 4 conditions, the cat moves at 6 to 7 knots with virtually no heel.

12:30: Arrive at a new bay. Anchor in 3 to 4 metres of water, close enough to the beach that you can swim ashore. Lunch in the cockpit.

15:00: Explore ashore, snorkel, or stretch out on the trampoline nets. Kids tend to claim that space as their territory within hours of boarding.

18:00: Pick up a mooring or go stern-to into a village harbour for dinner ashore. In Greece, mooring fees range from €0 in small villages to €2 to €3 per metre in popular ports.

This daily pattern, short sails broken up by swimming and eating, is why catamaran charters appeal to people who are not primarily interested in hardcore sailing. You spend more time stopped than moving. For more on what this lifestyle actually feels like, read our honest account of life on a yacht.

Catamaran vs Monohull for Charter

We have a dedicated monohull vs catamaran comparison covering six key differences in detail. Here is the short version.

Factor	Catamaran	Monohull
Stability	Near-flat sailing, 3 to 5 degree heel	15 to 25 degree heel in moderate wind
Space (42ft)	~22 sq m living area	~11 sq m living area
Cabins (42ft)	4 doubles, 4 heads	3 doubles, 1 to 2 heads
Draft	1.0 to 1.3m	1.8 to 2.1m
Upwind performance	Moderate, more motoring	Better angle, better speed
Weekly price (42ft, Med)	From €4,500	From €2,800
Marina berth availability	Limited in small ports	Widely available

If your group values sailing performance and a lower budget, a monohull is the right call. If comfort, space, and stability rank higher, the catamaran wins. For families with young children, read our family sailing guide for specific recommendations.

What Sizes Are Available and What They Cost

Charter catamarans fall into three practical size brackets. Prices below are for bareboat (no crew) in the Mediterranean during peak season, July to August 2025. Shoulder season rates in May or October can be 25 to 40% lower. For a full cost breakdown including extras, see our charter cost guide for 2026.

Size	Popular Models	Cabins / Heads	Max Guests	Weekly Price (Peak)
38 to 40ft	Lagoon 40, Bali 4.0	4 / 2 to 4	6 to 8	From €3,000
42 to 45ft	Lagoon 42, Fountaine Pajot Elba 45	4 / 4	8 to 10	From €4,500
48 to 50ft	Lagoon 50, Bali 4.8	4 to 6 / 4 to 6	10 to 12	From €7,000

Hidden Costs to Budget For

The charter fee is not the final number. Add these line items to your budget:

• Security deposit: €2,000 to €5,000, refundable if no damage occurs. Deposit waiver insurance costs €150 to €300.
• End cleaning: €150 to €250, mandatory on most contracts.
• Fuel: €150 to €300 per week depending on how much you motor. Catamarans have two engines, so consumption runs higher than a monohull.
• Skipper (if needed): €150 to €200 per day plus meals. See our guide on charter types for details.
• Provisioning: Budget €40 to €60 per person per day for food and drinks in the Med.

Split across eight guests, a €4,500 catamaran week in Greece works out to roughly €120 to €150 per person per day, all in. Compare that to a mid-range hotel, and the maths starts to look very favourable. We run the numbers in our yacht vs hotel comparison.

Best Destinations for a Catamaran Charter

Catamarans perform best where sailing distances are short, anchorages are plentiful, and the water is warm. Three destinations consistently top the booking charts.

British Virgin Islands

The BVI remains the world's most popular catamaran charter ground. The reason is simple: over 60 islands and cays sit within a 30 NM radius, with reliable 15-knot trade winds (Force 4) and virtually no tidal current. Daily sails average 5 to 12 NM. Most anchorages run on mooring-ball systems costing USD 25 to 35 per night. Read our full BVI sailing guide for route ideas.

Greece

Greece offers the widest range of catamaran charter bases in the Mediterranean, from Athens (Lavrion) and the Saronic Gulf through to the Cyclades and the Ionian. The Ionian Sea is the calmest option, with Force 2 to 4 winds from June to September. The Cyclades bring stronger Meltemi winds, Force 5 to 7 in July and August, which suit experienced sailors but can be uncomfortable for beginners even on a stable cat. Start with our first-timer's Greece guide or the Saronic Gulf 7-day route for a gentler introduction. For island-hopping logistics, see Greek island hopping by sailboat.

Thailand

Phuket is the main base for catamaran charters in Southeast Asia. The Andaman Sea sailing season runs from November to April, with Force 2 to 4 winds and water temperatures around 29°C. A week on a 42ft cat starts from approximately €3,500, lower than comparable Med prices. Distances between islands are short: Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is about 40 NM, and the Similan Islands sit 55 NM to the northwest.

Other Strong Options

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is superb for cats, though marina berths for wide-beam boats fill fast in July and August. Book stern-to spots early. Turkey's Turquoise Coast offers lower prices and quieter bays but fewer dedicated catamaran fleets. For more beginner-friendly options, check our list of the 5 best sailing destinations for beginners in 2026.

How to Book and What to Know

When to Book

Peak season catamarans in the Med sell out 6 to 9 months ahead. If you want a specific boat for a July or August week, book by the previous December at the latest. Shoulder season, May, June, September, and October, gives you more flexibility. Booking 3 to 4 months ahead is usually sufficient for those periods.

Do You Need a Licence?

Requirements vary by country. In Greece, at least one person aboard needs a recognised sailing certificate such as an RYA Day Skipper or ICC (International Certificate of Competence). In Croatia, you also need a VHF radio licence. The BVI requires no licence for bareboat charter, though you must demonstrate sailing experience to the charter company. If nobody in your group holds a certificate, hire a skipper or check our guide on chartering with no experience. Thinking about getting certified? Read our RYA vs IYT comparison.

Bareboat vs Skippered vs Crewed

On a bareboat charter, you sail the boat yourself. A skippered charter adds a professional captain at €150 to €200 per day. A fully crewed charter includes a skipper and a hostess or cook, from €1,000 per week additional. For a first catamaran experience, a skippered charter lets you learn the ropes without the stress. Our charter type guide walks through each option.

What to Bring

Storage on a catamaran is better than on a monohull, but soft bags are still strongly preferred over hard suitcases. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and at least one warm layer for evening sailing. Our full packing list covers everything you need.

Booking Platforms

Major aggregators include Click&Boat, Nautal, and SamBoat for private listings. Fleet operators like Dream Yacht Charter, Sunsail, and The Moorings maintain their own standardised fleets. Booking direct with a fleet operator typically means newer boats, usually 1 to 3 years old, and more consistent maintenance. Aggregators may offer lower prices, but boat condition is more variable.

Is a Catamaran Charter Right for You?

If your group includes non-sailors, families with children, or anyone prone to seasickness, a catamaran is the safest bet for a good holiday. The extra space and stability transform the experience for people who might otherwise find sailing uncomfortable. If you are a keen sailor chasing performance and tradition, or if your budget is tight, a monohull will serve you well.

A week on the water beats a week staring at a hotel pool. If you are still weighing up the concept, our 10 reasons to try sailing this year might tip the balance. For first-time charter guests, we have 10 essential tips to make the whole process smoother.