Catamaran Charter Sardinia

The case for a catamaran charter in Sardinia comes down to three things: stability, space, and draft. The twin-hull design virtually eliminates the rolling that makes monohull sailing uncomfortable for non-sailors. The beam (width) of a catamaran gives you a cockpit that comfortably seats 8 for dinner, a saloon that feels like a living room, and cabins that are genuinely private — each with its own bathroom. And the shallow draft (1.0–1.3 metres versus 1.8–2.2 metres for a monohull) means you can anchor in the turquoise shallows that are Sardinia's signature — the bays where the water is so clear and shallow that your catamaran appears to float on air.

These advantages matter enormously in Sardinia specifically. The best anchorages in the La Maddalena Archipelago — Cala Corsara on Spargi, the Pink Beach anchorage off Budelli, Cala Coticcio on Caprera — are shallow. A catamaran charter gives you access to these spots while deeper yachts anchor further out. The difference between anchoring 30 metres from a pristine beach versus 200 metres is the difference between paradise and watching paradise from a distance.

Around 70% of family charter bookings in Sardinia are for catamarans. The combination of stability (no seasickness for children), space (everyone has their own cabin and bathroom), safety (wide decks, netting between the hulls), and the sheer fun factor (trampolining on the foredeck nets, jumping off the stern) makes a catamaran charter in Sardinia the default family sailing holiday.

Lagoon 40–42: The most chartered catamaran in the Mediterranean, and the workhorse of the Sardinia catamaran fleet. 4 cabins, 4 bathrooms, spacious cockpit with folding table. Comfortable for 6–8 guests. Reliable, well-maintained, and available at most Sardinia charter bases. If you are booking your first catamaran charter in Sardinia, this is the safe choice.

Lagoon 46–50: The step up — more space, better ventilation, larger cockpit, and a flybridge option that adds a second outdoor living area with commanding views. 4–6 cabins, comfortable for 8–10 guests. The premium family catamaran charter choice.

Bali 4.2–4.8: Known for the open-plan saloon that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living. The forward cockpit is a Bali signature — a second dining area on the foredeck with unobstructed views. Modern interior design. A strong alternative to Lagoon for catamaran charter in Sardinia.

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 / Isla 40: French build quality with an emphasis on sailing performance. Fountaine Pajot catamarans sail noticeably better than equivalent Lagoons — more responsive, better upwind ability. The choice for charterers who want catamaran space but still value the sailing experience.

Power catamarans (Lagoon 40–46 Motor, Fountaine Pajot Motor Yacht): For guests who want catamaran stability and space without sailing. Motor catamarans offer flybridge lounging, more interior headroom, and speeds of 8–12 knots under power. Available for both day and week catamaran charters in Sardinia.

Choose a catamaran charter if: You are sailing with family or a group, you have children or anyone prone to seasickness, you value living space and comfort over sailing performance, you want to anchor in the shallowest turquoise bays, or this is your first charter. A catamaran charter in Sardinia costs 40–60% more than an equivalent sailboat, but the space and comfort difference is dramatic.

Choose a sailboat charter if: You are an experienced sailor who values the feeling of sailing — the heel, the quiet, the responsiveness. You are a couple or small family who do not need four cabins. You want the most affordable weekly charter option. A 40ft monohull sails better than any production catamaran and costs €2,000–€3,500/week less.

In practice, the decision is usually straightforward. If there are more than 4 guests, or if children are involved, a catamaran charter is almost always the right call. For couples and experienced sailors, it comes down to whether you value space or sailing feel. Both are excellent in Sardinia — the waters are ideal for both hull types. See our sailboat fleet for comparison.

The Classic Catamaran Week: Cannigione → La Maddalena town → Spargi (Cala Corsara) → Budelli → Razzoli → Bonifacio (Corsica) → Lavezzi Islands → Porto Cervo → Cannigione. 60–80nm, 6 sailing days. This is the itinerary that 80% of catamaran charters in Sardinia follow, and for good reason — it covers the best of both the Maddalena Archipelago and the Costa Smeralda. See our full itinerary guide.

Family Catamaran Week (calmer, shorter hops): Cannigione → Caprera (Cala Coticcio) → Spargi → Santa Maria → La Maddalena town → Baia Sardinia → Cannigione. Shorter daily distances (5–8nm), more time at each anchorage, no Corsica crossing. Ideal for families with young children who want a gentle catamaran charter pace.

Catamaran Day Charter: A full day aboard a catamaran from Cannigione or Portisco visiting 3–4 Maddalena islands or Costa Smeralda bays. Swim stops, snorkelling, lunch aboard or ashore. Day catamaran charters in Sardinia are available on both sailing and power catamarans and typically run 8–10 hours.

A catamaran charter in Sardinia is the ultimate family holiday. Children have space to move, water to swim in every day, islands to explore, and their own cabin to retreat to. The stability means no seasickness. The netting between the hulls is a giant trampoline. The swim ladder off the stern is the gateway to a new snorkelling spot every morning.

Practically, a catamaran simplifies family logistics. Four cabins with four bathrooms means no queueing. The galley is well-equipped for cooking family meals (or your skipper's chef can handle it). The cockpit table seats everyone for dinner under the stars. Provisioning is easy — supermarkets at every charter base, or pre-ordered provisions delivered to the catamaran before you arrive.

Safety is built into the catamaran design. Wide, flat decks with minimal trip hazards. Solid lifelines all around. Netting that prevents children falling between the hulls. A stable platform that does not heel — children can walk around safely even under sail. Most charter companies provide child-sized life jackets, and skippers experienced with families are available on request.

For families considering a catamaran charter in Sardinia, we recommend: a skippered charter (let someone else handle the sailing while you enjoy the holiday), provisioning in advance (less time shopping, more time swimming), and the Maddalena Archipelago itinerary (calm waters, short hops, spectacular anchorages). See our family sailing guide.

Catamaran charter prices in Sardinia reflect the high demand and limited fleet — catamarans are the most requested charter type and there are fewer available than monohulls.

Lagoon 40–42 (4 cabins) bareboat: €4,500–€8,000/week peak season. Shoulder (June, September): €3,000–€5,500. The entry-level catamaran charter in Sardinia. For 8 guests: €560–€1,000 per person per week.

Lagoon 46–50 (4–5 cabins) bareboat: €7,000–€12,000/week peak. Shoulder: €4,500–€8,000. The premium space upgrade.

Bali 4.2–4.8 bareboat: €5,000–€9,500/week peak. Shoulder: €3,500–€6,500. Comparable to Lagoon with different layout.

Skippered catamaran charter: Add €1,300–€1,800/week for a professional skipper. Strongly recommended for first-time catamaran charterers.

Crewed catamaran charter (with chef): €12,000–€25,000/week on premium 48–62ft catamarans. All-inclusive luxury catamaran charter in Sardinia.

Catamaran day charter: €1,200–€3,000 for a full day with skipper.

Book early for peak season — popular 42–46ft catamarans sell out 3–6 months ahead for July and August. Full cost breakdown in our cost guide.