Custom Sailboat and Catamaran Cruises in Malta
Malta, a group of three major islands, is a key holiday destination in Europe and perfect for a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran. With a plethora of breathtaking beaches and charming coastal towns and villages, you won’t run out of things to see here. In the ocean, there are over 120 dive sites where you can explore underwater utopias and on land, the cultural influence of many countries is present, not just in the buildings, but also in the gastronomy.
Get ready to make some memories during your Maltese cruise with family and friends
No matter who you plan on setting sail with, your cruise in Malta is sure to be fantastic. Adults will have the amazing opportunity to try a number of different water sports, while children will love to splash around with the inflatable water toys.
Meanwhile, if you would prefer to embark on a romantic getaway with your partner, you should opt for a crewed cruise in Malta. This way, you will be able to enjoy an intimate dinner for two on board underneath a sensational sunset while admiring the breathtaking backdrops.
What are the best destinations and sailing routes for a Maltese cruise in a catamaran or sailboat?
Malta is full of amazing destinations for your nautical adventure and you should absolutely try to see as many as possible when sailing the Maltese coast. We recommend that you start your cruise in a catamaran or sailboat in Valletta, the capital, as we have many boats here and the Marina di Valletta is perfectly equipped for a comfortable start to your trip. If you are looking for a short cruise of just a day, you should then set sail for the Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino, enjoying the spectacular coastal panoramas and some light snacks on board along the way.
Once you arrive at the Blue Lagoon, you will drop your anchor for a while to enjoy bathing in the bright blue waters and maybe even indulging in some water sports. After this, you can enjoy a sumptuous lunch charcuterie, washed down with a drink of your choice, whether you prefer mimosas, champagne, wine, or beer. In the afternoon, you will have more time for swimming and snorkelling, before heading back to Marina di Valletta.
If you want a slightly longer trip of about a week, we have a more intense, action-filled cruise around Sicily in mind for you. Naturally, this itinerary is just a suggestion and you can feel free to add in or take out any stops you like.
Day 1
Marina di Valletta to Porto Turistico Marina di Ragusa - 53 nautical miles (3 hours and 32 minutes)
On day 1 of your trip, you can start at Marina di Valletta and set sail for Porto Turistico Marina di Ragusa. Once here, we suggest you grab a quick bite to eat, before taking a taxi to the beautiful Riserva Naturale del Fiume Irmino. Spend the afternoon exploring an area of spectacular natural beauty, before heading back to the marina, where you can enjoy a quick swim or even learn to surf at Onda Fenicia surf school.
Day 2
Porto Turistico Marina di Ragusa to San Gregorio Bagnoli - 184.9 nautical miles (12 hours and 20 minutes)
Most of your second day will be spent sailing from the south of Sicily to the north but at least you will have the opportunity to admire the stunning coastal panoramas of Sicily’s east coast. If you choose a crewed cruise in a catamaran or sailboat, you will not have to worry about a thing. Just sit back, relax, and admire the views, asking the skipper to drop the anchor from time to time if you want a swim.
Day 3
San Gregorio Bagnoli to Vulcano - 18.8 nautical miles (1 hour and 15 minutes)
You will start day three of your tour by heading out to Vulcano, a small island just off the coast of Sicily that is home to one of the remaining active volcanoes in Italy. You shouldn’t miss this beautiful, natural spectacle and the opportunity to see a volcano up close.
Vulcano to Marina di Caronia - 33 nautical miles (2 hours and 12 minutes)
Marina di Caronia is the perfect place to go fishing, due to the excellent water quality. However, you can also take the chance to explore the Castello di Caronia and the Torrente Caronia, both of which are just a short distance from the marina.
Day 4
Marina di Caronia to Castel di Tusa - 10.2 nautical miles (41 minutes)
In Castel di Tusa, you will find breathtaking beaches that are perfect for a quick dip before heading on to your next stop.
Castel di Tusa to Cefalu - 12.1 nautical miles (48 minutes)
Although the beaches in Cefalu are spectacular, we would recommend using your time here to see the cathedral and the Tempio di Diana. The latter is a fascinating megalithic temple dating back at least as far as the 9th century B.C. and quite unique.
Cefalu to Palermo - 31.8 nautical miles (2 hours and 7 minutes)
Your final stop on day 4 will be Palermo, where you should aim to spend the majority of the day, on account of the many things to do and see. A trip to the Capuchin Abbey and Catacombs will be well worth your while and the food markets are full of sumptuous local produce for you to try.
Day 5
Palermo to Castellammare del Golfo - 35.3 nautical miles (2 hours and 21 minutes)
Kick-off day 5 with a visit to the picturesque Castellammare del Golfo, where you can visit the coastal village of Tonnara di Scopello. This village looks like it should appear on a postcard and has a rich and interesting history.
Castellammare del Golfo to San Vito Lo Capo - 13 nautical miles (52 minutes)
The next stop on your cruise in a sailboat or catamaran will be San Vito Lo Capo, which is full of spectacular beaches. Take a dip in the sea and wander through the captivating coastal villages before moving on to your next stop.
San Vito Lo Capo to Trapani - 15.5 nautical miles (1 hour and 2 minutes)
Trapani is a true gem and the ideal place to bring an end to day 5. In Trapani Old Town, you can visit the Saturn fountain and gaze up in awe at the Twin Clock tower, before sampling one of the local dishes in a restaurant.
Day 6
Trapani around the Aegadian Islands to Marsala - 45.8 nautical miles (3 hours and 3 minutes)
This part of the trip will be like a dream come true, as you sail first out towards Levanzo, then on past Marettimo, and finally past Favignana on your way to Marsala. You can stop off at the islands if you want, but even viewing them from a distance is a treat, with the unspoilt natural beauty.
Marsala to Mazara del Vallo - 13.6 nautical miles (54 minutes)
When you reach Mazara del Vallo, you will be treated to a transcendent town of bright colours and a lively atmosphere. One of the top recommendations here is to visit the Teatro Garibaldi. Even if you can’t stay for a show, the building is truly spectacular.
Mazara del Vallo to Sciacca - 28.4 nautical miles (1 hour and 54 minutes)
Sciacca is the perfect place to bring an end to the penultimate day of your Maltese cruise. It will be pretty late by the time you arrive here, but you should absolutely stop for dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants to sample some local seafood.
Day 7
Sciacca to Heraclea Minoa - 12.8 nautical miles (51 minutes)
The first stop of your last day will be Heraclea Minoa, the ruins of an ancient city that are a true thrill to explore. This is the perfect way to kick off day 7 and a true window into the past.
Heraclea Minoa to Porto Empedocle - 13.9 nautical miles (56 minutes)
At Porto Empedocle, you will be treated to the beautiful Chiesa Madre Porto Empedocle. This is also the perfect place to try out scuba diving, as the Scuola Sub Empedocle offers lessons and courses at all levels.
Porto Empedocle to Punta Secca - 55.8 nautical miles (3 hours and 43 minutes)
Punta Secca is a picturesque fishing village, and an ideal place to stop off before the long sail back to Marina di Valletta on Malta. You can stop off for a quick bite to eat and visit the Capo Scaramia lighthouse.
Punta Secca to Marina di Valletta - 53.5 nautical miles (3 hours and 34 minutes)
Which activities can you enjoy during a cruise in Malta?
Aside from the amazing exploration opportunities, you can also try out a wide range of different water sports during your Maltese cruise. Just a few of these include water skiing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, scuba diving and snorkelling. If you’re renting out a larger vessel, you may even be able to add a jet ski to your charter. You should also take the opportunity to sample the local cuisine, maybe in one of the seafront restaurants. If you opted for a crewed cruise in Malta, you could even try some local dishes onboard your boat, served by your chef.
When is the best time for your cruise in a sailboat or catamaran in Malta?
The weather in Malta is generally fantastic for sailing all year round. However, you will find the best combination of good weather and good prices for your Maltese cruise from the end of May until the beginning of July. During this time, the weather will be beautiful, prices will be reasonable, and there also shouldn’t be too many tourists, meaning that the beaches won’t be as crowded.
Book your cruise in a catamaran or sailboat with a skipper and crew for the ultimate relaxation
In Malta, whether you’re an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, there is a lot to be said for setting sail with a skipper and crew. Even if you have a lot of sailing experience, a skipper can teach you a lot about the specific area, with knowledge that only locals really have.
A crewed charter is also great as it allows you the chance to really relax, without having to worry about any general chores. Depending on the size and type of boat, a crew can consist of 4 members or more, usually including a hostess, a cook, and a couple of deckhands. These crew members will ensure that you want for nothing during your cruise in Malta and will really do their best to create a really special experience for you.
What is the cost of a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran?
There are many different factors that can affect the price of a boating holiday, such as the season, the duration of your trip, and the model and size of the boat. Whether or not you want to sail with a skipper will also affect the price.
As a rough guide, though, a cruise in a catamaran in Malta will cost at least €3750 per week in low season or €8000 per week in high season, while a cruise in a sailboat will cost at least €1900 per week in low season or €2200 per week in high season.
What is included in the cost and what comes at an additional charge?
Normally, the price listed on the website only covers the basic charter of the boat, so make sure you check with the boat owner if there are any additional costs to expect from your voyage. Additional costs are usually split up into mandatory and optional extras. Mandatory extras will include things such as administrative expenses, a final clean of the boat and necessities such as dishes, cutlery and bedclothes. You will also normally have to pay for fuel and a diving inspection of the boat to ensure no damage has been done during the trip.
You can also pay for things like wifi and water sports equipment. Some of the equipment you can add to your charter includes kayaks, surfboards, snorkelling and diving equipment, and inflatables. Depending on the boat you choose, some of these things may be included already, so it is definitely a good idea to ask the boat owner first.
Is a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran better?
This depends very much on what kind of experience you’re hoping for. If you want an authentic sailing experience, you should opt for a cruise in a sailboat. Modern sailboats, although having less space than catamarans, are perfectly equipped for a comfortable holiday. They are also usually cheaper, not just because they use less fuel, but also because they require less docking space in marinas.
A cruise in a catamaran, on the other hand, is sure to be a very luxurious experience. They have more space than sailboats, and the double hull structure also results in more stability, which means there is a lower chance of you suffering from seasickness. However, these boats are usually more expensive as they require more fuel and take up more space when you choose to dock.