What are family catamaran vacations really like?
For the Buonaiuto family, it meant a week sailing the Amalfi Coast with three teenagers, swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water, fishing between islands, exploring coastal towns, enjoying local restaurants, and spending time together as a family.
Rather than simply tell you why a catamaran can be such a great way for families to travel, we thought we’d let one of our clients tell you themselves.
Here is the Buonaiuto family’s experience.
Why Do Catamaran Vacations Work So Well for Families?
“Our week sailing the Amalfi Coast was truly one of the most memorable trips our family has ever taken. Traveling with three teenagers, we were looking for a vacation that would give us a mix of adventure, relaxation, culture, and the opportunity to really experience this beautiful part of Italy from the water, and this trip delivered all of that and more.
Over the course of the week, we sailed from Procida along the Amalfi Coast and around the islands, visiting Bacoli, Positano, Amalfi, Atrani, Nerano, Capri, Ischia, and so many beautiful swimming and snorkeling spots along the way. By experiencing the Amalfi Coast by boat, we were able to spend our days swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water, and our evenings exploring coastal towns and enjoying wonderful local restaurants. It was the perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation without ever feeling rushed.”
That balance is one of the things families often look for in a sailing vacation. You don’t necessarily have to choose between an active vacation and a relaxing one—or between spending time on the water and experiencing the destination ashore.
For the Buonaiuto family, the catamaran gave them a way to do both.
What Makes a Family Catamaran Vacation So Memorable?
Anyone who has traveled with teenagers knows that what makes a great family vacation can change as children get older.
For the Buonaiuto family, having three teenagers who love being active and on the water was an important part of planning the trip.
And their skipper, Alessandro, understood that.
“What truly made the trip exceptional was our skipper, Alessandro. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, kind, and incredibly attentive to what our family would enjoy. Because we were traveling with three teenagers who love being active and on the water, Alessandro made a point of finding great places for us to swim and snorkel throughout the week. He knew the coastline so well and brought us to beautiful spots we never would have discovered on our own.”
Instead of following a vacation built around someone else’s schedule, their experience could reflect what their family actually enjoyed.
Swimming and snorkeling became part of their days. Sailing between destinations became part of the adventure. And their time ashore gave them opportunities to experience the food and culture of the places they were visiting.
From Catch to Lunch: A Tuna Meal Kids Will Always Remember
One of the best stories from the Buonaiuto family’s vacation didn’t happen in Positano, Amalfi, or Capri.
It happened aboard the catamaran.
The family tells the story best:
“Our captain also made the passages between destinations part of the experience. Our kids love to fish, so Alessandro allowed them to troll while we sailed between islands, and both of our sons caught tuna during the trip.
One of our favorite memories of the week was when Alessandro went above and beyond and prepared a beautiful lunch for our family using the tuna our son had caught. Sitting together on the boat in Italy, eating a meal made from a fish he had just caught, was one of those experiences our family will always remember.”
That’s the kind of moment that explains the appeal of family catamaran vacations better than a list of amenities ever could.
It wasn’t simply about where they were going.
The journey itself had become part of their family vacation.
How Can a Catamaran Turn A Family Vacation Into Multiple Destinations?
Of course, the Amalfi Coast gave the family plenty of opportunities to visit places they had probably imagined seeing before the trip.
Positano. Amalfi. Capri.
But some of the quieter discoveries became just as important.
Again, the family credits Alessandro’s knowledge of the area:
“Alessandro seemed to understand exactly what we wanted from the trip. His knowledge of the area and thoughtful recommendations allowed us to experience not only famous destinations like Positano, Amalfi, and Capri, but also quieter places such as Atrani, Nerano, and Ischia that became some of our favorite stops.”
That’s another benefit of traveling aboard a catamaran.
The catamaran becomes your home base as the destination changes around you. Instead of repeatedly packing, changing hotels, and moving luggage, your family can experience different islands, anchorages, beaches, and coastal towns while returning to your floating villa.
For the Buonaiuto family, it meant experiencing several sides of this beautiful part of Italy during one vacation.
What Makes A Family Catamaran Vacation So Special?
At the end of the trip, the Buonaiuto family didn’t single out one famous destination as the reason the vacation was so memorable.
It was the combination of experiences.
“The week was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, food, culture, and family time. Seeing the Amalfi Coast and the islands from the water was an unforgettable way to experience this part of Italy, especially with teenagers.
We came home with so many wonderful memories and experiences that simply would not have been possible on a traditional land-based vacation.”
That’s really what makes their story stand out.
They weren’t simply sightseeing.
They were swimming together, fishing together, sailing together, discovering places together, eating together, and still finding time to relax.
This catamaran charter connected all of those experiences and made them unforgettable.
How To Choose the Right Charter Type For A Family Catamaran Vacation?
For the Buonaiuto family, Alessandro became an important part of their experience.
He wasn’t simply getting the catamaran from one destination to another. He paid attention to what the family enjoyed and made recommendations based on their interests.
“Alessandro seemed to understand exactly what we wanted from the trip.”
His local knowledge helped the family experience famous destinations while also finding quieter places that became some of their favorite stops.
Families considering a catamaran vacation generally have several charter styles to choose from.
A bareboat charter can suit qualified, experienced sailors who want to operate the catamaran themselves.
A captain only charter gives families their own private catamaran while a professional handles the sailing. Depending on the vessel and captain, they may also mix cocktails, prepare light appetizers, and help make life on board feel a little more effortless.
A fully crewed catamaran charter provides a higher level of service and will include a professional captain and gourmet chef, depending on the yacht and charter arrangement. Depending on the vessel, the crew may also include a stewardess and deckhands. On larger vessels, particularly superyacht charters, the crew can be much more extensive, with engineers, additional stewardesses, sous chefs, deckhands, and crew members specializing in areas such as wellness or children’s activities.
The right choice comes down to your sailing experience and how much you want taken care of during the vacation.
What the Buonaiuto Family Said About Virgin Island Sailing
The Buonaiuto family’s experience wasn’t only about the destination, the catamaran, or the places they visited. At the end of their review, they also shared their recommendation for the companies and skipper who helped make the vacation possible.
“We would absolutely recommend Virgin Island Sailing, and especially Skipper Alessandro, to anyone considering a sailing vacation in this region.”
For us, that’s one of the most meaningful parts of their story. Our goal isn’t simply to help a family find a catamaran charter. It’s to help them find the right vessel, destination, and charter experience for the kind of sailing vacation they want to have together.
Where Are the Best Destinations for Family Catamaran Vacations?
The Amalfi Coast was the setting for the Buonaiuto family’s vacation, but families can enjoy private catamaran vacations in many beautiful cruising destinations.
Some of the most popular choices include the British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Greece, Croatia, and Italy.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a popular choice for families who love island hopping, beaches, snorkeling, and spending plenty of time on the water.
Families can sail between islands while combining swimming and snorkeling with beach stops, watersports, restaurants, and time ashore.
St. Martin
St. Martin combines a Caribbean sailing experience with warm water, beaches, restaurants, watersports, and opportunities to explore the surrounding cruising area.
It’s an appealing choice for families who want active days on the water with plenty to experience ashore.
Greece
Greece gives families the opportunity to combine sailing and island hopping with swimming, beautiful anchorages, historic towns, local food, and Greek island culture.
A day might include a morning swim, an afternoon sail, and dinner ashore in a completely different place.
Croatia
Croatia combines clear Adriatic waters and islands with historic coastal towns and plenty of opportunities to swim and explore.
Families can enjoy active days on the water followed by sightseeing, local food, and evenings ashore.
Italy
And then there’s Italy.
The Buonaiuto family’s experience shows what a family catamaran vacation along the Amalfi Coast can look like.
They spent their days swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing, followed by evenings exploring Italian coastal towns and enjoying local restaurants.
They experienced famous places but also found quieter destinations they hadn’t expected to become favorites.
How to Choose the Right Catamaran Vacation for Your Family
The perfect family catamaran vacation isn’t necessarily the same for every family.
Start with what your family actually enjoys.
If everyone loves being in the water, look at warmer destinations and seasons that fit floating, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports into the trip.
If food and culture matter just as much as sailing, consider cruising areas where you can regularly go ashore to explore towns and restaurants.
Also think about the catamaran itself. Cabin arrangements, deck space, amenities, water toys, crew, and inclusions vary from yacht to yacht.
And involve your children in the planning.
Ask everyone what they would prefer to do aboard a catamaran. Giving each family member something to look forward to will turn your sailing vacation into an experience that belongs to everyone.
FAQs About Family Catamaran Vacations
Are catamaran vacations adequate for families?
They can be a great option for families who enjoy being on the water, exploring multiple islands, and combining active experiences with relaxation. A private catamaran charter also gives families more flexibility to shape the trip around their interests.
Are family catamaran vacations recommended for families with teenagers?
For active teenagers, it can be especially appealing. Depending on the destination and catamaran, teenagers may be able to swim, snorkel, paddle board, enjoy all kinds of water toys, fish where permitted, explore beaches, and visit new destinations throughout the sailing vacation.
Do you need sailing experience for a family catamaran vacation?
No. Families can choose a captain only yacht charter or an all-inclusive crewed yacht charter if you don’t want responsibility for sailing the catamaran. Qualified and experienced sailors may prefer a bareboat charter. Explore bareboat requirements.
Is renting a private catamaran a good idea for families?
A private catamaran vacation gives families their own space and more flexibility in their itineraries. The experience is tailored around the family’s interests and meal preferences if they opt for a crewed catamaran charter.
What should families look for when choosing a catamaran charter?
Consider catamaran size, cabin arrangements, deck and flybridge space, water toys, amenities, crew arrangements, and the activities available in your destination.
What are the best destinations for family catamaran vacations?
Popular options include the British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Greece, Croatia, and Italy. The best destination depends on when you plan to travel and whether your family prioritizes beaches, snorkeling, water sports, culture, food, island hopping, or a combination.
A Real Family Catamaran Vacation Your Children Will Never Forget
Three teenagers. Days spent swimming and snorkeling. Fishing while sailing between islands. Evenings exploring Italian coastal towns. And a freshly caught tuna turned into an unforgettable family lunch aboard their catamaran.
That’s what the Buonaiuto family’s vacation looked like.
Yours doesn’t have to look the same.
Your family may want water sports every day. You may want secluded beaches, historic towns, great restaurants, or lazy afternoons aboard. You may be experienced sailors ready to take the helm or prefer a captain or crew to take care of the sailing.
That’s part of what makes family catamaran vacations special.
The destination, catamaran, itinerary, and activities can be chosen based on how your family wants to spend its time together.
For the Buonaiuto family, it became a vacation they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
“Alessandro truly made the trip for our family, and our experience would not have been the same without him. It was an incredible week and a trip we will remember for the rest of our lives.”
Planning a family catamaran vacation? Virgin Island Sailing® has helped more than 10,000 clients find the right charter since 1987. Our Charter Experts will match your family with the right catamaran, destination, and charter type, all at no additional cost.
