Twin cabin with two single beds aboard Canaima

Guest guide

Markus, your host, on deck in Birgu

Arrr… welcome aboard Canaima, matey!

Ahoy, my dear guests! I’m Markus, your host. While I can’t promise buried treasure (I’ve looked), I can promise an unforgettable stay aboard this beautifully restored yacht. Canaima has plenty of stories to tell, and now she’s ready to be part of yours.

This guest guide is your captain’s log. Here you’ll find everything you need to navigate your stay — from operating the air conditioning and marine toilets to discovering the best restaurants, beaches, hidden coves, and local gems around Malta.

So pour yourself a drink, climb up to the flybridge, watch the harbour come alive, and enjoy life at a slower tide.

May the winds be fair, the rum never run dry, and your stay aboard Canaima be one to remember.

Fair winds and following seas,
Your Captain Markus

Quick info – important!

This guide explains how to find the yacht, check in and out, use the onboard facilities, and avoid the most common problems experienced on boats. Please read the marine toilet instructions before using the bathrooms.

For urgent questions during your stay, contact us through the booking platform or using the contact details below.

WhatsApp +356 7909 1363

Location
Grand Harbour Marina, Birgu – Pontoon B
Open in Google Maps
Check-in
From 16:00
Check-out
By 11:00
Guest capacity
Maximum number stated in your reservation
Emergency
Call 112
Important
Canaima remains securely berthed in the marina throughout your stay

1. Finding Canaima

Canaima is located at:

Grand Harbour Marina, Pontoon B, Birgu, Malta

The yacht can also be found by searching for Canaima - Boutique Yacht on Google Maps.

2. Self check-in

Entering Pontoon B:

  1. Go to the entrance gate for Pontoon B, opposite the waterfront restaurants.
  2. Press the intercom button at the gate.
  3. When the marina office answers, say that you are staying on Canaima.
  4. The marina team will unlock the gate remotely.
  5. Push the gate open and proceed along the pontoon.

Canaima is the distinctive teal-coloured yacht on the right-hand side. Depending on whether the neighbouring berth is occupied, she may appear to be either the first or second yacht on the right.

Opening the yacht

The key lockbox is mounted outside, next to the yacht’s entrance door.

Your personal lockbox code will be sent to you separately before check-in. The access code cannot be published on this public page.

  1. Enter the code on the lockbox.
  2. Open the box and remove the keys.
  3. Use the larger door key in the lock located on the right side of the entrance frame.
  4. Once inside, place the key set in the small key tray beside the entrance.

Switching on the yacht’s power

Inside the entrance, on the left-hand side, there is a key-operated master switch.

  1. Insert the smaller key into the master switch.
  2. Turn the key.
  3. Press the switch directly above it.

This activates the main guest lighting and onboard power.

A second set of keys is stored beside the entrance. The small black electronic fob is used for:

  • The pontoon gate
  • Access to the marina facilities
  • The elevator leading to the marina bathrooms

Please keep the keys and fob in a safe place. Replacement of a lost marina fob costs €80.

3. Wi-Fi

The Wi-Fi network name and password are displayed in the framed Welcome Aboard sign inside the yacht (in the lounge and in the main bedroom in the aft).

For security, the Wi-Fi password cannot be displayed on the public website.

4. Marine toilets — IMPORTANT, READ CAREFULLY

Boat toilets are very different from household toilets. Their pipes and pumps are much narrower and can become blocked very easily.

Nothing goes into the toilet except human waste!

Please place all other items in the bathroom bin, including:

  • Toilet paper
  • Wet wipes, including “flushable” wipes
  • Sanitary products
  • Cotton pads and cotton buds
  • Tissues
  • Paper towels
  • Hair
  • Dental floss
  • Food or other rubbish

Every bathroom has a covered waste bin for this purpose.

Important:

Never flush toilet paper, even in small amounts. Products advertised as “flushable” are also not suitable for a marine toilet.

A blocked marine toilet requires specialist repair and may make the bathroom unusable. A €200 charge may apply when a toilet is blocked because prohibited items were flushed.

Please inform us immediately if:

  • The toilet does not flush normally
  • The water level rises unexpectedly
  • You hear an unusual pump noise
  • There is a leak or unpleasant smell

Do not repeatedly operate the flush if something appears to be wrong.

5. Showers and bathrooms onboard

Canaima has two private onboard bathrooms, including one en-suite bathroom.

Because this is a yacht:

  • Keep showers reasonably short.
  • Avoid allowing towels or clothing to cover the drain.
  • Do not leave water running unnecessarily.
  • Inform us promptly if water is not draining correctly.

Bath towels are provided. Please do not use the indoor towels at the pool, on the deck, or at the beach.

6. Marina bathrooms and showers

Guests may also use the bathrooms and showers provided by Grand Harbour Marina.

The marina facilities are located in the building between the waterfront restaurants. Access is through the elevator on the right.

How to find them

  1. Leave Pontoon B and walk towards the restaurant area.
  2. Look for the passage and signs leading to the marina facilities.
  3. Enter the hallway between the restaurants.
  4. Follow the signs for the marina bathrooms.
  5. Use the yacht’s black electronic key fob where required, including in the elevator to get to the floor with the bathrooms.

Do not confuse the marina facilities with the public toilets situated on the ground floor in front of the elevator.

The marina washrooms include toilets and showers. They are pretty spacious, clean and well equipped, with good showers and water pressure.

7. Air conditioning

Canaima is fully air-conditioned.

The cabins and living areas have individual controls, allowing you to select the temperature for each area.

Please use the air conditioning responsibly

  • Keep doors and windows closed while the air conditioning is operating.
  • Do not set the temperature unnecessarily low.
  • Switch off the air conditioning when leaving the yacht.
  • Switch off units in rooms that are not being used.

The system cools the interior quickly when you return.

If a control panel displays an error or the unit stops cooling, switch it off and contact us. Do not repeatedly restart it.

8. Electricity and lighting

The yacht’s main guest power is activated using the key switch beside the entrance.

Individual lights are operated using the switches throughout the yacht. Because several switches may control different zones, some may not appear to operate the nearest light.

Before leaving the yacht or going to sleep, please check that unnecessary lights and electrical appliances are switched off.

Do not disconnect cables, operate technical control panels or open marked service compartments.

9. Drinking water and water use

The taps and showers use the yacht’s onboard water system.

We recommend using bottled water for drinking. Tap water can be used for washing, showering and brushing teeth.

Please avoid excessive water use and report any continuously running pump, dripping tap or leak immediately.

10. Kitchen and refrigerator

The yacht has a kitchen and refrigerator for guest use.

Please:

  • Keep food properly stored.
  • Do not pour oil, grease, coffee grounds or food scraps into the sink.
  • Place solid waste in the rubbish bin.
  • Clean used dishes and kitchen equipment.
  • Remove open or perishable food before check-out.
  • Switch off small appliances after use.

Do not switch off the refrigerator during your stay unless instructed.

11. Pool and outside areas

Canaima has a small plunge pool containing filtered seawater. It is cleaned and refilled in preparation for arriving guests.

Outdoor seating includes chairs, a hanging chair and fixed seating areas.

Pool and deck safety

  • The pool is not supervised.
  • Children must be supervised at all times.
  • Do not dive or jump into the pool.
  • Do not run on the deck.
  • Surfaces may become slippery when wet.
  • Do not sit or climb on railings.
  • Use plastic or unbreakable drinkware around the pool.
  • Keep noise at a respectful level, particularly in the evening.

The yacht, pontoons and gangways move slightly with the water. Take particular care when boarding, especially at night or after rain.

12. Television and internet entertainment

A Smart TV is available in the main living area.

Guests may sign in to their own streaming accounts. Please remember to sign out before departure.

Do not purchase films, subscriptions or other paid content through the television.

13. Doors, keys and security

The marina has controlled pontoon access and onsite security. Grand Harbour Marina states that the site has full-time security and 24-hour CCTV coverage.

When leaving Canaima:

  • Close the entrance door properly.
  • Take the required key and marina fob.
  • Do not leave the keys in the exterior lockbox during your stay.
  • Do not share access codes with people who are not included in your booking.
  • Keep valuables out of sight.

Smoking is not permitted inside the yacht or near open doors and windows. Smoking is allowed only in the designated outdoor area using the provided ashtray.

Never throw cigarette ends into the marina.

14. Waste and rubbish

Please use the bins provided inside the yacht.

Do not throw any rubbish, cigarette ends, food or liquids into the marina.

When a bin is full, tie the bag securely. Contact us when you need replacement bags or directions to the marina refuse area.

Remember that bathroom waste, including toilet paper, must always be placed in the bathroom bin.

15. Noise and visitors

Canaima is located in an active marina shared with residents, yacht crews, restaurants and other guests.

Please:

  • Keep music and conversations at a considerate level.
  • Reduce outdoor noise after 22:00.
  • Do not use external speakers late at night.
  • Do not invite unregistered overnight guests.
  • Obtain approval before holding a gathering or inviting a larger group onboard.

Small, quiet celebrations may be possible with prior agreement. Larger private gatherings must be arranged separately.

16. Safety onboard

Please familiarise yourself with the yacht when you arrive.

General precautions:

  • Children must remain under adult supervision.
  • Wear suitable footwear on the deck and pontoon.
  • Take care when using steps, ladders and changes in floor level.
  • Keep escape routes and doors unobstructed.
  • Do not light candles or use open flames.
  • Do not move safety equipment.
  • Do not access the engine room, flybridge controls or technical areas.
  • Canaima is accommodation and must not be operated or moved by guests.

In an immediate emergency, call 112.

For yacht-related problems that are not life-threatening, contact the host first.

17. What to do if something is not working

Contact us immediately if you notice:

  • Water leaking
  • A toilet blockage
  • Loss of power
  • An air-conditioning error
  • Smoke or a burning smell
  • Damage to a window, door or lock
  • A bilge or pump alarm
  • An unusual amount of movement or a damaged mooring line
  • Any safety concern

Please do not attempt technical repairs yourself.

Providing a photo or short video usually helps us resolve the issue more quickly.

18. Check-out

Check-out is by 11:00, unless another time has been agreed in writing.

Before leaving:

  1. Wash used dishes and kitchen equipment.
  2. Place rubbish in tied bags.
  3. Remove personal food and belongings.
  4. Sign out of personal streaming accounts.
  5. Switch off the air conditioning.
  6. Switch off lights and unnecessary appliances.
  7. Close the windows.
  8. Leave used towels in the bathroom.
  9. Place the yacht keys and black marina fob in the small tray beside the entrance.
  10. Check every cabin, drawer and charging socket for personal belongings.

You may leave the yacht’s entrance door unlocked after placing the keys inside. The cleaning team will arrive after check-out.

Please do not return the keys to the exterior lockbox unless specifically instructed.

19. Lost keys and belongings

Charges may apply for replacement access items:

  • Lost yacht door key: €25
  • Lost marina access fob: €80

Please contact us immediately if a key or fob is missing.

Items found after departure can be retained temporarily, but postage and courier costs must be paid by the guest.

20. Exploring Malta

Canaima is berthed in Birgu, one of Malta’s historic Three Cities, directly across the harbour from Valletta.

The Valletta ferry terminal is within walking distance and provides a convenient connection across the harbour. Waterfront restaurants, cafés and historic streets are also located immediately around the marina.

Grand Harbour Marina describes its location as being close to Valletta and surrounded by waterfront restaurants, shops and historic attractions.

For recommendations, see our Malta guide:

21. Getting around Malta

For most trips the easiest option is a ride-hailing app: Bolt, Uber or eCabs. For Valletta, take the Three Cities ferry, a short walk from the pontoon. Public parking is about 100 metres from Canaima.

Full guide: getting around

22. Beaches and swimming spots

Swimming is not allowed inside the marina. For an easy sandy beach day go to Golden Bay or Mellieħa Bay; for scenic swimming, Għajn Tuffieħa or St Peter’s Pool.

Full guide: beaches

23. My favourite restaurants (Captain's taste, ARRR!)

Close to the yacht, Terrone and Don Berto in Birgu are easy choices. For Valletta, Sliema, Mdina and Gozo see the full list.

Full guide: restaurants

Check availability