Sailing and power catamarans
Two hulls, a wide deck and easy steps down to the water. A private catamaran is a relaxed way to spend a day in Grand Cayman, and a sailing catamaran adds the quiet of the sails when the wind allows. Here is how catamarans compare with motor yachts, and how to choose.
The basics
Short answer: a boat with two parallel hulls joined by a deck, rather than a single hull. That wide stance, called the beam, gives a broad, level platform with a lot of usable space for the boat's length.
On a typical cruising catamaran, the salon sits on the bridgedeck between the hulls, with large windows and a door that opens straight onto a shaded cockpit at the back. Cabins and bathrooms are typically tucked into the hulls on either side, and at the front, trampolines (tensioned nets) stretch between the two bows.
Because the weight is spread across two hulls, a catamaran tends to sit flatter than a single-hulled boat. At anchor it generally rolls less, and under sail it does not heel, or lean, the way a traditional sailboat does. That is a large part of why catamarans are popular with families and mixed groups.
Two kinds of catamaran
Our reference fleet includes sailing catamarans from 37 to 62 feet and one 51-foot Leopard power catamaran. They share the same broad, stable layout but feel different on the water.
A mast and sails, plus engines for when the wind does not cooperate. When conditions suit, the captain can set the sails for a quiet, unhurried passage.
Engines instead of sails, and often a flybridge on top. A power catamaran keeps the space and stability of two hulls on a more predictable, motor-yacht style schedule.
Catamaran or motor yacht?
Both make a fine private charter. These are general tendencies, not rules: the size and design of the specific vessel, and the conditions on the day, matter more than the category.
| Consideration | Catamaran | Motor yacht |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Two hulls keep the deck level, and many guests find a catamaran steadier, particularly at anchor. | Single-hulled yachts can roll more at anchor, though larger yachts generally feel steadier than smaller ones. |
| Deck space | A great deal of usable space for the length: cockpit, foredeck, trampolines and, on some, a flybridge. | Sun pads fore and aft, a cockpit and, on flybridge models, an upper deck. Space grows quickly with length. |
| Shade | A large covered cockpit and a bright salon on the same level, open to each other. | Hardtops and biminis over the cockpit, plus an enclosed salon that can feel cooler and more private. |
| Swim access | Steps down the back of each hull make getting in and out of the water easy for most guests. | A swim platform at the stern; its height and the ladder arrangement vary by model. |
| Pace | Unhurried. Under sail the wind sets the pace, and most catamarans travel more gently than sport yachts. | Typically quicker between stops, which helps when you want to cover more ground in limited time. |
| Ride in a chop | Generally little rolling, but in short, steep waves some catamarans can thump as water meets the underside of the deck between the hulls. | Deep-V hulls can slice through chop when running, but may roll more when slow or stopped. Larger vessels usually ride more comfortably. |
| Itinerary style | Suits a slower day built around one or two anchor stops, a long swim and lunch. | Suits linking several stops, or reaching a farther destination within a shorter charter. |
In practice, the deciding factors are your group and your plan. A catamaran's strengths show most at anchor: a stable platform, sun and shade side by side, and swimmers stepping straight into the water. A motor yacht's strengths show most on the move: covering distance efficiently and offering a cool, enclosed retreat. For a long day built around one or two stops, a catamaran is an easy choice; if the plan involves several stops across the North Sound in a shorter window, a motor yacht may make better use of the time.
Still deciding? The motor yacht and catamaran guide on our fleet page puts the two side by side with the reference listings.
On board
A catamaran day tends to spread out. Some guests settle into the shaded cockpit, others stretch out on the trampolines, and swimmers come and go from the steps at the back. Larger catamarans, such as the 62' Lagoon in our listings, add a flybridge with a raised helm and another place to sit.
Because the cockpit and salon sit on one level, it is easy for the group to stay together while some people enjoy the sun and others the shade. That openness is one of the main reasons guests choose a catamaran over a motor yacht of similar length.
Comfort still comes down to the specific vessel. Shade, a restroom, air-conditioning and any snorkel gear or water toys are confirmed for the catamaran offered, never assumed from photos.
Tensioned nets between the bows, with the water moving beneath. Popular for lounging at anchor; the captain says when they are off-limits, and children are always supervised.
The covered cockpit at the back is the social center, usually with a table and seating that opens into the salon.
Steps down each stern make it easier to get in and out of the water. Swimming happens only at anchor, when the captain says it is safe.
A bright interior out of the sun, often with a galley. Restroom facilities and air-conditioning are confirmed per vessel.
Ideas for the day
Each depends on the vessel, the departure point, the length of your charter and the conditions on the day. We confirm what is practical in your quote.
Easy water access makes a catamaran a natural base for swim and snorkel stops. Use reef-safe sunscreen and never touch or stand on coral. Visibility and marine life vary, and sightings are never guaranteed.
The Stingray City Sandbar is a shallow, sandy area in the North Sound where guests stand among southern stingrays. It is a shared public marine park, and whether a particular catamaran can reach it depends on the vessel and conditions.
The sun sets around 5:45 pm in late November and early December and about 7:05 pm in early July. Whether the sails go up depends on the wind; either way, a wide, stable deck is a comfortable place to watch the light change.
Reference listings
Our fleet page includes seven catamaran listings, grouped under sailing and power catamarans. They are reference listings rather than live inventory, but they show the range of sizes and layouts guests ask about.
Guest capacity, facilities and inclusions are confirmed for the specific vessel offered for your date.
Planning tips
A few decisions up front make it much easier to match the right catamaran to your day.
Questions and answers
Sailing, comfort, children on the trampolines and the other things guests ask before choosing a catamaran.
Not usually. Sailing catamarans also have engines, and many motor for part of the day: leaving and entering harbors and channels, approaching anchorages, and whenever the wind is too light, too strong or from the wrong direction for the plan. The captain decides when to set the sails. If sailing matters to you, say so in your request.
Many guests find a catamaran feels more stable, because two hulls roll less than one, especially at anchor. That is not a guarantee, and comfort also depends on the size of the vessel and the sea conditions on the day. Mention it in your request so we can take it into account, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about any remedies before you travel.
Often, but it depends on the vessel offered, where it departs from, the length of your charter and the conditions on the day. Catamarans generally draw less water than single-hulled sailboats of a similar size, which can help in the shallow North Sound, but we confirm whether a stop is practical when we quote. The site rules apply to every visitor; see our Stingray City guide.
They can be enjoyed with close supervision and the captain's guidance. An adult should always be with young children on the foredeck, properly sized life jackets should be confirmed in advance, and everyone follows the captain's instructions about when the trampolines are in use, which may rule them out while the boat is underway or the sea is choppy.
Choose a sailing catamaran if the experience of sailing appeals and you are happy for the wind to shape the day. A power catamaran suits groups who want catamaran space and stability with a more predictable schedule, often with a flybridge on top. Our reference fleet includes sailing catamarans from 37 to 62 feet and one 51' Leopard power catamaran.
Ask when you request a quote. Some captains are happy to involve interested guests in simple tasks, such as taking the helm for a while, when conditions allow. It is always at the captain's discretion, and safety comes first.
Most of the shade is in the covered cockpit and the salon, and some catamarans add a flybridge with a bimini. The trampolines and foredeck are usually in full sun. If your group needs plenty of shade, tell us and we will confirm the layout of the vessel offered.
Many cruising catamarans have one or more bathrooms in the hulls, but facilities differ by vessel, so we confirm them for the catamaran offered. If it matters, for young children or older relatives for example, mention it in your request.
Their broad beam makes even mid-size catamarans feel roomy, and groups often ask about larger listings such as the 62' Lagoon or the 51' Leopard power catamaran. Guest capacity is confirmed per vessel, though, and very large groups may need more than one vessel. See our group and celebration guide.
Yes, ask for a sunset charter in your request. Sunset in Grand Cayman ranges from around 5:45 pm in late November and early December to about 7:05 pm in early July, and the island does not observe daylight saving time. Whether the sails go up depends on the wind, and your return time is confirmed in your quote.
On a shared tour you buy individual places on a boat with other passengers, on a fixed schedule and route. On a private charter the whole catamaran is for your group: you agree the start time, length and stops in advance, within the captain's judgment on conditions. A shared tour can suit a couple on a budget; a private charter suits groups who want the boat, and the pace, to themselves.
Usually by the steps at the back of each hull, which many guests find easier than a ladder. Swimming happens only at anchor and only when the captain says it is safe, and everyone should stay well clear of the engines and propellers. Ask about flotation for less confident swimmers.
Keep planning
See the seven catamaran listings, from a 37-foot sailing catamaran to a 62-foot Lagoon.
How a private visit to the Sandbar works, and the rules every visitor follows.
Planning reef and swim stops, with the rules that protect Cayman's coral.
If a motor yacht suits your day better, how to choose a premium one.
Request a personalized quote
Tell us your date, your group size and whether sailing matters to you. We will check suitable sailing and power catamarans, or suggest a motor yacht if one fits better, and send a personalized quote.
