Catamaran rental in Crete with or without skipper

Catamaran hire in Crete

Spacious and stable, the catamaran is the ideal vessel for discovering Crete from the sea. It offers unparalleled on-board living comfort and provides access to the island's most beautiful beaches, from the coves of Ambelos in the east to the beaches of Elafonisi in the west. Crete is a particularly popular destination for crewed cruises: the majority of our catamarans available on site are offered with a skipper. If you prefer to sail on a monohull sailing boat, discover also our sailing boat hire in Crete.

In Crete, Filovent offers you a selection of catamarans, perfectly suited to the island's configuration: varied coastline, wild coves, coastal sailing and stopovers between secluded beaches and exceptional historic sites.

Depending on your sailing project, we offer:

• The sailing catamaran: to enjoy the pleasures of sailing whilst benefiting from the comfort and space that are characteristic of a catamaran. This is the most popular option in our catalogue for Crete.
• The motor catamaran: faster and very comfortable, this option is perfectly suited to crews wishing to cover greater distances without depending on the wind, and to enjoy even more generous living spaces on board.

The catamarans available in Crete are recent and well-equipped vessels, designed for cruising in the Mediterranean. You will find in particular Bali, Lagoon, Samana and Sunreef models in our catalogue, as well as a few prestige yachts.

Services offered for your catamaran hire in Crete

Here are the various services we offer:

• Catamaran hire without skipper: If one of your crew members has the required experience and licences, you can hire your catamaran in complete autonomy. The boat is entirely private and you sail freely along the Cretan coastline, according to the weather and your wishes.
• Catamaran hire with skipper: This is the most popular option in Crete. A professional skipper takes charge of navigation and guides you to the most beautiful anchorages, coves and restaurants on the island. They know the local conditions perfectly, in particular the impact of the Meltemi in summer, and will be able to suggest the best routes according to the weather.
• Hire with crew: This service is offered on the largest vessels. It may include a skipper, hostess, cook and deckhand depending on the model. The crew takes care of navigation and on-board comfort for a fully all-inclusive cruise.
• Cabin cruise: You book a cabin on board a catamaran shared with other travellers and a professional crew. This is an excellent option if you are travelling as a couple or if you do not wish to charter an entire boat.

What is the price of a catamaran hire in Crete?

The table below gives an indication of the cost for a one-week hire in Crete. Prices vary according to the season, the year of the boat, the model and availability.

The price includes: the catamaran hire and the main equipment on board (sails, crockery, bedding, dinghy, outboard motor).

The price does not include: insurance, port and mooring fees, skipper, hostess, final cleaning (often included in a compulsory pack), extras (paddle board, kayak…) and provisioning.

For the hire of a large catamaran or a yacht in Crete, we invite you to contact us directly to obtain a personalised price list. If you wish to compare the different types of vessels available on the island, our boat hire in Crete page offers a complete overview of our fleet, from catamarans to monohull sailing boats.

We strongly advise you to take out our cancellation insurance, which covers all crew members, unlike individual insurance or credit card insurance, which only protects the cardholder. We also recommend the excess buyback insurance: at sea, even experienced sailors can fall victim to a breakdown. This insurance will allow you to recover a significant portion of your deposit in the event of a claim related to navigation.

Where to sail by catamaran in Crete?

Crete offers a highly diverse coastline, with very different atmospheres depending on whether you are sailing along the north coast, which is busier, or the south coast, which is wilder and more unspoilt. Here are the main areas to explore across the Crete Mediterranean Sea.

• The north coast, between Heraklion and the port of Sfakia, is the most accessible and best equipped with marinas. It is also from this coast that you can stop at Heraklion to visit the archaeological museum and the site of Knossos, a landmark of Minoan civilisation.
• The south coast is the wildest part of the island. To discover the most beautiful beaches in Crete, do not miss the beach of Kommos, the caves of Matala and the grey sand beach of Rodakino. The anchorages are less equipped but remarkably beautiful, with particularly clear waters.
• Western Crete is home to the famous pink beach of Elafonisi and the beach of Falassarna, two of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece, easily accessible by catamaran.
• Eastern Crete holds some wonderful surprises, including the coves of Ambelos and the beach of Vaï, with its unique palm grove and ochre-coloured rocks, a true natural wonder of the Mediterranean.

When to sail by catamaran in Crete?

The sailing season in Crete runs from May to October. Spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best conditions: pleasant weather, calmer seas and less crowded ports. This is the period we recommend first and foremost, particularly for less experienced crews.

In July and August, the Meltemi, the prevailing wind of the Aegean Sea, can blow strongly along the north coast of Crete. Unlike the Sporades, Crete is less sheltered and conditions can prove demanding. An experienced skipper is then a valuable asset to adapt the itinerary according to the weather.

Here is an average of temperatures recorded in Crete over recent years, to help you choose the best time to visit Crete according to your preferences:

Sailing conditions in Crete

Crete is situated at the crossroads of several maritime basins: the Aegean Sea to the north and the Libyan Sea to the south, which gives it varied sailing conditions depending on the coastline. The north coast is generally more exposed to winds, particularly the Meltemi in summer, a north to north-westerly wind that can blow strongly between July and August. The south coast, facing the Libyan Sea, is often calmer, but anchorages there are less sheltered.

In spring and autumn, the southerly wind known as the Notias can make itself felt in a moderate way. Conditions are then more serene and perfectly suited to a catamaran cruise. For less experienced sailors or those wishing to make the most of the destination, the presence of a professional skipper is strongly recommended.

Documents required to hire a catamaran without a skipper in Crete

To hire a catamaran without a skipper in Greece, you must hold a coastal boating licence (or equivalent) as well as a VHF certificate (the equivalent of the CRR in France, obtainable for approximately €78).

For large vessels (catamarans of 45 feet / 14 metres or more), an offshore qualification or equivalent may be required. Please enquire with our team depending on the model you are considering.

Useful information for your catamaran hire in Crete

What language is spoken in Crete?

The official language is Greek. In tourist areas and large marinas, English is widely understood. Cretan, the local dialect, is still very much present in inland villages.

What currency is used in Crete?

Crete is part of the eurozone. Bank cards are accepted in most ports and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller anchorages and local tavernas.

How to get to Crete?

Crete has two international airports: Heraklion-Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), the largest, located in the north-centre of the island, and Chania (CHQ) to the west. Direct flights from many French cities are available, particularly during the high season. Sfakia, one of our departure bases, is accessible from Chania.

How to finalise your catamaran booking in Crete?

After submitting your request, a Filovent adviser will contact you by telephone to understand your project. They will then send you proposals for catamarans suited to your crew and budget. Once the boat has been chosen, payment of a deposit via your client area is sufficient to secure the date.

Are there any navigation taxes to pay in Greece?

Yes, a navigation tax (TEPAI) is payable upon entering Greek waters for pleasure craft. Your charter company will specify the payment terms. It is generally in the order of a few tens of euros per week depending on the size of the vessel.

Good to know