Private Day Sailing Boat Charter

The best parts of Malta are offshore. This private sailing day gives you a comfortable way to reach Comino’s clear lagoons, quiet swimming spots, and sea caves without being tied to a large group schedule. I especially like the freedom to choose between swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and simply watching Malta slide past from the deck. The other big plus is the skipper’s ability to adjust the route for weather and your interests.

The main caution is time. The charter lasts about eight and a half hours, but only part of that is spent anchored in the bays. One couple found that starting late cost them valuable swimming time, so arrive ready to leave on schedule. Also, the advertised $707.44 price covers a group of up to two, while larger parties need to confirm their own rate.

Key points to know before booking

• Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon: The boat usually heads north toward Comino, with time set aside for Malta’s most famous swimming waters.
• A private route: Your skipper can favor quiet bays and lesser-used spots instead of keeping you at the busiest lagoon all day.
• Food is optional: Fuel, water, equipment, and the skipper are included, but meals and drinks cost extra.
• Active or lazy: Snorkel, use the two stand-up paddleboards, swim from the boat, or stretch out and enjoy the ride.
• Grand Harbour finale: The return through Valletta Grand Harbour is one of the most memorable parts of the day.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, but ordinary cancellations are non-refundable.

Starting at Kalkara Marina in Valletta Grand Harbour

Your day begins at Sailing Charters Malta, Marina Pontoon F, on Triq ir-Regatta 1969 in Kalkara. The marina sits inside Valletta Grand Harbour, so the outing starts with one of Malta’s finest views before the boat even points toward Comino.

This is a useful meeting point if you are staying near Valletta or can reach the area by public transport. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina. The activity returns to the same place at the end.

The boat normally heads north past Sliema’s waterfront and St. Paul’s Islands. The route gives you a broad look at Malta’s coast before the swimming stops begin. You are not simply being ferried from one beach to another. The sailing itself is part of the day, and that matters when you judge the eight-and-a-half-hour duration.

Your skipper will suggest a route based on wind and sea conditions, then shape the day around your wishes. That can mean more time in calm water, a quieter cove, extra swimming, or a closer look at the famous lagoons. Captains named in the feedback include David, Terry, Terrance, Josh, James, Mauricio, Maurizio, Nick, Niki, Nik, Yuri, and Steve.

The repeated strength here is personal service. Captain Terry was praised for his warmth and knowledge of Malta and boating. Captain Nick was noted for giving a sailing lesson. Maurizio even allowed a passenger to take the helm briefly when conditions were suitable. These details are not guaranteed, but they show the kind of skipper-led day this charter aims to provide.

Crystal Lagoon, one hour in Comino’s clear water

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about one hour. It is a famous stop for good reason, with clear water, rocky edges, and a setting best appreciated from the sea.

The boat gives you a better angle than a quick shore visit. You can swim and snorkel from the yacht, then climb back aboard without hauling beach gear through a crowded waterfront. The included snorkeling equipment makes this stop easy if you do not want to pack your own mask and fins.

One hour sounds generous until you add time for anchoring, getting ready, swimming, and climbing back aboard. If Crystal Lagoon is high on your list, use the time well. Have your swimsuit on before arrival and keep towels and snorkel gear within reach.

Sea conditions can affect the experience. On a choppy day, your skipper may favor a more sheltered bay rather than insist on staying in an exposed spot. That is sensible seamanship, even if it means the route changes from the plan.

Blue Lagoon for two hours, but not necessarily all day

Blue Lagoon receives about two hours, the longest named stop. Its bright water is Malta’s star attraction, but fame brings crowds. The lagoon can feel packed near the shore, especially when ferries and day boats arrive together.

A private charter helps, but it does not make Blue Lagoon empty. The useful difference is that your skipper can find a calmer position away from the thickest crowd, or move on if the area is not pleasant. One captain took a group to another swimming spot when Blue Lagoon was too crowded and busy with jellyfish.

I would not book this trip solely as a substitute for a full Blue Lagoon visit. A separate ferry trip can work better if you want to spend hours on or near the lagoon itself. Use the private boat for what it does best: linking Blue Lagoon with quieter bays, open-water views, and places you cannot reach easily by land.

That is also why arriving late is a poor trade. One couple assumed that losing the first hour would not matter during a nine-hour day. They found that sailing time took up much of the outing, leaving only three or four hours in the bays. Be at the marina on time. The water time passes quickly.

St. Paul’s Bay and the story of the shipwreck

The itinerary includes about 30 minutes at St. Paul’s Bay, associated with the shipwreck of St. Paul. It is a shorter stop than the Comino lagoons, but it adds a useful cultural and historical layer to a day otherwise centered on swimming.

You should expect this to be more of a scenic and interpretive pause than a long beach visit. The exact amount of time in the bay can change with weather, sea traffic, and your group’s priorities.

The broader route also passes St. Paul’s Islands and Sliema’s seafront. From the water, you get a clearer sense of Malta’s compact shape and the way its harbors, rocky coast, and urban waterfronts fit together.

If you want a detailed account of Maltese history, tell the skipper at the start. Some captains, including Nick, Yuri, and Captain Nick in the feedback, were praised for explaining landmarks and local history. One lower-scoring experience felt the commentary was limited, so the amount of guiding can depend on how much conversation you encourage and where you spend your time aboard.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboards at your pace

The included equipment is simple but useful: snorkeling gear and two stand-up paddleboards. Fuel, taxes, and free-flowing water are also included, so you are not paying separate onboard charges for the basic sailing day.

The paddleboards add variety for families and mixed groups. Strong swimmers can explore around the boat while others stay aboard. Children have been entertained by swimming, paddleboarding, and even being shown some sailing tasks. A child who became queasy was helped by the skipper and given a chance to learn about sailing.

You can also choose to do very little. A private boat works well for couples who want a slow day, families who need flexibility, or friends who would rather alternate between swimming and sunbathing. The skipper’s first duty is safety, navigation, and looking after everyone aboard, not constant narration or entertainment.

That distinction helps set expectations. This is not a structured sightseeing cruise with a lecture every few minutes. It is a private day on the water, with guidance available and the route adjusted to your group.

The barbecue option, and why bringing your own food may be smarter

Food and drinks are not included in the base price. You can add a fresh barbecue meal, and several people praised the food, especially swordfish and the Maltese platter. Captain Steve’s barbecue received particularly warm attention, while other meals were described as fresh, delicious, and beautifully cooked.

Still, the barbecue has a practical downside. Cooking and eating takes time that could otherwise be spent swimming or sailing. One couple felt the lunch was expensive and recommended bringing a cold meal, wine, or prosecco instead. The operator allows you to bring your own food and drinks, which gives you more control over both cost and timing.

I would ask for the full meal price before booking. If you want the novelty of a barbecue on the boat, it may be worth paying for. If your priority is seeing as many bays as possible, a packed lunch is likely the better choice.

Water is included, but other drinks are not. Bring what you want if you prefer specific beverages, while checking any onboard rules with the operator in advance.

What the $707.44 price really buys you

At $707.44 for up to two people, this is a premium day out. The value comes from privacy, time, fuel, a skipper, equipment, and the freedom to avoid the most crowded places. It is not the cheapest way to reach Comino, and the base figure does not include food, drinks, or transport to Kalkara Marina.

For two people celebrating a honeymoon, birthday, engagement, or special trip, the price can make sense. You are buying control over the day rather than a fixed seat on a crowded boat. One couple described the charter as a highlight of their honeymoon, while another chose it as a quieter alternative to public boating options for a 40th birthday.

For a larger family or group, check the price before assuming the per-person value. The listing price is specifically for up to two people, although the boat has been used by groups of three and by larger families. Some feedback recommends it for groups of four to eight, but the correct capacity and price for your party should come directly from the operator.

A private charter is also better value when everyone in your group wants the same kind of day. If half your party wants to swim all afternoon and the rest wants a fast sightseeing circuit, even a private boat may not solve every disagreement.

What makes the skippers such a large part of the experience

The boat matters, but the skipper shapes the day. The strongest experiences came from captains who listened first, then suggested a route.

David was praised for clear communication before departure and for accommodating special plans. Terry and Terrance were described as friendly, relaxed, and highly experienced. Josh found calm lagoons on a choppy day. James kept both children and adults entertained, while Yuri created a route that avoided the worst crowds.

You may also get small personal touches. Terrance offered to take photographs so a couple could stay present in the moment. Maurizio shared sailing stories and let a passenger take the helm when conditions allowed. A captain helped a seasick child and taught her about sailing. These are individual choices, not guaranteed inclusions, but they show why the guide can matter more than the printed route.

Tell the skipper what you want at the beginning. Say clearly if you prefer quiet bays, more swimming, less time at Blue Lagoon, more local information, or a relaxed pace. The more useful information you give, the easier it is to shape the day.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would choose this experience if you want:

• A private day rather than a fixed group cruise
• Swimming and snorkeling in several locations
• A chance to avoid the busiest parts of Comino
• Time for paddleboarding and unhurried stops
• A special occasion with a flexible route
• A skipper who can explain Malta and adjust plans

It is also a strong choice for families. There is no minimum age requirement, and most people can participate. The equipment and private setting make it easier to adjust the day for children than on a crowded public boat.

Mobility needs deserve a quick conversation before booking. One captain helped a passenger with mobility issues on and off the boat, but this should not be treated as a formal accessibility guarantee. Ask the operator about the boarding arrangements for your particular needs.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a long, quiet stay at Blue Lagoon itself, or if you dislike spending a significant part of the day sailing between stops. I would also think twice if the added cost of lunch and drinks would bother you.

Practical advice for making the day better

Arrive on time at Kalkara Marina. The first hour matters, and the sailing time is part of the route rather than empty filler.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sun protection, and a cover-up. The supplied information confirms snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and water, but it does not list every personal item you may need.

Bring a cold lunch if you want maximum water time and better control over spending. Choose the barbecue if the meal itself is part of the fun and you are happy to give up some swimming time.

Ask about jellyfish and sea conditions on the day. Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the skipper may recommend another bay. That flexibility is one of the main reasons to choose a private charter.

Keep your belongings together when returning through Valletta Grand Harbour. The final approach is worth watching, and it is easy to miss while packing up.

The experience is non-refundable for ordinary cancellations or changes. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so do not treat the reservation as final until it arrives.

Should you book this Malta sailing day?

I would book it for a couple, family, or small group that values privacy and wants more than a simple ride to Blue Lagoon. The best use of the day is to let the skipper combine famous stops with quieter bays, then spend your time swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and enjoying the coast.

I would not book it as the cheapest way to see Comino, or as a guaranteed escape from every crowd. Start early, decide carefully about the barbecue, and tell the skipper what matters most. If you do that, the private format gives you a polished and flexible day on Malta’s best waters.

FAQ

Where does the private sailing charter start?

It starts at Sailing Charters Malta Marina, Pontoon F, Triq ir-Regatta 1969, Kalkara KKR 1390, Malta.

Where does the activity end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Kalkara Marina.

How long does the charter last?

The sailing day lasts approximately eight hours and 30 minutes.

What places can the boat visit?

The usual route heads north past Sliema, St. Paul’s Islands, and toward Comino. Stops can include Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, St. Paul’s Bay, and other bays or locations chosen with the skipper.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the base price, although you can choose to add a barbecue meal. You may also bring your own food and drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are stand-up paddleboards available?

Yes. Two stand-up paddleboards are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to make your own way to the marina because hotel pickup is not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Ordinary cancellations and amendments are non-refundable.