Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter

The best part of this charter is the freedom to spend a full day on the water without following a crowded boat schedule. You sail between Malta, Gozo, and Comino aboard a 14-meter private sailboat, stopping at quiet coves, clear lagoons, caves, and swim spots that are easiest to reach by boat. Skipper Peter handles the sailing while you set the pace.

I like the generous eight-hour schedule, which gives you time for several swims rather than one quick splash. I also like the mix of included gear: a paddle board, kayak, snorkeling equipment, hammock, snacks, drinks, and a BBQ for food you bring yourself. The main consideration is wind. Peter can adjust the day well, but rougher conditions may affect where and how long you swim.

• Private boat for up to 11 people: A practical size for families or a group of friends who want their own space.
• Three cabins and a full deck: You can rest below or settle in above while the boat moves between stops.
• Multiple swim locations: Expect secluded bays, lagoons, coves, and places to explore caves and marine life.
• Water toys included: Snorkeling gear, a kayak, paddle board, and hammock are all available at no extra charge.
• Bring food for the BBQ: The crew supplies the grill, water, soft drinks, snacks, and prosecco.
• Two possible departure points: Meet at Marfa Jetty in Malta or Mgarr Harbor on Gozo.

A Full Day Between Malta, Gozo, and Comino

This is not a quick sightseeing cruise with a fixed loop and a short photo stop. It is a private sailing day built around time on the water. You can look up at cliffs, swim in clear sea, paddle along a cove, snorkel near rock walls, or simply stretch out while the boat moves on.

The charter lasts eight hours, a useful length for this part of the Maltese islands. A shorter trip can feel rushed once you account for sailing time. Here, the day has room for several stops and a proper lunch break, with time left to enjoy the boat itself.

You depart from either Marfa Jetty in Malta or Mgarr Harbor in Gozo. The correct meeting point matters, so check it carefully when booking. The sailing area includes parts of Gozo and Comino, with coastal scenery, secluded bays, caves, and lagoons reached by boat rather than road.

Skipper Peter is at the helm. His job is more than getting you from one point to the next. He chooses places that suit the day’s conditions and can help the group make the most of the available swimming and water sports. If wind changes the plan, expect the route to be adjusted rather than forced.

Why the 14-Meter Sailboat Matters

The boat is large enough to give a group room to spread out, but it still feels like a private outing rather than a floating bus. With a maximum of 11 people, you avoid the packed-deck feeling common on larger sightseeing boats.

The three cabins give you somewhere to rest during the day. That matters if you are sailing with children, need shade and quiet between swims, or simply want a break from the sun. The boat also has space for outdoor lounging, including a hammock for the person who would rather watch the water than paddle across it.

The setup is especially useful for a mixed group. Some of you may want to snorkel, some may prefer the paddle board, and others may be happy with a cold drink and a view. Because the charter is private, the day does not need to revolve around the most energetic person in the group.

The boat is described as well equipped, with fuel and port fees included. You do not need to think about those extra costs while planning the day. The skipper is also included, so you can enjoy the sailing without needing boating experience.

The Sailing Route and Coastal Views

The route is not given as a strict list of named stops, and that is worth understanding before you book. The appeal is flexible access to the Gozo and Comino coastline, not a guaranteed checklist of every famous cove.

As you sail, look for the soaring cliffs and rock shelves that make the coastline best viewed from offshore. From the deck, you see the height of the cliffs more clearly than from land, and the boat gives you changing angles as it moves along the coast.

The day also includes access to quieter bays and private coves. These places can feel far removed from the roads and built-up areas, even though the islands are compact. You may stop in a sheltered area for swimming, then move on to a more open stretch for views and sailing.

The sea is a major part of the experience. The water is described as crystal clear, which makes the snorkeling and swimming more rewarding. Visibility can still depend on weather and sea conditions, so treat the clear-water promise as the setting, not a guarantee of perfect conditions every hour.

Swim Stops, Caves, and Marine Life

The charter includes multiple swim stops, rather than one scheduled dip. That lets you choose how much time to spend in the water and gives you more than one chance to find a spot that suits your group.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. You can use it to look around rocky edges, near cave entrances, and in clear shallows. The boat also provides a kayak and paddle board, giving you different ways to explore close to shore.

The caves add variety to the day. Some are best viewed from the water, and a kayak can be useful for getting closer at a gentle pace. Do not expect a formal cave tour with a scripted explanation. This is a self-guided water experience, with Peter helping you reach appealing spots.

If you have children in the group, the range of activities can make the day easier. They can switch from swimming to paddling, then take a break on the boat. Still, you should plan your own supervision around the water. The supplied details confirm the equipment and skipper, but they do not specify children’s flotation gear or dedicated childcare.

The swimming stops are also weather-dependent. Wind can change the comfort and safety of a particular bay. Peter has shown he can work around wind while preserving the swimming part of the day, but no charter can guarantee a fixed set of coves in changing conditions.

Lunch on the Grill, Drinks, and What to Bring

The BBQ is included, but the food is not. Bring the meat, vegetables, bread, or other items you want to grill. Peter can prepare the food on board, which keeps lunch simple and leaves you free to enjoy the setting.

This arrangement has a practical advantage. You choose what your group eats, which is useful for children, picky eaters, and people with specific preferences. It also means you need to plan ahead. The included snacks will not replace a full meal for most groups.

Water, soft drinks, snacks, and prosecco are included. That covers the basics and makes the day feel less like a bare boat rental. Even so, I would bring any favorite drinks or extra food your group needs, as long as the operator allows it. The supplied details only promise the items listed above.

A BBQ lunch on a sailboat works best when you keep it simple. Pack food that cooks easily and does not need a complicated kitchen. Bring containers or bags for keeping items organized, and remember that space on a boat is more limited than in a holiday apartment.

You should also bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a light layer for the time underway. These are practical suggestions for a full day on the water, not listed inclusions. The boat provides a hammock and cabins, but shade and seating may vary as the group moves around.

Water Sports for Different Energy Levels

The included equipment is one of the strongest parts of the charter. A paddle board gives you a stable way to move across calm water, while the kayak lets you explore with a partner or on your own, depending on the equipment setup.

Snorkeling is the simplest option. You can enter the water, look around the rocks, and return to the boat without needing a long lesson or a separate rental. The clear water makes this a natural choice for a relaxed swim stop.

The paddle board and kayak make the day more active. They are also good for people who want to see the cove from a different angle but do not want to spend all afternoon swimming. You can use the equipment between stops, then return to the boat for a drink or rest.

The hammock fills the gap for anyone who prefers a quieter day. It is easy to picture a group dividing itself naturally: two people paddling, a few snorkeling, someone grilling lunch, and another person stretched out on deck. That flexibility is a better fit for a family or friend group than an outing with one fixed activity.

The Value of a Private $823 Charter

The listed price is $823 for the whole group, with up to 11 people. At full capacity, that works out to about $75 per person for eight hours. A group of eight would pay roughly $103 per person, while a smaller party of four would pay about $206 each.

That makes the charter most attractive when you can fill much of the boat. The price includes the skipper, fuel, port fees, water, soft drinks, snacks, prosecco, snorkeling gear, kayak, paddle board, and BBQ use. You are paying for the boat and the day, not buying separate add-ons every time you want to swim or paddle.

A private boat also has value that is harder to measure. You are not waiting for strangers to finish swimming, following a fixed lunch slot, or giving up a favorite cove because the whole boat needs to move. Peter can shape the pace around your group, subject to wind and sea conditions.

For a couple or a very small party, the math is less favorable. You may prefer a shared cruise if your main goal is simply to see the coast at the lowest cost. For a family reunion, group of friends, or two families traveling together, the price becomes much easier to justify.

The reserve-now-and-pay-later option can help if your plans are still taking shape. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date and meeting point before you commit.

Who Will Enjoy This Sailing Day Most

I would choose this charter for a group that wants a full day outdoors but does not want every minute planned. It suits people who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and scenic sailing, with enough quiet time to make the day feel like a break rather than a contest.

Families can benefit from the space and range of activities. A group of four adults and four children, for example, still fits comfortably within the stated limit of 11, leaving room for everyone to move around. The boat’s cabins also provide a useful rest area during a long day.

It is also a good choice for friends who want a private celebration or a relaxed day together. The BBQ, snacks, soft drinks, and prosecco reduce the need to organize lunch elsewhere, while the private setting gives the group control over the pace.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, get uncomfortable in wind, or want a tightly scheduled tour with named landmarks guaranteed in a precise order. The route depends on conditions, and the main reward is the time spent on the water rather than a formal sightseeing commentary.

Practical Details Before You Book

You can depart from Marfa Jetty or Mgarr Harbor in Gozo. These are different starting points, so make sure you select the one that fits your accommodation and plans. The tour is conducted in English, with Peter as the live skipper and guide.

The charter is eight hours. That is long enough for a relaxed day, but it also means you should prepare for a full period in sun, wind, and water. Bring what you need to stay comfortable, and plan your food before you arrive because the BBQ requires you to supply the ingredients.

The experience has a current rating of 4.9 from 15 ratings, with especially strong praise for Peter’s hospitality, patience, and ability to find attractive swimming places. The boat itself is repeatedly valued for being clean, spacious, safe, and full of activities.

The most useful practical note is the comment about wind. On a breezier day, Peter may need to change the route or choose more sheltered water. That is not a flaw unique to this charter. It is part of sailing around exposed islands, and a flexible skipper is a real advantage.

Should You Book Island Quest Boat Charters?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private day built around swimming, clear water, and freedom to set the pace. The best value comes when you use the included gear and spend much of the day on the water, rather than treating the boat as simple transport.

I especially like the combination of a 14-meter sailboat, three cabins, several swim stops, and water equipment included in the price. Peter’s hands-on hospitality adds a personal touch, including preparing the food you bring for the BBQ.

Skip it if you want a bargain for one or two people, a guaranteed list of named stops, or a sheltered indoor sightseeing tour. For families and groups of friends, though, this is a strong way to see the Malta, Gozo, and Comino coast from the place where it looks best: offshore.

FAQ

Where does the sailing charter depart from?

You can depart from Marfa Jetty in Malta or Mgarr Harbor in Gozo. Check the selected departure point when booking.

How long is the charter?

The private sailing trip lasts eight hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The charter is available for a group of up to 11 people.

Is a skipper included?

Yes. A skipper is included, and the live tour is conducted in English. The skipper named for this experience is Peter.

Is food included?

The charter includes a BBQ, but you bring the food you want to grill. Water, soft drinks, snacks, and prosecco are included.

What water equipment is provided?

Snorkeling equipment, a paddle board, and a kayak are provided for use during the day.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.