Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter

Crystal water is only the beginning. This private eight-hour sailing trip gives you a relaxed way to reach quiet coves around Gozo and Comino, with time to swim, snorkel, kayak, paddle board, or simply stretch out on a 14-meter sailboat. I especially like the private group format, which lets families and friends set the pace, and the well-equipped boat, with three cabins, a hammock, water sports gear, drinks, snacks, and a BBQ. The main consideration is the wind: even a good skipper may need to adjust the route or swimming plans.

Peter, the skipper, receives especially warm praise for his calm hospitality, patience, and ability to find beautiful places despite changing conditions. You should also know that the BBQ means you bring the food, while the boat provides the grill, drinks, snacks, and Prosecco. At $823 for up to 11 people, this is not a cheap solo outing, but it can be strong value when shared by a full group.

Key points at a glance

• Private 14-meter sailboat: Your group of up to 11 has the whole boat, rather than sharing deck space with strangers.
• Depart from Malta or Gozo: You can start at Marfa Jetty in Malta or Mgarr Harbor in Gozo, depending on the arrangement.
• Eight hours on the water: This is a full day, with enough time for several swimming stops and a slower sailing rhythm.
• Water sports included: Snorkeling equipment, a paddle board, and a kayak are available at no extra charge.
• Bring food for the BBQ: You supply what you want grilled, while water, soft drinks, snacks, and Prosecco are provided.
• Peter is a major part of the experience: His relaxed manner and willingness to adapt the day receive the strongest praise.

Why a private sailing day changes the experience

A private charter suits people who want a day on the water without the fixed feel of a large group excursion. You are not simply being carried from one marked stop to another. The plan can respond to wind, sea conditions, and what your own group wants to do.

That matters in Malta, where the sea is the main attraction but conditions can shift. One stop may be perfect for a swim, while another may offer better shelter or clearer water for snorkeling. A private boat gives Peter room to make those choices without trying to satisfy several unrelated groups.

The arrangement works especially well for families and groups of friends. One person can rest in the hammock, another can paddle board, and children can use the kayak or swim gear. Nobody has to vote on when the entire boat leaves after a short swim.

The tradeoff is simple: a private boat gives you privacy, but the quality of the day depends on the skipper and the weather. Here, Peter’s patient approach is a strong asset. He has been praised for allowing a group to continue enjoying the water even when wind made conditions more difficult.

Setting out from Marfa Jetty or Mgarr Harbor

The trip starts from either Marfa Jetty on Malta or Mgarr Harbor on Gozo. The information provided does not set one universal departure time, so you should check the available start time when booking and confirm which harbor applies to your group.

The two departure points make the charter more useful for different Malta itineraries. Marfa places you near the northern tip of Malta, close to the water routes around Comino and Gozo. Mgarr is Gozo’s main harbor, so starting there can make sense if you are already staying on Gozo or plan to spend time on the island before or after sailing.

Once aboard, you have access to the full three-cabin sailboat. The cabins offer places to rest away from the sun, while the deck gives you the best position for views and fresh air. This is not just a small open motorboat with a few seats. The 14-meter boat has enough room for a full group to move around during a long day.

I would still plan for a practical boat day. Bring sun protection and clothing you are happy to get wet, even though the listed equipment includes water and soft drinks. A full day under the Mediterranean sun can feel long if you spend every hour on deck.

Sailing along Gozo and Comino’s coast

The route focuses on coastal scenery, secluded bays, clear lagoons, and coves accessible by boat. You will see Malta from a far better angle than from a road or crowded waterfront. The soaring cliffs are one of the visual highlights, especially when viewed from the water with no buildings immediately around you.

The boat can cruise between sections of the Gozo and Comino coastline, stopping in places selected for swimming and exploring. Exact stops are not fixed in the information provided, and that is probably useful rather than disappointing. The skipper can take wind and sea conditions into account instead of forcing a rigid route.

You should expect more time at the water than at formal sightseeing sites. This is not a history tour or an island bus excursion. Its pleasure comes from the coast itself, the motion of the sailboat, and the freedom to pause in attractive spots.

The boat’s size helps here. A 14-meter sailing boat feels more stable and spacious than a small runabout, and the three cabins provide a place to get out of the sun. The gentle movement of the boat is part of the charm, though anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully about spending eight hours offshore.

Swimming in clear water and exploring by kayak

The day includes multiple swim stops, giving you several chances to get into the sea rather than making one hurried stop. You can swim from the boat, float near a cove, or use the water equipment when conditions allow.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental for the basic gear. The clear water can make it possible to look for marine life near the boat and along the edges of the coves. The experience is most appealing if you enjoy unstructured water time, since you can choose between swimming, snorkeling, or staying aboard.

The paddle board and kayak add variety. A paddle board is good for a quiet trip away from the boat, while a kayak lets two people explore at a slower pace. These are useful inclusions for a mixed group, since not everyone wants to swim for hours.

You should keep your expectations sensible. The provided information promises access to equipment and marine life, not a guided snorkeling lesson or a guaranteed wildlife sighting. The sea, wind, and visibility will shape what you see.

The hammock is another small but worthwhile touch. After a swim, you can lie down and let the boat do the work. On a private charter, that kind of unhurried break can be as enjoyable as the activities themselves.

The BBQ lunch, drinks, and what to bring

Food is handled in a pleasantly simple way. You bring the food you want to grill, and the BBQ is available on board. Peter has been praised for preparing food for the group, including grilled meat, which makes the meal feel more personal than a packed lunch eaten from a plastic container.

Water, soft drinks, snacks, and Prosecco are included. That is useful on an eight-hour trip, especially when the heat and swimming increase your appetite. The drinks also make the charter feel suited to a birthday, family celebration, or relaxed day with friends.

The key point is to plan the food yourself. The trip does not appear to include a supplied full meal, so you should purchase enough food for your group before departure. Ask about any practical BBQ arrangements when you confirm the booking, since the available information does not list cooking times, utensils, or storage details.

I like this setup because it gives you control. You can bring food your group actually enjoys, rather than accepting a fixed menu. The small bit of planning is the price of that flexibility.

What Peter adds as skipper

A boat can be beautiful and still produce a dull day if the skipper is rushed or inflexible. Peter’s role appears to be one of the strongest reasons people value this charter. He is described as welcoming, professional, patient, and attentive to the group.

That patience matters with children and larger friend groups. A group of eight adults and children can be lively, and water activities rarely run on a strict timetable. Peter has been praised for encouraging the use of the kayak and paddle board and for giving people time to enjoy the bays without constant pressure to move on.

He also appears comfortable adapting the plan to the wind. One group specifically appreciated being able to keep swimming and enjoying the day despite windy conditions. You should not interpret that as a promise of perfect sailing in all weather. It does suggest a skipper who tries to make the best of the conditions rather than treating the schedule as immovable.

The language listed for the live tour is English. If your group needs detailed explanations in another language, this may not be the right choice. The emphasis here is on practical boat handling, local coastal access, and hospitality rather than a formal multilingual sightseeing commentary.

Is $823 good value for up to 11 people?

The price is $823 per group, with room for up to 11 people. Split between 11, that is roughly $75 per person. A group of eight would pay about $103 per person, while four people would pay about $206 each.

That calculation tells you who gets the best value. For a full family or friend group, the charter can compare well with paying separate fares for several activities, meals, and equipment rentals. You receive eight hours, a skipper, fuel, port fees, water, soft drinks, snacks, Prosecco, snorkeling equipment, a kayak, a paddle board, and the BBQ.

The private setting also carries real value. You are paying for space, time, and control, not just transport. If your group wants to spend most of the day swimming and relaxing, the boat may feel worth the cost.

For two or three people, the same price becomes much harder to justify. A smaller shared boat trip may cost less, even if it offers less privacy and fewer onboard extras. This charter makes the most financial sense when you can fill a good portion of the 11 available places.

There is also value in avoiding the need to organize several separate activities. Snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, and lunch all happen within one day. You still need to bring the BBQ food, but the basic infrastructure is already in place.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

I would recommend this trip to families with children, groups of friends, and anyone marking a special occasion. The mix of water toys and quiet spaces means the day can work for people with different energy levels.

It is also a good match if you prefer a flexible day over a tightly scheduled tour. You can swim for longer, rest in a cabin, enjoy the hammock, or take turns with the kayak and paddle board. The boat is the setting, not just the vehicle.

You may want to choose another activity if you mainly want historic sights, city streets, or a detailed guide to Maltese culture. This charter offers coastal scenery and time on the sea, not museums or inland landmarks.

It may also be less suitable for anyone who dislikes boat motion or wants a guaranteed route. Wind can affect sailing and swimming plans. The skipper’s flexibility helps, but no boat operator can control the sea.

Practical details before you book

The trip lasts eight hours, so treat it as the main event of your day. Do not schedule a demanding activity immediately afterward unless your timing allows plenty of room.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Starting times depend on availability, so check this before you commit to other plans.

The charter departs from Marfa Jetty or Mgarr Harbor. Confirm the correct departure point, since arriving at the wrong harbor would turn a relaxed sailing day into a frantic one.

Plan the BBQ food in advance. The boat provides the grill and listed refreshments, but you are responsible for the food you want to cook. A simple meal that is easy to carry and share will make the onboard setup easier.

Finally, keep the wind in mind. The day may not follow an exact sequence of bays, but a flexible route is better than forcing a poor stop. Peter’s strongest quality appears to be his willingness to adjust while keeping the group comfortable and entertained.

Should you book the Malta, Gozo, and Comino charter?

I would book this if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a full day built around swimming, sailing, and private time on the coast. The combination of a roomy 14-meter boat, several water activities, included refreshments, and an attentive skipper gives the experience more substance than a simple sightseeing cruise.

The best fit is a family or friend group of six to 11 people. You will get the strongest value, and everyone can use the boat differently. If you are traveling as a couple or small party, compare the total cost with shared sailing trips before deciding.

Choose it for freedom, clear water, and a generous amount of time outdoors. Skip it if you need a fixed itinerary, a formal cultural guide, or a low-cost activity. For the right group, this looks like one of Malta’s more enjoyable ways to make the sea the center of the day.

FAQ

How long is the sailing charter?

The charter lasts eight hours and is designed as a full-day experience.

Where does the boat depart from?

Departures are available from Marfa Jetty in Malta or Mgarr Harbor in Gozo. Check the departure point and starting time when you book.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers a private group of up to 11 people.

Is food included?

A BBQ is included, but you bring the food you want to grill. Water, soft drinks, snacks, and Prosecco are provided.

What water activities are available?

The boat provides snorkeling equipment, a paddle board, and a kayak. You can also swim at several stops.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.