8-Hour Catamaran Charter from Valletta, Malta

The best part of this private catamaran charter is the freedom to spend a full day at sea without being tied to one crowded route. You can swim at clear-water bays, paddle, snorkel, stretch out in the sun, or retreat to the shade while your skipper handles the boat. St. Paul Island is one possible anchorage, along with the Blue Lagoon and bays near Malta or Gozo.

I like the generous 14-person capacity, which makes the $1,800.36 group price much easier to justify for a family or large group. I also like the practical onboard setup: paddle boards, snorkeling gear, noodles, a BBQ grill, WiFi, a restroom, water, and soft drinks are all provided.

The main consideration is that the exact route depends on conditions and the skipper’s plan for the day. Alcohol and brunch are not included, and eight hours in the sun can feel long if your group would rather sightsee on land than swim and lounge.

Key points to know before booking

• A full private day on the water: The charter runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving you time for several swimming stops rather than one quick visit.
• Possible stops beyond the Blue Lagoon: The route may include St. Paul Island and bays around Malta and Gozo, depending on conditions.
• Good equipment for an active day: Snorkeling gear, paddle boards, noodles, and a BBQ grill are available on board.
• Best value for a full group: The price covers up to 14 people, so the per-person cost is about $129 when the boat is full.
• Food planning matters: Water and soft drinks are included, but brunch and alcohol are not. Bring your own supplies or arrange food ahead of time.
• Captain Jack is associated with a memorable St. Paul Island trip: If he is your skipper, ask about the day’s most sheltered and scenic anchorage.

Setting sail from Valletta at 10 a.m.

You meet at Marina di Valletta, at Yacht Marina Malta on Haywharf in Pietà. The charter starts at 10 a.m. and returns to the same marina by about 6 p.m., so plan on a full eight-hour outing rather than a short morning cruise.

That timing works well for Malta’s warm, bright days. You get a relaxed start, several hours for swimming, and enough daylight for the return trip. I would arrive with your group ready to board, since the time on the water is the main reason to book this experience.

The boat is an Excess12 catamaran, a practical choice for a group day at sea. A catamaran gives you room to spread out, with deck space for sunbathing and shaded areas for anyone who wants a break from the heat. With a maximum of 14 people, the boat feels more like a private outing than a large excursion, although the amount of personal space will depend on how many people you bring.

A professional skipper is included. You do not need to handle the boat, fuel, or cleaning. That lets your group focus on the day instead of the practical work involved in operating a charter.

Choosing between sun, shade, and the water

The day is built around flexibility. You can sit on deck, use the shaded areas, or get into the water when the boat anchors. This is especially useful for a mixed group, since not everyone wants the same pace all day.

I like that the charter includes more than one way to enjoy the sea. You can use the snorkeling equipment to look below the surface, take a paddle board out for a calmer workout, or use a noodle for easy floating. If some people want to swim while others prefer to sit with a drink, the catamaran gives everyone a place to settle in.

The equipment also saves you from packing bulky gear. Still, I would bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a hat, and any personal snorkel mask you strongly prefer. The supplied equipment is included, but personal fit and comfort can vary.

WiFi is available on board, which is handy for checking messages or sharing a photo. I would treat it as a useful extra rather than the reason to choose the trip. The real value is the time outside, away from Malta’s roads and busy waterfronts.

St. Paul Island and the possible swimming stops

St. Paul Island is one of the most appealing possible stops. It offers a scenic place to anchor and swim, and one especially memorable day included an anchorage there under Captain Jack. The island gives the outing a sense of place that you do not get from simply staying near the marina.

The precise order and number of stops are not fixed. The catamaran may also head toward the Blue Lagoon on Comino or bays around Malta and Gozo. That flexibility is useful because the skipper can consider the day’s conditions and choose a suitable place to stop.

The Blue Lagoon is the best-known name on this route, but it is not the only reason to book the charter. Its fame can mean more activity around the water, while a less famous bay may offer a calmer setting. If your priority is the iconic Comino stop, ask about the planned route before departure. If you mainly want swimming time and a pleasant anchorage, the flexible schedule may suit you better.

At each stop, you can expect time for swimming and snorkeling rather than a formal guided visit on land. This is a sea day, not a sightseeing bus with a list of timed monuments. You will get the most from it if your idea of Malta includes clear water, open views, and a slow afternoon under the sun.

What the onboard equipment adds

The included gear makes the charter more than a simple boat ride. Snorkeling equipment lets you inspect the water around the anchorage, while paddle boards offer a more active way to spend time away from the catamaran. Noodles are a small but useful touch for anyone who wants to float without much effort.

The BBQ grill adds another option for the day. Food is not included as brunch, so you need to plan your own meal. You can bring food and drinks, choose refreshments from an onboard menu, or ask about catering in advance. Some groups may prefer to bring local specialties and make the meal part of the outing.

I would settle the food plan before boarding. A group of up to 14 can go through supplies quickly, and no one wants to spend the first hour debating who brought what. Water and soft drinks are included without limit, which covers the basics, but alcohol is not provided.

The BBQ is best viewed as a useful facility rather than a promise of a cooked meal. Confirm your food arrangements in advance if you want to use it, especially if your group expects a proper lunch. This is one area where a little planning can make the day feel much smoother.

Is $1,800.36 a fair price?

The price is $1,800.36 per group, for up to 14 people. At full capacity, that works out to roughly $129 per person. For a private eight-hour charter with a skipper, fuel, cleaning, water, soft drinks, equipment, and the use of the catamaran, that is a reasonable group price.

The value falls if only a few people are sharing the boat. A group of six would pay around $300 per person, before adding food and any alcohol. For a small party, a shared boat option may cost less, if one is available. For a family reunion, birthday, wedding group, or group of friends, the fixed price is easier to divide.

Fuel is included, as are cleaning before and after the charter. Those details matter because they prevent common add-on costs from appearing at the end of the day. You are paying for private use of the boat, not just a seat on a scheduled cruise.

I would choose this charter when privacy and time matter more than getting the lowest possible fare. If you want to control the atmosphere, bring your own food, and decide how long to swim at each stop, the cost has a clear purpose.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day most?

This trip suits a group that wants a relaxed day with plenty of water time. Families can use the shaded areas and noodles, while confident swimmers can take the paddle boards or snorkel. Friends can share the fixed group cost and turn the BBQ into a social meal.

It also works well for people who have already seen Malta’s main land attractions and want a different view of the islands. From the water, you spend less time moving between sites and more time in one attractive bay at a time.

I would be more cautious about booking it for anyone who dislikes boats, strong sun, or an unstructured day. The itinerary is intentionally flexible, and the main activities are swimming, snorkeling, paddling, eating, and relaxing. If you want museums, churches, or a detailed guided tour, spend this day on land instead.

The charter is also weather-dependent. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. That protection is helpful, but it also means you should keep some flexibility in your Malta schedule.

Practical details that affect your day

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The experience is available with a mobile ticket, and the marina is near public transportation.

The meeting point is Marina di Valletta, Yacht Marina Malta, Marina di Valletta Limited Haywharf, Pietà, Malta. The activity ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer from another harbor.

Most people can take part, but the day centers on getting on and off the boat, using water equipment, and spending time at anchor. If anyone in your group has special needs, check with the provider before booking rather than assuming the boat setup will suit them.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Cutoff times use local Malta time, so keep that in mind if you are booking from abroad.

The operator has a perfect five-star rating from 21 published ratings, with all recommending the experience. The strongest praise centers on the boat’s size, the amount of swimming time, the equipment, the food option, and the beauty of the anchorage at St. Paul Island. Those points match what the trip is designed to do well: give a private group a comfortable base for a long day at sea.

Should you book this Malta catamaran charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the fixed cost and want a private day built around swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and food. I especially like it for families or friends who want more control than a standard group cruise allows.

Before paying, decide how many people are coming, ask about the likely route, and arrange your food. If the Blue Lagoon is essential, confirm whether it is planned for your date, since the route can change. Also remember that alcohol and brunch are not included.

For a full group that values time on the water, this is a strong way to see Malta, Comino, Gozo, and nearby bays. For a small party or anyone seeking a land-based cultural tour, the price and format may not be the right fit.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The meeting point is Marina di Valletta, Yacht Marina Malta, Marina di Valletta Limited Haywharf, Pietà, Malta.

What time does the charter start and finish?

The catamaran departs at 10 a.m. and returns to the meeting point by about 6 p.m. The experience lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The catamaran can accommodate up to 14 guests.

What is included on board?

The charter includes a professional skipper, fuel, cleaning before and after the trip, unlimited water and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, noodles, a BBQ grill, WiFi, and a restroom.

Are food and alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic beverages and brunch are not included. You can bring your own food and drinks, choose refreshments from an onboard menu, or ask about arranging catering in advance.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.