Everything you need to know before joining a catamaran trip with Navega.me Sailing Experiences.
If this is your first time on a catamaran trip, this guide is designed to clearly and calmly answer the most common questions. Here you’ll find everything you need to enjoy your experience with Navega.me to the fullest.
Do I need any sailing experience to join?
No prior experience is required. All our trips include a professional skipper (and a hostess on many routes). You can simply enjoy the experience, and if you’re interested, you can also learn the basics of sailing with us.
What type of boat do you use?
Modern catamarans with double cabins, equipped kitchens, flybridge, paddle board, snorkeling gear, air conditioning, WiFi, and more. Our catamarans typically have four double cabins, each with a private bathroom for added comfort and privacy. We usually use models less than five years old, fully equipped and tested across various destinations around the world.
When is the best time to book my trip?
Ideally, you should book at least six months in advance. This ensures several important advantages:
- Better pricing: catamarans are booked based on availability, and the best ones go quickly.
- Cheaper flights with better schedules: airlines offer lower fares the earlier you book.
- More time to plan calmly: extra activities, accommodation if you arrive a day early, or combine it with another vacation.
- You’ll also have more cabin options and better coordination with other travelers.
What’s the daily routine on board?
Each day is designed to combine sailing, rest, exploration, and connection with the sea and nature. The itinerary can vary depending on the weather or destination, but the typical structure is as follows:
Morning
- We have a relaxed breakfast on board.
- We enjoy the first swim of the day, some light stretching, yoga, or a snorkeling/paddle session.
- We sail to a new bay or island, usually 1–3 hours of sailing.
- You can enjoy the ride sunbathing, reading, learning how to sail, or participating if you feel like it.
Midday and Afternoon
- We anchor in a calm bay where there is time to swim, snorkel, paddle board, or just relax.
- We prepare a delicious onboard meal to share.
- After lunch, it’s time for a siesta if you like.
- Sometimes we go for a land excursion, other times we sail again to find the final anchorage of the day, aiming for a sunset spot.
Evening
- We find a protected cove or port to sleep in. We only go into marinas if needed due to weather or amenities.
- Often, we take the dinghy to shore for a walk, small shopping, or local exploration.
- We dine some nights on land at selected restaurants, and others under the stars on board.
You’re always free to organize your own time. If you prefer to stay on board while others go ashore, no problem. The captain will inform you of the available time and options at each stop.
Note: We do not sail at night (except in special cases). Daytime is for moving, and nights are for relaxing.
Do we sail or use the motor?
At Navega.me, we organize sailing catamaran trips exclusively, promoting a travel style that is comfortable, adventurous, and sustainable.
Our boats are designed for eco-friendly sailing:
- Low fuel consumption for a sustainable trip.
- Quiet sailing, without constant engine noise.
- Minimal impact on marine environments, thanks to shallow draft.
- Energy and water autonomy to anchor without relying on ports.
- High comfort: spacious layouts, flybridge, full kitchen, A/C, etc.
We use the sails whenever conditions allow. If the wind is weak or we need to stay on schedule, we combine motor and sail. At night, engines are turned off to allow restful sleep. The generator may be used briefly if needed for energy.
Is there air conditioning on board?
Yes. It is typically used in the evening to cool the cabins. Nights at sea are often cooler than on land, and with the sea breeze, A/C is not always necessary.
Is there fresh water on board?
Yes. Thanks to the onboard watermaker, we can produce fresh water during the trip, allowing us to avoid frequent port stops. We still drink bottled water, which is purchased in advance for the week.
How are meals organized?
Food is a key part of the experience at Navega.me—not just to nourish, but to bring people together and energize the journey.
What do we eat? We favor a Mediterranean-based cuisine:
- Healthy, tasty, and balanced meals
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, olive oil
- Local products, fresh fish and seafood when available
- Simple, delicious recipes with authentic flavors
Special dietary needs? Before departure, we send a quick survey to check for allergies, intolerances, or preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.). We adapt the menu for everyone’s needs.
Who cooks? On most routes, we have a hostess who prepares the main meals. Guests are welcome to use the kitchen or help if they wish. We also use the catamaran’s BBQ for fresh fish and other local dishes.
Dinners on land? Some nights we dine ashore at recommended restaurants. Other evenings, we enjoy a slow meal on board, under the stars, accompanied by good wine and the sound of the sea.
Check-in and Check-out
Check-in: Usually Saturdays in the afternoon (17:00 to 19:00)
Check-out: The following Saturday morning around 09:00. On Friday night, we return to the marina to allow time for a group farewell dinner and check-out procedures.
Which airport should I fly to?
We provide a personalized guide with the nearest airport, estimated transfer time, and local transportation options.
Example: For Sardinia routes, the best airport is Olbia (OLB). For Caribbean adventures, we recommend flying to Fort-de-France (Martinique). We’ll send a detailed flight proposal along with the trip information.
Do you help with airport transfers?
Yes. We can arrange private or shared transfers with other crew members. We also suggest local transport options.
When is fuel refilled and who pays?
Fuel is topped up at the end of the trip, before returning to the base marina. The cost is shared equally among guests or covered via the Common Fund (APA).
What is the Common Fund / APA?
It’s a shared cash fund used to cover expenses like groceries, fuel, or extra moorings. A prepayment is usually requested, and final accounting is done at the end. If there’s money left, it is refunded.
What should I pack?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, non-slip shoes, basic first aid kit, soft bags (not suitcases), and most importantly: the will to enjoy. Check our blog post on packing tips!
What if I get seasick?
Bring motion sickness tablets (like Dramamine). We recommend taking them especially on the first day, whether you’re experienced or not. Usually, symptoms fade in a day or two. We’ll also provide tips and updates based on the forecast.
What happens in bad weather?
Safety is always our top priority. We use real-time weather apps (Windy, PredictWind, Navily), VHF, and local authorities for updates. If storms or strong winds are forecast:
- The skipper may modify the route for shelter.
- We may return to port or stay anchored until it’s safe.
- If stuck on land, we make the most of it: local walks, food, relaxing, and embracing the vibe.
Should I tip the crew?
No, it’s not mandatory. We never expect it. However, if you feel grateful and choose to leave a tip, it’s a lovely gesture. In the yachting world, it’s customary to tip 5–10% of the trip cost, depending on your satisfaction level. If you don’t, nothing changes—we’ll keep giving our best on board.
What kind of people join Navegame?
We welcome a wonderful mix of travelers from all over the world. In 2024, we hosted guests from Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Argentina, South Africa, Nicaragua, and Australia. Our crew includes young couples, friends, senior explorers, and solo travelers. The atmosphere on board is relaxed, respectful, and friendly—one of the most memorable parts of the trip is the people you share it with.
