8-Hour Catamaran Charter from Valletta, Malta

The best part of this private catamaran charter is the freedom to make the Maltese coast your swimming pool for the day. You leave Marina di Valletta at 10am, settle into the sun or shade, and spend the next eight hours moving between inviting bays around Malta, Comino, and Gozo.

I like the small maximum group of 14, which gives you room to spread out rather than sharing a crowded excursion boat. I also like the practical extras: paddle boards, snorkeling gear, noodles, water, soft drinks, a barbecue grill, and a restroom are all on board. The main consideration is the price, $1,800.36 per group, so it makes the most sense when shared by a full family or group of friends. Alcohol and brunch cost extra.

Key points for your day on the water

• 10am to 6pm: The full-day schedule gives you plenty of time for swimming, sailing, and relaxed stops.
• Up to 14 people: A private charter works best for families, couples traveling together, or a close-knit group.
• Blue Lagoon and beyond: Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon may be included, along with bays around Malta and Gozo.
• Captain-led route: Your professional skipper selects suitable anchorages, with Captain Jack named as one skipper connected with memorable outings.
• Equipment included: Snorkels, paddle boards, noodles, a barbecue grill, WiFi, and a restroom are available on board.
• Food is flexible: Bring your own meal and drinks, order catering in advance where available, or use the onboard refreshment menu.

Leaving Valletta at 10am

Your day begins at Marina di Valletta, at Yacht Marina Malta in Haywharf, Pietà. The boat returns to this same meeting point at about 6pm, so you are not juggling a second pickup location at the end of the day.

That fixed eight-hour window is useful. You get a proper full day on the water, not a short harbor cruise with one rushed swim. The first part of the trip lets you settle into the boat and take in the Maltese coast before the main stops begin.

The catamaran is supplied with fuel, and a professional skipper handles the sailing. That matters on a private charter because you can focus on your group instead of navigation and anchoring. The skipper also has a role in shaping the day, since the exact bays visited can vary.

You should think of the route as flexible rather than a strict checklist. The Blue Lagoon on Comino may be part of the plan, but the boat can also anchor in bays around Malta and Gozo. That flexibility is useful when your group would rather spend longer in a good swimming spot than race toward every name on a map.

A catamaran built for swimming and sun

The main attraction here is simple: you get a floating base for a full day of sea time. You can stretch out on deck, find a shaded area, or move between the two as the sun changes.

The boat is described as an Excess 12 catamaran, with room for a maximum of 14 people. A catamaran gives you several places to sit and relax, and the two-hull design is well suited to a laid-back day where some people want to sunbathe while others are in the water.

That group limit is one of the strongest reasons to consider this charter. Ten people, for example, still leaves enough room for swimming gear and food without making the boat feel like a packed public ferry. A full group of 14 can make the price easier to justify, though anyone seeking a quiet two-person sailing day may find the boat and price excessive.

The boat also has a restroom, WiFi, and cleaning before and after the charter. Those are small comforts, but they make a long day at sea easier, especially for families and mixed-age groups.

Swimming stops around Malta, Comino, and Gozo

The itinerary is built around bays rather than formal sightseeing stops. You may anchor at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, or stop at other bays near Malta and Gozo.

The appeal of these stops is the water itself. You can swim straight from the catamaran, use the noodles for easy floating, or pick up the snorkeling equipment to look below the surface. Paddle boards add another option for people who want to move away from the boat without spending the whole stop swimming.

A private charter lets you match the stop to your group. Strong swimmers can head for the snorkeling gear, while others can stay aboard in the shade. If one bay is too busy or simply does not suit your group, the skipper may choose another anchorage, subject to the day’s conditions and route.

The Blue Lagoon is the obvious headline stop, but it should not be the only reason you book. Its popularity can mean a lively setting, and the exact timing and anchorage are not promised. The wider route around Malta and Gozo is what gives the day its value. You are not limited to one famous cove.

One particularly memorable outing stopped at St. Paul Island, described as a beautiful anchorage and a perfect place for the day. That gives you a useful sense of what the charter can offer: not just a pass by Malta’s coast, but time anchored in a scenic spot with a chance to swim and relax.

Snorkeling, paddle boards, and noodles on board

The included equipment turns the charter into more than a sightseeing cruise. Snorkeling gear is available for exploring beneath the surface, while paddle boards let you spend time above the water without staying on the catamaran.

Noodles are a good touch for less confident swimmers or anyone who wants to float without effort. You can also simply use the deck as a base, which keeps the day from becoming an activity marathon.

I would pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and any personal items you prefer for a long day outside. The supplied information confirms water and soft drinks, but not alcoholic drinks, so bring or arrange anything beyond those inclusions according to the operator’s instructions.

The equipment is shared among the group, not a personal set for each person. With a large party, you may need to take turns with paddle boards and snorkeling items. That is not a serious problem on an eight-hour charter, but it is worth setting expectations before boarding.

Food, drinks, and the onboard barbecue

Meals are not included, but the charter gives you several ways to handle lunch. You can bring your own food and drinks, choose refreshments from an onboard menu, or ask about arranging catering in advance.

The barbecue grill is included, which opens the door to a relaxed meal at anchor. You might bring local specialties or familiar picnic food, then eat it with the coast around you rather than in a restaurant. The supplied details do not confirm that ingredients, cooking service, or tableware are included, so clarify those points before relying on the barbecue for lunch.

Unlimited water and soft drinks are included. Alcoholic beverages are not, and brunch is also excluded. This split keeps the base price clear, but it means you should budget for extra drinks, food, or catering if you want a more elaborate meal.

For a group, bringing food can be the better-value choice. It lets you control the menu and avoids turning a full day at sea into a series of small purchases. If you want a hands-off outing, ask about the available menu or advance catering when you book.

What the $1,800.36 group price really means

The listed price is $1,800.36 for the whole group, up to 14 people. Divided among 14, that works out to roughly $129 per person. A group of 10 would pay about $180 per person, while a smaller party pays much more.

That is not a bargain-priced boat ride, but it includes the catamaran, skipper, fuel, cleaning, water, soft drinks, equipment, and the full eight-hour booking. You are paying for privacy and control as much as for transport.

The value improves when you have a family reunion, a birthday group, or several friends traveling together. You can choose how much time to spend swimming, eating, resting, or using the equipment. A public cruise may cost less per person, but it usually gives you less control over the group setting and schedule.

I would compare the cost with your actual group size before booking. If only four or five people are going, ask yourself whether a private catamaran is worth the premium. With 10 to 14 people, the price becomes easier to defend, particularly if you would otherwise book several separate activities.

The advance booking pattern also matters. This charter averages booking about 72 days ahead, so popular dates may not remain open close to your trip. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours and remains subject to availability.

Captain Jack and the feel of a private day

The experience depends partly on the skipper. Captain Jack is specifically associated with an outing that anchored at St. Paul Island, where the setting made the day especially memorable.

You are not buying a self-guided boat rental. A professional skipper is included, along with fuel and boat cleaning. That removes the work of operating the catamaran and gives your group someone to manage the sailing side of the day.

The skipper also helps keep the experience practical. You can ask about the best place for a swim, where to use the paddle boards, or how long to stay at a particular bay. Since weather affects the trip, the skipper’s judgment matters when deciding where the boat can safely anchor.

Do not expect a rigid sightseeing tour with a spoken explanation at every turn. The core experience is time on the water. If your priority is beaches, swimming, and a private boat, that is a strength. If you want a detailed cultural tour of Malta’s history and towns, you will need a separate activity.

Who will enjoy this charter most

This is a strong match for groups that want one shared day rather than several smaller excursions. Families can mix swimming, shade, food, and easy floating without splitting up. Friends can use the boat as a private base for a full day around the islands.

It also suits people who value flexibility. The route can include the Blue Lagoon, but other bays around Malta and Gozo are possible too. That makes the charter less dependent on one famous stop.

You should be comfortable with a water-centered day. The main pleasures are sailing, anchoring, swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and relaxing on deck. If you dislike boats or want a packed schedule of land attractions, this is probably not the right choice.

The 10am start and 6pm return create a long day, so plan accordingly. Most people can participate, and the meeting point is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not provide specific accessibility information for the catamaran itself. Ask the provider if anyone in your group has mobility needs.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff follows local Malta time.

Because the charter is weather dependent and often booked well ahead, choose your date carefully. Keep the provider’s contact details handy after booking, especially if the forecast looks uncertain.

Should you book this Malta catamaran charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and you want a relaxed private day with real time for swimming. The combination of a professional skipper, flexible bays, Blue Lagoon access, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, a barbecue grill, and a full eight hours makes it a strong choice for a group vacation.

Think twice if you are a small party on a tight budget, or if you want a land-based tour packed with monuments and historical commentary. The value comes from privacy, comfort, and time at sea, not from a long list of guided sights.

For a family of 10 or a full group of 14, I would consider it a practical splurge. Bring food or arrange catering, confirm the plan for alcoholic drinks, and reserve early. If the weather cooperates, this gives you a comfortable way to see Malta, Comino, Gozo, and the bays between them at your own pace.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran charter start?

The charter starts at Marina di Valletta, Yacht Marina Malta, Marina di Valletta Limited Haywharf, Pietà, Malta.

What time does the charter depart and return?

Departure is at 10:00am, and the catamaran returns to the same meeting point by about 6:00pm.

How many people can join the charter?

The catamaran accommodates a maximum of 14 people.

Is the Blue Lagoon included?

The route may include the Blue Lagoon on Comino. The catamaran may also anchor at bays around Malta and Gozo.

Is food included?

Brunch is not included. You can bring your own food and drinks, use the onboard refreshment menu, or ask about advance catering.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddle boards included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards are available for use on board. Noodles are also listed among the onboard equipment.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.