8-Hour Catamaran Charter from Valletta, Malta

This is the kind of Malta day that feels like you switched locations, not just visited one. You start in Valletta, then spend hours cruising and anchoring along dramatic coastlines, with snorkeling gear ready when the water calls.

I also love how hands-on the experience is, because you sail with your very own professional skipper, and in one memorable case that skipper was Capt. Jack. One more thing to plan for: this trip depends on good weather, and you’ll want to think ahead for meals since alcohol and brunch are not included.

Key highlights worth clocking

• Up to 14 on board means swim breaks feel organized, not chaotic
• Your own professional skipper (Capt. Jack mentioned by name) handles anchoring and timing
• Snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and noodles are included so you can get in the water quickly
• BBQ grill onboard, plus unlimited water and soft drinks to keep the day moving
• WiFi and a restroom are built in, which is a real quality-of-life win on a full 8 hours

Why this Valletta to Comino day feels different

An 8-hour catamaran charter is a simple idea: you don’t rush from one viewpoint to another. You spend the day on the water, with long stretches where you can actually relax, find shade when you want it, then jump in when you feel like it.

What makes this charter especially appealing is the balance. You’re not just sightseeing, you’re doing the water part too. There’s time for snorkeling and paddle boarding, and the boat has comfort basics onboard like a restroom and WiFi. Add the fact that you return the same day, back to Marina di Valletta, and it’s an easy fit into a Malta itinerary without turning the trip into a logistics project.

Price-wise, you’re paying for a small-group charter style of day at sea. At up to 14 people per group, it’s often good value compared with piecemeal tours that charge per person for the same type of time on the water.

The boat basics that make or break a charter

You’ll be on a catamaran with a stated 14-guest maximum for the group. That size matters. It usually means you can get to the swim areas without playing follow-the-crowd, and you can spread out on deck instead of feeling like you’re on top of strangers.

This charter includes a lot of the stuff that usually costs extra on other boat days:

• Professional skipper
• Fuel
• Boat cleaning before and after the charter
• Unlimited water and soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddle boards
• Noodles
• BBQ grill
• WiFi onboard
• Restroom onboard

Practical note: since snorkeling and paddle boards are included, you should plan to bring swimwear that dries fast, plus any reef-safe items you like. The essentials are covered, but your comfort items are still on you.

Getting started in Valletta: your 10:00 am departure plan

Your meeting point is Marina di Valletta, Yacht Marina Malta, Limited Haywharf, Pietà, Malta. You start at 10:00 am and you’re back at the meeting point by around 6:00 pm.

Because the departure is midday-ish but still not late, I suggest you arrive early enough to settle in without stress. Also, Malta sun is no joke in the middle of the day, so think about what you’ll want right at boarding time: sunscreen, a hat, and something light for shade.

The charter uses a mobile ticket, which is usually smooth. Still, I’d keep your confirmation handy on your phone screen even if you’re used to everything being “tap and go.”

Your time at Comino’s Blue Lagoon area: swim-ready pacing

One stop you can count on is the Blue Lagoon on Comino. This is where you’ll want to be ready to do the main “water activities” part of the day.

Here’s how to think about the timing: on an 8-hour charter, your best results come from treating each anchoring period like a mini-chunk of time. When you’re told you’ll have time for snorkeling or swimming, go early in that window. The water is gorgeous, and gear is included, so you won’t lose your momentum hunting for what you need.

A smart approach:

• Snorkel first if you’re excited about marine life, then come up for a longer deck break
• Use paddle boards in the calmer pockets where the water feels friendlier
• Take shade breaks before you feel cooked, not after

If you’re traveling with kids, this is also a good segment to rotate activities. The included noodles and paddle boards help everyone participate without you having to source extra equipment.

Anchoring around Malta and Gozo: St. Paul’s Island as a highlight

Beyond Comino, the charter may anchor at breathtaking bays around Malta and Gozo. Even though the exact bay list isn’t spelled out in the details you have, the pattern is consistent: you’re stopping in the kinds of places that make boat days worth it. Clear water for swimming, scenery from the deck, and time to hang out without rushing.

One specific anchor area that really stands out is St. Paul’s Island. In a story shared about the day, the skipper dropped anchor there and it turned into a standout location for a memorable trip.

What I like about bays like this is that they reward a slow mindset. You’re not just passing by, you’re giving yourself time to float, swim, and notice the water color shift as light changes.

Possible drawback to consider: bays can change with wind. If the sea is choppy, the skipper may choose a different anchoring area or adjust how long you stay put. That’s not a failure, it’s how you keep the day comfortable and safe.

BBQ and drinks: how to plan a stress-free meal day

The boat has a BBQ grill, and you’ll have unlimited water and soft drinks on board. That’s a solid base for a full day at sea.

But you should plan for the part that’s not covered:

• Alcoholic beverages are not included
• Brunch is not included

So your meal strategy is likely one of two paths:

1. Bring your own food and drinks, and use the BBQ grill if you want a hot meal moment.
2. If your group prefers to buy food elsewhere, you still need to eat before boarding or bring your own on board, since brunch isn’t provided.

If you want the day to feel like a vacation, bring a simple food plan. Think sandwich-friendly items, fruit, and snacks that do not turn into a sticky mess in the sun. Also pack a couple of things for comfort: wet wipes, a small towel, and a dry bag if you’re carrying a phone.

Snorkeling and paddle boards: included gear, simple success

This is one of the best parts of the charter because snorkeling equipment and paddle boards are included, plus noodles are onboard. That removes the most annoying step for most people: paying extra or figuring out where to rent.

To make snorkeling more fun:

• Do a quick practice at the start if you’re new, so you’re confident before you settle in
• Put on sunscreen before you go in, then reapply after you come up
• Keep your snorkel time in chunks, not one long grind, so you can enjoy the view

For paddle boards, you’ll have the most relaxing time if you match your expectations to the water. If it’s slightly choppy, go slower and keep your body centered. If it’s calm, you’ll feel like you’re floating between Malta and the sky.

Small extra tip: since WiFi is available, you might be tempted to scroll constantly. I’d use WiFi mainly for navigation basics, photo backup, or short check-ins. This is one of those days where you’ll remember the water more than your feed.

Comfort details that matter on an 8-hour charter

An 8-hour trip is long enough that small conveniences stop being small. This one includes a restroom on board, which is a big deal for families and for anyone who gets uncomfortable after a couple hours on the water.

WiFi onboard is also listed. That’s handy for:

• confirming your next step on shore
• uploading photos while you’re still fresh, not while you’re rushing later
• keeping kids occupied when they want a screen break

And then there’s the comfort you can control yourself: bring a cover-up for shade, and wear sandals or shoes that work on wet decks. A catamaran deck can be slick, especially after swimming time.

Price and value: what you’re really buying for $1,800.36

The price is listed as $1,800.36 per group, up to 14 people. If your group fills the boat, the math is roughly about $129 per person. Even if you don’t fill every seat, you’re still paying for a full charter with a professional skipper, fuel, and boat cleaning included.

What makes this value feel real is the mix of inclusions:

• Equipment for snorkeling and paddle boarding
• Unlimited water and soft drinks
• BBQ grill access
• Restroom and WiFi
• Fuel and cleaning

Other boat days often charge separately for some of these, especially when they include water time activities. Here, you’re paying a single group rate for the day, which can make budgeting easier if you’re traveling with friends or family.

One more value point: the experience is often booked about 72 days in advance on average. That tells me it’s a popular way to structure a Malta day, so if you have dates in mind, don’t wait until the last minute.

Who should book this charter

This charter is a strong fit for:

• Families who want an all-in-one water day with snorkeling gear and restroom onboard
• Groups who want to split the cost of a small charter
• People who like their travel days active, but not complicated
• Anyone who wants to see Comino’s Blue Lagoon area plus additional bays around Malta and Gozo in one shot

Most people can participate, and the trip is built around swimming windows and deck downtime, which makes it flexible for different energy levels.

If you hate boat days, or you only want one short photo stop and zero water activities, this may feel like too much time at sea. But if you enjoy a proper chunk of ocean time, it’s a great format.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran charter?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the charter start and end?

It departs at 10:00 am and returns by around 6:00 pm.

Where do we meet for the activity?

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

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum capacity is 14 guests.

What’s included with the charter?

Snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, noodles, BBQ grill, WiFi on board, restroom on board, unlimited water and soft drinks, a professional skipper, fuel, and cleaning before and after the charter.

Are snorkeling and paddle boards included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards are included, along with noodles.

Is WiFi available onboard?

Yes, WiFi is available on board.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should you book this charter?

If your ideal Malta day includes a real chunk of time on the water, plus built-in snorkeling and paddle boarding, this charter is easy to get excited about. The value is especially strong when you’re sharing the group cost, and the inclusions, like the BBQ grill, restroom, and unlimited soft drinks, take away the annoying planning.

The only real reason to hesitate is weather risk. If your schedule is tight and you cannot move dates, build a little flexibility into your Malta plan. Otherwise, this is one of those “do it once and you’ll be glad you did” formats, especially for groups that want both relaxation and water time in the same day.