8-Hour Catamaran Charter from Valletta, Malta

The best part of this private catamaran charter is the freedom to shape an entire day around the sea. From 10am to 6pm, you can stretch out on deck, use the shaded areas, stop at inviting bays, and swim or snorkel without following a crowded ferry schedule. The boat may visit the famous Blue Lagoon, but it can also anchor near places such as St. Paul Island and other bays around Malta and Gozo.

I like the private group setting, with room for up to 14 people, and I like the useful gear already on board: paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, noodles, and a BBQ grill. The included water and soft drinks also keep the day simple. The main drawback is cost. At $1,800.36 for the boat, this makes the most sense for a full group, while brunch and alcoholic drinks cost extra.

Key points to know before you book

• Eight hours on the water: Leave Marina di Valletta at 10am and return by 6pm.
• Up to 14 people: The fixed group price works best when shared by a large family or group of friends.
• Flexible swimming stops: The route may include the Blue Lagoon, St. Paul Island, and bays around Malta and Gozo.
• Good water-sports setup: Snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and noodles are provided.
• Bring or arrange food: Water and soft drinks are included, but brunch and alcohol are not.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Sailing out from Marina di Valletta at 10am

Your day begins at Marina di Valletta, Yacht Marina Malta, at Haywharf in Pietà. The boat returns to this same meeting point at the end of the charter, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location.

The scheduled time is useful for planning. A 10am departure gives you a full day in the sun without forcing you onto the water at dawn, while the 6pm return leaves the evening open in Valletta. You should arrive ready to board, with swimwear, sun protection, and anything personal you want for a long day outside.

The catamaran used is an Excess12, with a maximum capacity of 14 people. The boat includes a restroom, WiFi, shaded areas, and open deck space. That mix matters on an eight-hour outing. You can sunbathe for a while, then move into shade, take a swim, or settle indoors when you want a break from the heat.

A professional skipper handles the boat, fuel, and cleaning before and after the charter. Captain Jack is specifically associated with this experience, although the assigned skipper may vary. The skipper is also the person who determines the safest and most practical anchoring spots for the day.

The Maltese coast from a private catamaran

Once you leave the marina, the appeal is simple: Malta looks different from the water. Rocky coastlines, open sea, small islands, and sheltered bays become the focus, rather than streets and buildings.

Because this is a private charter, your group has more breathing room than it would on a standard sightseeing boat. You can spend longer at a good swimming spot, move on when the water gets crowded, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the view. The exact route is not fixed in the information provided, so you should treat the Blue Lagoon and other bays as possible stops rather than guaranteed ones.

That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. A ferry can get you to Comino, but it cannot give your group a full day with a skipper, onboard gear, shaded seating, and the option to change the rhythm of the day.

The tradeoff is that a private charter does not promise a set list of landmarks. If you want a tightly defined sightseeing program with exact arrival times at named sites, this may feel less predictable. If you care more about swimming, relaxing, and choosing attractive water stops, the flexible approach works well.

Blue Lagoon, Comino, and the choice of quieter bays

The Blue Lagoon is the best-known possible stop. Its clear water and famous setting make it a natural target for a day around Comino. It is also the place most likely to attract attention, so the appeal depends partly on how busy it is when you arrive.

The catamaran may also anchor at other bays around Malta and Gozo. Those stops can provide a more relaxed setting for swimming and time on deck. Since the skipper selects the route based on conditions and the day’s plan, ask at the start what is realistic for your charter.

St. Paul Island is another possible highlight. One particularly praised outing stopped at this striking location, where the group found a beautiful place to anchor and swim. It is a useful reminder that the best moment of the day may not be the most famous stop. A less expected bay or island can give you the peaceful pause you wanted when you booked a private boat.

Do not measure the day only by how many places you visit. An eight-hour charter can feel rushed if every stop is treated like a box to tick. I would rather have enough time to swim, use the paddle boards, and enjoy lunch aboard than spend the whole day moving from one named location to the next.

Snorkeling and paddle boards during the swimming stops

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing or renting masks and fins elsewhere. You can use it at the bays where the skipper anchors, although water visibility and marine life will vary with the location and conditions.

The description promises the chance to see marine life below the surface, but you should keep expectations sensible. This is not presented as a specialist snorkeling trip. It is a coastal sailing day with snorkeling as one of the main ways to enjoy the stops.

Paddle boards and noodles add variety. You can swim, float, or paddle rather than spending every stop in the same position. The equipment is especially useful for a mixed group, since confident swimmers and people who prefer a gentler time on the water can find their own pace.

I like that the gear is available without an extra charge. It makes the fixed charter price easier to understand, since you are paying for more than transport between bays. Still, the boat’s equipment is shared among the group, so a large party may need to take turns if everyone wants the same item at once.

Lunch, the BBQ grill, and what you should bring

Water and soft drinks are included, and the boat has a BBQ grill. You can bring your own food and drinks, use local specialties, or ask about catering in advance. Brunch is not included, and alcoholic drinks are also excluded.

This is an important planning point. An eight-hour day on the water works better when food is decided before departure. You can pack a simple meal, bring ingredients suited to the grill, or arrange catering if that option is available for your booking. The provided information also notes a menu of refreshments may be available onboard, so confirm the choices and prices before sailing.

The BBQ gives the meal a social element, especially for families or friends sharing the boat. It also means you are not tied to finding a restaurant during the day. On the other hand, a grill does not mean a full meal is automatically supplied. You remain responsible for arranging brunch and any preferred snacks.

Alcohol needs separate planning. Since it is not included, bring it only if the operator permits it, or confirm whether it can be purchased or arranged. Water and soft drinks are covered, which is helpful in Malta’s strong sun, but you should still plan for personal dietary needs.

What the $1,800.36 group price really means

The price is $1,800.36 for up to 14 people. Split evenly among a full group, that works out to about $128.60 per person for eight hours. A group of 10 would pay about $180.04 per person, while a smaller party would pay more.

That is not a cheap boat outing, but the comparison should be with a private full-day charter rather than a basic ferry ticket. Fuel, a professional skipper, cleaning before and after, water, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, WiFi, a restroom, and the BBQ grill are included.

The value is strongest when you fill most of the available places. A family of 10 already has room to spread out, and the fixed price avoids buying separate tickets for each person. A group of 14 gets the clearest per-person value.

The extra costs are food, brunch, and alcohol. You should add those to the real budget before booking. Catering can make the day easier, but bringing your own food may keep the total lower if the operator allows it.

The charter is recommended by all listed customers and holds a five-star rating from 21 ratings. The most praised points are practical ones: a boat large enough for a family group, plenty of swimming time, useful equipment, good food options, and a memorable anchorage at St. Paul Island. Those details matter more than a simple star score because they show where the money is most likely to pay off.

Who will get the most from this charter

This trip suits families, groups of friends, and small celebrations that want the boat to themselves. The maximum of 14 is large enough for a family reunion or two connected groups, yet still small enough for everyone to share the same day.

It also works for people who want a blend of activity and rest. You can snorkel, paddle board, and swim, then spend time under shade with a drink. The catamaran is not only for active swimmers.

Most people can take part, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The activity requires good weather, though, so you should keep some flexibility in your Malta plans. If conditions are poor, the operator offers another date or a full refund.

This may not be the right choice if you are traveling alone, as the group price is difficult to justify for one person. It is also less suitable if you want a guaranteed food package, a fixed list of stops, or a short trip that leaves most of the day free.

Booking details and cancellation terms

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the charter is often reserved about 72 days ahead, early planning is sensible for a particular date, especially during Malta’s busiest sailing season.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund.

The mobile ticket is convenient, but keep the booking details accessible on your phone. You should also confirm the assigned skipper, route expectations, food arrangements, and any rules for bringing alcohol before the day begins.

Should you book this Malta catamaran charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a full day built around swimming, bays, and time together. The private setting, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, shaded deck, and included soft drinks make it a practical choice for a relaxed day between Malta, Comino, and Gozo.

I would be especially keen to book it for a family group of 10 to 14. That is where the price makes the most sense, and the boat’s size gives everyone a chance to find a comfortable spot. Ask about St. Paul Island and the day’s likely route, but keep an open mind about the exact stops.

Skip it if you are on a tight budget, need brunch and alcohol included, or want a guaranteed Blue Lagoon visit. For the right group, though, this charter offers the rare luxury of deciding whether the day is about snorkeling, paddle boarding, grilling lunch, or simply staying anchored in a beautiful bay.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran charter start?

It starts at Marina di Valletta, Yacht Marina Malta, at Marina di Valletta Limited Haywharf in Pietà, Malta.

What time does the charter leave?

The catamaran departs at 10:00am.

What time does the boat return?

The charter returns to the meeting point by 6:00pm.

How many people can join the charter?

The catamaran can accommodate up to 14 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the trip.

Are paddle boards available?

Yes. Paddle boards and noodles are available onboard.

Are food and alcoholic drinks included?

No. Brunch and alcoholic beverages are not included. Water and soft drinks are included, and you may bring food or ask about available catering options.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.