REVIEW · MALTA
8-Hour Catamaran Charter from Valletta, Malta
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A long sea day with real swim time. This 8-hour catamaran charter from Valletta is built for getting out on the water, not just looking at it. I like the way you can settle into the ride, then gear up for snorkeling in clear water and hop onto paddle boards when the wind is friendly. You also get a professional skipper—people specifically mention Captain Jack for making the day feel smooth.
The other big win is the “you can feed yourself” setup: a BBQ grill is onboard, and you can bring food and drinks or pick from refreshments on the boat. One thing to consider: it’s weather-dependent, and alcohol plus brunch are not included—so plan your day with that in mind.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll feel on day one
- Why this 8-hour charter works better than a rushed day trip
- Marina di Valletta: the meeting point and how to prep for a sea day
- On-board comfort: skipper-led, gear-ready, and not missing the basics
- Snorkeling and paddle boards: what you can actually do with the included gear
- Comino’s Blue Lagoon plus Malta and Gozo bays: how the day is paced
- Food, BBQ, and drinks: keeping your costs and cravings under control
- WiFi, restrooms, and shade: the comfort details that save your day
- Timing and pacing: 10:00am out, 6:00pm back
- Price and value: what $1,800.36 per group really means
- Who should book this charter—and who should think twice
- Should you book it?
- FAQ
- How long is the catamaran charter?
- Where do we meet and where does the tour end?
- What’s included on board?
- Do I need to bring snorkeling gear or a life vest?
- What about food and drinks?
- What if the weather is bad?
Key highlights you’ll feel on day one
- Blue Lagoon on Comino plus additional anchoring time around Malta and Gozo
- Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards included, so you don’t waste the morning figuring it out
- BBQ grill on board and a flexible food plan (bring your own or choose refreshments)
- Unlimited water and soft drinks, plus WiFi and a restroom to keep things comfortable
- Small-group cap of 14 with a professional skipper handling the day
Why this 8-hour charter works better than a rushed day trip
Eight hours is the sweet spot. Long enough to feel like you actually did something, short enough that you’re back in Valletta by 6pm while the evening plans are still alive.
What makes this charter format especially appealing is the balance between movement and downtime. You’re on a catamaran with room to relax, then you get stops in bays where you can swim and snorkel. That mix matters. On shorter tours, you spend too much time in transfer mode. Here, the schedule is built around being in the water.
The group size cap also changes the vibe. With 14 guests maximum, it feels more like a day out with a manageable crowd than a bus situation. You still get energy on deck, but you’re less likely to feel packed in.
Other Valletta tours we've reviewed in Malta
Marina di Valletta: the meeting point and how to prep for a sea day
You meet at Marina di Valletta | Yacht Marina Malta (Marina di Valletta Limited Haywharf, Pietà, Malta). Start time is 10:00am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.
Two practical tips make a difference:
- Arrive a bit early so your group can check in without stress. A mobile ticket helps speed things up.
- Pack like you’ll be in swim mode on and off: swimsuit ready to go, plus a change of dry clothes for the ride back in.
Because this is a boat charter, you’re also wise to think about sun and water time. Even on a calm day, you can get cooked faster than you expect—especially if you’re focused on snorkeling gear and forgetting to reapply.
On-board comfort: skipper-led, gear-ready, and not missing the basics
This is one of the better “all the essentials are covered” setups I’ve seen in Malta waters.
Here’s what’s included that keeps the day comfortable:
- Professional skipper (and yes, Captain Jack gets a shout-out in the feedback)
- Fuel, plus cleaning before and after the charter
- Unlimited water and soft drinks onboard
- WiFi on board
- A restroom onboard
- Snorkeling equipment
- Paddle boards (and noodles)
What I like about this list is how it removes friction. You’re not scrambling for rental gear. You’re not spending the whole morning negotiating where to get lunch. And the small comfort items—restroom, water, soft drinks—matter more on an 8-hour day than people think.
Also, since the charter provides the gear, you can spend your energy doing the fun part: getting into the water, exploring what’s under the surface, then returning when you’re ready to relax.
Snorkeling and paddle boards: what you can actually do with the included gear
This charter is designed so you don’t just watch other people swim.
You get snorkeling equipment onboard, plus paddle boards and noodles. In real terms, that means you can split the group into different “sea moods”:
- Some people snorkel for a while, then rotate to a calmer swim.
- Others stay on the paddle boards or float around using noodles.
- Everyone has the option to come back to shade on the catamaran when the sun is strong.
A good rule for a day like this: plan to stay flexible. Water conditions can change, and different bays can feel different under the same sky. If the water’s inviting, you’ll want more time in it. If it’s a bit choppier, it’s smarter to use the paddle boards and take breaks—your day is still a win.
Comino’s Blue Lagoon plus Malta and Gozo bays: how the day is paced
The route centers on Comino’s Blue Lagoon, with additional anchoring in bays around Malta and Gozo. Blue Lagoon time is the headline for a reason. But the bigger value is that you’re not stuck in one spot for the whole day.
Here’s what that means for your experience:
- You get a must-see stop (Blue Lagoon).
- You also get variety—different bays, different swim spots, different light on the water as the day moves forward.
- You’re more likely to find your “favorite” swim moment instead of feeling like you already used up the best hour early.
One example that comes up: dropping anchor near St. Paul Island (worth noting because that kind of spot can turn into a memorable swim location when the conditions are right). Even if your day isn’t the exact same, it signals the general style: real anchoring time, not just passing by from a distance.
Potential drawback? The beauty of multiple bays is also why the timing can feel busy. You’ll want to listen to the skipper and stay aware of return times so nobody gets left behind (and yes, this matters on boats).
Other sailing and catamaran cruises we've reviewed in Malta
Food, BBQ, and drinks: keeping your costs and cravings under control
This part is surprisingly important for value.
The charter setup gives you options:
- You’re encouraged to bring your own food and drinks.
- There’s also a menu of refreshments available on board.
- A BBQ grill is onboard if you bring the essentials to cook.
- Alcoholic beverages are not included.
- Brunch is not included.
What I like is that this isn’t an expensive “force you to buy” structure. You can pack a cooler and keep the day budget-friendly, then use the BBQ when the mood hits. Or if you prefer lighter planning, use the refreshment options onboard.
A practical way to think about it: an 8-hour boat day can stretch your appetite. If you’re relying only on what’s offered onboard, you may end up paying more than you expected. If you like control, bring snacks plus a simple meal plan.
WiFi, restrooms, and shade: the comfort details that save your day
When you’re away from shore for hours, comfort is not fancy. It’s basic.
This charter includes a restroom on board and WiFi. It also has shaded areas on the catamaran where you can cool off between swim sessions. Those small pieces help you keep a steady rhythm:
- Swim and snorkel.
- Eat or snack.
- Rest in the shade.
- Rinse off and repeat.
And having unlimited water and soft drinks means you’re less likely to feel “running out” halfway through the day. You can focus on the experience instead of managing thirst.
Timing and pacing: 10:00am out, 6:00pm back
The day runs from 10:00am to about 6:00pm. That’s a full stretch, but it’s built to feel varied: cruising, stops, swim time, relaxation time.
A simple pacing strategy helps:
- Don’t spend your first hour trying to do everything.
- Let the morning settle in, use your gear when you’re ready, then take breaks.
- Save energy for the later swim session so you’re not exhausted when the water looks best.
Also, since it ends back at the meeting point, you can plan dinner or other evening activities with fewer moving parts.
Price and value: what $1,800.36 per group really means
The price is listed as $1,800.36 per group (up to 14). That number looks big at first glance, but on a boat charter, the comparison should be per person in a group—especially because snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, WiFi, water/soft drinks, and a BBQ grill are included.
To sanity-check value:
- If you’re filling close to the 14-person cap, the per-person cost drops a lot.
- If you’re traveling as a small group, the per-person cost climbs, so it’s only “worth it” if you really want this specific format: the time at Blue Lagoon plus extra bays, with a skipper and included gear.
The included extras matter because they reduce surprise costs. Renting snorkeling gear elsewhere can add up fast. Here, you’re already set up, and that turns the day into a more predictable spend.
In short: this is a strong value for groups and families who want a lot of time on the water without constant add-ons.
Who should book this charter—and who should think twice
This charter fits best if you want:
- A full sea day from Valletta, not a short taste
- Included snorkeling equipment and paddle boards
- A flexible food plan with BBQ as an option
- A manageable group size with a professional skipper
It’s also a good match for mixed ages, because the day has options: active snorkeling for some, floating and paddle boarding for others, and quiet deck time for anyone who just wants the view and a cool drink.
Who should think twice? If you get easily affected by weather changes, remember this is weather-dependent. Also, if your idea of a perfect day includes alcohol and a full meal provided by the operator, you’ll need to bring that plan yourself since alcohol and brunch are not included.
Should you book it?
I’d book this if you’re the type of person who wants your Malta trip to include real water time—snorkeling gear ready, paddle boards included, and enough hours to enjoy Comino without feeling like you rushed through it. The combination of Blue Lagoon + more bays, plus the “bring your own food or use onboard refreshment” approach, is a smart way to control both experience and cost.
If you want a shore-based tour with guided history stops and minimal planning, this may not be your best fit. But if you’re aiming for a practical, fun, sea-focused day out, this charter hits the right notes.
FAQ
How long is the catamaran charter?
It’s about 8 hours. It departs at 10:00am and returns by around 6:00pm.
Where do we meet and where does the tour end?
You meet at Marina di Valletta | Yacht Marina Malta (Marina di Valletta Limited Haywharf, Pietà, Malta). The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
What’s included on board?
Included are snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, noodles, a BBQ grill, WiFi on board, a restroom on board, unlimited water and soft drinks, fuel, and cleaning before and after the charter. There’s also a professional skipper.
Do I need to bring snorkeling gear or a life vest?
No. Snorkeling equipment is provided onboard. The data does not mention life vests specifically, so plan around what’s included for your comfort.
What about food and drinks?
Alcoholic beverages are not included, and brunch is not included. You can bring your own food and drinks, and there is a menu of refreshments available on board.
What if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
