Private Full-Day Yacht Tour in Maltese Islands

The best part of this Maltese yacht day is the freedom to leave the crowded shore behind and reach the water by boat. Captain Ray, also called Raymond, runs the yacht and knows the coast well, including quiet swimming spots, Comino’s caves, and the stories behind Malta’s changing culture. St. Paul’s Islands and the Blue Lagoon are the main calling cards.

I like the small private format, with only your group of up to six, and I like that fuel, a skipper, snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, and an outdoor shower are included. The boat has also been kept in notably clean condition, with fridge space for a packed lunch. The main catch is simple: Blue Lagoon can be very busy, and the route depends on wind and sea conditions.

Key points

• Private group of up to six: You get the yacht to yourselves rather than sharing a large excursion boat.
• Captain Ray at the helm: Expect local stories, sailing experience, and help choosing swimming and snorkeling spots.
• Three main swim stops: St. Paul’s Islands, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon each offer a different setting.
• Flexible time on the water: The route can change with weather, traffic, and what your group wants to do.
• Useful inclusions: Fuel, skipper, snorkeling equipment, water, soft drinks, Bluetooth music, and an outdoor shower are covered.
• Bring your own lunch: Food, alcohol, and hotel pickup are not included.

Starting at Marsamxett Harbour at 9:30 am

Your day begins at the Creek Marina Pontoon NMalta, with the boat returning to the same meeting point after roughly eight hours. The wider Marsamxett Harbour area is a practical launch point because it sits close to Valletta, Sliema, and central Malta.

The information also describes the start and finish as Marsamxett Harbour, so I would confirm the precise pontoon directions before setting out. Hotel pickup is not provided. You need to reach the marina yourself, though the meeting area is near public transportation.

The early start matters. You have a full day to reach Comino and still enjoy the return trip without rushing every swim. It also gives Captain Ray more room to adjust the route if the sea is calm in one direction and rougher in another.

This is a private activity, not a shared boat tour. For a group of six, the cost is $946.63 in total, or about $158 per person if everyone joins. That is a serious day-trip price for a couple, but a reasonable charter rate for a full yacht shared among six people, especially since fuel and the skipper are included.

Passing Sliema and leaving the harbor behind

The yacht passes the Sliema seafront on the way north and again on the return. This gives you a water-level view of one of Malta’s most active coastal areas before the scenery becomes more open.

I like this part because it turns the transfer into part of the outing. You are not simply being driven to a swimming stop. The harbor passage gives you time to settle into the boat, listen to Captain Ray’s local commentary, and see Malta from a different angle.

The trip is also a good chance to tell the captain what kind of day you want. You might prefer long swims, snorkeling, sunbathing, a leisurely cruise, or a mix of all four. The route is described as flexible, subject to weather and sea conditions, so speak up early if you have a preference.

One practical point: the eight-hour duration includes travel time. You should not expect eight full hours anchored at swimming spots. Some of the day goes to reaching Comino, passing the coastline, and returning to Marsamxett Harbour.

St. Paul’s Islands and the shipwreck story

The first possible stop is St. Paul’s Islands, associated with the shipwreck of St. Paul. The stop can be brief, around 30 minutes, and is intended mainly as a refreshing swim in clear water before continuing north.

This is a useful first break. You can test the water, get comfortable with the yacht, and try the supplied snorkeling equipment without committing to a long stay. If your group includes people who are unsure swimmers, tell the operator in advance, as requested in the tour information.

The stop is weather dependent, and it may not happen on every departure. That is not a flaw in the concept. A boat captain needs to choose safe water rather than force a fixed schedule, particularly when the main route still includes Comino.

The historical setting also gives the stop more character than a random swim. Captain Ray is a Maltese local and has spoken about the island’s past, cultural changes, and even the development of the Maltese language. If local context matters to you, ask questions as you go. The day is not sold as a formal history tour, but the captain adds a personal layer to the scenery.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, popular, and often crowded

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. The yacht spends about two hours in the area, allowing time for swimming, snorkeling, and sitting in the sun.

The water is the draw. With snorkeling equipment supplied, you can explore from the yacht rather than paying extra for a separate activity. Water and soft drinks are also available, so you can stay comfortable between swims.

The honest warning is that Blue Lagoon is extremely popular. Finding a peaceful position can be difficult, especially when many boats are already in the area. The captain will do his best to find a suitable place, but a private yacht cannot make the crowds disappear.

This is where the private format helps. On a large public cruise, you usually follow a set timetable and have little say in where you stop. Here, Captain Ray can consider conditions and your group’s wishes, then give you a better chance of enjoying the water on your own terms.

Still, do not book this expecting a deserted lagoon. For quieter water, ask about spending more time away from the busiest section if the weather allows. The most attractive part of the day may be the flexibility to adjust the plan rather than simply ticking off the famous name.

Crystal Lagoon for another hour in the water

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about one hour. It offers another chance to swim or sunbathe after Blue Lagoon, with a different setting and a little breathing room in the day.

I like having two major lagoon stops. If one location feels too busy, windy, or less appealing than expected, the next stop gives you another chance to enjoy the sea. It also breaks up the day nicely: swim, dry off, cruise, then swim again.

The snorkeling gear is included, but the exact underwater conditions depend on the day. Calm water should make swimming easier, while wind can affect visibility and comfort. You do not need to bring separate equipment unless you have personal gear you prefer.

There is no admission charge for the listed stops. That keeps the price easy to understand, with the main cost going toward the private yacht, fuel, skipper, and a full day on the water rather than entrance tickets.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

Santa Maria Caves are passed on Comino rather than listed as a long shore visit. Expect a sightseeing view from the boat, not a guaranteed land excursion or extended cave exploration.

That distinction matters when you plan your day. The tour is built around cruising, swimming, snorkeling, and seeing the coast from the yacht. If your priority is walking ashore at every attraction, this will not feel like a conventional island sightseeing tour.

The caves add variety to the route. After the open water around the lagoons, the rocky Comino coast gives you something to look at between swims. Captain Ray can explain what you are seeing, and the yacht’s Bluetooth sound system lets you add your own music during the quieter stretches.

A boat day shaped by the captain

Captain Ray is one of the strongest reasons to consider this charter. He is described as a professional and experienced sailor who inspires confidence at the helm. He also brings an easygoing personality, local knowledge, and a willingness to answer questions about Malta and boating.

That combination matters on a private tour. You spend the whole day with one captain, so a stiff or inattentive host would affect the entire outing. Here, the captain’s role includes more than steering. He can help select swim locations, explain the coast, and adapt the pace to your group.

Past outings have included swimming in several bays, lunch on board, a cruise around Valletta Harbour, and visits toward Gozo and Comino. These details suggest that the day can be shaped around conditions and group preferences, but they should not be treated as guaranteed stops on every booking. The stated standard route focuses on St. Paul’s Islands, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves.

The captain also contacted one group ahead of time about the weather. That is a useful habit for any boat day. Conditions can affect the route, the ability to raise sails, and the comfort of people prone to seasickness. One outing had too little wind for sailing, so you should think of this primarily as a motor-yacht and swimming day, not a guaranteed sailing trip.

What is included, and what should you bring?

Fuel and all taxes are included, which removes two costs that can make private charters harder to compare. You also receive a skipper and guide, snorkeling equipment, water, soft drinks, use of the Bluetooth sound system, and access to an outdoor shower.

The shower is handy after salt-water swims, while the drinks help you avoid constantly packing bottles. The yacht has been described as immaculate, comfortable, and equipped with fridge space for a packed lunch.

Food is not included. Bring lunch and any snacks you want for the day. Alcohol is also excluded, so do not assume it will be supplied. Swimwear is not provided either, an obvious point but one worth noting when you are packing for a full day on the water.

I would also bring a towel, sun protection, a hat, and a dry change of clothes, though only swimwear is specifically addressed in the supplied details. Keep valuables to a minimum, and ask before bringing bulky luggage, since the available storage space is not specified.

The operator asks you to share whether you can swim and to mention medical conditions. Take that seriously. It helps the captain plan sensible stops and respond appropriately if someone needs extra care.

Is $946.63 good value for six people?

The answer depends on your group size. For six people, the total works out to about $158 each for eight hours, including fuel, a private boat, a skipper, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. That compares favorably with buying six separate boat seats, especially if you value privacy and a flexible route.

For two people, the same total is a large expense. A couple celebrating an anniversary may find the privacy worthwhile, but budget-minded pairs should compare it with shared cruises before booking.

The real value is control. You are not paying only for transport to Comino. You are paying for your own boat, a captain who can adjust the pace, and the chance to spend a full day swimming rather than squeezing a few hours into a fixed public excursion.

Who should book this yacht day?

I would choose this for a family or group of friends who want one relaxed day together and can split the price. It also fits a special occasion, particularly if you want more privacy than a standard cruise offers.

It is a good match for people who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and coastal scenery. Captain Ray’s local stories add value if you like learning about Malta while you move between stops.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, need a guaranteed land-based sightseeing program, or want a quiet lagoon with no crowds. Blue Lagoon is popular, the weather can change the route, and part of the eight hours is spent traveling.

The weight restriction is another firm practical point. Participation is restricted to people under 120 kilograms, or 264 pounds. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, but mention medical conditions and swimming ability before the day.

Cancellation and weather rules

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Since the route is weather dependent, keep some flexibility in your Malta schedule rather than placing this tour on the final possible day.

Should you book it?

Book it if you have a group of up to six, want a private boat, and see swimming at Comino as the main event. The strongest package is the combination of Captain Ray’s local guidance, a clean and comfortable yacht, included snorkeling gear, and freedom to adjust the day.

I would not book it solely for a guaranteed quiet Blue Lagoon or a full sailing experience. Instead, book it as a flexible motor-yacht day with excellent water stops, coastal views, and a personable local captain. For a full group, the price makes good sense. For a couple, it is best reserved for a special occasion or a day when privacy matters more than saving money.

FAQ

Where does the yacht tour start?

It starts at the Creek Marina Pontoon NMalta in the Marsamxett Harbour area.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

Where does the tour finish?

The yacht returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, including travel time between locations.

How many people can join?

The private yacht accommodates one group of up to six people.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the marina.

Are food and alcohol included?

No. Food, alcohol, and other drinks beyond the included water and soft drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Are Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon guaranteed stops?

The route is weather dependent. Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are part of the typical itinerary, but conditions may require changes.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.