Crewed Catamaran Charter Greece

My Greek Charter  〉  Catamaran Charter Greece

We are continuing to see an increase in sailing catamaran charters in Greece. Crewed catamarans offer a sweet balance between luxury and affordability and are a very convenient way for a large number of guests (up to 12) to share a comfortable sailing holiday in the Greek Islands.

But keep in mind that the distances between the Greek islands can be quite long, with over 100 nautical miles between Athens and Santorini, and the weather can be strong. -Not an ideal route to plan for a 1-week sailing catamaran charter.

Why Charter a Crewed Catamaran?

Charter catamarans are rapidly growing in size, keeping up with an ever increasing demand for the most luxurious vessel on the market. – In 2020, the average length of a crewed catamaran was 45 feet. Where, at the end of 2023, the average size of a new catamaran charter was 67 feet.

Given a crazy expansion of the sailing catamaran fleet (demanding a whole new boat show to accommodate this segment starting in 2023), the catamarans are getting closer in onboard capacity to motor yachts, yet they are still significantly more affordable.  If you’re looking to get a recent Lagoon 52 catamaran sailing charter with crew, inquire early.

Where to Go on a Catamaran Charter in Greece?

The best areas to charter catamarans will have small distances between destinations and calm waters.

Although catamarans are more than capable of crossing oceans, they are slower than motor yachts, which is why they aren’t good for long-distance itineraries unless you have a lot of time or do not mind spending many hours at sea every day.

Are the Cyclades Islands a Great Area for a Catamaran Charter?

Yes and no – if planned well and with the expectation that things might change at the last minute, dictated by the weather, a catamaran charter in the Cyclades can be a relaxing and pleasurable experience. However, if you’re an exact planner and not willing to be flexible, it is wise to avoid it.

A yacht charter in the Aegean Sea is subject to the elements—if the weather is bad, the port authority bans charter yachts from departing (usually just the motor yachts, but do you really want to be out there?). This happens more frequently in the Cyclades Islands than in other areas in the Aegean Sea.

We’ve had experiences where a stubborn travel agent (yes, we cooperate with travel agents on the condition we’re taken seriously) has booked activities on a rigid itinerary with total disregard for the weather conditions and its unpredictability.

-Horse riding on Siros, a dinner reservation in Skorpios on Mykonos, and wine tasting on Santorini starting at 9 a.m. sharp on a Saturday morning—you need Poseidon’s blessing to commit to that.

We want to be transparent with you so that you know what to expect, can make realistic plans, and avoid disappointment or wasted money on missed bookings.

If you’re afraid there is nothing to see apart from Santorini and Mykonos in the Cyclades Islands, let Louis Lamprell show you what the Captains say about charter locations in the Saronic Gulf in the video below.

Best Catamaran Charter Destinations in Greece – These are the Captains’ Favorite Greek Islands!

We recently attended the EMMYS (East Mediterranean Multihull and Yacht Charter Show) in Poros and MEDYS (Mediterranean Yacht Show) 2024 in Poros and Nafplion, Greece. During these events, we explored over a hundred catamarans and motor yachts and met their captains and crews. One question we repeatedly asked was, ‘Where is your favorite place to take a charter?’

Saronic Islands: The No. 1 Area to Charter a Catamaran in Greece

The Saronic Gulf is perfect for first-time charterers – with 2 to 4 hours cruise between islands outside of the Meltemi winds, fantastic locations, stunning coastline, secluded bays, stunning beaches, and amazing things to do such as the Pistachios of Aegina, walking the old town of Poros or snorkeling the Sunken City of Ancient Epidaurus.

Cyclades Islands: One of the Most Popular Area to Charter a Catamaran in Greece

Second up are the Cyclades Islands – still perfectly doable on a 7-day catamaran sailing vacation, especially if you plan on starting in the actual Cyclades instead of “taxiing” there from Athens.

Starting in the Cyclades, captains are in a great position to account for the weather (instead of having to cross large distances from Athens) and provide a pleasurable yacht charter, either hitting the hot spots—the windmills of Mykonos (or its vibrant night clubs), the sights of the city of Thira on Santorini, the ancient Delos—or the hidden gems, such as the forgotten island of Anafi.

A good broker and a good captain will list your preferred activities and pre-arrange them on a confirmation basis.

Due to our long time in the industry, we have build relationships with many businesses, attractions, restaurants, and activity providers. We can get you to stuff you did not know existed

-Would you, for example, like to have a private dinner in an iconic ancient ruin? Would you like to have a famous singer show up at your birthday party at Mykonos? Say the word, and we will make it happen!

How to Book a Catamaran Charter in Greece

Ideally, you will inquire about a catamaran charter 12 months in advance. WHY? The best catamarans are often fully booked long in advance and it is not unusual to see popular dates booked 2 summers ahead for a Greek Island yacht charter.

Inquiring less than 6 months ahead often means that your first choice is unavailable for charter. Additionally you might find that the yacht you want can’t make it to the port where you wish to commence your yacht charter.

This is especially important if you are planning to charter in the popular destination -the Cyclades (and we recommend you fly into Mykonos international airport to start there). Many things have to fall into place to make a succesfull charter vaccation happen, so inquire early!

• Most luxury catamarans are based in Athens (marinas from Piraeus in the west to Saunio in the east).

• Of the catamarans permanently based in the Cyclades, most have temporary availability.

• You will also find catamarans based in the Ionian islands available for charter.

Do you want to know more?

To find out more about the catamarans featured in this article or other available options, talk to one of our Expert Charter Brokers!

Who are We?

At DMA Yachting, we are proud to have a team of individuals who have real on-water experience. Many of our brokers have worked or lived on yachts themselves and crossed oceans.

This firsthand experience allows us to truly understand life at sea in both the shoes of crew and guests and the details that make a luxury yacht charter an exceptional experience.

We closely inspect yachts and meet in person with captains and crew to ensure every element of the charter meets our high standards.

Our yearly participation in yacht shows like the EMMYS, and MEDYS helps us stay on top of industry trends and client needs.

We are here to guide you through every step of your charter, from the moment you reach out to the moment your yacht charter ends.

My Greek Charter  〉  Catamaran Charter Greece