Review · BOAT TRIPS IN NORTHERN MALTA
Exclusive Catamaran Charter
Malta looks best from the water. This private catamaran charter gives your group eight hours to cruise Malta, Comino, and possibly Gozo, with time for swimming, snorkeling, music, and quiet sunbathing. I especially like the private setting and the generous collection of onboard gear, including paddle boards, inflatables, noodles, and snorkeling equipment.
I also like the freedom to bring your own food and drinks instead of being locked into a fixed menu. The main consideration is the price: $1,555 per group, which is strong value for 14 people but costly for a small party. The Blue Lagoon may be part of the day, but the exact bays and anchorage points can vary.
In This Review
- Key points to know before booking
- Why a private catamaran makes sense in Malta
- Setting off at 10am from Marina di Valletta
- Cruising past Malta’s bays
- Comino swimming and snorkeling
- Lunch, drinks, and your own music
- Space, shade, and onboard equipment
- How the $1,555 price compares in practical terms
- Who will enjoy this charter most
- Cancellation, timing, and small practical details
- Should you book the Malta catamaran charter?
- FAQ
- How long is the catamaran charter?
- How many people can join the private charter?
- What is included in the price?
- Is food included?
- Can I visit the Blue Lagoon?
- Where does the catamaran depart?
- Is the tour conducted in English?
- What should I bring?
- Can I cancel the booking?
Key points to know before booking

- Private space for up to 14 people: You get the entire catamaran for your own group, rather than sharing deck space with strangers.
- A full 10am to 6pm day: Eight hours gives you time for more than one swim stop and a relaxed lunch onboard.
- Blue Lagoon is possible, not guaranteed: The route can include Comino’s famous swimming area, along with bays around Malta and Gozo.
- Water equipment is included: Paddle boards, snorkeling gear, noodles, inflatables, and an ice box are available at no extra charge.
- Bring your own food: Food and most drinks are not included, although water and soft drinks are provided and catering can be arranged.
- Alternative departure points cost extra: You can request Bugibba Jetty or a port in Gozo instead of Marina di Valletta.
Why a private catamaran makes sense in Malta

Malta is surrounded by water, and some of its best swimming spots are easier to reach by boat than by road. A private charter lets you spend the day moving between bays instead of choosing one crowded beach and staying there.
The boat is an Excess12 catamaran, described as one of the modern luxury vessels available in Malta. The practical advantage of a catamaran is space. You can spread out on deck, find sun or shade, listen to your own music, and let different people in your group follow different rhythms without splitting up.
That privacy matters most for families, birthday groups, couples traveling with friends, and groups of adults who want a full day together without a fixed sightseeing script. You are not rushing from one short stop to the next. You have a skipper handling the boat while you enjoy the coast.
The tradeoff is that this is not a small, intimate sailing trip for two. The advertised maximum is 14 people, and the price is fixed by group rather than by individual. A full group pays about $111 per person before any optional catering or added departure fee. For 14 people, that is a fair price for a private boat, skipper, fuel, equipment, and eight hours on the water. For four or five people, it becomes a much bigger splurge.
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Setting off at 10am from Marina di Valletta

The standard departure point is Marina di Valletta, with sailing scheduled from 10am until 6pm. That timing gives you a full day without forcing you into an early morning start.
Your professional skipper takes care of navigation, fuel, and the boat itself. You can settle into the deck space, choose sun or shade, and use the sound system for your own playlist. Wi-Fi is also included, though the best reason to bring your phone is probably the camera rather than constant internet access.
The boat is cleaned before and after the charter, which is a small but useful detail on a day involving swimming, food, wet towels, and a large group. The ice box helps keep your provisions cold, and unlimited water and soft drinks are included.
If Marina di Valletta is inconvenient, you can ask to leave from Bugibba Jetty or a port on Gozo. That flexibility can save you time on land, especially if your accommodation is already in the north or on Gozo. The catch is an additional fee for these alternative pickup points, so ask about the exact charge before confirming.
Cruising past Malta’s bays

The day is built around the coast rather than a rigid list of named stops. The catamaran may anchor in several attractive bays around Malta and Gozo, giving you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply sit back with a drink.
That flexible approach is useful because conditions at sea can affect the most comfortable anchorage. The skipper can choose from different bays instead of treating one fixed stop as the entire purpose of the day. You should think of the trip as a private coastal day with several possible swimming areas, not as a guaranteed checklist of every famous bay.
The views are a major part of the appeal. From the water, you see Malta’s golden shorelines, rocky coves, and pale stone coast from a different angle. The catamaran also lets you pause in places that are difficult to reach directly from land.
Still, you should keep expectations sensible. The supplied details do not name every bay or guarantee a set order. If one particular cove is your priority, ask the operator about the planned route and sea conditions before departure.
Comino swimming and snorkeling
Comino is the natural centerpiece of the trip. Its clear water makes it a good place to swim and use the provided snorkeling equipment. The famous Blue Lagoon may be included, but the boat can also anchor at other bays around Comino, Malta, or Gozo.
This distinction matters. The Blue Lagoon is well known for its pale water and striking setting, but its popularity can make it feel busy. A private charter gives your group more flexibility than a standard boat transfer, yet it cannot guarantee an empty lagoon or complete seclusion.
Snorkeling equipment, noodles, and inflatables are included. A paddle board is also available, giving you another way to enjoy the water. You do not need to pack a full collection of beach equipment, but you should bring swimwear, a towel, and a camera.
I would treat the water time as active but relaxed. You can swim from the boat, try the paddle board, float with a noodle, or stay dry on deck. The activity suits a group with mixed interests because nobody has to join every swim stop.
There is no promise of a formal marine-life tour or an expert snorkeling talk. You are using the equipment independently while enjoying the clear water. If you want detailed underwater instruction, this is not presented as a specialist snorkeling excursion.
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Lunch, drinks, and your own music
Food is not included, so plan ahead. You are free to bring your own meal, snacks, and alcoholic drinks, subject to the operator’s onboard rules. Water and soft drinks are included, and catering or an open bar may be arranged for an additional price.
For many groups, bringing food is the better-value choice. Pack items that are easy to serve on a moving boat, such as sandwiches, wraps, fruit, pastries, or prepared local specialties. Avoid anything that needs a complicated kitchen setup unless you have arranged catering in advance.
A barbecue grill is available onboard, which opens up the possibility of a more ambitious meal. I would confirm the rules for using it, including whether fuel, utensils, or cleaning are covered. The provided information confirms the grill is onboard, but it does not promise that a barbecue meal is included.
The sound system is another strong feature for a private group. You can enjoy your favorite music instead of listening to a standard tour soundtrack. Keep the volume considerate, particularly when anchored near other boats or shore areas.
The combination of food flexibility and private music makes the charter feel more like a day rented for your group than a conventional sightseeing cruise. That is a real benefit for celebrations and family outings. It also means you must take responsibility for shopping and meal planning.
Space, shade, and onboard equipment
You can relax on deck in the sun or find shelter in shaded areas. That sounds simple, but it makes a difference on an eight-hour outing. Too much sun can turn a pleasant boat day into a tiring one, especially for children or anyone who is not used to strong Mediterranean light.
The equipment list is generous:
- Professional skipper
- Fuel
- Boat cleaning before and after the charter
- Sound system
- Wi-Fi
- Water and soft drinks
- Ice box
- Paddle board
- Snorkeling equipment
- Noodles
- Inflatables
- Barbecue grill
The main question is how much of it your group will actually use. A large active group can get good value from the paddle board, snorkeling equipment, and inflatables. A quieter group may care more about deck space, shade, music, and the freedom to stop for a swim.
You should bring sunscreen, although it is not listed among the required items. Swimwear, a towel, and a camera are specifically recommended. Pets are not allowed, and the charter is not suitable for wheelchair users.
How the $1,555 price compares in practical terms
The quoted cost is $1,555 for a private group of up to 14. That price includes the boat, professional skipper, fuel, cleaning, onboard equipment, sound system, Wi-Fi, water, and soft drinks.
At maximum capacity, the cost works out to roughly $111 per person. That is attractive for a full group wanting a private boat for eight hours. You are paying for exclusive use, not just a seat on a route shared with dozens of other people.
The value drops as your group gets smaller. A group of seven would pay about $222 per person, before food, optional catering, an open bar, or an alternative pickup fee. For a small party, compare the price with other private boat options and decide how much privacy matters to you.
The included equipment also reduces the need to rent separate paddle boards or snorkeling gear. Fuel is included, which protects you from an unpleasant extra charge after a full day on the water. Catering is optional, so you can control the final cost to some degree.
I would book this when the group is large enough to share the fixed fee and when the private setting is part of the point. If you only want a quick swim at the Blue Lagoon, a simpler boat trip may cost less.
Who will enjoy this charter most
This outing suits you if you want a flexible day rather than a tightly scheduled tour. It works especially well for:
- Families who want space and shade
- Groups of friends who enjoy music and swimming
- Birthday or celebration groups
- Adults who want to bring their own food and drinks
- Active groups interested in paddle boarding and snorkeling
- Visitors staying near Valletta, Bugibba, or Gozo who can arrange a convenient departure
It is less suitable if you need wheelchair access, want to bring a pet, or prefer a guided cultural tour focused on Malta’s history and towns. The live guide service is in English, but the main attraction is the coast and the water, not a long commentary program.
You should also think about your group’s habits. If everyone wants a different playlist, meal, and activity, the private boat gives you room to manage that. If your group is small and price-sensitive, the fixed charter cost may be hard to justify.
Cancellation, timing, and small practical details
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option also gives you some flexibility while you finalize your plans.
The advertised schedule is 10am to 6pm, though you should confirm the exact meeting instructions and any changes before the day. If you request Bugibba Jetty or Gozo as your starting point, expect an extra charge.
Bring a towel, swimwear, and a camera. I would also pack sun protection, a dry bag for electronics, and food that is easy to eat onboard, though those extra items are personal recommendations rather than listed inclusions.
The most important planning step is food. Water and soft drinks are covered, but your main meal is not. Arrange catering or an open bar ahead of time if you want the crew to handle it.
Should you book the Malta catamaran charter?
Book it if you have a sizeable group and want eight private hours on the Maltese water. The strongest reasons are the flexible route, included water equipment, private sound system, and the chance to combine Comino swimming with bays around Malta and Gozo.
Think twice if you are traveling as a small party or if your main goal is a guaranteed visit to one named spot. The Blue Lagoon is a possible stop, not a firm promise, and food comes at your own cost.
For a full group of 14, this is a practical way to turn a day at sea into the main event of your Malta holiday. Bring provisions, pack a towel, choose your music, and let the skipper handle the route.
FAQ
How long is the catamaran charter?
The charter lasts eight hours. The planned schedule is from 10am until 6pm.
How many people can join the private charter?
The catamaran can accommodate a maximum of 14 people.
What is included in the price?
The price includes a professional skipper, fuel, cleaning before and after the charter, a sound system, Wi-Fi, noodles, inflatables, a stand-up paddle board, snorkeling equipment, an ice box, unlimited water, and soft drinks.
Is food included?
No. You may bring your own food and drinks. Catering and an open bar can also be arranged for an additional price.
Can I visit the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon on Comino may be included, but the catamaran can also stop at other bays around Malta, Comino, and Gozo. The exact stops are not guaranteed in the provided details.
Where does the catamaran depart?
The standard departure point is Marina di Valletta. Bugibba Jetty and ports on Gozo may also be available for an additional fee.
Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes. The live tour guide and service are offered in English.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and a camera. You should also arrange any food you want for the day because it is not included.
Can I cancel the booking?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.
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