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!"
- Sunreef 50 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 15 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €17500 to €34000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Ignite your passion for sailing through the Croatian waters on ZARA!"
- Lagoon 51 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 15 m
- Year: 2024
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €17000 to €22000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Scenic views and delectable local recipes await in Greece onboard BABALU 51!"
- 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."
- Lagoon 51 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 15.24 m
- Year: 2024
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €9090 to €18090 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Sail the gentle waves of the Amalfi Coast aboard CLEMENTINA, surrounded by the captivating beauty of the region!"
- Bali 5.4 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 16 m
- Year: 2019
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 12
- From €18200 to €28900 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Explore Croatia on NAMASTE OF BALI and experience her unrivaled recreational and social amenities."
- Lagoon 52 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 15 m
- Year: 2016 (2020 Refit)
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 10
- From €13420 to €19520 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"SUMMERTIME marks a whole new era in the design of cruising catamarans, both with her stunning exterior and interiors, making her an excellent choice for family charters in Italy!"
- Lagoon 620 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 18.9 m
- Year: 2017
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €20700 to €32500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Experience sumptuos dining and the best crew service on OPAL as you cruise in the enchanting islands of Croatia."
- Lagoon 77 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 23.28 m
- Year: 2019
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €47000 to €65000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Get on the iconic ADRIATIC DRAGON and set sail on the majestic islands of Croatia."
- Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 20 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €32500 to €42500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"An elegant Fountaine Pajot 67 with a luxurious jacuzzi onboard and the perfect vessel to explore the dazzling Greek Islands every summer!"
- Bali 4.8 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 14 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $24000 to $28000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Listen to the melodic orchestra of the gentle Caribbean waves and feel the warm sea breeze, providing relaxing comfort while you're aboard HARMONY!"
- Lagoon 51 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 14.75 m
- Year: 2024
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €9090 to €18090 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"FICHETTO will establish a new benchmark for catamaran sailing in Sicily."
- 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."
- Lagoon 50 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 15 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 10
- From €14500 to €18500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The finest Lagoon 50 permanently crewed catamaran to explore the Greek Islands!"
- Bali 5.4 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 16 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $33000 to $38000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Nik and Lily bring you the best of the Bahamas, extraordinary cuisine, and a great sense of fun on the elegant LOCATION Bali 5.4 catamaran!"
- 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 $33500 to $37000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Enjoy the highest-rated crew onboard SIP SIP. The Lagoon 620 remains one of the top-tier charter catamaran designs in the BVI!"
- Leopard 50 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 15 m
- Year: 2019 (2023 Refit)
- 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!"
- Leopard 50 Crewed Sailing Catamaran
- Length: 15.24 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 3
- Berths: 6
- From $26000 to $29500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Experience one of the most comfortable cruises with a fun crew on REACH during your enchanting Caribbean charter."
- Bali 4.8 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 14.63 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 3
- Berths: 6
- From $22500 to $24500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Experience a dreamy cruise on KITTIWAKE in the Bahamas!"
- Lagoon 65 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 20.55 m
- Year: 2021
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €22900 to €47100 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: 5
- Berths: 10
- From $30500 to $35000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"HYDROTHERAPY is a great choice for friends and family seeking to discover the BVI in utmost serenity!"
- Bali 5.4 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 16 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $31000 to $34000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"NAUTI DOGS 5.4 is a 2022 Bali catamaran ideal for sailing through the Bahamas in class and comfort!"
- Lagoon 55 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 16 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €20000 to €26900 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"She is an exquisite vessel that excellently combines aesthetic and functional design, taking you to secluded anchorages in the Ionian Sea!"
- Lagoon 55 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 16.76 m
- Year: 2024
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $37000 to $44000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Enjoy an ISLAND HOPPIN' itinerary in the Caribbean Virgin Islands on this stunning Lagoon 55!"
- 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!"
- Bali 5.4 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 16 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 11
- From €21000 to €28000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"MIM OCEAN 1 is the ideal catamaran for a big and fun group as you party your heart out across the Balearics' coastlines."
- Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 18 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €24850 to €34500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Immerse in the interior and exterior beauty of ALMA with ample space for relaxing while cruising around the Cyclades!"
- Bali 5.4 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 16 m
- Year: 2021
- Cabins: 3
- Berths: 6
- From $26000 to $28000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Witness the timeless beauty of the Bahamas on ZURI 3!"
