Our catamaran cruises guide covers the shared-tour version. This page is for groups considering going private — it's a genuinely different experience, more expensive in headline terms but often comparable or cheaper split between a group of six or eight.
What you actually get
Your own itinerary, departure time and pace — you're not sharing deck space with thirty strangers, and you can spend two hours in the hot springs instead of twenty minutes. Most private charter skippers are also genuinely better guides than a shared-tour crew managing crowd logistics, since their entire attention is on your group.
Rough cost structure
Daily private charter rates vary by boat size and season, but the key insight is per-person maths: a boat accommodating eight people at a full-day rate, split eight ways, often ends up close to the cost of a premium shared catamaran tour per person — with an entirely private experience in return. Always ask whether fuel, skipper, food and drinks are included or extra, since these vary widely between charter operators.
What to ask before booking
- Is the skipper included, or is this a bareboat charter (requiring your own sailing licence)?
- Does the boat have shade? The ägean summer sun is brutal on an open deck.
- What's the contingency plan if the meltemi is up — partial refund, rescheduled date, or full risk on your side?
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