Ask anyone who has chartered in the Caribbean and many will tell you the same thing: the catamaran is the boat for the islands. Wide decks, a stable ride at anchor and the ability to tuck into shallow bays make a crewed catamaran one of the most popular ways to spend a week in the BVI, the Grenadines or around St Martin and St Barths. Here is why, and how to choose the right one.

Why Catamarans Suit the Caribbean

• Space. Two hulls give a broad cockpit, a large saloon and often a forward deck with trampolines or sunpads. For the same length, a catamaran usually feels far roomier than a monohull.
• Stability. Catamarans sail flat and sit steady at anchor, which many guests appreciate, especially first-time sailors and families.
• Shallow draft. They can anchor closer to beaches and reefs, which matters in places such as the Tobago Cays, Anegada or the bays of Virgin Gorda.
• Privacy. Guest cabins are often split between the two hulls, so couples or families travelling together each have their own side of the boat.
• Easy island hopping. Caribbean islands are close together, so you rarely need to cover long distances in a day. A catamaran’s relaxed pace fits the rhythm well.

What Is Included on a Crewed Catamaran

Every yacht is different, but a crewed catamaran charter typically includes the captain and crew (often a chef or host), cabins with linen and towels, and the use of the tender and water toys on board, such as snorkelling gear and paddleboards. Many Caribbean catamarans are offered on an all-inclusive or semi-inclusive basis, where food and some drinks are part of the rate, while others are charged plus expenses with an advance provisioning allowance (APA). Our guide to yacht charter costs, APA and tips explains the difference before you compare rates.

Where to Charter a Catamaran in the Caribbean

British Virgin Islands

Sheltered water, short hops and dozens of anchorages make the BVI the classic catamaran cruising ground. See our one-week BVI itinerary from Tortola.

The Grenadines

Reefs, turtles and remote islands. A shallow-draft catamaran is ideal for the Tobago Cays and Salt Whistle Bay. Read our Grenadines charter guide.

St Martin, St Barths and Anguilla

Beaches, French cuisine and a lively harbour scene in Gustavia. See our St Barths yacht charter guide.

Antigua

Historic English Harbour, sheltered bays and the long pink-sand beaches of Barbuda. Read our Antigua yacht charter guide.

When to Go

The main Caribbean charter season runs from December to April, with steady trade winds and dry, sunny weather. Christmas and New Year book up first, often many months ahead; our guide to festive-season charters explains minimum stays and timing. If your dates are flexible, February and March often bring the best balance of conditions and choice. For the full picture, see our Caribbean charter season guide 2026–27.

How to Choose the Right Catamaran

• Group size and cabins. Think about how your group will share cabins, and whether you want every couple to have an en-suite.
• Crew. A good crew makes the charter. We look at experience, cooking style and how the crew work with families or groups like yours.
• Pricing basis. Check whether the rate is all-inclusive or plus expenses, so you can compare like with like.
• Extras. Water toys, air conditioning, watermaker capacity and diving options vary from boat to boat.
• Starting point. Where the yacht is based affects flights and any delivery fees.

As independent brokers, we work for you rather than a fleet, so we can compare crewed catamarans across the Caribbean and recommend the ones that genuinely fit your plans. Browse our Caribbean destination guide to start.