Private catamaran · groups up to 18
Catamaran charter in the Algarve
Space to spread out, stability to relax
A catamaran charter is the easy answer when your group is large, mixed in age, or simply wants room to move. Two hulls give a catamaran a wide, steady platform, so it barely rolls at anchor. That makes a real difference to anyone who is nervous about seasickness, to parents keeping an eye on children, and to groups who want to eat at a proper table rather than balance plates on their knees.
On deck there is space for everyone: trampolines at the bow for lying in the sun, a shaded cockpit with a dining table, and a wide swim platform at each stern, which makes getting in and out of the water easy. Inside there is a bright saloon and galley, and the bigger catamarans have several cabins and bathrooms.
Our catamarans sail from four marinas. In Vilamoura, the luxury catamaran Morningstar takes up to 18 guests and the Fountaine Pajot 40 power catamaran up to 10. In Albufeira, the sailing catamaran Unwind also takes up to 18. In Portimão, the new Fountaine Pajot 44 also takes 18, while the Isla 40 is a lovely, great-value choice for up to 12. In Lagos, the Helia 44 and the Nautitech 46 Open each take up to 16, close to the grottoes of Ponta da Piedade.
Most catamarans are not built for speed, so they suit a relaxed day along the cliffs near your marina rather than a long dash along the coast. If you want to cover more distance, our private boat hire page compares motor yachts too.
Every charter is private and priced per catamaran, with VAT included. Skipper, fuel, drinks and snacks are included.
Our private catamarans
Seven sailing, power and luxury catamarans across four marinas, two of them in Vilamoura. Prices are for the whole catamaran; on the Helia 44 the price depends on group size.
Sunset 3 hours €1,500Morningstar
- Up to 18 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Half day €1,950 · full day €2,450
- 200 m² of deck for up to 18, Vilamoura
Sunset 2 hours from €1,000Fountaine Pajot 40
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Power catamaran for up to 10, Vilamoura
- 3 hours €1,350 · full day €2,650
Morning 4 hours €1,400Unwind
- Up to 18 guests
- Departs Albufeira Marina
- Afternoon €1,500 · full day €1,950
- Paddleboards and snorkels on board
3 hours from €1,150Fountaine Pajot 44
- Up to 18 guests
- Departs Portimão Marina
- 6 hours €1,650
- New Fountaine Pajot for 18
3 hours from €610Fountaine Pajot Isla 40
- Up to 12 guests
- Departs Portimão Marina
- Sunset cruise or 6 hours €850
- Great value for up to 12
3 hours from €800Fountaine Pajot Helia 44
- Up to 16 guests
- Departs Lagos Marina
- €1,150 for 10 to 16 guests
- Full day from €1,500
Half day 3 hours €970Nautitech 46 Open
- Up to 16 guests
- Departs Lagos Marina
- Sunset 3 hours €970 · full day €1,380
- Open-plan deck for 16
Prices are per yacht, not per person, and include VAT. Skipper, crew, fuel, drinks and snacks are included. Yachts with online booking (NOON, Majestic, São Lourenço and Atlantis) save 10%.
Why groups choose a catamaran
- Stability: two hulls mean far less rolling at anchor, which helps anyone prone to seasickness.
- Space: a catamaran has far more usable deck than a single-hull yacht of the same length, so a group of 16 or 18 guests never feels crowded.
- Dining: a proper table in the shaded cockpit, ideal for a long lunch at anchor.
- Easy swimming: wide, low steps at the stern make getting in and out of the water simple for all ages.
- Shade and sun: lounge on the bow nets in the sun or retreat to the covered cockpit.
The result is a day where the group stays together rather than splitting between a crowded bow and a cramped cockpit, which is exactly what most celebrations need.
Where a catamaran takes you
From Vilamoura, Morningstar and the Fountaine Pajot 40 cruise west along the red cliffs of Falésia towards the Albufeira coves. From Albufeira, Unwind explores the sea stacks and sandstone coves either side of the town, with swim stops in the calmest bays. From Portimão, you can sail east past the fishing village of Ferragudo towards Carvoeiro, or west towards Alvor and its tidal estuary. From Lagos, the golden arches and grottoes of Ponta da Piedade are only a short sail away.
Because catamarans cruise gently, routes stay fairly local, which is part of the charm. You spend less time travelling and more time anchored, swimming and eating. Your skipper chooses the anchorage to suit the wind and swell on the day, and on a breezy afternoon may raise the sails for a quiet stretch along the cliffs.
Perfect for celebrations and families
Catamarans are our first suggestion for birthdays, hen parties, reunions and company outings, because everyone can be together on one deck. Music, decorations and catering can be arranged with notice. See our hen party boats and birthday yacht charters for ideas.
For families, the steady ride and easy access to the water make a catamaran a relaxed choice, and children love lying on the bow nets above the sea. A sunset sail on the Isla 40 or the Nautitech 46 Open is a gentle evening option for all ages.
For the largest groups, Morningstar, which sails from Vilamoura, offers around 200 m² of space, with sunbeds at the bow and a generous lounge, so 18 guests can spread out comfortably from morning to evening.
How to book
Frequently asked questions
How many people fit on a catamaran?
Up to 18 on Morningstar, Unwind and the Fountaine Pajot 44, up to 16 on the Helia 44 and Nautitech 46 Open, up to 12 on the Isla 40 and up to 10 on the Fountaine Pajot 40 in Vilamoura.
How much does a private catamaran charter cost?
From €610 for three hours on the Isla 40 in Portimão. The Fountaine Pajot 44 starts at €1,150 for three hours Morningstar at €1,500 for a three-hour sunset and the Fountaine Pajot 40 at €1,000 for a two-hour sunset. Prices are per catamaran, not per person.
Are catamarans good for seasickness?
They are the most stable option we offer. Two hulls mean much less rolling than a single-hull yacht, especially at anchor.
Do you have catamarans in Vilamoura?
Yes. Morningstar, a luxury catamaran for up to 18, and the Fountaine Pajot 40 power catamaran for up to 10 both sail from Vilamoura. Our other catamarans sail from Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos. See all our Vilamoura yacht charters.
Will we sail or use the engines?
On the sailing catamarans, both, depending on the wind. On a breezy day your skipper may raise the sails, and on calm days the catamaran cruises gently under engine. The Fountaine Pajot 40 in Vilamoura is a power catamaran.
How do I pay for a catamaran charter?
We confirm availability first, then send a secure deposit link. The deposit is 15% or 25% depending on the catamaran; Unwind is paid in full on confirmation, and Morningstar is booked directly on WhatsApp.
What should we bring?
Swimwear, towels, sun cream, hats and soft-soled shoes. Drinks and snacks are included, and extra catering can be arranged.
More private charters in the Algarve
Private boat hire
Hen & girls' yacht parties
Birthday yacht charters
Sunset & champagne cruises
Dolphins & coastline
Ponta da PiedadeRead more: Lagos yacht charter guide
Your day on the Algarve coast
Choose from our fleet of luxury yachts along the whole Algarve coast, with an expert skipper and crew on hand to make every moment unforgettable.
Find your yachtContact us
Tell us your date and group size and we will reply with the best boats available.
- Emailinfo@elitechartersalgarve.com
- Mobile / WhatsApp+351 965 656 675
- DeparturesGate A3, in front of Il Lamparo restaurant, Vilamoura Marina
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