Lagoon 39 Catamaran Charter for Greek Island Days
A Lagoon 39 catamaran charter suits the kind of Greek holiday where the journey is part of the plan: coffee in a quiet harbor, a swim from the stern before lunch, and a sunset viewed from a wide, comfortable deck. At just under 40 feet, this catamaran offers a welcoming balance of space, manageable size, and the easygoing stability that helps first-time guests relax on the water.
For couples, families, and groups of friends, the question is not simply whether a Lagoon 39 looks good in the marina. It is whether its layout, sailing style, and charter format match the holiday you want. Here is what to consider before reserving your time on board.
Why Choose a Lagoon 39 Catamaran Charter?
A catamaran changes the feel of a sailing vacation. Its two hulls create a broad platform, so there is more room to move around than on many similarly sized monohulls. The cockpit is usually the social center of the yacht, with protected seating for meals, conversation, and lazy afternoons between swimming stops.
The Lagoon 39 is especially appealing for guests who want comfort without chartering an oversized yacht. At approximately 39 feet long with a generous beam, it has enough outdoor space for a group to spend time together while still feeling approachable in close marinas and smaller anchorages. The flybridge-style helm position also gives the skipper clear visibility and keeps the working area separate from guests relaxing below.
That extra stability matters when traveling with children or anyone unsure about being on a boat. A catamaran does not eliminate motion - conditions, route, and wind direction always matter - but it generally has less side-to-side heel under sail than a monohull. For many holidaymakers, that means an easier first day at sea and a more relaxed lunch at anchor.
Cabin Space and the Right Group Size
Most Lagoon 39 charter yachts are arranged with four double cabins and two bathrooms, although layouts can differ by year and owner. This makes the model a practical choice for up to eight overnight guests, with some charters advertising additional berths for children or occasional use.
Capacity on paper is not always the same as comfort in practice. Four couples can fit, but that does not mean the boat will feel equally spacious for every type of group. Two families with younger children often find the arrangement ideal. A group of close friends may be very happy sharing bathrooms and cabins. Four couples who value complete privacy, however, may prefer a larger catamaran with more bathrooms or separate cabin access.
The saloon and cockpit are designed for shared living, which is one of the Lagoon 39’s strengths. Expect a bright indoor table, a galley for preparing meals, and outdoor seating where everyone can gather at once. Storage and refrigeration vary between individual yachts, so ask about those details if you plan to provision for a full week rather than eat ashore most evenings.
Bareboat or Skippered: Which Charter Fits?
The best Lagoon 39 catamaran charter is not always a bareboat charter. It depends on your sailing experience, the time you have, and how much responsibility you want during your vacation.
A bareboat charter gives qualified sailors the freedom to set the pace. You choose when to leave, where to stop, and whether the day calls for a lively sail or a longer pause in a sheltered bay. In Greece, charter companies will usually ask for evidence of a suitable sailing license or documented experience, as well as a competent second adult crew member. Requirements can vary, so confirm them before making travel plans.
A skippered charter is often the more relaxing choice for newer sailors, families, or guests who simply want to be looked after. Your skipper handles passage planning, weather decisions, mooring, and the details that can make a busy harbor feel less carefree. You still help shape the trip: choose the balance of swimming, village dinners, scenic sailing, and quiet anchorages, then let an experienced local guide manage the boat.
For a group splitting the cost, a skipper can also be good value. The expense is shared, while everyone on board gets to enjoy the sailing rather than assigning one person to be captain for the week.
Planning a Route From Crete
Crete offers far more than a single day on the water. For guests based near Heraklion, a trip toward Dia Island is a wonderful introduction to the Aegean: clear water, open sea views, and time to swim and snorkel away from the city shoreline. A catamaran’s wide swim platform and shaded cockpit make these stops particularly enjoyable.
For a weekly charter, route planning needs more care. The weather can be very different on the north and south coasts of Crete, especially when the summer meltemi winds arrive. A smart itinerary keeps distances sensible and leaves room to adjust rather than treating every harbor reservation as fixed.
The Cyclades are a classic ambition, but they are not automatically the right choice for every crew departing from Crete. Reaching them can involve longer passages and stronger winds. For confident sailors, that can be part of the adventure. For families or first-time charter guests, a Crete-focused route with more protected stops may offer more swimming time and less time underway.
A local skipper or charter team can help turn a broad wish list into a realistic plan. Tell them what matters most - secluded coves, tavernas, sailing hours, snorkeling, or a little of everything. The best itinerary leaves room for a spontaneous stop when the sea is inviting.
What to Check Before You Reserve
Individual Lagoon 39 yachts differ, even when the model name is the same. Before confirming, ask for the actual specification of the yacht you will board. Air conditioning, generator capacity, watermaker, solar panels, paddleboards, Wi-Fi, and the condition of snorkeling equipment can all shape the experience.
Also clarify what is included in the charter price. The base rate may not include fuel, final cleaning, marina fees, provisions, a refundable security deposit, skipper fees, or a hostess. None of these are necessarily surprises when presented clearly, but they should be part of your group budget from the beginning.
Timing matters as well. July and August bring warm water, long days, and lively ports, but also higher demand and stronger seasonal winds. May, June, September, and early October can be especially rewarding for guests who prefer gentler temperatures, quieter harbors, and a little more flexibility with reservations.
Finally, ask about safety equipment and the yacht’s maintenance record. A professional charter experience should include properly sized life jackets, current safety gear, a thorough check-in, and clear guidance on how everything works. Comfort starts with confidence in the vessel and crew.
Small Details That Make the Week Better
Pack soft-sided luggage rather than hard suitcases, which are difficult to store in cabins. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats with retaining straps, light layers for breezy evenings, and shoes with non-marking soles. If anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, prepare before departure instead of waiting for rough water.
Provision lightly for the first day, then shop locally once you understand the galley storage and your group’s rhythm. Fresh fruit, Greek cheese, bread, cold drinks, and simple lunches are perfect on board. Save at least a few evenings for a harbor taverna, where stepping ashore feels like part of the voyage rather than the end of it.
A Lagoon 39 gives a group the space to share the best parts of a Greek sailing holiday without needing every moment to be scheduled. Choose a crew and route that fit your confidence level, leave room for the weather, and let the next clear-water anchorage decide the pace of the day.
