sail lux catamaran

• Lagoon 51 “Clementina” (2024)
• Lagoon 51 “Fichetto” (2023)
• Lagoon 51 “Paco” (2023)
• Lagoon 52 “Fico” (2020)
• Lagoon 52 “Fichissimo” (2022)
• Lagoon 55 “Strafico” (2023)

Every SAILUXE voyage is entirely bespoke, crafted to let you savor every moment of your sailing holiday in your unique style, ensuring an unparalleled experience .

You’ll have the chance to set sail on a state-of-the-art catamaran, fully equipped and meticulously tailored in every aspect just for you.

Take a peek at our SAILUXE fleet and envision your ideal dream vacation.

Contact us for a personalized quote or to discuss any special requirements. You can also view our 2024 Price List here.

LAGOON 51 ``CLEMENTINA`` (2024)

One of the latest additions to the SAILUXE fleet, Clementina features 4 beautifully appointed cabins, providing comfortable accommodations for up to 8 guests. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, whether you're traveling with family or friends Clementina promises a once-in-a-lifetime sailing adventure. Charter week, low season: € 13.490 Charter week, high season: € 22.490

LAGOON 51 ``FICHETTO`` (2023)

The Lagoon 51 elevates the well-regarded Lagoon 50 with enhanced features. The flybridge has been transformed into an ideal spot for enjoying an aperitif, while the expanded forward cockpit maximizes outdoor enjoyment. Our Lagoon 51 "Fichetto" features the owner's version layout, providing the main guests with a spacious master cabin on the starboard side, complete with a walk-in closet and a cozy powder room. Additional guests will find comfort in two double cabins, each with a private bathroom, and an extra cabin located mid-port, ideally suited for either an adult or two children, with a shared bathroom, making it an ideal choice for families. Charter week, low season: € 13.490 Charter week, high season: € 22.490

LAGOON 51 ``PACO`` (2023)

Discover a truly convivial space. Lagoon 51 "Paco" is a space for you to share stories and memorable moments. You can invite your guests to enjoy the comfortable sofas and share relaxing times, alongside the captain, at the helm of the Lagoon 51. The flybridge of the Lagoon 51 is innovative by the modularity of its spaces, its clever ergonomics and the coziness of this great living area. You will discover also a spacious salon, with a innovative concept of space. The great luminosity makes the atmosphere cozy and comfortable. Charter week, low season: € 13.490 Charter week, high season: € 22.490

LAGOON 52 ``FICO`` (2020)

The Lagoon 52 embodies the essence of modern luxury. Its sleek exterior lines add a dynamic flair to its substantial hull, captivating and amazing onlookers. Fico boasts unmatched comfort, featuring splendid sunbathing spots both on the flybridge and the spacious stern area. Inside, you'll find bright, elegant interiors adorned with top-quality materials. The stern space and the dinette, along with the living room, will quickly become your preferred places to relax and entertain. They are ideal for dining and enjoying special moments with your loved ones while truly savoring the luxury of this magnificent catamaran. Charter week, low season: € 14.590 Charter week, high season: € 25.590

LAGOON 52 ``FICHISSIMO`` (2022)

The Lagoon 52 encloses all the fundamental characteristics of contemporary luxury. Outside, the elegance of the lines give a dynamic touch to the massive hull, which triggers the curiosity and amazement of his spectators. The comfort of this catamaran is unparalleled, thanks to the wonderful sunbathing areas both on the flybridge and in the wide stern area. The interiors are bright, classy and embellished with the highest quality materials. The stern area and the dinette will be your favorite spots to unwind, as well as the living room: areas to host friends, eat, talk, play and fully enjoy the luxury of this beautiful catamaran. Charter week, low season: € 15.590 Charter week, high season: € 25.590

LAGOON 55 ``STRAFICO`` (2023)

The Lagoon 55 Strafico will make your dream come true. This boat is a highlight on our SAILUXE fleet, for those who want to spend their holidays looking for maximum comfort and luxury. Sail along the Italian coast experiencing sensations that only this boat can offer you. The interior has a classic and elegant design, equipped with high quality materials. Your comfort is the main objective of our crew, available for you to enjoy every moment on board. Be prepare to live unforgettable memories at sea. Charter week, low season: € 20.490 Charter week, high season: € 32.490

NEED TO KNOW MORE?

Discover the new  Nautitech 48 Open 

New 44 open, a catamaran designed for your round-the-world dreams and long sea journey

Allow us to accompany you in the contemplation of your ideal catamaran acquisition project. 

Achieve the perfect balance Elevate your senses.

They have already cast off. We give you the most beautiful travel stories

Embark on our Nautitech catamarans

Think bigger for your program. See further for your travels. Demand a French marine design that combines efficiency and high quality, that combines your dreams of sportsmanship with the pleasure of living on board. Elevate your sailing. Elevate your onboard pleasures.

A personalized online exchange session

with our team of experts

Running a successful shipyard is a dream come true for the team behind NAUTITECH CATAMARANS. Passion for the sea and shipbuilding is shared throughout every department, and this passion is a fundamental foundation for our company. At Nautitech, we believe that navigation must be at the heart of a multihull's DNA. While the current market trend increasingly promotes the catamaran experience as a static one, we design boats that are remarkable when stationary and when blue water cruising. An alliance between high-end comfort and demanding design, robust construction and excellent performance for intense marine use. Our customers expect us to be able to sail by maximizing their experience on the water as well as the sensations felt. It is therefore imperative for us to project the future of our catamarans in solutions combining ease of use, comfort in navigation, performance, safety in all wind conditions.

Gildas LE MASSON

PDG of NAUTITECH

NEWS & EVENTS

Living aboard a catamaran.

Make the ocean your home, the waters your daily life and the horizon your only limit.

Living aboard a catamaran is a constant adventure that must be carefully prepared in order to live it with passion.

48 Open : The ambition is given for the new catamaran Nautitech

48 Open : the ambition is given

Multihull of the Year 2023

The 44 Open is nominated to become "Multihull of the Year"!

9 Best Luxury Cruising Catamarans: Buyer’s Guide

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Have you decided to take the plunge and buy a catamaran? Then, why not go all out and get one of the most luxurious catamarans available? By selecting a top-tier catamaran with awesome performance , you can enjoy the ultimate combination of style, comfort, and functionality to create unforgettable memories with family and friends on the open seas.

The best luxury catamarans include the 80 Sunreef Power Eco, the Lagoon Sixty7, the Fountaine Pajot Power 67, the Saona 47, and the Gunboat 68. Other premium cruising catamarans are the Aquila 79, the MC90, and the Catana 53.

These cruising catamarans all fall into the ‘luxury’ category thanks to their outstanding passenger amenities and impressive sailing features. They are typically larger than mid-range catamarans and can cruise at incredible speeds. This article is the complete buyer’s guide to luxury catamarans. It explores the features of some of the best luxury cruising catamarans on the market today. 

80 Sunreef Power Eco

This beautiful vessel offers luxury with a conscience. At 80 feet (24.3 meters), it is a large vessel that has been specially designed to ensure eco-friendly sailing. It was launched in 2020, designed to ensure silent, vibration-free cruising that does not disturb the ocean it cruises over.

The 80 Sunreef Power Eco has luxurious amenities that have been designed with the environment in mind. Some of the most note-worthing features of this vessel include: 

• A solar power system that covers up to 2152.8 square feet (200 meters square feet) of the vessel allows a large amount of energy production
• An ultralight battery bank that allows for silent cruising 
• A watermarking and purifying water system that can create drinking water
• Made with a variety of eco-responsible finishing materials 
• Room for five cabins with six heads 
• A hydraulic aft platform 

The eco-friendly features of this vessel do not compromise its sailing capability. Some of the most important specifications of this cruising catamaran are: 

• A beam of 29.4 feet (12 meters) 
• Four fuel tanks; two with a capacity of 1056.7 gallons (4000 liters) and two with a capacity of 1585 gallons (6000 liters) 
• Four main engines, two with 180kW and two with 360 kW 
• Two water tanks, each with a capacity of 211 gallons (800 liters) 

The 80 Sunreef Power eco is fully customizable if you buy it new from SunreefYachtsEco.com. You can choose from a wide range of interior design options and finishing materials. 

LagoonSixty7

The Lagoon Sixty7 is a stunning vessel that has been called “ a high-end Manhattan apartment on the water.” It has been designed for long-distance cruising and has been especially popular in the Asia Pacific region . At just over 66 feet (20.15 meters), it has been recognized as a vessel that allows for ‘ affordable luxury .’ 

While it may be a bit more pocket-friendly than other luxury cruising catamarans, the Lagoon Sixty7 does not compromise its features. Some of the most enticing features of this vessel are: 

• A wide, remote control operated swim platform that connects the two transforms 
• The choice of a galley up or galley down version with a 385sqft (36sqm) saloon offering 360-degree views
• A sunken lounge in front of the saloon offers comfortable lounging space 
• A raised deck with room for lounging or storing furniture
• High quality, solid joinery the offers plenty of storage space 
• The choice between three flybridge layouts: Standard, Sunbathing, or Tribu
• The option to choose between 4, 5, or 6 cabins with a separate cabin for crew 

The Lagoon Sixty7 also has a range of high-end sailing features that will appeal to every sailor. These include: 

• A beam of 32.11 feet (10 meters) 
• A draft of 3.9 feet (1.15 meters) 
• A fuel capacity of 4 x 363 gallons (4 x 1375 litres) 
• A water capacity of 2 x 132 gallons (2 x 500 litres) 
• The ability to reach a maximum of 19 knots 

If you are interested in purchasing the Lagoon Sixty7 new, visit Lagoon.com . You can also check Yachtworld.com to find a used Lagoon Sixty7 to buy. 

Fountaine Pajot Power 67 

At 67 feet (20.4 meters) long, this power catamaran has lots of space that houses a range of luxurious amenities. This catamaran has received several positive industry reviews , with a particular focus on its design and its long-range sailing capability. Designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, this model is the flagship of Fountaine Pajot’s motor yacht range. 

The Fountaine Pajot Power 67 is customizable; owners can choose from a range of interior designs, finishing materials, and amount of cabins. Some of the stand-out features of the Fountaine Pajot Power 67 are: 

• A 387.5 square feet (36 square meters) cockpit that houses a galley and plenty of sunbathing spots 
• A 344.4 square foot (32 square meters) flybridge with direct access to the saloon 
• A foredeck with an optional jacuzzi add on 
• The choice to include an owner’s cabin with a dressing room, a private head, and a walk-in shower 
• Option to choose between three or four cabins in addition to the owner’s cabin 

This catamaran’s sailing specifications and prowess are equally impressive. Some of the core specs include: 

• A beam of 32.38 feet (9.84 meters) 
• A draft of 3.80 feet (1.15 meters) 
• A standard power of 2 x 300 HP 
• An optional power of 2 x 435 HP 
• Fuel capacity of 105.6 gallons (400 litres) 
• A freshwater capacity of 277.4 gallons (1050 liters) 

To purchase a Fountaine Pajot Power 67 new, visit FountainePajot.com . At present, there are no used versions of the Fountaine Pajot Power 67 available. 

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 

The Saona 47 is a 45.7 feet (13.94 meters) long luxury catamaran produced by Fountaine Pajot. It is an elegant model that has been designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, a team of naval architects that specialize in high-performance catamarans. It has received several industry awards for its performance. 

There are two versions of the Saona 47. The Maestro version has an owner’s suite with its bathroom, two double cabins, and two heads. Meanwhile, the Quintet version has four double cabins, one single cabin, and five heads. Other amenities and features that you will find aboard the Saona 47 include: 

• A beach club on the rear platform 
• A 96.9 square foot (9 square meters) lounge deck with plenty of spots for sunbathing 
• A saloon with a galley that has premium equipment and joinery 
• Excellent visibility from the helm 
• A lift that can be converted into a swimming platform right above the water

Meanwhile, the sailing specifications of the Saona 47 include: 

• A beam of 25.3 feet (7.7 meters) 
• A draft of 3.9 feet (1.20 meters) 
• Standard power of 2 x 50 HP and 2 x 50 CV 
• Optional power of 2 x 60 HP and 2 x 60 CV 
• A fuel capacity of 2 x 124 gallons (2 x 470 litres) 
• A fresh water capacity of 2 x 92 gallons (2 x 350 litres) 

To buy a Saona 47 new, visit FountainePajot.com . To buy a used Saona 47, visit YachtWorld.com .

Gunboat catamarans are known for their ability to reach high speeds while maintaining incredible stability. Designers of the Gunboat 68 have used aerospace design technology and lightweight materials to create a stunning, high-end vessel. It has been engineered by VPLP, who are known as the fastest naval architects. 

The Gunboat 68 is 68 feet (20.75 meters) long, which allow space for a range of amenities, including: 

• An all-carbon composite frame that makes the Gunboat super lightweight and, therefore more easy to maneuver
• A semi-customizable layout that allows owners to put their stamp on the vessels 
• A galley located on the bridge deck with wrap-around countertops, and an integrated gas oven 
• An aft cockpit with the option to add on a BBQ grill, an ice maker, or a drinks fridge 
• The opportunity to choose between four, five, or six cabins with en-suite heads 
• A central helm that allows for easy access to the crew as well as passenger facilities 
• Furniture in the saloon and aft cockpit can be easily detached, which will enable you to change the interior design relatively easy 

One of the most enticing sailing features of the Gunboat 68 is its speed. Depending on the wind power, it can reach up to 30 knots . Other sailing specifications of the Gunboat 68 include: 

• A bridge deck clearance of 3.3 feet (1 meter) 
• A fuel capacity of 2 x 100 gallons (2 x 378 litres) 
• A water capacity of 2 x 100 gallons (2 x 378 litres) 
• A draft up of 3.90 feet (1.20 meters) 

If you’re interested in buying the Gunboat 68 new, visit Gunboat.com . These vessels are also available second-hand – visit Yachtworld.com to see if there are any used ones available.

St Francis 50 

St Francis Catamarans produce artisanal catamarans that are customized to suit the needs of each unique owner. The St Francis 50 is the flagship catamaran of the brand and is an elegant, luxury vessel. 

Some of the most enticing features of the St Francis 50 are: 

• A bridge deck that is 32 feet (9.8 meters) above the water reduces wave slapping 
• A cockpit that has been designed to have extra weather protection 
• A spacious aft deck with stairs that lead to the foredeck, creating plenty of sunbathing and walking space 
• Four cabins with plenty of storage space 
• Each cabin has an attached head with a shower and vanity cabinets 
• A U-shaped galley with room for a three burden stove and lots of prep counters. The galley also has a fridge, a chest freezer, and a dish dryer.
• A navigation station with a built-in table and drawers 
• A built-in retractable swimming ladder 

In addition to these core features, owners can choose their own interior design elements such as countertop finishes, layouts, and wood grains. 

The St Francis 50 has an overall length of 50 feet (15.25 meters). Other sailing specifications include: 

• A maximum beam of 26.3 feet (8 meters) 
• A draft of 4.2 feet (1.25 meters)
• Capacity for 232 gallons (880 litres) 
• A total water capacity of 360 gallons (1350 liters) 
• A bridge deck clearance of 2.8 feet (0.85 metres) 

To purchase the St Francis 50, lodge an inquiry on StFrancisCatamrans.com . 

The Catana 53 is the latest catamaran in the Catana range of vessels. Launched in 2019, it is a 53 feet (16.2 meters) long ship packed with enticing features and luxurious amenities. Industry reviews applaud the Catana 53 for being both fast but also easy to handle. 

The Catana 53 has been designed in-house by the expert Catana team and relied on Marc Lombard as an external consultant. Noteworthy features of the Catana 53 include: 

• An ample bridge deck clearance allows passengers to be comfortable even when the catamaran is traveling at high speeds 
• The cockpit and the saloon are on the same level making for an extended lounge area with a relaxing day bed 
• The saloon features an L-shaped settee that extends into the outdoor dining area, creating an open space concept 
• Three, four, or five-cabin versions available 
• Cabins filled with convenient features including a desk, mirrors, background LEDs, attached heads, and beautiful views of the sea beyond 
• A large galley with an island countertop and a wine fridge 
• Curved daggerboards that allow more room inside the hull 
• Built with foam and carbon fiber that makes for a stable, but light vessel 
• A built-in autopilot system, with a secondary autopilot control at the interior navigation desk 

The Catana 53’s sailing specifications make it an excellent choice for avid sailors. The specs include: 

• A beam of 28.38 feet (8.65 meters) 
• A draft up of 4.69 feet (1.43 meters) 
• Engines with 2 x 60 CV or 2 x 60 HP 
• Fuel capacity of 227 gallons (860 liters) 
• A freshwater capacity of 211 gallons (800 liters) 

The Catana 53 is available for purchase from Catana.com . 

McConaghy 90

The McConaghy 90 or the MC90 is a massive catamaran. As its name suggests, it’s 90 feet (27.4 meters) long. It has been designed by Jason Ker , a designer with over 20 years of experience designing premium yachts. 

Thanks to its size, it is equipped with all the amenities you would expect to find in a luxurious home. Some of the stand-out features of the MC90 include: 

• Space for five cabins plus separate cabin space for the crew
• Individual seating and dining areas in the cockpit which flow into the interior areas
• A well-equipped galley and multiple dining areas make this catamaran the perfect location for a party
• The ability for owners to customize the interior design and the color of external design features such as the topsides, the pilothouse, and the sofas
• Interior constructed with hand-painted surfaces and lightweight, premium wood 
• Each catamaran has a Bureau Veritas classification for bluewater sailing 
• Glass panels in the hulls and saloon add to the open floor plan 

The size of the MC90 does not slow her down. This catamaran can reach over 20 knots. Other necessary specifications of the MC90 include: 

• A beam of 40.4 feet (12.3 meters)
• An engine power of 2 x 220 HP 
• A fuel tank capacity of 792.5 gallons (3000 liters) 
• A freshwater capacity of 264.2 gallons (1000 liters) 

The MC90 is built on demand; register your interest on McConaghyBoats.com if you’re interested in purchasing one! 

Aquila 70 Luxury Power Catamaran 

This Aquila 70 is another large vessel that is the crowning catamaran of the Aquila range. It has carried forward some of the earlier Aquila models’ most popular features and has also included innovations based on customer feedback. 

The Aquila 70 boasts plush, versatile interiors. Some of the features of the Aquila 70 are: 

• A large master suite with designer furnishings, intelligent appliances, and panoramic windows 
• Aft with comfortable seating, a large beach area, and a swim ladder
• Access to the foredeck from the flybridge creating more spaces for lounging 
• High bridge deck clearance allows for comfortable sailing even at high speeds
• Carbon fiber construction allowing for lightweight sailing
• Plenty of different spaces for entertaining, including the Skydeck and the saloon 
• Flexibility to choose between 4,5 and 6 cabins 

The Aquila 70 is a power catamaran, which means that it can travel at extremely high speeds. It can reach 27 knots when the optional engines are running. Other sailing specifications of this catamaran include: 

• A draft of 4.8 feet (1.45 meters) 
• A water capacity of 412 gallons (1560 liters) 
• A fuel capacity of 1447.7 gallons (5480 liters) 
• A draft of 4.9 feet (1.45 meters) 

The Aquia 70 is available for custom order on Aquilaboats.com .

Conclusion 

If you are planning on buying a catamaran, why not opt for one of the most luxurious ones available? If you’re after large, impressive vessels, consider the MC90, the 80 Sunreef Power Eco, and the Gunboat 68. If you’d like a slightly smaller but equally luxurious catamaran, take your pick from the Lagoon Sixty7, the Fountaine Pajot Power 67, and the Catana 53. You may also wish to consider the St Francis 50 and the Saona 47. 

The next step in your catamaran finding journey is to contact the dealers and take a few of them out for a trial run. 

• AquilaBoats: Power Catamaran 70
• BoatDB: Best Luxury Catamaran Brands 
• BoatSales; Top 10 Catamaran Makes 
• CrusingWorld: St Francis 50 
• CataLagoon: Sixty7 
• Catana: Catana 53 
• Catamarans: Saona 47
• FountainePajot: Power 67 
• Gunboat: Gunboat68 
• Katamrans: Gunboat 68 
• Katamrans: St Francis 50 
• Katamarans: Catana 53  
• KerDesgin: Ker Yacht Design 
• Luxuo: Lagoon Sixty7 Powercat Review
• McConaghyBoats: McConaghy 90 MultiHullsSolutions: Award Winning Catamaran 
• MultiHullsSolutions: St Francis 50 Boat Review 
• MultihullsWorld: Lagoon Sixty7 Almost Affordable Luxury 
• PassageMaker: Top Cats 
• SailMagazine: 10 Great Cruising Cats
• StFrancisCatamarans: Overview 
• SunreefYachts: 80 Sunreef Power Eco 
• YachtWorld: Lagoon Boats for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Gunboat 68 

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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• Digital Edition

Best catamaran and multihull: We sail the very best yachts on two and three hulls

• Toby Hodges
• March 20, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best catamaran and multihull category in the much-anticipated European Yacht of the Year Awards

There are many categories in the  European Yacht of the Year  awards, from the best  luxury yachts  and  performance yachts  to the  best yachts for families  and event a  best specialist yacht category. But with multihulls rapidly increasing in popularity, the best catamaran and multihull category was possibly the most hotly anticipated.

The small number of entrants in this category in no way reflects the rich range or huge demand for multihulls. Many new models were launched by the big yards in the preceding years and they’re struggling to keep up with bulging order books.

However, these three shortlisted represented a choice pick of the latest fast cruisers and each, in their own very different ways, are responding to this insatiable demand for high end space and pace cruising.

Best catamaran and multihull

Best catamaran and multihull winner 2024 – outremer 52.

My highlight test of 2023? Sailing this Outremer 52 for 200 miles over two days and nights! Quite how such a large vessel, one that is capable of doing laps of the planet in true comfort, is also capable of providing such enjoyable sailing is the secret sauce that helps scoop this prize.

And it was pushed hard for this award by the disruptive HH. But the Outremer is such a well rounded, measured and thought out yacht for bluewater cruising at a reliable speed – it’s the full package, a dream boat for family bluewater sailing and arguably the French yard’s best and most refined model to date.

Designer VPLP was tasked with replacing the popular and well proven 51 with more comfort and stowage, while maintaining the performance. It says it took the best of the 55 (which won this award two years ago), and the best of the 51’s deck plan to create this 52. The result means too many good features to point out here, from the variety of helm positions, including a completely protected position inboard using the swing pedestal, to the well conceived spaces. I’d therefore recommend reading our full test report online or in YW’s June 2023 issue!

Neel continues to enjoy its cruising trimaran niche, using the wow factor of bridgedeck accommodation combined with the type of sailing enjoyment and feedback monohull sailors appreciate.

The impressive lightwind performance and direct feel of a Neel I am used to. But I don’t think I’ve ever been so surprised by the amount of cabins or space as I was on this 52. It’s available with four to six cabins plus the option for two crew cabins aft! Some of this maze works well, other areas, such as the forward cabins in the main hull not quite so well. Horizon and rig sightlines and some finishing also leaves room for improvement.

The HH44 seemingly manages to achieve the space and pace balance in a compact 45ft package, while also being one of the most innovative and exciting new production yachts I have sailed. From its looks to layout, to practical on deck solutions such as swing pedestals, side gates through the bulwarks and transom gates that double as swim platforms and boost cockpit security, it’s packed with fresh thinking.

And on the subject of ‘fresh’, the natural ventilation encouraged into the yacht through those massive forward facing coachroof windows which open – a feat made possible thanks to a stiff carbon composite structure – negates any aircon requirements.

With its deep carbon boards and tall carbon rig the HH44 is a powerful, reactive animal to sail. However, it’s the incorporation of the first parallel hybrid electric drive units which really makes this high tech high performance cat stand out. The electric motors are attached to the aft end of conventional diesel engines, not only providing silent power, but renewable energy through regenerative drives while sailing.

Best catamaran and multihull 2023

Best catamaran winner – nautitech 44.

If the very best catamaran delivers the ideal comfort to performance compromise, here’s a catamaran that seems to strike the perfect balance.

For those who cite a lack of visibility and protection as reasons not to choose this aft helm route, try sailing this first – direct steering brings so much more helming pleasure that you get the enjoyable feeling and communication more associated with a monohull. The attention to keeping weight low and central, vacuum infused vinylester build and a low coachroof and boom all aid this performance. The fine entry Lombard-designed hulls allowed us to properly point upwind at 8 knots (in 13), but it was the hands-on steering sensation that really stayed with me.

While there’s no real inside/outside boundary – the saloon bridges both – the Chedal-Anglay interior design works well. It is not as voluminous as some, but is certainly enough to be smugly comfortable at anchor, finished to a good quality, with walnut Alpi trim as standard. The layout option for a ‘smart room’ office/laundry/bunk room or stowage cabin is indeed really smart.

Out of all the multihulls nominated or sailed last year, this cat impressed me the most under sail. It’s the ideal size to go distance sailing, with good performance, low draught and space for family and friends. It had me dreaming.

Balance 482

I was drawn to the Balance 482, thanks to the combination of good looking modern design, high average speeds and, chiefly, the profusion of clever thinking and practical ideas that it brings. The South African build uses a foam core with E-glass laminate and cored furniture for a light weight of 11.3 tonnes, but also with the ability to take a generous payload.

An electric furler option combined with screecher sail helps offer effortless handling and fun sailing, although the 482 prefers a breeze in the double figures. Smart options such as load cells on the rigging, a bowsprit camera to monitor the anchor chain, plus engine room and mast cams all help for maintaining vigilance. Other features we like include the solar panels properly installed on raised brackets, raincatchers built into the coachroof, and how all sheets and lines are led to the helm station. But the prize solution is the VersaHelm, which allows you to swing the wheel inboard, close off the helm station, and stand watch and steer from a fully protected position.

Catana Ocean Class

The Catana Ocean Class is a bulky model which is geared more towards creature comforts than the higher performance of its predecessors. That said, it uses carbon in the structure and roof, foam cored furniture, the tanks are mounted low in the hulls and it has daggerboards and fine entry bows. The weight savings help it offer a massive 5.5 tonne cruising payload, plus there’s capacious stowage and large tank, refrigeration and laundry capacity.

Positioned between Lagoon and Outremer, the Catana echoes a bit of its sister brand Bali’s concept with its internal cockpit-cum-saloon layout while providing good ventilation via large sliding doors and opening windows. We liked how it’s easy to handle solo from one helm station, including the electric remote control of the boards, plus the layout of the galley and navstation.

Those chasing speed and helming pleasure should perhaps look to the C-Cat 48, as it’s as close to helming a fast monohull as a cruising cat is likely to get and one of the rare times we enjoyed sailing upwind in light breezes on a multihull! This is largely thanks to a lightweight, stiff build – the Comar yard has managed to save 1.7 tonnes over the first boat (9.5 tonnes light) and increased the draught of the curved daggerboards to 2.95m.

A carbon roof and rig comes as standard, as well as an epoxy hull, full carbon deck, bulkheads and compression beam. It is a little quirky with comparatively small volumes, but this François Perus design will outperform most other performance cats and monohulls of a similar length.

The Excess 14 shares that direct sensation you get from aft helms and some of the performance of the C-Cat, but in a more balanced, voluminous layout for cruising. The Excess 14 benefits from the research of VPLP’s Vannes racing office, where attention was focused on weight reduction, with savings particularly in furniture, on improved stiffness (PET foam cored sandwich for main structural bulkheads), and the efficiency of deeper fixed keels.

The result is telling on the water, as it should be for any best catamaran contender, where you can log easy miles: we clocked late 7s upwind, reached in the late 8s and regularly averaged 9 knots with gennaker in 12-15 knots. Clear glass windows give acceptable visibility from the helms through the coachroof and the comparatively minimalist interior. In short it offers a good mix of volume, reasonable performance and enjoyable sailing – see our full review last month.

Sailing performance was another key facet in the battle of the big cats from the big cat yards, Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot. Both models offer luxurious amounts of space for home from home comfort, as watersports bases for long term cruising.

The decision to push the mast to the front of the coachroof to allow for a larger genoa than its recent preference for self-tacking jibs has paid off on the Lagoon 51. It helped us sail efficiently into the waves (albeit not pointing too high) before clocking double figures reaching with the code sail in 15 knots.

The Lagoon’s large flybridge with dual access is a USP at this size that will be a hit or miss deal breaker for many. The 51 offers unrivalled accommodation volume in three, four or six cabins, and relaxation zones, and good circulation through these big spaces. Once again the jury applauds Lagoon for thoroughly testing the prototype model during a six month tour. Over 100 have already sold.

We saw in our December issue how the experienced owners of the Fountaine Pajot test boat choose to live and work full time aboard their Aura 51. It’s a design that promotes space, enough to take friends, family and crucially for them, all the toys to enjoy at anchor. Its capability of averaging 8-10 knots also appeals, although the single side helm and hydraulic steering result in scant connection to the sailing in light winds (the same applies to the Lagoon).

The fact the yard already offers this in a hybrid version and has an electric and hydrogen model in the pipeline could sway some, but the decision between the FP and the Lagoon will likely come down to preference between a central flybridge or offset bulkhead helm together with interior design and layout.

If you enjoyed this….

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The Sunreef 100 Eco was designed to provide an emissions-free cruising experience in complete silence and luxury. Using green hi-tech solutions developed in-house by Sunreef Yachts, this all-electric yacht features composite integrated solar panels, maximizing renewable power generation onboard.

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One of the sailing catamaran ’s standout features is her invisible aft garage that can stow a jet ski and a collection of water toys. Another key feature of the Sunreef 100 Eco is her vast ocean lounge combining the aft platform and fold-down balconies. Dedicated to sunning, lounging and watersports, the lounge provides direct access to voluminous toy storage and diving gear.

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The Gentleman Arabia | 2024-02

MULTIHULLS WORLD | 2021-12

YACHT STYLE | 2021-07

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10 Best Catamarans in 2024

We gave our Sailing writers one job: Find the best and most popular catamarans and review them.

Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.

A catamaran is a sailboat that has a multi-hull design. It gives it more stability because it’s wider and that creates more livable space for more people.

Read about the best multihull boats in this article and learn which one is best for your voyages.

The biggest advantages of a multihull are:

• Multihulls are usually faster than monohulls, especially on downwind runs, reaches and broad reaches. You can travel further per day and outrun inclement weather
• They are more stable than a monohull. Sailing flat definitely has its advantages
•  It is less tiring sailing a multihull
•  More space!
•  For cruising the draft is less than a monohull which means you can go into shallower water safely

Top 5 Catamarans in 2024

All the catamarans we've tested.

Lagoon Catamarans

Where to buy:

Where to buy lagoon 40:.

Lagoon has always enjoyed a sweet spot in the 38 to 40-foot catamaran market. The Lagoon 380 became one of the most popular cats ever, with nearly 1,000 hulls being produced over a 20-year run. The L400 and L39 attempted to tweak that popular design, but neither caught on to the extent the 380 did.

The new Lagoon 40 is turning heads for many reasons. The Lagoon 380 is officially off the Lagoon website, so it might finally be time for the torch to be handed to a new cat. And the 40 has just the right mix of modern features, small size, and affordability that many cruisers and families seek.

Here’s a go-anywhere boat that looks good, sails easily, and keeps you comfortable.

• Naval Architects: Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prevost (VPLP Design)
• Built: CNB Yards, Bordeaux, France
• Exterior Designer: Patrick le Quément
• Interior Designer: Nauta Design
• Length Overall: 11.74 m/ 38 feet, 6 inches
• Beam: 6.76 m/ 22 feet, 2 inches
• Draft: 1.35 m/ 4 feet, 5 inches
• Mast Clearance: 18.42 m/ 60 feet, 5 inches
• Sail Area: 80 square meters/ 861 square feet
• Engines: 2 x 29 hp Yanmar 3YM30 (upgradable to 45 hp)
• Fuel: 2 x 200 liters/ 56 gallons
• Fresh Water: 300 liters/ 76 gallons
• CE Certifications: A10/B12/C16/D20

Things we like:

Things we don't like:.

Leopard Catamarans

Where to buy Leopard 42:

The Leopard 42 is the company’s replacement for the 40. It integrates several design elements that were proven on the new 50 and 45-foot models, including an upper lounge area atop the coachroof. The design also has the unique forward salon door that opens for direct access to the foredeck and a sun pad lounging area.

Like all Leopard catamarans, the 42 is not only comfortable to stay on, but it’s also fun to sail. All sailing controls lead to the compact helm. Everything can be handled from this one control station. The full-roach main and overlapping genoa provide plenty of power, and optional electric winches make sail handling a snap.

The Leopard 42 share company in the market for 42-foot cats with some very attractive boats–the Lagoon 42, the Bali 4.2, and the FP Astrea, to name a few.

• Year Launched: 2021 (There have been several designs to carry the "Leopard 42" name)
• Designer: Alex Simonis
• Builder: Robertson and Caine, Cape Town, South Africa
• Length Overall: 41 feet, 7 inches/12.67 meters
• Beam: 23 feet, 1 inch/7.04 meters
• Draft: 4 feet, 7 inches/1.4 meters
• Mast Height: 67 feet, 10 inches/20.68 meters
• Power: 2x Yanmar 45 hp diesel engines
• Fuel: 158 gallons/600 liters
• Water: 174 gallons/660 liters
• Holding: 44 gallons/ 166 liters
• Upwind Total Sail Area: 1,217 square feet/113.1 square meters

Catamarans-Fountaine-Pajot.com

Fountain Pajot 80 Catamaran Superyacht

Where to buy Fountain Pajot 80 Catamaran Superyacht:

Fountaine Pajot, one of the foremost builders of sailing catamarans, unveiled their biggest “ Super Catamaran ” ever: the Thira 80.

The release comes on the tail of an ever-increasing trend in the catamaran market—the bigger-the- better era . With Sunreef, Lagoon, and Gunboat all making boats in the 70 to 80-foot range, these companies clearly see a market for the catamaran superyacht.

Boats this size are easily comparable to a motor yacht of more than 125 feet long. The very wide beam provides cavernous interiors for more livable space. And they have plenty of room for the toys of the trade—tenders, jet skis, paddleboards, and more.

While sailing is always preferable, its 175 to 300-horsepower engines are more than capable of moving it on calm days. And it’s hard to beat the ride and comfort of a catamaran at sea, with its extra stability and lack of heeling in the wind.

So, is bigger really better? Let’s dive in and tour the new Fountaine Pajot 80 and all that she has to offer.

• Length: 78.7 feet/23.98 meters
• Beam: 36.4 feet/11.09 meters
• Draft: 6.9 feet/2.10 meters
• Displacement: 66.0 tons (approximate)
• Sail area Main: 2,153 sqft/200 sqm Genoa 1,507 sqft/140 sqm
• Power options: 2x 175-hp, 270-hp, or 300-hp

Kinetic Catamarans

Kinetic KC54

Where to buy Kinetic KC54:

The Kinetic may be fresh on the scene of the Super Cats but it is on the cutting edge of the finest fast craft in terms of performance and latest technology while also having features, impeccable finishes and the amenities of stylish cruising.

This has been awarded the Cruising World Best Large Multihull 50ft and Above Boat of the Year 2022 as well as the Special Recognition Award – for Overall Excellence 2022 by Sailing Magazine. Said Gerry Douglas of Sailing Magazine: ‘This was the Tesla of sailboats…in terms of design and execution and technology, it hit all three of those marks. This boat is built without compromise’.

These catamarans are all-carbon construction, an aggressively lightweight construction and set up for short-handed sailing. Mast is coachroof mounted and there are options for centreboards and daggerboard. There are three steering stations (two outside aft on each hull, one inside right behind the working cockpit) to suit weather conditions and personal preference.

• Length: 54 ft 2 in
• Beam: 27 ft 7 in
• Draft: Dagger Boards down 10.2 ft
• Standard Rudder up 4.5 ft
• Capacity: 3 or 4 double berths (6-8 persons)
• Motor: 2 x Yanmar 4JH80 - 80hp Diesel SD80
• Fuel Capacity: 264 gal
• Mast height: 85.3 ft (above water)
• Mainsail area: 1,102 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 264 gal

Xquisite Yachts

Xquisite X5 Plus

Where to buy Xquisite X5 Plus:

2022 saw the Xquisite X5 named the Cruising World magazine’s Best Cruising Catamaran of the year – yet again (it won the Best Multihull over 50ft award in 2017) .

As Ed Sherman said: ‘There are 40,000 man-hours invested in this boat. And you can see it.’ To the bolts that are torqued to the 2 weeks spent with each new owner training them on systems – this is a strong product, well designed by Rudolf Jonker and built by Phoenix Marine incorporating all of Tamas Hamor’s ideas and experience. This really is a well thought out 53 ft cruising sailboat and is another South African-built catamaran loaded with important details, not only the visible ones.

The goal for Xquisite is to supply fully equipped catamarans for long-term live-aboard cruising with comprehensive lifetime service assistance for the owners.

There are so many features from the gutters to catch rain-water on the coachroof to footswitches for the electric winches at the helm. Solid handrails all around the deck for maximum security to the below deck running-rigging network! In terms of the design and construction much thought has gone into weight saving. There is no faulting the systems installations.

All lines lead to the helm through below deck channels that are easily accessible with winches well thought out. The helm is slightly raised to port under a bimini with a sliding fully-battened canvas roof that is easily raised and lowered. There is an overall ambiance of space and light in the berths and galley which opens onto the cockpit.

Sailing performance was impressive with its powerful rig – however a heavy, low-slung cruising cat with keels instead of boards to get to your destination in comfort and style.

See our complete list of the best catamarans here .

• Length: 53 ft
• Beam: 26 ft 2in
• Draft: 4 ft 4’
• Capacity: 3 double berths (6 persons)
• Motor: 2 x 80 HP Yanmar
• Fuel Capacity: 208 gal
• Mast height: 78 ft 7’ (above waterline)
• Mainsail area: 1,130 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 227 gal

McConaghy Boats

McConaghy MC60

Where to buy McConaghy MC60:

The MC60 is the fastest and most luxurious flybridge catamaran. ‘Think next-gen fighter jet meets a New York style luxury loft apartment.’

McConagy boats was founded by John McConaghy in 1967 and in 2000 Mark Evans & Jono Morris embraced the opportunity to take over the country. They partnered with Tiger Group Investments and have grown from strength to strength – building the world’s fastest racing yachts , submarines, components for Formula One racing and developing solutions for architects, scientists and others. They have a proven track record on complex composite products which are lightweight, corrosion resistant, have design flexibility, durability and high strength.

In the MC60, designed and engineered with safety as priority, this performance sailing meets stylish living with only finest wood veneers and luxurious materials throughout – the wide saloon which offers a versatile but spacious living area, large windows and retractable glass doors aft, a galley well positioned best suited to socialising. The attention is to detail and innovation even in the storage solutions so that living space is maximised with semi-customisation of interiors too.  She is the perfect blend of sophistication and high tech.

Sailing is in utmost luxury, effortlessly and safely due to meticulous control of weight. She is much lighter than other similar length cats and can approach cruising speeds close to true wind. A professional crew are required. For sailing there are dual helm positions on the streamlined flybridge for best sight lines. The precise hull forms achieve optimum strength to weight ratio with careful use of carbon which means that under full sail she points upwind like a monohull. The M60 has push button centerboards that raise on impact automatically – certainly one of the safest offshore performance catamarans .

• Length: 60 ft 04 in
• Beam: 28 ft 2 in
• Draft: 4 ft 7 in with centreboards up
• 12 ft 4 in with centreboards down
• Capacity: 2 double berths & 1 - 2 twin (6 - 8 persons)
• Motor: 2 x 57 HP
• Fuel Capacity: 123.19 gal
• Mast height: 92.85 ft
• Mainsail area: 2,034 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 123.19 gal

Sunreef Yachts

Where to buy Sunreef 80:

Winner in the 2019 Oceanway China Yachts Award, the 2019 Yacht and Aviation Awards and claiming Best of Show Award in the 2020 Miami International Boat Show this mighty fine catamaran justly deserves all and more.  It is an all-round sailing leisure yacht for exclusive getaways, charter and transocean adventures and is set up for professional crew.

The Sunreef is built in Poland under management of Founder and CEO Francis Lapp who has been producing large vessels from 50-165 ft since 2002 and knows well what semi-custom cruising is all about.

The Sunreef 80 fuses contemporary design with its layout flowing easily one into another area in ultimate luxury. Custom finishes ensure that you have found your ultimate catamaran – the vast central lounging space with panoramic view opens both onto the bow and cockpit. The cleverly designed bridge deck and superstructure facilitates the superior comfort onboard.

The spacious 54sqm flybridge is the epitome of leisure – a jacuzzi, wet bar, barbecue and large sunpads with the main boom well clear overhead ! It also houses all the navigation. Plenty of relaxation and pleasure space.

The sail controls are well laid out for the twin helms with carbon masts built by Sunreef themselves. The rig is built for power on this well equipped and luxury sailing vessel.

The tall bow has a fine entry aimed at reducing drag while the hulls are designed to reduce drag too while having super volume to accommodate the luxurious cabins are airy and impeccable in style. The master cabin is located midships starboard and is an opulent space while the other cabins each have queen sized beds, spacious en-suites and unquestionable privacy.

• Length: 80 ft
• Beam: 37 ft 7 in
• Draft: 7 ft 218 in
• Capacity: 4 - 5 double berths plus optional crew of 3 (8 - 10 persons plus crew max of 3)
• Motor: 2 x 280 HP John Deeres
• Fuel Capacity: 634.01 to 1585.03 gal
• Mast height: 2185 ft
• Mainsail area: 2152.78 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 422.68 gal

HH Catamarans

HH50 cruiser

Where to buy HH50 cruiser:

The HH50 is a performance cruiser for the blue water with simple to use but intelligent systems, carbon construction and to top it all luxurious and spacious interior. She offers to best of all worlds – easy to manage sailing vessel which is robustly built, fully equipped and stylishly comfortable for your adventure.

The sailing systems and deck layout are designed for short-handed sailing with dual helm stations each giving the helmsman total sail control from either side and having excellent visibility.  The C daggerboards are curved and are fully retractable. Push button mainsheet and self-tacking jib are standard. Equal-to-Wind speed is normal, this is a performance sailing vessel.

The large saloon has a good sized galley and when at anchor the sail handling area converts easily to a comfortable forward facing seating area. The aft cockpit has an integrated wet bar and barbeque – perfect for al fresco entertaining or dining. Luxury queen size beds await in the cabins.

• Length: 51 ft 8 in
• Beam: 24 ft 41 in
• Draft: 5 ft 43 in Board down
• 10 ft 83 in Board up
• Capacity: 2 double berths and 1-2 single (4 - 6 persons)
• Motor: 2 x Yanmar 40HP
• Fuel Capacity: 131.98 gal
• Mast height: 75 ft 36 in
• Mainsail area: 873.28 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 87.99 gal

Excess Catamarans

Where to buy Excess 11:

This gem earned the title of Cruising World’s Boat of the Year 2021 impressing the judges with its allocation of space all the while offering superior sailing performance. All at a great price.

Using compact space effectively – effectively and seamlessly assimilating working and social areas in a thoughtful, pleasant, workable and innovative way. This is a sure winner for the Excess 11.

The Excess 11 is one of the smallest catamarans as well as the only large-scale production boat of this size, with comfort, space and thrilling sailing. She is comfortable in her simplicity and light style. It is very capable for long passages and meets the needs for life on board, built on the experience of previous models and designs.

Even with her smaller size she offers comfort on deck with a large open cockpit and twin helm stations.

Complete Excess 11 standard features list please email via website

• Length: 37 ft 5 in
• Beam: 21 ft 7 in
• Draft: 3 ft 9 in
• Capacity: 3 - 4 double berths (6 - 8 persons)
• Motor: 2 x 29HP
• Fuel Capacity: 106 gal
• Mast height: 56 ft 8 in
• Mainsail area: 592 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 79 gal

Bali Catamarans

BALI Catspace

Where to buy BALI Catspace:

The BALI Catspace is the most successful catamaran in her class with the Catspace being the smallest of the BALI range, combining all the latest innovations in cruising. It was nominated for the Cruising World’s best boat of the year: Catamaran under 50 ft, 2022.

The Catspace was conceived by Olivier Poncin & designed by Lasta Design – combining all the latest innovations in cruising into a really neat vessel.

The sailing quality is not to be faulted for a catamaran of this size, the deck which is efficient for sailing allows smooth movement from the aft platform to the forward cockpit with lounge and sunbathing area. There is, in addition a full-comfort flybridge which has a safe relaxation area and a helm station which is designed for single/short handed use.

The 4 cabins each have private heads and the ability to open up the back end of the cats to create the indoor/outdoor platform is well planned and highly effective.

Complete Catspace standard features list

• Length: 40 ft 39 in
• Beam: 21 ft 59 in
• Draft: 3 ft 91 in Boards up
• Motor: 2 x 20HP up to 2 x 40HP
• Fuel Capacity: 107.78 gal
• Mast height: 58 ft 56 in
• Mainsail area: 1,087 sqft
• Fresh Water tank: 167 gal

Big ‘blue water’ Sailing

Blue water sailing refers to the open sea. Non-blue or pond sailing refers to inland waters and coastal areas.

The difference in specific design of a blue water or non-blue water vessel is for the ship captain’s visibility as well as based on the hazards of the area they are to be used.  A bluewater (offshore) catamaran is designed for voyages in very rough seas. They are usually 40ft or longer, designed to be very stable, carry heavy loads and very safe.  Ocean sailing has different dangers to coastal water with different challenges – sailing through storms, longer distances, more maneuvering space, night sailing – and more gear, better technology, skills and sturdier vessels are needed.

When sailing in confined waters it is important to have more reactive steerage, less maneuvering time, you do not need to store multiday provisions as you are more reliant on daytime sailing, do not need so much speed so have smaller sails and lower horsepower engines and perhaps the intention if for pleasure alone so one of the major considerations will be the  layout of the vessel.

For most sailors the choice of size is between 40-50 feet which is manageable for 2 persons with lots of room to spread out and entertain or have friends on board and that is easy to dock both in terms of space and cost.

First questions to ask yourself

First up consider these 5 points before you decide on your multihull model, length and manufacturer.

Will you be using your sailing vessel for coastal or blue water adventures? What is your primary objective and then: is this for family pleasure or entertaining or Charter?

For sailing

Must it be suited for single-handed sailing? What proficiency of sailing do I have/need? Degree of technology required? Equipment required?

Functional Use

How many berths do I need? How much privacy? Elegance, comfort and style – what is required? Space for ‘toys’?  If for charter or private use with crew – extra berths.

Your total budget must include the initial cost of the vessel plus survey, transport, upgrading of equipment, insurance, etc – there is a lot to consider. Would a second hand vessel be a consideration? What is the smallest I can go?

Annual Costs

What will my ongoing budget be for Insurance, berthing, maintenance, repairs, haul out fees, etc? This excludes any travel costs

Where do I want to berth my vessel? Or living aboard?

It is said that BOAT is an acronym for: Break Out Another Thousand!

Review of Our Favorite 15 Multihulls 2024

With cutting edge technology and the strive for sail performance this was no easy task – there are many deserving vessels who deserve to be in the Top Reviews such as Privilege 510, Outremer 51, Knysna 500SE and the St Francis 50. There are also other models by manufacturers we have selected that have proven themselves over the years that may be a better size for you.

Here’s our listing!

Related Reviews

Read full review

Final Thoughts

Multihull vessels have a lot of the potential for creature comforts that motor yachts have without the constant thrumming of the engines. But they still require a modicum or rudimentary understanding of sailing.

There’s also a bit of maintenance required, but this is something–like having kids–that you figure out along the way.

Another popular boating segment is the power catamaran. Like their sailing counterparts, power catamaran boats have great living space, but without the need to understand sailing principles. Either way, both multihull markets look to be growing in popularity over the next many years.

The resale market for multihull ships also looks promising, so getting one, trying it out for a couple of seasons and selling it again is a possibility without losing too much on the purchase price.

Before you sign the cheque….

So you’ve located some a catamaran for sale that looks promising. It’s one of the models on the list here and you’re wondering if its in the best shape relative to the price. Here’s what you do:

Take time out to go and view it in person. Book yourself an experience aboard and head over to your closest marina and speak to owners (this may well help you create your shortlist too). Consider these points before purchasing:

•       Pre-book buyer’s sea trials for your shortlist
•       Select the perfect sailing vessel for you (and if it’s for your family make sure they agree too!)
•       Used – get a certified hull survey, safety comes first
•       Get annual insurance quotes
•       Calculate dockage – purchase or rent a slip or dock
•       Calculate monthly upkeep and maintenance
•       Calculate extra costs like navigational devices & fittings
•       Draft your own checklist
•       Draft & sign off sale & purchase contracts
•       Draft & sign off a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
•       Ensure you are satisfied 100%
•       Execute payment and take transfer of ownership
•       Register and insure your vessel

Check all necessary Stock is aboard – Sail away!

Pre-Departure Checklist

Some ideas for you –

• Always pre-check the weather and wind conditions prior to any excursion on the water
• Always know the tide table in your head, so you know what the ocean is doing at all times, incoming or outgoing tide, and what is the tidal range if you are in an ocean estuary or channel.
• Check you have fuel, water, food and all the basics before loading passengers aboard, and follow these easy steps to ensure safety is first at all times.
• Plan your upcoming voyage, does it feature high swells, rocky shores, and cold water
• Check Safety equipment, making sure you have enough life jackets for all sea-farers
• Check sails, sheets and lines. All sailing gear
• Check your engines – Open fuel lines, check oil and spark plugs
• Check fuel tank levels and have extra fuel aboard for an emergency
• Start the motor, make sure water is coming out to cool the motor
• Test both forward and reverse gears on the engine before guests board
• Check that you have a working and full battery communications radio, with all correct channels programmed, and that all the vessel lights and electrics are in working order
• Check for first aid kits, manual hand pump, paddles, lifejackets , additional lines, fresh drinking water and food for passengers plus some spare in case your voyage is longer than expected, necessary repair tools & kit and flags
• Strap any equipment and gear down safely before you start to motor
• If you have passengers boarding, ensure you give a proper safety briefing and point out where all the safety gear is on the vessel. Children should be included in the briefing and be secured properly before departure

Catamarans versus Trimarans

Trimarans have limited space in slimmer hull designs generally. This makes Catamarans with their comfortable open leisure space both above and below deck far preferred for leisure sailing.

On the plus side for Trimarans are their speed and seaworthiness.

How Safe are Multihull Boats at Sea?

Probably a close second in terms of questions asked. On a twin hull design the buoyancy is on the outer edges of the boat and their is greater stability and less rolling when drifting or trolling compared to a monohull.

Catamarans are safe in rough seas because of their wide stance which makes them stable with increased motion comfort and excess buoyancy due to lack of ballast. They are easy to maneuver and with high speeds that may help them outrun storms with skilled crew who know the vessel. A trimaran is the safest of multihulls with the 3 hulls, centering of its weight and anti-drift plan. The righting torque between a catamaran and trimaran is significantly different.

An important consideration is this – if your catamaran is anything longer than 45ft, unless specifically modified for single handed sailing, then it probably cannot be sailed alone. At some stage in your journey you may well have to sail alone – can it be done?

As Blue Water Sailing Vessels

Catamarans are more stable and fast and depending on conditions some can distance more than 200 miles in a day.

Cats usually sail faster than monohulls (standard) due to the weight of them and displacement, especially on a run or broad reach when the sails are perpendicular to the wind. There are many variables to consider.

Solo Sailing a Multihull

Most small and medium-sized cruising catamarans can be sailed single-handedly. The skill of the sailor with high tech equipment such as electric winches and powered sail control, layout (such as all lines to the cockpit, roller furling mainsail, autopilot, etc) and safety precautions make it an adventure not to be missed.

If your catamaran is longer than 45ft, unless specifically modified for single-handed sailing, you will not be able to safely sail it alone. Consider:

• What the minimum length of the vessel would suit your needs to handle on your own
• Layout planning is essential
• Space you need
• The bigger the boat means larger sails which will be harder to raise and repair
• The bigger the boat means more power and speed – be comfortable with your vessel
• Update your sailing skills

Finding the Right Size

It is a very personal choice but at the very least the advice would be to buy the smallest catamaran you think would meet your needs – this is because you have many other costs to consider and the bigger the vessel the more the costs of upkeep, dockage, space for crew.

A perfect size for blue water sailing (including around the world) is around 40 ft, small enough to be sailed by one person but big enough to provide safety and speed. The smallest size to consider to cross the ocean safely and in some comfort by consensus is around 30ft. Any smaller and you will possibly have the following problems as dealing with large seas the size of your vessel does count :

• A smaller vessel is always pitching and yawing and this impacts the crew negatively over a long period of time or in crisis situations
• Low bridge deck clearance due to the small size of the vessel
• when sailing upwind the waves are projected with speed and force into the decks understand (between the pontoons) creating bridge deck slamming.  This vibration and noise impacts the crew and is very tiring – sailing downwind to prevent this may not be where you want to go
• Not having enough space for all the supplies and equipment needed for a long passage
• Alongside the problem of weight to be carried is the problem of distribution of this weight over the length of the vessel safely

Multihulls best for ponds, slow rivers and calm bodies of inland water benefit from having flat hulls to provide shallow draft with great deck space manufactured from aluminium or fibreglass. Make sure you take extra food and water and all safety supplies just in case of an emergency!

The question everyone wants to know – how much does it cost to live onboard?

There are many variables depending on your lifestyle, where you intend to cruise or berth and how much you want to travel aboard. A good estimate would be between US$2000-US$5000 per month for a family of 4, a little less for a couple/single person plus the maintenance cost of your boat which is on average 5-10% of the cost of the boat. The maintenance of your boat varies depending of equipment, age, condition and size.

What do I need to consider differently to live on-board rather than racing ?

Racing vessels are designed for speed and exhilaration and safe fun.

Living on-board requires space and comfort – space for storage, large-sized comfortable berths, living space, entertaining space, home-space! You need to know your long term goals and what your personal needs are – do you need a dedicated work area or desk space/permanent interconnectivity for work?

Generally cruising catamarans have wider hulls which give you more space as well as creating more drag which slows your boat down and is more costly on fuel.

Many used charter boats are seen as great purchases for living on-board, however make sure that they are suited for blue water sailing and not only for coastal water.

Here’s a list of the Top 15 best Multihulls reviewed in this article: 

• Leopard Catamarans – 41 ft 7 in – Leopard 42
• Balance Yachts – 48 ft 26 in – Balance 482
• Kinetic Catamarans – 54 ft 2 in – Kinetic KC54
• Xquisite Yachts – 53 ft – Xquisite X5
• McConaughey – 60 ft 1 in – MC60
• Sunreef Yachts – 80 ft – Sunreef 80
• Leopard Catamarans – 50 ft 6 in – Leopard 50
• Voyage Yachts – 57 ft 42 in – Voyage 590
• Seawind – 52 ft 8 in – Seawind 1600
• HH Catamarans – 52 ft – HH50
• Fountaine Pajot – 39 ft 14 in – Isla 40
• Lagoon-Beneteau Group – 38 ft 5 in – Lagoon 40
• Excess Catamarans – 37 ft 2 in – Excess 11
• Maverick Yachts of SA – 44 ft – Maverick 440
• Chantier CATANA – 37 ft 5 in – Catspace

Frequently asked questions about Catamarans

This varies greatly, often defined used or new by the design, size, year and finish.  Quality vessels are built to last and retain market-related value if undamaged.

On average a 45-foot catamaran can range from US$250,000-US$1,000,000.

The fully loaded Isla 40 costs around US$527,000. The Balance 42 sail away price fully cruise equipped is US$1,450,000 while the Kinetic 54’s price tag approaches US$3,000,000. The modern styled Sunreef 80 costs around $6.2 million.

We think that the Seawind 1600 is, for its size and quality, a superb priced performance product at US$900,000.

One of the major benefits for a cruising vessel is to be able to enter shallower seas – catamarans have a shallower draft than monohulls and therefore a great appeal to folk for whom this is a major consideration. Most lagoons are only 6-8 feet deep in the South Pacific. The Caribbean and other areas where you have reefs to navigate and shallow sandbanks to cross to enter overnight anchor stops draft is a very important consideration. Always remember to read your tide tables and swell.

A catamaran is lighter on the water and therefore takes less energy to move, however they have 2 engines which drives up fuel costs. They are more fuel-efficient on flat water (compared to equal horsepower and number of engines) but in heavy weather the monohull’s hull design causes less resistance and therefore higher efficiency.

With lighter weight and high buoyancy generally they have low water drag by comparison to the displacement of a monohull of the same length.

The trampoline serves many purposes – primarily to allow water to quickly pass through, allowing the bow to rise and so preventing the vessel from flipping and they are ideal for pleasure purposes.

To sail around the world the vessel needs to be equipped for offshore cruising and have a heavy load capacity.

The bigger Modern blue water cats are built with this in mind – supplies, crew, technology and gear.

A bigger boat has many advantages such as speed (not only to travel longer distance in shorter time but also to outrun potential bad weather) and comfort space, space for crew and friends, storage space for supplies and fun equipment, etc.

It is important to balance price against comforts, maintenance and repair costs as well as any potential income from your vessel (chartering, Air BNB, hosting courses on-board, etc) – generally here the bigger your vessel the higher the potential for greater income.

The larger your vessel the higher your expenses are in all ways – from Insurance to berthing, maintenance, haul out fees and equipment.

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Gallery of catamarans review.

Three sailboats racing in the Indian Ocean

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Paddle boarding

Everyday Life

We are the standard for

Autonomy in solar.

NOVA LUXE builds hybrid electric catamarans with an unlimited range and a top speed that excites!  Our Electric Light Ships (ELight) range from 39-110’. Our sailing yachts are high performance. We also work with traditional manufacturers to deliver new electric yachts to discerning customers. We re-fit used power catamarans to be electric and have developed the 25k electric re-fit for mono-hulls between 25-40’.

Love to sail?

Nova luxe sailing (nls), has been added to the fold for their expertise in fast sailing catamarans. they have completed 6 yachts in the last 5 years and they share our off grid facility in cape town, sa. the sailing range starts at 39’ and reaches into the 65’ space. when the wind is blowing, you will pass powerboats.     the experienced team has  built more electric yachts than any other builder in south africa.

Unlimited range and a top speed that excites is only possible in the new line of zero emission luxury yachts by Nova Luxe. Requiring only a captain, these blue water vessels have no limit. All components are tried and tested, industry best. 

Hear only the wind as you

enjoy the Italian villa inspired woodwork. No vibration

or odor from diesel engines.

Clean, efficient power in a form you’re accustomed to.

Elon Musk believes all combustion engines will be replaced with more capable electric engines. He and many other electronic pioneers, like our partner Torqeedo, have created the equipment to make this possible.

Nova Luxe Yachts feature hulls that are specially designed to maximize stability and safety in the most inclement conditions. Our technical team is continually working to optimize weight ratios to further improve performance across the range.

Say hello to

The ELIGHT series by NOVALUXE is more capable than any other yacht in her class. She can be operated in silence all day long. Her solar array more than covers the house load day and night. Her range is over 800 miles and our Parallel (P) hybrid model can sustain speeds over 15 knots for multiple days.

Travel anywhere for any amount of time, luxuriously.

Learn more about our Solar Electric

Re-fit options, remote consulting and electrical system design services are only a few of the elite services that nova luxe offers. click the button below to learn more about our re-fit options and browse some of our featured selections below. , marine equipment dealer.

Premium German Motors

Premium Dutch Motors

Water World

Supplier of Hard and Flexible Panels

Supplier of Lithium Batteries

Off Grid, Luxury, Transportation and most of all Enjoyment!

EXPLORE WITH US

SAIL WITH THE NOVA LUXE CREW TODAY

AND RECEIVE OUR NEWSLETTERS

"Nova Luxe Yachts is the premier vendor for electric catamarans.  We offer new power and sail catamarans as well as re-fit services.  We provide clear range and performance estimates at the onset of the project and work with the buyer to source all necessary components for the build.  We are not an agent who works on behalf of any single hull manufacturer. Re-fit purchases are made through each manufacturers existing distribution channels."

Our Catamarans

Explore our models in a different way thanks to the virtual marina

Efficiency through design

A feel for the sea: sailboats first and foremost

When volume transforms to real space

Innovation as a foundation

• Smart Electric
• Virtual marina

• Sailing catamarans range

Catamaran Thira 80

Your own private island, wherever you want it

Length overall

Beam overall

Standard Power

Mainsail area

When you're onboard this sailing yacht, you are no longer a mere spectator watching the scenery flash before your eyes. You become part of the landscape, moving in harmony with the natural world, immersed in the experience.

A yacht that defys superlatives

The Thíra 80 combines all our expertise and philosophy to create a luxury catamaran that is simply extraordinary.

At nearly 24m in length, she has the space to deliver the pinnacle of luxury living. Yet, the Thíra 80 will still surprise you, always striving to exceed her owners’ expectations. The revolutionary addition of two side deck lounges with retractable balconies evokes the glamour of a cruise ship, with the only difference being that this flagship can sail. Now, at every point of the yacht, the Thíra 80 is an absolute showstopper delivering infinite comfort . All you have to do is reach out and catch this shooting star.

Catamaran Thira 80 in video

Discover Thira 80

A new level of privacy – dreams are created here

The yacht’s sophistication is apparent at every turn. Owners have the freedom to select furniture and palettes to suit their personal style, wtih upholstery options from the distinguished Pierre Frey range. Solar panels over the side lounges are transparent to provide shelter without restricting natural light.

Features Catamaran Thira 80

Version VIP Maestro (Galley down)

1 owner’s suite + 1 bathroom / 1 VIP cabin + 1 bathroom / 2 double cabins + 2 bathrooms + Crew quarter

Displacement unloaded

Option Power

Fresh water tank

423 Gallons

Diesel tank

634 Gallons

Berret-Racoupeau Design

The beauty of having such space is it provides the option to enjoy it in company or retreat for some time alone. Designed as completely independent precincts, each cabin features its own private access, regardless of which version you choose . Feeling good starts with feeling at home.

Indoor & outdoor areas

Unique design and incomparable spaces.

While the Thíra 80’s owner’s cabin exceeds the space of any other catamaran of her size, what is even more extraordinary is her capacity to accommodate a sauna, hammam or whirlpool bath in her expansive ensuite.

Vintage 2024-25

The ambiance and materials of the Fountaine Pajot catamaran range evolve over time to infuse our boats with more light, harmony, and modernity, adapting to the trends of today and tomorrow. To give you a glimpse of the current Millésime featured in our range , explore the mini configurator below. It allows you to visualize the standard and optional materials available across our entire lineup. The featured catamaran showcasing the current Millésime is the Aura 51. Every Fountaine Pajot model delivered will include the Millésime presented below.

Rescue, Mocca 05

Cotting Esprit, Muscade

Cotting Esprit, Nature

Rescue, Argile Rose18

Rescue, Aqua Blue07

Rescue, Blue Jeans11

Rescue, Cloud White02

Valencia, Toffee

Valencia Charcoal

Batyline Elios Vichy

Batyline Elios Caramel

Sunt Flanelle

Bedside table

Virtual visit

As if you were there….

Welcome aboard this exceptional yacht for a 100% immersive visit. Explore her interior and exterior living spaces in minute detail!

• Construction & Design
• Smart Electric technology

Waiting times for a Fountaine Pajot catamaran may vary according to the stage of your project, the model you want or your sailing area. Some Fountaine Pajot dealers have new catamarans ready to sail! Contact your nearest dealer HERE to ask about the availability of the catamaran of your dreams!

Visit your nearest Fountaine Pajot boat dealer to buy a new catamaran from our range. You will benefit from personalised advice through the Fountaine Pajot dealer network. Discover our network HERE

The price of a Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran varies according to the size of the model chosen and your sailing project. Our dealers are at your disposal to guide you in your choice of fittings, packages and options to best suit your boat purchase project . You can find out the starting price of the catamaran of your choice on this page HERE .

Innovative, high-tech composite materials constitute most of the structure of our sailing catamarans: hulls, flybridge, decks, bulkheads and more. Fountaine Pajot has perfected a resin injection and infusion technique, an advanced technology that gives our boats all their robustness. Thanks to this expertise, we can make our catamarans considerably lighter while maintaining consistent quality . Injection also makes it possible to meet the most stringent environmental requirements, in line with the commitments of the Fountaine Pajot Group.

Sailing catamarans from 40 to 50 feet are built at the Aigrefeuille headquarters, a few kilometres from La Rochelle. Catamaran yachts from 51 to 80 feet are built in La Rochelle, France, where they benefit from a slipway.

It is essential to define your sailing program: define the size of the crew on board, the level of sailing knowledge, the sailing project and the target sailing area. Every project is different. Whether you want to enjoy a large Owner’s suite, invite many friends and family on board, or telecommute during your voyage, the Fountaine Pajot cruising catamarans can be adapted to suit your needs. Benefit from reliable, seaworthy and spacious catamarans! Find out more about our Owners’ testimonials here

The ergonomics of Fountaine Pajot catamarans have been designed to facilitate manoeuvring at the helm, enabling a small crew (2 persons) to manoeuvre the boat easily, both in port and at sea. The unique design of the helm station allows good communication between the aft cockpit and the Fly relaxation areas. Of course, your level of navigation will determine your ability to sail with two or more persons!

Our electric catamarans now feature a large surface area of solar panels, up to 2000 WC, perfectly integrated into the design of the coachroof. Combined with equipment such as wind turbines or hydro-generators, they compensate for the energy consumption generated by on-board use during cruising. Discover the benefits of the Smart Electric solution with 4 real-life cruise scenarios

The Fountaine Pajot range of electric catamarans is expanding, and now includes 3 Smart Electric models. The Astréa 42, Elba 45 and Aura 51 are now available in this version.

With the help of over 70 engineers, Fountaine Pajot has developed an in-house solution, 100% adapted to the use of its catamarans equipped with hybrid electric motors . All on-board production and energy expenditure flows are managed from a single console designed by our teams to offer a simple, designer user experience. The system we have developed enables us to give priority to the use of renewable energies at all times. Find out more here

23-meter sailboat

Interested in this model?

Your local dealer will be happy to advise you and give you more details about this model!

Experiences

A life of dreams, adventures and emotions....

Immerse yourself in the Fountaine Pajot experience through stories of adventure, news, webcasts, podcasts, press reviews, photo and video reports... Discover a little more about the pleasures of cruising and sailing catamarans!

10 Sep 2024

LAUNCHING a new generation of catamarans

Welcome aboard our latest newsletter, So Catamaran!

06 Sep 2024

 A real showroom afloat signed FOUNTAINE PAJOT

How does Smart Electric technology work? Answer on video…

Smart Electric: a complete overview of this technology, its origins, how it works and its everyday benefits... #Broadcast

02 Sep 2024

A step ahead for Fountaine Pajot

4 days of catamaran cruising with Fountaine Pajot in the British Virgin Islands

17 Jul 2024

Fountaine Pajot team wishes you a great summer!

Photo Challenge 2023

10 Jul 2024

New 2024 edition of the MyBoatAndI photo contest

2023 magazine

02 Jul 2024

3 exceptional days to discover the Fountaine Pajot Sailing Catamarans range

Multihulls World Magazine – Astréa 42

Subscribe to the newsletter

Follow the adventures of Fountaine Pajot Owners, discover the latest news and upcoming events, and take part in the development of the Boat of tomorrow!

Compare models

Catamaran New 41

Hosting capacity

Motorisation

Technical information

User-friendly areas

Sunbathing Non

Kitchen Oui

Sunbathing Oui

Kitchen Non

Discover the prices

Double rooms

Your contact details

One last step before reaching the next page & discovering the prices proposed & main options for this version! You'll then be able, to schedule a live chat with your local dealer to discuss all the options and configurations available for this model!

Your home port

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No pack information currently available online for this Flagship model. We will get back to you directly. Thank you

Would you like to configure this model’s options or set up another model?

Make an appointment with your nearest dealer and choose the boat of your dreams.

Build Your Perfect Boat

Live the experience with leopard catamarans, a range waiting to be discovered.

• Sailing Range

Set sail to new horizons aboard a Leopard Catamaran. Sea-trialed and tested off the coast of South Africa, Leopard Catamarans are known the world over for extraordinary craftsmanship and optimal performance.

• Power Range

Set sail to new horizons from the power and beauty of Leopard Catamarans. Sea-trialed and tested off the coast of South Africa, Leopard Catamarans are known the world over for extraordinary craftsmanship and optimal performance.

With Leopard Catamarans you can create a tailored boat.

WHY LEOPARD CATAMARANS

The robertson & caine factory.

Evolving from 50 years of customer feedback, Leopard Catamarans has pooled their expertise with builders Robertson and Caine and Naval Architects Simonis Voogd to design today’s Leopard range: spacious, robust, performance-driven blue water cruising catamarans. Our 30-year relationship with Robertson and Caine is an exclusive partnership, offering the best possible value to our customers.

Leopard catamarans are the only catamaran brand certified both in Europe and the Americas (NMMA Certified — ABYC Standards & CE Certified – CE Standards). As the worldwide distributor, we’re proud to say that over 2,900+ Leopard cats have now been delivered worldwide.

NEWS & EVENTS

Our latest stories.

Ask a Leopard Owner: Natalie + Moritz

September 6, 2024.

Sailing the BVI on a Leopard 50: A Vacation Itinerary

August 7, 2024.

The Leopard Family: How to Find Your Community

July 26, 2024.

United States Sailboat Show

August 27, 2024.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

August 20, 2024.

St. Petersburg Power & Sail Show

August 19, 2024.

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Product updates and announcements. No spam.

Evolving from 50 years of customer feedback, Leopard Catamarans has pooled their expertise with builders Robertson and Caine to design today’s Leopard range: spacious, robust, performance-driven blue water cruising catamarans.

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• Sail Away to Isla Mujeres

Sail Away to Isla Mujeres Tour

Description

Sail to Isla Mujeres on a stylish catamaran from Cancun. Enjoy an open bar, stunning Caribbean views, and fun activities. Discover the beauty and charm of this paradisiacal island on an unforgettable day trip.

Get aboard of a wonderful catamaran and enjoy the best beach of the island, a private location with white sand, full of palm trees and natural eco-ambiance. Discover the underwater wonders of Isla Mujeres in one of the great reefs at the Caribbean. Your tour will begin in the Cancun hotel zone. You will be greeted at the departure point for your day tour, where you will board the "Albatros". The Albatros is a sail powered 70 ft. catamaran and you will Sail Away to Isla Mujeres for an unforgettable day. The bar opens the moment you step on board and the fun begins. Itinerary 10:00 to 11:00 am: Sail away to Isla Mujeres - time will depend on the winds on that particular day. 11:00 to 11:45 am: Snorkeling in the Marine Park "El Farito" 12:00 to 1:15 pm: Visit and shopping in the town of Isla Mujeres. 1:30 to 3:00 pm: Buffet Lunch 3:30 to 5:00 pm: Return sail to Cancun Catamarans: GET UP & GO AND PLUS TOURS: Gypsy Breeze, capacity 47, New Wave, Capacity 40, Mar y Arena Capacity 40 PLATINUM TOUR: Bran new Lagoon Max Capacity 30 persons (3 cabins, shower and bathroom) How to get to departure dock Departure dock located at Temptation Resort Marina, K.m. 3.5 Kukulcan Blvd. Cancun Hotel Zone, it is very easy to get there either by taxi or public bus Contact us if you are interested on Private Catamaran Charters for groups

What's included

• Snorkeling at the coral reef ( Brand New tube per person)
• Downtown Isla Mujeres (Shopping Tour or North beach )
• Delicious lunch buffet (salad bar, Make your own Taco (chicken, fajitas, fish) Rice, Pasta, Smash Potatoes, Steamed Vegetables, Beans, Fruits
• Beach Club Facilities at Isla Mujeres
• Open bar: Tequila, Rum, Vodka, Beer, Soft Drinks, Juice and Water) no cocktails.
• GET UP & GO TOUR: Domestic Open Bar ONLY ON BOARD
• PLUS AND PLATINUM TOURS: Domestic Open Bar ALL DAY LONG: (On board and at Beach club)
• Drinks are NOT included at the restaurant or Beach Club (GET UP & GO TOUR)
• Reef tax & Dock fee $20.00 usd each person

What to bring:

• Suntan lotion, a cover up, sunglasses and a hat.
• Extra cash for drinks at the restaurant and dock fee

Additional information

• Snorkeling depending on weather conditions
• Spinnaker depending on weather conditions
• Children Age 4 and under no charge
• 5 to 11 years old pay kids rate

Pick-up Information:

• This tour does not offer Cancun hotel zone pickup. You need to be at departure dock located at Temptation Resort Marina, K.m. 3.5 Kukulcan Blvd. Cancun Hotel Zone, it is very easy to get there either by taxi or public bus

Other tours you might be interested in:

Captain Hook Pirate Cruise

Primax Swim with Dolphins

Dolphin Ride

The One - Swim with Dolphins

Book this tour, select a tour option, select participants, select a date.

Woman killed in horror shark attack while sailing on catamaran near Canary Islands

The 30 year old woman, from Germany, was pronounced dead in a Spanish Air Force helicopter as she was being evacuated to a hospital in Gran Canaria

• 22:13, 17 SEP 2024

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A woman tragically lost her life after a shark attack on a catamaran, despite being rushed to a hospital in the Canary Islands. The 30 year old German national was airlifted to a Gran Canaria hospital by a Spanish Air Force helicopter but sadly succumbed to her injuries.

She was officially pronounced dead upon arrival at Doctor Negrin Hospital in Las Palmas last night. It's reported that the shark bit off her leg while she was aboard a catamaran in international waters, some 278 miles south-west of Gran Canaria's airport and approximately 110 miles east of Dakhla city in the disputed territory of Western Sahara, currently under Moroccan occupation.

The vessel she was crewing has been identified as the British-flagged Dalliance Chichester, which had departed from the Spanish holiday island on September 14. Spanish Coastguards reportedly informed their Moroccan counterparts and UK coastguards due to the origin of the catamaran.

However, local reports suggest that Moroccan authorities declined to transfer the injured woman to Rabat for emergency medical treatment. The unnamed woman was pronounced dead just after 11pm yesterday following a cardiac arrest in the Spanish military helicopter.

The shark attack is believed to have occurred around 4pm the same day. This incident follows a series of shark sightings in June that led to the closure of several Spanish resorts, with one resort forced to shut down mere hours after local officials had given tourists the all-clear to return, reports the Mirror .

Bathers were swiftly ordered out of the water at Melenara Beach on Gran Canaria's east coast after a police drone spotted a hammerhead shark off the beach.

The neighbouring Salinetas beach was next to follow suit, with Playa de San Agustin not far behind, as lifeguards raised a red flag just two hours later when a tourist snapped a photo of the unmistakable fin of a shark protruding from the water.

One of the shark sightings was reportedly made by a tourist near a sea-facing restaurant named Balcon de San Augustin.

Red Cross officials later confirmed they had also seen it.

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See all region register, peakvisor app, khanty-mansiysk autonomous okrug – ugra.

Welcome to the land of sheer silent whiteness. Its vast expanses are filled with fresh Arctic air, howling winds, and the spirit of true adventure. Come with us to the lands of the ancient Khanty and Mansi tribes that survived in this harsh climate of the Nether-Polar Urals . See the mountains that defy any logical or geological reason for their existence. Experience the wonders of this sparsely populated land where you can hardly see a human trace. Welcome to Yugra!

Flora & Fauna

Water resources, landmarks and tourism, major mountains, mount narodnaya, mount zaschita, mount neroyka, the pyramid mountain, samarovskaya mountain, ski and sports facilities, protected sites, reserves, national and natural parks, rivers and lakes, major cities, khanty-mansiysk.

The Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Area – Yugra (KhMAO) is located in the central part of the West Siberian Plain, stretching from west to east from the Ural Range to the Ob-Yenisei Watershed. The vast areas of this plain, as well as the Lower Priob region, are considered one of the most recently inhabited areas.

The Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Area (KhMAO) was established in 1930. Its name comes from two main northern indigenous peoples – the Khanty and the Mansi. From 1944 it was legally part of the Tyumen Region , but in 1993 the Area received autonomy and became a full-fledged territorial entity of the Russian Federation. It is a part of the Urals Federal District. The administrative centre is the city of Khanty-Mansiysk , whereas the largest city is Surgut. The word Yugra was introduced to the name of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Area in 2003 to pay tribute to the old name used by the locals to call the territories lying beyond the North Urals.

The KhMAO borders the Komi Republic in the north-west, the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District in the north, the Krasnoyarsk Area and the Tomsk Region in the east and south-east, the Tyumen Region in the south and the Sverdlovsk Region in the south-west.

The area of the territory is 534,801 sq.km, the length from north to south is 800 km, from west to east is 1400 km. The population of this huge territory is 1,674,676 people as of 2020, which is the same amount as people living in Barcelona or Munich.

The main part of the territory is a huge, poorly dissected plain where absolute elevation marks rarely exceed 200 meters above sea level. The western part of the KhMAO territory is characterized by low and middle mountainous terrains with some Alpine relief featured in the Subpolar Urals. Here are ridges and spurs of the mountain system of the North Urals and the Subpolar Urals. The maximum absolute elevations are on the border with the Komi Republic . Mount Narodnaya (1,895m) is the highest peak.

More than 800 species of higher plants grow in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area . Almost the entire territory is covered by taiga forests that occupy about 52% of the area. Spruce, fir, pine, cedar, larch, birch, alder grow here. In the northern parts of the area, the composition of the vegetation is greatly influenced by perennial permafrost. Light lichen grasslands which are used as deer pastures are widespread there. Tundra dominates in the mountainous and hilly areas. River floodplains and lowlands are characterized by meadow vegetation, the so-called water meadows. High floodplains of large rivers are mainly covered with woods that mainly feature willows, birches and aspens. Forests and swamps are rich in berries and various valuable plants, most of which are used in traditional indigenous medicine.

The animal world is typical for the Russian taiga zone. There are 369 species of vertebrates. Mammals are represented by 60 species (28 of them are commercial species). The most common and valuable of them are wild reindeer, elk, fox, sable, fox, squirrel, marten, ermine, Siberian weasel, polecat, mink, weasel, otter, hare and others. Wolverine and West Siberian river beaver are included in the Red Book of Russia.

There are 256 bird species in the region, including 206 sedentary and nesting species. Some rare bird species are listed in the Red Book. There are 42 species of fish in rivers and lakes. Of these, 19 species are commercial, among them are starlet sturgeon, lelema, muksun (whitefish), pelyad, chir, lake herring, wader, tugun, freshwater cod, pike, ide, roach, bream, fir, perch, ruff, golden and silver crucian carp, carp (carp is grown in the cooling ponds of the Surgutskaya and Nizhnevartovskaya hydroelectric plants). Sturgeon is listed in the Red Book. There is an abundance of mosquitoes and gnats in the area, the greatest activity of which is in the second half of summer.

Yugra can boast of over 2 thousand large and small rivers, the total length of which is 172,000 km. The main rivers are the Ob (3,650 km), the Irtysh (3,580 km). These are some of the largest rivers in Russia. Other significant rivers include the tributaries of the Ob (the Vakh, Agan, Tromyogan, Bolshoy Yugan, Lyamin, Pim, Bolshoy Salym, Nazym, Severnaya Sosva, Kazym rivers), the tributary of the Irtysh (the Konda River) and the Sogom River. Ten rivers are over 500 km long. All the Yugra rivers with the exception of the rivers in the Ural part of the region are characterized by rather slow currents, gentle slopes, some surge wave phenomena, spring and summer floods. The Ob River basin extends over a distance of 700-200 km from the mouths of its tributaries. Such abundance of water facilitates the appearance of floodplain swamps and seasonal lakes.

The region's swamps are predominantly of the upper and transitional type. Those water basins occupy about a third of the region. About 290,000 lakes with the area of more than 1 ha are surrounded by swamps and forests. The largest lakes are Tursuntsky Tuman, Levushinsky Tuman, Vandemtor and Trmemtor. The deepest lakes are Kintus (48 m) and Syrky Sor (42 m). However, most of the lakes (about 90%) are modest and quite small and have no surface runoff.

The area is rich in resources of fresh, mineral and thermal underground waters, which are still insignificantly used.

The climate is moderately continental. Winters are harsh, snowy and long, and summers are short and relatively warm. The territory is protected from the west by the Ural Mountains but its openness from the north has a significant impact on the climate formation because cold air masses from the Arctic freely penetrate the area. The flat character of the terrain with a large number of rivers, lakes and swamps also has its impact. Most of the precipitation falls during the warm seasons. But even with a small amount of precipitation, their evaporation is very low, which as a result contributes to the formation of the zone of excessive moisture throughout the Yugra. The snow cover is stable from late October to early May, its height varies from 50 to 80 cm. The region is characterized by a rapid change of weather conditions, especially in transitional seasons (autumn and spring), as well as during the day. Late spring and early autumn frosts are rather frequent and can happen even until mid-June. Average January temperatures range from -18ºC to -24ºC (0 F to -11 F) and can reach -60ºC to -62ºC (-76 F to -80 F) when the northern cold air masses break through. The average temperature in July, the warmest month of the year, ranges from +15ºC to +20ºC (+59 F to +68 F) and on very rare days can reach a maximum temperature of +36ºC (+97 F). The prevailing wind direction is north in summer and south in winter.

The weather in the mountains is quite changeable and cool even in summer. The best time to visit the region's mountains is between July and mid-August.

The Yugra of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area has a huge natural resource potential. These are oil and gas deposits, forests, gold and iron ore deposits, as well as bauxites, copper, zinc, lead, niobium, tantalum, brown and hard coal deposits, rock crystal, quartz and piezo quartz, peat deposits, etc. The region has plenty of natural resources. In terms of natural gas reserves, the Yugra ranks second in the Russian Federation after the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District .

The industry is dominated by oil and gas production, power generation and processing industries, including woodworking except for pulp and paper production.

The Khanty-Mansi area has very developed tourism of all kinds. There is a modern infrastructure for cultural exploration as well as for active recreation.

Fans of sports and eco-friendly tourism will be able to conquer majestic mountains and raft down picturesque rivers, enjoy the beauty of nature in nature reserves and natural parks. The hills and mountains of this area open up endless opportunities for skiing and snowboarding.

The mountainous part of the Subpolar Urals located on the territory of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area is very beautiful. The highest peaks of the Ural Mountains are situated here.

Being the highest point of the whole Urals, Mount Narodnaya (1,895 m), also known as Naroda and Poenurr and translated as People's Mountain is territorially situated in the Subpolar Urals, on the border of the Yugra Area and the Komi Republic . It is the highest point in European Russia outside the Caucasus. This leads to its large topographic prominence of 1,772 metres (5,814 ft).

The top of the mountain is half a kilometre from the border towards Yugra. As for the name of the mountain, scientists could not come to a common opinion for a long time, so there are two versions. According to one version, in the Soviet years, an expedition of pioneers gave the mountain a name in honour of the Soviet people - Narodnaya (the stress is on the second syllable). According to the other version, even before the arrival of the first Soviet tourists, the peak was named after the River Naroda (the stress is on the first syllable) flowing at the foot of the mountain. The Nenets peoples called the River Naroda Naro, which means a thicket or a dense forest, and the Mansi peoples called it Poengurr or Poen-urr, which translates as the top, or head. The maps used to refer to it as Mount Naroda or Mount Naroda-Iz. Nowadays, it appears everywhere as Narodnaya.

In the 1980s, someone set a bust of Lenin on the top of the mountain. Its remains can be found there to this day. There is one more symbolic relic there – some Orthodox believers erected a worship cross on top of Mount Narodnaya after a Procession of the Cross.

The slopes of the mountain are steeper in the north-east and south-west and there are many steep rocks on them. The south-eastern and northern parts of the mountain are more gentle but they are also covered with scree. Be vigilant and careful when climbing! On the slopes of the mountain, there are many not only boulders but also caverns filled with clear water as well as ice. There are glaciers and snowfields. From the north-eastern part of the mountain, you can observe Lake Blue near which tourists and travellers like to make bivouacs.

Mesmerizing with its beauty and inaccessibility, it attracts many tourists and fans of active recreation. This majestic mountain is quite remote from the settlements, so getting to it is not an easy task. The mountain is located in the Yugyd Va National Park , so it is necessary to register in advance and get a visit permit from the park administration. How to get to the park administration and get a permit, read the article on the Yugyd Va National Park .

Mountain Zaschita (1,808 m) is the second-highest peak in the Ural Mountains, after Mount Narodnaya . Mysteriously, the name of the mountain, which roughly translates as Defense or Protection Mount, does not correlate in any way with the Mansi names of the nearby mountains and rivers. The origin of the name is unknown. There are some speculations but we will consider just one of them. On the map of the Northern Urals which was made by the Hungarian researcher Reguli the closest peak to Mount Narodnaya was called gnetying olu. Its location coincides with that of the present-day Mount Zaschita . The name gnetying olu in the Mansi can be deciphered as a mountain on which there is some help from ice. The mountain is believed to protect deer grazing on glaciers from mosquitoes. So, early topographers called the mountain more briefly – Mount Defense. Indeed, the slopes of this mountain are covered with a lot of snow and glaciers (the Yugra, Naroda, Kosyu, Hobyu glaciers and others). And it is here that the Mansi shepherds bring their deer which can rest on glaciers and snow. Summarizing all the above, we can say that Zaschita Mount is to some extent protection for deer from mosquitoes. The very name Zaschita appeared on maps with the beginning of hiking tours in the Subpolar Urals.

Mount Neroyka (1,645 m) is 100 km from Neroyka village, the closest tourist base to this peak. In the 1950s, people who were engaged in quartz mining near the mountain worked and lived in this base. Later, a gravel road was built from the village of Saranpaul to the mountain for large-scale development of the quartz deposit. In recent years, the road has not been much used and is practically not cleaned from snow in winter. There has been a plant built 20 km down from the mountain for primary processing of quartz with the use of nanotechnologies. There is an annual big camping event near the mountain. It is organized by the Tourism Department of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area. You can have a 1-hour helicopter ride to the mountain from the village of Saranpaul. Should you wish to fly from the city of Khanty-Mansiysk , be prepared to fly over the taiga for 2.5-3 hours.

Quite inquisitive tourists happened to discover, by a lucky chance, a Pyramid similar to that of Cheops but four times bigger. It is located on the territory of the Narodo-Ityinsky Ridge. The closest to the pyramid is the village of Saranpaul. The sizes of the found pyramid are as follows: the height is 774 m, in comparison to the Egyptian pyramid which is 147 m; the length of a lateral edge is 230 m whereas the Egyptian pyramid is 1 km. The pyramid is located precisely according to the cardinal directions, there is not a single degree deviation at that. The origin of the pyramid is unknown, scientists are still making assumptions. No traces of human activity were found near the pyramid. The only way to get here at this time is by helicopter.

Samarovskaya Mountain is another wonder that is baffling many people. It is dividing the city of Khanty-Mansiysk into northern and southern parts. Few now living residents know that in the old days the highest part of the modern city used to bear a plural name of the Samarovsky Mountains among which there were Mount Palenina, Komissarskaya, Miroslavskaya, Filinova, and Romanova. Originally, there was a village called Samarovo amidst these mountains. Until now, many issues bewilder both residents and scientists. How could a mountain form in the middle of the West Siberian Plain? What is inside it? Won't the weight of the buildings erected on the top of the mountain affect its height? The uniqueness of Samarovskaya Mountain is that it consists of numerous large stones, boulders, rocks that are absolutely foreign to this area. Scientists have not yet come to a consensus on the mountain’s origin.

The Yugra is very famous for its ski resorts, the main of which are:

• The Cedar Ravine ski resort (Surgut city, Naberezhny Ave. 39/1)
• Three Mountains (Trekhgorie) ski resort (30 km from Nizhnevartovsk, Ermakovsky settlement)
• Stone Cape (Kamenniy Mys) ski resort (near the city of Surgut)
• Pine Urman ski resort ( Khanty-Mansiysk , Sportivnaya Str., 24)

The far-away lands of the Yugra are the blessed sanctuaries for many animals as the area is rather hostile to a human There are reserves, natural parks, wildlife sanctuaries here that aim to protect the national treasures of the lands. Having visited these regions once, you would crave for coming back again and again to feel that unique sense of unity with nature, to forget about the urban fuss and and hustles whatsoever. The harsh but beautiful nature of this extraordinary area leaves an indelible trace in the soul of every person.

On the territory of the district there are 25 specially protected natural areas, the most famous of them are:

• The reserves are two: the Malaya Sosva Reserve and the Yugan Reserve, the latter was established in 1982 as the largest reserve of taiga landscapes. The purpose of the reserves was to study unobtrusively and carefully preserve the endemic flora and fauna without disturbing natural processes. Hunting and economic activities are prohibited here, which is important for the preservation of natural ecosystems.
• The natural parks are the Samarovsky Chugas Nature Park, the Siberian Sloping Hills (Uvaly), the Numto (also called Lake Numto), and the Kondinskie Lakes.

These reserves and natural parks offer tourists their own excursion programs to make visiting their territory much more enjoyable and educational.

The Samarovsky Chugas Nature Park is located in the center of Khanty-Mansiysk , on a small hill between the Ob and Irtysh rivers.

The territory of the Siberian Sloping Hills (Uvaly) natural park is 350 km away from the city of Khanty-Mansiysk . You can get there by helicopter or by plane. The office of the park is located at 7a Pionerskaya Street, Nizhnevartovsk.

The Kondinskie Lakes Natural Park is located 380 km from Khanty-Mansiysk . Half of the park is covered with swamps, but there is also a recreational area. There you can rest, swim, do some amateur fishing, picking berries (cowberries, cranberries) and mushrooms is permitted. There is only one independent walking route here, it runs for 3 km in the deep forest. It is a cool place for kids since the park is equipped with sports grounds, a pool and a small zoo where the kids can interact with brown bear cubs. What else, try the TaiPark, it is a rope course running at the height of 2.5 meters, having 15 stages, the full length is 125 meters. There is an opportunity to order water walking tours in the town of Sovetsky, which can be reached by train from Khanty-Mansiysk .

The Numto Nature Park is located almost in the center of the West Siberian Plain, in the Beloyarsk district of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area, 300 km from the city of Surgut and 200 km from the town of Beloyarsk. It is located on the border of Yugra and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area. The administration of the park is located at 2, Beloyarsky micro-district, 4a. The territory of the natural park is a treasure trove of archaeological and ethnocultural monuments. As of today, there have been discovered 20 architectural monuments, including fortified and not fortified settlements, places of worship abandoned by the peoples who lived here from the Stone Age to almost the present day. Researchers have also found 65 monuments of ethnic value, the main of which are worship objects, sacred places and cemeteries.

The Malaya Sosva Reserve includes several subordinated territories and sanctuaries, including Lake Ranghe-Tour. The reserve offers a 4-km walking guided route that gets the visitors introduced to the typical features and characteristics of flora and fauna of the region. The route is called Bear Trail and you can spot bears there (don’t come close though, we’ve already written how to behave if you meet a bear in the wild). Also, you will see the River Malaya Sosva, some marshes, ancient cultural monuments and other nice sights. Permission to visit the reserve can be obtained from the administration of the reserve at Lenina Str. 46, town Sovetskiy.

As to the Yugan Nature Reserve , it is inaccessible to common hikers who are afraid of flying since there are no roads to it. The only way to get there is taking a helicopter ride. You also must obtain a permit in the administration of the reserve, go accompanied by employees of the reserve, and only on special transport of the reserve (motorboat, snowmobile). The central manor of the Reserve and the administration are located in the village of Ugut. To get to this village, you should first go to the town of Surgut, then go to the town of Pyt-Yakh, and from it there is a road to the village of Ugut. It is about 100 km from Ugut to the southern border of the reserve i, and another 25 km to the nearest cordon. The administration works from Monday to Friday. You can request a permit via mail at [email protected] , order a guided tour at [email protected]

The Yugra lands are heaven for water sports aficionados. They can have some awesome fishing or go rafting along such rivers as: the river Naroda, the Deep Sabun, etc.

The Naroda River is 140 km long. It is the left tributary of the Manya River located in the Ob River basin. The river has its origin on the south-western slope of Mount Narodnaya . It is a mountain-taiga river with rapids, swifts, numerous rolls, which attracts interest among water tourists. However, it is usually not rafted very often.

The Deep Sabun River flows through the territory of the Siberian Sloping Hills Nature Park. The park has developed multi-day water routes. It is possible to raft along the river in summer and to go skiing along it in winter.

The Kondinskie Lakes are a system of lakes along the left bank of the Konda River. The largest lake is the Arantur, with pine forests on the northern side and sandy beaches well equipped for a nice relaxing me-time. The water heats up well in summer. The small river Okunevaya and the river Maly Akh flow into the lake. The Maly Akh comes in on the west side and connects lake Arantur with Lake Pon-Tour. This lake is the richest in fish, and there is also a parking lot for fishermen here. The streams connect Pon-Tour with small lakes Krugloe and Lopukhovoye. When you look at Lopukhovoe lake, you feel as if you have found yourself in a fabulous place: more than half of its surface is covered with white lilies, as well as yellow flowers of the water-beans. Then the river Big Akh, which flows into the river Konda, connects all the lakes into a single system. Along the river there are many archeological monuments such as forts and settlements which have paths to them. The southernmost lake of the park is Ranghe-Tour.

Yugra is not the easiest destination and not the most accessible, but the effort is well worth it. You should first get to the capital of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Area – the city of Khanty-Mansiysk either by air or by train.

Khanty-Mansiysk is based on the premises of the former village Samarovo founded in 1582. It used to be the territory of the Khanty people and a pit stop for coachmen who rode their wagons across the country. The village was founded by Russian Count Samara, thus the name Samarovo. The modern city actually began to develop in 1930 because amidst the Siberian taiga there finally started to appear stone houses on the high bank of the Irtysh River. In 1940, the village was renamed into Khanty-Mansiysk by the name of the peoples living on this territory – the Khanty and the Mansi, and in 1950 it received the status of a town.

The city has several attractions. Mount Samarovskaya is probably the biggest natural and scientific wonder. It divides the city in two parts and causes many concerns for urban developers who always wonder whether this mountain can move making the buildings slide or even sink in.

Another beauty is the century-old cedar grove that is within the city limits. The grove is a part of the natural park Samarovsky Chugas. The word chugas in the language of the Khanty means a lonely hill in the low river floodplain.

The park is one of the main attractions of the city, it hosts an open-air ethnographic museum called the Torum Maa, a cultural and tourist complex called Archaeopark, a biathlon center. Kids and adults, nature lovers and fans of culture love this place dearly.

A memorial sign to Yugra's discoverers is installed on top of the Samarovsky Chugas. It is a tall stele pyramid divided into three portions. On the lower level, there is a restaurant, on the second level is a small museum, and on the third level there is an observation deck, 40 m above the ground, with a magnificent view of the Irtysh River and the river port. The pyramid is decorated by the bas-relief depicting the discoverers of the region, from the 16th-century Count Samara to the geologists of the 20th century.

Another trademark of Khanty-Mansiysk is the State Museum of Nature and Man. The museum hosts a gallery and a workshop of a famous artist G. Rayshev.

The city has a lot of small monuments generously spread around the city. There is the Khanty family resting on a camp, this monument is near the airport building. You can take a pic at the Golden Tambourine located at the intersection of Gagarin Street and Mira Street. Connoisseurs of culture should also visit the Sun – the Theatre of Ob-Ugrian Peoples, it is the world's first professional theatre of Khanty and Mansi peoples. And if you are travelling with kids, the Khanty-Mansiysk Puppet Theatre is a must-visit. In the period from May to October, you can take a boat ride to the confluence of two rivers – the Ob and the Irtysh. Yugra Service Co. operates such cruises, you can find more information locally at their address Tobolsk Trakt street 4, Khanty-Mansiysk .

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• Places - European, Western and Northern Russia

KHANTY-MANSI AUTONOMOUS OKRUG: RUSSIA’S MAIN OIL-PRODUCING REGION

Khanty-mansi autonomous okrug.

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug is usually called Yugra or Ugra for short. It is named after two indigenous groups native to the region — the Khanty and the Mansi, known collectively as Ob-Ugric people. It covers 534,800 square kilometers (206,500 square miles), is home to about 1.53 million people and has a population density of 2.9 people per square kilometer. About 91.5 percent of the population live in urban areas. Khanty-Mansiysk is the capital, with about 80,000 people. The largest cities are Surgut, Nizhnevartovsk, and Nefteyugansk.

As of the early 2010s, about 51 percent of the oil produced in Russia and 7.3 percent of the world’s supply came from Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, making the region very important economically. More than 10 billion tons of oil has been was recovered from the okrug’s fields so far . The okrug contains around 70 percent of Russia’s developed oil fields, about 450 in total, including Samotlor, which is the largest oil field in Russia and the sixth largest in the world. Gas was first found in the region in 1953 and oil began to be produced in 1960.

As far as tourism is concerned this autonomous okrug combines unique historical, cultural and natural resources, the most important of which is the way of life of its indigenous peoples. If you visit a nomad camp, you can ride on a reindeer sleigh, live in a chum tent, learn to harness a deer, ride a sled and taste stroganina (slices of frozen meat) and patanka (thinly sliced frozen fish). In the Sub-Arctic Ural Mountains, it is popular to climb Mount Narodnaya — the highest peak of the Urals — and go fishing.

The winter in Khanty-Mansiysk is cold. Snow lies on the ground about 200 days of the year and temperature of -50 degrees, C are not unusual. The summer are short but sometimes can get surprisingly hot, with temperature over 30 degree heat. The best time to visit is May or or September, when it is not yet cold and the annoying mosquitos, no-see-ums and midges are not out in full force.

Getting There: By Plane: The flight Moscow or St. Petersburg to Khanty-Mansiysk is about three hours. To Surgut, three and a half. To Nizhnevartovsk, four hours. The cost of an adult round-trip economy class ticket is from 8,000 to 12,000 rubles, depending on the airline. The airport of Nizhnevartovsk. Website: /nvavia.ru. Phone +7 (3466) 49-21-75. By Train: you can reach Surgut, Nizhnevartovsk, Yugorsk, Nyagan and Kogalym. Trains do not reach Khanty-Mansiysk. The nearest station to it, Demyanka, is located 240 kilometers away. From it to the capital of Ugra there are minibuses. A round-trip ticket for a berth in a compartment from Moscow to Surgut is 14,000 rubles. The trip takes two days.

By Car: Two roads lead to Yugra. The main one is the Federal highway R404 Tyumen-Khanty-Mansiysk. This is convenient if you are going to the eastern part of the okrug. If you need to go to the western part or to the capital, it is better to go by the Northern route — through Perm, Serov, Ivdel and Yugorsk. The road quality on both routes is pretty good, but there is much less traffic on the northern one. If you are traveling in Ugra by car, do not forget to refueling. The distances gas stations can reach 200 kilometers or more. It is a good idea to have a canister of fuel in the trunk just in case. Regional Transport By Bus: From Khanty-Mansiysk to Surgut is 300 kilometers, Bus tickets range from 1100 to 1400 rubles. From Surgut to Nizhnevartovsk — 220 kilometers — bu bus costs about 1000 rubles. From Surgut to Kogalym — 80 kilometers — is about 500 rubles. The bus station in Nizhnevartovsk. Website: www.nvav.ru. Phone: 8 (3466) 45-72-97.

Accommodation in the Region: In all major cities there are a lot of hotels. The level of service is high everywhere, but the prices are also high: starting from 5,000-6,000 rubles for a standard price double room. It is much cheaper to rent apartments, at 1,500 to 2,500 rubles.

Khanty and Mansi

The Khanty (pronounced HANT-ee) are a group of Finno-Ugric-speaking, semi-nomadic reindeer herders. Also known as Ostyaks, Asiakh, and Hante they are related to the Mansi, another group of Finno-Ugric-speaking reindeer herders. Only about 60 percent of Khanty speak their native language and a much smaller percentage live in the forest. In the Khanty-Mansiisk District they are fa r outnumbered by other ethnic groups. [Source: John Ross, Smithsonian; Alexander Milovsky, Natural History, December, 1993]

There are about 23,000 Khanty. They live primarily in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug , a region along the northern tributaries of the Ob River in northwestern Siberia about 1,100 miles northwest of Moscow and 200 mile south of the Arctic Circle. Their cousins, the Mansi, also live there. The region has been damaged by oil and natural gas exploration and production.

The Mansi, known in the old days as the Voguls, are close relatives of the Khanty and live primarily in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.. There are around 8,000 or so Mansi. The Mansi have traditionally survived by fishing, hunting and gathering, The hunting methods they employed and the animals they went after was determined by what was available. Often they relied chiefly on fishing and dried enough fish during the summer to last through the winter. They hunted elk, bears, wild reindeer with spears, bows and arrows and traps until the 19th century when the began using firearms. Elk were caught with a system of traps and triggered bows.

Many Mansi still hunt. They use dogs and firearms and go chiefly after muskrats and squirrels. Sable are hunted with nets and guns by a pair of hunters: one who flushes the sable from its den into the net and the other who shoots the animal. Their traditional religion is often aimed at securing a successful hunt.

KHANTY factsanddetails.com ;

Oil and Natural Gas in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Oil was prospected in the West Siberia from the beginning of the 20th century. Local people reported finding discharges on the surface from time to time. The first Soviet prospectors arrived to Ugra in 1935. They confirmed the presence of natural oil seeps on the Ugan river in the Surgut area. Over 2.5 tons of equipment were delivered to the drilling pad by air. Other supplies were hauled by horses, since the nearest railroad ran about 1,000 km away from the prospecting site. The place was very remote and was only accessible during the winter. The early workers lived in a camp under extremely cold conditions. [Source: Technologies Department of Ugra]

In 1953, natural gas was found for the first time in Western Siberia, in Berezovo, about 300 kilometers northwest of Khanty-Mansiysk. in Berezovo. In 1960 the first oil was found in the vicinity of Shaim. Soon after oil fields were discovered in Megion, West Surgut, Pokur, Vatinsky, Mamontovo, Salym, Pravdino and other places. The biggest discovery was in 1965, when the first oil gushed out from the marshland at Samotlor. One of the largest oil fields in the world, it has already produced 2.67 billion tons of oil.

Oil quality in the region is quite high. Some is light, some is black, but most of it is brown. Its characteristics and composition can differ significantly even within the same field. In 2013 255.1 million tons of oil were produced in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug and eight new fields were brought into development. Total gas production in Ugra was 33,0 billion cubic meters in 2013. This was mostly associated petroleum gas.

Owing to its explored and proven raw hydrocarbons resources, production capabilities, industrial infrastructure and oil fields commercial viability Yugra will remain Russia’s main strategic raw hydrocarbons resource base for the next several decades. Over 475 oil and gas fields have been discovered in the territory of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. Total length of the region's pipelines network is 107,000 kilometers.

Ob River (flowing northeast of Novosibirsk and Tomsk) is the forth longest river in the world if you include its major tributary the Irtysh River and the seventh longest without it. The westernmost of three great rivers of Asiatic Russia, the Ob is 3,650 kilometers (2,270 miles) long and is an important commercial waterway that transports goods back and forth between the Trans-Siberian Railway and the resource rich regions of northern Siberia. Since it is frozen over half the year activity on the river is concentrated mostly in the summer months. The Ob-Irtysh is over 5570 kilometers (3461 miles) long

The Ob and the Irtysh River begin in the Altay Mountains, a range located near where Russia, China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia all come together, and flow northward. Although the Ob and the Irtysh begin at points within a couple of hundred miles of one another the two rivers don't join until the Irytysh has traveled over 1,600 kilometers (1000 miles). Once the two rivers have dropped down out of the highlands the meander lazily through open steppes, then rich farmland, and meet in flat, swampy plains, where the width of river ranges between a half a kilometer and a kilometer and a half. The Ob then passes through fir and spruce forests of West Siberia, then through Arctic tundra before finally emptying into the Kara Sea, an arm of the Arctic Ocean. The Ob is one of the great Asiatic Russian rivers (the Yenisei and the Lena are the other two). According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it has the longest estuary (550 miles long and up to 50 miles wide) and is widest river that freezes solid. The mouth of the river on the Arctic Ocean is ice free only a couple of months a year. Huge flood sometimes form in the spring when high waters fed by melting snow and ice meet still frozen section of the river.

The main city on the Ob is Novosibirsk. Parts of the Ob are very polluted and nearly void of life. At the mouth of the river so much land has been degraded by gas exploration that huge chunks of permafrost land have literally melted into the sea. [Source: Robert Paul Jordan, National Geographic, February 1978, ♬]

Traveling on the Ob and Irtysh Rivers

There is a regualr ferry the Ob and Irtysh Rivers that travels between Omsk – Tobolsk – Khanty-Mansiysk – Berezovo and Salekhard (Yamal Nenets Autonomous Region). Omsk and Tobolsk both have train stations on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Khanti-Mansiysk is accessible by bus from Tyumen, which has a train station. After Khanti-Mansiysk you are beyond the road network. As well as the major stops listed on the route above, the boat also stops at plenty of isolated indigenous villages in between them. Salekhard is the only city in the world located exactly on the Arctic Circle.

The name of the ferry is the Rodina. It travels three times a month in June and September and four times a month in July and August. Going from Salekhard to Omsk: Day 1): departs Salekhard at 5:00pm; Dat 2) stops at Berezovo for 30 minutes ay 7:30pm; Day 3) stops at Oktobraskaya Market for one hour. Day 4) stops at Khanty-Mansiysk for two hours at 8:00am; Day 6) one hour stop in Tobolsk at 7:30. Day 9) arrive in Omsk at 3:00pm. Traveling the other direction, with the current, takes one third less time.

On the Salekhard - Tobolsk - Omsk trip on person posted on Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree forum in 2013: “I'll start by saying that this boat is amazingly good value for money. Here some example prices. The first is for beds in the common area, similar to platzkart on the train, the second is for a bed in a private 4-, 6-, or 8 bed cabin and the third is for a bed in a private 2 bed cabin. 1) Salekhard - Omsk (8 days): 1162 / 1437 / 3926 roubles; 2) Salekhard - Tobolsk (5 days): 774 / 969 / 2632 roubles; 3) Tobolsk - Khanty-Mansiysk (2 days): 429 / 526 / 1394 roubles. Children go half price!

“Tickets can be bought in advance at the airport in Salekhard or on the boat itself an hour before departure (it's apparently never full). Most people get off at one of the stops in the first 24 hours when going south from Salekhard, leaving only one or two people in most of the cabins for most of the route. The beds are comfortable , both longer and wider than on trains. Everything is cleaned several times a day, there's a shower, laundry, restaurant with simple but tasty meals and alcohol. Breakfast about 70 roubles, lunch and dinner 150 - 300, beer 50 - 80, wine, vodka and so on also available. Theres also a small room where films are shown starting in the afternoon and a shop selling all sorts of useful stuff such as toiletries, mugs, books.

“You can walk around on deck as much as you want or sit and read a book on the benches up there. The scenery is more or less the same all the way - endless taiga forest with absolutely no sign of civilisation. There are a few villages such as Pitlyar for which the boat is their only access to the outside world and a couple of towns where you can get off the boat and walk around - Beryozovo 24 hours after Salekhard and Khanty-Manskiysk 3 days from Salekhard. From Khanty Mansiysk there are regular buses to Tyumen on the Trans Siberian which take 8 hours. At Tobolsk the boat stops next to the stunning kremlin, the only one in Siberia.

“Anyone can freely sail the whole route between Omsk and Pitlyar, a small village of 500 and the last stop before Salekhard. Salekhard and areas north are closed to outsiders, Russian or otherwise, unless they get a temporary permit. See the Yamal Peninsula link in my signature line for how to get this permit. Permit in hand, you can continue the journey north from Salekhard a further two days to Antipayuta, well beyond the Arctic Circle, with a similar level of comfort and price.

“It sails the whole route from June to September and once in October from Khanty-Mansiysk to Omsk. Check www.irsc.ru for timetables and fares. Only about half the boats from Salekhard go as far as Omsk, the rest stopping in Tobolsk. Eg in July and August, the most frequent sailing months, 6 boats go from Salekhard - Tobolsk each month but only 3 continue to Omsk. Check the timetable carefully when planning if you want to sail all the way to Omsk!”

Khanty-Mansiysk City

Khanty-Mansiysk is the capital of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug and home to about 80,000 people. Despite its remote location and relatively small size, it has a Norman Foster skyscraper, world-leading medical center that is free and has hosted international film festivals, major sports events and political summits. How is this possible?: Oil wealth and close ties between local politicians and Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn’t hurt.

Khanty Mansiysk has showy headquarters for Russia’s main oil companies: Rosneft, Lukoil and Gazprom-Neft. Not far away enormous drilling towers rise and gas flares burn above the birch forests and pipelines cut through the landscape. Around 90 percent of the city’s economic revenues are tied directly to the oil and gas industries.

The city is located in a picturesque area of the West Siberian lowland, where steep hills overgrown with age-old dwarf pine, rise up from the right bank of the mighty Irtysh River. Two of the largest rivers of Siberia — the Irtysh and the Ob — merge twenty kilometers from the city. Not far from town the “Coniferous Urman” ski complex with a cable car. The cedar forest of the Samarovsky Chugas Park has trails for cross-country skiing and hiking. For children there is a water park and a small zoo in the village of Shapsha 20 kilometers from the city. In the summer, there are boat tours to the confluence of the Ob and Irtysh, where you can see the floating chapel-lighthouse.

Places of interest to tourists the gold domes of the Church of Christ’s Resurrection; the gallery of the artist Gennady Raishev; the Geology, Oil and Gas Museum, which traces the history of Western Siberian oil and gas development; and the open-air Archeopark, which has bronze sculptures of Pleistocene animals like mammoths and woolly rhinosl a sporting venue that hosts international ice and skiing events. A new triple concert hall dominates the center of the town. Servicing villages that cannot be reached by road, is an ultra-modern hospital ship that cruises Ob and Irtish rivers treating the sick on board. Complex operations are supervised by surgeons from the central hospital in Khanty-Mansiysk using TV monitors that relay pictures by satellite.

Accommodation: There are several hotels of different levels in Khanty-Mansiysk. The best service and, accordingly, the highest prices at the Ugra valley Valley Complex. At the Tarey business hotel prices start from 4800 rubles per night; at the Olympics Hotel, from 3000 rubles per night. If you want to save money, it is better to rent an apartment: a one-bedroom can be found in the area of 1500 rubles per day.

History of Khanty-Mansiysk City

The first written mention of the town of the Khanty Prince Samara, where the modern city of Khanty-Mansiysk is located, dates back to 1582. In 1637, a settlement of Russian coachmen was formed in the place of this town. It was named after the Prince Samara — Samarovsky Yam.

By the beginning of the 19th century, Samarovsky Yam turned into a large village of Samarovo and became the center of crafts and trade thanks to the favourable location on the river trade routes. In 1931, a few kilometers from the village of Samarovo, a workers settlement Ostyako-Vogulsk was built, which became the district center of the Ostyako-Vogulsk national district. The settlement began to be built up with new industrial enterprises, administrative buildings, apartment houses, public and cultural institutions. By the end of 1950s, pebble roads were laid in the settlement.

In 1940, Ostyako-Vogulsk was renamed Khanty-Mansiysk, and the district was renamed Khanty-Mansiysk, since at that time Ostyak tribes began to be called Khanty, and Voguls tribes — Mansi. In 1950, Khanty-Mansiysk received the status of a city, including Samarovo village. Since 1977, Khanty-Mansiysk has become the administrative center of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug formed from the national district.

Sights in Khanty-Mansiysk

Torum Maa Open Air Museum (Ulitsa Sobyanina, 20, Khanty-Mansiysk) is located on one of the seven holy hills, in the Samarovsky Churas Nature Park, and features authentically reconstructed buildings and dwelling of indigenous peoples of the North, including a Mansi winter camp and traditional Khanty residential and household structures dating to the early-mid-19th century. You can learn more about hunting culture of the Khanty and Mansi on a special hiking trail.

At the museum you can find a 15th-17th century smithy, reconstructed using materials from archaeological excavations of Emder city; displays of idols and protectors of this land. The museum is especially active during traditional holidays of the Ob river Ugric people when Khanty and Mansi come from all over to celebrate. The most popular of these are: Tylasch pori (the Rite of Offering to the Moon), which takes place in February or March when the moon is waxing; Crow Day, which symbolizes the beginning of spring and is celebrated in April; the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which is celebrated globally on August 9; and the main holiday for the museum staff and visitors — the anniversary of the Torum Maa Museum on October 30.

Archeopark Cultural and Tourist Complex (in Khanty-Mansiysk) covers 3.5 hectares near a rock outcropping and includes a geological monument, the Samarov Villiage Archaeological Monument (dating from the 11th-18th centuries), and a the Sculpture Park with giant bronze sculptures of mammoths and other Pleistocene-era animals and Paleolithic humans.

The park was set up where the bones of mammoths and other pre-historic animals have been found. The first large bones and tusks were found in the 19th century, when the northern region came to be called the “elephant homeland.” For local inhabitants, the archaeological findings along the river banks were not so uncommon. The bones had been in demand as a decorative material and therapeutic powder.

All the sculptures were created in cooperation with paleontologists, who made sure that the ancient inhabitants of this area look as authentic as possible. Some of the sculptures, for instance, rhinoceroses, were made in life size, while others are two to three times larger. The height of the largest sculpture in the Mammoth composition is eight meters. The sculptures are lit up at night. The little mammoth is named KoJourka. The sculpture probably has the world's only sign that prohibits mammoth climbing.

Sights Near Khanty-Mansiysk City

Floating Chapel-Beacon in Honor of Saint Nicholas (20 kilometers Khanty-Mansiysk) opened in 2013 near the confluence of two mighty Siberian rivers — the Ob and Irtysh. Blessed by Bishop Pavel of Khanty-Mansiysk and Surgut and consecrated by Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus, it is Russia's first floating chapel-lighthouse. The chapel is eight meters high, it weighs 10 tons and is fixed on a pontoon. Below the cross crowning the chapel there is a beacon light. There are eight illuminated alcoves with icons. The chapel is not intended to hold a service inside. Only maintenance personnel looking after the power supply can moor to it.

Originally the idea of building the chapel was suggested by S. Sandulov, president of the local branch of the Association of Ports and River Transport Owners. For river transport workers the Ob-Irtysh confluence is a special place. And for the local people — Khanty and Mansi — this is a sacred area. However, for a long time there was no monument or sign to mark the place. At the confluence of the Ob and Irtysh people have traditionally made a wish by throwing a coin into the water. The water here is considered to be sacred and many tourists wash themselves with the water of the two rivers.

Silava Ethnographic Center (near Uray, 250 kilometers east of Khanty-Mansiysk) and the Ela Hoth community of indigenous peoples "was founded in 2008 to preserve features of the traditional culture and way of life on the site of the former village of New Silava. Visitors can participate in Mansi ceremonies and celebrations and Mansi cooking and engage in recreational activities such as skiing, sledding, tubing, ice sliding and riding a snowmobile "Buran" in the winter; and pick mushrooms, berries, medicinal plants and go boating in the summer. The center may difficult to get to.

Swimming is possible in the cold Konda River. You can also go hiking on eco-trails and participate in various types of fishing and children's entertainment programs. The community has assembled a small museum of household items and fishing items. You can see how fishing camps were set up and a functioning bread oven and a machine for weaving mats and try grinding flour at the mill and baking bread.

Priobskoye Field

The Priobskoye field (65 kilometers east of Khanty-Mansiysk, and 100 kilometers west of Nefteyugansk) is an oil field that occupies an area of 5,466 square kilometers (2,110 square miles. It is located along both banks of the Ob River, and is serviced by the town of

The field was discovered in 1982. The northern three-quarters of the field was controlled by YUKOS via unit Yuganskneftegaz, and began oil production in 2000. In 2004, Yuganskneftegaz was bought by Rosneft, which is now the operating company of that portion of the field. The southern quarter of the field was controlled by Sibir energy, which began a joint venture with Sibneft to develop the field, with volume production beginning in 2003. Sibneft subsequently acquired complete control of the field via a corporate maneuver to dilute Sibir's holding. Sibneft is now majority controlled by Gazprom and renamed Gazprom Neft.

In 2007, the field was producing 675,000 barrels per day: 550,000 barrels per day in the northern Rosneft area and 125,000 barrels per day in the southern Gazprom Neft area. For 2008, Rosneft reported a growth of production to 680,000 barrels per day, while Gazpromneft's share grew slightly. In 2009, Gazprom Neft produced 160,000 barrels per day in its share of the field. In September 2019, Russia’s finance ministry approved tax breaks for developing the Priobskoye oilfield, Russia’s largest, to oil giants Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, Alexei Sazano.

Surgut (300 kilometers east of Khanty-Mansiysk by road) located on the Ob River and is one of the few cities in Russia that has a larger population than the capital of its federal subject. It is home to about 375,000 people compared to 80,000 in Khanty-Mansiysk. Surgut is home to the largest port on the Ob River, the largest road-railway junction in northwest Siberia. Two of the world's most powerful power plants — the SDPP-1 (State District Power Plant 1) and SDPP-2 (State District Power Plant 2), which produce over 7,200 megawatts — are also there supply most of the region with relatively cheap electricity.

Surgut's economy is tied to oil production (the city is known as "The Oil Capital of Russia") and the processing of natural gas. The most important enterprises are the oil firm Surgutneftegaz and Surgutgazprom (a unit of Gazprom). The Surgut-2 Power Station providing Energy for the city is the largest gas-fired power station in the world. In addition, there are factories: gas processing, stabilization of condensate, motor fuel. Enterprises food (meat processing, dairy, etc.) industry, timber industry. Manufacture of building materials (production of reinforced concrete structures, etc.).

The city is served by the Surgut International Airport, which offers flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Dubai, Irkutsk, and a number of other cities. Through Surgut are trains to the east (in Novy Urengoy, Nizhnevartovsk), to the south-west (in Tyumen, Moscow, Novosibirsk, Ufa, Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg). Road P-404 connects Surgut with Tyumen. Places to stay in Surgut include the Ob, Den, Ark, and Center hotels

Old Surgut is a historical and ethnographic complex with 14 restored copies of wooden houses that once stood in the city. Among them “house of nature”, “House of local historian”, “house of Cossacks”, “House of indigenous peoples of the North” and others. Every winter, the center hosts a festival of ice sculptures.

Barsova Mountain Tract (west of Surgut) is located he state natural and archaeological park. Barosova Gora stretches for eight kilometers along the right Bank of the Ob river. Along the tract there are remains of ancient buildings, sanctuaries, burial grounds, some dating back to the Stone Age. In total, there are more than 400 archaeological sites on Barsova Mountain. It is better to visit this place in the summer or early autumn. The standard tour lasts about three hours.

Nefteyugansk

Nefteyugansk(30 kilometers west of Surgut) is located to south of the Ob River and is home to about 125,000, people. It was founded on October 16, 1967, after an oil field had been discovered on a small forest clearing in the middle of the taiga marshland in 1961. The main and the only big enterprise in the city, Yuganskneftegaz, was founded in February 1966. The name 'Yugansk' comes from the indigenous Khanty name of a small river near the city, neft' means oil in Russian, and gaz is natural gas.

The economy of the city remains petroleum-based, and was a major center for the Russian oil enterprise YUKOS, which owned Yuganskneftegaz. In fact, the "Yu" in "YUKOS" comes from the "yu" in "Nefteyugansk" and therefore from "Yuganskneftegaz". The other three letters come from the oil-refining factory "Kuibyshev-Org-Sintez", situated in Samara.

Nefteyugansk has been at the center of violence and drama involving YUKOS. On June 26, 1998, city mayor Vladimir Petukhov was shot dead on the way to his office. Before his murder, Petukhov had been on a hunger strike demanding that the chairmen of municipal and district tax offices be dismissed from their positions and a criminal case against Yukos be filed on counts of tax evasion. Petukhov's widow later on called for an investigation into Mikhail Khodorkovsky's role in events. Back then Khodorkovsky was head of Yukos. On September 20, 2005 Dmitry Yegortsev, acting mayor of Nefteyugansk, was assaulted and wounded with a knife. After the stabbing of Yegortsev, Igor Gribanov took over City Hall as acting mayor. Just a few months later, he died of carbon monoxide poisoning at his home on January 6, 2006. Since January 2005, Yuganskneftegaz has been owned by the state-owned oil company Rosneft. [Source: Wikipedia]

Hay Al Ruv Ethnographic Center of Indigenous Peoples of the North is an 1.5-hectare open air ethnographic which recreates the Khanty camp and has a house, storage shed, traditional tent, "red" tent for visitors and a bread oven.

Nizhnevartovsk

Nizhnevartovsk (220 kilometers east of Surgut) is home to about 250,000 people. Since the 1960s, the town has grown rapidly in the coat-tails of the Western Siberian oil boom due to its location beside the Samotlor oil field along the right bank of the Ob River. The presence of the petroleum industry has made it one of the wealthiest cities in Russia. Accommodation is available at the Hope, Aviator, Venice and Waters hotels.

Nizhnevartovsk is situated in the Sredneobskaya Lowland of West Siberian Plain, in the middle course of the Ob River on its northern bank. It remained a relatively small settlement until the 1960s when the Soviet authorities began widespread prospecting for the petroleum industry in the Western Siberia region, discovering the Samotlor oil field, one of the largest oil fields in the world, beneath the nearby Lake Samoltor to the north of Nizhnevartovsk. During the early boomtown years, Komsomol volunteers were brought in from across the country to construct the city, whose population soared from 2300 people in 1959 to 15,663 in 1970.

Lake Samotlor is the home of the massive Samotlor oil field. A visit to the lake is part of a local oil tour, during which you can see how oil is produced, and study the history of the development of fields in Western Siberia. Tourists visit the Samotlor oil field, the school of drilling masters and eat in the dining room with the oilmen. The tours are hard to arrange on the spot, They need to booked in advance through a travel company. Oil tours can be combined with a visit to a Khanty camp.

Samotlor Field

Samotlor Field (near Nizhnevartovsk) is the largest oil field of Russia and the sixth largest in the world. Owned and operated by Rosneft, it is located at Lake Samotlor in Nizhnevartovsk district and covers 1,752 square kilometers (676 square miles). The field was discovered in 1965; development began in 1967 and first oil was produced in 1969. Nearby Nizhnevartovsk went from being a small village into a booming oil city as Samotlor became the most important oil production base of the Soviet Union. After breakup of the Soviet Union the field was owned by Samotlorneftgaz and TNK-Nizhnevartovsk, which later formed TNK-BP.

At Samotlor Field a total of 2,086 well clusters (containing more than 17,000 wells) have been built and about 2.6 billion tons of oil has been produced. The peak production occurred in 1980 when Samotlor produced 158.9 million tons of oil. Production has been in decline ever since, although according to TNK-BP the field production has stabilized over the past few years.

The proven reserves are approximately 44 billion barrels. The field is 80 percent depleted with water-cut exceeding 90 percent. At the end of the 1990s, production rate dropped to 300,000 barrels per day. However, through an aggressive exploration program and application of cutting-edge technologies TNK-BP had raised production up to 750,000 barrels per day. TNK-BP plans to invest US$1 billion per year for maintaining oil production at the level of 30 million tons per year. The production of oi in 2012 was 332,782 barrels per day. The estimated oil in place is 4 billion barrels. The oil comes from Cretaceous formations.

Ural Mountains

Ural Mountains are the traditional dividing line between Europe and Asia and have been a crossroads of Russian history. Stretching from Kazakhstan to the fringes of the Arctic Kara Sea, the Urals lie almost exactly along the 60 degree meridian of longitude and extend for about 2,000 kilometers (1,300 miles) from north to south and varies in width from about 50 kilometers (30 miles) in the north and 160 kilometers (100 miles) the south. At kilometers 1777 on the Trans-Siberian Railway there is white obelisk with "Europe" carved in Russian on one side and "Asia" carved on the other.

The eastern side of the Urals contains a lot of granite and igneous rock. The western side is primarily sandstone and limestones. A number of precious stones can be found in the southern part of the Urals, including emeralds. malachite, tourmaline, jasper and aquamarines. The highest peaks are in the north. Mount Narodnaya is the highest of all but is only 1884 meters (6,184 feet) high. The northern Urals are covered in thick forests and home to relatively few people.

Like the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, the Urals are very old mountains — with rocks and sediments that are hundreds of millions years old — that were one much taller than they are now and have been steadily eroded down over millions of years by weather and other natural processes to their current size. According to Encyclopedia Britannica: “The rock composition helps shape the topography: the high ranges and low, broad-topped ridges consist of quartzites, schists, and gabbro, all weather-resistant. Buttes are frequent, and there are north–south troughs of limestone, nearly all containing river valleys. Karst topography is highly developed on the western slopes of the Urals, with many caves, basins, and underground streams. The eastern slopes, on the other hand, have fewer karst formations; instead, rocky outliers rise above the flattened surfaces. Broad foothills, reduced to peneplain, adjoin the Central and Southern Urals on the east.

“The Urals date from the structural upheavals of the Hercynian orogeny (about 250 million years ago). About 280 million years ago there arose a high mountainous region, which was eroded to a peneplain. Alpine folding resulted in new mountains, the most marked upheaval being that of the Nether-Polar Urals...The western slope of the Urals is composed of middle Paleozoic sedimentary rocks (sandstones and limestones) that are about 350 million years old. In many places it descends in terraces to the Cis-Ural depression (west of the Urals), to which much of the eroded matter was carried during the late Paleozoic (about 300 million years ago). Found there are widespread karst (a starkly eroded limestone region) and gypsum, with large caverns and subterranean streams. On the eastern slope, volcanic layers alternate with sedimentary strata, all dating from middle Paleozoic times.”

The fauna of the vertebrate animals in the Reserve includes 19 fish, 5 amphibian and 5 reptile. Among the 48 mammal species are elks, roe deer, boars, foxes, wolves, lynxes, badgers, common weasels, least weasels, forest ferrets, Siberian striped weasel, common marten, American mink. Squirrels, beavers, muskrats, hares, dibblers, moles, hedgehogs, voles are quite common, as well as chiropterans: pond bat, water bat, Brandt's bat, whiskered bat, northern bat, long-eared bat, parti-coloured bat, Nathusius' pipistrelle. The 174 bird bird species include white-tailed eagles, honey hawks, boreal owls, gnome owls, hawk owls, tawny owls, common scoters, cuckoos, wookcocks, common grouses, wood grouses, hazel grouses, common partridges, shrikes, goldenmountain thrushes, black- throated loons and others.

Mount Narodnaya: the Highest Mountain in the Urals

Mount Narodnaya (700 kilometers northwest of Khanty-Mansiysk) is the highest mountain in the Urals. Also known as Naroda and Poenurr and "People's Mountain", it is 1,894 meters (6,214 feet) high. It lies in in Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug but is only 500 meters east from the border of Komi Republic. The name is derived from the nearby Naroda River.

Mount Narodnaya is the highest point in European Russia outside the Caucasus and rises 1,772 meters (5,814 ft) above the landscape. Narodnaya is located in the Ural mountains water divide, and therefore on the border between Europe and Asia: The mountain is formed with quartzites and metamorphosed slates of the Proterozoic Eon and Cambrian Period. There are some glaciers on the mountain. Also, there are sparse forests of larch and birch in the deep valleys at the foot of the mountain. The slopes of the mountain are covered with highland tundra.

Mount Narodnaya was identified in 1927. If you ascend from the territory of Ugra, you first need to get to the village of Saranpaul (by helicopter from Berezovo, in the winter you can snowmobile), then about 180 kilometers to overcome by all-terrain transport to the camp site “Desired”, where you can climb Narodnaya and Manaragu. The cost of the tour, depending on the time of year, transport and service varies from 15,000 to 200,000 rubles, with a lot of the cost depending on whether you use a helicopter or not..

The easiest route to the summit is a technically easy hike on the moderate north-west slope. Depending on snow and ice conditions, crampons may be required. The south wall of Narodnaya is steeper and less commonly used to reach the summit. Accommodation: The cost of living at the camp site “Desired” — from 2300 rubles per day. In the forest in tent-for free.

Numto Natural Park

The Numto Natural Park (400 kilometers north of Surgut) is in the center of the Western-Siberian plain. The park covers 7,217 square kilometers and was created in 1997 to preserve the unique natural complexes of the Siberian Uvaly and protect the places where the the northern Khanty and forest Nenets live and work. The area is also inhabited by many animals and birds included osprey, white-tailed eagle, golden eagle, red-footed falcon, gyrfalcon, and others.

Because of its remoteness and difficulty to access, the Numto lake area remained a “blank space” during the development of Siberia. It was explored properly only in the early 20th century. It was first described by A. Dunin-Gorkavitch, who reached the place with reindeer teams in November 1901. He wrote: “Thus, during this journey I was able to explore the Kazym River and the watersheds of four other rivers: Kazym and Nadym on one side, Pima and Trom-Yugan on the other, as well as the Samoyed Lake Numto, known as “the lake of God”. The lake is located at the following coordinates: 63°30'N 41°30'E. It's oval in shape and has a narrow sandy spit from the northwest”.

The traveler gives a rather detailed description of some of the area's features: “...to the south from the lake, some 35 kilometers away, there is a watershed of four- rivers, from which the Kazym River begins. The watershed area is actually a tundra with huge hills up to 64 meters high with bogs in between. And these very bogs have springs and that is where the rivers Kazym, Nadym, Pim, and Trom-Yugan begin”.

Numto Lake was a kind of a sanctuary for peoples of the northern Ob. It was worshiped like a living creature. Even fishing was prohibited there. Some of these religious bans still exist; for example, it is not permitted to chop ice with an axe, fix anchoring poles in the lake bottom or block the connection between the lake and the Ukhlor Gulf with nets. With the coming of the winter, the Khanty and Nenets people come to Holy Island to offer a deer in sacrifice.

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons

Text Sources: Federal Agency for Tourism of the Russian Federation (official Russia tourism website russiatourism.ru ), Russian government websites, UNESCO, Wikipedia, Lonely Planet guides, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, Yomiuri Shimbun and various books and other publications.

Updated in September 2020

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Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra, Russia

The capital city of Khanty-Mansi okrug: Khanty-Mansiysk .

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra - Overview

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra is a federal subject of Russia, part of the Urals Federal District. Khanty-Mansiysk is the capital city of the region.

The population of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra is about 1,702,200 (2022), the area - 534,801 sq. km.

Khanty-Mansi okrug flag

Khanty-mansi okrug coat of arms.

Khanty-Mansi okrug map, Russia

Khanty-mansi okrug latest news and posts from our blog:.

21 March, 2020 / Nizhnevartovsk - the view from above .

8 November, 2017 / Surgut - the view from above .

4 March, 2017 / Khanty-Mansiysk - the view from above .

12 February, 2016 / Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug from above .

21 May, 2013 / The most powerful thermoelectric power station in Russia .

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History of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra

Yugra is the historical homeland of the Ob-Ugric peoples: Khanty, Mansi, Nenets, and Selkup. They were engaged in hunting, fishing, cattle breeding. After the Turkic peoples pushed them from south to north, these peoples had to apply their skills in more severe conditions. It is at this new location Ugrians began to domesticate deer.

In the first half of the second millennium AD, the main features of the material and spiritual culture of Khanty, Mansi and forest Nenets were formed. It is believed that since then they have not undergone major changes. Since the second half of the 13th century, a new factor in the development of the region was its entry into the Golden Horde.

At the end of the 14th century, the collapse of the Golden Horde led to the emergence of a separate Tyumen Khanate. In 1495, the Siberian Khanate appeared. At that time the basic principles of political, administrative and socio-economic organization of this territory were developed. The region was called Ugra or Yugra.

More historical facts…

The region became part of Russia in the end of the 16th century. From the middle of the 18th century, this region became a place of exile for criminals. December 10, 1930, Ostyako-Vogul national okrug was formed with the center in the settlement of Samarovo. Construction of a new center began 5 km away from it. In February 1932, the new center of the region was named Ostyako-Vogulsk.

In 1934, the first steps to find oil and natural gas in the region were taken. October 23, 1940, Ostyko-Vogul national okrug was renamed Khanty-Mansi national okrug and Ostyko-Vogulsk was renamed Khanty-Mansiysk. August 14, 1944, the region became part of Tyumen Oblast. On January 27, 1950, Khanty-Mansiysk became a city.

On September 21, 1953, in Berezovo, the first natural gas in Western Siberia was produced. On June 23, 1960, the first oil in Western Siberia was discovered near Shaim. This was followed by the discovery of many other oil and natural gas fields. Along with the industrial exploitation of oil and gas fields, the timber industry developed rapidly.

By the end of the 20th century, under the influence of demographic and socio-economic developments the Khanty-Mansi region in fact lost its national basis. On July 25, 2003, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug was renamed Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra.

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra views

Rest on the lake in Yugra

Author: O.Frolov

Golden autumn in the Khanty-Mansy region

Author: Leonid Karpushin

Beautiful nature of Yugra

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra - Features

The name of the region is associated with the self-names of the two main groups of northern peoples - Khanty and Mansi. In the Middle Ages, the word “Yugra” was used to refer to peoples and lands beyond the Northern Urals.

This region, located in the middle of Russia, occupies the central part of the West Siberian Plain. Its territory stretches from west to east for almost 1,400 km, from north to south for 900 km. The area of the region is comparable to France or Ukraine.

The climate is temperate continental characterized by rapid change of weather especially in spring and autumn. Winters are long, snowy and cold with frosts below minus 30 degrees Celsius. Summers are short and warm. From the west this region is protected by the Ural mountains, from the north it is open to cold arctic air.

The highest points of the region are Mount Narodnaya (1,895 m) in the Polar Urals and Mount Pedy (1,010 m) in the Northern Urals. Two major rivers flow in Khanty-Mansi autonomous okrug: the Ob (3,650 km) and its tributary the Irtysh (3,580 km). About 30% of the territory is covered by swamps. There are more than 300,000 lakes surrounded by marshes and forests.

The largest cities of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra are Surgut (396,000), Nizhnevartovsk (280,800), Nefteyugansk (128,700), Khanty-Mansiysk (106,000), Kogalym (69,200), Nyagan (58,500). Today, only about 32,000 people are representatives of indigenous peoples: Khanty, Mansi and Nenets. Half of them live in the traditional way.

This region is very rich in oil and natural gas. The largest oil and natural gas fields are Samotlorskoye, Fedorovskoye, Mamontovskoye, Priobskoye. There are also deposits of gold, coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, lead and other mineral resources.

The climate is not favorable for agriculture. Most of the agricultural products and foodstuffs is brought from other Russian regions. Waterways and railways are the main shipping ways. The total length of the pipeline network is 107,000 km.

About 60% of Russian oil is produced in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra. In total, more than 10 billion tons of oil were produced here. The total number of oil and natural gas fields discovered is 475. In the coming decades, the Khanty-Mansi region will remain the main resource base of hydrocarbons in Russia.

Tourism in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra

Yugra has unique natural, cultural and historical resources for the development of recreation and tourism. On the territory of the region there are historical and cultural monuments, as well as modern infrastructure for lovers of cultural, educational, recreational tourism, and outdoor activities. International events (sports competitions, festivals and forums) help to open this place to foreigners as an amazing corner of the globe.

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra has a number of wonderful natural sites worthy of attention: two nature reserves (“Malaya Sosva” and “Yugansky”), four nature parks (“Samarovsky Chugas”, “Siberian ridges”, “Numto”, “Kondinskie lakes”), ten monuments of nature, archeological complexes (“Barsova Mountain”, “Saygatino”, Sherkaly settlement).

Holidays of the northern peoples are also popular among tourists: Reindeer Herder’s Day, Day of indigenous Peoples of the North “Crow day”, Fisherman’s Day, Bear holiday and others.

Active and extreme types of tourism (skiing, snowboarding, kiting) are gaining in popularity. There are seven ski resorts in the region. In summer, travelers can go rafting on mountain rivers of Siberia. Tourists can also go on a special oil tour that includes a visit to the oil-producing companies. They learn about the oil industry and the history of oil exploration in Siberia.

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra is a region of endless charm of the beautiful nature and modern tourist facilities. True lovers of northern landscapes and local cultures will be able to fully enjoy the incomparable scenery and generous hospitality in Ugra.

Khanty-Mansi okrug of Russia photos

Khanty-mansi autonomous okrug scenery.

Road through autumn forest in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Deep winter snow is not a problem in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Author: Chernenko

Yugra scenery

Author: Sergej Fedotov

Pictures of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra

Winter in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Orthodox church in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Author: Alexey Borodko

Church in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Author: Peter Sobolev

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