Coves, caves, and clear water, all on your schedule. This private yacht charter pairs Malta, Gozo, and Comino with real swim time and a choose-your-own pace day led by captains like Sheldon and Wayne. One thing to factor in is weather, because the route can shift and the day runs only when conditions are good.

I like how easy it is to start the day, with a meeting point near Mellieħa Bay and a straightforward 9:00 am departure. You get multiple stops where you can linger, not just a quick look-and-go, plus water sports gear is handled for you (paddleboards on request). The tradeoff is that you are out on the water for about 8 hours, so bring a moderate fitness mindset for boarding, swimming, and moving around.

If you want a memorable Malta day that feels private and flexible, this is a strong pick. The crew has even adjusted for guests with motion sickness by steering toward calmer water, and they’ve shared fun wildlife moments like spotting octopi to view and release. Just remember this is a group-of-up-to-8 boat experience, so the value is best when your party fills the capacity.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Private yacht charter for up to 8 people, so the pace stays in your control
• Swim-focused stops around Comino and Gozo, with time to stay put in the water
• Paddleboards on request, plus other water sports gear provided for your group
• Easy meeting point near Mellieħa Bay, so you can focus on the day, not directions
• Sheldon and Wayne guiding with helpful bay context and a friendly, accommodating vibe
• Bring-your-own or restaurant lunch on your timetable during the day

Your 8-Hour Private Yacht Day From Mellieħa Bay

This is a full-day private charter that runs for about 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point. Your group stays together, which changes the whole feel compared with big boat tours, because you can go at a relaxed rhythm and linger where the water is best.

The meeting location is Island Life Charters at Mellieħa Bay, and the “easy to find” part matters. If you have ever shown up late to a sea day and watched other groups vanish, you know why.

You’ll want to plan for a moderate day physically. The trip is built around swimming and getting in and out of the water, so it helps to be comfortable with short boarding steps and moving on deck.

Also, English is the offered language, and you’ll get a captain-led experience rather than a scripted bus-style format. That flexibility shows up in the way stops are handled when the sea changes.

Meeting Sheldon and Wayne, plus a Boat That Makes Water Time Easier

The standout in the reviews is the way Sheldon and Wayne host. They don’t just drive and point, they work as guides, sharing quick context for each bay and helping your day feel intentional without turning it into a lecture.

Comfort on a yacht is more important than people think. When you’re planning several swims and possible cave visits, shade matters, and having comfortable lounge spots makes the long day feel easy.

One very practical thing: the crew can adjust for guests who get motion sick. In at least one outing, Wayne and the crew steered toward calmer water so the day stayed pleasant for everyone. If that’s you, it’s worth saying something at the start.

Onboard convenience is also part of the value. Based on feedback, the boat can include things like fridges and cutlery, which makes it realistic to bring food and drinks rather than relying only on what you can buy ashore.

And yes, water sports are part of the plan. Paddleboards are available on request, so if that’s on your “must do” list, ask early rather than hoping it works out last minute.

L-Aħrax Smugglers Cave: the 10-Minute Photo Stop That Sets the Tone

The day opens with L-Aħrax, including a stop for Smugglers cave. You’re not there to linger all day, it’s a focused moment, around 10 minutes, with free admission.

This stop works because it gives you that instant “we’re really doing the islands” feeling. The cave backdrop is tailor-made for photos, and it’s a nice warm-up before the longer swim portions later.

The main consideration is that it’s short. If you want a deep, slow walkaround at every stop, this itinerary is more about action and time in the water than long land time.

Comino Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: where you choose your water and your pace

Comino is the center of gravity for this trip, and it’s where the “multiple swim coves” promise turns into real beach-and-buoy memories. You’ll spend about 3 hours at Blue Lagoon, then about 3 hours with Crystal Lagoon and related swimming areas.

The key detail is flexibility. The plan includes different swimming spots such as the Blue lagoon, Crystal lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay, and which exact spots you hit can depend on weather. Then, once you’re there, you can choose how long to stay in one area.

That matters because conditions change fast at sea level. Some coves look calm from the shore, but the wind can shift, so having options helps you find the clear water and comfortable anchoring spot your group likes.

This is also where cave exploring can happen. Based on prior days, the crew has taken guests into caves and around cave areas as part of the swim breaks. If you’re hoping to do cave viewing on foot, that’s not the focus here, but if you like swimming through and around underwater cave entrances, you’ll likely love this part.

Wildlife moments can happen too. On one outing, the crew spotted octopi, and they helped guests see them before releasing them. You also may see different fish and non-poisonous jellyfish during swim time, which turns simple snorkeling into a bit of underwater nature viewing.

One practical drawback to consider: with so much time on water, sun protection becomes non-negotiable. You’ll be happier if you think ahead with sunscreen and a hat, because you’re not just hopping out for a quick photo.

Mgarr ix-Xini in Gozo: the quiet-water reset

After Comino, the trip shifts to Gozo with Mgarr ix-Xini. You get about 1 hour here, with free admission, and it’s described as a quieter spot with clean, clear water.

This stop is a smart pacing break. The day already has big-ticket wow moments, and then Mgarr ix-Xini gives you a calmer-feeling swim without the chaotic crowd vibe that can build around the most famous locations.

Because your time is shorter, this is where you should decide fast what you want from the water. If you want a slow swim and a few good views, you can do that. If you want a quick snorkel cycle and then relax on deck, you can do that too.

Paradise Bay: last swim stop before the ride back

The final stop is Paradise Bay, usually the last swimming area before heading back. It’s known for crystal-clear water and a good setting for snorkeling, with about 1 hour on the clock and free admission.

This is a strong closer because it’s both scenic and practical. You end the day with water that’s still worth jumping into, rather than using your final hour for a land stop that feels rushed.

If you’re planning your day around getting the most swim time, treat this as your final “go bigger” moment. Even if you’re tired, a shorter snorkel session here can feel like the best kind of payoff.

Lunch Options in Gozo, plus what to bring on board

Lunch is not a set-price included meal. You can either stop at a restaurant during the day or bring your own lunch, with your own expense for food options.

This sounds basic, but on a yacht it’s actually a big deal. When you have your own boat schedule, you can choose what kind of lunch fits your group, rather than being forced into one menu and one hard departure time.

Based on real outings, the crew has arranged lunch ashore in Gozo at places like Tortuga, and that kind of flexibility is part of why this private format feels worth it.

If you bring your own food, that convenience is improved if the boat has practical onboard items like fridges and cutlery, which has been mentioned in feedback. That makes it much easier to pack something simple and not feel like you’re dragging the wrong setup for a day at sea.

What I’d plan for: pack food that doesn’t mind boat day conditions and keep it simple. You’ll spend your mental energy on swimming and views, not meal logistics.

Price and Value for up to 8 People

The price is $1,505.14 per group for up to 8 people, with the day running about 8 hours. That’s not a budget choice, but it can be good value if you’re splitting the cost among a full group.

Here’s the quick math idea: if you have eight people, the cost works out to about $188 each, before any lunch spending. If you only book for four, it doubles to about $376 each, which shifts it from “great group value” to “special-occasion splurge.”

Why it can still be worth it even at higher per-person costs: you’re not sharing the boat with strangers, you’re not stuck with a fixed schedule, and you’re spending the day in the exact water zones that typically get crowded. That combination is hard to recreate on the standard group excursions.

For many people, the best part is not just where you go, it’s how long you get to stay in the water. Time in the coves can be the difference between a trip that feels rushed and a trip that feels like a day off.

Who This Charter Fits Best (and who should reconsider)

This charter is a great fit if you want a private, swim-centered day. It suits friend groups, families with older kids, and couples who like water activities and want control over pacing.

It’s also a good match if you care about cave time and want a guide who actively shapes the day. When the captain is willing to tailor the route and chase better conditions, your day is more likely to feel smooth and satisfying.

A small caution: the “moderate physical fitness” note matters. If you struggle with water entry, long periods on deck, or getting around comfortably, you may find the day more tiring than expected.

Also, because the experience requires good weather and the plan can shift based on conditions, it’s best if your schedule has some flexibility.

Should You Book This Private Yacht Charter?

Book it if your top priority is time in the water, not checklisting sights. You’re paying for privacy, multiple Comino and Gozo swim stops, and a crew that can guide the day with personality, including onboard activities like paddleboards on request.

I’d lean toward booking if you have a group of up to 8. The per-person value becomes reasonable fast when you fill the boat.

I’d think twice if you want a land-heavy itinerary or if your travel dates are rigid and you cannot accept weather changes. Since the experience needs good conditions, it’s smart to book when you can handle a reroute or alternate date if the sea isn’t cooperating.

If you want one Malta day that feels like your own, with clear-water swimming and a friendly crew like Sheldon and Wayne, this is the kind of charter that tends to stick in memory.

FAQ

How many people can I book for on this private yacht charter?

It’s a private tour for your group, with a maximum of up to 8 people per group.

Where is the meeting point, and where does the tour end?

The meeting point is Island Life Charters at Mellieħa Bay, Mellieħa, Malta. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the yacht charter start, and how long is it?

The start time is 9:00 am, and the duration is about 8 hours.

What stops are included during the day?

The route includes L-Aħrax (Smugglers cave), Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Mgarr ix-Xini, and Paradise Bay.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included as part of the tour price. You can either stop at a restaurant or bring your own lunch, and food costs are your own expense.

What activities and gear are provided?

Water sports gear is provided for you, and paddleboards are available on request. The day includes swimming stops, with snorkeling mentioned for Paradise Bay.

What language is the experience offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.