Phoenix 24
Space, stability and shared costs drive demand.
Barcelona | July 2026
Catamarans are emerging as one of the defining trends of Spain’s 2026 nautical summer, gaining ground as both a recreational vessel and an alternative to conventional holiday accommodation.
The expansion of charter services, easier access to recreational sailing and growing demand for experiential tourism have helped transform these twin-hulled vessels from a specialized option into a mainstream choice for families and groups of friends seeking greater privacy, mobility and direct contact with the sea.
Spain recorded 3,105 new recreational-boat registrations between January and June 2026, representing an increase of 11.2% compared with the same period a year earlier. The charter segment expanded even faster, with 1,041 vessels registered for rental purposes, compared with 905 during the first half of 2025—a rise of approximately 15%.
Demand has been especially visible in the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Andalusia, where nautical tourism forms an increasingly important part of the broader visitor economy. Motorboats remain a major component of the rental market, but catamarans are becoming particularly attractive for longer journeys and trips involving several passengers.
Their appeal begins with stability. Unlike a traditional monohull, a catamaran distributes its structure across two parallel hulls, reducing heeling and limiting the lateral movement that can cause discomfort or seasickness. This creates a more accessible experience for passengers without extensive sailing experience, including children and older travelers.
The configuration also provides substantially more usable space. Modern charter catamarans commonly include wide social areas, private cabins, equipped kitchens, exterior lounges and separate zones for dining, resting and enjoying the surrounding landscape.
This distribution allows several people to share a vessel without sacrificing the degree of privacy normally associated with land-based accommodation. For groups traveling together, the boat becomes transportation, lodging and a recreational platform within the same reservation.
A catamaran’s relatively shallow draft offers another important advantage. Because less of the vessel extends below the waterline, it can approach coves, beaches and sheltered areas that may be inaccessible to boats requiring deeper water.
The possibility of navigating between several destinations without repeatedly packing luggage or changing accommodation is helping redefine the concept of a coastal vacation. Instead of staying in one apartment and organizing daily excursions, travelers can move their temporary residence across different ports and islands.
Economics are also beginning to influence the trend. Weekly holiday rentals in Spanish coastal destinations have risen significantly, particularly in premium Mediterranean markets. Depending on the location and season, accommodation can range from approximately €1,250 to €3,700 per week, with some areas recording annual price increases of up to 12%.
Catamaran rentals begin at around €2,490 per week during the low season and approximately €4,440 during the high season. Although the total cost may initially appear greater than renting an apartment, the comparison changes when divided among the eight to 12 people that many vessels can accommodate.
The price includes lodging, a kitchen, transportation between destinations and access to private areas at sea. Additional expenses may include fuel, docking fees, cleaning, provisions, insurance and the services of a professional skipper or crew.
For travelers without the necessary qualifications or sailing experience, hiring a skipper remains essential. Nautical tourism requires careful route planning, weather monitoring and compliance with maritime safety regulations, regardless of how comfortable or technologically advanced the vessel may be.
The sector is also developing new commercial models. Nautical membership clubs are gaining popularity by allowing customers to use vessels periodically through a subscription rather than purchasing and maintaining their own boat.
This approach reduces traditional barriers to participation, including acquisition costs, marina fees, insurance, repairs, storage and administrative management. It also reflects a broader shift from ownership toward access-based consumption across tourism and mobility industries.
Environmental considerations are strengthening the catamaran’s appeal. Its twin-hull configuration can reduce hydrodynamic resistance and improve energy efficiency under certain operating conditions. Manufacturers are also introducing hybrid propulsion, electric systems, solar panels and more efficient onboard equipment.
However, efficiency does not automatically make every nautical vacation sustainable. Environmental performance depends on vessel design, fuel consumption, waste management, anchoring practices and respect for protected marine ecosystems.
The industry’s challenge will be to expand access without increasing congestion in fragile coves, damaging seabeds or placing additional pressure on coastal communities already affected by overtourism.
The global catamaran market was valued at approximately $4.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 7.1% through 2035. Maritime tourism, recreational demand and technological innovation are expected to drive that expansion.
Major manufacturers such as Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Bali Catamarans, Excess, Sunreef and Leopard are competing through improvements in habitability, performance, digital navigation and lower-emission systems.
This commercial momentum will be visible at the Barcelona International Boat Show, scheduled for October 14–18 at Port Vell. The event regularly presents more than 30 catamarans and has positioned itself as one of Europe’s most significant exhibitions for the segment.
The rise of the catamaran signals a deeper transformation in how travelers perceive sailing. The vessel is no longer marketed exclusively to experienced sailors or affluent owners, but as a shared platform for accommodation, exploration and leisure.
Its continued growth will depend on whether operators can preserve affordability, professionalize charter services and manage the environmental impact of increased maritime activity.
The catamaran is not simply becoming another boat for the summer. It is turning the sea itself into the destination.
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