Finding a Catamaran Charter in the Caribbean is not hard to do, but finding the right Catamaran Charter for your specific needs can take a bit more research. Fortunately, many resources can be used to help make your choice.
The trick is to figure out which options are best for you and the vacation you want to have. Here is a sort of guide to help you find the right company for you.
Find Your Charter for the Caribbean
It’s easy to search for charter companies on the internet, but it’s much harder to determine whether or not the company will be able to provide you with what you will need and what you want. This is where discussion forums come into play.
Forums, where other charter sailors post comments and help one another, are a valuable resource for anyone looking for a charter company.
Posters on a forum can offer suggestions for yacht charter brokers and charter companies, give reasons why or why not to go to a specific company, and guide you toward the most advantageous location from which to charter a boat.
How to Choose Your Catamaran
Before you choose a catamaran, you need to have a clear understanding of what you require. Space is a major consideration when choosing a boat.
You need to determine the number of passengers and include a crew if you want to use this option, along with the how much space you would like on board.
Yacht sizes differ, and the smaller the boat, the more aware you should be of other factors, like the weight of extra fishing and diving equipment and similar items.
Keep in mind more space on board generally means that weight distribution is more even, leads to a more stable sail, and there is more room to move around or lounge and socialize.
Make Sure the Company You Choose Meets All Your Needs
Not all charter companies are created equally, and it is best, even if going on a suggestion by an experienced charter sailor, to ask plenty of questions before making a final choice.
Don’t put off calling until the last minute! Get in touch and make plans now to get the yacht that best meets all of your needs. Be sure to ask the following questions:
- What size is the boat?
- If I get a crewed yacht, what kind of experience does the skipper have?
- Who cooks the meals on a crewed yacht?
- Is the galley fully equipped with a refrigerator and freezer?
- How much is storage space available? Is there enough storage in the galley?
- Is there ample space for the number of people I will bring?
- What safety equipment is on board?
- Does certain recreational equipment cost extra or require a special request?
Find Out What is Included in the Price of Your Charter
Speaking of extra costs and special requests, always ask what is included in the cost of your charter. Different companies provide different equipment at no extra cost.
Other companies require fees to include diving equipment, scuba gear, or kayaks. You should also inquire about the costs of fuel, water, food, and added taxes.
Advantages of a Crewed Catamaran
A crewed catamaran is a chartering option that will provide you with a full crew, including a seasoned captain.
- A full crew means you get to relax while they handle everything
- The crew is familiar with the region and can give you helpful tips on spots to visit
- A crew can handle the boat in poor weather conditions
- Meals are prepared for you by a professional cook
- Maintenance is not up to you
Advantages of a Skippered Catamaran
A skippered catamaran is an option that will provide you with a skipper, but all crew work falls onto you and the other passengers.
- Hiring only a skipper is a cheaper option than chartering a full crew
- Hiring a skipper saves you from having to obtain a license if you don’t have one
- The skipper will know the region well
The Best Starting Point
Your starting location is just as important as the type of yacht you choose. If you choose wisely, you can reach more islands in the Caribbean in a shorter period of time, depending on your distance from other islands. Tortola is one of the best spots to begin your journey.
Chartering a yacht for the Caribbean vacation of your dreams takes some time and consideration, but the planning and thoughtfulness put into the beginning stages of your trip are well worth the trouble. Find the right charter company for you and your guests today!
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Did you sail on a catamaran to the Caribbean? You are more than welcome to share your experience in the comment below.
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
I read your article about Catamaran Charter and the tips to make the right choice. I should say that this article is very clear and powerful. Every detail that you mention is very valuable and robust. I didn’t know anything about Catmarans before, but now after reading your article, I understood about it very well. You have done a great job.
Hi Shivaram,
I am glad that my article helped you to understand about catamarans.
Thank you for your comment and I wish you a nice day!
Hey Daniella, I’ve never been to the Carribean but I would love to go. I must admit that I’ve never thought of picking up a catamaran BEFORE getting there or the starting point of my journey.
All the info you provide is very useful to me, especially the link to the forum. Very interesting that you can rent both crewed and skippered catamarans! I think I would go for the crewed one for my first trip, though.
This post got me one step further to organizing this trip I dream about so thank you.
Hi Daniela,
It is very important to well organize a trip before sailing anywhere. The boat, the company, and the starting point are the main factors for a successful sailing holiday!
You have great tastes , a crewed yacht is the best way to enjoy a sailing trip and cherish yourself!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!
Didn’t try that in my life. Didn’t even think in doing it. After reading your article, I thought in it and found that it would be a very funny journey to take. However, I have no clue about the prices for a trip of this kind.
I’ve never sailed before and don’t how will it feels but I like trying new things and your points in the article are very important to keep in mind if going to that sail.
Hi there
I am glad you liked my article , it’s never too late and I can tell you the feeling is unforgettable!
You should try.Hope to see you soon on board
Have a great day
I would absolutely love to go to the carribean one day- especially if it’s on a fancy yacht!! never been on one, not because I can’t, just because I haven’t yet! Now, would you be able to find yachtes on sites like craiglist or something? I feel like there would be a lot of person to person business of this sort where you could get a huge discount!
Thanks for bringing this up- might need to do it here shortly!
Matt TheDopestMatrix
Hi Mattrix,
The Caribbean is one of the most popular place to sail with a catamaran. Yes of course they are many places you can get a good reduction. You can go on my website “Find a Yacht” there you will find a good place with a lot of reductions !
I hope it helped , please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions .
I wish you a great day 🙂
My husband and I love going to the Caribbean with friends however we always end up at an all inclusive. We have been talking about getting away from this the next time we go and have been trying to think of other the go to do.
I have always wanted to go on a catamaran but didn’t realize they could be chartered. This is some thing we will definitely look into. Thank you for all of these great tips. This should make it a lot easier for us to plan our trip.
Hi Simone,
Catamarans are very popular in the Caribbean. It’s an awesome place to sail:)
Thank you for the comment and wish you to sail soon!
Have a nice day
A really good niche. It makes me want to jump on a plane and head for the Caribbean and get out on a catamaran. The vibrant blue colors and pictures on the Destinations tab were inviting, too. I have never sailed on a catamaran and after surfing this site it sure makes me want to. I’m glad prices were included so I have an idea of cost. The testimonials were solid.
Hi Jack,
I am glad you like my article and that it makes you want to sail:)
Thank you for the comment and wish you to sail soon!
Hello,
Let me first say as soon as your website popped up I was ready to go pack. This is very useful information. I recently had a conversation about going to the Caribbean. For activities, we tossed around the idea of a catamaran but I didn’t do thorough research because I was under the impression they were all small boats. I can’t swim but I love the water as long as I’m on a big boat, preferable a cruise ship. Lol
Your information made this a possibility again. I acquired a lot of useful information from your content and took good notes so thank you.
Hi there,
It doesn’t really matter if you don’t know how to swim because any way you’ll have to wear a life jacket on board:)
Catamarans are very spacious and comfortable, I would suggest those boats to anyone who wish to sail!
Here is a nice article about why sail a catamaran, I am sure you will find it very helpful!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day:)
Oh, I love to travel and I love the ocean, beach and sunshine. So this is right up my alley! I am looking at taking a trip next month actually and will bookmark this page so I can continue my research to decide which option I want. I love cruises, so this sounds much more intimate and fun.
Hi Matt,
How nice to see you again!
That’s great! I am very happy for you that you plan to travel next month. If you still don’t know where to go, here are some beautiful destinations to chose from and it can help you in your decisions.
If you need any help, please feel free to contact me at any time, I’ll be glad to assist!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!