There are days at sea that feel like a private playground. This full-day sailing charter takes you around Gozo and Comino on a well-equipped 14-meter sailboat, with multiple anchor stops for swimming, snorkeling, and hanging out in calm bays. I love the crystal-clear water and the way you get time to actually use the toys, not just look at them. I also love how the skipper, Peter, keeps the day fun and flexible, even when the wind shows up. One thing to consider: you are out on the water for the full 8 hours, so if you want nonstop land time or zero motion, a sailing day may feel like too much.

I like that you are not boxed into a rigid, short schedule. You get full access to the 3-cabin sailboat, so there is space to rest, plus a hammock for the low-effort, sun-and-saltwater kind of relaxation. And with paddle board and kayak included, you can switch from floating to exploring whenever you feel like it.

The onboard food setup is simple and smart. You get snacks, water, soft drinks, and Prosecco, and there is BBQ on board if you bring your own food to grill. With a group size up to 11, it also works well when you want a shared day with family and friends without turning it into a huge crowd.

Key things to know before you go

• 14-meter sailboat with 3 cabins, meaning you get real room to spread out
• Multiple swim and anchoring stops so the day is more than just sailing time
• Water gear included: snorkel equipment, paddle board, kayak, and even a hammock
• Skipper Peter sets the tone, welcoming, attentive, and good at keeping plans on track
• Bring your own food for BBQ, so you control what you grill and what you eat

A full-day sail that starts like a proper outing, not a rushed tour

This charter is built for an all-day feeling. You are out for 8 hours, which is long enough to get into a rhythm: sail, stop, swim, snack, repeat. The boat is a 14-meter sailboat, and you have full access to the 3 cabins, so you can cool down, regroup, or just escape the sun for a minute.

Your day starts from either Marfa Jetty or Mgarr Harbor in Gozo. That matters because you get the “from the sea” perspective quickly, and you avoid the sense of spending half your time getting positioned. Once you are aboard, the focus stays on cruising the coastline and reaching spots that you cannot reach the same way by land.

In practice, that means you spend less time staring at maps and more time floating in the real thing. Gozo’s cliffs and Comino’s clear waters are the headline. But what makes the day feel special is the pacing, you get time at anchor rather than only quick photo stops.

Gozo and Comino by sea, where cliffs and secluded coves do the selling

The route centers on Gozo and Comino, with cruising to coastline views and then swapping views for swim time. You will see soaring cliffs from the water, and the day is designed around bays that are more private and calmer because you arrive by boat.

What I like about this style of sailing is that it changes how you experience the islands. From shore, Malta and Gozo can feel like a set of viewpoints. From the water, the island shapes and water colors become the story. You get that “hover above clear water” feeling, then you drop anchor and actually use it.

You should expect stops described as secluded bays, crystal-clear lagoons, and private coves that are accessible by boat. Translation: you are not just stopping where the crowds are. You are reaching quieter areas where swimming and snorkeling make sense.

There is also time built in to explore caves and marine life during the swim stops. Cave exploration is not the same as a guided cave tour, but it does mean you might be looking around underwater for movement and texture, and you get the chance to snorkel in areas where the water clarity makes it worthwhile.

Swim stops are the main event, with real time to snorkel and play

This is not a “get in, get out, keep moving” kind of day. The charter includes multiple swim stops, and the whole point is giving you time to explore the caves and marine life at those anchor points.

On board, you will find snorkeling equipment, plus a paddle board and a kayak ready to go. That lineup changes your options. If you want to snorkel, you can. If you want to cruise quietly on the water surface, you can. If you just want to float and drift, you can do that too.

One detail I really appreciate is the presence of a hammock. It sounds small, but it’s the kind of comfort that makes a sailing day feel like a vacation and not a workout. After a swim stop, you do not have to immediately switch gears. You can relax, dry off slowly, and keep the day easy.

Also, pay attention to wind in Malta. Sailing can mean shifting conditions. The good news is that the skipper has a track record of allowing people to keep swimming even when conditions are breezier. That is exactly what you want on a day where swimming is the whole plan.

Onboard BBQ and drinks: bring your food, keep it simple, eat well enough

The charter includes BBQ, but the “how” is the key detail. You bring your own food to grill. That means you can choose what you actually want to eat, and you are not stuck with a generic onboard meal.

Along with BBQ, you get water, soft drinks, snacks, and Prosecco. That covers the basics for a full day out at sea, especially since you will likely work up an appetite after swimming. You are not expected to pack an entire picnic, but you should still bring your preferred BBQ items and whatever extra snacks you personally like.

If you are traveling with family, this setup can be a win. Kids often eat better when they can see and choose what is being grilled. And adults often like the flexibility too, because a sailing day is not always predictable, and onboard food helps smooth out timing.

Skipper Peter is the difference between a boat ride and a great day

A charter lives or dies on the skipper. Here, Peter’s role comes through strongly. People highlight him as welcoming and attentive, and also as a skipper who understands how to keep the day enjoyable.

One review note stands out for real-world value: even with wind, Peter managed to keep the swimming time happening. That is not guaranteed on every charter, and it is a big deal because you are paying for a day that includes water time, not just sailing.

He also shows a “no rush” approach. When you are on a boat, time can feel either perfectly relaxing or oddly stressful. The accounts you get here lean clearly toward the relaxed side. On top of that, Peter is described as preparing BBQ with care and being helpful with the flow of the group, including mixed groups with adults and kids.

That matters for you because the best sailing day does not come from a fancy boat alone. It comes from someone who can read conditions, manage the anchor stops, and still keep everyone feeling welcome.

What the “private” setup really feels like with up to 11 people

The charter is private for your group, and the boat can host up to 11 people. That is an important sweet spot. It is big enough to fit a family outing or a small group of friends comfortably. It is small enough that you are not lost in a crowd, and the skipper can pay attention.

On boats, the difference between 6 people and 11 people can be huge in terms of how crowded it feels. Here, you get multiple cabins and shared deck space, so the boat layout helps. People also highlight that the boat is organized, orderly, and feels secure. That is exactly what you want before you start treating it like your floating beach.

If your group includes kids or teens, the included toys matter even more. Kayak and paddle board give active people something to do, while snorkeling gives others a different kind of exploring. And the hammock and calm sailing motion give everyone a chance to just chill.

If you are a couple seeking quiet time, you can still like this charter. Just know it can be lively depending on your group, and the day is social by nature since it is a shared boat experience.

Price and value: $823 per group for 8 hours on the water

Let’s talk numbers plainly. The price is $823 per group up to 11, for an 8-hour full-day charter. That means your real cost per person depends on how many seats you fill.

If you fill the maximum of 11, the math works out to about $75 per person for a full sailing day with multiple swim stops and included water toys plus food and drinks. If your group is smaller, the cost per person rises, but you still get a private setting and a skipper included.

So what are you actually buying with the price?

• A private 14-meter sailboat experience for 8 hours
• Fuel, port fees, and skipper included
• Snorkeling equipment, paddle board, kayak, and hammock access
• Snacks, soft drinks, water, and Prosecco
• BBQ on board where you bring the food to grill

That is solid value compared with paying separately for boat transport, guided snorkeling gear, and a day-long activity. The biggest “value lever” for you is group size. If you can travel with friends or family and fill most of the seats, the experience becomes a clear win.

Practical tips to make this sailing day smoother

Here are the things I would plan for, based on how these charters actually feel in the sun and on the water.

Bring what you need for the BBQ

You supply your own food to grill. Choose items that travel well, and think about portioning so everyone gets a fair share. If you have picky eaters, this is where you can control outcomes.

Pack for swim-to-sun transitions

You will swim, snorkel, and then likely spend time drying off. Bring a towel you like, plus a change of clothes that feels comfortable for the boat ride back.

Use the water toys early enough to enjoy them

Paddle board and kayak are included, so you can start using them as soon as the skipper sets up the right conditions at anchor. If you wait too long, you can run out of daylight time for real exploration.

Plan for wind and movement like it’s part of the day

Sailing in Malta means you may feel breezes. The good news is that the skipper has experience keeping swimming on track even when wind is present. Still, if you get seasick easily, consider what you normally do for boats.

Bring swim-friendly basics even if snorkeling gear is included

Snorkeling equipment is included, but you might want your own comfort items. If you prefer your own mask or you are picky about fit, you can bring it along.

Should you book this charter?

If you want a full 8-hour day that mixes sailing, anchoring, swimming, snorkeling, and onboard hanging out, this charter is the kind of experience that just makes sense. The combination of a 14-meter sailboat, multiple swim stops, and included water toys means you are not limited to looking at the coast. You get to be in it.

Book it if your group can fill enough seats to make the per-person price feel fair, or if privacy and onboard flexibility matter more than saving a few dollars. It is also a great fit for families and mixed-age groups because everyone can find something to do, from snorkeling to kayaking to simply relaxing in the hammock.

Skip it only if your travel style is mostly land-based, or if you know you hate being on the water for most of the day. Otherwise, this is a strong Malta and Gozo way to spend time that feels like a real day out, not a checklist.

FAQ

How long is the Malta Gozo Comino sailing charter?

The charter lasts 8 hours.

What is the group size limit?

It is priced per group up to 11 people.

Where does the sailing depart from?

Departures are from Marfa Jetty or Mgarr Harbor in Gozo.

What activities are included during the trip?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and there is access to a paddle board and a kayak for use during the trip.

Is BBQ included, and do I need to bring food?

BBQ is included, and you need to bring your own food to grill.

What food and drinks are provided onboard?

The charter includes water, soft drinks, snacks, and Prosecco.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.