Malta: Catamaran Private Day Charter with Skipper

A day on the water in Malta without the stress. You get a private catamaran for up to 15, plus a skipper to handle the sailing so you can focus on swimming, snorkeling, and coastline time.

What I like most is the mix of comfort and play, with a spacious deck and on-board perks that make the hours feel easy.

The main thing to consider is motion. This charter is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness, and it also is not a great fit for non-swimmers or anyone with mobility limits.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private group, real flexibility: Your route is designed to be tailored, with the captain adjusting for weather and safety.
• Comino time built in: Expect a long stop for swimming and snorkeling, plus a BBQ-style meal period.
• Included water activities: Two stand-up paddle boards and snorkeling masks are part of the price.
• Comfort that feels made for lounging: You’ll have lots of room to spread out, not just sit in cramped rows.
• Bluetooth sound system: Bring your playlist and pair via Bluetooth on the water.
• Unlimited mineral water onboard: Easy hydration without having to keep asking for refills.

Sailing Out of Ta’ Xbiex, Where the Day Starts Smooth

The charter starts at 34 Ir-Rampa Ta’ Xbiex, and your best move is to look for Roland Marina Pontoon D. It is a straightforward meet-up, and once you’re aboard, the day shifts from land plans to sea rhythm fast.

What makes this style of sailing good value is that you are paying for a whole package, not just transport. Your skipper is experienced and fuel is included, so you are not paying extra when conditions change or the captain tweaks timing to keep it safe.

Also, your group size matters here. At up to 15, you should feel more like a private party on the water than a crowded day trip, which matches what you want for a relaxed Maltese sea day.

Your Catamaran Setup: Space, Modern Comfort, and On-Board Perks

This charter uses a premium modern catamaran picked to match your group size. Expect bright, contemporary interiors, plus generous lounging areas and wide decks for sun and shade. If you get a model with an elevated flybridge, you may have extra space and better views from on high, but it depends on the exact catamaran assigned.

A key detail that affects your comfort is indoor-outdoor flow. You can bounce between shaded spots and open deck time without feeling shut in. There is also a sound system with Bluetooth, which is perfect for keeping the vibe relaxed without needing to bring bulky gear.

The included basics are also genuinely useful:

• Unlimited mineral water
• Snorkeling masks
• Two stand-up paddle boards
• Use of on-board amenities

One small practical note: the charter rules say shoes are not allowed (and shoes indoors are also not allowed). So pack for barefoot deck comfort and bring only what you truly need.

Comino Stop: Swimming, Snorkeling, BBQ Time, and Wildlife Watch

The itinerary centers on Comino with about a four-hour block there. This is where the day becomes active in the best way. You’ll get sightseeing time, a safety briefing, swimming and snorkeling, and a BBQ period built into the experience.

Comino’s big draw is that it lets you do that rare combo of calm and pretty without a long, exhausting day of moving around. With a catamaran, you can also spend time in the water rather than only looking from a rocky viewpoint.

And yes, there is time for marine life viewing. Even if you are not a hardcore spotter, having time set aside for it nudges you to pay attention, not just float. The practical upside is that you can hop between snorkeling and casual deck lounging based on your energy level.

What bays you might hit on the northbound route

If the captain is sailing north, you may stop in Comino bays such as:

• Blue Lagoon
• Crystal Lagoon
• Santa Marija Bay
• San Niklaw Bay

And you might also get a scenic visit to caves.

If your route goes south instead

If the chosen route is southbound, possible stops can include:

• Ħofriet
• St. Peter’s Pool
• St. Thomas Bay

So what should you expect in real terms? You’re not stuck with one single “look only” location. You’re more likely to get a sequence of beautiful stops, with time in the water at the most fun moments.

Food Planning: Bring Your Own, Use the Fridges, or Choose a Package

Food is one of the areas where people’s days can tilt toward great or just okay, and the good news is you have options. Food and drinks are not automatically included, but you can bring your own and use the fridges onboard.

If you choose to go with catered menus, the charter offers food packages. One review noted that the food was good, though the fish could have been better. That tells me the catering is generally solid, but if seafood is your priority, you might want to ask what is planned before you pick a meal option, or bring your own preferences.

Also, take advantage of the unlimited mineral water. It sounds simple, but it changes the day. When drinks are not an extra line item, everyone tends to drink more and you stop worrying about running out.

What to do if you bring your own:

• Pack things that travel well in a fridge.
• Keep it simple, because you’ll be in swim mode for chunks of the day.
• Bring snacks you can eat without needing a full serving setup.

The Skipper Role: Safety, Timing, and Real-Day Flexibility

This is one of those experiences where a skipper is not just a checkbox. Having an experienced skipper means you avoid the hassle of coordinating sailing logistics, and you get route decisions made for current conditions.

The charter plan is a sample route, and route planning can change due to weather and for safety reasons. That flexibility is a benefit, not a bait-and-switch. On water, the best day is the one that matches conditions, wind, and how the captain can manage stops safely.

In practical terms, this also impacts your enjoyment during the day. Reviews mention punctual start and return, and that matters because it keeps your day from feeling rushed at one end and slow at the other. A smooth schedule plus real flexibility tends to create that calm mood you want for a private day.

SUP and Snorkeling Gear: Included, So You Can Actually Use It

You do not have to rent or scramble for gear. The charter includes:

• Two stand-up paddle boards
• Snorkeling masks

That changes how much time you spend “watching” and how much time you spend doing. If you are the type who likes to try one water activity but does not want the stress of figuring out rental logistics, this is a nice setup.

If you are a strong swimmer, snorkeling time becomes a highlight. If you are less confident, you can still enjoy water time from the catamaran and use the gear to the level you feel comfortable with.

Important fit note: this charter is not suitable for non-swimmers. So be honest about comfort in open water before you book.

On-Board Vibe: What Makes the Reviews Worth Paying Attention To

Two things show up clearly in the reviews.

First, the crew experience. One reviewer called the crew amazing, and that matches what you want on a private sailing day, calm competence plus friendliness. When the crew is good, small moments improve, like when you know exactly when to get ready for a swim or how to settle into the day’s flow.

Second, the boat setup itself. One review mentioned loads of room and seating space. That is a real quality factor, because cramped catamarans can make a “relaxing” day feel like a compromise. Here, the spacing is part of the pitch for a reason.

Finally, drinks. One review specifically mentioned there was enough to drink onboard. With unlimited mineral water included, you already have a base, and it seems the crew also handles replenishing and keeping things easy.

Price and Value: What $1,348 Gets You (and Why It Can Be Worth It)

The price is $1,348 per group up to 15 for an 8-hour charter. On paper, that can sound pricey, but private catamaran pricing usually works like this: you’re paying for the entire boat, fuel, and skipper time, plus included activity gear.

Here is how I think about value for you:

• If you had to split a day boat rental plus skipper plus fuel plus gear, the totals can jump quickly.
• With this charter, you’re also buying simplicity. You do not spend your day bargaining, hunting for snorkel rentals, or worrying about whether the schedule will work.
• Unlimited mineral water is included, which helps reduce “nickel and dime” moments.

Your food decision also affects overall value. Since food and drinks are not included by default, you can control costs by bringing your own. If you want everything handled, the catered packages let you pay for convenience.

If your group has 8 to 12 people, the per-person cost often feels more reasonable because you are splitting the fixed costs of a private boat. If it is just two or four people, it can still be a great day, but it becomes more of a splurge.

Who This Catamaran Day Charter Fits Best

This charter is best for people who want water time, not a checklist of sites.

It works especially well for:

• Families who want a private day with space and multiple ways to have fun
• Couples and friend groups who want a calmer, less crowded feel
• Swimmers and snorkelers who will actually use the included masks
• People who value a skipper and want the sailing handled for them

It is not suitable for:

• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• Non-swimmers
• People prone to seasickness or motion sickness

That last one is worth repeating. If you know you get sick on boats, do not gamble with it. Your enjoyment will disappear fast.

What to Bring, What Not to Do, and How to Stay Comfortable

Pack for a sea day with direct sun and wet water time:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Food and drinks (if bringing your own)

The rules are also clear on what you should avoid:

• No intoxication
• No smoking indoors
• No littering
• No shoes indoors
• No high-heeled shoes
• No fireworks
• No making fire

These sound strict, but they are really about safety and keeping the boat clean. If you follow them, your day tends to feel smoother for everyone.

Also, since you are likely to spend time in the sun, sunscreen is not optional. Even on a breezy day, your skin can get hammered.

Should You Book This Private Malta Catamaran Charter?

If your goal is a relaxed, private sea day with time to swim and snorkel, I think this is a strong choice. You get a real “sailing day” feeling with the comfort of a modern catamaran, plus included SUP and snorkeling gear, and a skipper to manage the route.

I would skip it if:

• You might get motion sickness
• You are bringing someone who is not a swimmer
• Your group needs easy access for mobility limitations or back comfort

If you do book, my best advice is to plan your food strategy early. Either bring something easy that you can refrigerate onboard, or choose a catered option with your preferences in mind. That simple step can make the difference between a good day and a “we should do this again” day.

Overall, this is the kind of Malta experience that feels less like sightseeing and more like a day you remember for the sea, the space, and the fact that you did not have to manage the details.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the catamaran charter?

The meeting point is 34 Ir-Rampa Ta’ Xbiex. You should look for Roland Marina Pontoon D.

How long is the private charter?

The duration is 8 hours.

Is this a private group experience?

Yes, it is a private group charter.

What is included in the price?

It includes an experienced skipper, fuel, 2 stand-up paddle boards, snorkeling masks, a sound system with Bluetooth connection, use of on-board amenities, and unlimited mineral water.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own food and beverages, use the fridges provided, or select catered food packages.

Where does the itinerary include swimming and snorkeling?

Comino is the main stop, with time for swimming and snorkeling (plus a safety briefing during the visit).

What should I bring for the day on the water?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and food and drinks if you plan to bring your own.

Is the charter suitable for non-swimmers or people who get seasick?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers or for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.

Can the route change during the day?

Yes. The route is a sample and may be adjusted due to weather conditions and for safety reasons at the captain’s discretion.