Private Day Sailing Boat Charter

Comino’s bright water is the headline, but the real treat is choosing where to spend your time. This private charter leaves Kalkara Marina and heads north toward St. Paul’s Islands, Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon, with a skipper who can adjust the route to the weather and your wishes.

I like the freedom to avoid the busiest swimming spots, and I like having snorkeling gear and two paddleboards included. You can also arrange a barbecue, though the meal costs extra and cooking can use up some of your limited time in the bays. The price is $707.44 per group of up to two, so this is a special splurge rather than a cheap way to get on the water.

Key points to know

• Private route from Kalkara: Your boat leaves and returns to Pontoon F in Valletta Grand Harbour, one of Malta’s finest arrival views.
• Comino swimming time: Crystal Lagoon gets about an hour, while Blue Lagoon gets about two hours, subject to weather and the skipper’s plan.
• A skipper-led day: Captains including David, Terry, Nick, James, Josh, Steve, Yuri, and Maurizio have been praised for tailoring routes and helping guests feel at ease.
• Bring your own food if you prefer: Water, fuel, equipment, and the skipper are included, but food and drinks are not.
• Expect real sailing time: The advertised day lasts about 8 hours and 30 minutes, but only part of that is spent anchored in swimming areas.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, but ordinary cancellations are non-refundable.

Leaving Kalkara for Malta’s grand harbour

Your day starts at Sailing Charters Malta, Marina, Pontoon F, Triq ir-Regatta 1969, Kalkara KKR 1390. The marina sits inside Valletta Grand Harbour, so the trip begins with one of Malta’s best views before you even reach open water.

That setting gives the charter a pleasant sense of place. You are not simply being driven to a swimming hole. You first pass the historic harbour, then head along the coast toward Sliema and the northern islands. The route itself is part of the outing, though it also explains why you need a full day.

You can expect a private boat and your own skipper rather than a large shared excursion. The captain normally suggests a route based on wind, sea conditions, and your priorities. You might want long swimming stops, quiet coves, snorkeling, a look at caves, or more time under sail. Tell the skipper early in the day. The more clearly you describe your ideal balance, the more useful the captain’s advice will be.

The captains are a major part of the experience. David is repeatedly described as responsive and accommodating, while Terry, Nick, Maurizio, James, Josh, Steve, Yuri, and Niki have each been praised for friendly service, local explanations, or thoughtful route planning. Some captains offer sailing tips, and one child was allowed to take part in sailing activities when conditions permitted.

Do not expect a formal lecture from start to finish. The skipper’s first job is handling the boat and keeping you safe. If you want more information about Malta’s past, landmarks, or coastal life, ask questions as you go.

Sailing north past Sliema and St. Paul’s Islands

The journey north gives you a different view of Malta. From the water, the coast becomes a sequence of cliffs, bays, harbour walls, and open sea. You will pass the Sliema seafront and may sail by St. Paul’s Islands before reaching Comino.

This is also where you need realistic expectations. The charter lasts roughly 8 hours and 30 minutes, but the entire day is not spent swimming. A past itinerary that began later in the morning left less time for the anchorages than expected. If you are offered an early start, take it seriously. Arriving late can cost you more than an hour of swimming and quiet time.

The sea can be choppy outside sheltered bays. One family had a slightly rough ride but found calmer water once the skipper brought them into lagoons. If you are prone to seasickness, plan accordingly and tell the captain before departure. The boat’s route can be adjusted, but no skipper can promise flat water everywhere.

The sailing portions are valuable if you enjoy being on the water. If your only goal is to swim at Blue Lagoon, a simpler transfer may suit you better. This charter earns its price through privacy, flexible stops, and the boat ride itself.

Crystal Lagoon, one hour in clear water

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about one hour. It is a well-known stop, and the name gives you a fair idea of the appeal: clear water, rocky edges, and a good setting for swimming and snorkeling.

The supplied snorkeling equipment means you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. Still, bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and any personal water gear you prefer. The charter also includes two stand-up paddleboards, which give you another way to explore the water without adding an equipment fee.

One hour can pass quickly. If you want to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and take photographs, decide what matters most before you arrive. The captain may alter the stop based on weather or crowd levels, and the published route is not a promise that every minute will be spent in exactly one location.

Crystal Lagoon works best as an active stop. You can get into the water, look below the surface, and make use of the boards. It is less suited to anyone who wants a long, lazy beach afternoon, because the boat remains part of the experience and the day has several other sights to cover.

Blue Lagoon, beautiful but busy

Blue Lagoon receives about two hours in the planned schedule. Its water is one of Malta’s big draws, but its popularity is also its main weakness. The shore can be crowded, especially at peak times, even when the water itself feels more open.

A private boat helps. Your captain can look for a quieter place within or near the lagoon instead of dropping you into the busiest section. Yuri, for example, is praised for finding a route that allowed a group to see both lagoons without feeling surrounded by people. Other captains have moved guests to calmer bays when Blue Lagoon was too crowded or affected by jellyfish.

That flexibility is the reason I would not treat this as merely a private Blue Lagoon transfer. Use the boat to reach places that are harder to visit independently. If Blue Lagoon is a must-see, enjoy it, but let the skipper suggest quieter water nearby. You may get a better swim a short distance away.

Two hours sounds generous, but it includes getting anchored, swimming, snorkeling, boarding again, and preparing to leave. Do not spend half the stop arranging lunch if your main aim is time in the water. Bring a cold meal if you want to keep the schedule moving.

St. Paul’s Bay and the return through Valletta

St. Paul’s Bay is included as a brief stop of about 30 minutes. It is linked with the traditional account of St. Paul’s shipwreck, giving the stop a clear historical connection to Malta.

The half-hour timing suggests a short look rather than a full visit ashore. You may pause for photographs, hear a little about the site, or enjoy the setting from the water. If you want a long history lesson, ask your skipper questions. The amount of commentary can vary with the captain and with the practical demands of sailing.

On the return, the boat passes back through Valletta Grand Harbour. Do not pack up too early. The entrance into the harbour is one of the most memorable parts of the day, with Malta’s fortifications and waterfront scenery opening up around you.

This final stretch also gives you a calm way to finish. You have had the swimming stops, the open-water sailing, and perhaps lunch on board. Keep a camera ready, but also leave a few minutes simply to watch the harbour arrive.

Barbecue lunch or your own cold meal

Food is not included in the base price. You can arrange a fresh barbecue with drinks and snacks, but this is an added cost. Several experiences describe the barbecue as very good, with swordfish receiving special praise, and a Maltese platter is also available.

The barbecue sounds fun, but it is not automatically the best choice. Cooking, serving, and eating during a short stop takes time that could otherwise go to swimming. One couple found the lunch expensive compared with a high-end restaurant meal and recommended bringing their own cold food and wine or prosecco instead.

That option is especially practical for a private charter. You can bring food and drinks, unlike some other boat outings. Water flows freely and is included, but other drinks are not. Pack food you can eat without much preparation if you want to make the most of the lagoons.

For a birthday, honeymoon, or family celebration, the barbecue may be worth paying for because it turns lunch into part of the occasion. For two people watching the budget, a packed meal gives you more control over both cost and timing.

What is included, and what you still need

The charter includes the skipper and guide, fuel, all taxes, free-flowing water, snorkeling equipment, and two stand-up paddleboards. That is a useful package because fuel alone can add an unwelcome surprise to a private boat day.

Food, other drinks, and hotel pickup are not included. You need to arrange your own transport to Kalkara Marina, though the meeting point is near public transportation. The trip ends back at the same marina.

No minimum age is stated, and the activity is presented as suitable for most people. Children have enjoyed swimming, paddleboarding, and supervised sailing activities, while a guest with mobility issues received help getting on and off the boat. Still, boarding a yacht and moving around at sea can be physically demanding, so discuss any mobility needs in advance.

The activity is offered in English. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. It is wise to book ahead, since the average booking is made 26 days before the date.

Is $707.44 good value for two?

At $707.44 per group of up to two, this is a high-cost day on the water. The price makes more sense if you value privacy, personal attention, and the ability to change the route. It is less attractive if you simply want transport to Blue Lagoon and a quick swim.

You are paying for an eight-and-a-half-hour private experience, fuel, a skipper, equipment, and freedom from a large group. For a honeymoon, birthday, proposal, or once-only Malta visit, that can be a sensible splurge. The boat gives you room to set the pace, and the captain can move away from the busiest places.

For a larger party, confirm the current group pricing before booking. The stated rate is for up to two people, even though some past outings included families and groups of three or more. Do not assume the same price applies to a bigger party.

The best value comes when you use the flexibility well. Ask for quieter bays, allow time for snorkeling, and do not spend the whole day chasing the most famous lagoon. The charter is at its strongest when it gives you a broader view of Malta and Comino, not just a ride to one crowded stop.

Who should book this sailing day?

I would choose this for couples, small families, and friends who want a private day with room to adjust the plan. It suits people who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and being on a boat, but also want a skipper to handle navigation and safety.

It is particularly good for a special occasion. Captains have helped with birthdays, honeymoons, engagements, and family days, and the personal service can make the outing feel more like a private celebration than a standard excursion.

You should think twice if you dislike open-water travel, need a fixed beach schedule, or want a low-cost activity. You should also be comfortable with the fact that weather, waves, jellyfish, and crowd levels may change the route.

Cancellation terms are strict: the experience is non-refundable and cannot normally be changed. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That makes travel insurance and a little date flexibility sensible.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if you want Malta from the water rather than a checklist of famous stops. Tell the skipper you want quiet swimming areas, ask about the best use of the day, and start on time. Bring a cold lunch if you want more water time, or pay for the barbecue if the meal is part of your celebration.

Skip it if Blue Lagoon alone is your goal. A simpler boat connection may be enough. But if you want private sailing, clear water, paddleboards, snorkeling, harbour views, and a route shaped around your group, this is one of the stronger ways to spend a full day around Malta and Comino.

FAQ

Where does the private sailing charter start?

It starts at Sailing Charters Malta Marina, Pontoon F, Triq ir-Regatta 1969, Kalkara KKR 1390, Malta.

Where does the activity end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Kalkara Marina.

How long does the charter last?

The experience lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates in the charter.

What is included in the price?

The price includes all taxes, fuel, water, the skipper and guide, snorkeling equipment, and two stand-up paddleboards.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. A barbecue meal, drinks, and snacks may be available as an added option, and you can bring your own food and drinks.

Will the boat visit Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon?

The usual route includes Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, with about one hour at Crystal Lagoon and about two hours at Blue Lagoon. The skipper may adjust the route for weather and your preferences.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you must make your own way to the marina.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. If you cancel or request an amendment yourself, the amount paid is not refundable.