Sailing charter along the Maltese shoreline incl. Lunch and drinks

Sea days do not get much more personal. This private sailing charter gives your group a full day on Malta’s water, with a captain who adjusts the plan to the wind, serves a home-cooked Mediterranean lunch, and takes you toward Comino and the Blue Lagoon when conditions allow. I especially like the private boat for up to six people and the chance to reach quieter swimming spots instead of following a fixed crowd.

I also like the relaxed pace. You leave Senglea at 9 a.m., spend about two and a half hours sailing toward Comino, stop for swimming and snorkeling, then return around 5 p.m. The main consideration is the long sailing time, plus the fact that Comino depends on wind direction. If the weather does not cooperate, the captain chooses another destination.

The best parts of this sailing day

• A boat reserved for your party: Up to six people share the sailboat, so you do not need to fit into a mixed excursion.
• A flexible route to Comino: The plan follows the wind, with another destination selected if Comino is not practical.
• Quiet swimming time: Captain Michael has taken groups to coves where they were the only swimming and snorkeling group for much of the afternoon.
• A generous Mediterranean lunch: Homemade salads, caprese with buffalo mozzarella, olives, cheese, cold cuts, prosciutto, bread, and melon make this more than a basic boat snack.
• Local conversation: Michael shares information about Malta, its coast, and sailing, while keeping the mood informal and easy.
• A full eight-hour outing: The day runs from 9 a.m. to roughly 5 p.m., giving you real time on the water rather than a short harbor cruise.

Leaving Senglea at 9 a.m.

The meeting point is outside Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour in Senglea, at Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu. The tour returns to this same spot, which keeps the day simple: you do not need to arrange a second pickup point or find your way back from Comino.

Senglea is part of Malta’s Three Cities, across the harbor from Valletta. The starting point is near public transportation, and one useful route tip comes from people arriving from Gozo: take the Fast Ferry, then the Three Cities ferry. From there, the boat is only a short walk away.

The day begins with a brief safety and sailing explanation. That matters on a private charter because you can ask questions before leaving, then settle into the rhythm of the boat. If you have never spent a full day under sail, the captain’s introduction helps you know what to expect.

You should arrive ready for an outdoor day. The schedule is long, and the boat will be your base for most of the day. Bring the usual sun and swim essentials, though the provided information does not specify equipment beyond the onboard water activities.

The sail toward Comino takes about two and a half hours

The first major part of the experience is the journey itself. Reaching Comino takes approximately 2.5 hours, so this is not a quick transfer with a few minutes of sailing added on. You get a proper stretch of time at sea, with views along Malta’s shoreline and the chance to talk with the captain.

That long outward leg will suit you if sailing is part of the reason you are booking. The boat is a monohull sailboat called Nushen, kept in very good condition according to the information provided. Captain Michael is described as passionate about sailing and happy to discuss both the boat and the sport.

I would not choose this outing if you want constant sightseeing or a tightly packed list of stops. The appeal is the quiet movement between locations, the sound of the water, and the unhurried day. You may spend stretches simply sitting, talking, and watching the coast pass.

The route also depends on the wind. The stated plan is to head for Comino, but the captain may select another destination if the wind direction makes that route unsuitable. I see this as an advantage for anyone who prefers a real sailing day over a rigid schedule, though it means you should not treat the Blue Lagoon as an absolute guarantee.

Blue Lagoon and the Comino swimming stop

The main stop is the Blue Lagoon area around Comino. Its clear water is the star attraction, and the planned stop gives you time to swim, snorkel, or relax aboard the boat.

The private format changes the feel of this stop. Instead of being moved along with a large group, you can spend the available time in the water or remain on deck. Captain Michael has also adjusted plans for groups that wanted less crowded places, taking them to a pleasant cove where they had the swimming area largely to themselves for much of the afternoon.

That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to book this charter. The Blue Lagoon is famous, and famous places can be busy. A private captain who knows the coast can help you make the most of the day by considering other coves when conditions and timing permit.

Still, you should keep expectations sensible. The information promises a stop at the Blue Lagoon, with another destination possible according to the wind. It does not promise a private, empty lagoon every time. The boat’s route and anchoring point are practical decisions made on the day.

Swimming and snorkeling are included as activities, but snorkeling gear is not specifically listed, so confirm what equipment is available before you go if that matters to your group. The standup paddle board is mentioned as an onboard option, but its use is listed as not included. Ask about that point before booking if a SUP is important to you.

Lunch on board feels like a proper Mediterranean meal

Lunch is one of the charter’s strongest features. Rather than handing you a packaged sandwich, the crew prepares a home-style spread while you enjoy the water.

The sample menu includes several homemade salads, caprese made with buffalo mozzarella, olives, cheese, salami, prosciutto, and other cold cuts. Bread is served as a baguette or olive bread, followed by chilled local melon or another local fruit.

This kind of meal fits the setting. You can eat slowly on the boat after swimming, with fresh flavors that do not feel heavy in the Mediterranean heat. The combination of vegetables, cheese, cured meat, bread, and fruit also gives you enough variety for a group with different tastes.

Some salads may include octopus or shrimp. If you are vegetarian, tell the operator when you book so the meal can be planned appropriately. The supplied information does not describe a separate vegan menu, so you should ask directly if you have stricter dietary needs.

Soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea are included. That is useful on an eight-hour trip, since drinks can add up quickly on a private charter. Alcohol is not listed, so do not assume it is provided.

A captain who shapes the day

Captain Michael is central to the experience. The strongest praise focuses on his sailing ability, his care for the boat, and his easy way of talking with guests.

He shares information about Malta, the coast, and its past without turning the day into a formal lecture. If you are curious about sailing, you can ask questions and get a more personal explanation than you would on a large sightseeing boat. One group even spent much of the day talking with him about sailing in general.

The tone appears informal. You are not signing up for a polished luxury yacht service with a large crew and formal presentation. This feels closer to spending a day on the water with a friendly sailing host who knows the area well.

That can be a major plus for couples and small groups who like conversation. It may be less appealing if you want complete privacy from the captain or prefer a silent, highly structured excursion. Since this is a private trip, you can usually shape the mood of the day around your own group, but the captain remains an active part of the experience.

Families can also enjoy it. A family group described the day as a top memory, with the children enjoying the boat and the swimming. The age restriction is clear: children under five cannot participate.

How the private price works for six people

The listed price is $768.98 for the entire group, with up to six people allowed. That means the value depends heavily on your group size.

For six people, the cost works out to roughly $128 per person before any changes or additional charges. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, but you receive a private boat, a full day, lunch, drinks, and direct time with the captain. Couples who want a private sailing day may find the premium worthwhile, especially because the charter does not combine them with strangers.

The value is strongest for a family or group of friends that would otherwise pay for several seats on a shared cruise. You also get more control over the pace and the possibility of aiming for a quieter cove. The lunch and drinks add practical value, since you are not left to organize food during an all-day outing.

I would compare this with the cost of a standard boat excursion, but not as if they were the same product. A large group cruise may cost less, yet it will not give you the same private setting or captain-led flexibility. This charter asks you to pay for space, time, and a more personal day.

Timing, weather, and the return to Senglea

The planned schedule is straightforward. You leave at 9 a.m., sail toward Comino, anchor for swimming and lunch, then begin the return journey around 3 p.m. Arrival back in Senglea is expected around 5 p.m.

That leaves about two hours for the return sail. If you are staying elsewhere in Malta, build in time after the tour rather than planning an important appointment immediately afterward. The activity lasts about eight hours, and sea conditions can affect the exact rhythm of the day.

Good weather is required. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. For your own planning, keep the day before or after flexible if your Malta visit is short.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and the local Malta time controls the cut-off.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

I would choose this experience for a small group that values time on the water more than a checklist of sights. It works especially well for:

• Couples wanting a private day instead of a mixed boat trip
• Families with children aged five and older
• Friends sharing the cost of a full-day charter
• People who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and relaxed conversation
• Visitors who want local insight from the captain
• Anyone celebrating a birthday or another special occasion

It is less suitable for children under five, people who dislike several hours at sea, or anyone expecting a luxury service with every water accessory included. The SUP is not included, and the route may change with the wind.

The experience also depends on your group’s comfort with a personal, informal setting. Captain Michael’s style is friendly and conversational, not stiff or ceremonial. For many people, that is exactly the charm.

What I would confirm before booking

The core details are clear, but I would still ask a few practical questions before paying:

• Is snorkeling equipment supplied, or should you bring your own?
• What is the charge or arrangement for using the standup paddle board?
• Can the lunch be adapted for vegan, allergy-related, or other dietary needs?
• If Comino is not possible, what type of alternative route is likely?
• Are there any recommended items to bring for the full day?

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. Since the charter is private and departures are limited, booking around three weeks ahead is sensible. The experience is booked, on average, about 21 days in advance.

Should you book the Malta sailing charter?

Book it if you want a private, full-day sailing experience with time to swim, a real lunch, and a captain who adds local color to the journey. The strongest points are the small group size, the well-kept Nushen, the flexible route, and the chance to spend an afternoon away from the busiest swimming areas.

I would especially recommend it for six people, since the group price becomes much better per person. Couples can also have a wonderful day, but they should be comfortable paying a premium for privacy.

Skip it if you want guaranteed stops, a short cruise, a large range of included water equipment, or a formal luxury presentation. For the right group, this is a warm, personal way to experience Malta from the sea, with enough freedom to make the day feel like your own.

FAQ

Where does the sailing charter start and end?

It starts and ends at Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu, Senglea, ISL 1040, Malta.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m., and the boat is expected to return around 5:00 p.m.

How long does the experience last?

The sailing day lasts approximately eight hours. The trip toward Comino takes about 2.5 hours, and the return begins around 3 p.m.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. The boat is reserved for your party, with a maximum group size of six people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes homemade salads, cheese, ham or other cold cuts, fruit, and bread. Salads may include octopus or shrimp.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, soda or pop, coffee, and tea are included.

Can children participate?

Children under five years old cannot participate. Most other travelers can take part, according to the stated participation information.