Private Day Sailing Boat Charter

The best part of this Malta charter is simple: you control the day. Instead of following a fixed boat route, you can ask your skipper to linger in a quiet cove, seek out sea caves, or spend more time swimming around Comino. The boat leaves Kalkara Marina and returns through Valletta’s Grand Harbour, giving you a fine start and finish.

I especially like the private setting, which makes a big difference at popular Blue Lagoon, and the useful mix of swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and paddleboarding. I also like that skippers such as David, Terry, Nick, Mauricio, James, and Yuri have adapted routes to suit couples, families, and honeymooners. The main catch is time: the full day includes plenty of sailing, so arriving late or spending too long over lunch can cut into your hours in the water.

Key points to know before you book

• A private route from Kalkara to Comino: Your group has the boat to itself, with the final plan shaped by your wishes and sea conditions.
• Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon: Expect around one hour at Crystal Lagoon and up to two hours near Blue Lagoon, though your skipper may adjust the plan.
• Quiet swimming spots: The skipper can move away from the busiest parts of Comino when Blue Lagoon is crowded.
• Water activities included: Snorkeling equipment, free-flowing water, and two stand-up paddleboards are provided.
• Optional food on board: A barbecue, Maltese platter, drinks, and snacks can be arranged, but they cost extra.
• A long day with a smart timing tip: The trip lasts about 8 hours and 30 minutes, and the morning departure matters if you want more time anchored in the bays.

Starting in Valletta’s Grand Harbour

Your day begins at Sailing Charters Malta Marina, Pontoon F, Triq ir-Regatta 1969, Kalkara KKR 1390. Kalkara Marina sits inside Valletta’s Grand Harbour, one of Malta’s most striking arrival points. This is not just a place to board a boat and hurry away. The harbour itself gives you an excellent opening view of Malta’s fortified shoreline and busy maritime setting.

The charter ends at the same marina. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to Kalkara. The marina is near public transportation, but leave enough time to find the pontoon and arrive ready to depart. The operator sends confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The advertised price is $707.44 per group of up to two people. That is a serious price for a couple, but it buys a full private boat rather than two seats on a shared cruise. The value improves if you are marking a honeymoon, birthday, anniversary, or another special day and want a route built around your group instead of a timetable.

A practical note: one family described the boat as suitable for a larger group, and the experience has worked well for families and groups of friends. Still, the published price is for up to two people, so confirm the capacity and added cost before booking for more than two.

Sailing north past Malta’s coast

The route normally heads north from the marina. You can pass Sliema’s seafront and sail by St. Paul’s Islands before reaching Comino. The ride is part of the experience, not just transport between swimming stops.

This is where a private charter differs from a quick ferry trip. You get time to watch Malta from the water, see the shore from a different angle, and ask your skipper to explain the places along the way. Some skippers, including Nick, Yuri, and Mauricio, have shared stories about Malta, sailing, and local landmarks. Others focus more on keeping the boat moving safely and letting you enjoy a quiet day.

That difference matters. If you want a running commentary about Maltese culture and history, tell the operator or skipper early. One person found the trip enjoyable but wished for more explanation during the sailing sections. The crew’s first job is to steer safely, manage the boat, and look after you at sea. Conversation and guiding style can vary by skipper.

The sailing time also explains why I would not treat the listed 8 hours and 30 minutes as eight full hours at anchor. You might spend only three or four hours stopped in the bays once sailing, lunch, and the return journey are counted. Start on time, and do not assume a late departure will cost you only a small part of the day.

Crystal Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling

Crystal Lagoon is usually one of the first major stops. The planned visit is about one hour, with no separate admission charge. Its clear water, dramatic rock walls, and small-scale setting make it a natural place for a swim or snorkel.

You can use the provided snorkeling equipment and look below the surface from the boat or in the water. The two stand-up paddleboards add another option if you want a slower, less energetic way to enjoy the bay. Bring your own preferences to the skipper. You might want a quick swim, a longer snorkel, or simply time on deck taking in the view.

The one-hour estimate is useful because it sets expectations. Crystal Lagoon is not the only stop, and you should not expect to spend half the day there. If the sea is unsettled or the area is busy, your skipper may choose a calmer place. The route is shaped by the weather and by what you want from the day.

Blue Lagoon without the usual rush

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop for many people visiting Comino. The charter normally allows around two hours there, and your skipper will look for a peaceful place in or near the lagoon for your group to swim.

The private boat gives you a major advantage here. The shoreline and main access points can be very crowded, especially when ferry passengers arrive. From a private boat, you can enjoy the famous water without needing to spend the whole visit on the busiest patch of shore. You may still see plenty of activity around the lagoon, but you are not tied to the same landing point as everyone else.

Do not book this charter solely as a private transfer to Blue Lagoon. A separate ferry visit may give you more time at the lagoon itself, while the charter is better used for its wider route. Ask the skipper to show you quieter coves and less accessible parts of Comino. That is where the private boat earns its keep.

Jellyfish and crowd levels can also affect the experience. One couple chose to pass through Blue Lagoon briefly because of jellyfish and heavy activity, then followed the skipper toward calmer places. This is a good reason to keep your plans flexible. The famous stop is worth seeing, but it does not need to be the best swim of the day.

St. Paul’s Bay and the return through Valletta

The itinerary includes about 30 minutes at St. Paul’s Bay, the place traditionally linked with St. Paul’s shipwreck. The stop gives the day a touch of Maltese religious and maritime history without turning the charter into a formal sightseeing tour.

You may also pass St. Paul’s Islands and Sliema on the northbound route. The exact order can change with wind, sea conditions, and your preferences. The skipper may shorten one stop to give you more time elsewhere, or choose a sheltered bay if the open water is choppy.

The return through Valletta’s Grand Harbour deserves your attention. It is easy to start packing, checking your phone, or thinking about the taxi before the boat reaches the marina. Stay on deck if you can. The approach gives you another look at the harbour, its fortifications, and the waterfront from the sea. Several people have found this final section among the most memorable parts of the day.

What the boat day feels like

This is not a rigid sightseeing circuit. It is closer to hiring a private captain for a full day and letting the sea set the pace. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, sunbathe, chat with the skipper, or simply sit on deck while Malta passes by.

The boats have been described as clean, attractive, and well maintained. One charter used Hati, described as a beautiful boat with the equipment needed for the day. The exact boat and skipper can vary, so do not assume that one particular captain or vessel is guaranteed unless the operator confirms it.

The crew’s personal touch is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Terry has been praised for his relaxed manner, sea knowledge, and willingness to take photos. Mauricio has allowed guests to take the helm briefly when conditions were suitable. Nick and Yuri have tailored routes for couples and families who wanted to avoid the busiest places.

These details are not promises for every departure. They show what is possible when you explain what you want. Tell the skipper if you prefer quiet coves, more sailing, more swimming, local stories, or a relaxed honeymoon-style day. A clear request at the start can shape the whole charter.

Families can also make good use of the private format. One family had children aged 11 and two and a half, and both stayed entertained with swimming and time on the boat. Another child was allowed to try sailing and fishing after the family made the request at booking. Young children still need close supervision around the water, but the private setting lets you adjust the pace without worrying about a larger group.

The experience can work for someone with mobility concerns too. A family reported that the crew helped with getting a person on and off the boat. Ask the operator about your specific needs before booking, since the information provided does not describe step-free access or the boat’s exact boarding arrangements.

Food, drinks, and the cost of lunch

Water, fuel, the skipper, snorkeling equipment, and two stand-up paddleboards are included. Food and drinks are not included in the base price.

You can arrange a fresh barbecue, and the food can be a strong part of the day. Swordfish and other barbecue dishes have been well received, and a Maltese platter is another option. The barbecue is cooked on the boat, which sounds appealing and can make lunch feel like part of the occasion rather than a break from it.

Still, food takes time. If your main goal is swimming in Comino’s coves, a long cooked lunch reduces your water time. One useful strategy is to bring your own cold meal, snacks, and wine or prosecco. The operator allows you to bring your own food and drinks, and that can save money as well as minutes.

The price of the optional lunch deserves a careful look. Some people found the meal excellent, while one couple considered it expensive compared with a later Michelin Guide dinner. I would choose the barbecue for a celebration or for the pleasure of eating on the boat. For a value-focused day, pack food and reserve the extra time for the bays.

Who will get the most from this charter

I would recommend this outing most strongly to:

• Couples celebrating a honeymoon, birthday, or anniversary
• Families who want control over stops and swimming time
• Small groups that value privacy more than the lowest possible price
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want access to several bays
• People who dislike fixed group schedules and crowded excursion boats
• Visitors who want to combine Malta’s coast, Comino, and Valletta in one long day

It is less suitable if you want a cheap way to reach Blue Lagoon, a short sightseeing cruise, or a guaranteed schedule with long stops at every listed location. It also may disappoint if you expect nonstop historical commentary throughout the sailing sections.

The no-minimum-age policy makes the activity open to children, and most people can participate. Still, this is a full day on the water. If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, has mobility concerns, or dislikes long periods of sailing, discuss that before paying.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

Good weather is required. If poor conditions force cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel for another reason or ask to change the booking, the payment is non-refundable and cannot be amended.

The crew can make sensible changes when the sea is choppy. On one outing, the skipper moved into calmer lagoons so the group could swim safely. That flexibility is a real advantage, but it also means you should think of the route as a plan rather than a promise of exact stop durations.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need for a long day outdoors. Water is supplied, but other drinks and food are extra unless you arrange them. Since hotel pickup is not offered, plan your route to Kalkara Marina in advance.

Should you book this Malta sailing day?

Book it if you want a private, flexible day on the water and are willing to pay for space, control, and a captain who can adjust the route. The strongest reason to choose it is not simply Blue Lagoon. It is the chance to combine Comino’s famous bays with quieter swimming spots, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and the grand approach back into Valletta.

For the best value, start on time, bring your own lunch unless the barbecue is part of the occasion, and tell the skipper exactly what you want. Ask for secluded coves rather than spending every minute at the busiest lagoon. If you do that, the price becomes easier to justify, especially for a couple or small group marking a special day.

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 the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, so only your group participates.

What is included in the price?

The price includes taxes, fuel, a skipper or guide, free-flowing water, snorkeling equipment, and two stand-up paddleboards.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the base price. An optional barbecue and other food choices can be arranged, and you may bring your own food and drinks.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.