On a cruise ship, you have to follow the crowd. On a catamaran charter, you’re free. You can explore hidden bays and tiny islands. You can snorkel over teeming reefs and visit beaches where no other footprints mark the sand. You can spend the evening in perfect solitude, or take the dinghy to shore for dinner and drinks at a lively beach bar.

If you’ve ever dreamed of planning your own catamaran vacation, here’s what you need to know.

Why charter a catamaran? 

In one word: Comfort. Unlike a traditional sailboat with only one hull, a catamaran is balanced on two hulls. That means the craft is more stable and provides more room for people and things.  Catamarans also can navigate in shallow water. “When the conditions are right, catamarans are sweet sailing, smooth performing, and comfortable,” says the American Sailing Association.ⁱ

Notice, however, that disclaimer: “when conditions are right.” In heavy winds or adverse weather, a catamaran can be difficult to handle. Even if you’re an experienced sailor, you shouldn’t take the helm without training. For an easier (but noisier) voyage, you can charter a powered catamaran.

Sailing catamarans range in size. A modest 32- to 36-foot catamaran typically includes two cabins, each with a double or queen-sized bed and an in-suite head. A 145-foot luxury catamaran, like the Hemisphere, sleeps up to 12 guests and 10 crew members (and costs some $260,000 per week).

Types of catamaran charters

• Crewed catamaran charter: The most luxurious (and expensive) option for a catamaran cruise is a fully crewed charter. This means you rent your own private yacht along with a captain and crew to handle navigation, cooking, cleaning and other shipboard duties. All you have to do is enjoy yourself.
• Skippered catamaran charter: If you have some sailing experience but don’t want the responsibility of navigating in unfamiliar waters, you can charter a catamaran with a captain only. A licensed skipper will take the helm, or teach you how to do it. You and your group will be responsible for everything else: cooking, cleaning, raising the sails, etc.
• Bareboat catamaran charter: A bareboat charter means it’s just you on board! You’re responsible for navigation, sailing, provisioning and planning. The advantages of a bareboat charter: Complete freedom and privacy. The disadvantages: Risk and responsibility.
• By the cabin catamaran charter: If you don’t know how to sail, or if you don’t have the budget to charter an entire yacht, you can book a cabin on a catamaran cruise. Share the private-cruise experience with a small group and enjoy all the luxuries of a crewed charter for a fraction of the cost.

Popular catamaran charter destinations

For U.S. residents, the British Virgin Islands are the number-one destination for catamaran cruising. The weather is lovely, the wind is consistent, and a good anchorage is always nearby.ⁱⁱ Begin in Tortola, and explore the many facets of the British Virgin Islands: the Baths rock formations on Virgin Gorda, the beaches of Peter Island, the drinks at the Soggy Dollar Bar.ⁱⁱⁱ Other Caribbean destinations include the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas, Antigua, the French West Indies/Lesser Antilles, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Mediterranean Sea is home to some stunning destinations for catamaran vacations. Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands (Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Cabrera) offer wildlife, watersports and throbbing nightlife. Or, visit secluded islands in Greece, Croatia or Sardinia.

In North America, great sailing destinations include the Chesapeake Bay; the San Juan Islands in Washington State, the Florida Keys; and La Paz, on the Baja California peninsula.^iv 

Useful tips for your catamaran vacation

Pack light. Basic beach, swim and lounge wear should cover you; there’s no need to dress formally for dinner! Bad-weather gear and boat shoes are important. A soft-sided bag is easier to stow than a hard suitcase.^v

Put the essentials in your carryon. You don’t want to dawdle in the harbor while you’re waiting for the airline to find your lost bag. In your carryon, pack the most crucial things: prescriptions, toiletries, sun protection, your swimsuit and at least one outfit.

Don’t forget sun protection. The tropical sun will be beating down, so pack a hat (with a clip or cord, so it won’t blow overboard), sunglasses with straps, sunscreen (ideally one that’s nontoxic to marine life) and coverups.

Assume everything will get wet. A catamaran is not the place for your beloved Birkin bag. Don’t bring shoes, clothes or anything else that would be ruined by saltwater. Essential documents and electronics should be placed in waterproof cases or plastic bags.

Purchase travel insurance before you go. Catamaran charters are expensive. They can take you to remote parts of the world. And even with a skilled captain, they include some elements of risk. For these three reasons, you absolutely need to buy travel insurance for your sailing vacation. Look for a plan that protects your vacation investment with trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits, as well as emergency medical and dental and emergency medical transportation benefits.

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