The Charter Handbook
Everything a first-time charterer needs to know — from budgeting and booking to what to pack and what to eat onboard.
How CatamaranMatch Works
We’re not a listing site — we’re a matchmaking service. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of boats on your own, you tell us what you’re looking for and we connect you with the right vetted broker for your trip.
The Process, Step by Step
Tell Us About Your Trip
Fill out our short inquiry form — it takes about three minutes. You’ll share your destination, travel dates, group size, budget, and experience level. No commitment required.
We Review Your Inquiry
Our team reviews your submission and identifies the brokers in our vetted network best suited to your trip profile — by destination expertise, budget range, and charter type.
You Get Matched
We connect you directly with a qualified broker who specializes in exactly the kind of charter you’re looking for. You’ll receive an introduction within 1–2 business days.
Work Directly with Your Broker
Your broker handles everything from there — boat options, itinerary planning, contracts, and booking logistics. They’re your expert guide through the entire process.
Set Sail
Board your catamaran and enjoy the trip you’ve been dreaming about. Your broker remains available for any questions right up to departure.
Why Use a Broker?
- Access to hundreds of vetted boats worldwide
- Expertise in specific destinations and seasons
- Help navigating contracts and deposits
- Someone in your corner if something goes wrong
- No added cost to you — brokers earn commission from the charter company
What Makes Us Different
- We match you to the right broker, not just any broker
- Every broker in our network is vetted and screened
- We specialize in first-time charterers and families
- Personalized service — not an algorithm
- Free to use, no hidden fees
Ready to Find Your Perfect Charter?
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Start Your InquiryCosts & Budgeting
A catamaran charter is a premium experience — but understanding how costs break down helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Here’s a plain-English guide to charter pricing.
What Does a Crewed Catamaran Charter Cost?
The base charter rate is the weekly fee to rent the boat along with your professional captain and chef/crew. For a well-equipped catamaran sleeping 6–8 guests, you can expect:
Includes the boat, a professional captain, and a chef/mate. The average for a quality catamaran in a popular destination runs around $25,000–$35,000/week. Price varies by boat size, age, destination, and season.
Beyond the Base Rate: What Else Will I Pay?
The charter fee is just the starting point. Here are the additional costs to plan for:
| Cost Item | What It Is | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|
| APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) | Typically covered in the charter contract. A prepaid fund held by the captain for fuel, food, dockage, and activities throughout the week. Unspent balance is returned to you at the end of the trip. | Usually included — confirm with your broker |
| Crew Gratuity | Standard tip for your captain and chef. Not always mandatory but strongly expected. | 10–20% of base rate |
| Taxes & Fees | Local taxes, marine park fees, and port dues vary by destination. | 5–15% of base rate |
| Travel to/from | Flights, airport transfers, and pre/post-trip hotel. | Varies widely |
| Security Deposit | Held by the charter company and refunded after the trip if the boat is returned undamaged. Can often be replaced with a damage waiver fee. | $2,000–$5,000 |
Understanding APA
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is one of the most confusing parts of crewed charter pricing for first-timers — but it’s simple once you understand it.
Before your trip, you pay the APA to your captain. They use it as a running tab throughout the week to cover: fuel for the boat, marina fees and anchoring costs, food and drink provisioning, restaurant visits, water sports and excursion fees, and any other shared expenses.
The captain keeps all receipts and provides a full accounting. Any money left over at the end of the trip is returned to you in cash. If you run over budget (unusual for a well-managed trip), you’ll top it up.
Sample Budget: Crewed Charter for 6 Guests, BVI
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Base charter rate (1 week) | $28,000 |
| Crew gratuity (15%) | $4,200 |
| Taxes & fees (~10%) | $2,800 |
| Flights (6 guests) | $6,000–$9,000 |
| Pre-trip hotel (optional) | $500–$1,500 |
| Total estimate | $41,000–$45,000 |
| Per person (6 guests) | ~$6,800–$7,500 |
Note: This is a representative example. Actual costs vary by boat, destination, season, and group size. Your broker will provide a detailed quote for your specific trip.
Not Sure What Fits Your Budget?
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Start Your InquiryWhat Is a Crewed Charter?
CatamaranMatch specializes exclusively in crewed catamaran charters — the gold standard for first-time charterers, families, and anyone who wants a genuinely relaxing vacation on the water.
The Crewed Charter Experience
On a crewed charter, your catamaran comes fully staffed with a professional captain and typically a chef/mate. You are a guest — your crew handles all sailing, navigation, anchoring, and meal preparation. Your only job is to enjoy yourself.
Think of it as a private yacht vacation. You have an entire catamaran to yourself (just your group — no other passengers), a crew dedicated entirely to your experience, and the freedom to explore a stunning destination at your own pace. No schedules, no crowded resort pools, no strangers at the next table.
What Your Crew Does for You
Your Captain
- Sails and navigates the boat safely
- Plans your daily itinerary based on your interests and weather
- Knows the best anchorages, snorkeling spots, and local restaurants
- Manages all fuel, dockage, and logistics
- Keeps detailed accounts of all APA spending
- Teaches sailing basics to anyone who’s interested
Your Chef / Mate
- Prepares all meals onboard — breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Sources fresh, local ingredients at each destination
- Accommodates all dietary needs and preferences
- Keeps the boat clean and organized throughout the week
- Assists with water toys, snorkeling gear, and the dinghy
- Mixes sundowner cocktails and keeps the drinks flowing
Privacy: Will My Crew Be in Our Space?
This is one of the most common questions first-time charterers ask — and the answer is reassuring. Your captain and chef have their own separate quarters aboard the boat (typically a forward cabin or dedicated crew area). They are experienced professionals who know exactly how to be helpful without being intrusive.
The dynamic feels natural very quickly: crew are visible and available when you need them, and discreetly in the background when you don’t. Most guests are surprised by how private and personal the experience feels.
Why Crewed Is the Right Choice for First-Timers
No Sailing Experience Needed
You don’t need to know anything about sailing to have an incredible charter vacation. Your captain handles every aspect of boat operation.
Local Expertise at Every Anchorage
Your captain has sailed these waters hundreds of times. They know the hidden coves, the best snorkeling reefs, the beach bars worth stopping at, and the ones worth skipping.
Gourmet Meals, Every Day
Charter chefs are genuinely talented — many come from restaurant backgrounds. You’ll eat better on the boat than at most shoreside restaurants, using ingredients sourced fresh at each destination.
Truly Stress-Free
No logistics to manage, no meal planning, no navigation decisions. From the moment you step aboard to the moment you disembark, everything is taken care of. It’s one of the most genuinely relaxing vacations you can take.
Ready to Experience a Crewed Charter?
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Start Your InquiryWhat to Expect Onboard
Life on a catamaran is wonderfully different from any other kind of vacation. Here’s what a typical day looks like — and what to expect from the boat, the food, and the experience.
The Catamaran Itself
Catamarans are the preferred platform for charter vacations — and for good reason. Unlike monohull sailboats, catamarans have two hulls, which creates a wide, stable platform with far less rocking and heeling. Most guests who worried about seasickness find catamarans surprisingly comfortable.
A typical charter catamaran sleeping 6–8 guests will have: 3–4 private cabins (each with its own en-suite bathroom), a spacious salon (living and dining area), a large cockpit for outdoor dining and lounging, a flybridge or helm area with great views, and a trampoline net at the bow — one of the most beloved features.
A Sample Day on a Crewed Charter
| Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| 7:00 – 8:00 AM | Wake up at anchor in a quiet bay. Coffee and fresh fruit appear on the cockpit table. Swim off the back of the boat before breakfast. |
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | Full breakfast — eggs, pastries, tropical fruit, juice. Your chef asks about the day’s plans and preferences. |
| 9:30 AM | Anchor up. Your captain sets sail for the day’s destination — typically 1–3 hours away. Relax on the trampoline, help with the sails if you’d like, or read in the shade. |
| 12:30 PM | Anchor at a snorkeling spot or near a beach. Lunch is served — fresh salads, grilled fish, cold drinks. |
| 1:30 – 5:00 PM | Afternoon exploring: snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, beach walk, or a visit to a local restaurant or town. |
| 5:00 PM | Settle into the evening anchorage. Sundowners on the deck — cocktails, cheese, fresh guacamole. Watch the sun go down. |
| 7:30 PM | Dinner onboard — typically a full three-course meal prepared by your chef using fresh local ingredients. |
| 9:30 PM | Stars overhead. No light pollution. The boat rocks gently. Possibly the best sleep of your life. |
Sample Onboard Menu
Charter chefs are genuinely talented — many come from restaurant backgrounds. Here’s an example of what a week’s worth of meals might look like:
Water Toys & Activities
Most charter catamarans come with a suite of water toys and gear. Typical inclusions: snorkeling masks and fins for all guests, stand-up paddleboards (1–2), kayak or dinghy (used to go ashore), floating mats and inflatables, and fishing gear. Some boats offer additional toys like underwater scooters, wakeboards, or towable tubes — ask your broker to specify what’s on your boat.
Ready to Experience This for Yourself?
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Start Your InquiryDestinations & When to Go
From the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the ancient coastlines of the Mediterranean, the world’s best crewed charter destinations are waiting. We’ve put together a full guide to help you choose.
Explore Our Destination Guide
Choosing where to charter is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process — and one of the most important. The right destination depends on your travel dates, group size, budget, and what kind of experience you’re after.
We’ve created a dedicated destinations page covering the world’s top crewed charter regions, including the best time of year to visit, what each destination is known for, and which type of traveler each one suits best.
View the Full Destination Guide
Explore top charter regions, best seasons, and what to expect at each destination.
Explore DestinationsExperience & Licensing
The most common question first-time charterers ask is: “Do I need to know how to sail?” On a crewed charter, the answer is simple — no. Here’s everything you need to know.
No Experience Needed
If you’re booking a crewed charter, you need zero sailing experience. Your professional captain is fully licensed and responsible for the boat at all times. You’re a guest — your only job is to enjoy yourself.
Many guests on crewed charters use the week to learn some sailing basics from their captain. Most captains are happy to teach you how to handle the sails, read the wind, or take the helm in calm conditions. It’s a fantastic way to discover whether you’d enjoy learning to sail more seriously.
What About Documents & Requirements?
Since your captain holds all required licenses and certifications, your personal paperwork requirements as a guest are minimal. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
What You Need
- Valid passport (or government-issued ID for US territory charters)
- Travel insurance documentation (strongly recommended)
- Any visa requirements for your destination country
- Completed preference sheet (dietary needs, activities, allergies) — your broker will send this
What Your Captain Handles
- All required captain’s licenses and certifications
- Local cruising permits and clearance paperwork
- VHF radio licensing
- Safety certifications and boat documentation
- Port authority check-ins at each destination
What If I Want to Learn to Sail?
A crewed charter is actually one of the best environments to pick up sailing basics. You’re on the water for a full week with an experienced captain who is almost always happy to teach — how to trim a sail, read the wind, use a chart plotter, or even take the helm in calm conditions.
There’s no obligation to learn anything. But many guests come home from their first charter genuinely bitten by the sailing bug. If that sounds like you, ask your broker to flag your interest when making the match — some captains are particularly known for being great teachers.
Ready to Go — No Experience Required?
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Start Your InquiryThe Charter Packing List
Packing for a catamaran charter is different from a typical beach vacation. Storage space is limited, hard-sided luggage won’t fit in the cabins, and you’ll spend most of your time in swimwear. Here’s exactly what to bring — and what to leave at home.
The Golden Rule: Pack Light
Catamaran cabins have limited storage, and most of the week you’ll be in a swimsuit or casual clothes. A soft duffel bag or backpack (no hard-sided rollaboards) is essential — they compress to fit under berths and in lockers. Aim for one bag per person, 30–40 liters maximum.
☀️ Sun & Water
- Reef-safe sunscreen (lots of it)
- SPF lip balm
- Polarized sunglasses
- Sun hat or cap
- Rash guard / UV shirt
- Snorkeling mask (optional — boats usually supply)
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case
👙 Clothing
- 3–4 swimsuits
- 2–3 cover-ups or sarongs
- 2–3 casual shorts/pants
- 2–3 casual tops or tanks
- 1 light layer / fleece (evenings)
- 1 nicer outfit (beach restaurant)
- Non-marking, soft-sole shoes
- Flip flops
💊 Health & Safety
- Prescription medications
- Seasickness medication (Bonine/Dramamine)
- After-sun lotion / aloe vera
- Basic first aid kit (boats have one, but bring extras)
- Insect repellent
- Antihistamines
- Feminine hygiene products
📷 Electronics
- Camera or GoPro + waterproof housing
- Phone + charging cables
- Portable power bank
- Universal power adapter
- Headphones / earbuds
- E-reader or books
- Dry bag for electronics
🎒 Extras Worth Packing
- Small backpack for shore excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Playing cards / travel games
- Light travel towel (boat towels are usually provided)
- Passport + travel documents
- Cash in local currency
- Travel insurance documents
🚫 Leave at Home
- Hard-sided luggage
- High heels
- Dark-soled shoes (mark the deck)
- Excessive toiletries (limited storage)
- Valuable jewelry
- Too many “just in case” outfits
- Hair dryer (boats have them)
Seasickness: Be Prepared, Not Afraid
Catamarans are far more stable than monohull sailboats, and many guests who expected to feel seasick are pleasantly surprised. That said, it’s worth being prepared, especially for passages in open water.
Effective options include: Bonine (meclizine) — non-drowsy, taken the night before; Dramamine — classic but can cause drowsiness; Scopolamine patches — prescription, placed behind the ear, highly effective for extended passages; Sea-Bands — acupressure wristbands, non-pharmaceutical option; Ginger supplements or ginger candies — a natural remedy many sailors swear by.
Almost Ready to Go?
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Start Your InquiryFrequently Asked Questions
Everything else you’ve been wondering about — answered plainly.
About CatamaranMatch
Booking & Planning
Onboard Life
Still Have Questions?
Submit an inquiry and your matched broker can answer anything specific to your trip.
Start Your Inquiry