Boating tourism continues to establish itself as one of the preferred options for those seeking a different way to enjoy their holidays. Against this backdrop, catamarans are gaining prominence within the high-end segment, driven by the growth of the charter market and an ever-increasing demand for personalised experiences at sea.
Spain is keeping pace with this trend. Between January and June 2026, 3,105 new recreational craft were registered, an increase of 11.2 per cent compared with the same period the previous year. Of these, 1,041 were intended for charter, representing a 15 per cent increase compared with the first half of 2025, according to data from the National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN).
In destinations such as the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Andalusia, catamarans have become one of the fastest-growing options within the holiday charter sector. Compared to traditional sailing yachts, they offer a more stable ride and spaces designed for sharing the experience with family or friends – a combination that is redefining the concept of a seaside holiday.
The spacious decks, separate cabins, communal areas and the ability to access hard-to-reach anchorages thanks to their shallower draught make this type of vessel an ideal choice for those who prioritise privacy and freedom of movement without compromising on comfort.
Added to this is technological progress aimed at improving energy efficiency. The new models reduce fuel consumption and are increasingly incorporating hybrid and electric systems, in line with the transformation currently taking place in the yachting sector.
For Josep Antoni Llopart, director of the Barcelona International Boat Show, this growth reflects “a profound change in the way we understand sailing and the sea, as a more experiential and accessible vision is gaining ground amongst all audiences”.
An experience that rivals holiday accommodation
Market trends are also changing the comparison between shore-based holidays and on-board experiences. Whilst the cost of holiday apartment rentals continues to rise in some of the Mediterranean’s leading tourist destinations, catamarans are becoming increasingly attractive by combining accommodation, sailing and access to different destinations in a single trip.
According to Nautal, catamaran hire in Spain starts at €2,490 per week in the low season and €4,440 in the high season. When the cost is shared between eight and twelve people, the difference compared with other types of accommodation narrows, whilst also offering services and experiences that go beyond the traditional concept of a holiday.
Alongside the growth in chartering, the sector is also seeing the development of nautical membership schemes, which allow access to boats via a regular fee without the need to purchase them – a model that is broadening access to recreational sailing.
The Barcelona Boat Show highlights the importance of catamarans
The growth of this sector will once again be on display at the upcoming Barcelona International Boat Show, to be held from 14 to 18 October at Port Vell.
Manufacturers such as Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Bali Catamarans, Excess Catamarans, Sunreef Yachts and Leopard will present their latest models at an event which, year after year, brings together the largest exhibition of catamarans in Europe.
According to GM Insights, the global catamaran market reached a value of $4.5 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 7.1 per cent until 2035, driven by the expansion of maritime tourism and rising demand for recreational craft.
