REVIEWS · CATAMARAN SAILING CRUISES
Canvas up and engines off is a slower, quieter day and it depends entirely on the breeze. These 15 sailing catamarans are ranked with their hours under sail, their crew size and what happens on a windless afternoon.
Cruise from Malaga for 1 to 1.5 hours on a spacious catamaran, watching the sun sink over the Alboran Sea. Choose a daytime or sunset sailing, add cava or a romantic light show, and enjoy English or Spanish crew service. Live music runs on selected dates until mid-September.
“Lovely catamaran, bar on board, comfortable cruise along the coast, good value for money”
Join Mundo Marino at Valencia’s marina for a 60 to 90-minute catamaran ride along the Mediterranean coast. Choose a daytime sailing or sunset trip with cava and music. On selected Wednesday sunset sailings, a DJ adds a livelier mood. Expect open sea views, a bar, and no hotel pickup.
“The crew were amazing and made the experience enjoyable despite the unseasonably terrible weather. The boat was lovely and the views were beautiful.”
Board near Lloret de Mar’s town hall for a four-hour Costa Brava catamaran cruise. You’ll sail past cliffs, caves, beaches, and fishing villages, then stop for swimming, snorkeling, a BBQ, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and music. Choose a family morning, adults-only afternoon, or Saturday celebration departure.
“It was lots of fun, the crew made it a fun experience for kids and adults alike with music and exuberance. A fun atmosphere was had throughout and they encouraged everyone to have fun and get involved, whilst also making sure everyone knew the rules and safety especially for the kids. Jumping off the boat, having a swim and then great food and drink. Excellent.”
Spend 2.5 hours aboard the 65-foot Arusun from Palm Beach, with a crew that may include Amanda, Ronnie, or Gabriel. You’ll reach the catamaran by zodiac, snorkel at the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay, and enjoy snacks plus an open bar for up to 35 people.
“I would highly recommend this activity if you love sailing and snorkeling! Plus an open bar! We loved it & felt like we practically had the boat to ourselves! It wasn’t crowded at all. Captain and crew were exceptional and fun! The snorkeling over the wreck was just amazing!!”
Spend three hours aboard The Dolphin from Delphi Watersports near the Hyatt Regency. Snorkel at the Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina Bay, then use the rope swing and spinning water slide. Crew members such as Frederick, Oscar, Rio, Jay, and Brandon are often praised for friendly, attentive service.
“Drunk moms are not fun to be around. there was a lady around with drunk kids she was unpleasant and it made the trip unbearable toward the end.”
Sail from Kewalo Basin to Turtle Canyon aboard the Honu Lani, a power catamaran carrying up to 40 people. Snorkel with a guide, watch for turtles, fish, dolphins, and winter whales, then enjoy lunch and drinks on the midday cruise. Crew members may include Chris, Natalie, Greta, Joey, or Whitney.
“Crew was super friendly, always offering to bring us drinks. We took the 8 AM so I didn’t drink any of the alcoholic drinks offered, and I was driving. But they had fun tropical cocktails as well as beer. The snacks were mini bags of potato chips, so if you are taking the morning excursion, you should eat breakfast first. Water was super calm, sometimes I get motion sickness, but it didn’t bother me at all. Two other people in the boat were extremely sick, but they had actually never been on a boat before. Description says three hours, but we were back at the dock by 10 AM, so…”
Join The VI Cat crew for a three-hour catamaran sail from Marriott Frenchman’s Cove to Turtle Cove at Little Buck Island. Captain Serena, Dave, and guides such as Isaac, Nick, Anders, and Porscha have helped make this a friendly, well-run trip with included gear, turtle sightings, snacks, and drinks after swimming.
“Great experience. Very accommodating. Ive been on tours that say they include snacks and drinks but do not. This one really does. The guides were friendly abd helpful, the captain was very skilled. All of them were knowledgeable. You may want to bring a towel. Also, you cannot wear shoes on the deck. My onky regret was not bringing my snorkel and mask from home. We saw about 15 sea turtles, Sgt majors, parroting, blowfish, a school of ballyhoo, sea urchins and more. Well worth the price.”
Join Mundo Marino at Malaga’s pier for a 1.5-hour catamaran ride across the bay. Enjoy coastline views, a bar onboard, and a swimming stop when sea conditions allow. Choose the DJ option for livelier music. The route changes with the wind, and the crew speaks Spanish and English.
“Good! The water was great and it was fun to jump off the boat. The sangria on board was strong which was great”
Sail from Cambrils along the Costa Daurada on a 1, 3, or 5-hour catamaran cruise. The longer trips stop for swimming and snorkeling, while drinks are included and selected departures add burgers or a barbecue. Expect friendly multilingual hosts, coastal views, and a relaxed deck setting.
“We thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The staff were incredibly helpful and attentive, the sailing was so enjoyable and the food was great too.”
Meet at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. Your crew provides snorkel gear, points out turtles, fish, octopuses, and reef life, then sails along Waikiki. Morning and afternoon departures are available, with drinks, cold brew, and granola bars included.
“Best snorkel tour! For someone who hasn’t done a snorkel tour in awhile this was perfect. The staff was excellent fun and so helpful. They all made the experience amazing. We saw 3 turtles and some fish. On the return ride tried to see whales but none some saw flying fish! Next time I come with fam I will book this tour. Smooth and way from booking to end of tour. Def worth it!”
Spend about five hours aboard Random Wind with Anna, Jackie, and Captain Scott, sailing from Simpson Bay to Mullet Bay and Little Bay. Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, swing into the Caribbean, and enjoy grilled chicken, Caribbean rice, salad, bread, snacks, and an unlimited open bar.
“This was me and my wife baby moon this is late but was a great time my favorite thing was the sling into the water”
Sail from Fajardo with East Island Excursions to Cayo Icacos, or Palominitos if conditions change. Expect reef snorkeling, floating belts, a deli buffet, rum drinks, and views of El Yunque. Captains Jose and Carlos and crew members such as Neff and Andres have been praised for safety and friendly service.
“We had a great time!! I would love to thank the captain and his crew, they did an amazing job entertaining us and keeping us safe. We laughed alot with the crew especially Carlos he was helpful and knowledgeable. He had us laughing the entire time.”
Join Ocean Vibes Scuba and Watersports for a four-hour catamaran sail from Grace Bay. Snorkel a warm-water reef, visit Half Moon Bay or Little Water Cay, look for rock iguanas, and enjoy sandwiches, fruit, rum punch, beer, and soft drinks. Crew members such as Ross, Reggie, Jay, and Captain Mike have earned warm praise for their family-friendly help.
“Awesome snorkeling and overall experience! Fun and informative, great crew who were great with young and old! Highly recommend!”
You’ll sail from Vlychada or Ammoudi on a luxury catamaran, stopping at Red Beach, Mesa Pigadia, the hot springs, and the volcano. Swim, snorkel, eat a BBQ lunch, and watch the sunset. The crew may include Maria, Neta, or Liz, with vegetarian and vegan meals available by request.
“Amazing trip with great guide and crew. Food and drink were excellent too. We would highly recommend this trip! Thank you”
Spend about four hours aboard a small catamaran from La Lonja Marina in Palma, with room for up to 10 to 12 people. Expect coastal sailing, homemade tapas, a welcome drink, music, and time in a bay for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or sunbathing. Extra drinks cost more.
“The crew was excellent but I find for the price it was not that good of an experience basically 60 of the time was travelling from port to another area to jump off the boat which was really close to port and comeback to port and it’s done, I would expect to bring us to a more secluded location with a beach but it’s ok it was still a good experience”
By what the day is for, by what comes with the ticket, or by who else is aboard.
