Calico: Athena 38—A compact catamaran for captained trips out of Bayfield

BAYFIELD CATAMARAN FIELD GUIDE

Calico: Athena 38—A compact catamaran for captained trips out of Bayfield

A captained private charter aboard an Athena 38 from Pikes Bay Marina, for up to six people on 2–10 day trips; this guide covers what to expect aboard and what to pack.

Calico: Athena 38—A compact catamaran for captained trips out of Bayfield.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Bayfield
Operator
Apostle Islands Charters
Category
Catamaran
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Athena 38 Calico combines sleek lines and thoughtful engineering: twin hulls, a sunshade and aft skirt that define its profile, a functional helmsman’s cockpit, and aft steps that make water access and onboard recreation straightforward. Belowdecks, the layout favors comfort and practicality with a large saloon and galley and four light cabins with independent heads — a design that aims to be both safe in varied weather and easy to handle for private charters.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE DESIGN

Beauty with intelligence

The Athena 38’s lines—hulls, sunshade and aft skirt—combine aesthetic restraint with practical design: a helmsman’s cockpit for navigation, simplified handling for berthing and mooring, and build quality intended to make the boat safe and pleasant across conditions.

THE ACCOMMODATIONS

Roomy saloon and private cabins

Belowdecks the boat emphasizes usable space: a large saloon with chart table, a galley with abundant refrigeration and storage, and four well-insulated cabins with room for king-size beds and independent toilets with showers.

THE WATERSIDE ACCESS

Easy water access and on-deck recreation

Practical steps at the rear of the hulls give straightforward access for swimming and water play, and the spacious cockpit provides sunbathing space—features intended to make on-water recreation easy for the whole party.

What the day feels like

What it feels like aboard Calico

Boarding a captained Athena 38 from the marina delivers a compact, confident cruising experience: daytime navigation from the helmsman’s cockpit, relaxed meals prepared in a generous galley, afternoons spent on the cockpit deck or stepping directly into the water from the aft hull steps, and nights in four private cabins—an arrangement that emphasizes comfort, convenience and straightforward handling.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this charter suits — and who should reconsider.

1
Small groups & familiesFits well: the boat accommodates up to six people of all ages and offers private cabins and on-deck space for family-style cruising.
2
Guests seeking turnkey cruisesA good match for travelers who prefer a captained experience—the charter is captain-only and includes the captain fee in pricing.
3
Active water recreation seekersSuitable for guests who want swimming and inflatable water toys; the boat’s aft steps and cockpit simplify water access, though operators prohibit hard kayaks and hard paddle boards.
4
Pet ownersNot ideal unless you secure prior approval—pets are not allowed without prior operator consent.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring beverages and provisioning for onboard meal prep, sleeping bag and pillow, towel and toiletries, layered warm clothing, swimsuit, appropriate shoes, sunglasses with lanyard, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any seasickness remedies or battery-backed CPAP if required.

Water toys and equipment

Inflatable kayaks and inflatable paddle boards are allowed; hard kayaks and hard paddle boards are not permitted and towing is prohibited.

Prohibited items

Pets without prior approval, hard coolers, smoking or vaping, and CPAP machines without a battery pack are not allowed aboard.

Onboard facilities

The boat has showers available at the marina; the galley has large refrigerator and storage space for provisioning.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How many people can I bring?

Charters accommodate up to six people of all ages.

Is a captain included?

Calico is a captain-only charter and the captain fee is included in the published pricing.

Where is the meeting point?

Guests meet at Pikes Bay Marina, WI.

What should we bring for food and drink?

Bring beverages and provisions to support onboard meal preparation, including condiments, spices and any personal favorites.

Are pets allowed aboard?

Pets are not allowed unless prior approval is obtained from the operator.

Can I bring my kayak or paddle board?

Hard kayaks and hard paddle boards are not allowed; inflatable kayaks and inflatable paddle boards are permitted.