How many people can you take on a catamaran?
Updated on: 14/10/2026How many people can you take on a catamaran?
What is the maximum capacity of a charter catamaran?
A hire catamaran can carry a maximum of 12 people, crew included. If you sail with a skipper and a hostess, that leaves no more than 10 places for guests. Even on the largest models, this limit does not change: a longer boat mainly gives everyone more space, not more places.
The exact number of people allowed depends on the boat's certification, which also determines its insurance. It varies from one model to another: your adviser checks this figure for each boat before you book.
How many people by catamaran size?
| Catamaran size | Cabins | Berths | Example models |
| 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 m) | 3 to 6 | 6 to 12 | Lagoon 38, Lucia 40, Bali Catsmart |
| 40 to 45 feet (12 to 13.5 m) | 4 to 6 | 8 to 12 | Bali 4.1, Astrea 42, Lagoon 42 |
| 45 to 50 feet (13.5 to 15 m) | 4 to 6 | 8 to 12 | Leopard 45, Lagoon 46, Lagoon 450 |
| Over 50 feet (15 m and above) | 5 to 8 | 12 | Lagoon 52, Bali 5.4, Lagoon 620 |
Source: Filovent - Data taken from our catamaran hire offer in October 2026.
Very large multihulls are the exception. On a luxury catamaran over 20 metres long, the space is given over to comfort: some models have only 3 or 4 suites for 6 to 8 guests.
Why are there more berths than cabins?
The berth count on a boat's specifications includes several types of bed:
- Double cabins: 2 people per cabin, often with an en-suite bathroom.
- Forepeak cabins: single bunks at the bow of each hull, narrower and reached from the deck.
- Convertible saloon: the saloon seating can be turned into an extra bed.
Cabin layouts also differ from one boatbuilder to another. For the same length, around 11.7 metres, a Lucia 40 offers 3 cabins and 8 berths, whereas a Lagoon 40 can have 6 cabins and 12 berths. The same model also sometimes comes in several versions: before choosing, look at the cabin plan on the boat's page rather than just its length.
For a one-week cruise, ideally plan on 2 people per double cabin and keep the extra beds for children. Eight people on a boat built for twelve will find life on board far more comfortable.
Do the skipper and crew count towards capacity?
Yes. Every crew member counts towards the limit of 12 people on board. With a skipper and a hostess, the boat therefore takes no more than 10 guests. The crew also use berths:
- With a skipper: they sleep in a forepeak cabin or in a guest cabin, depending on the model and the charter company. If your group is large, check this before booking a skippered catamaran charter.
- With a full crew: large catamarans often have dedicated crew cabins, separate from the guest areas. This applies to most models available for crewed catamaran charter.
Above 15 metres, hire usually comes with a professional crew: bear this in mind when working out the places available.
How many people are on board a cabin cruise?
On a cabin cruise, you book a cabin rather than the whole boat. The catamarans used are 15 to 20 metres long and take up to 12 passengers in 6 double cabins with en-suite bathrooms, depending on their certification. A family or a group of friends can also charter the boat privately, for example for a catamaran cruise in the Caribbean.
Which catamaran suits the size of your group?
| Number of people | Recommended size | Layout |
| 2 to 4 | 35 to 40 feet | 3 to 4 cabins |
| 5 to 8 | 40 to 45 feet | 4 double cabins |
| 9 to 12 | 45 feet and above | 6 double cabins, no crew |
| 9 to 10 with skipper and hostess | 45 feet and above | 5 double cabins + crew |
For groups of more than 12, contact an adviser to find a solution that suits you. In the Mediterranean, the fleet covers every size, from the Lagoon 38 to the Lagoon 52, for example for a catamaran hire in Corsica or a catamaran hire in Greece.
