Malta: Catamaran Private Day Charter with Skipper

Malta looks best from the water. This private catamaran charter gives you eight hours to cruise Malta, Comino, and Gozo with an experienced skipper, room to spread out, and a route shaped around the weather. I especially like the private group format and the two included paddleboards, which make the day feel more personal than a crowded sightseeing boat.

I also like the practical extras: fuel, snorkeling masks, Bluetooth audio, and unlimited mineral water are included. The main consideration is cost. At $1,348 for up to 15 people, it is good value for a full group, but expensive for just two or three guests. Food and drinks are extra, and one otherwise positive booking noted that the fish could have been better.

Key points to know before booking

• Eight hours on a private catamaran: You get the boat for your own group, with an experienced skipper handling the route and sailing.
• Comino is the likely focus: Possible stops include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and nearby caves.
• The route can change: Weather and sea conditions determine the final plan, and the captain can adjust the day for safety.
• Good water equipment is included: Two stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling masks, and unlimited mineral water come with the charter.
• Bring your own picnic or buy catering: Food and drinks are not included, but you can use the on-board fridges.
• Best for a healthy, social group: People prone to seasickness, non-swimmers, and those with mobility or back problems may find it unsuitable.

Why a private catamaran works well in Malta

A private boat changes the rhythm of a sea day. Instead of following a large group from one fixed stop to another, you can settle into the catamaran, swim when the water looks inviting, and spend more time at the bays your group likes best.

The catamaran design matters here. Two hulls usually mean a broad, stable platform with plenty of deck space. The boats used for this charter are modern models selected according to group size, with wide lounging areas, bright interiors, large windows, and indoor and outdoor seating.

That gives you options during the day. You can lie out on the foredeck, sit in the cockpit for shade, or use the indoor space when you want a break from the sun. Some models also have an upper flybridge, though that feature is not promised on every boat.

The private setting is especially useful for families and groups of friends. You can connect your own music by Bluetooth, bring drinks for the fridge, and avoid sharing the boat with strangers. The mood can be quiet and easy, or more social and festive, depending on your group.

Still, this is not a luxury hotel at sea. You should expect a boat day, with sun, wind, salt water, movement, and limited personal space compared with being on land. Pack thoughtfully and listen to the skipper’s advice.

Starting at Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex

The charter begins at Roland Marina Pontoon D, at 34 Ir-Rampa Ta’ Xbiex. Look for the marina pontoon rather than simply arriving at the street address and assuming the boat will be obvious.

The host speaks English, and the skipper provides the safety briefing before the boat gets underway. That briefing is more than a formality. It is your chance to learn where the safety equipment is, how to move around the deck, and how the captain wants you to use the paddleboards and snorkeling gear.

Shoes are not allowed on board, including indoors. High heels are also prohibited, so arrive ready to go barefoot. You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Food and drinks are your responsibility unless you arrange a catered package.

The boat includes fridges, which makes bringing a packed lunch much easier. Mineral water is unlimited, but other drinks are not included. If you bring alcohol, use good judgment, since intoxication is not allowed and the skipper remains responsible for safety.

Four hours around Comino

The listed route gives Comino about four hours, including cruising, sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and possible food time. That is enough for a proper look at the island rather than a quick photo stop, though the exact order depends on the captain and sea conditions.

Comino is the natural center of this charter because its bays offer several ways to enjoy the water. The Blue Lagoon is the famous name, but it is not the only possible stop. Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, and San Niklaw Bay may also feature in the route.

Each bay offers a slightly different reason to stop. The Blue Lagoon is known for clear water and dramatic scenery. It can also be the busiest and most visually familiar place on the route, so do not assume it will provide a quiet anchorage.

Crystal Lagoon gives you another setting for swimming and snorkeling. Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay may feel like calmer alternatives, depending on the day and the boat traffic. The captain decides where the catamaran can safely stop.

Nearby caves add variety to the cruise. From the boat, you can take in the rock formations and coastline without committing the entire day to one swimming location. The route may also include marine life and wildlife viewing, though no particular animal sighting is guaranteed.

The included snorkeling masks are useful for a quick look below the surface. Two stand-up paddleboards add a more active option, but they are shared among your group. With up to 15 people, not everyone will use one at the same time.

That is worth considering when you plan the day. If your group is large, agree on a simple rotation for the paddleboards. The same applies to snorkeling masks and the best lounging spots. A little courtesy keeps a private charter pleasant for everyone.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time on deck

The strongest part of this experience is the freedom to combine activity with doing very little. You can swim from the boat, paddle near the catamaran, snorkel with the supplied masks, or remain on deck with a drink and watch the coastline pass.

The two hulls provide a generous outdoor area, and the boat has seating for both socializing and relaxing. One verified booking praised the large amount of room and seating, which is important on a full eight-hour day. A cramped boat can turn a beautiful route into hard work. This charter is designed to avoid that problem.

A sound system with Bluetooth connection lets you provide the music. Keep the volume considerate, especially if your group chooses a peaceful route or the skipper needs to communicate instructions.

The boat’s stability is another practical advantage. Catamarans can feel steadier than many narrow single-hull boats, but no vessel is completely free from movement. If you are prone to seasickness, the open sea may still be uncomfortable. People with motion sickness are specifically advised against booking.

You should also be comfortable getting in and out of the water. The charter is not suitable for non-swimmers, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments. Electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.

A northbound or southbound day

The most likely northern plan heads toward Comino. That option gives you the famous lagoons, several possible bays, and a chance to see caves along the coast. It is the better choice if your group wants the classic Malta swimming experience.

A southbound route offers a different set of stops. Possible locations include Ħofriet, St. Peter’s Pool, and St. Thomas Bay. These places give the skipper room to adapt the day when the northern route is less suitable.

The important point is that the listed stops are possibilities, not fixed promises. Weather, wind, and sea conditions can change the plan. The captain has final say, and that is exactly what you want on a private boat. A route that looks perfect in a booking description may not be safe or comfortable in the actual conditions.

If a particular bay matters to you, mention it early. The itinerary is intended to be flexible, but the skipper may need to change direction. Think of the named locations as a menu of possible areas rather than a checklist you are guaranteed to complete.

Food, drinks, and the real cost

The price is $1,348 for a group of up to 15 people. That works out to about $90 per person if you fill every place, before food and other drinks. For a large family or group of friends, that can be a fair price for a private boat, skipper, fuel, water equipment, and a full eight hours.

For a small group, the arithmetic changes. Two people would be paying roughly $674 each, and four people about $337 each. At that point, you should compare the comfort and privacy of a private charter with a shared boat trip.

Food and drinks are not part of the base price. You can bring your own supplies and store them in the fridges, or choose a catered food package. This flexibility is useful because some groups prefer a simple picnic, while others want a prepared meal.

One recent booking found the food generally good but thought the fish could have been better. That is a helpful reminder not to book the catering package solely for a promised culinary experience. If seafood quality matters greatly to you, bring food you already know your group will enjoy or ask what the selected menu includes before paying extra.

Unlimited mineral water is included, which is a small but valuable detail under the Malta sun. You still need to bring your preferred soft drinks, coffee, or alcoholic beverages if you want them.

What the crew adds to the day

The experienced skipper is included in the price, as are fuel and the on-board amenities. You are not expected to handle navigation or manage the route yourself. The crew takes care of the sailing while you focus on the sea day.

A strong skipper also makes the flexible itinerary useful. The captain can judge which bay is practical, where the boat can anchor safely, and when it is time to move on. That judgment matters more than forcing every advertised location into the schedule.

The available feedback is especially positive about the crew. One booking described the crew as amazing and said they made an already excellent day better. Another noted a punctual departure and return, along with sufficient drinks on board.

Those details matter because an eight-hour charter has plenty of room for small problems to grow. A late start cuts into swimming time. Poor communication can make a private boat feel awkward. Professional handling helps the day keep its relaxed pace.

Who should book this charter?

I would consider this a strong choice for a group that values privacy, open-air space, and control over the day. Families with confident swimmers, couples traveling with friends, and larger groups celebrating a special occasion can make good use of the boat.

It is also a good fit if you want more than sightseeing from the rail of a boat. The paddleboards and snorkeling masks give you ways to use the water, while the spacious decks let non-swimmers relax nearby.

This is a weaker choice for anyone who dislikes boat movement or wants a tightly scheduled sightseeing program. You will not receive a guaranteed list of stops, and weather may change the route. It is also not suitable for unaccompanied minors, people with mobility limitations, non-swimmers, or anyone likely to become seasick.

Smoking indoors, littering, making fires, and fireworks are not allowed. Shoes must stay off, and intoxication is prohibited. These rules are normal for a well-run charter, but a group looking for an uncontrolled party boat should choose something else.

Booking details that matter

The charter lasts eight hours, with starting times based on availability. The boat returns to 34 Ir-Rampa Ta’ Xbiex after the day at sea.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some flexibility while finalizing your Malta plans.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and food and drinks. Keep valuables limited, since a boat deck is not the place for a large bag of unnecessary items. Most of all, bring patience for a route that may change with the sea.

Should you book the Malta catamaran charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the price and want a private day built around swimming, scenery, and time on deck. The skipper, fuel, paddleboards, snorkeling masks, Bluetooth audio, fridges, and unlimited water make the package more useful than a bare boat rental.

I would be more cautious with a small group, a non-swimmer, or anyone prone to motion sickness. You should also budget separately for food and drinks, and treat the Comino stops as flexible possibilities rather than fixed guarantees.

For the right group, this is a comfortable way to see Malta’s northern coast without rushing from one shore stop to another. The spacious boat, capable crew, and freedom to shape the day are the main reasons to choose it.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran charter?

The charter lasts eight hours, including the cruise and time spent visiting possible swimming and sightseeing locations.

Where does the charter begin?

It begins at 34 Ir-Rampa Ta’ Xbiex. You should look for Roland Marina Pontoon D.

Is the catamaran private?

Yes. The experience is for a private group, with space for up to 15 people.

Is a skipper included?

Yes. An experienced skipper is included in the price.

What equipment is included?

The charter includes two stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling masks, a Bluetooth sound system, use of the on-board amenities, fuel, and unlimited mineral water.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You may bring your own supplies and use the fridges, or select a catered food package.

Which places might the boat visit?

A northbound route may include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and nearby caves. A southbound route may include Ħofriet, St. Peter’s Pool, and St. Thomas Bay.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The route is a sample plan and may change because of weather or safety conditions. The captain makes the final decision.

Who should not book this activity?

It is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, motion sickness, seasickness, or for non-swimmers. Unaccompanied minors and people using electric wheelchairs are also not accepted.