Eight hours on Malta’s water is hard to beat. This catamaran day focuses on swim stops along the coast, with a Comino highlight and time to relax on deck in between. You get a mix of scenery, anchored time in calm waters, and the freedom to snorkel or just float, while a pro skipper handles the driving.

Two things I really like are the included snorkelling equipment and paddle boards, and the fact that the skipper is a real part of the experience, with Capt. Jack specifically called out in one review. One consideration: this is a full day from 10am to 6pm and it depends on good weather, so plan for a bit of flexibility.

Key highlights to look for

• Up to 14 people max for a more personal, hands-on day on the water
• Snorkelling gear, paddle boards, and noodles included so you can do more right away
• Blue Lagoon on Comino plus other Malta and Gozo bays for variety in the scenery
• BBQ grill on board and an onboard refreshments setup if you want more than snacks
• Unlimited water and soft drinks, plus a restroom and WiFi onboard

Leaving Valletta at 10am, Marina di Valletta style

Your day starts at Marina di Valletta, Yacht Marina Malta, at Marina di Valletta Limited Haywharf, Pietà, Malta. It is a straightforward meeting point and near public transportation, so you are not forced into a complicated pre-trip plan just to get to the dock.

The timing is clean and easy to plan around: departure at 10:00am and back by 6:00pm. That matters in Malta. A catamaran day like this is not a quick look-and-go. It is long enough to feel like you actually left the city behind, but short enough that you still have evening time when you return.

Also, the day-to-day comfort is well thought through for a boat charter. You have a restroom on board, WiFi onboard, and unlimited water and soft drinks, which keeps your energy up when the sun is doing its thing.

How the 8-hour plan feels once you’re actually cruising

This charter runs about 8 hours at sea, with a schedule built around anchored time. That is the key difference between a cruise and a swim-focused day trip. Here, you get the best of both worlds: sailing for views, plus stops where you can get in the water.

As you get out, you can choose how active you want to be. The plan is designed so you can:

• Relax on deck with sun time
• Find shaded areas when you want a break
• Use the paddle boards when conditions allow
• Snorkel using the included equipment

That freedom is the value. If your group has mixed energy levels, no one feels stuck. Someone can stay in snorkel mode, someone else can float and watch, and the pacing does not depend on a strict tour rhythm.

One practical note for your planning: because the itinerary depends on conditions, anchoring locations and the timing of each stop can shift with the day. That is normal for a charter, and it is also why the professional skipper is so important.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon time, plus other anchored bays

The day is anchored around Malta’s most famous water stops, especially the Blue Lagoon on Comino. Even if you have seen photos before, this is the kind of place where the real experience is in how clear the water looks when the boat is anchored. You get time to swim and snorkel, and you can stay close to the boat, which is a big deal for a full day on the water.

But the charter is not only about Comino. The catamaran may anchor at breathtaking bays around Malta and Gozo as well. You should expect multiple shoreline backdrops throughout the day, not a single long stretch of the same scenery.

St. Paul’s Island is specifically highlighted in a review as one of the most beautiful anchor spots. That tells you something useful: the skipper is not just taking you to the headline location. You are likely to see a mix of coastline character, not only one postcard view.

What I would watch out for is time allocation. When the day includes several potential bays, your favorite stop might get the captain’s best time, or it might be a shorter swim session depending on weather and sea conditions. If you are the type who wants one single beach experience above all else, anchor-time charters can feel a little unpredictable. If you want variety, this setup is a strong fit.

Snorkeling and paddle boards: included gear, fewer hassles

This is a swim-ready charter. Snorkelling equipment is included, and you also get paddle boards plus noodles for floating. That combo is great because it works for different comfort levels.

If you are comfortable snorkeling, you can go straight from gear up to water time without scrambling for rentals. If you are not fully set on snorkeling, paddle boards and noodle floating still give you a way to enjoy the water without committing to being underwater the whole time.

Also, included equipment is a quiet but real value point. Rental costs add up fast on vacation days, and on a catamaran you do not want to waste time figuring out logistics while your group is ready to swim.

One small consideration: snorkeling is only as good as the conditions. Since the tour requires good weather, plan to roll with what the day gives you. When conditions line up, this charter is exactly the kind of day where snorkeling feels easy and fun rather than complicated.

On-board comfort: shade, restroom, WiFi, and unlimited drinks

A lot of Malta day trips look great in photos but feel basic once you are out there. This one gives you more comfort than you might expect for an 8-hour outing.

You have:

• Restroom onboard
• WiFi onboard
• Unlimited water and soft drinks
• Shaded areas on deck, so you can cool down between swim sessions

WiFi is not why you book the trip, but it helps. You can upload photos without waiting until night, and you can keep logistics simple if you are coordinating with family back on shore.

The unlimited water and soft drinks are also an underrated inclusion. Salt air plus sun can sneak up on you, and not having to buy every bottle makes the day feel smoother.

And since the boat is cleaned before and after the charter, it suggests a serious approach to keeping things tidy between groups. That matters when you are spending hours moving between deck, swim time, and shared spaces.

BBQ grill and food reality: what’s included and what’s on you

Food on a catamaran day is where people often get disappointed. The good news here is that a BBQ grill is onboard, which means cooking is part of the plan rather than an afterthought.

At the same time, the charter does not list brunch as included. Alcoholic beverages are also not included. So, you should think of this as a day where you handle your own food and drinks if you want a specific meal style, then add onboard options if they fit.

The trip description also encourages you to bring your own food and drinks, or use a menu of refreshments available on board. In practice, that means you can keep it simple:

• Bring what you like so you are not hungry during anchor time
• Use the onboard refreshments if they sound appealing
• Use the BBQ grill setup as part of the onboard meal experience

A review specifically mentioned the food option tasted good, so there is at least one data point that the onboard food can work out well. Still, if you are picky, bringing some of your own basics keeps you in control.

Price and value: $1,800 per group, up to 14

The price is $1,800.36 per group, with a maximum of 14 people. That is not a per-person rate, so the math changes depending on how full your charter is.

Here is the value angle I would use:

• You are paying for a full-day charter structure, not just a seat
• Fuel and a professional skipper are included
• Snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and noodles are included
• BBQ grill setup, restroom, WiFi, cleaning, and unlimited water and soft drinks are included

If you can fill the group closer to the max, the cost per person comes down fast. That is why this charter is a strong option for families or friend groups who travel together.

If you are a small party, it can still be worth it, but you should decide based on whether you would otherwise pay separately for boat access, snorkeling gear, and onboard food. Since much of that is folded into the charter, the overall value tends to be good when the group shares the cost.

Who this charter suits best

This is a good match if you want a mix of relaxation and active water time, without complicated logistics.

I’d put this near the top of your list if:

• Your group includes people who want to snorkel and people who prefer staying above water
• You want included snorkeling gear and paddle boards, not rentals
• You like the idea of multiple anchoring locations rather than a single beach
• You value a professional skipper who can find great anchor spots, like the St. Paul’s Island mention and the Capt. Jack praise

It also works well for families and mixed ages because there is a lot of flexible “do what you want” time, including floating options like noodles.

Weather and timing: why flexibility helps

This experience requires good weather. That sounds obvious, but it matters because a charter day is only as smooth as the sea state.

The practical takeaway is simple: keep your schedule light on the day you book. If the charter date changes due to weather, you will want nearby free time to accept an alternate day.

Also, the day’s structure is fixed in hours (10am to 6pm), but the exact feel of the anchors will vary with conditions. When the weather cooperates, you’ll likely spend more time in the water and enjoy that back-and-forth between deck relaxation and snorkeling/paddle boarding.

Should you book this Valletta catamaran charter?

If your goal is a classic Malta water day, this is an easy yes for many groups. The best reasons to book are practical: snorkelling equipment and paddle boards are included, you have a professional skipper, and you get a full-day schedule that builds in real swim time. Add in the BBQ grill and the unlimited water and soft drinks, and the day starts to feel like a complete package.

I would only hesitate if you are extremely focused on one single, shore-based plan and want zero variability. This is an anchored-bay charter, so the day is designed for variety rather than one fixed destination.

If that sounds like your kind of vacation, book it. Then pack for a sun-and-water day, and plan to slow down once you are out there. Malta from the sea is where the day finally makes sense.

FAQ

What time does the 8-hour catamaran charter start and end?

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

Where is the meeting point in Valletta?

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

What is the maximum group size?

The charter allows up to 14 people maximum.

What snorkeling and water activities are included?

Snorkelling equipment, paddle boards, and noodles are included, along with a BBQ grill and onboard restroom access.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Do I need to arrange my own food and drinks?

You are encouraged to bring your own food and drinks, and there is also a menu of refreshments available on board. Brunch is not included.

Is there WiFi onboard?

Yes. WiFi is available onboard.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How does cancellation work for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.