Catamaran charter in Rhodes
A catamaran charter in Rhodes combines spacious onboard living with access to the island’s contrasting coasts and the southern Dodecanese. Most trips begin around Rhodes Town, where the principal marinas, provisioning facilities and historic center sit close together. From there, itineraries can follow the comparatively sheltered eastern shore or include open-water passages to nearby islands. A catamaran’s wide cockpit, communal saloon and cabins distributed between two hulls suit groups that expect to spend meaningful time aboard between swimming stops and visits ashore. Limited heel also provides a steadier cruising experience than a typical monohull, although Rhodes’ exposed waters can still be demanding.
Coastal stops and island-hopping routes
The eastern coast offers the most natural setting for relaxed coastal cruising, with beaches, settlements and coves such as Kallithea Bay, Anthony Quinn Bay and Vlycha Bay. Lindos is a particularly rewarding shore stop: its whitewashed settlement and ancient acropolis overlook several scenic bays. Farther south, conditions become more exposed around Prasonisi, while the western coast generally receives more wind and wave action.nnLonger itineraries can extend from Rhodes to Symi, Chalki, Tilos and Nisyros. A shorter Rhodes–Symi return cruise may include Panormitis, Pedi or Symi Harbour, depending on conditions and available time. A week-long southern Dodecanese circuit allows for several islands but also involves open-water passages, making weather planning important. Back in Rhodes Town, the UNESCO-listed medieval city adds substantial historical interest to the beginning or end of the charter.
When to charter and what conditions to expect
The main boating season runs from May through October. June and September usually offer an appealing balance of warm weather, limited rainfall and more manageable conditions. May is a quieter start to the season, while October can remain suitable for cruising but brings a greater chance of rain and unsettled weather.nnJuly and August are warm, dry and busy, but average winds are also strongest. Prevailing west or northwest winds commonly reach Beaufort 4 to 6, particularly affecting the western and southern shores and exposed passages between islands. The eastern coast often provides comparatively sheltered water. A catamaran’s stability and reduced heel can improve comfort underway, but they do not remove the effects of stronger winds and waves, so the itinerary should remain adaptable to forecasts. Winter has more variable weather and substantially reduced coastal services.
Choosing the right catamaran and charter format
Catamarans work particularly well for families, groups of friends and multi-generational parties seeking generous communal areas without giving up cabin separation. Before booking, compare the number and arrangement of cabins, bathrooms, outdoor seating and swimming access rather than relying on capacity alone. If a skipper or additional crew is required, check whether their accommodation reduces the cabins available to guests.nnBareboat charter offers the greatest independence but requires appropriate experience and may require qualifications. Rhodes has moderate sailing difficulty, with confined marina maneuvering, a wide catamaran beam and potentially exposed passages all relevant to the decision. A skippered charter removes the need for guests to operate the vessel, while a more fully crewed format may add cooking or guest service on suitable boats. Travelers should also decide between sailing and power catamarans and consider whether their priority is coastal swimming, longer island-hopping passages or extended time aboard. Those comparing other vessel styles can review Rhodes yacht charter options.
Catamaran options available in Rhodes
On viravira.co, the Rhodes selection currently totals 33. Available layouts range from 3 to 6, with capacities from 6 to 12, giving both families and larger private groups room to compare configurations. Eligible completed catamaran bookings average 8, a useful reference for planning a Dodecanese itinerary. The eligible review average is 4.6 across 50, and listed options start from €257. For a wider geographic comparison, travelers can explore catamaran charters across Greece.
Verified
Emre C.01 May 2026
The staff were friendly, and we were able to stock the boat before the skipper arrived for check in, which saved us a lot of time.
Listing owner: DimitriRhodes / Greece