A day on a sailboat can change how you see Malta. This full-day private charter targets the Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Gozo with plenty of water time.

I really like the hands-on hosting from Sergio, who keeps things relaxed and lets you choose how long you stay in each place.

One thing to consider is that Malta’s wind can be strong, and the captain may adjust the route to keep the day comfortable.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter for your group on a 52-foot sailing boat, so you control the pace.
• Snorkeling gear and stand up paddle are included, meaning less packing and more time in the water.
• Multiple lagoon-style swimming stops across Malta, Comino, Gozo, and Crystal Lagoon areas.
• Food is a big part of the experience, with lunch available for an extra charge and frequently described as fresh and excellent.
• Weather flexibility matters, and the captain can reroute if conditions change.

A private sailing day that actually feels private

This is not a big-group “see the island from the deck” outing. You rent the boat for your party, with a skipper who focuses on the sites and the timing. That matters in Malta, where the most beautiful places are often the easiest to get rushed through on group tours.

The route is built around the water first: lagoon stops, clear-water swimming, and time to snorkel or paddle. It’s also long enough that you get a full sense of the island chain, not just a quick highlight montage.

You’ll start in Malta and spend the day moving between Comino and Gozo, then return to the same marina. The payoff is simple, you get a lot of coastline views, plus real access to the water.

Where you meet and what the schedule feels like

Your day starts at 9:30 am at Solevela Yacht Charters, Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex, Malta. The meeting point is near public transportation, which is helpful if you are not driving.

The tour runs about 8 hours. In practice, that long stretch is why this works so well. You are not just “arriving and leaving,” you have time for multiple swims, slow breaks, and a proper sail back.

Also, this is a mobile ticket experience. You just show up with your confirmation and get on board. The focus is getting you out on the water, not paperwork.

Blue Lagoon: the stop that sets the tone

The itinerary begins with the Blue Lagoon. This is the kind of place where you understand why people come to Malta, bright water, and the feeling that you can see forever once you get in.

Expect a real swim-focused stop, not a “stand near the edge” photo break. Snorkeling equipment is included, so if you want to put your face in the water, you do not need to figure anything out once you arrive.

One practical tip: bring swim shoes if you have them. Nothing in the info says you must have them, but lagoon entries can be rocky or uneven depending on the spot the skipper chooses.

If you are the type who likes to linger, this stop is built for that. The day is structured so you can take your time without a bus-like clock.

Comino and Crystal Lagoon: snorkel, paddle, and choose your pace

After the Blue Lagoon comes Comino, then Crystal Lagoon later in the day. The flow matters because you get multiple “wow” water moments without backtracking constantly.

Here is what makes these stops feel special: you are not just looking at water, you are actively using it. Stand up paddle boarding is included, so if you want the slow glide view while keeping your balance, you can.

Snorkeling gear is also included. That means you can spend time hovering over the waterline without dragging along your own mask, fins, or gear.

A few real-life things to expect based on past days:

• Jellyfish can be a factor at some moments, and the captain may adjust timing or where you stop so you still get a good water experience.
• Some guests end up doing multiple swims, plus hanging in the water just to soak up the light.

If you want a smoother experience, plan your day like a water day, bring towels if you like, pack a cover-up, and treat the boat like your changing base.

Gozo by sea: why the private charter version hits harder

The itinerary includes an Island of Gozo stop. Even if you have visited Gozo on land before, the view changes when you approach from the water.

This is where the private part pays off. When you are not stuck with a rigid group schedule, you can spend more time where the water is good that day, and where the skipper thinks you will enjoy the conditions.

It also helps if you like photography. The boat gives you angles you do not get from shore, and the pace is slow enough to wait for the light.

If you are traveling with friends or family, Gozo is also a good moment for everyone to reset. One person can snorkel while someone else paddles, then you swap roles for the next stop.

Sergio’s hosting style, plus food that people remember

Sergio is repeatedly described as calm, flexible, and not in a rush. That shows up in one simple way: you get time for swimming and hanging out in the water, rather than getting yanked along on a tight loop.

He is also described as very communicative ahead of time. If you like knowing what to expect, you will appreciate that.

Now, the big deal: lunch. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but lunch and wine on board are available for an extra charge. Many guests strongly suggest adding it.

From the way people describe the food, the lunch is not just a box meal. It is portrayed as intimate and fresh, with dishes prepared while you are still on the water. If you care about food, this is one of those times where paying for lunch can genuinely improve your day.

If you are expecting the “appetizers and wine” angle from the highlights, I would treat it as a prompt to check what food and drink option you are actually adding. Some experiences include more than just water, but the cleanest approach is to plan for the lunch add-on if you want that full spread.

One more fun detail: you might meet the boat’s cat, Abi, depending on the day.

Swimming, snorkeling gear, and stand up paddle: what is actually included

Included on the charter:

• Fuel and skipper
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Stand up paddle

That is a big value point. On many tours you end up paying separately for gear or you bring your own and then spend time dealing with it on arrival. Here, you can focus on the water once you get going.

Also, some guests recommend packing snacks and drinks because there is a built-in cooler on board. Alcohol still counts as a paid extra option, but a cooler is perfect for non-alcoholic extras.

If you have kids or non-swimmers, the included gear still helps because you can support others who are snorkeling. Just keep in mind this is a sailing boat, so balance and movement are part of the experience.

Weather, wind, and how the route can change

Malta in the Mediterranean channel can bring stronger wind and choppier conditions than you might expect. This tour requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.

On days when the wind is noticeable but not unsafe, the captain may adapt the plan. There are examples of ending up in a sheltered area like the Grand Harbour or staying in Comino longer rather than pushing the full route exactly as planned.

This is where choosing a captain who communicates and makes smart calls matters. People describe Sergio as making decisions that protect the experience without pretending the weather is perfect.

My advice: pack for wind and sun. Bring a layer for cooler breezes, plus sunscreen. Even if the day starts bright, conditions can shift once you are out sailing.

Price and value: what you are really paying for

The price is $846.56 per group, up to 11 people, for about 8 hours. On paper, that can look steep if you compare it to a bus tour.

But this is a private sailing charter with a skipper plus included water gear. You are paying for:

• A boat you control
• A route that targets the best sea stops
• Time to actually swim, snorkel, and paddle
• A hosting style that is flexible instead of rushed

If you split the cost across a group, it can start to look fair fast. The sweet spot is a small-to-medium group of friends, or a family unit that values time together more than squeezing in the cheapest option.

If you are traveling as a couple or solo, it is still a great buy, but the math depends on whether you value the privacy and the water time enough to justify the higher cost.

Also factor in the lunch add-on if you care about eating well on the water. Many guests say it is worth it, and the lunch seems to be part of the reason the day feels memorable.

Who should book this sailing day, and who might not

This charter is a strong fit if you want:

• Private time on the water with your own schedule
• Multiple lagoon-style stops, not just one quick swim
• Included snorkeling and stand up paddle time
• A captain who can adjust when conditions change

You might think twice if:

• You hate any uncertainty from weather. This tour runs with good conditions in mind, and the captain can shift stops.
• You are expecting a full meal and wine included by default. Lunch and alcoholic beverages are extra, so plan the add-ons you care about.

If you love the idea of sailing, but you also want real swimming time, this is one of the better ways to do it in Malta without feeling trapped in a rigid itinerary.

Should you book this private charter in Malta and Gozo?

If you want a day that feels like Malta from the sea, and you care about spending time in clear water, I think you should seriously consider booking. The combination of private pacing, included snorkeling and paddle equipment, and the strong reputation for food makes this more than a sightseeing ride.

My decision guide is simple:

• Book it if you want a relaxed day on a sailing boat with real water activities.
• Add the lunch option if you want the full on-board experience, not just snacks.
• Be flexible on route if the wind is strong that day, and dress like it is a sea day, because it is.

If that sounds like your kind of vacation day, you will probably leave with exactly what you came for, a lot of sea time, a few great swims, and a story you will keep telling.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing adventure?

The experience lasts about 8 hours.

How many people can go on this private tour?

It is private, and the group size is up to 11 people.

What’s included in the price?

Included are fuel and the skipper, use of snorkeling equipment, and stand up paddle.

Is lunch or alcohol included?

Lunch and wine are available on an extra charge. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Solevela Yacht Charters, Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex, Malta. The start time is 9:30 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need good weather to go?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.