Catamaran and sailing trips
The best places for a catamaran or sailing day are Key West, Aruba, Cozumel, St Thomas, Roatan and Santorini. Key West has a catamaran trip through a lake passage lined with mangrove islands, Aruba has a sail to the Antilla wreck for snorkeling, and Cozumel runs catamarans to El Cielo with a second reef stop.
Where it's best
The catamaran trip passes through the lake passage lined with mangrove islands in the backcountry, inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary area. Sailing charters are also offered in the Dry Tortugas.
The sail-and-snorkel catamaran takes about three hours of sailing, with a stop at the German freighter wreck and a snorkel over the sunken ship. Sail and snorkel cruises in Aruba also run as evening sunset cruises with optional dinner.
Catamarans run from Cozumel to El Cielo, often with a second reef stop for snorkeling and time on the sandbar. One sail and snorkel excursion visits two reefs with music, open bar and snacks, with two daily departures.
A half day sail and snorkel is offered on a 43-foot luxury sailing catamaran. Another outing goes by catamaran from Marriott's Frenchman's Cove to a snorkel stop at Turtle Cove, Little Buck Island.
A catamaran sail and snorkel outing starts from Half Moon Bay, so the sail and the reef are combined in one trip. Sailing-style Fun Cat rentals are also available at the port beach for timed periods.
The classic catamaran day cruise sails past Red and White Beach and stops for a swim at the hidden coves of Black Mountain. Other catamaran day trips sail out of Fira bay to the hot springs of Palea and Nea Kameni, often with a call at Thirasia, and the tour schedule shifts with the time of sunset during the season.
Catamaran cruises end at Little Venice, known for whitewashed buildings and sunset views seen from the water. A private sunset yacht sail is also available.
Catamaran and schooner trips leave from West Bay Road or the North Sound, with half-day sails that stop to snorkel at Coral Gardens and Stingray City.
Nassau has sail-and-snorkel trips and an evening dinner cruise through Paradise Island Harbor at sunset.
Rhodes has sunset catamaran cruises with wine on board, and private sunset dinners on a yacht.
Trips run on motor-sailing boats out of Zea Marina, with island stops arranged by the operator.
A catamaran water taxi from Karel's Beach Bar crosses over to Klein Bonaire, and the short crossing is part of the outing.
A four-hour king salmon trip on Taiya Inlet runs on a 32-foot catamaran from the small boat harbor. Whales may be seen along the way.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Private Turtle and Starfish Catamaran Snorkel at Turtle Bay and El Cielo
