Embarking on a skippered catamaran charter in the Mediterranean might change how you think about vacations. Picture this: waking up to the gentle sway of a catamaran, the Mediterranean sun glinting off turquoise waves, and your kids’ excited giggles as they spot dolphins from the deck. Booking a skippered catamaran charter in Croatia, Greece, Italy, cand other destinations, can be the most magical, bonding experience you ever experienced. If you’re dreaming of a family Sailing holiday that’s equal parts adventure, relaxation, and pure joy, let us take you through the world of crewed yacht charters, sharing what it’s like, why it’s perfect for families, and all the fun things to do on board. For more family travel inspiration, check out Families Love Travel.
Why chose a Crewed Catamaran Charter
Many people may think that a yacht charter is for fancy couples or seasoned sailors, not a family with kids. But when you stumble across the idea of a catamaran charter, you might feel like the universe is handing you the perfect vacation.
Here’s why you might fall in love with the idea:
- Space and Stability: Catamarans, with their two hulls, are wide and stable, which is a game-changer. The kids can run around on the spacious deck or chill on the trampoline nets without you worrying about them toppling over. It feels like a floating playground.
- No Sailing Skills Required: If you are not sailor, or your idea of navigation is using Google Maps, with a professional skippered on board, you have a person handling all the sailing, docking, and tricky stuff, leaving you free to sip coffee and enjoy the views. The option of having a hostess / chef makes you feel like being in a luxury hotel on water.
- A Vacation That Fits: Unlike rigid cruise ship schedules, a private charter lets you choose where to go and what to do. Want to spend an extra day swimming in a hidden cove? Done. Craving a pizza night in a coastal village? Your skipper will it happen, and with his local knowledge, he will find you the best spots, which you cannot find by searching the net. It is like designing your dream holiday.
- Kid-Friendly Vibes: The calm Mediterranean waters and short distances between the daily anchorages allows you to sail for 2-3 hrs and leaves plenty of play and chill time. Plus, the crews are amazing with the kids, teaching them knots and letting them “steer” the boat (with supervision, of course).
- Family Time, Unplugged: On a catamaran, you can avoid crowded resort chaos. You can enjoy water sports, play games, share stories, and watch sunsets together, creating memories you’ll cherish forever.
What Life on a Catamaran Is Like
Stepping onto a catamaran for the first time feels like walking into a floating home. For example ,46-50 foot with four double cabins, each with its own bathroom—is perfect for your family or a group of friends. The spacious saloon (the indoor living area) is cozy, and the outdoor cockpit is where meals are served, with views of sparkling seas. Or simply relax on te launching areas on the for deck or fly bridge.
What a Typical Day Looks Like on a Skippered Catamaran Charter in the Mediterranean
- Mornings: Waking up to the smell of fresh coffee and pancakes, prepared by the hostess/chef, while you are enjoying a morning swim in crystal blue waters. The kids are on deck, spotting fish in the water below, trying their first time fishing skills. Then, your skipper, gets the chart out, and suggest a new spot to sail to— usually a 2–3-hour journey, which gives plenty of time to relax or just enjoy gliding through the waves under sail.
- Afternoons: After anchoring, you enjoy a light lunch and dive into the sea for swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding. The kids can enjoy the water toys, while you read a book in the shade, or you enjoy a shore excursion, go hiking or visiting cultural sites.
- Evenings: Whether you like to stay anchored in a quiet bay, enjoy a grilled fresh fish prepared by the crew, or dock at a town harbor to explore a town, sit down for a dinner under the stars, and watch the local hustle and bustle. It all can be pure magic.
- Evenings: Whether you like to stay anchored in a quiet bay, enjoy a grilled fresh fish prepared by the crew, or dock at a town harbour to explore a town, sit down for a dinner under the stars, and watch the local hustle and bustle. It all can be pure magic.
The catamarans often, come with a selection of water toys and entertainment gadgets: Snorkeling gear, stand up paddle boards, kayaks, floating matrices, and a dinghy for shore trips. Wi-Fi is also in place, if desired… The cost? They are entirely depending on the size of the boat, number of crew and time of the season It can start with €8,000 for a week, for a skippered /hostess charter, €15-20,000 for the more luxury version with a Captain and chef. Or, above& beyond, if you prefer a 5 start service on a larger yacht. Depending on your budget, you will receive a tailor-made offer for a skippered catamaran charter in the Mediterranean with the perfect boat for you and your family.
Which Destination to Choose for Your Mediterranean Skippered Catamaran Charter
This is a very personal choice, and each destination will allow you to have a most memorable holiday experience with a skippered catamaran charter in the Mediterranean for your family. You already might have a bucket list, and your charter broker will be advising you on the different options of various destinations. We created some sample itineraries below. Once a destination is booked, an itinerary according your preferences and points of interests will be tailored just for you and your family.
Croatia: Our Island-Hopping Dream
A skippered catamaran charter in Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is a very popular cruising option, feeling like sailing through a postcard. The Adriatic’s crystal waters and endless islands offer access to remote bays, lively towns, and unforgettable scenery.
Top Hotspots to Visit on a Skippered Yacht Charter in Croatia
- 1: Embarkation in Split, meet the crew and settle on the catamaran. Sail to Brač and swim at Zlatni Rat Beach, where the pebbly shore doesn’t stop your kids from building “sand” castles.
- 2: Hvar is a hit. You can climb the fortress for panoramic views, and the kids can devoure lavender ice cream from a local vendor.
- 3: Vis’s Blue Cave will blow you away—its glowing water feels like magic. You can snorkel nearby, spot colorful fish.
- 4: Korčula’s medieval town is like stepping into a storybook. Watch a traditional sword dance, and you will be catapulted back in time.
- 5: Mljet National Park, a nature lover’s dream. A day, ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding, or simply relaxation time.
- 6: Peljesac, the most stunning coves in the southern Adriatic Sea, the idyllic town of Kobaš. It is a true paradise and its gastronomical offer can be experienced in one of the restaurants, located right by the sea.
- 7: Dubrovnik’s city walls are a highlight. You will love the Game of Thrones vibes, and you can enjoy the most amazing seafood by the harbor.
Read: 13 Best Places To Visit In Croatia With Kids This Summer
Greece: Myths and Turquoise Bays
Depending on your budget, you will receive a tailor-made offer for a skippered catamaran charter in Greece with the perfect boat for you and your family.
Top Hotspots to Visit on a Skippered Yacht Charter in Greece
- 1: Visti Corfu and wander the old town’s narrow streets. Colorful buildings and beautiful shops will be a great start before setting sails.
- 2: Paxos’s emerald bays are a swim paradise. Anchor in Gaios and enjoy a Gyros at a tiny taverna.
- 3: Antipaxos has the clearest water you’ve ever seen. It is the absolutely snorkel paradise.
- 4: Lefkada’s Porto Katsiki Beach is a sandy heaven. A beach walk will stretch your sea legs.
- 5: Ithaca feels like a step back in time. You can hike to a hilltop with views of Odysseus’ homeland.
- 6: Kefalonia’s Melissani Cave is unreal—rowing through its turquoise lake feels like a fairy tale.
- 7: The island of Kastos offers a variety of activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving, to relaxing in the shallow bays or swimming in the island’s infinity pool. With a wide selection of restaurants and bars, Kastos is the ideal place to experience the local culture, whether it’s while enjoying a cocktail in one of the many beach bars or exploring traditional villages.
Read: 13 Best Places To Visit With Kids In 2024
Fun Things To Do On a Skippered Catamaran Charter in the Mediterranean
A skippered catamaran charter in the Mediterranean isn’t just a boat to get from A to B—it is a playground, a classroom, and a cozy retreat. Here’s what keeps you entertained:
- Water Adventures: Paddleboards and kayaks, snorkeling, spotting starfish and sea urchins. Outdoor cinema or floating matrices, sea bobs and waterskiing.
- Fishing Fun: Often the crew is catching fish, which you will find later right on your dinner plate. Or you may want to learn catching fish yourself.
- Game Nights: Some board games are often available onboard, or simply bring your own.
- Cooking with the Chef: From Greek souvlaki to Italian tiramisu, you might enjoy helping in the galley, and get inspired by the local recipes.
- Stargazing: Check out the star constellations with the latest star apps or a traditional star chart.
- Movie Nights: Some yachts have projectors for a movie night under the stars, complete with blankets and popcorn.
- Pirate Day: Organize a treasure hunt with clues hidden around the boat. The kids dressed as pirates.
- Sailing 101: The kids can learn to hoist the sails and read a chart, and become a mini-captain.
Tips for Your Own Catamaran Adventure
Planning a skippered yacht charter in the Mediterranean might feel daunting at first, but your broker will make it easy and turn it into fun. Anticipation is the best joy!
- Timing Matters: Every cruising ground has its special timing.
- Pick a Reputable Company: Sailvation is recommended by Families Love Travel. Sailvation offers family-friendly boats and has excellent reviews.
- Pack Smart: Soft bags are a must—hard suitcases don’t fit in cabins. Bring swimwear, light clothes, water shoes, and motion sickness bands (just in case).
- Set a Budget: That helps enquiring for the perfect yacht and also consider to plan for restaurant visits and souvenir shopping.
- Talk to Your Crew: Tell them about yourself and your point of interests. They also will receive your preference sheet from your broker…
Why a Skippered Yacht Charter in the Mediterranean Could Be Your Best Family Vacation
A catamaran charter is not just a trip—it is a chance to slow down, laugh together, and see the world through different eyes. From a 6-year-old’s mermaid fantasies to a 13- year-old’s newfound love for sailing, from an adult slowing down experience, every moment can be special. Croatia’s islands, Greece’s myths, and other destinations, such as Italy, or the Balearic islands, give stories to tell for years. If you’re ready to trade crowded resorts for a floating adventure, a catamaran charter is the way to go. For more family travel ideas, visit Families Love Travel and start planning your own skippered catamaran charter in the Mediterranean.
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