Exclusive Catamaran Charter

Catamaran days in Malta feel like pure holiday. For me, the standout is a modern Excess 12 catamaran for up to 14, plus a professional skipper who sets the rhythm of the day. You’ll also get unlimited water and soft drinks onboard. The only real drawback is simple: food and drinks are on you, unless you pay for catering or an open bar add-on.

This is the kind of trip where you start at 10am, return by 6pm, and spend the day moving between sheltered bays and Comino’s famous swimming spot. Between the snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and shaded areas on board, you can keep it relaxed without doing anything complicated.

Key things I’d plan around first

• Up to 14 guests means a more personal catamaran feel than big group tours
• Excess 12 + professional skipper keeps the day smooth and comfortable
• Comino and the Blue Lagoon are built into the schedule for swim and snorkeling time
• Snorkelling equipment, paddle boards, noodles, and inflatables are included for easy water time
• Bring-your-own food is allowed, with catering available for an added price

Why a private 8-hour Malta catamaran feels different

When you charter a catamaran like this, the day stops feeling like a checklist. You leave at 10am, you’re back by 6pm, and the focus is on water time, not rushing from one photo stop to the next.

I like that this isn’t a mega-boat situation. With a maximum of 14 guests, the boat stays lively but not chaotic. You get room to spread out on deck, find sun or shade, and actually enjoy the bays around Malta and Gozo instead of waiting around in a crowd.

One more practical win is how much is already handled for you. Fuel, cleaning before and after, and the skipper are included. That matters because it turns the trip into one clear decision: pick your group, show up with swim gear, and enjoy the day.

Boarding the Excess 12: comfort for small-group cruising

This charter runs on an Excess 12 catamaran, described as one of the most modern and luxurious options in Malta. Even if you don’t care about boat details, you’ll feel it in the way the space is used.

You can expect a layout made for hanging out. People typically gravitate between open deck sun, shaded areas, and the spots where you can cool down after swimming. Since the trip is private group, you’re not sharing the vibe with strangers you didn’t choose.

The skipper is professional, and that’s not just a resume line. In places like Comino and the quieter bays around Malta and Gozo, anchoring and timing really affect your experience. A good skipper helps you get the best conditions for swimming and snorkeling, instead of spending your day drifting.

Music, WiFi, paddle boards, and snorkelling gear on board

This is the part you’ll feel right away after boarding. The catamaran has a sound system and WiFi, so you can keep the mood fun even before you hit the water. If you’re the type who wants music playing while you relax, this setup is made for that.

On the water, the included gear makes it easy to jump in without extra rentals. You’ll have:

• Snorkelling equipment
• Paddle boards
• Noodles and inflatables
• BBQ grill and an ice box

That means you can choose your pace. If snorkeling is your thing, you’re not stuck waiting for someone to pass gear around. If you prefer paddle boards, you can spend your time gliding instead of swapping masks and fins.

Quick practical note: this is a wheelchair-inaccessible activity, and pets are not allowed. If that’s relevant for your group, you’ll want to factor it in early.

10am to 6pm: how your day on the water usually works

Your day starts at 10am and returns around 6pm, so it’s long enough to feel like a real escape, but not so long you lose the sense of “vacation mode.”

Here’s what that timing translates to. You’ll set sail from the Malta meeting point area. From there, the route focuses on the best bays around Malta and Gozo, with stops built around swimming and snorkeling when the water conditions are good. You can relax on deck, shelter when you want, and jump in when you feel like it.

The trip is designed so you’re not stuck in one place all day. You’ll be moving between anchor points, which usually helps you get variety: different views of the coastline, different water conditions, and different chances to enjoy calm coves.

If you care about convenience, pay attention to departure points. The standard start is beyond Marina di Valletta. If you’re in Bugibba, departure can begin from the Bugibba Jetty, and if you’re in Gozo you can use one of its ports. Choosing Bugibba Jetty or Gozo as your start may include an additional fee, so ask before you finalize.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon stop for swim and snorkel

Comino is the headline, and the Blue Lagoon is the reason many people book this type of trip. This charter includes time to swim and snorkel in the clear waters around Comino, and that’s where the day can really click.

What I love about this stop is how straightforward it is. You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, and you don’t need special skills. With snorkeling equipment onboard, you can gear up, hop in, and spend your time watching the underwater life right under you.

Also, the Blue Lagoon area tends to be a magnet for visitors, so you’ll want to pay attention to how your skipper times the anchoring. The best experience usually comes from getting in at the right moment, with enough breathing room to enjoy the water without feeling like you’re constantly surrounded.

If you want a calmer feel, spend your time rotating between snorkel breaks and boat time. That balance is what turns this from a “stand in line” situation into a real swim day.

Bays around Malta and Gozo: where shade, wind, and water matter

Besides Comino, your catamaran trip anchors at breathtaking bays around Malta and Gozo. Even without a fixed list of every bay name, you can count on the practical goal: find spots that look great and work well for swimming.

This matters because Malta’s coastline can change character fast. Some bays are better for quick dips. Others offer more space to settle in, paddle around, or float with noodles while you take in the coast.

Here’s the pro approach I’d use: treat every stop as a mini-choice. If the sun is perfect, stay out longer. If the wind picks up, move under shade. If the water looks clearer near where the boat anchors, that’s your cue to snorkel closer rather than forcing it farther out.

This is also where having a small group helps. You’re not constantly waiting for a turn with the best spot near the ladder.

Food and drinks: bring your own plan, or pay for catering

Food on this trip is flexible, and that’s a big deal for value.

Food and drink are not included, but you’re welcome to bring your own items onboard. That’s useful if you want control over cost, or you’re traveling with picky eaters and want familiar favorites.

If you’d rather not plan anything, catering and even an open bar service can be arranged for an additional price. The key point is that you should decide early. If you’re bringing food, plan for a simple picnic-style setup and keep it easy to eat after you swim.

There’s also an onboard BBQ grill and an ice box. Those details matter because they hint at the level of comfort the boat is set up for. But since the included pricing doesn’t automatically cover food, treat BBQ use as something you coordinate with the crew based on your catering plan or what you bring.

Price and value: $1,555 per group up to 14

At $1,555 per group, this charter is priced for groups, not per person. The value depends on how full your boat day is.

If you fill all 14 spots, that’s roughly $111 per person for an 8-hour private charter experience. If you have a smaller group, the per-person cost rises, but you still keep the benefits of a private boat, a professional skipper, fuel included, and free access to snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and water toys.

What you’re really paying for here is time and convenience. You’re getting:

• a modern, comfortable catamaran
• a skipper focused on the route and anchoring
• included water gear
• unlimited water and soft drinks

If you’re comparing, think about the cost of getting to Comino, renting gear, and booking a day that doesn’t feel crowded. This package is often easier on your budget when your group is big enough to share the charter cost.

Who this charter suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a strong match for people who want Malta’s best water moments with minimal hassle. I’d especially recommend it if:

• you want a private group experience with a maximum of 14 guests
• snorkeling is on your list, and you want gear provided
• you like having choices during the day, swim now or relax later
• your group can coordinate food plans, either bring-your-own or add catering

It’s not a match for wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed. If either is relevant, you’ll want an alternate tour format.

Also, this is not “food is taken care of for you.” You do need to bring swimwear and a towel, and handle meals and drinks unless you choose the catering add-on.

Should you book this exclusive catamaran charter?

Book it if you want an 8-hour Malta and Comino day that feels like a real private outing, with modern comfort and included water activities. I think it’s especially worth it for friend groups and families who can split the charter cost and enjoy a true swim-focused itinerary.

Skip it if your main priority is a fully packaged meal-and-drink experience with no planning on your part. The boat gives you the water toys and the sailing, but food is not automatically included.

If you’re flexible, do this: decide your meeting point based on where you are staying, confirm whether Bugibba Jetty or Gozo ports involve an extra fee, and then plan your food choice early. Get those two things right, and you’ll be set for a smooth, sun-and-water kind of day from 10am to 6pm.

FAQ

What is the duration of the catamaran charter?

The charter runs for 8 hours, departing at 10am and returning by 6pm.

What is the group size limit?

The maximum capacity is 14 guests for the private group.

What is included in the price?

Included items are a professional skipper, fuel, boat cleaning before and after, WiFi, sound system, unlimited water and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddle board, paddle board accessories, noodles, inflatables, an ice box, and access to the BBQ grill.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included. You can bring your own, or you can request catering and an open bar service for an additional price.

Can I bring my own snacks or drinks onboard?

Yes. You are free to bring your own food and drink on board.

Where does the trip depart from?

The main departure is beyond Marina di Valletta. If you are in Bugibba, departure can start from the Bugibba Jetty. For people staying on Gozo, departure can start from one of its ports.

Are there any extra fees for different departure points?

The information provided says selecting Bugibba Jetty or Gozo as the departure point may involve an additional fee.

What should I bring, and is it accessible for everyone?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and a camera. Pets are not allowed. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.