Sailboat, catamaran or motorboat? Which one suits you?

Sailboat, catamaran or motorboat? We show you what each type offers, who we recommend it for and which destinations it suits best.

Sailboat, catamaran and motorboat – which type of boat suits you?

If you are thinking about renting a boat, one of the first questions will probably be what type of boat to choose.

A sailboat, a catamaran or a motorboat?

Each offers a different experience. With some, sailing itself becomes part of the holiday, others are more comfortable for larger groups, and some allow you to discover many more places in just one week.

Let’s see which one might be the best choice for you.

Sailboat – when sailing itself is part of the experience

A sailboat is a great choice if you enjoy sailing itself and getting somewhere as quickly as possible is not the main goal.

With good wind, you can cruise without the engine and really take your time to enjoy the sea. Stop in a quiet bay for a swim, relax on deck for a while and then moor somewhere new for the evening.

It is a great option for couples, families and smaller groups of friends, especially if you really want to experience what sailing is all about.

Croatia is particularly good for this. From Split, you can head towards Brač, Hvar, Vis or Šolta, while from the Zadar area you can plan some great routes through the Kornati Islands.

If you stop in Hvar, try gregada, one of the island’s best-known fish dishes, together with a glass of local wine.

Catamaran – when you are travelling with a larger group

The biggest advantage of a catamaran is simply the amount of space it offers.

It has two hulls, which makes it wider, gives you larger social areas and means it heels less than a traditional sailboat. With a larger group, that can make a big difference.

In the morning, everyone can sit around the table together. During the day, there is plenty of room for sunbathing, swimming, SUP or simply relaxing on deck without constantly getting in each other’s way.

It is especially suitable for larger groups of friends, several families travelling together and families with children.

Greece is one of the best choices if you want to explore the sea by catamaran. Around Paros, Naxos, Antiparos or the Ionian Islands, you will find plenty of bays and smaller harbours that are worth a stop.

A catamaran also makes it easy to spend an entire day without planning much at all. Find a beautiful bay, drop anchor and enjoy swimming, lunch on board, sunset and plenty of time to relax.

If you are around Paros, stop in Naousa for an evening walk and have dinner at one of the seafood tavernas near the harbour. If Naxos is also on your route, do not miss the local cheeses and the famous Naxos potatoes.

Motorboat – if you want to see as many places as possible

If your idea of a boating holiday is to discover as many places as possible in one week, a motorboat may be the better choice.

It is faster, so you can comfortably cover longer distances. In the morning you might be swimming in a quiet bay, have lunch on another island in the afternoon and head to a completely different harbour by evening.

We recommend it to those who like to keep moving and discover lots of places, and who are more interested in the route and destinations than sailing itself.

Sardinia, for example, is perfect for this. Around Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo and the La Maddalena Archipelago, you can fit plenty of beautiful coastlines and bays into a single trip.

In La Maddalena, leave some time for a swim in one of the smaller bays, then finish the day with a plate of culurgiones or fregola and a glass of Gallura Vermentino.

Which boat should you choose?

The easiest way to decide is not to start with the boat itself, but with the kind of holiday you want.

If you want to experience sailing and do not mind a slightly slower pace, choose a sailboat.

If you are travelling with a larger group and space and comfort are important, take a look at catamarans.

If you want to explore as many islands, bays and harbours as possible, a motorboat will probably be the best choice.

Of course, it also matters how many of you are travelling, how many cabins you need, what budget you have and whether you would like to hire a skipper.

The best boat is the one that matches the way you want to experience the sea. ⚓

Get on the Water with Us!

At Sidro Nautika, we teach you safe boating so that you know what to do in every situation. Although stories of ghost ships are exciting, the best experience is when you return to the harbor as a confident captain. Whether it is a boating course, sailing training, or a motorboat course, with us you can build on solid foundations.

If sea adventures attract you, you can apply for the Skipper C course, which we hold directly in Rijeka and Split, in a real maritime environment. This is the training that allows you to legally navigate on any ocean and sea in the world.

Our offer also includes Yachtmaster A and Yachtmaster B, full maritime navigation training, as well as the opportunity to complete practical-focused sailing maneuvering training and obtain a motorboat license. In addition, our boating license prices and motorboat training prices are transparent, so you know exactly what to expect.

If you already have a boating license and are looking for a boat for your next holiday, check out our sea boat rental options and choose from several thousand available boats!