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Catamarans

Catamaran on engine in azure Greek water

Catamarans for Charter in Greece

Sailing Catamaran charters in Greece are a convenient way to have a larger number of guests (up to 12) on a comfortable crewed yacht charter.

Notice that the distances in Greece are quite long. Since most luxury catamarans are based in Athens (inquire for Mykonos-based catamarans), the ideal catamaran charter itinerary will include the Saronic Islands of Aegina and Hydra.

For a Catamaran charter in the Cyclades, especially if you are planning to visit Santorini, we recommend chartering out of Mykonos. Our brokers will find you a Mykonos-based yacht or arrange a delivery of your desired yacht to the starting location of your charter vacation. Start a chat to tell us what you’re looking for in your catamaran charter, we’re here for you 24/7!

The Papafragkas caves on Milos - a secret catamaran jump from Monemvasia to Milos on the way to Santorini
The Papafragkas caves on Milos - a secret catamaran jump from Monemvasia to Milos on the way to Santorini
A crewed charter and a charter with skipper + hostess are not the same thing. The progression goes: bareboat -> skipper+hostess -> crewed catamaran charter -> crewed motor yacht charter. The line between catamarans and motor yachts has become very blurry in recent years.

How to charter crewed catamarans 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.
Aegina Island, Greece
Aegina Island, Greece
Zakynthos, Navagio Beach
Lefkada, White Sand Beach

Best Areas to Charter Catamarans

The best areas to charter catamarans will have small distances between destinations and calm waters. Although they are more capable of crossing oceans, catamarans are slower than motor yachts, which is why they aren’t good for long distance itineraries.

Taking a group of 2 families with young kids who have not chartered before from Athens to Santorini (because why do the additional flight to Mykonos, right?) in August with the Meltemi winds blazing is not the greatest idea for a relaxed sailing vacation. – We’re happy to provide references for people who insisted, only to regret their Indiana Jones type of vacation.

If you’re afraid there is nothing to see apart from Santorini and Mykonos in the Cyclades Islands? Let Peter show you these assorted charter locations in the Saronic Gulf in the video below…

My Greek Odyssey - Epidavros
My Greek Odyssey - Epidavros

The Saronic Gulf is perfect for first-time charterers – with 2 to 4 hours cruise between islands outside of the Meltemi winds, fantastic locations, 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.

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada
View of Kamares village from the church of Agios Symeon.
Monastery of St. Sava above Kalimnos town in Dodecanese, Greece.

Second up are the Cyclades Islands – still perfectly doable on a 7-day crewed catamaran charter, especially if you plan on starting in the actual Cyclades instead of “taxiing” there from Athens. In the cyclades captaina are in a great position to account for the weather (instead of having to cross large distances) and provide a pleasurable yacht charter either hitting the hot spots – windmills of Mykonos (or it’s 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.

Experts DISCLOSE what is APA on LUXURY Yacht Charter and values of VAT in Mediterranean countries.
Experts DISCLOSE what is APA on LUXURY Yacht Charter and values of VAT in Mediterranean countries.
Yacht Charter: 3 Most Common Mistakes You'll 100% Make
Yacht Charter: 3 Most Common Mistakes You'll 100% Make

Is the Cyclades Islands a great area for a catamaran charter?

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

A yacht charter is subject to the elements – if the weather is bad, the port authority bans all the yachts to depart (usually just the motor yachts, but do you really want to be out there?). That happens in some areas more than in others, and it does happen more frequently in the Cyclades Islands.

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 ride on Siros, dinner reservation in Skorpios on Mykonos, wine tasting on Santorini starting at 9 am sharp on a Saturday morning – you need Poseidon’s blessing to commit to that…

Santorini - the holy grail of a catamaran charter in the Greek islands. A blessing if all goes well, a curse if expectations are not met. To be 100% sure weather and island closures for overtourism don't interfere with your once in a lifetime opportunity, fly in and start the charter there!
GREECE: BEST TIPS for Luxury Yacht /  Catamaran Charters
GREECE: BEST TIPS for Luxury Yacht / Catamaran Charters

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!

The Three Bells of Fira. One of the most recognized places in the world and an absolute bucket list material.
The Three Bells of Fira. One of the most recognized places in the world and an absolute bucket list material.
The white-blue panorama of Santorini is a highlight of every charter in the Cycladic Islands
The white-blue panorama of Santorini is a highlight of every charter in the Cycladic Islands
Entering from the Old Port to town, you'll have to choose how to beat the tall volcanic rocks - Cable Car, donkeys or walk.

Advantages of chartering a crewed catamaran in Greece

  • Lower fuel consumption compared to motor yachts.
  • Lower cost, especially for catamarans under 50 ft.
  • Shallow draft – you can get quite close to secluded beaches and white sands with a catamaran charter.
  • Access to the dock – especially in high season, bigger yachts might need to stay out of the harbor and access with a dinghy.
  • Captain + stewardess still the most common crew combination (keeps the costs down), bigger – motor yacht like luxury catamarans are on the rise (with more crew).
  • Gratuity – a 10% gratuity paid after the Catamaran charter is considered completely satisfactory in Greece. Compare that to the (up to) 25% mandatory gratuity that is increasingly being demanded in escrow pre-charter in the Caribbean or the Bahamas.
  • Use of water toys and water sports – rules are more relaxed and definitely less enforced compared to France or Italy – it’s not the same if you get on a jetski in a secluded bay on Iraklia or in the overcrowded Gulf of St Tropez.
Mykonos Greece Island
Mykonos, Greece
Kos Greece Yacht Charters
Kardamena Village, Kos
Assos village in Kefalonia, Greece

Disadvantages of chartering a catamaran in Greece

  • Low speed mandating a limited itinerary or a lot of sailing hours – It is not unusual for a catamaran charter to move before sunrise to break it up. Can be mitigated by starting in the destination – Mykonos, Santorini, Lefkada (Ionian), Patmos or Ikaria (Dodecanese), Skiathos (Sporades – Mamma Mia Islands)
  • Smaller crew – used to be 2 crew members, now growing (it’s both a positive and a negative) as per your price sensitivity. Compared to the Caribbean – there are more options.
  • Vertical layout– 2 or 3 decks on a horizontally constrained area.

Catamarans vs Motor Yachts

Charter yachts 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 crewed 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.  If you’re looking to get a recent Lagoon 52 catamaran sailing charter with crew, inquire early.

Catamaran Elly - A great example of the intersection of motor yachts and catamarans - a recent trend starting in 2022
Catamaran Elly - A great example of the intersection of motor yachts and catamarans - a recent trend starting in 2022
This Sunreef 80 GENNY can accomodate up to 10 Guests
The Catamaran's two hulls allows for a lot more onboard space compared to sailing monohulls and motor yachts of the same length. This Sunreef 80 - GENNY, is a great example of a catamaran with luxurious entirior.

As mentioned ealier Power catamarans will generally have a lower fuel consumption, with comparable deck space at the expense of speed. Catamaran charter will be able to get closer to the beach and will get to marinas easier than a huge motor yacht that had a change of itinerary and is looking for a last-minute spot on the dock (and will probably anchor out, hailing the guests from shore with a dinghy).

With the deck space being comparable in Catamaran Charter- the choice is yours – are you looking for a wider deck that’s arguably more casual for a group to sit down, or are you looking to have a bottle of something really nice served to you on the aft deck of a Ferretti motor yacht?

Some catamarans have moved it's base from Athens to Cape Sounion (Laurio)- the southernmost cape of Attica and the Gateway to the Cyclades - an interesting option to land in Athens and still start
Some catamarans have moved it's base from Athens to Cape Sounion (Laurio)- the southernmost cape of Attica and the Gateway to the Cyclades - an interesting option to land in Athens and still start "in the Cyclades," avoiding the taxiing to Athens.

A look inside a Luxury Catamaran

GENNY  | ⛵️Greece Luxury CATAMARAN Charter
GENNY | ⛵️Greece Luxury CATAMARAN Charter
ALTEYA | ⛵️Greece Luxury POWER CATAMARAN Charter
ALTEYA | ⛵️Greece Luxury POWER CATAMARAN Charter
Bird eye view from the lighthouse of Polyaigos island, Cyclades, Greece
View of the harbor, Livadi village and Sifnos island in the distance from Chora, Serifos island in Greece.

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Boat Type

Hulls

Guests Minimum

Max Price

Price ranges for yacht charters in Greece

Special Offers
5 reviews
Scuba Onboard

DOUCE FRANCE

From €99,500/week
6 cabins
138 ft
ALU MARINE
12 guests
Refit: 2009 & 2016
60 Litres/Hr

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APOLLO 99

From €85,000/week
4 cabins
78 ft
Sunreef Yachts
8 guests
Built: 2023
TBA Litres/Hr

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MANTA

From €75,000/week
4 cabins
78 ft
Sunreef Yachts
8 guests
Built: 2022
250 Litres/Hr

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Jetski
Jacuzzi

AD ASTRA 80

From €70,000/week
5 cabins
80 ft
Fountaine Pajot
10 guests
Built: 2024
TBA Litres/Hr

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Jetski
Jacuzzi

SERENISSIMA III

From €70,000/week
5 cabins
80 ft
Fountaine Pajot
10 guests
Built: 2024

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Jetski
Jacuzzi

ALOIA 80

From €70,000/week
5 cabins
80 ft
Fountaine Pajot
10 guests
Built: 2023

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Scuba Onboard

SEAHOME 65

From €69,000/week
5 cabins
65 ft
Lagoon
10 guests
Built: 2024
34 US Gall/Hr

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IPHARRA

From €68,000/week
5 cabins
102 ft
Sunreef Yachts
10 guests
Refit: 2017
50 Litres/Hr

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JACK

From €65,000/week
4 cabins
76 ft
McCohangy Boats
8 guests
Built: 2023

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3 reviews
Jetski
Jacuzzi

CARTOUCHE

From €60,000/week
4 cabins
95 ft
Jean-Jacque Coste
8 guests
Refit: 2017 - 2021 - 2022
20 Litres/Hr

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WONDERFUL

From €59,000/week
4 cabins
72 ft
Gunboat
8 guests
Built: 2023
12 Litres/Hr

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SAMELI

From €59,000/week
5 cabins
75 ft
Two Oceans
10 guests
Refit: 2023
50 Litres/Hr

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