Private Day Sailing Boat Charter

The best seat in Malta is on deck. This private charter gives you a calm way to see the coast, with your skipper shaping the day around swimming, sailing, and quiet bays. I especially like the access to places reached only by boat, plus the chance to use snorkel gear and two paddleboards without sharing them with a crowd. The main catch is time: the trip lasts about eight and a half hours, but sailing between bays takes a good part of the day.

You meet at Kalkara Marina in Valletta Grand Harbour and return there later. I like that fuel, water, a skipper, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboards are included, while you may bring your own food and drinks. The advertised price is $707.44 for a group of up to two, so it can be good value for a special occasion, but larger groups should confirm the current capacity and price before booking.

What makes this private sailing day special

• Kalkara Marina begins and ends the day in Valletta Grand Harbour, giving you beautiful harbor views before and after the open-water sailing.
• Comino gets the best swimming time, with stops at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and quieter bays chosen around the weather and your wishes.
• You control the pace, so you can spend more time swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply sitting on deck.
• The skipper can change the plan, useful when Blue Lagoon is crowded, the sea is choppy, or another cove offers calmer water.
• A barbecue lunch is optional, and you can also bring your own cold meal, wine, or soft drinks if you prefer to save money and time.
• Several skippers receive especially warm praise, including Terry, David, Nick, Josh, James, Mauricio, Yuri, Niki, and Steve.

A private way to see Malta from the water

Malta makes immediate sense from a boat. Its harbors, rocky shore, pale cliffs, narrow inlets, and bright water are easier to appreciate from offshore than from a road. You also avoid the fixed schedule of a large public cruise.

This is a private activity, so only your own group participates. That matters more than it may first appear. You can decide whether the day should feel active or lazy, and you do not need to hurry back aboard because another group is waiting.

The normal route heads north from Kalkara, passing St. Paul’s Islands and the Sliema waterfront before reaching Comino. The exact route depends on weather, sea conditions, and what you want to do. A good skipper may suggest a quieter cove instead of spending too long in the busiest part of Blue Lagoon.

The sailing itself is part of the experience, not just transport between swimming stops. Some skippers explain Malta’s coastal sights and past, while others keep conversation relaxed and let you enjoy the water. If learning about Malta matters to you, say so at the start. One less satisfied guest specifically wished for more information about the country and culture during the ride, so your preferences are worth stating clearly.

Starting at Kalkara Marina and entering the Grand Harbour

The meeting point is Sailing Charters Malta, Pontoon F, Triq ir-Regatta 1969, Kalkara KKR 1390. The marina sits inside Valletta Grand Harbour, one of the most striking natural harbors in the Mediterranean.

The opening and closing harbor sections are easy to overlook. Do not rush to put away your camera or gather your belongings as you return. The entrance back into the Grand Harbour was one of the most praised parts of the day, and it gives you a final view of Valletta’s waterfront, historic fortifications, and working harbor setting from the water.

The activity lasts approximately eight hours and 30 minutes. That sounds generous, and it is, but you should still arrive on time. One couple started late and found that the lost hour mattered because only about three or four hours were available for anchoring and swimming. A private boat gives you freedom, not extra daylight.

Sailing past Sliema and St. Paul’s Islands

After leaving Kalkara, the boat passes the Sliema seafront on the way north. This gives you a different view of Malta’s urban coast, with the built-up waterfront gradually giving way to open sea.

The route also passes St. Paul’s Islands. St. Paul is traditionally associated with a shipwreck on Malta, and the islands add a useful story to the voyage. The skipper may explain what you are seeing, but the amount of commentary varies. If you prefer a guided coastal tour rather than a quiet day at sea, mention that when you meet the captain.

The open-water section can be smooth or choppy. On rougher days, the skipper may take you toward sheltered lagoons where swimming is safer and more comfortable. Josh, for example, was praised for finding calm water when the sea was unsettled. This is one reason the skipper’s judgment matters as much as the boat itself.

Crystal Lagoon: one hour in bright, clear water

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about one hour and has no separate admission charge. It is a famous stop for good reason. The water is clear and inviting, and the rocky setting makes it one of the most attractive places for a swim near Comino.

Bring your mask and snorkel, or use the equipment supplied on board. The included gear removes one small nuisance from the day, while the paddleboards give you another way to enjoy the lagoon. You can swim from the boat, float, snorkel along the rocks, or paddle at an easy pace.

The one-hour stop may feel short if you want a long swim and a full paddleboard session. The captain can adjust the day, but every extra stop affects time elsewhere. This is where a private charter earns its keep: you can explain what matters most and ask for more time in the water instead of following a fixed public-cruise schedule.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, famous, and often crowded

Blue Lagoon receives about two hours in the planned route. Its famous pale water is the reason many people want to visit Comino, and seeing it from a private boat is a better experience than arriving with no plan and finding yourself in the middle of the shore crowd.

The boat can find a quieter place within or near the lagoon for your group. Several captains chose alternate swimming spots when Blue Lagoon was too packed, and that flexibility made the day more enjoyable. You may also simply pass through Blue Lagoon for a look, then spend your valuable swimming time somewhere calmer.

Crowds are the key issue. The shore can be packed, and the water may contain jellyfish at times. One couple found Blue Lagoon too crowded and treated it as a quick visit rather than their main stop. That is sound advice. Do not book a private boat only to recreate the public ferry experience. Use the charter for coves, caves, and less accessible parts of Comino, while treating Blue Lagoon as one piece of the day.

If Blue Lagoon is your top priority, you may prefer visiting it separately by ferry and giving the private charter a different job. The charter is strongest when your goal is a mix of sailing, swimming, and quiet places rather than a long shore visit at Malta’s most famous swimming site.

St. Paul’s Bay and the quieter side of the route

St. Paul’s Bay is scheduled for about 30 minutes and is connected with the shipwreck of St. Paul. It offers another chance to see Malta through both scenery and story.

The exact stop may change according to weather and your wishes. A private sailing day is not a rigid sightseeing circuit. You might spend more time in a sheltered bay, stop near a sea cave, or pass a planned location if the skipper believes another area will be safer or more enjoyable.

The supplied route also mentions lagoons, caves, and locations accessible only by boat. These are the places to ask about directly. Tell the skipper if your priority is snorkeling, photography, quiet water, sailing time, or seeing coastal features. Captains such as Nick, Yuri, and Mauricio were praised for asking about preferences and building a route around them.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding at your pace

The included water equipment is simple but useful: snorkeling gear, two stand-up paddleboards, and free-flow water. You do not need to plan every minute, and that is the pleasure of the day.

The boat works well for mixed groups. Children have been kept busy with swimming, paddleboarding, and even small sailing activities when conditions allowed. One family with children aged 11 and two and a half found the day engaging from start to finish. Another group appreciated a captain who helped a queasy teenager and showed her how to sail.

You should still be realistic about the sea. The boat cannot always approach the shore closely, and one family wished it could get nearer to land. Swimming directly from the boat is central to the experience, so this suits you best if you are comfortable getting into open water rather than expecting a beach day.

Mobility also deserves a quick mention. One captain and the crew helped a guest with mobility problems get on and off the boat. Since boat access can vary, contact the operator in advance if you need specific assistance. The available information says most people can participate, with no minimum age requirement, but it does not promise full accessibility for every need.

The optional barbecue and the smarter lunch choice

Food is not included in the base price. You can add a fresh barbecue with drinks and snacks, or bring your own food and beverages. This flexibility is a real advantage because not everyone wants the same kind of lunch on a long day at sea.

The barbecue received strong praise, especially for swordfish and fresh food prepared on board. A Maltese platter was also singled out as a good addition. For a birthday, honeymoon, or family celebration, having lunch cooked during the charter can feel worth the extra charge.

Still, one couple found the lunch too expensive compared with meals they had later in Malta. They also pointed out a practical issue: cooking takes time that could otherwise be spent swimming. If you want maximum water time, bring a cold meal, fruit, and your preferred wine or sparkling drink. If the food itself is part of the occasion, choose the barbecue and accept that the day will include a longer lunch break.

Water is included, but other drinks are not unless part of your selected food option. Confirm exactly what the meal package contains before you pay for it.

The skipper can make or break the day

The boat and route matter, but the captain shapes the mood. The strongest praise goes to skippers who are friendly, safety-minded, flexible, and good at reading the sea.

Terry was described as warm, passionate about sailing, and easy to talk with. David was praised for clear communication before departure and for adapting the day to personal wishes. Nick, Josh, James, Mauricio, Yuri, Niki, and Steve were also singled out for friendly service, local stories, sailing help, careful swimming choices, or excellent food.

The captains do not all appear to follow the same style. Some offer plenty of information about Malta and sailing. Others focus on safe handling and give you a peaceful day on deck. If you want stories, history, or a sailing lesson, ask early. If you want privacy and silence, say that too.

The skipper’s first duty is safety. That can mean less conversation while the boat is moving, especially if your group spreads out on deck. You are paying for a private day, but you are not hiring a full-time entertainer. The best approach is to treat the captain as both your guide and the person responsible for getting everyone home safely.

What the price means for couples and families

At $707.44 per group of up to two, this is not a budget way to reach Comino. It is a special-occasion purchase. For a honeymoon, birthday, engagement, or quiet day away from public boats, the cost buys privacy, flexibility, fuel, equipment, and a full day on the water.

The value improves when several people share the charter, but the stated rate is for up to two people. Some party sizes described in the available information include three people and larger family groups of four to eight, so you should confirm the current boat capacity and total rate before booking. Do not assume the two-person price applies to a larger party.

Compared with a public ferry or group cruise, you pay more but gain control. You can avoid the busiest water, change the swimming stops, bring your own lunch, and spend the day with only your group. If all you want is a quick look at Blue Lagoon, this is too much money. If you want an unhurried boat day with a captain who can adjust the plan, the price is easier to justify.

Who should book this charter

I would choose this experience for:

• Couples seeking a private honeymoon or anniversary day
• Families who want swimming and paddleboarding without a large group
• Small groups celebrating a birthday or engagement
• People who prefer quiet coves to busy public boat trips
• Confident swimmers who enjoy entering the water from the boat
• Anyone who wants a flexible route around Malta and Comino

I would think twice if you dislike open water, need a beach immediately beside the boat, or mainly want to spend hours ashore at Blue Lagoon. I would also avoid booking it at the last minute if your dates are fixed. It is booked, on average, about 26 days ahead, and confirmation arrives within 48 hours subject to availability.

The cancellation rule is strict: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. Poor weather is the exception. If the operator cancels because conditions are unsafe, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book this Malta sailing day?

Book it if you want Malta’s coast on your own terms. Arrive on time, tell the skipper what matters most, keep the Grand Harbour return until the very end, and consider bringing your own lunch if swimming time matters more than a barbecue.

I would not book it simply as a private transfer to Blue Lagoon. The real value comes from the full day: sailing past Valletta and Sliema, swimming at Crystal Lagoon, finding calmer water near Comino, using the paddleboards, and letting the captain guide you toward places a ferry cannot reach. For a memorable day shared with someone special or a small family group, this is one of the more personal ways to see Malta from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the private sailing charter start?

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

Where does the experience finish?

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

How long does the charter last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours and 30 minutes.

Is the charter private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What is included in the price?

Taxes, fuel, free-flow water, a skipper and guide, snorkeling equipment, and two stand-up paddleboards are included.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the base experience. You may choose an optional barbecue or bring your own food and drinks.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The experience otherwise cannot be refunded or changed after booking.