Malta: Catamaran Private Day Charter with Skipper

The best part of this Malta charter is the freedom to spend a full day on the water without sharing the boat with a crowd. Your skipper can shape the route around Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and smaller bays, or head south toward St. Peter’s Pool and St. Thomas Bay when conditions suit.

I like the generous space of the catamaran and the fact that fuel, water, two paddleboards, snorkeling masks, and a Bluetooth sound system are included. You can bring your own lunch and drinks, use the fridges, and avoid the usual rush from one fixed stop to the next.

The main catch is price. At $1,348 for a group of up to 15, it is good value with a large group, but much less so for two or three people. Food is not included, and the boat is not a good choice if you suffer from seasickness, have mobility problems, or do not swim.

Key points to know before booking

• Eight private hours on the water: The charter begins and ends at 34 Ir-Rampa Ta’ Xbiex, with the boat reserved for your group.
• Comino is the likely northbound focus: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay, caves, swimming, snorkeling, and time to relax may all fit into the day.
• The route can change: Your skipper may head south to Ħofriet, St. Peter’s Pool, or St. Thomas Bay if that better suits the weather and your preferences.
• The boat is made for lounging: Expect wide decks, contemporary interiors, large windows, comfortable seating, and flybridge access on selected catamarans.
• Bring lunch or order catering: Unlimited mineral water is included, but food and other drinks cost extra.
• Pack lightly and leave shoes behind: Sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are useful. Shoes and high heels are not allowed onboard.

Starting from Ta’ Xbiex and Roland Marina

You meet at 34 Ir-Rampa Ta’ Xbiex. The practical landmark is Roland Marina, Pontoon D, so give yourself enough time to find the correct pontoon before departure. The host speaks English, and the charter is private, meaning only your own group shares the boat.

That private setup changes the feel of the day. You are not trying to claim a sunbed, squeeze around a shared table, or follow a large group every time someone wants to swim. If your party includes children, couples, and friends with different ideas about the day, you can settle into a slower rhythm.

The catamaran is selected according to your group size. That matters because a boat suitable for six people can feel very different from one carrying 15. The vessels are described as modern and carefully maintained, with bright interiors, wide decks, and open-air seating.

You can spend time on the foredeck, sit in the cockpit, or use a flybridge on selected models. The flybridge is not guaranteed, so treat it as a possible feature rather than something to book around. Large windows help keep the indoor areas pleasant when you want shade or a break from the sun.

Shoes must come off, including indoors. That is common on private boats, but it is worth telling your group before you arrive. Pack a small soft bag rather than a hard suitcase, and keep sunscreen, towels, and swimwear easy to reach.

What an eight-hour sailing day feels like

The full charter lasts eight hours, but the listed Comino portion is about four hours. The rest of the day allows for sailing, route adjustments, swimming, meals, and time spent at other points along the coast. The exact balance depends on weather, sea conditions, and what you ask the skipper to prioritize.

This is not a sightseeing bus with a strict minute-by-minute schedule. You may spend longer at a quiet swimming spot if the water is inviting, or move on if wind and waves make a stop uncomfortable. For me, that flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private charter.

You should also set realistic expectations about sailing. The catamaran gives you more stability than a small open boat, but it is still a boat on the Mediterranean. If you are prone to motion sickness, this may not be the right day trip. People with back problems or mobility impairments are also advised not to book.

The skipper handles the navigation and safety briefing. You can enjoy the coast without worrying about fuel, anchoring decisions, or finding the way back to the marina. Still, the captain has the final say on the route. Safety and weather come before a promised photo stop.

Comino’s lagoons, bays, and caves

A northbound route brings you toward Comino and possibly Gozo. The Blue Lagoon is the famous name, but it is only one possible stop. Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, and San Niklaw Bay offer different settings, and the day may also include a look at the caves along the coast.

The appeal here is simple: you are seeing Comino from the water, then stopping where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or enjoy the boat itself. The catamaran gives you room to dry off, eat, and sit in the shade instead of treating every stop as a quick jump into the sea.

Blue Lagoon is likely to be the most recognizable stop, but popularity also means you should not expect solitude. A private boat gives you more control over how long you stay and where you spend your quiet time, but it cannot remove the presence of other boats in a well-known bay.

Crystal Lagoon is a good candidate for swimming and snorkeling, while Santa Marija and San Niklaw bays may offer a calmer change of scene. The exact stop list is not guaranteed. Your skipper may adjust the plan according to wind, sea conditions, and your group’s wishes.

The supplied snorkeling masks and two stand-up paddleboards add useful variety. You can swim for a while, then paddle along the coast, or simply remain on deck with music and a drink. Two boards are enough for casual use, but a large group will need to take turns.

Marine life viewing is part of the possible day, though no particular animal sighting is promised. I would book this for the sea, coves, and coastal scenery rather than for a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

A southbound alternative around Malta

If the conditions or your preferences favor a southbound route, possible stops include Ħofriet, St. Peter’s Pool, and St. Thomas Bay. This option gives you a different view of Malta and can suit a group that wants less focus on Comino.

St. Peter’s Pool is known as a dramatic swimming area, while St. Thomas Bay provides a broader coastal setting. Ħofriet is another possible bay for a stop. The experience is less about ticking off named attractions and more about choosing a stretch of coast that works well on the day.

This flexibility is valuable for repeat visitors who have already seen the Blue Lagoon. It also helps when wind conditions make the northern route less comfortable. You should not book expecting a guaranteed list of every bay, since the captain may alter the plan for safety.

Ask your group before departure what matters most. Do you want swimming time, snorkeling, paddleboarding, sightseeing, lunch, or a relaxed sunset cruise? You will get a better private charter by agreeing on priorities early instead of trying to fit everything in.

Food, drinks, and the onboard setup

Food and drinks are not included in the base price. You can bring your own provisions and use the fridges, or choose one of the catered food packages. Unlimited mineral water is included, which is helpful on a hot day, but you should still plan the rest of your drinks.

A private charter makes self-catering easy. You can bring food your group actually likes, avoid restaurant timing, and eat when the boat is anchored in a scenic bay. Pack items that are easy to serve in a moving setting, and remember that littering is not allowed.

Catering may be more convenient if nobody wants to shop, pack, and carry lunch to the marina. One piece of feedback praised the service, the plentiful drinks, and the punctual departure and return, but noted that the fish in the meal could have been better. That is a useful warning: catered food may save effort, but it may not be the strongest reason to book.

For a group of friends, bringing food and using the sound system may provide the best balance. Bluetooth connection lets you control the music, though you should keep the volume considerate when near other boats or the coast.

Is $1,348 good value for your group?

The headline price is $1,348 for up to 15 people. At a full group of 15, that works out to about $90 per person before food and additional drinks. That is a reasonable way to secure a private boat for a full eight hours, especially when fuel, a skipper, water, paddleboards, and snorkeling masks are already included.

The maths changes quickly with a smaller party. Six people would pay about $225 each, and four people about $337 each, before catering. For a small group, compare this with a shared boat trip or shorter cruise. The private option earns its keep through space, flexibility, and control rather than through the lowest possible fare.

I think the price works best for a large family group, a birthday gathering, or a group of friends who would otherwise book several smaller activities. It is also useful when one person is happy to organize food and another wants a full day rather than a short harbor cruise.

The boat’s size and comfort are part of the value. You are paying for a private floating base, not only for transport between swimming spots. If your group plans to spend most of the day in the water, the paddleboards and masks add practical value. If everyone wants a fast sightseeing ride with little time onboard, you may not use what you paid for.

Who will enjoy this charter most

This works best for people who enjoy making their own day. Families can mix swimming with shaded rest, couples can find a quieter corner of the boat, and friend groups can bring food, music, and drinks for a long day outside.

Strong swimmers and confident paddlers will get the most from the included equipment. Non-swimmers should not book, and the charter is not recommended for anyone prone to seasickness or motion sickness. The boat may be spacious, but a catamaran is still not suitable for every mobility need.

It is also a good fit if you value privacy more than a fixed sightseeing schedule. You can ask for more swimming time, a different route, or a slower pace, but you cannot demand a specific bay if the skipper decides conditions are unsafe.

Two five-star booking reports give the service a strong early record. One highlighted an excellent crew, a spacious boat, plenty of seating, and a smooth, punctual day. Another praised the service and reliable timing, while offering a modest criticism of the fish served with the meal. I would read that as a strong sign for the crew and boat, with food quality best treated as secondary.

Practical details that affect your day

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability before building the rest of your Malta plans around the charter.

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Food and drinks are your responsibility unless you select catering. Leave shoes and high heels at home, and do not plan to smoke indoors, bring fireworks, make a fire, or board while intoxicated.

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Electric wheelchairs are also not suitable for this activity. The charter is conducted in English.

Should you book the Malta catamaran charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private day built around swimming, coastal views, food, and time on deck. The strongest features are the spacious catamaran, flexible route, included equipment, and skipper who handles the practical work.

Think twice if you are traveling as a couple, need guaranteed access to a particular bay, dislike boat motion, or expect lunch to be included. For the right group, this is less a basic boat ride than a full day of Mediterranean outdoor time. Agree on your priorities, bring sensible food and sun protection, and let the weather guide the final route.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran charter start and finish?

It starts and finishes at 34 Ir-Rampa Ta’ Xbiex. Look for Roland Marina, Pontoon D.

How long does the charter last?

The private charter lasts eight hours. The Comino portion of the suggested route is listed as about four hours, with the remaining time used for sailing, stops, meals, and onboard relaxation.

Is food included?

No. You can bring your own food and drinks, use the onboard fridges, or choose a catered food package. Unlimited mineral water is included.

What equipment is included?

The price includes an experienced skipper, fuel, two stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling masks, a Bluetooth sound system, onboard amenities, and unlimited mineral water.

Can the route change from Comino?

Yes. The suggested route may change because of weather and safety conditions. A northbound route may include Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and caves. A southbound route may include Ħofriet, St. Peter’s Pool, and St. Thomas Bay.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and food and drinks if you are not ordering catering. Shoes and high heels are not allowed, and smoking indoors, littering, intoxication, fireworks, and making fires are prohibited.