Which Catamaran Charter: Crewed, Bareboat, or Skippered?
Choosing Between a Crewed, Bareboat, or 'Bareboat with Skipper' Catamaran
You've decided that a catamaran charter is right for your next vacation. Congratulations! You no doubt have chosen a catamaran because of the comfort, easy access to the water, privacy, and amazing living and lounging spaces that they offer.
But you still have a fundamental decision to make before you book your charter: do you want a crewed catamaran, a bareboat catamaran, or a 'bareboat with skipper', which is a hybrid between the two? This guide will help you through the decision to help you find the right boat for you.
Crewed Catamarans
Crewed catamarans come with a crew that essentially lives on the cat and their entire livelihoods focus on giving you the best charter experience possible. On a catamaran, typically the crew will be a couple where one is the captain and the other is the chef and host(ess). They work very closely together. Menus and itineraries are planned to meet your specific needs. The captain will do all of the sailing and navigating, as well as managing watersports such as waterskiing and paddleboarding. Many crew members also have skills they will share with you if interested, such as nature walks, playing the guitar, or early morning yoga. And of course, they will help you plan out your day to make the best use of your time on the boat, getting you to the best snorkeling spots and beaches, and perfectly situating you for a gorgeous sunset (with drinks and snacks, of course).
If you like to sail, the captain will normally teach you the ropes, go over the charts and instruments, and let you sail as much as you like!
Key benefits of Crewed Catamarans:
- Luxury service delivered on a personal level
- Gourmet meals prepared specifically for your tastes
- Your crew will recommend your itinerary and do all of the sailing, mooring, and provisioning for you
- No hassles, everything is taken care of for you - they even make your bed and do the dishes!
Bareboat Catamarans
If you can sail and are someone who wants to do it yourself, Bareboating is for you. When you charter a bareboat catamaran, you essentially rent the boat just like you rent a car. The rest is up to you: planning your itinerary, provisioning, cooking, cleaning, and of course sailing! There is no greater freedom than a bareboat catamaran charter where you can go anywhere you want, any time you like and do anything you like (that's legal of course).
Key benefits of Bareboat Catamarans
- Total freedom for your entire holiday!
- Privacy: only members of your party are on your boat
- Lower cost than crewed
- The thrill and satisfaction of doing everything yourself
See our Top Bareboat Catamarans
Skippered Catamarans
If you like the freedom of a bareboat, but don't have the experience or confidence to charter the catamaran on your own, consider chartering a bareboat and then adding a skipper. For many, this option is the best of both worlds. The boat is yours for the duration of the charter, you can sail it as much as you want, but you have an experienced skipper to help chart the itinerary, navigate you into port, and generally keep you out of trouble.
You also have an expert on the region who will point out things you would never find on your own, and give you insight into the culture and sailing area. Note, that the skipper will not cook, clean, or take care of your daily tasks, he or she is there entirely to do the sailing and navigating. Your skipper will also need to have a cabin to themselves, so don't fill up all the cabins if you want a skipper along.
Key Benefits of 'Bareboat with Skipper' Catamaran Charters
- An expert to take responsibility for sailing and navigating
- No need to get or renew your skipper's license
- Much lower cost than a fully crewed charter
- Skippers free up your time so you can relax and enjoy the vacation
- You can get comfortable with the boat and sailing area at your own pace
- Local knowledge is always available
Choosing the right charter for your party
We recommend that you debate with your family or party what type of charter (and the related price) is best for everyone.
If you're all experienced sailors, go for a bareboat so that you gain the satisfaction of doing it all yourselves. If you want a luxury holiday with extraordinary food and all the latest water toys, think about a crewed catamaran, you won't regret it. And if you would like a bareboat but are not quite ready for all the responsibility, consider chartering a bareboat and adding a skipper.
Our Top Rated (4 and 5 Star) Catamarans
We've listed below a good worldwide selection of catamarans that have been rated 4 or 5 stars by our clients. You can sort by crewed or bareboat, if you would like a skippered charter just search for the best bareboat, make sure there are enough cabins for your skipper and your party, and then let us know you'd like a skipper and we will arrange a great one for you!
Take a look at the catamarans that fit your destination, configuration, and budget, or simply contact us for a personalized proposal. We'd love to put you on the perfect cat for your party!
- 5 + 2 Cabins Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 16.8 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From $20000 to $35000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"No better way to explore the stunning Bahamian waters than by chartering this impressive Bali 5.4!"
- 3+2 Cabins Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 12.5 m
- Year: 2018
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 8
- From €6646 to €8553 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The brand new Lagoon 42 available in the Balearics!"
- Lagoon 560 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 17.07 m
- Year: 2016
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $22000 to $26000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The gentle waves of the Bahamas are calling you on the Lagoon catamaran WHISPERS II."
- Bali 4.8 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 14 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $22500 to $25500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The Bali 4.8 HARMONY is a wonderful option for those seeking to relax in the stunning BVI islands."
- 5 Cabins (4 Double + 1 Twin Bunks) Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 14.88 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From $9090 to $22540 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The large outdoor spaces and rigid front cockpit make this catamaran perfect for relaxing on deck and soaking up the Bahamian sun."
- Sunreef 50 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 15 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €21000 to €30500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Ignite your passion for sailing through the Croatian waters on ZARA!"
- Lagoon 51 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 15.35 m
- Year: 2024
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €16000 to €21000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Scenic views and delectable Greek cuisine await in Greece onboard BABALU 51!"
- Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 17 m
- Year: 2017
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €24000 to €27000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"VIDA BOA II is a great catamaran for exploring Italy this summer season!"
- Lagoon 620 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 18 m
- Year: 2010 (2023 Refit)
- Cabins: 3
- Berths: 6
- From $34000 to $37500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Having the highest-rated crew onboard, SIP SIP is also one of the top-tier charter catamaran designs in the BVI!"
- Sunreef 74 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 22.41 m
- Year: 2017
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $55000 to $55000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Do not miss out on the fun aboard ORION as she moves from French Polynesia to Australia during the summer and winter months."
- Leopard 50 Crewed Sailing Catamaran
- Length: 15.24 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 3
- Berths: 6
- From $25000 to $27000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Experience one of the most comfortable cruises with a fun crew on REACH during your enchanting Caribbean charter."
- Leopard 50 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 15.42 m
- Year: 2019
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $22500 to $29500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Embrace the natural beauty of the British Virgin Islands in true comfort on ABBY NORMAL TO!"
- Lagoon 52 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 15.85 m
- Year: 2019
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €16000 to €21000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"This fabulous crewed catamaran feels brand new, the perfect option for your next Greek adventure!"
- Lagoon 52 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 15 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $31000 to $34000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"A beautiful, modern and sleek luxury catamaran!"
- Lagoon 65 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 20.55 m
- Year: 2021
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €33650 to €43365 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"AMADA MIA is a sleek and modern Lagoon 65 catamaran, the ideal vessel for family and friends to cruise the Dalmatian islands in comfort and style!"
- Bali 5.4 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 16 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 10
- From $28500 to $32500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"HYDROTHERAPY is a great choice for your friends and family to charter in the BVI this summer!"
- Lagoon 55 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 16 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €20000 to €26900 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"A vessel like no other that has combined the very best of form and function so you can take in the experience of Lagoon."
- Sunreef 80 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 23.99 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $60000 to $80000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"SEACLUSION is one of the top catamarans chartering the Caribbean and has won the Best Yacht in the 2022 USVI Yacht Show!"
- Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 18 m
- Year: 2021
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €24850 to €32900 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Immerse in the interior and exterior beauty of ALMA with ample space for relaxing while cruising around the Cyclades!"
- Lagoon 560 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 17 m
- Year: 2014 (2022 Refit)
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €16730 to €23940 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Captain Thanasis leads a service-orientated charter crew to guarantee an authentic Greek sailing experience year-round!"
- 4 + 1 cabins (4 double 1 single) Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 13.96 m
- Year: 2019
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 10
- From €4100 to €9700 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Bright and spacious Catamaran available for greek island exploring!"
- Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 18 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From $35000 to $42000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"PORT TO VINO will deliver the ultimate sailing vacation in the BVI with an award winning crew."
- Lagoon 65 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 20 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €31000 to €41500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"DAIQUIRI is a floating retreat to stimulate the soul and embark on an extraordinary adventure from Athens through the Saronic Gulf or Cyclades Islands."
- Lagoon 620 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 18.9 m
- Year: 2018
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €21000 to €31000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Sign up for an electrifying adventure in Greece on the stylish catamaran VALIUM 62!"
- Fountaine Pajot 67 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 20 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €30500 to €41500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"With her outdoor jacuzzi and 23-bottle wine cellar, PIXIE is the epitome of luxury among crewed catamarans chartering the Greek Islands!"
- Fountaine Pajot 67 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 20 m
- Year: 2024
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €33000 to €48000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The D2 crew will surely deliver a fantastic adventure for you in Greece!"
- Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 20.46 m
- Year: 2021
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €31500 to €41500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The most spectacular catamaran in Greek waters with a jacuzzi on the bow, spacious sunbathing spaces, and nice alfresco dining areas!"
- Sunreef 80 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 24.38 m
- Year: 2021
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €55000 to €78000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Her striking design and sailing prowess make GENNY the ultimate catamaran for 10 guests for your charter in Greece!"
- Bali 5.4 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 16.8 m
- Year: 2019
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €19500 to €29000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"One of the most voluminous catamarans in Greece with an unrivaled sociable layout for friends and family to enjoy."
- Lagoon 78 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 23.77 m
- Year: 2019
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €50000 to €69000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"A crazy adventure in Greece awaits you and your friends on CRAZY HORSE!"
