Full-Day Private Sailing Adventure in Malta and Gozo

Salt air and full control of the day. This private 8-hour sailing adventure from Solevela Yacht Charter takes you across Malta, Comino, and Gozo, with stops at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon plus snorkeling and stand up paddle board time.

I love the private-boat pace, because Sergio does not rush the swims, photos, or floating time. I also love the way the day is built around multiple water moments, not just sightseeing, so you spend real time in the coves.

One drawback to consider is weather. Malta can get windy, and the captain may adjust routes and stops when conditions get rough, so you should plan for flexibility, especially with sea time and cliff jumps.

Key things to know before you sail Malta and Gozo

• Private charter for up to 11 people with your own skipper, so you are not queueing or sharing the boat with strangers.
• Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo, and Crystal Lagoon on one long day, with water access at the best spots.
• Snorkeling gear and a stand up paddle board are included, with extra time to use them.
• Lunch is an add-on (not automatically included), and it can be the difference between a good day and a full-on food-and-sea day.
• Sergio runs flexible timing, letting you choose how long you stay at each stop.
• Windy-day plan changes can happen, but the boat day can still stay fun and scenic.

Why this sailing day feels different from the usual Malta tours

This is the kind of Malta day that works because it is built around the sea, not around a checklist. You are on a 52-foot sailing boat with your own skipper, and the itinerary is designed to hit several famous coves, with swim time treated as the main event.

What really makes it click is the feel of control. You get to linger in the water, jump off when you want, and spend time on the bow or stern while the boat moves. That is also why the reviews lean so hard toward “worth every penny” and “do not hesitate.”

The biggest value is simple: you trade packed group logistics for a slow, personal rhythm. Even with an 8-hour schedule, it does not feel rushed, because the captain handles timing in a way that matches your pace.

Morning start: Roland Marina, the 9:30 am departure, and boat comfort

You start at Solevela Yacht Charters at Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex, Malta. The tour begins at 9:30 am and finishes back at the same meeting point, with about 8 hours on the water.

This matters more than you might think. A late-morning start still gets you into the morning’s calm water, while the full-day timing gives you room to enjoy multiple areas, not just one “big stop.” And because you return to Roland Marina, you avoid the stress of getting to a different harbor at the end.

On the boat side, the setup is intimate. The vessel is large at 52 feet, but it is not operated like a cattle boat. The private format is a big part of why people describe it as relaxing and safe, even when the sea gets choppy.

There is also something charmingly human about the experience. In the reviews, people mention Sergio’s hosting style and even a boat cat named Abi. It sounds like a small detail, but it fits the vibe: you are not just buying boat time, you are getting a hosted day.

Stop-by-stop: Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo, and Crystal Lagoon

The itinerary is built around a classic island chain, with each stop delivering a different kind of water time. You will not just look at the places, you get chances to swim, snorkel, paddle, and hang out.

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon, your first swim-and-snap window

Blue Lagoon is the headline. This is the spot you go to for clear, bright water and that postcard feeling when you first step in. The experience is not only about snorkeling, either. You can jump off board and just float, and the captain’s flexibility helps here, because you can choose how long you want to stay in the water.

A good practical tip: arrive ready for a “first swim” mindset. Put on your swimwear before boarding if you can, and keep towels and water shoes handy. The first stop sets the tone for the day.

Stop 2: Comino, where your timing controls the vibe

Comino is where the island rhythm changes. Depending on wind and sea conditions, the captain may aim for the best comfort level and most enjoyable access points.

This stop tends to be the one that turns from sightseeing into real downtime. People describe choosing swim length and enjoying a calm, resting feel. That is also why this tour works well for couples and friend groups who want the freedom to decide, not just follow.

Stop 3: Island of Gozo, a different Malta feeling from the water

Gozo is the “other island” component that makes this full-day tour feel bigger than Malta itself. From the water, you get a different perspective than you would with a road-based tour. The boat time makes Gozo feel closer and more personal, because you can see where you are going and keep returning to the water for short breaks.

Also, if you are the kind of person who likes to adapt, Gozo is where that flexibility matters. On rough weather days, the route can shift, and having Gozo in the plan gives the captain more options for a satisfying day.

Stop 4: Crystal Lagoon, the last wow moment

Crystal Lagoon is one more bright-water payoff. This is the stop that keeps the day from feeling like it was only front-loaded. Reviews call out Crystal Lagoon as spectacular, and the snorkeling and paddle board time can be especially memorable here.

The practical approach: pace yourself so you still have energy at this stage. If you snorkel hard and swim long at the first stop, you might feel rushed later. If you save some time for Crystal Lagoon, you get that final “best hour” feeling.

Snorkeling gear and stand up paddle board time that actually gets used

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the stand up paddle board is included too. The key is that you are not handed gear and then marched off like clockwork. People mention snorkel gear being ready and paddle board time being available as part of the experience.

One small planning point: the paddle board is on board, but if you care about it, you should speak up early. In the tour provider’s response to a complaint, they clarify that paddle board availability works on request.

So here is how I’d do it:

• Do snorkeling first, while you are still fresh and curious.
• Then try the stand up paddle board during a calmer moment if wind picks up.
• Save at least one long relax session, because a lot of the magic is just floating and watching the coastline from the boat.

Food, wine, and the lunch decision that changes the whole day

This is where the tour can either feel extra special or just good, depending on what you choose.

Fuel and skipper are included, and snorkeling and paddle board gear are included. Lunch is not included by default, but it is offered on an extra charge. The highlight text mentions appetizers and wine during the day, and reviews strongly suggest that the lunch add-on is the part many people rave about.

What you can expect if you add lunch:

• People describe food cooked on board, sometimes while you are in the water.
• The lunch gets described as fresh, intimate, and genuinely tasty, not a sad box meal.
• Wine and beer can be part of the meal experience on board, depending on what you choose.

What if you do not add lunch:

• You should not assume full food service. One reviewer said they only received water and no appetizers when they opted out of the lunch option.
• In the provider’s response, they explain that the tour offers a full lunch option upon request, and if you choose the no-lunch route, water is still available, and you can bring your own food and drinks.

There is also a smart storage detail. In the reviews, people mention a cooler built into the boat, which is great if you plan to bring snacks or keep your own drinks chilled.

My advice: if you want this to be a “single best day in Malta” type of memory, add the lunch. If you prefer your own food, do that too, just plan ahead so your expectations match the option you pick.

When Malta wind shows up: flexibility without chaos

Malta can bring strong winds and choppy water. You might see it in the season, and you will feel it on the water.

A couple of reviews mention rougher seas or colder conditions, and the captain’s response is the real story. People describe Sergio as flexible and persistent in finding sheltered spots so everyone still gets swim time and good sailing.

There are two angles to hold in your mind:

• The tour is not advertised as a storm-proof guarantee. Sea conditions can change what stops are comfortable.
• Safety is handled seriously. Even when reviews criticize the day because it was less comfortable, the provider’s response emphasizes that stronger wind was communicated and a safety risk was not part of the equation.

What you can do to make wind days easier:

• Bring a light windbreaker or warm layer, especially if you run cold.
• Expect cliff jumps to be conditional on conditions. If the captain decides a spot is not ideal, it is not personal, it is wind math.
• Keep your plan flexible in your head. You are on a sailing boat, and the sea sets the agenda.

Price and value: is this really worth $846.56 per group?

The price is listed as $846.56 per group, up to 11 people, for about 8 hours. That can sound high until you compare it to what you actually buy: a private 52-foot sailing boat with a skipper plus included snorkeling gear and a stand up paddle board.

Here is the value math that matters:

• If you split cost among a small group, it becomes much easier to justify versus separate tickets, taxis, and crowded tours.
• The “included” parts are meaningful. Snorkeling equipment and the paddle board are not just props. They are used during stops designed around swimming and water time.
• The lunch add-on can be the difference. If you add lunch, reviews describe it as cooked well and served in a way that makes the meal part of the day, not a detour.

Also, private does not just mean privacy. It means the captain can adjust timing to your group’s rhythm. That is why people keep talking about not being rushed, and why celebrations like birthdays come up in the reviews.

So if your idea of a perfect Malta day includes time in the water, plus comfort on a boat with your own host, this price starts to make sense fast.

Who this private sailing day suits best

This works especially well if you fit one of these profiles:

• You want a private charter rather than a bus tour with tight schedules.
• You care about swim time more than shore time.
• Your group includes a mix of snorkel fans and people who just want to relax on the boat.
• You are celebrating something and want it to feel personal, not generic.

It can also be a good choice if you are returning to Malta and already saw the main sights. This day adds a different Malta angle, the one you only get from the water.

Should you book this Malta and Gozo private sailing adventure?

I’d book it if you want a full-day sea experience with real flexibility, multiple water stops, and gear that is ready to go. The Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon factor is strong, and the way the captain handles timing is a big part of why people call it a standout day.

I’d think twice if you know you will be unhappy with weather-driven changes. Wind and choppy water can make the day less comfortable, and while the captain tries hard to keep swim time happening, the sea still calls the shots. Also, decide early about food. If you want lunch service, add it, and if you skip it, plan to bring your own or at least expect water rather than a full appetizer setup.

If you want a practical, high-return “use your vacation day well” choice, this private sailing day is one of the better bets in Malta.

FAQ

What time does the sailing tour start?

The tour starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Solevela Yacht Charters, Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex, Malta.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is private, meaning only your group participates.

How many people can be on the boat?

The group size is up to 11 people.

What’s included in the price?

Fuel and skipper are included. You also get snorkeling equipment and use of a stand up paddle board.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included by default. Lunch and wine on board are available for an extra charge.

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, though wine or beer can be bought on the boat.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. It requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.