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, 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 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!"
- Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 13.72 m
- Year: 2019
- Cabins: 3
- Berths: 6
- From $17000 to $19000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The 3-cabin version of the Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 is the perfect Virgin Islands charter yacht for your family\'s happiness on the Caribbean!"
- Lagoon 560 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 17.07 m
- Year: 2016
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $22000 to $26000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"WHISPERS II is ideal for exploring the Bahamas with friends and family. You will be dazzled by the incredible anchorages, as well as your fantastic crew."
- 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
- Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 17 m
- Year: 2017
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €24000 to €27000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"A great crewed catamaran for exploring the Western Mediterranean 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:
"Captain Chris and Lida are one of our highest rated crews on the most successful charter catamaran design in the BVI!"
- Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 20.46 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €30500 to €40500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The most spectacular catamaran in Greek waters with a jacuzzi on the bow, spacious sunbathing spaces and nice al fresco dining areas."
- 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."
- Lagoon 560 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 17 m
- Year: 2016 (2021 Refit)
- Cabins: 3
- Berths: 6
- From $30000 to $33000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Refitted in 2021 with an alternate crew, make this your BVI charter vacation this year!"
- Lagoon 65 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 20.55 m
- Year: 2021
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €35400 to €43365 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Sleek and modern Lagoon 67 perfect for family and friends to cruise the Dalmatian islands in comfort and style!"
- Lagoon 77 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 23 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $77000 to $80000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"One of the only Lagoon Seventy7s chartering in the Caribbean Virgin Islands, MARIAH PRINCESS III is the ultimate yacht for a blissful, yet adventurous charter experience."
- Sunreef 80 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 24 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $60000 to $80000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Step onboard the high performance sailing catamaran, SEACLUSION; the only Sunreef 80 chartering the BVI and the winner of Best Yacht in the show for the USVI Yacht Show 2022!"
- Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 18 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From $42000 to $59900 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Come aboard PERFECT LANDING for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of luxury, serenity and freedom!"
- Sunreef 60 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 18.3 m
- Year: 2019
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From $43200 to $48600 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Sunreef catamarans are famously luxurious and AMAYA is no exception with unbeatable exterior space."
- Sunreef 70 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 21.34 m
- Year: 2013 (2019 Refit)
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 10
- From $44500 to $49500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"MAVERICK is the most experienced Sunreef 70 sailing the Caribbean with a stellar charter crew led by Captain Tyrone. Get ready for a bespoke adventure, first-class service and gourmet cuisine!"
- 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!"
- Bali 4.8 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 14 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $21500 to $24500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"A stunning 2020 Bali Catamaran is waiting for you in the BVI!"
- Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 14.9 m
- Year: 2017
- Cabins: 3
- Berths: 6
- From $17000 to $18500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"One of our most recommended crewed catamarans for sailing the bluest waters!"
- Bali 5.4 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 16 m
- Year: 2021
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $28500 to $31500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"This 2021 Bali 5.4 offers expansive deck space and luxurious living. Highly recommended for a group up to 8 to experience the wonders of the BVI with a stand-out crew!"
- Lagoon 65 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 20 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €31000 to €41500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Making a splash in 2022, DAIQUIRI is a floating retreat to stimulate the soul and embark on an extraordinary adventure from Athens through the Saronic Gulf or Cyclades Islands."
- 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 makes GENNY the ultimate catamaran for 10 guests for your summer charter."
- 4 Cabins Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 13.99 m
- Year: 2021
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €7790 to €13890 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The perfect Lagoon to explore the Amalfi Coast on your next sailing holiday"
- Bali 5.4 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 16.8 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €13500 to €22000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"With an amazing crew and unparalleled communal areas, this Bali 5.4 is one of the best crewed catamarans on the Italian charter market!"
- 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 620 Essence Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 18.9 m
- Year: 2017
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €24000 to €29000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The newest, most stately addition to the Lagoon family, with plenty of space and homely comforts, soleanis ll is the best of the best!"
- Lagoon 620 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 18.9 m
- Year: 2019
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $42000 to $45000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Feel the fresh Caribbean breeze aboard the DRAGONFLY on your British Virgin Islands cruise."
- Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 20 m
- Year: 2021
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $56000 to $62000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"MY TY will bring you luxury and tranquillity on your Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation! You will be back year after year!"
- Lagoon 50 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 14.75 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $20700 to $26000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Join your dedicated charter crew and explore the Exumas on the ultimate Lagoon 50 this season!"
