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While catamarans have almost equalled monohulls in the rental market in recent years, they have long been in the majority when it comes to "sailing vacations". Most skippered charters are on catamarans. The interior layout of these catamarans is ideal for families or groups of friends, and they can also accommodate a crew. But once you've decided on the model of catamaran you'd like to rent, you'll need to take into account the options available, the skipper's costs and the on-board equipment
Secrets d'Escales, an expert in tailor-made catamaran cruising, gives you the keys to budgeting your project without surprises and choosing the ideal unit.
Why choose a skippered catamaran charter?
Vacations on the water aboard a catamaran offer an exceptional setting for discovering the coasts of many destinations around the world. Catamarans offer privacy, exclusivity and originality. Sailing with your family and/or friends, you'll enjoy your own privacy and the unforgettable moments you'll share together.
Spending the night in a wild anchorage gives you the exclusivity of a sunrise in the most beautiful coves, far from the crowds and mass tourism. Originality, because even if this type of vacation is becoming more and more popular, catamaran cruising is still a relatively uncommon adventure on the tourism market.
Renting a catamaran with a professional skipper allows you to organize a tailor-made experience: you choose the pace, the stages, in consultation with your skipper. You can, of course, change the format during the cruise to suit your personal preferences.
The peace of mind of a professional skipper: safety, maneuver management, knowledge of the best secret anchorages.
How much will it cost to charter a catamaran with skipper in 2026?
The price of a catamaran rental depends on several criteria: destination, seasonality, size of boat, age of boat. They vary enormously, from ?3,500 to ?25,000 per week.
The cost of hiring a professional skipper depends on the destination, with daily rates ranging from ?170 to ?300. For a week's charter, you should expect to pay between ?1,200 and ?2,100.
The ship's allowance (APA) covers the boat's operating expenses, such as fuel, port charges and food and drink for the cruise. It depends on each crew and its desires.
Here are some examples of typical budgets for a catamaran cruise with skipper:
Family of 5 in Greece in May for a week:
An estimated ?5,000/week
Group of 8 friends in Italy in July for a week:
- Bali 4.6 catamaran rental: ?11300
- Skipper: ?1,700
- APA: approximately ?3,000
Estimated at ?16,000/week
Group of 6 friends in Thailand in February for a week:
Estimated at ?16,000/week
Number of passengers: size and type of catamaran
Whatever the size, most catamarans are available for charter in 4 double cabins. But don't overlook the living space on board! While a 38-foot boat may be sufficient for a family of 5, you'll need to aim for 42 to 46 feet if you're a group of 8 passengers. As soon as you want to sail with a group of more than 8 passengers, you'll need to hire a catamaran with 5 or 6 double cabins; these models are generally over 50 feet long. The budget is then exponential.
Whatever model you choose and whatever the size of your group, you'll always need to reserve a full cabin for your skipper. He or she will also need access to one of the boat's washrooms. That's why we recommend models with a 4-cabin configuration.
The larger the boat, the higher the cost of charter, fuel and nights in port. So it's important to take these parameters into account when choosing your skippered catamaran charter.
Season: choose period and destination
Rental companies' rates are based on the seasonal nature of their business:
- In the Mediterranean, the season runs from May to October, with high season in July/August.
- In the West Indies, the season runs from December to May, with peaks during the Christmas and winter vacations.
Prices can double between early season and high season, which is why certain alternatives can be very judicious. Depending on your destination, our expert advisors can recommend the best periods to take advantage of favorable weather, moderate visitor numbers and competitive rates.
Level of service: equipment, age and comfort of the boat
The age of a catamaran also influences its rental price. Boats age quickly on charter, so you need to be careful when choosing a model. Secrets d'Escales advisors know their partners well, and will suggest the latest boats to ensure an excellent level of service. Comfort" equipment that has an impact on the price: generator and watermaker give you greater autonomy; air conditioning can be very useful at certain times of the year.
Some rental companies offer unbeatable rates... but at what price? The lowest price isn't always the best way to ensure a worry-free trip. In fact, quality service comes at a price: you need to be able to maintain your boat regularly with a team of professionals and the right equipment.
At Secrets d'Escales, the choice is guided by quality before price.
How to choose the right catamaran?
As you'll have gathered by now, choosing the right charter catamaran means taking a number of criteria into account. What level of comfort do you expect? What program are you planning? What budget? Here again, it's all a question of compromise.
Entrusting your project to an expert agency guarantees you the best possible service within a given budget.
3 criteria for choosing the right skipper
- Qualifications and experience the most important thing to remember is to make sure you have a certified skipper. By using a professional charter company, you can be sure that the skipper hired for your cruise has all the necessary qualifications.
- Knowledge of the navigation zone a skipper who knows the local area and its nooks and crannies. The skipper is often also an excellent travel guide, who will help you discover the treasures of the destination.
- Soft skills the importance of discretion and interpersonal skills on board. The most important aspect of a catamaran vacation with a skipper: human skills.
It is very important to express your expectations prior to departure, to enable the charter company to select a skipper that is suited to your needs.
Reducing costs without sacrificing quality
Secret d'Escales offers expert advice on how to reduce your bill:
- Anticipate your booking: by anticipating your booking, you guarantee fair rates on airfares, early booking discounts on charter and a wide choice of boats to ensure you get the best model available.
- Choose the right period: by slightly shifting your vacation to more affordable periods in the price list, you can cut your bill by up to 40%!
- Choice of destination: some destinations are more affordable than others. For example, if you rent in Greece or the French West Indies, you'll benefit from more affordable rates than in Thailand or Italy.
Secrets d'Escales : Your tailor-made cruise
A successful cruise is a well-prepared cruise!
At Secrets d'Escales with our extensive network of rental bases across the globe and our in-depth knowledge of all the catamaran models on the market, we're at your service.
Each skipper is rigorously selected by our premium partners for his or her nautical skills and human qualities.
Would you like to entrust a private cruise agency with the mission of selecting the best choices for you and securing every stage of your project? Contact us for a customized proposal.
