Catamaran or sailing yacht? It’s the most common question we get from guests planning a day on the water in Malta. Both are private, both come with a skipper, and both will take you to the Blue Lagoon. But they feel very different on board. Below we compare them honestly, point by point, and add our third option, a fast RIB, for small groups. We run all three types, so we have no reason to push one over the other.
Catamaran vs Sailing Yacht: The Short Answer
Choose a catamaran if you want space, stability and shade for a group, especially with children or anyone prone to seasickness. Choose a sailing yacht if you’re a couple or small group who wants the feeling of real sailing: the sails up, the engine off and the boat leaning gently into the wind.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Catamaran | Sailing Yacht (monohull) | |
|---|---|---|
| Hulls | Two, side by side | One |
| Stability | Very stable, sits flat in the water | Leans (heels) when sailing, rolls more at anchor |
| Deck space | Large: trampolines, cockpit, sundecks | Smaller: cockpit and foredeck |
| Shade | Plenty, including a covered saloon | Limited, mainly a bimini over the cockpit |
| Seasickness | Much less likely | More likely for sensitive guests |
| Sailing feel | Smooth and steady | Classic, quiet, more engaging |
| Swimming and snorkelling | Easy access from wide rear steps | Swim ladder at the stern |
| Group size (our fleet) | 14 to 50 guests | Up to 10 guests |
| Price, whole boat, full day (our fleet) | From €900 | €700 |
Stability and Comfort
This is the biggest difference. A catamaran rests on two hulls, so it stays level whether you’re underway or at anchor. Drinks stay on the table, children can move around safely, and guests who worry about seasickness usually feel fine. A sailing yacht has one hull and leans to one side when the wind fills the sails. Many sailors love that feeling, but it takes a little getting used to, and at anchor a monohull rolls more with the swell.
Space and Shade
A catamaran gives you far more usable space for its length: a wide cockpit, a shaded saloon, trampolines at the front for sunbathing, and in some cases an upper sundeck. On a hot July day in Malta, that shade matters. A sailing yacht is cosier. There’s room for a small group to relax, but less space to spread out, and fewer shaded spots.
The Sailing Experience
If the point of your day is sailing, the yacht wins. With the engine off and the sails up, it’s quiet, and you feel the boat respond to the wind. Guests are welcome to help with the lines or take the helm under the skipper’s guidance. A catamaran also sails, but most of our catamaran days are about the destinations: swimming stops, lunch at anchor and time in the lagoons, rather than the sailing itself.
Groups, Families and Couples
- Families with children: catamaran. It’s stable, shaded and easy to swim from.
- Groups of friends, birthdays and parties: catamaran. There’s room for everyone, and our larger boats have sound systems.
- Couples, proposals and anniversaries: sailing yacht. It’s quieter, more romantic, and perfect for a sunset sail.
- Small groups who want to cover ground fast: our RIB (see below).
Price and Value
All our prices are for the whole boat, not per person. Our sailing yacht, Shirina Mia, is €700 for a full day for up to 10 guests. Our catamarans start at €900 for 14 guests and go up to €1,900 for 50 guests on Playtime. For groups larger than 10, a catamaran is usually the better value per person. See every boat and price on our boat rental Malta page.
Our Third Option: A RIB for Speed
Our Turismo 710 RIB is built for speed rather than lounging. It’s the quickest way to reach more coves, caves and swim stops in a day.
- Capacity: up to 8 guests
- Skipper: self-drive with a valid nautical licence (€500), or with a skipper (€700)
- Trade-off: no toilet or shaded lounge, so it suits active groups rather than a relaxed day
Our Boats in Each Category
Catamarans (7): Chiquita and Cicciolina Mia for up to 15 guests, Pupa Mia and Bowie for up to 25, Angelina Mia and Siesta Mia for up to 30, and Playtime for up to 50.
Sailing yacht (1): Shirina Mia, an Elan Impression 45 for up to 10 guests.
RIB (1): Turismo 710 for up to 8 guests.
Day Charter or Sunset Charter
Our catamarans and the sailing yacht are available as a full day charter (around 10:00 to 18:00) or a shorter evening or sunset charter at a lower price. A day charter gives you time to reach Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Gozo or the Blue Grotto. A sunset charter is a relaxed evening along Malta’s coast, and the sailing yacht is especially popular for it at €400. The RIB is available as a day charter.
Every charter is private: you rent the whole boat for your group, never individual seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a catamaran better than a sailing yacht for seasickness?
Yes. A catamaran’s two hulls keep it flat and steady, so guests who feel seasick on a monohull are usually comfortable on a catamaran.
Is a catamaran faster than a sailing yacht?
Under engine, the difference on a day charter is small. Catamarans can be quicker in some conditions, but for a day in Malta, speed rarely decides it. If speed is the priority, the RIB is the fastest option.
Which is better for a couple?
The sailing yacht. It’s quieter and more intimate, and ideal for a sunset sail or a proposal.
Which is better for families with young children?
A catamaran. It’s stable, has plenty of shade, and the wide rear steps make getting in and out of the water easy.
Do I need any sailing experience?
No. Every catamaran and yacht charter comes with a professional skipper. Only the self-drive RIB needs a nautical licence.
Still not sure?
Tell us your group size and what kind of day you have in mind, and we’ll recommend the right boat. Or compare the whole fleet on our boat rental Malta page.
