Private Day Sailing Boat Charter

The best part of this private Malta sailing charter is control. You are not tied to a bus timetable or packed excursion boat. Your skipper can steer you toward Comino’s lagoons, sea caves, and quieter swimming spots, then adjust the route to suit the wind, sea conditions, and your mood.

I like the chance to swim and snorkel away from the thickest crowds, and I like that the boat carries two stand-up paddleboards for active time between swims. The main consideration is time: the charter lasts about eight and a half hours, but sailing between stops takes a fair share of the day.

You also need to budget for food and drinks, since only water is included. The optional barbecue can be fresh and very good, but it costs extra and takes time away from swimming. For some couples, bringing a cold meal and wine is the better value.

Key points to know before you book

• Private route from Kalkara: Begin and end at Pontoon F in Kalkara Marina, inside Valletta Grand Harbour.
• Comino is the main prize: Expect Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and the chance to reach smaller bays by boat.
• Your skipper shapes the day: Captains including David, Terry, Nick, Maurizio, Steve, and Yuri have been praised for adapting routes to guests’ interests.
• Swimming gear is included: Snorkeling equipment, free-flowing water, fuel, and two paddleboards come with the charter.
• A barbecue is optional: Food and other drinks are not part of the standard price, so confirm the menu and cost before departure.
• Start on time: Sailing time is substantial, and arriving late can cost you valuable hours anchored in the best bays.

A private day on Malta’s water

This is not a sightseeing cruise where everyone follows the same script. It is a private sailing day for your own group, with a skipper who can suggest a route and make changes along the way.

The listed price is $707.44 for a group of up to two people. That makes the experience expensive for a couple, but the price includes the boat, skipper, fuel, taxes, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and water. It also buys privacy, which is the main reason to choose this over a public ferry or shared boat trip.

If you are booking for more than two people, check the current price directly before assuming the advertised rate applies. One family described the boat as a good fit for four to eight people, but the listed booking terms specify up to two, so larger groups need clear confirmation.

The boat returns to the same marina after roughly eight and a half hours. This is a full-day outing, not a quick coastal ride. Plan your day around it rather than trying to fit a major museum visit or evening reservation too closely afterward.

Starting at Kalkara Marina and entering Valletta Grand Harbour

You meet at Sailing Charters Malta, Pontoon F, Triq ir-Regatta 1969, Kalkara KKR 1390. The marina sits inside Valletta Grand Harbour, so the trip begins with one of Malta’s finest views before you even reach the open sea.

The return through the harbour is worth treating as part of the experience. Keep your camera ready and do not rush to pack up as you approach the marina. The fortified waterfront, sailing boats, and layered harbour views give the day a strong opening and closing scene.

The operator does not include hotel pickup. You will need to make your own way to Kalkara, though the meeting point is near public transportation. Some captains or staff have helped arrange taxis, but that should be treated as helpful assistance, not a guaranteed transfer service.

At the beginning, talk plainly with your skipper. Tell the captain if your priority is swimming, sailing, sightseeing, snorkeling, quiet bays, or a balance of everything. Several skippers, including Yuri and Nick, have been praised for taking a loose request and turning it into a sensible route.

Sailing north past Sliema and St. Paul’s Islands

The usual direction is north, passing the Sliema waterfront and St. Paul’s Islands before reaching Comino. From the boat, you get a broad view of Malta’s coast rather than the close-up streets and churches you see on land.

This part of the trip can feel long if you are expecting nonstop swimming. One couple calculated that only three or four hours of their nine-hour day were spent anchored in bays, with the rest taken up by sailing and moving between sites. That is not a flaw if you enjoy being on a sailboat, but it matters if your main goal is sitting in the water all day.

Use the sailing time well. You can settle on the deck, watch the coast change, ask about Malta, or simply enjoy the quiet. Some captains give detailed explanations of the country and its coastal sights. Others focus more on steering and safety, especially when conditions are rough. If local stories and history matter to you, say so early.

Sea conditions also shape the day. One family had choppy water but still found calm lagoons for swimming. The skipper’s first duty is to operate the boat safely, so the final route may not match the suggested plan exactly.

Crystal Lagoon: an hour in one of Comino’s best bays

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about one hour. Its clear water and steep rocky surroundings make it a natural place for a swim and a good setting for snorkeling.

The boat gives you a useful advantage here. You can reach the water directly from the yacht instead of joining the shore crowd, carrying beach gear, or searching for a patch of sand. The lagoon is famous, so it is not guaranteed to feel empty, but arriving by private boat gives your skipper more room to choose where to anchor.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and footwear that works around a boat. The supplied snorkeling equipment removes the need to pack your own mask and fins, though you may prefer personal gear if you have it.

An hour passes quickly once you are in the water. If you want a long swim, tell the captain. The route is adjustable, but the boat still has to cover the distance back to Kalkara.

Blue Lagoon: famous water, serious crowds

The charter allows about two hours at Blue Lagoon, Comino’s best-known swimming stop. The water is strikingly clear and brightly colored, but the name comes with a warning: this is one of Malta’s busiest coastal sights.

The shore can be packed, especially during the main season. From a private boat, you can avoid spending your time among the people on land, and your skipper may anchor in a calmer position away from the thickest activity. Still, Blue Lagoon is not a secret. Boats, swimmers, and water traffic can make it feel less peaceful than the photographs suggest.

One smart approach is to use Blue Lagoon for a swim and a quick look, then ask the captain to spend more time in smaller bays or caves. A private charter is most valuable when it takes you beyond the places every ferry passenger can reach.

Some visitors choose to see Blue Lagoon separately by ferry and use the charter for quieter areas. That can make sense if you have several days in Malta. If this boat trip is your only chance to see Comino, stopping at Blue Lagoon is still worthwhile, but do not expect the entire two hours to feel secluded.

Jellyfish may also affect the decision to swim. One couple chose only a brief pass by the lagoon because of jellyfish and heavy visitor numbers. Conditions change, so ask your skipper for a safe alternative.

St. Paul’s Bay and Malta’s coastal story

The itinerary includes about 30 minutes at St. Paul’s Bay, the place associated with St. Paul’s shipwreck. This stop adds a little context to a day otherwise centered on swimming and scenery.

It is not as long a stop as Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon. Think of it as a short historical and coastal pause rather than a full beach visit. Your captain may explain the site, though the amount of commentary depends on the skipper and your questions.

This is another reason to tell the captain what kind of day you want. If you care about Malta’s story, ask for more information as you pass the major sites. Captains Nick and Yuri were especially praised for explaining Malta and its past, while another guest felt the trip could have included more cultural detail.

Paddleboards, snorkeling, and time in the water

The activity works best for people who want variety. You can swim from the boat, snorkel around rocky coves, use one of the two stand-up paddleboards, or simply lie back and watch the coast.

The paddleboards are included, which adds real value for families and active couples. Children have enjoyed the water activities, and one captain let a child try sailing and fishing after those interests were raised in advance. Another skipper helped a seasick teenager and taught her some sailing.

These details point to the strength of a private charter: the captain can pay attention to your group. If you have children, mobility concerns, a nervous swimmer, or someone prone to seasickness, mention it before departure. A guest with mobility issues received help getting on and off the boat, but the provided information does not promise a fully accessible vessel.

Snorkeling conditions depend on the weather, water traffic, and the chosen bay. A calm, sheltered lagoon may be a better place to swim than a famous stop with rougher water. Do not measure the day by how many named places you tick off. A safe, quiet anchorage can be the best part of the trip.

The optional barbecue, and the smarter food choice

Food is not included in the standard charter. The operator can arrange a barbecue, and several menus received warm praise, including swordfish and Maltese platters. Fresh food cooked on board can turn lunch into one of the day’s memorable moments.

The tradeoff is time and price. Cooking, serving, and eating on the boat takes time that could otherwise go toward another bay. One couple found the lunch overpriced compared with a later restaurant meal and preferred the idea of bringing a cold meal and wine.

I would decide based on your priorities. Choose the barbecue if you want the easy, festive option and like the idea of eating on the water. Bring your own food if you want to control the cost or maximize swimming time. The operator allows guests to bring their own food and drinks, which is a useful advantage over some boat excursions.

Water flows freely during the day, but other drinks are not included. Pack what you want to drink, and confirm any barbecue details before you go.

The captains make a real difference

The operator uses several skippers, and the experience can change with the person at the helm. David has been praised for clear communication before the trip and for making couples feel well looked after. Terry was described as friendly, calm, and eager to share his love of the sea.

Maurizio has taken couples toward quieter parts of Malta and Comino, shared sailing stories, and even allowed a guest to take the helm when conditions were suitable. Nick and Yuri have been praised for creating custom routes and explaining the sights. James received especially strong praise from a family whose children stayed entertained throughout the day.

This does not mean every captain will deliver a full history lesson or a sailing lesson. Your skipper’s first responsibility is the boat and your safety. If you want more narration, ask. If you want quiet sailing and long swims, say that instead.

The personal touch is most useful when you give the captain something to work with. A vague request such as show us the best places can still work, but mention crowds, swimming, food, history, children, or sailing if any of these matter most.

Who will get the most from this charter

I would recommend this for couples marking a honeymoon, birthday, engagement, or simply a special day in Malta. It also suits families who want to stay together rather than split up among ferries, beach crowds, and separate water activities.

It is a particularly good choice for anyone who values privacy and flexibility more than the lowest possible cost. You are paying for your own boat and skipper, not just transportation between Comino and Malta.

It is less suitable if you want a cheap way to reach Blue Lagoon, a short sightseeing cruise, or a guaranteed full day of swimming. A public ferry will cost less, and a shared boat may cover similar waters at a lower price.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. The normal cancellation policy is strict: if you cancel or request a change for another reason, the payment is not refunded.

Practical details that affect your day

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. The activity is offered in English, and there is no minimum age requirement. Most people can take part, though the boat environment may still be difficult for anyone with limited mobility or strong seasickness.

Arrive on time at Kalkara Marina. The charter starts and ends there, and late arrival will cut into the sailing and swimming schedule. Since the day is already divided between open-water travel and anchored stops, every lost minute matters.

The tour is highly rated, with a five-star average from 662 ratings and recommendation from all listed participants. The strongest praise centers on the captains, the clean and well-kept boats, the quiet swimming spots, the food option, and the freedom to shape the route.

Should you book this Malta sailing day?

Book it if you want Malta from the water, especially if crowded public excursions are not your idea of a holiday. The best version of this day includes an on-time start, a clear conversation with your skipper, a few quieter bays, a swim at Comino, and enough time to enjoy the return through Valletta Grand Harbour.

For maximum value, compare the optional barbecue cost with bringing your own meal. Ask for a route that does not spend the whole day at Blue Lagoon. If you have several days in Malta, visit the famous lagoon separately and use this private charter for coves and sea caves that are harder to reach.

I would not choose it for a bargain outing or a tightly scheduled itinerary. But for a couple, family, or small group that wants privacy, swimming, paddleboarding, and a captain who can adjust the day, this is one of the stronger ways to experience Malta’s coast.

FAQ

Where does the private sailing charter start and finish?

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

How long does the charter last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours and 30 minutes.

What locations can the boat visit?

The usual route heads north from Valletta Grand Harbour, passing Sliema and St. Paul’s Islands, then reaching Comino, Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and St. Paul’s Bay. The skipper may adjust the route for weather and your preferences.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, although an optional barbecue meal may be arranged. Free-flowing water is included, and you may bring your own food and drinks.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and two stand-up paddleboards are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the marina. The meeting point is near public transportation.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your own group participates in the charter.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Cancellations for other reasons are non-refundable.