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Full Day Cruise

Embark for a full day cruise to ile aux cerfs, ilot gabriel or ilot bénitiers..., sunset & dinner cruise, embark for a 2 hour sunset cruise on board of one of our catamarans..., overnight & private cruise, experience a night onboard of one of our catamarans..., live on board, discover mauritius differently on board of one of our catamarans..., ile aux cerfs.

Ile aux Cerfs Island is an island off the east coast of Trou d'eau Douce village, Mauritius.

Île aux Cerfs Island , known in English as deer island is an island off the east coast of Mauritius near the village of Trou D'eau Douce. The island has an undulating...

Ilot Gabriel

Gabriel Island: also known as Ilot Gabriel, this island located near Round Island and Flat island at the extreme north of Mauritius and about 10 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux.

The distance between Gabriel...

Ile aux Bénitiers

L'Ile Aux Bénitiers is a rather long island which has a coconut tree plantation and has become one of the island preferred picnic spot for locals and tourists.

The island's closest neighboring village is La Gaulette....

Ile aux Aigrettes

On the beautiful turquoise waters of the Mauritian lagoons, there exists a small island where man and nature unite towards one same goal….

Recreate a little piece of a long lost paradise.

Ile de la Passe

Ile de la Passe is a small but very historic island off the south-east coast of Mauritius.

From the islet all maritime movements into the Bay of Mahébourg, which is the largest bay of the island and contains the oldest port, can be controlled...

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Mauritius Catamaran Cruise & Ile aux Cerfs Tour Review (+ Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 2, 2024

Looking for a boat trip, a speedboat excursion or a catamaran cruise in Mauritius, but not sure which one to choose or what to expect? Then read on!

Mauritius is a paradise-like island destination, but I had no idea that there are quite a few smaller islands nearby that are just as picturesque and just as dreamy as Mauritius itself. Obviously, the best way to see some of those little islands is by taking a boat trip. So we joined a catamaran cruise in Mauritius…

In this article, you can read about our experience with a speedboat/ catamaran cruise in Mauritius , the places we visited, and whether it was worth it. Spoiler alert – it was!

In addition, at the bottom of this article, you can find our suggestions for the best boat tours in Mauritius – both by speedboat or catamaran. We also included some practical tips for your Mauritius boat trip.

One of the most popular day trips from Mauritius is a boat tour to the picturesque island Ile aux Cerfs ( see all the boat tour options here ). We opted for a sightseeing catamaran cruise that visited several nice places in one day, in addition to this popular island.

Our catamaran cruise itinerary included snorkeling, a visit to Ile aux Fouquets (the Lighthouse Island), BBQ on the boat, an excursion to the GRSE waterfall, as well as some free time at Ile aux Cerfs.

Below you can read all about this catamaran trip. It will give you a good idea of what to expect on a speedboat or a catamaran cruise in Mauritius. This should also help you decide which Mauritius boat tour is right for you. Find out!

Update: The exact same tour with the company we traveled with isn’t available anymore, but this highly-rated tour offers pretty much the same itinerary as you’ll see described below. This is another very similar tour , and – at the moment of the last update – is quite a bit cheaper. The main difference with the one we did is that these tours use speedboats rather than catamarans.

Mauritius Catamaran Cruise & Boat Trips – OVERVIEW

• What to expect – our catamaran cruise itinerary and review
• Is a boat trip or a catamaran cruise in Mauritius worth it?
• Catamaran vs. speed boat
• Practical tips
• Best Mauritius catamaran cruises and boat trips

Mauritius Catamaran Cruise Review & Ile aux Cerfs Tour Itinerary

You are probably wondering what is Mauritius catamaran cruise or speedboat trip like and what to expect?

Well, first of all, you can expect a very relaxing day full of sunshine, stunning scenery, white sand beaches, and azure-blue water. In addition, you’ll probably meet some really friendly people, dance to some great music (because… why not), get to taste some delicious local food, and – depending on the tour – maybe even get drinks à volonté . Mauritian rum & coke included. Vacation at its best!

The review below is based on my personal experience with a Mauritius catamaran cruise. Most catamaran trips in Mauritius seem to be very similar, so this gives you a good idea of what to expect.

Snorkeling on a Boat Trip in Mauritius

Our catamaran cruise departed on the southeast side of Mauritius. While it was raining on our way there, the sun was shining on the coast. The scenery here is amazing – the azure-blue water of the sea and lush deep green mountains in the background…

We hardly installed ourselves at the front of our catamaran as the captain announced that we’d be stopping to go snorkeling . It’s probably a good thing that they start with the snorkeling before anyone had a chance to enjoy Mauritian rum anyway…. Equipped with snorkels and flippers, we jumped into the incredibly blue and clear water.

I have to say that snorkeling here was just ok, though. There isn’t much coral and we only saw small fish. It was nice, but definitely not wow. A few days before that, I took a free snorkeling tour from my hotel in Bel Mare (on the northeast side of Mauritius) and snorkeling there was much better.

Anyway, it’s always fun to be in the water and watch the fish. I had a great time and, since snorkeling wasn’t the focus of this catamaran excursion for me, I wasn’t disappointed.

Ile aux Fouquets – The Lighthouse Island

Our next stop on this catamaran day trip in southeast Mauritius was the so-called Lighthouse Island . Its official name is Ile aux Fouquets – named after a bird species that live here. However, there is an old abandoned lighthouse on this tiny island and so locals call it the Lighthouse Island.

There are many boat trips visiting this tiny island, with tourists coming and going all the time. However, the island itself doesn’t feel busy because all the boats are parked at a distance.

The water is really shallow here, so you have to take a smaller motorboat to get to the island. You also have to walk the last few meters in the water. Water shoes would be really handy here!

The lighthouse standing here was built in 1864 and witnessed several sea battles between the English and the French in the bay. It has long been abandoned and is now no more than a ruin. It also looks better from a distance than from close by. But it’s definitely an interesting place to visit and gives you some insight into Mauritius’ past.

The guide gives you a quick introduction to the history of the island and after that, you are free to explore on your own. The island is so small that you don’t really need more than 10-15 minutes. You can take some pictures of the lighthouse, watch the waves crashing against the rocky shore, or try to spot some birds.

Before you know it, the guide calls you back to a small boat that brings you back to the catamaran. It’s a really interesting short stop and a part of Mauritius that most vacationers never even heard about.

TIP: If you want to visit Lighthouse Island, there are just a few tours that come here. This is the tour that’s very similar to the one we did , and here you can find the other options.

BBQ Lunch on Catamaran

While we were snorkeling and exploring the Lighthouse Island, the staff of our catamaran was busy preparing food.

They set up a bbq on the deck and baked meat and seafood. It was served with traditional flatbread and fresh vegetables. Absolutely delicious!

There was a vegetarian in our group and there was plenty of choice for him as well.

Sailing on the East Coast of Mauritius

After lunch, we set sail to Grand River South East, which is quite far away and took about an hour to get there by catamaran. This gave us a chance to lie down on the net and the soft cushions in the front area of the catamaran. It’s such a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the wind in the sails.

TIP: Make sure you use sun protection when lounging on a catamaran or you might start to look like a boiled lobster in a matter of half an hour…

Grand River South East Waterfall

GRSE waterfall is one of the most impressive natural landmarks along the southeast coast of Mauritius. Many boat tours visiting Ile aux Cerfs also stop here. There are also tours from Ile aux Cerfs to this waterfall.

The waterfall itself is located a bit further from the coast, up the river, where large catamarans can’t get. So you have to change to a smaller boat that brings you all the way to the waterfall. In fact, it brings you so close that you can get a shower under the waterfall without leaving the boat…

It’s a short side excursion and the scenery here is nice, with mangroves and high rocks next to the river. The waterfall itself is also quite impressive, although this depends on what you compare it to, of course.

Ile aux Cerfs

The last stop of our catamaran cruise in Mauritius was the beautiful island Ile aux Cerfs . If you see aerial pictures of this island, it looks like paradise: white sand beaches, lush green interior, and azure-blue waters. Picture-perfect. From the boat, it also looks really nice, but once you arrive, you realize that it’s also quite touristy.

Ile aux Cerfs seems to be one of the most popular destinations for boat tours on the East coast of Mauritius. So don’t expect to be alone here.  There are many boats coming and going to the tiny harbor of Ile aux Cerfs. Otherwise uninhabited, this tiny island comes to life during the day.

There are several restaurants and a bar on the island and a small market right by the harbor. Here you can find all the beach necessities as well as a big variety of Mauritian souvenirs.

The moment you disembark from your boat, you’re surrounded by local guides inviting you to try all kinds of water sports on the island. Sailing, banana-boat rides, water skiing… you can find it all here.

If you just take a boat to the island, you’ll have a lot of time here. You can go walking and explore the island without the crowds. Alternatively, you can just stay at the beach (which is what most people seem to do), go snorkeling or do some fun water sports…

If you are staying at a really nice resort in Mauritius (I can recommend The Ravenala Attitude with its all-in formula), you’ll have all these water sports available at your hotel as well. But if you are staying at a more local hotel that doesn’t have all this included, Ile aux Cerfs is a wonderful place to enjoy all that Mauritius beach has to offer.

Good to know: Catamaran cruises and boat trips that also visit other places on the same day, tend to spend just 1-1,5 hrs on Ile aux Cerfs. This gives you enough time to enjoy the beach, but probably not enough to explore the island further.

Speedboat Trip

I had even less time on the Ile aux Cerfs island because I got a unique chance to take a semi-private speedboat ride back to the mainland and so I opted for that instead.

I love speedboats! And having one just to myself and a friend was a really special experience.

Other friends stayed on the island longer and came back with the catamaran instead. They said it was fun, but they didn’t see much of the island and just spent the time at the beach and did a few water activities.

Best Mauritius Catamaran Cruises and Boat Trips

I was surprised to see how many options there are when it comes to taking a boat trip or a catamaran cruise in Mauritius. To help you easily choose the boat tour that’s right for you, I made a small selection of the best Mauritius boat trips that have a good itinerary, as well as great customer reviews.

Take a look at my hand-picked selection below. You can’t really go wrong with any of these.

• This speedboat tour has the same pretty much the same itinerary as the trip that I did and described in this article. It includes snorkeling, a visit to Lighthouse Island, the waterfall, and Ile aux Cerfs. In addition, it stops at Ile aux Aigrettes. That’s an advantage of a speedboat – they can cover more ground at the same time.
• Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ lunch . This catamaran cruise is one of the most popular boat trips in Mauritius. The itinerary includes snorkeling, sailing, bbq lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs visit. It starts and ends at Pointe Jerome in the southeast of Mauritius. TIP: This boat trip has pretty much the same itinerary but departs from the northeast of the island, so it might be a better option if you are staying on that part of the island.
• Private Catamaran Day Trip to Ile aux Cerfs . This is a great option if you can share the costs of a private boat with a bigger family or a group of friends (or if you don’t mind splurging a bit). Private boat trips also include snorkeling, BBQ lunch, a visit to the waterfall, and free time on Ile aux Cerfs. Imagine a whole day on a private boat with an amazing crew, incredible scenery, and unlimited food and drinks… Life doesn’t get much better than that.
• Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles . This is a great boat trip for those staying in the North of Mauritius (Grand Baie area). You can visit the most beautiful islands without having to spend a lot of time in the car.
• Sunset cruises are also popular in Mauritius. Here you can find more sunset tours .

Is a Boat Trip or a Catamaran Cruise in Mauritius Worth It?

Well, as always, I guess it depends on what you compare it to and what the alternatives are.

There is so much to do in Mauritius that the choice can get really overwhelming. So if you only have a few days on the island, you may want to spend your time exploring more of Mauritius itself.

However, if you are looking for a relaxing day trip that combines beach and sightseeing, then a Mauritius catamaran cruise or a speedboat tour is a great choice. After all, that’s what an island vacation is all about – sea, beach, sunshine, stunning scenery, good food, drinks, music, and wind in your hair…

I really enjoyed my catamaran cruise in Mauritius. Snorkeling, visiting the historic Lighthouse Island, seeing a beautiful waterfall and the famous Ile aux Cerfs – we covered quite a lot of ground without much effort. I would have never been able to visit these places without a boat tour.

Furthermore, the combination of sightseeing with some relaxing time on the catamaran, delicious food, drinks, music, and good company made it a really fun and relaxing day. I’d do it again!

Mauritius Catamaran vs. Speed Boat

The catamaran cruise that I did was a bit different than the standard catamaran tour in Mauritius because it combined a catamaran cruise and a speedboat. Normally, you have to choose one of the two, and they both have advantages and disadvantages.

On a catamaran , you have more space to walk around, there is a bathroom, and a big net in front where you can lie down to read a book, sunbathe, or simply relax. But it’s also busier as catamaran cruises take more people on board. A catamaran is also slower. If you opt for a group tour, a catamaran cruise in Mauritius is cheaper than a speedboat trip.

Speedboat goes much faster, so you can do more sightseeing in less time. That means that you can spend more time on the islands instead of on the boat or see more places in one day. You can’t really walk around the speedboat a lot, so it’s really more of a means of transportation rather than a place to relax. That being said, it can be really relaxing and luxurious. If you can afford a private speedboat tour , I wouldn’t hesitate. Contrary to group tours, a private speedboat costs less than a private catamaran.

Another advantage of a speedboat is that you don’t get seasick in it. A catamaran is, in general, also ok and I never got seasick on a catamaran. But then I never took a catamaran in rough seas. However, that shouldn’t be an issue in Mauritius anyway.

Catamaran vs. speedboat. I really like both – speedboat and catamaran. They are very different, but each fun in its own way. When it comes to choosing a catamaran cruise in Mauritius vs. a boat trip, I’d first look at the day trip itinerary and choose a boat tour based on that rather than on what type of boat it is.

Higher above, you can find our hand-picked selection of the very best boat trips in Mauritius. And below are some practical tips and things you may want to know when planning a day excursion like this.

Practical Tips for a Boat Trip in Mauritius

• Research and book a boat trip in advance. That way you can compare itineraries and prices, and read real customer reviews. Here you can find a big selection of boat trips and tours in Mauritius (or see our hand-picked selection of the best Mauritius boat tours higher above).
• If you don’t like to spend a lot of time in a car, pick a boat trip that departs from a place that’s not too far from your hotel .
• Wear your swimsuit , so that you don’t have to change on the boat.
• Bring water shoes if you have them – it comes in very handy when you have to disembark in the water or for water activities or at the beach.
• Sun protection. Make sure that you have a sunscreen lotion, a sun hat, sunglasses, and – ideally – also a long-sleeved summer shirt or a UV t-shirt to wear on the boat.
• Check if towels are provided and otherwise bring one from your hotel.
• Bring some cash if you’re planning to do any water activities on Ile aux Cerfs or buy souvenirs. Tips for your boat crew are also appreciated.

More tips for your trip to Mauritius:

• Airport transfers:  Private and shared Mauritius airport transfers
• What to see: Best Things to Do in Mauritius
• Private tours:   Private Day Tour of the South West of Mauritius  or  Private Day Tour with Customizable Itinerary
• Must-visit: L’Aventure du Sucre in Mauritius
• Where to stay:   The Ravenala Attitude Review

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Wednesday 24th of August 2022

Please can you tell me the company you booked the catamaran trip through as I cannot find this specific itinerary with any of the links provided in the article.

Tuesday 30th of August 2022

Hi Julie, since we did this tour, a lot has changed and it wasn't offered anymore, so I took away those links. However, after doing some research now, I found a few tours that have pretty much the same itinerary as we did: this is the most popular tour and this tour is very similar too. The main difference is that they are speedboat tours and not catamaran. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Friday 6th of December 2019

Wow, it looks so pretty! I want to go there SO badly. I was never that interested until I saw your post (don't forget the AMAZING pictures). Anyways, quick question. My family would fly there, but want to make our trip more unique, you know? Do you reccomend any cruise lines that would take me from anywhere in the U.S. to there? Thanks so much!

Tuesday 10th of December 2019

Hi Melody, I really don't think that a cruise is the best way to visit Mauritius. Those ships just dock on the island for one day and you hardly have the time for one short excursion... That being said, it's a nice way to see many islands at once, and I'm sure there are some cruise lines that stop in Mauritius. But you'd have to research that yourself, because I have no experience with it. Also, it's so far from the US, so I think you'd have to fly somewhere in the area first and get on a cruise ship there (maybe in Seychelles or Maldives - I really wouldn't know where they start).

If you just interested in visiting Mauritius island and are not sure where to start, you should know that it's really not that hard to visit on your own. Book a flight and a hotel (you can read about one of the hotels I stayed in here: The Ravenala Attitude, but there are countless other options in a variety of budgets - check on Booking.com). And then either rent a car and explore the island on your own or book some day trips. The island isn't too big and if you stay somewhat around the middle of the island (West coast is most popular), transfer times to all the attractions will never be longer than an hour or so. Here you can read about what there is to see and do in Mauritius.

Hope this helps.

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10 Best Catamaran Cruises in Mauritius

The best catamaran cruises in mauritius.

For unforgettable fun, relaxation and adventure, nothing beats a catamaran cruise along the most beautiful coasts to amazing locations all around Mauritius mainland. For the convenience of clients there is a large selection of day cruises to several destinations, with few different departure points. In the North, the choice is between Gabriel Island and Flat Island. Through other cruises, you can also see dolphins on the West coast or choose to cruise on the east coast, visiting the famous Ile aux Cerfs Island.

For the romantic at heart, there are sunset and dinner cruises; both on a shared and private basis.

Upon request, exclusive cruises to remote islands destinations and tailor made overnight cruises can be organised. From budget to top luxury, you are sure to find the ideal cruise experience as per your likings, preferences and budget.

Enjoy sailing through the crystal clear water, breathtaking scenery all around, stay on the beautiful white sand beaches, snorkel inside the lagoons, explore the local marine line, and enjoy delicious food and bar services. This cruise is all about making sure you have a full day of true relaxation and fun.

Discover the Top 10 Best Catamaran Cruise in Mauritius

1. catamaran cruise to gabriel island.

Gabriel Island is a protected natural reserve, located near Round Island and the Flat island, at the extreme north of Mauritius, about 10 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux. The distance between Gabriel Island and Flat island is only 750 meters.

The size of the island is only 42 hectares, making it much smaller than Flat island, and the highest point is 28 meters. The island is most famous for its beautiful unspoiled beaches, with crystal clear water surrounding the entire island. It is a very popular site for snorkelers, and also offers great dive sites.

For you to be able to view and experience this amazing island, there are several packages ranging from day cruises, to overnight luxury stays or even 3 to 5 days catamaran overnight packages.

For the day cruise package, the catamaran cruise starts at 09:00, departing from Grand Bay. The sailing time is around 1.5 hours before reaching Gabriel Island where you will be able to discover the beautiful unspoiled beaches, with crystal clear water surrounding the entire island.

As part of the cruise you will pass by an amazing lagoon, where swimming and snorkeling are a must. Sometimes during this excursion you will be able to see whales as well as dolphins. If this happens, the crew will stop the boat, in order for you to observe these great animals from close in their natural environment. You may also enjoy any of the Gabriel island cruises on a private-exclusive basis. The trip includes breakfast, lunch, a selection of drinks including alcoholic (beer, rum, cocktails…) and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.

Book your Catamaran Cruise to Gabriel Island:

• Catamaran Cruise to Gabriel Island
• Exclusive Catamaran Cruise - Gabriel Island & Breakfast, Lunch

2. Catamaran Cruise to Flat Island

Flat Island, known as Île Plate in French, is located near Round Island, at the extreme north of Mauritius, about 11 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux, the Mauritius' mainland's northernmost point.

Flat Island houses one of the two working lighthouses in Mauritius. Flat Island, 253 hectares in size, is the largest of the northern islet and is mostly flat, except its single hill topped by a lighthouse.

North of Flat Island is Pigeon Rock, a spectacular bare rock stack, where many seabirds come for nesting. Flat Island is a very popular venue for snorkelers, and also offers great dive sites. The island offers beautiful beaches with crystal clear turquoise water

Same as Gabriel Island, there are several catamaran cruise packages available to visit Flat Island. One of the most popular is the ‘Catamaran Cruise - Flat Island & Lunch & Open Bar’. For this package, the catamaran cruise starts at 09:00, departing from Grand Bay. After a short sailing time of around 1.5 hours you will reach Flat Island where you can make the most of their beautiful unspoiled beaches, with crystal clear water surrounding the entire island. At around 12.30 you will enjoy a full delicious BBQ lunch buffet onboard. Please note that the menu includes only fresh fish, fresh chicken and a selection of fresh salads. If you are a vegetarian, with prior notice, necessary arrangements will be done.

You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling or simply enjoy a day of relaxation on a picture-postcard beach.

At around 15:00, you will leave Flat Island, heading back to Grand Bay. During the sail back you can enjoy light snacks, the bar services and the live music. Expected arrival time back to Grand Bay is 16:30.

There are a number of exclusive catamaran cruises that are provided for Flat Island. You may also enjoy a unique exclusive luxurious catamaran cruise, which includes a delicious dining experience at a top class restaurant - Governor's house located on Flat Island in a breathtaking location.

Book your Catamaran Cruise to Flat Island:

• Catamaran Cruise - Flat Island & Lunch & Open Bar
• Exclusive Catamaran Cruise - Coin de Mire And Flat Island
• Exclusive Catamaran Cruise - Flat Island & Breakfast, Lunch
• Luxury Flat Island Catamaran or Speedboat Cruise + Gourmet Lunch

3. VIP day Catamaran Cruise to Governor's House

The Governor’s House is a fine dining restaurant situated on a private beach of Flat Island and operated with much skill and class by one of the best hotels of Mauritius. The design of the Governor’s House restaurant is very unique; it is actually an old ruin, dating from the 19th century, which was brought to life with much style for providing all its visitors a very unique dining experience.

This cruise is all about enjoying a unique luxurious catamaran, which includes a delicious dining experience at a top class restaurant located on Flat Island in a breathtaking location.

The cruise takes you along the North coast of Mauritius, sailing past Fort Malartic, Cap Malheureux and other important historical sites until reaching the high sea cliffs of Gunner’s Quoin. The Gunner’s Quoin Island with its high sea cliffs towering into the sky is quite a remarkable site. These cliffs serve as nesting grounds to large colonies of tropic birds including the famous national bird of Mauritius.

After approximately one and half hours of easy cruising, the vessel will reach its destination and stop sailing at the lagoon between Flat Island and Gabriel Island. Then you will be transferred from Flat Island’s main beach a distance of about 1km to the northern part of Flat Island where you will spend the day on the private beach of the Governor’s house.

For lunch, you will have your own private dining table, shaded and overlooking the sea. All along you will continue to enjoy a selection of refreshments, which will be served before and after lunch. Lunch will be served from 12h00 to 14h30 at the Governor’s House restaurant. The restaurant offers a magical setting on a private beach at the north of Flat Island overlooking Round Island and Snake Island – the most distant islands of Mauritius.

At around 16:00, you will leave Flat Island, heading back to the departure point, reaching back to Sunset Boulevard Grand Bay at around 17:45.

During the sail back you will continue enjoying the bar services and the great atmosphere onboard.

Book you Luxury Flat Island Catamaran or Speedboat Cruise + Gourmet Lunch

4. Harris Wilson Catamaran Cruise

Harris Wilson is a 18 meters racing catamaran (60ft). The catamaran was built for ocean racing. This catamaran offers traveling at speed.

Harris Wilson offers a more luxurious catamaran trip, with more room to walk around, a 360 degrees view and also with a small bar on board the catamaran.

We have 2 amazing packages that will allow you to experience this unique catamaran namely:

(i) Harris Wilson Catamaran Cruise - West Coast

This Harris Wilson catamaran trip to the South West Coast of Mauritius is a great way to discover the beautiful beaches, lagoons, and the mountain peaks visible from the sea. After departing from Tamarin, you will head to Tamarin Bay where you can encounter dolphins in their natural habitat. This is a unique chance to explore the spectacular lives of these magnificent marine mammals in their aquatic habitat. With some luck you will get to encounter the dolphins in the crystal clear waters of the bay. The unique wildness, peacefulness, tranquility and calmness of the west coast attract an increasing number of people every year.

(ii) Harris Wilson Catamaran Cruise - South East Coast

During this cruise, you will sail along the beautiful Eastern coast towards the islets Ile de la Passe and Ile au Phare. You will learn more about their historical background and enjoy a guided visit of Ile au Phare which harbors a lighthouse from 1864. You will then head towards Ile aux Cerfs; a visit to the island is a must because it’s beautiful beaches are well worth it. After that venture, you will re-embark on the catamaran and sail towards the Grand River South East Waterfalls, where you will be asked to board small speedboats to get closer to the magnificent waterfalls. For both packages, it will be a full day cruise full of sun, drinks, delicious food and a lot of fun and relaxation on a luxury 60ft Racing Catamaran. There will be snorkeling breaks and you will enjoy a full delicious BBQ lunch buffet set on the Harris Wilson catamaran.

Book your Harris Wilson Catamaran Cruise:

• Harris Wilson Catamaran Cruise - West Coast
• Harris Wilson Catamaran Cruise - South East Coast

5. Catamaran Cruise with the Dolphins (West Coast Cruise)

Dolphins are perhaps the most fantastic of all the creatures that live in the ocean. The dolphins, cheerful and playful, are a symbol of intelligence and grace. In Mauritius, the dolphins live in pods of about 20 individuals or more and can be observed swimming from Tamarin Bay (on the west coast of Mauritius). The most common dolphins in Mauritius are the Bottlenose Dolphin and the Spinner Dolphin.

For you to be able to experience these amazing creatures we would highly recommend the ‘Catamaran Cruise - See Dolphins + Visit Benitiers Island’

The cruise is done on a great 40 feet catamaran along the South West coast of Mauritius which is considered one of the most beautiful areas, and a must place to see when visiting Mauritius.

As part of this cruise tour you will discover the dolphins of Tamarin bay, visit the famous Crystal rock which stands out in the middle of the lagoon, and stay on Benitiers Island for relaxation on its beautiful sandy beaches.

The cruise itself starts at 09:00 am. You will have a short pre-departure briefing by the boat’s captain. Then the catamaran will depart heading to Tamarin Bay area where you can encounter dolphins in their natural habitat. From Tamarin bay the cruise will continue along the coral reefs to the lagoon of La Preneuse. During the cruise, the catamaran will stop for breaks in some key locations, where you can enjoy a swim and some snorkeling in the sea, or enjoy the sun and drinks on board the catamaran.

Then the catamaran will head to the beautiful Island of Benitiers. Before arriving to the Island you will visit the famous Crystal Rock and will have a spectacular view of the Rempart Mountain, the Black River mountain range, and of the magnificent Le Morne Mountain.

You will have a delicious BBQ lunch buffet on the catamaran. After lunch, you can enjoy some relaxation time by the beach and the expected arrival time to Tamarin is 15:30.

For a more unique experience, you must try one of the exclusive Private Catamaran Cruise. These will include snorkelling breaks, dolphins encounter on the West Coast of Mauritius and you’ll get to spend a relaxing time onboard admiring the spectacular coastal views of the West side of the island. Depending on the selected package, some also include breakfast, lunch and unlimited alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.

Book your Catamaran Cruise with the Dolphins:

• Catamaran Cruise - See Dolphins + Visit Benitiers Island
• 2-hour Exclusive Catamaran Cruise with Dolphins Encounter
• Exclusive Half Day Catamaran Cruise-Dolphins+Snorkelling
• Full Day Private Luxurious Catamaran Cruise - Benitiers Island
• Exclusive West Coast Catamaran Cruise

6. Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs Island is a beautiful island near the east coast of Mauritius. With its swaying casuarinas and palm trees and the pure white beaches framed by the vivid turquoise waters, this amazing paradise island is the perfect setting for a relaxing day of sun worship.

Depending on the package that you select, the embarking can be done at 2 different locations:

• Pointe Jerome in the South East of Mauritius.
• Trou D’Eau Douce on the East coast of Mauritius.

(i) Catamaran Cruise from Pointe Jerome in the South East of Mauritius

If you opt for the catamaran from the south east of the island, the catamaran cruise departs at 09:00. This cruise will sail through crystal clear water and around 11:00, the catamaran makes a stop for you to enjoy snorkeling inside the island's largest lagoon allowing you to enjoy the underwater marine life and swim amongst superb corals and brightly colored tropical fishes. After snorkeling the catamaran continues sailing along the beautiful east coast and will take you up the river’s mouth of Grande Riviere Sud Est to see the giant bat colony and monkeys living on the rivers bank and also to see the waterfall from afar.

A delicious lunch is then served onboard. The BBQ lunch which is prepared by the friendly crew members is one of the best lunches you get to have as part of any catamaran cruise offered in Mauritius. After lunch the catamaran will cruise into the canal between the Isle aux Cerfs and the world class sanctuary of Anahita before dropping you off on the famous white sand bank of Ile aux cerfs. After spending some time on Ile aux Cerfs, you will re-embark on the catamaran and sail back to the Hotel’s jetty by 16:00. Once on board tea and coffee is served as well as slices of cake, not to forget the open bar that remains open.

(ii) Catamaran Cruise from Trou D’Eau Douce on the East coast of Mauritius

If you opt for the catamaran from Trou D’Eau Douce, the cruise starts at 09:30. The catamaran will cruise along the shore line heading to the direction of the Grand River Waterfalls. Then when reaching the Grand River, you will go by small speed boats to visit the waterfalls which are found about 500m upstream. Following the visit to the waterfalls you will head back to the catamaran.

You will keep sailing inside the crystal clear water of the lagoon until stopping for a snorkeling and swimming break. You will get to experience a glimpse into the beauty of our world underwater. After the snorkeling you will enjoy a full delicious BBQ lunch buffet set on the beach or on the catamaran. After lunch, then you will be heading to Ile aux Cerfs Island where you are sure to have some relaxation and fun on one of the picture-postcard beaches or enjoy a swim and/or snorkel in the azure sea. After the visit to Ile aux Cerfs, you will enjoy the beautiful sail back to Trou D’Eau Douce, expected arrival time back to Trou D’Eau Douce is 16:15.

While at Ile Aux Cerf, you may take advantage of the wide range of facilities on the island and the various water sports activities found there.

You may also treat yourself to a memorable day by taking a private trip in a 42 ft catamaran. It will be full of sun, drinks, delicious food and a lot of fun and relaxation on the East Coast of Mauritius. This private trip will sail through the crystal-clear water, you will have breathtaking scenery all around, relax on the beautiful white sand beaches, snorkel inside the lagoons, explore the local marine line and enjoy delicious food and bar services. This cruise is all about making sure you have a full day of true relaxation and fun with your loved ones.

Book your Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs:

• Catamaran Cruise To Ile Aux Cerfs (From Mauritius South East)
• Catamaran Cruise To Ile Aux Cerfs (From Trou d'eau Douce)

7. Sunset Catamaran Cruise

The sunsets in Mauritius are legendary, and the best way to experience one is from the ocean. You will see a symphony of colors in the sky, a mixture of red, purple, blues, pinks and mesmerizing yellow.

This sunset catamaran trip is the ideal activity for a romantic evening with your loved ones, birthday celebration, pre wedding celebration, reception on your wedding day, honeymoon cruise, or for enjoying a private cruise with friends and family.

We have different packages for different parts of the island and the cruise can either be on a shared or a private basis. Locations for the cruises are Grand Bay (North Coast), Blue Bay (South-East Coast) and Black River passing by Flic En Flac (in the South West).

You will embark onboard the beautiful 40 feet catamaran and experience an unforgettable 2 hours unique sunset cruise while enjoying a variety of local snacks served onboard the catamaran. The expected departure time for the cruise is 17:00 and arrival time around 19:00.

The setting of the cruises are ideal, sailing in a beautiful catamaran with clear blue water of the largest lagoon in Mauritius all around, a beautiful sunset, Sega music in the background and snacks and a home-made punch (made of fruit juice and Rum) served to you by the boat staff, who are there to attend your every need and desire. Sunset cruises are all about having a romantic and relaxed evening on board of a catamaran, while enjoying the company of your loved ones or friend

Link to Sunset Cruise: Sunset Catamaran Cruise

8. Catamaran Dinner Cruise

Experience a tailor made private or shared catamaran sunset cruise with your loved ones along the North, West or even the South West coast of Mauritius; this is definitely an enchanting way to enjoy romantic time, and is one of the most romantic things to do in Mauritius.

The catamaran dinner cruises depart at around 17:00 and expected arrival time is at around 21:00.

Toast at dusk to welcome the new evening with a bottle of sparkling wine and relish delicious light canapés provided to you onboard. In addition, you will have the benefit of complimentary beverages such as soft drinks, wine and beer. Lie back and admire the breathtaking scenery the sky paints for you as the sun begins to fade, gently lowering into the horizon.

You will have the splendid opportunity of enjoying first-hand the magnificent tropical sunset usually only witnessed in pictures.

You will be able to enjoy your cruise and bask in the spectacular sunset experience in all serenity. Additionally, a dedicated crew will be at your service throughout the journey, attending to your each and every need to the best of their abilities.

During the cruise, you will also get to experience a delectable dinner. Depending on the selected cruise, you can savour the blissful flavours of a 3-course dinner prepared by your private on-board Chef accompanied by an indulging service by your dedicated butler in the midst of gorgeous Indian Ocean.

Book your Catamaran Dinner Cruise:

• Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise With Dinner - Grand Baie - Promo
• Couple's Exclusive Lobster Dinner Evening Cruise
• Luxury Romantic Sunset Cruise with Gastronomic Dinner
• Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Dinner - Black River

9. Half Day Private Catamaran Cruise At Balaclava

Enjoy a private tropical cruise aboard the fastest catamaran, the Turtle Cruiser, currently operating in Mauritius.

This half day cruise is ideal for those wishing to enjoy an amusing time with their loved ones; family or friends, in an intimate setting.

The luxurious catamaran will take you on a discovery venture along the North-West coast of the island where you will get to bask in the beauty of the magnificent lagoon and the breathtaking surroundings. You will have an excellent range of entertainment options from snorkelling to live musical performances onboard; you will be spoilt for choice.

You will experience an enjoyable, intimate time onboard with the possibility of relishing a gourmet Asian Fusion BBQ lunch, served by an on-board private butler. If you are vegetarian, you will have the choice between a vegetarian or an Indian one, provided you make it known in advance. You will also be offered complimentary beverages such as soft drinks, beer and wine.

The catamaran cruise is proposed twice a day so you will have the choice of getting onboard at either 9 am or 11 am at Balaclava in the North region of the island. The cruise will last for a total of 4 hours so, depending on what time you board the catamaran, you will get back at either 1 pm or 3 pm.

You will glide on the calm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean from Balaclava to Mont Choisy (Ile au Phare) or Trou aux Biches. The catamaran will stop briefly by the charming isle of Ile au Phare for you to explore and will also give a splendid snorkelling opportunity through a vibrant marine park along the way.

Book your Half Day Private Catamaran Cruise At Balaclava

Overnight Catamaran Cruise

If you’re looking for a perfect retreat with nothing but the ocean between you and the horizon, then an exclusive luxury overnight catamaran cruise is for you.

We have different overnight packages available ranging from 1 night to 3 nights stays and you are sure to enjoy an unforgettable day and night cruising experience, which will be one of the highlights of your holiday in Mauritius. Some catamarans can accommodate a group of up to eight people.

This luxury catamaran cruise will make you feel as if you were in a top class hotel, offering all the possible facilities and features for you to experience cruising in the most elegant and stylish atmosphere.

Enjoy sailing through the crystal-clear water of the Indian Ocean and admiring the breathtaking scenery around you, consisting of beautiful white sandy beaches and magnificent turquoise seas. You will have the possibility of indulging yourself with fun activities such as snorkelling in the lagoon to explore the wonderful local marine life or fishing, if luck is on your side, you may end up with a great catch.

You may also choose to simply enjoy some downtime aboard the catamaran, relishing delicious food and round-the-clock bar services. This cruise offers you a chance to be totally pampered by an incredible crew who will make sure you have great fun and absolute relaxation throughout.

Depending on the selected cruise some of the catamaran comprises a kitchen with a refrigerator, a spacious lounge/dining area with a TV, a DVD/CD player, an embedded auto-pilot and a GPS navigation system and a dinghy. After the sun sets, you will be able to spend quality time with your friends or partner, watching the starry night sky from the catamaran’s deck, all while a dedicated, friendly crew ensure you have a fantastic time onboard.

Book your Overnight Catamaran Cruise

Catamaran Cruises in Mauritius - The Conclusion!

With the vast catamaran options available in Mauritius, you surely should treat yourself to a memorable day, which will be one of the highlights of your holiday in Mauritius.

You will experience sailing through the crystal clear water, while viewing the breathtaking scenery all around. You will also get to see the local marine line, and enjoy delicious food and bar services.

Since you will be out the whole day, we suggest that you bring your hats, swimsuits, t-shirts and extra sun block cream for sun protection and of course your cameras to capture as many memories as possible!

• Articles and Guides

Best Cruising Catamaran Brands On The Market Today

22nd oct 2023 by samantha wilson.

The rise of the cruising catamaran is one of the most exciting changes to the boating world for decades. For many years catamarans couldn’t compete with bluewater monohull sailing yachts—and few would even consider sailing the world in one. But all that has changed. Today, big, spacious, safe, seaworthy catamarans are gracing the oceans in ever increasing numbers, and their positive attributes are hard to argue with, even for the most die-hard of monohull enthusiasts (see our article discussing why more and more sailors are choosing to sail in a catamaran ). 

With more than double the space in the same length of boat as a monohull, cruising cats offer huge amounts of living space, wrap-around views, full-sized galleys, multiple cabins and heads, and spacious decks. They’re fast and sturdy, too, but don’t heel over like a monohull under sail, offering an incredibly stable ride.

There are many excellent boatbuilders making both sailing and motor catamarans, but just as with all other types of boat there is no best one—just the best one for you and your needs. Do you need a large owners’ cabin with extra storage for a couple sailing around the world? Or will you be doing shorter voyages with family or friends and need multiple cabins with bunks? Do you need a catamaran that can be sailed solo or will you always have a small crew? Here we take a look at some of the best cruising catamaran brands producing ocean-going vessels under 60 feet. And be sure to check out Rightboat’s extensive listings for both new and used cruising catamarans for sale . 

Sailing Cruising Catamaran

Fountaine Pajot: Fountaine Pajot is one of the top names in the catamaran world, and they have been instrumental in creating a flourishing cruising cat industry. For more than 40 years, they have been designing and creating both sailing and motor cruising catamarans and have the awards to show for their innovation. They’re typically one step ahead of the game, as exemplified by the launch of their Eco Cruising concept back in 2011 when “green” was still a color. Their 40-foot Isla, the smallest in the range, is also their flagship model. It exemplifies the spirit of the company, whose emphasis is on strong, safe, comfortable boats built with cruising families who seek adventure in mind. All the way up to their 80-foot superyacht, the same focus on luxury, innovation, and pure sailing joy runs through the line. 

Fountaine Pajot boats for sale

Isla 40, Fountaine Pajot photo

Lagoon Catamarans: Another major player in the cruising catamaran industry, Lagoon has got the recipe just right when it comes to stability, performance, and luxury living. And it seems the industry agrees as attested to by the copious number of awards on their mantelpiece including the latest Multihull of the Year 2023 accolade (from Multihulls World) in the Sail Cruising category for their Lagoon 51. There are another three models under the 51 (and four larger ones); each displays the classic Lagoon style with a good balance of strength, thoughtful design and construction, and performance that is improving in recent models. The clever interior and deck design has made Lagoon one of the top choices for charter companies the world over, with large communal spaces, multiple cabins, and a light, elegant décor style. 

Lagoon boats for sale

Lagoon 51, Lagoon Catamarans photo

Power Catamaran for Cruising

Leopard Catamarans: To include Leopard Catamarans under the power cat section seems to imply that their sailing cats aren’t some of the best in the industry. In fact, the opposite is true, and it’s based on the huge success of their sailing models that the power cats have followed with equal prowess. They are now leading the pack when it comes to small bluewater motor catamarans, a sector that is still in its infancy. The Leopard 53 Powercat and Leopard 46 Powercat—built by Robertson and Caine in South Africa—were so well received that the Leopard 40 followed in 2023. The space achieved is staggering, with the largest flybridge ever seen on a 40-foot vessel. With features such as a full L-shaped galley, 360-degree visibility, three cabins, and two heads, the 40—like its larger predecessors—is a true game changer in motor-cat cruising. 

Leopard boats for sale

Leopard 40, Leopard Catamarans photo

Prestige Catamarans: Prestige has just one motor cat in its repertoire, but what an offering it is. At 50 feet it’s at the larger end of our scale—in fact, larger power cats often do fall into the superyacht sector—and offers the impeccable styling we know from Prestige’s sailing catamarans. It’s well-equipped for long passages, and the flybridge can be fitted with a large T-top which protects the entire upper deck during all weathers. Inside it can be configured to suit, with huge en-suite cabins and luxurious family living spaces. While cruising motor catamarans of this size are often dominated by the big shipyards of Fountaine Pajot, Sunreef, and Lagoon, Prestige is certainly giving them a run for their money with the Euphorie 5. 

Prestige boats for sale

Prestige M48, Prestige Catamarans photo

Offshore Cruising Catamaran

Antares Catamarans: Made in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Antares Catamarans offers some of the best, most trustworthy, and capable long range sailing catamarans on the market. The entire design is focused on living aboard, with meticulous thought going into the design of their living spaces, with even their aft cabins offering an industry-leading 6.75 feet of headroom. They’re always pushing the boundaries and now offer their flagship Antares 44 as a hybrid version complete with electric motors, solar energy, and a hydrogenerator able to produce 640 watts/hour at 7 knots. For those wanting to embark on true bluewater round- the-world voyages, Antares should be high on the list. 

Antares boats for sale

Antares 44 GT & Hybrid, Antares Catamarans photo

Outremer: In the company’s own words Outremer build “the ultimate blue-water cruising catamaran” and each of their five models—ranging from 45 to 55 feet—is as high-performance, safe, and cleverly thought-out as the next. Imagine being able to sail a 45-foot yacht across oceans single-handedly. Well, that’s exactly what the Outremer 45 offers with its easy control from the helm station and forgiving handling. At 48 feet, the Outremer 4.zero has a 100% electric motor, allowing for long-range cruising with zero CO2 emissions. From the Outremer 51 family cruiser, with its four-cabin layout, to the innovative Outremer 5X, the largest cruising catamaran that can be easily handled by two people, the company has certainly advanced the art of bluewater catamarans. 

Outremer boats for sale

Outremer 45, Outremer photo

Coastal Cruising Catamaran

Maine Cat Catamarans: This family-run brand is based on the MidCoast of Maine and has been producing high-performance composite sailing and power catamarans since 1993. Today, they’re models offer some of the best multihull coastal cruising in the US—as well as being well-equipped for longer-range cruising. They currently offer three models, the 30, 38 and 41, and each is designed for those who truly love the art of sailing. The smallest in the range is a simple, liveaboard weekend cruiser, while the 41 can average an impressive 200 plus miles a day. However, all models are well-equipped for much longer adventures, and all can be sailed solo. 

Maine Cat boats for sale

ME Cat 38, Maine Cat Catamarans photo

Nautitech: To list Nautitech’s beautiful catamarans under the coastal cruising section isn’t to say they’re not highly capable bluewater cruisers. We’ve chosen to place them here, however, for their ability to truly offer the sailing good life. They’re luxurious and spacious, promising evening dining with friends and days spent cruising along shorelines pocked with coves and sandy beaches. All of their models—the 40 Open, 44 Open, and 48 Open—promise a good balance of performance and luxury, and also the grit and sheer space to transport you to the other side of the world. 

Nautitech boats for sale

Nautitech 40 Open, Nautitech photo

Best-Performing Cruising Catamaran

Catana Catamarans: French manufacturer Catana are not newcomers to this industry. In fact they’ve been instrumental in getting the multihull sector to where it is today, having created fast, high-performance catamarans since 1984. The company has put all their energy and expertise into just two current models, the Catana 53 and the Ocean Class, with both offering speed, excitement, and performance as well as strength and safety (but not forgetting the luxury finish). Using a lightweight construction for increased speed and performance, as well as inverted bows and daggerboards, they are high-performance boats ready to sail long distances in challenging seas. 

Catana boats for sale

Catana 53, Catana photo

Kinetic: While this list looks predominantly at catamarans under 55 feet, mention must be made of Kinetic’s KC54 earning a Special Recognition award in Cruising World ’s Boat of the Year contest. It has been described by experts as the “Tesla of sailboats,” high praise indeed and in our opinion completely justified. For these are seriously high performing cruisers offering all-carbon and infused epoxy resin construction, innovative design and a stylish finish. Kinetic is a semi-custom yard, offering owners the chance to customize their layout, rig, and sail plan as well as the interior furnishings, finishings, fixtures, and equipment. The yacht may cost a few million dollars, but the result is a cruising catamaran perfectly honed for exactly how you want to sail it and where. 

Kinetic official website

KC54, Kinetic Catamarans photo

Sailing Catamaran For Couples

Balance: There is no mistaking a Balance catamaran as it elegantly cruises past. With their iconic brightly colored hulls, they are unmistakable. But a nice finish doesn’t get you awarded Sailing World Magazine’s Boat of the Year 2022: Multihull. Balance is all about, well, balance. Their designers are all racers who have found that perfect point between a high-performance sailing vessel and a practical, easy-to-handle boat that can be sailed across the oceans by a couple. At just 44 feet, the Balance 442 is the smallest yacht in the company’s range. Yet it has everything you would expect of a larger model and is described by the manufacturer as an “agile multi-tasker.” Perfect for island-hopping or trans-oceanic voyages it is an exceptional compact bluewater liveaboard. 

Balance boats for sale

Balance 442, Balance Catamarans photo

BALI Catamarans: When it comes to long-term cruising, comfort is as important as performance and BALI have developed their own unique approach to space in their four models under 44 feet. They’ve focused on creating an unparalleled amount of living space, panoramic views, excellent natural ventilation, comfort at sea, and all of that with uncompromised safety and seaworthiness. The result is a cruising catamaran well-suited for a couple to sail and live on together for the long term. The owner versions focus on spacious master cabins, huge saloon spaces, and twin helm stations for ease of handling making this a top choice for couples embarking on round-the-world voyages. 

BALI Catamarans boats for sale

BALI 4.2, BALI Catamarans photo

Small Cruising Catamaran

Seawind: Australian-built Seawind specializes in compact bluewater cruising catamarans, having gained international acclaim for their five models under 45 feet. Each one offers a clever layout, good use of space, and efficient short-handed sailing performance. They have carbon- and Kevlar-reinforced hulls, watertight collision bulkheads, fully protected dual helm stations with 360-degree vision, home-away-from-home comforts. The result is an impressive bluewater cruising yacht in a surprisingly small package, allowing couples and families the change to embark on long-range adventures. 

Seawind boats for sale

SeaWind 1260, SeaWind photo

Excess Catamarans: Excess Catamarans produce some of the smallest bluewater cruising cats on our list (and on the market) with their smallest models measuring just 37'5'' and 38'7''. But they are certainly reasonable performers, thanks to design by the French racing firm of VPLP, and they are also impressive both in terms of comfort and space. They’re designed for long-term living (there is even a 6.5-foot square bed in the master cabin) as well as for safety on the high seas, and are capable of transporting their owners anywhere its larger siblings can. With twin helm stations, a racy design, and plenty of well-thought out features and storage, Excess have really set the bar when it comes to pocket cruising cats. 

Excess boats for sale

Excess 11, Excess Catamarans photo

Other Top Cruising Catamaran Brands

• HH Catamarans
• Gunboat Catamarans
• Maverick Yachts

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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Best Cruising Catamarans

• By Cruising World Editors
• Updated: July 1, 2021

Cruising catamarans have been around for decades, but early models—often plywood and fiberglass vessels built by their owners from plans and kits, kept the boats on the fringes of mainstream sailing. That all changed, though, as big roomy cats were discovered by sailors who went off to charter in the Caribbean, where the multihulls proved their worth as comfortable liveaboard and party boats.

Today’s bluewater catamarans roam the globe, carrying families to exotic destinations across the Pacific and beyond. Just as with their monohull cousins, there is no best catamaran. Instead there is a wide variety of designs, ranging from small catamarans that offer the ease of maintenance a couple might enjoy to performance catamarans capable of easily knocking off 250-mile days. Today, the best catamaran brands offer a range of size models and layouts that can be optimized for an owner sailing with family and friends, or for the charter market, where there’s a demand for four, five and even six cabins worth of accommodations.

The most prolific catamaran manufacturers are in France and South Africa where yards include both large-run production builders and niche companies building fewer than 10 boats a year.

The best cruising catamarans offer good load-carrying ability and respectable performance. As with any sailboat , a modern catamaran’s design is a result of compromises. Daggerboards or keels? Galley up or galley down? Spacious owner’s cabin or extra bunks? There are lots of options to choose from—and that’s what makes looking at these sailboats fun!

Here, then is an eclectic A to Z list of some of the best catamarans that have helped shaped the evolution of how we live and sail on two hulls.

Antares 44i

Now built in Argentina as a full-fledged, bluewater catamaran and cruiser that can be safely operated by a shorthanded couple or family crew, the Antares 44i features a fully covered cockpit with a quartet of big, standard solar panels recessed within the hardtop, one example of a yacht capable of long-range passagemaking.

Atlantic 42

Almost 30 years ago, yacht designer Chris White revolutionized catamaran design with the first in his series of Atlantic cats, the primary feature of which was the innovative mid-ship sailing cockpit forward of the main cabin. The smallest in the Atlantic line, the 42 remains White’s most popular design ever.

Fountaine-Pajot has built so many outstanding cruising catamarans that it’s difficult to narrow down any single boat, but we’ve always been fans of the good-looking, well-thought-out Bahia 46. At 46 feet, the boat is large enough for offshore forays and has plenty of volume; with its simple but powerful sail plan, it’s also an excellent performer.

Beginning around 1996, the French builder Catana was one of the first companies to manufacture fully found cruising cats for private ownership, and this Christophe Barreau design, which enjoyed a nearly 10-year production run from 1997-2006, was emblematic of this first generation of safe, fun, long-legged offshore voyagers.

Click here to see more cats from Catana.

When it comes to speed, light boats are fast ones. And if you wish to save weight, that means exotic modern materials like carbon. Catana now infuses the laminates of their entire production line with carbon fiber, and for this list, we’ve chosen the Catana 50 Carbon, one of the zippiest cats now crossing oceans.

Click here to read about a couple’s charter aboard a Catana 50.

Gemini 105M

Pioneering catamaran sailor, builder and designer Tony Smith launched the first of his 33-foot Gemini 105M’s (10.5 meters = 33′) in 1993, and soon after found a ready and willing stream of sailors enamored of the boat’s compact size, affordable price tag, and such innovations as the nifty lifting rudder and transom steps.

Click here to read about the Gemini Legacy 35.

Built between 2000-2005, the Gunboat 62 firmly established the Gunboat brand: go-anywhere cats that applied race-boat technology to a world-cruising platform. Hull no. 1, Tribe, was built for company founder Peter Johnstone, who then spent a year-and-a-half cruising with his family, smiling all the way.

French builder Henri Wauquiez is best known for his long career building monohulls, but the Kronos 45 cat, which he launched in 1992, was ahead of her time. Classic lines, the aft “targa bar” over the cockpit, the louvered coach roof windows, even the distinctive stripes on her hull: the Kronos 45 remains timeless.

No roundup of cruising cats would be complete without several Lagoon entries, and the best of that impressive bunch might well be the Lagoon 380. Originally launched in 1999, and revered for its combination of quality, volume and performance, with over 740 boats built the 380 is still going strong.

Launched five years after the breakthrough 380, the Lagoon 440 was an evolutionary design that featured a raised flybridge helm station, a unique “gullwing” configuration below the bridge deck, expanded windows in the hull and much more. With 400 boats built in a 6-year production run, the 440 was an unqualified success.

How big can a production cat, still operable by a short-handed crew, really be? The builders at Lagoon discovered that 62-feet hit a sweet spot in the marketplace, and have sold over 70 boats since its introduction in 2010. The centerpiece of this design is the sensational steering station atop the flybridge, with expansive views of the sea and sky.

Click here to see more cats from Lagoon.

With an unmatched pedigree – designed by premier multihull naval architects Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, built by the prestigious Robertson & Caine boatyard in South Africa, and commissioned by chartering giant The Moorings – the Leopard 40 was, perhaps unsurprisingly, Cruising World ’s Import Boat of the Year in 2005.

Louisiane 37

Based on the famous French racing cat Charente-Maritime, the Louisiane 37, designed by Joubert/Nivelt and launched by builder Fountaine-Pajot in 1983, was a light, fast liveaboard cruiser with full accommodations that represented a radical departure from the hefty British cats that preceded it.

Maine Cat 30

One of the more versatile and clever cats ever created, the central feature of the cool Maine Cat 30 is the open bridge deck/living room sandwiched between the hulls and canopied by a rigid, permanent hard top (the comfortable accommodations/ staterooms are stationed in the hulls). Ideal for a winter in the Bahamas but with the ability to sail offshore, it’s a boat for all seasons and reasons.

Built in Florida and beloved by the owners of the over 120 boats built during the company’s existence from 1993 to 2009, the Manta Catamarans range included 38-, 40- and 44-foot cats. For this exercise, however, we’re heralding the original Manta 42, which won the Best Value Overall prize in CW’s 2001 Boat of the Year contest.

Moorings 4800/Leopard 48

Another Leopard/Moorings collaboration built by the wizards at Robertson & Caine (though this boat was designed by fellow South African Alex Simonis), the Leopard 48 was another CW Boat of the Year winner with all the contemporary bells and whistles: forward cockpit, flybridge helm station and solid hardtop dodger, just to name a few.

Click here to read more about the Leopard 48, and click here to see more images.

Nautitech 441

The Best Multihull Under 45 Feet: So said the CW judging panel in the 2013 Boat of the Year competition, regarding the Nautitech 441. But what makes this versatile platform so intriguing are the different helm set-ups. The 441 employs a single wheel, to starboard, ideal for solo sailors, while the 442 has a pair of helm stations aft.

Click here to see more Nautitech Catamarans.

Outremer 5X

A state-of-the-art all-oceans cat that exemplifies how far multihull design has come, the 59-foot Outremer 5X was a winner on both sides of the Atlantic, taking top honors in the European Boat of the Year competition in 2013, and following up as the Best Full-Size Multihull in CW ’s contest a year later.

Click here to see more cats from Outremer.

St. Francis 50

The flagship of the proud St. Francis line – built in South Africa since 1990 to designs by local legends Lavranos Marine Design – the St. Francis 50 is another “luxury cat” that shares much in common with an earlier 48-foot sister-ship, but packs even more payload into its roomier lines.

Click here to read more about the St. Francis 50

Seawind 1000

Founded by Aussie surfer and sailor Richard Ward in 1982, the 33-foot Seawind 1000 is easily the most popular cruising cat ever built in Australia (the company has since moved its manufacturing and management operations to Vietnam). Roomy and airy, these cats dot the coastline of eastern Oz.

Seawind 1160

If the Seawind 1000 was a minimalist approach to cruising cats, the 38-foot Seawind 1160 is the flip side of the coin, a full-fledged long-range voyager. Among the reasons it was named CW ’s Most Innovative boat for 2007 is the unique “tri-folding” door that stashes overhead to open up the saloon and cockpit into a spacious living area.

Click here to read more about the Seawind 1160.

Sunsail 384

Every sailboat is a compromise, and in the case of the Sunsail 384 (also sold privately as the Leopard 38) that’s a good thing, because designers Morrelli & Melvin and builder Robertson and Caine got the balance just right with this relatively small catamaran. With four cabins, the 384 can carry the same size bareboat charter crowd as her larger siblings, but does so with a decided bounce in her step. Named CW’s Import Boat of the Year in 2010, you can gauge the success of the design by the grins on the crew as they barrel down Sir Francis Drake channel in the British Virgin Islands.

Victoria 67

The French design office of Berret Racoupeau drafted the lines of Fountaine-Pajot’s new flagship, introduced in 2013, a magnificent world-girdling voyaging catamaran. Like other giant cats launched in recent years, the boat features a sensational upper deck with all sail controls, helm and lounging stations.

Click here to see more images of the Victoria 67.

Wharram Tanaroa

No list of influential multihulls would be complete without the work of James Wharram, and while Tangaroa wasn’t a production cat by any means, it showcases the British designer’s respect for ancient Polynesian craft. Wharram sailed this 23-foot-6-inch “double-hulled canoe” across the Atlantic in the 1950s, and sold countless plans for similar boats for decades afterwards.

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The Power Catamaran Compilation

• By Yachting Staff
• Updated: December 21, 2018

Power Catamarans have been growing leaps and bounds in popularity, and, in lengths and widths. And for good reason. These cruise-centric yachts offer homelike livability for avid travelers, are fuel efficient and are fairly intuitive to run. Power cats are popular in the bareboat charter market too, for these very reasons.

Here, we take a look at 12 catamarans ranging from a cruising-couple-size 36-footer to a 78-footer for friends, family and some more friends. And there are myriad power options: outboards, diesel inboards, hybrid or even all-solar power.

Fountaine Pajot MY44

The Fountaine Pajot MY44 , a creation of Italian architect Pierangelo Andreani and French designer Daniel Andrieu, has a main deck that’s open from the aft-deck seating all the way forward to the starboard helm station. The sense of spaciousness is significant, for several reasons. First, four glass panels aft can all slide to port, creating an indoor-outdoor space with the aft deck and salon. In the salon, 32-inch-high windows extend for 12 feet down the sides of the yacht, with three sections per side, bringing in natural light along with the three forward panes that comprise the windshield. Finally, 6-foot-6-inch headroom provides vertical clearance, with a 21-foot-7-inch beam that adds interior roominess while keeping the yacht stable.

Read more: Fountaine Pajot MY44

Silent-Yachts 55

The ideas about which solar panels, electric motors, inverters and the like to use — and more importantly, Michael Köhler says, how to configure them — became the basis for the brand Silent-Yachts. The company offers 55-, 64- and 79-foot catamarans that run on solar-electric propulsion. The Silent 55 premiered this fall, and the 64 is sold out for the next two years, Köhler says.

Read more: Silent 55

Horizon PC74

As founder and director of The Powercat Company, a Horizon Power Catamarans distributor, Stuart Hegerstrom had long believed that catamaran builders needed to design their yachts to more stylish standards.

“The boats were very boxy,” he says, based on his years of experience with cats in the charter market. He and his partner, Richard Ford, asked Horizon to produce models that had high-end finishes and looked good inside and out.

The Horizon team brought in mega-yacht designer JC Espinosa to work with its own craftsmen. The result aboard the Horizon PC74 is a catamaran with exterior styling, layout and functionality that should appeal to private and charter owners alike.

Read more: Horizon PC74

The Aquila 36 is a departure from her sisterships in that she is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran, but she also adheres to MarineMax’s philosophies.

With a single main living level from bow to stern and a beam of 14 feet 7 inches, the Aquila 36 is like a bowrider on steroids. She has seating that can handle 20 adults for outings and barbecues, and there are two staterooms below, one in each hull, for family weekending. The staterooms have nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads, stowage and 6-foot-6-inch headroom.

Read more: Aquila 36

Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat

Lagoon is a division of Groupe Beneteau, the world’s largest builder of sailing yachts, and the Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat is a developmental sistership of its Seventy 7 super sailing cat. The Seventy series yachts are built at Construction Navale Bordeaux in France, which had to add a new yard to construct these catamarans because they require separate stern molds for the power and sail versions.

Read more: Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat

Horizon PC60

To understand the Horizon PC60 power catamaran , you need to put aside preconceived notions about midsize yacht amenities. For example, main-deck master suites are the province of yachts over 100 feet length overall. Incorrect. This 60-footer has an elegant and spacious owner’s stateroom on the same level as the salon. If you want a 14-foot center console tender on a 60-foot yacht, you have to tow it. Wrong again. On the PC60, you hoist it onto the upper deck, no problem.

Read more: Horizon PC60

40 Open Sunreef Power

Sunreef is known for pushing the boundaries of catamaran design, incorporating four adjustable hydrofoils into a twin-hulled speedboat.

The Polish builder is one of several European builders (including Evo, Fjord, Wider and Wally) transforming the open ­day-boat category with creative designs. ­Beyond its hydrofoils, the 40 Open Sunreef Power ‘s cockpit has side “wings” along the aft gunwales that fold out at anchor, widening the beam from 17 feet to 22 feet 9 inches.

Read more: 40 Open Sunreef Power

Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition

Sunreef Yachts introduced its 50 Amber Limited Edition , with plans to launch just 10 hulls of the exclusive design.

The Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition will have a carbon fiber mast and boom, four layout options and numerous amber-colored elements, including the hull.

Read more: Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition

Lagoon 630 Motor Yacht

Fitted with the optional twin 300-horsepower Volvo Penta D4 diesels, the Lagoon 630 MY burns only 1.64 gph total at 6 knots, giving a theoretical range of 2,952 nautical miles with standard tankage of 793 gallons. Hull No. 1 had an optional 502-gallon tank, giving it transatlantic range.

Luxury, stability and economy are all hallmarks of Lagoon’s return to luxury motor yachts. If you can take a ride, it will be worth your time.

Read more: Lagoon 630 Motor Yacht

Fountaine Pajot MY 37

The Fountaine Pajot MY 37 easily accommodates the seafaring family with three- and four-stateroom options. In the three-cabin version, called ­Maestro, you’ll find an owner’s suite in the portside hull with a queen-size berth and en suite head. Two double-berth cabins and one more head are available for the kids. If your brood is bigger, the Quator setup features four double cabins with two heads.

The 37 is a traveler and can be powered with twin 150 hp or 220 hp Volvo Penta diesels. Top speed with the smaller engines is 17 knots, while it’s 20 knots with the bigger power plants. Interestingly, at 7 knots, the fuel consumption is the same, with either set of motors offering voyagers a 1 ,000-nm range.

Read more: Fountaine Pajot MY 37

Solarwave 64

Many yachts boast eco chops because they have a handful of solar panels that power the microwave or navigation lights. The Solarwave 64 , launched last summer, has the potential to run on sunshine alone. The vessel’s 42 solar panels generate 15 kW that are stored in batteries weighing about 1,300 pounds. They connect to electric motors.

Read more: Solarwave 64

Glider SS18

This British builder says it strives for design innovation and the Glider SS18 displays that DNA, the result of 8 years of research and development. She has a head-turning, catamaran hull form constructed from aluminum and composite materials. She is 60 feet LOA with a 17-foot beam, and has a relatively shallow 1-foot draft. Powered by quad Yamaha 300 hp outboards, she can reportedly reach 50 knots, and with her Stability Control System (SCS), should give a smooth ride while doing it.

Read more: Glider SS18

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20 Performance Cruising Catamaran Reviews

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Catamarans are exciting and fast sailboats that offer some great features. With so many types and brands to choose from, it’s hard to find which is worth your investment. So, what are the top performance cruising catamarans ?

The best performance cruising catamarans are the Manta 42, Dolphin 42, Leopard 48, and Fountaine Pajot Elba 45. The McConaghy MC50, Privilege 435, and Nautitech 441 are also impressive models. The best offer optimal performance and can sail a 250-mile voyage easily.

Have you just begun your catamaran research but don’t know which to buy? Are you looking for a performance cruising catamaran that’s worth the investment? Let’s take a closer look at 20 performance cruising catamarans and what makes them the best.

The Top 20 Performance Cruising Catamarans

Catamarans are racing ships that have slowly been making waves in the cruising world. The design focuses on lightness and simplicity. Combined, these two elements ensure a faster ship and make them great for long distances.

The multiple hulls on the catamarans offer optimal water displacement, allowing them to glide through the water with much less trouble than single-hull boats. Because of their design, a catamaran’s performance will vary depending on the conditions you sail them through. The ocean and wind will play a significant role in how fast your catamaran will go as well as how smooth the ride will be.

When comparing catamarans for speed, there are four numbers you’ll want to consider:  

• Bruce Number: The speed potential based on the power (sail-area) to weight ratio of the boat
• Texel Rating (TR): A formula that will calculate how long it takes to sail any distance
• Kelsall Sailing Performance (KSP): Potential speed of a vessel
• Base Speed: The average speed of a boat over 24 hours of sailing

These numbers signify a cat’s performance so that you can pick the one that best suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a fast catamaran or not.

In addition to speed, your catamaran should have everything you need to be comfortable on your voyages. There should be plenty of living space for you and your crew or family members. When choosing the best catamaran for your needs, consider how much gear you will have with you on any given trip and if the ship you’re looking at has enough space for all of it.

The Manta 42 is a favorite of many sailors. Its beautiful design has a high bow and an incorporated curved crossbeam, the latter being unique and making the ship easy to spot from far distances and onshore.

Typically, aluminum crossbeams are used, and they allow for more movement in the bows. Since the Manta 42 doesn’t use aluminum ones, the ship is more susceptible to cracks in the bow caused by stress. However, the width of the Manta 42 makes the ship stable on the water, and the narrow hulls make it great for slicing through the water with speed and agility.

The Dolphin 42 has the best balance of performance and cruising comfort . What is truly special about these boats is that they come equipped with daggerboards . These bad ass features allow the ship to pull into just about any anchorage, including the shallow ones. 

The Dolphin is made with a foam core, which is designed to make the entire ship lighter. However, this doesn’t compromise the performance of the boat. It makes it perfect for cruising through the ocean with high-performance levels.

One thing to keep in mind is those convenient daggerboards. If the ship were to run aground, the hull integrity could be compromised. And if the daggerboards are removed or lifted, they will expose the rudders underneath. These features don’t ruin the ship’s functionality, but it’s important to note them just in case.

The Leopard 48 is a catamaran that you’ll definitely want to see. The design uses some of the best techniques to ensure optimal speed, weight, and cruising performance. The hulls are narrow — like most catamarans — and are built to reduce the amount of water that flows on the deck. It also reduces the amount of sea spray along the sides.

The Leopard 48 has two bulkheads (one in the bow and the other in the stern) designed to keep water out of the ship in an accident. It’s designed for long journeys, and the vessel comes with everything you could want for everyday living.

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 is a fantastic powerhouse ship with luxury at its core. The living quarters of this catamaran are impressive and are sure to provide you with every comfort you could possibly want, no matter how long you sail it for.

The designers considered everything when designing this ship. They’ve simplified the prep work for the sails, making it easier than ever to get underway. The build of the Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 makes it fast when sailing or when under power. 

McConaghy MC50

The McConaghy MC50 is on the smaller side of catamarans in the McConaghy brand, but that shouldn’t disqualify it. This ship was designed with wide-open concepts and high bows. There’s no doubt it’s made for luxury but can hold its own in performance and speed departments.

Even with its luxury items (such as its full washing machine), this ship moves through the water gently. While it’s clearly designed for comfort, it’s still a relatively fast boat. However, there is a downside to the layout of the boat. The helms are much more exposed than other catamarans, which could be a potential safety hazard.

Privilege 435

The Privilege 435 is a catamaran designed to go long distances. It uses a heavy displacement so that the ship glides through the water with ease. The vessel is also built with a low-slung structure to help prevent winds. 

A slight drawback could be the heat buildup caused by the sun seeping in through the windows, as there aren’t any outside shades or ways to block the sun except for the internal shades. The other downside to this catamaran is that the Privilege’s bridge deck has low clearance . Other than that, the ship is an excellent option for those looking for a well-built cat.

Nautitech 441

The Nautitech 441 is another impressive catamaran to consider. The interior is slightly smaller than some others we have gone over, but don’t let that fool you. This boat is full of great features to make your trip comfortable and successful.

For example, the Nautitech 441 is equipped with a rain gutter situated around the entire coachroof. This gives you the option to collect the water for your freshwater tanks, or you can simply let it drain off the boat through the Y-shaped valve.

It’s a fast little boat that can use either the sails or fuel to reach 9 knots in moderate conditions. That’s not bad if you’re looking for a comfortable, decent-sized cruising ship with a bit of a kick.

The ICE Cat 61 is a catamaran designed and developed in Italy. The ship uses a carbon mast and is very easy to use.

The ship’s size and the power-to-weight ratio allow for reaching top speeds that isn’t possible with a monohull. The living areas are also large and are perfect for entertaining, making the ICE Cat 61 a great option to consider when shopping for your new catamaran.

The unique aspect of the Lagoon 440 is the engine. It doesn’t not have to run on diesel fuel because Lagoon offers a fully electric version. This is great for those who are looking for a more eco-friendly way to run their boat. This catamaran uses two electric motors, which are mounted on each hull of the ship, but the best part is that these engines are almost entirely silent.

The inside is just as luxurious as the engine is, designed with families in mind and for long-distance journeys. It’s a ship that would handle itself perfectly in deeper waters and even in harsh winds.

Antares 44i

The Antares 44i is a well-designed catamaran that is meant for long-distance journeys like most catamarans are. The layout is engineered to give you the best views throughout your trip, and the cockpit is fully equipped in the event you’re sailing single handed.

The motors are installed in a discrete location and are almost completely silent, allowing for outstanding performance without sacrificing your comforts. There’s tons of storage available as well for all of the gear that comes with sailing.

The Catana 50 has a well-built design that is meant for high speeds and effective sailing. The daggerboards help the hulls cut through the water with little trouble. There is also excellent storage for your gear located throughout the boat.

What is genuinely superior in this catamaran is the ability it holds to turn itself around with ease and speed. There is no struggle to reverse the ship and maneuver it around the dock. Walking around on the boat is easy enough, but the cockpit setup and helm are situated awkwardly, so it requires a bit of walk around to use all of the ship’s controls. 

The Voyage 44 is a performance cruising catamaran that is well-built for a bargain price. It’s something that you just can’t beat when looking for a new yacht because this ship has everything you could ask for.

It’s designed with day cruising in mind, but that won’t limit it to short distances. What’s also great about this boat is the amount of seating it offers, fitting 32 people comfortably. The ship is functional, and the layout is designed to make traveling onboard the vessel as simple and straightforward as possible.

Atlantic 42

The Atlantic 42 is a fan favorite. This loyal following stems from the Atlantic’s look and effectiveness, and consumers seem to love how easy this ship is to sail and how capable it is for deep ocean sailing.

The size of the Atlantic 42 is something fans of this catamaran love. It might look small from the outside, but the inside layout is well done and feels spacious. The cockpit location in front of the mainmast takes advantage of the rest of the ship’s structure, making it a more flexible design than some other catamarans available.

Outremer 45

The Outremer 45 is designed a bit differently from other catamarans because the hulls are narrower than usual. This helps make the Outremer 45 a fast ship, but it’s done for safety reasons as well. The narrower hulls will prevent the vessel from skidding on the water as much as other catamarans. It also reduces any pitching you might experience from flying through the water at top speeds.

The interior is smaller than many other boats in this article, but the design doesn’t sacrifice your comfort. The cabin has an open concept to easily pull the outdoor seating into the indoor living space, meaning it’s perfect for entertaining and comfortable living. 

The Bahia 46 is on the bigger side by catamaran standards. It’s designed by the brand Fountaine Pajot, which has been building catamarans for years. In fact, Fountaine Pajot is one of the leading brands in cruising catamarans.

The foam core’s overall design, the high bridge deck clearance , and the low center of gravity make this ship an excellent option for deep ocean sailing. It will hold its own on rough waters as well, and there’s also plenty of space for entertaining on the inside of the ship. 

The Prout 45 is an excellent catamaran to consider if you plan to sail with a limited crew. The positioning of the mainsail and the mast make it simple to use and easy to reach. Also, the mainsail itself is smaller than other ships and easy to handle.

The interior isn’t like some of the newer models. In new catamarans, the concept is more open and free-flowing between inside and outside. In the Prout 45, things are more traditional but still comfortable. Don’t worry; you still have plenty of room to entertain and plot your voyage.

Gemini 105MC

The Gemini 105MC is a unique catamaran. That’s because instead of being designed solely by the builder, it’s a collective effort from the builder and many sailors who used the vessel. They wrote in their suggestions to improve the Gemini, and the builder used the most relevant ones to build the newer models.

If you’re looking for a ship for a cross-ocean voyage, you may want to consider another catamaran. Due to the ship’s size and weight, it’s less likely to make it across the ocean. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a great ship, and this vessel is perfect for sailing near the coast. 

The Gunboat 62 is the first catamaran of this brand. The Gunboat 62 is an older model, but it’s still considered one of the fastest. These ships were also the first to introduce luxury to performance cruising. 

The interior is slightly outdated, and technology has advanced since the brand launched these ships. However, this boat’s overall performance is unmatched, though there also isn’t as much space available for storage. 

Marsaudon TS5

The Marsaudon TS5 is one of the fastest catamarans available. It’s designed with panoramic views from the interior, and the ship speeds up quickly due to its lightweight design and shape.

The ship can be challenging to maneuver, which makes it better suited for experienced sailors. While the interior still has plenty of luxuries, it can be considered bare. The designers want to keep the ship light to increase its speed, meaning some comforts have been sacrificed, such as space in the living quarters.

Unlimited C53

The Unlimited C53 is a fast racing catamaran with all the comforts of a cruising ship. The design uses a new technique of connecting the two hulls at 1.3m above the waterline. This is unheard of in most catamarans, and this feature minimizes how the ship handles rougher seas.

The ship uses all of the necessary tanks and equipment to keep the boat balanced on the water. Perfect weight displacement throughout the vessel makes it ideal for racing and long-distance sailing. The interior is also spacious and provides all of the comforts you could need. 

In the end, the best performance cruising cat for you is going to come down to your personal preferences and what you want in a boat. Each catamaran on this list is going to provide you the best features you could ever imagine in a ship. Hopefully, the reviews of the top 20 performance cruising catamarans will help you find your dream boat!

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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Our exquisite fleet of newly built 5-star luxury catamarans, anchored at our opulently maintained base, offers:

Complimentary champagne upon arrival complimentary wi-fi complimentary stand-up paddle board genset air conditioning snorkeling equipment & extra beach towels superior cotton sheets and duvet set with memory foam mattress pad, as well as extra bedding eco-care body care products.

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The Catamaran Company is conveniently located near Beef Island Airport on Tortola in Hodges Creek Marina (East End). We are short 15 minute drive Beef Island Airport. You will be met with friendly and experienced staff who have been providing our guests with excellent service for over 30 years! Our fleet, exclusively catamarans, are maintained and serviced to the highest standards in the industry and the majority are new catamarans. Our goal is to provide quality catamarans and excellent guest service to ensure a wonderful sailing vacation and welcome you back to the BVI year after year. We thank all of our returning guests for their continued loyalty and to our new valued guests. WELCOME ABOARD!

Thank you for considering The Catamaran Company for your sailing vacations! The British Virgin Islands is regarded as a truly world class sailing destination for all types of sailing vacations. Bareboat charter, all-inclusive sailing vacations, captain only vacations and stateroom charters all happen and start in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. With over 50 Islands to visit with white sandy beaches and crystal clear azure waters, amazing snorkeling and diving, fun beach bars, perfect anchorages and superior sailing conditions, makes you wanting to come back to the BVI year after year. There really is no better choice to experience the BVI than to book a sailing vacation aboard a catamaran. Catamarans offers spacious accommodations with unsurpassed comfort for sailing vacations.

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The Catamaran Company operates a luxury fleet of catamarans in Tortola, BVI and can assist new yacht owners in placing their luxury catamaran into the various charter management programs of their choice equipped as they wish with unlimited owner weeks. Choose between purchasing a bareboat catamaran or a crewed yacht catamaran. There are many benefits in placing a charter catamaran with The Catamaran Company.

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The El Tigre and El Tigre II schooner catamarans are built for performance, stability and comfort. With the ability to carry 50 people we limit our cruises to only 36 passengers for absolute comfort on board. Each of the catamarans offers daily lunch cruises that will delight you by taking you to swim and snorkel with the friendly sea turtles, and again over some shipwrecks. Explore how the shipwrecks have been transformed into a playground for many tropical fish! The El Tigre catamarans also host a sunset “Cocktails and Canapés” event. After snorkeling over the shipwrecks and with the sea turtles enjoy the vibrant colours of a sunset in paradise. Sparkling wine, cocktails & canapés are available as attentive and warm-hearted crew cater to your every need. This cruise is also ideal for working professionals seeking to unwind on the ocean and revitalize themselves. Private cruises can also be arranged for any occasion and tailored to your desires.

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