Malta: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Snack, and Swimming

Malta’s Dance Island boat party turns a sunset cruise into a floating club, with a live DJ, four hours of drinks, and a swim stop in clear Mediterranean water. You cruise from Sliema past rocky cliffs and coves, then dance as the light fades and the boat’s party mood picks up.

I like the simple value: the open bar includes rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks, while your ticket also covers a sandwich and fruit. I also like the easy social setup. With about 238 people onboard, it is built for meeting others rather than sitting quietly with the same small group.

The main catch is the crowd. One three-star review noted that there were many foreign visitors, which is hardly surprising for an adult party cruise, but it means this is not the place for a calm, private evening or a distinctly Maltese cultural experience.

Key points to know before you book

• Four hours on the water: The cruise leaves Sliema around 19:00 to 19:10 and runs into the evening.
• A full open bar: Rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks are included.
• One swim stop: Bring swimwear and a towel for the weather-dependent break at anchor.
• Live DJ and dance deck: Expect house music, chart songs, and familiar sing-along tracks.
• Simple food included: You receive one tuna or ham and cheese sandwich, plus fruit.
• Adults only: You must be at least 18 to join.

Setting off from Sliema at sunset

Your evening begins at the Supreme Boats Rentals departure point in Sliema. Look for the boat named Faith, docked in front of Burger King. Boarding starts at 18:30, and departure is scheduled between 19:00 and 19:10, so arriving early is wise if you want time to find the boat without rushing.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You make your own way to Sliema, which keeps the price lower but puts the responsibility for getting there on you. If you are staying elsewhere in Malta, allow enough time to reach the waterfront, especially since missing the boarding window could mean missing the whole cruise.

The exact boat setup is not described in detail, but Faith is the vessel you need to identify. Keep your booking details handy and ask at the Supreme Boats Rentals departure point if you are unsure where to go. The Burger King landmark should make the meeting point fairly easy to spot.

Once onboard, you can settle in, order a drink, and watch the coastline pass by. The first part of the cruise is meant to feel fairly relaxed, with the sunset providing the setting before the music and dancing become the main event.

A four-hour cruise built around the music

The Dance Island is less a sightseeing cruise with occasional music and more a party that happens to move along Malta’s coast. The route takes you past rocky cliffs, small coves, and open sea views, but the entertainment remains the central attraction.

The music comes from a live DJ, with feel-good house, chart anthems, and familiar sing-along classics. That mix should suit a broad group, especially if you want recognizable songs rather than a specialist club set. One highly positive rating specifically praised the DJ, calling the music a major reason the experience was worth the money.

The mood is designed to change as the evening progresses. During golden hour, you can look out across the coast, take photographs, and ease into the night. As the sun drops, the boat becomes more of a dance floor, with lights and louder music taking over.

I would not book this expecting a guided explanation of Malta’s history or coastline. No guide names or detailed commentary are provided, and the emphasis is firmly on music, drinks, swimming, and company. You get views as part of the setting, not a structured sightseeing lesson.

The open bar and what it really adds

The open bar is the feature that most affects the value of the ticket. Your $70 includes rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks for the full four-hour cruise. For anyone planning to enjoy several drinks, that can compare well with the cost of buying drinks individually at a Malta bar or club, especially once you add the cruise, DJ, swim stop, and sunset views.

You should still think about your own drinking habits. If you do not drink alcohol, the value is less clear because the bar is a central part of the package. Soft drinks are included, but the price is designed around an evening where the open bar gets regular use.

The bar also makes the experience easy. You do not need to plan where to go next or move between several clubs. Once you board, the music and drinks are available in one place, and the crew handles the basic running of the evening.

Use some restraint, especially before the swim stop. Alcohol and swimming are not a great mix, and the sea can make even a short swim more tiring than expected. The activity is meant to be fun, but a sensible pace will help you enjoy the whole four hours rather than running out of energy early.

Swimming at anchor in clear Mediterranean water

At some point during the cruise, the boat anchors for a swim stop, weather permitting. This gives you a break from the music and a chance to cool off in clear water.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Those are the only items specifically required, and you should have them ready rather than buried under other belongings. The supplied information does not give a precise swim-stop length or a named cove, so do not plan the evening around a long beach-style swim.

The swim is a pleasant change of pace. You can jump from the boat, take photographs from the water, and return onboard for another round of music. It also gives people who are less interested in dancing a way to enjoy the cruise.

Weather matters. The stop is conditional, so rough conditions or other operating concerns may affect it. That is an important point for anyone booking mainly for the swim. The boat party itself remains the main product, while the water break is an added part of the evening rather than a guaranteed full bathing session.

Food is useful, but it is not dinner

The included food is simple: one tuna sandwich or one ham and cheese sandwich, along with fruit. That is enough to take the edge off hunger, especially with drinks included, but it is not a full meal.

You should eat a proper meal before boarding if you know you get hungry during a long evening. The activity description specifically separates the included snack from a meal, so do not arrive expecting a buffet or substantial dinner.

The choice between tuna and ham and cheese is practical for a quick party snack. If you have dietary restrictions, the available information does not give further alternatives, so check before booking if the sandwich options do not suit you.

Food also matters because this is a four-hour activity. A sandwich and fruit make the open-bar package more comfortable, but they are not meant to replace dinner. Think of the snack as fuel between the swim and the dancing.

What the crowd and atmosphere are like

The boat carries about 238 people, making this a large social event rather than an intimate sailing trip. That scale can work well if you are traveling alone, as there are many chances to meet people. It also suits couples and groups who want an energetic night without arranging several stops around Malta.

The trade-off is personal space. You should expect a lively deck, a busy bar, and plenty of people sharing the same music and swim stop. If you prefer quiet conversation, room to stretch out, or a private view of the sunset, a smaller sailing trip would likely suit you better.

The adults-only rule keeps the tone focused on nightlife. Children under 18 are not permitted, and the experience is aimed at adult friends, couples, solo visitors, and hen or stag groups.

The international mix is part of the atmosphere. One three-star rating specifically objected to the number of foreign people onboard, but that observation also tells you what kind of night this is. You are joining an international party in Malta, not a local village celebration. If meeting people from different places sounds fun, that is a plus. If you want a strongly local crowd, manage your expectations.

Is $70 good value for Malta?

At $70 per person, the price makes the most sense if you plan to use the main inclusions: the open bar, live DJ, cruise, swim stop, and snack. Paying separately for a four-hour boat outing, several drinks, music, and a club-like evening could quickly add up to a similar amount.

The value is weaker if you mainly want coastal sightseeing. You are not paying for a detailed guided tour, a full meal, or hotel transportation. The boat and coastline provide the setting, but the party is the reason to choose this experience.

The included photographer may add value if you want memories of the night without arranging your own photos. It is listed as part of the package, though no details are provided about how many photographs you receive or how they are delivered. Treat it as a useful extra rather than the main reason to book.

The strongest praise focuses on the music, staff, drinks, and food. A five-star rating from France specifically highlighted the staff, music, drinks, and food, while another highly positive rating praised the DJ and said the activity was well worth the money. Those points match the package: the evening succeeds when the service is smooth and the music suits your taste.

Who will enjoy this boat party most

I would recommend The Dance Island to you if you want a social night with plenty happening from start to finish. It works especially well for:

• Friends who want a shared evening without planning several venues
• Solo adults who like meeting people in a lively setting
• Couples who prefer music and drinks to a formal dinner cruise
• Hen and stag groups looking for a ready-made party
• Anyone who values an open bar and plans to stay onboard for the full four hours

You may want another type of cruise if you are seeking quiet sailing, a small group, a local food experience, or detailed commentary about Malta. The large crowd and club atmosphere are not minor details. They define the experience.

The sunset setting gives the night some variety, but do not confuse it with a peaceful sunset sail. The boat changes from relaxed golden-hour cruise to full party mode. That mix is appealing if you want both views and dancing, but less so if you want the sea to remain the focus.

Practical advice for a smoother evening

Arrive before the 18:30 boarding time. The departure is around 19:00 to 19:10, and you need to find Faith in front of Burger King at the Supreme Boats Rentals point.

Wear swimwear under clothes that are easy to change. Bring a towel, and keep your belongings secure around the swim stop. The supplied information does not specify storage facilities, so avoid bringing anything you would worry about getting wet or losing.

Plan for a full four-hour commitment. There is no hotel transfer, and the package is designed as one continuous evening on the boat. If you are booking another activity afterward, allow time for the cruise to finish and for you to make your own way onward.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still taking shape. Check the available dates carefully, since summer departures run several times a week and can sell out.

Should you book The Dance Island?

Book it if your ideal Malta evening includes a DJ, open bar, sunset coastline, swimming, and a large international crowd. The $70 price is reasonable when you will make good use of the drinks and want the convenience of one organized night instead of club hopping.

Skip it if you want a quiet boat, a full dinner, a local cultural experience, or a small and personal sailing trip. The strongest reasons to go are the music, staff, drinks, and social energy, while the main drawbacks are the large crowd and limited food.

For the right audience, The Dance Island is an efficient way to turn one evening in Malta into a complete party package. Bring swimwear, arrive early at Faith, eat beforehand, and treat the sunset and swim as welcome extras around the main event: four hours of music and drinks on the water.

FAQ

Where does the Malta boat party depart from?

It departs from the Supreme Boats Rentals departure point in Sliema. Look for the boat named Faith, docked in front of Burger King.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding starts at 18:30. Departure is scheduled between 19:00 and 19:10, so arrive in time to find Faith and board without rushing.

How long is the activity?

The boat party lasts four hours.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks.

Is food included?

Yes. You receive one tuna or ham and cheese sandwich and fruit. This is a snack, not a full meal.

Can children join the boat party?

No. The activity is not suitable for anyone under 18.