The catamaran market is expanding rapidly in Spain particularly in the charter market across the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Andalusia.
Between January and June 2026, Spain registered 3,105 new recreational boat registrations, up 11.2% compared with the same period in 2025.
Of these, 1,041 were registered for charter operations, compared with 905 in the first half of the previous year, representing a 15% increase, according to figures released by the Spanish National Marine Industry Association (ANEN).
Fira de Barcelona, organisers of the Barcelona International Boat Show in collaboration with ANEN, points out that the ease of handling a catamaran, together with their reputation for comfort, stability and efficiency, is positioning them as an increasingly enticing alternative to traditional holiday accommodation.
Broader audience
According to Josep Antoni Llopart, director of the Barcelona International Boat Show, this growing popularity reflects ‘a profound shift in the way people experience boating and the sea, with a stronger emphasis on accessible, experience-driven navigation for a broader audience’.
And he says the economic case for chartering a catamaran is becoming increasingly persuasive.
Fira de Barcelona points out that in 2025, weekly holiday apartment rentals in the Balearic Islands ranged from around €1,250 in the most affordable areas to approximately €3,700 in premium destinations such as Ibiza and Puerto Banús.
Prices rose by as much as 12% year-on-year in Mediterranean provinces including Cádiz and Málaga.
Global catamaran market
By comparison, chartering a catamaran in Spain starts at around €2,490 per week during the low season and from €4,440 during peak season, according to figures from Nautal.
According to GM Insights, the global catamaran market was valued at US$4.5 billion in 2025 and is forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% through 2035, driven by continued growth in marine tourism and increasing demand for leisure craft.
Around 30 catamarans will be on show at this year’s Barcelona International Boat Show, taking place from 14 to 18 October at Port Vell.
