Luxury catamaran charters cost €12,000–€80,000 ($13,000–$86,000) per week. More stable than monohulls, shallower draft, more deck space per euro. Fastest-growing charter segment. APA 25–30%. Best in BVI, Caribbean, and Polynesia.
Luxury Catamaran Charter Guide 2025
Luxury catamarans are the fastest-growing segment in the charter market — and for good reason. They offer more deck space, shallower draft, superior stability at anchor, and better value per euro than monohull sailing yachts at the same price point. This guide covers vessel types, rates, destinations, and why catamarans are increasingly the first choice for families and groups who want maximum space without the cost of a motor yacht.
How catamarans compare
| Factor | Catamaran | Monohull sailing | Motor yacht |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability at anchor | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Heel under sail | None | 15–25° | None |
| Deck space | Large | Medium | Large (45m+) |
| Draft | Very shallow (1.2–1.8m) | Medium (2–4m) | Deep (2–4m) |
| Interior volume | High / LOA | Medium | Very high |
| Speed | 8–12 knots | 6–10 knots | 12–18 knots |
| Fuel cost (APA) | 25–30% | 25% | 30–35% |
| Rate / week (20m) | €18k–€35k | €20k–€40k | €30k–€60k (35m) |
| Best for | Families, budget, stability | Sailors, experience | Speed, comfort, space |
Types of charter catamaran
Luxury sailing catamaran (crewed)
18–26mLagoon · Leopard · Fountaine Pajot · Privilege
The most common luxury charter catamaran. Sailing cats in this size have 3–5 guest cabins (each hull has 2–3 cabins), a large cockpit with dining area, and a flybridge in premium models. Crew of 2–3 handles everything. The standard choice for families of 4–8.
Rates: €12,000–€40,000/wk
Custom luxury catamaran (28m+)
28–40mGunboat · Balance · McConaghy · custom build
Purpose-built charter cats with superyacht-level interiors. Typically 5–7 guest cabins, full chef galley, and water toy inventory comparable to a small motor yacht. Growing segment — bridges the gap between a conventional charter cat and a 40m motor yacht.
Rates: €40,000–€80,000+/wk
Power catamaran
20–35mLeopard Power · Sunreef Power · Aquila · Leopard 45PC
Motor-driven catamaran. No sails — pure power with the catamaran's stability and deck space advantages. Very shallow draft (under 1.5m typically), ideal for the Bahamas, Maldives, and other shallow-water destinations. Fastest-growing segment in the whole charter market.
Rates: €20,000–€80,000/wk
Best destinations for catamaran charters
British Virgin Islands
The world's best catamaran destination. Flat Sir Francis Drake Channel, consistent trades, 60+ anchorages in a compact area. Perfect.
Caribbean Grenadines
Tobago Cays, Mustique, Bequia. 15–20kt NE trades. Shallow Tobago Cays reef is catamaran paradise.
Greece (Ionian Islands)
Calmer than the Cyclades. Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia. Shallow bays accessible only to cats.
French Polynesia / Tahiti
The original catamaran territory. Bora Bora lagoon, Rangiroa atoll. Extraordinary but logistically complex.
Bahamas (Exumas)
Ultra-shallow sandbars accessible only to very shallow-draft vessels. Swimming pigs. Privacy.
Maldives
Power catamarans ideal — atoll-hopping in flat protected water. Year-round destination.
Catamaran charter — FAQ
What is a luxury catamaran charter?
A luxury catamaran charter is a crewed holiday aboard a high-end sailing or power catamaran — a two-hulled vessel. Catamarans offer more deck space and interior volume than equivalent monohulls, very shallow draft (typically 1.2–1.8m), reduced heel under sail, and exceptional stability at anchor. The luxury catamaran segment (18–30m) has grown rapidly — they are the fastest-growing vessel type in the charter market.
How much does a luxury catamaran charter cost?
Luxury catamaran charter rates range from €12,000 (~$13,000) per week for a well-specified 18m sailing catamaran to €80,000 (~$86,000) per week for a 30m+ power catamaran. The sweet spot — a crewed 20–24m luxury sailing catamaran — typically runs €18,000–€35,000 (~$19,000–$38,000) per week plus APA of 25–30%. Catamarans offer more space per euro than equivalent monohull sailing yachts.
Is a catamaran more stable than a monohull yacht?
Yes — significantly. A sailing catamaran does not heel (tilt) under sail like a monohull. The two hulls provide a wide, stable platform. At anchor, catamarans rock far less than monohulls, making them popular with guests who experience motion sickness. The trade-off: catamarans cannot sail as close to the wind as monohulls and are less maneuverable in tight marina berths.
What are the advantages of a catamaran over a motor yacht for charter?
For budget-conscious charterers wanting maximum space: catamarans offer more deck area, more interior volume (twin hull layout creates large cabins in each hull), and shallower draft than motor yachts at a given price point. They are also quieter and more fuel-efficient when sailing. The trade-off: slower passages, less onboard infrastructure than a 45m motor yacht, and smaller crew (typically 2–3 on a 24m catamaran).
How many guests can a luxury catamaran accommodate?
A standard 18–22m luxury sailing catamaran sleeps 6–8 guests in 3–4 en-suite cabins. A 24–28m catamaran sleeps 8–10 guests in 4–5 cabins. Power catamarans (24–30m) typically offer 6–8 cabins with 10–12 guests. Crew is typically 2–4 (captain, chef, one or two stewards) — smaller than equivalent motor yacht crew.
What are the best destinations for a catamaran charter?
Catamarans shine in destinations with consistent trade winds and calm seas: British Virgin Islands (top destination — flat Sir Francis Drake Channel, 60+ anchorages), Greece (Ionian more than Cyclades due to Meltemi), Caribbean Grenadines (reliable NE trades), French Polynesia/Tahiti (legendary catamaran territory), and the Seychelles. The Maldives is ideal for power catamarans.