REVIEW · PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS

Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter

★ 4.9 · 15 reviews 8 hours From $823 Operated by Island Quest Boat Charters · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Crystal-clear water, right from the start. This private 8-hour sailing charter takes you around Gozo and Comino on a 14-meter sailboat with multiple swim stops, water toys, and time to relax off the hook.

I love the mix of sailing and freedom, you are not stuck doing one thing for the whole day. I also like that the skipper, Peter, keeps things welcoming and paced so kids, adults, and groups can all enjoy the same time in the water. One thing to consider, wind can affect how rough or comfortable the boat feels, so you will want to be flexible and trust the skipper to adjust.

Key points to know before you go

Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter - Key points to know before you go

  • 14-meter private sailboat with room to spread out across the 3 cabins
  • Multiple anchor stops for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring caves and marine life
  • Water toys included: paddle board, kayak, snorkeling equipment (plus a hammock)
  • BBQ setup included, you bring your own food to grill
  • Peter runs the day with a hospitality-first approach that still works when conditions get breezy

Entering The Day On A 14-Meter Charter Boat

Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter - Entering The Day On A 14-Meter Charter Boat
This is the kind of Malta day that starts relaxing and stays that way. You are on a well equipped 14-meter sailboat, not a tiny skiff, so there is genuine space for families and friend groups to breathe. The boat has 3 cabins, which matters because you can actually get out of the sun, rest, or regroup instead of crowding around one area.

The day is designed around the sea, not just around sightseeing from the deck. You cruise, anchor, and then you get a proper chunk of time to jump in, float, snorkel, and hang out with gear that is already waiting on board. If you like the idea of sailing with real downtime, this fits.

Also, this charter is positioned as private, up to 11 people per group. That changes the vibe. You can share the day without playing the social game of a big cruise.

Where You Start: Marfa Jetty Or Mgarr Harbor

Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter - Where You Start: Marfa Jetty Or Mgarr Harbor
Your sailing day begins with departures from Marfa Jetty or Mgarr Harbor Gozo. That flexibility can matter depending on where you are staying and what day you are targeting. If you are based in Malta, the Marfa Jetty option is often the simplest approach. If you are already in Gozo, starting from Mgarr Harbor keeps things lighter.

Once aboard, the rhythm is pretty straightforward. You cruise out, then you gradually shift from sailing mode to swim-and-relax mode. Expect stops for anchoring, time to explore, and a return cruise that gives you sailing time on the way back, not just a straight shot out and back.

Gozo’s Cliffs, Coastline Views, And Boat-Only Time

Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter - Gozo’s Cliffs, Coastline Views, And Boat-Only Time
A big part of what makes this charter feel special is how you approach the coastline. You are not limited to the viewpoints you can reach by road. Instead, you cruise the Gozo coast and then you hop into spots that are secluded and only accessible by boat.

That matters because it is the difference between seeing cliffs in a photo and experiencing the scale in real time. On a sailboat, the cliffs feel taller and closer because you are floating beside them. You also get better sea-level angles for the caves and shoreline texture that you just cannot get from land.

There is also a practical benefit. Boat-only bays usually mean calmer water, or at least water where you can anchor safely and comfortably. That gives you an easier time getting in and out, especially if you are mixing swimmers and snorkelers with non-swimmers.

Comino’s Clear Water: Lagoons, Caves, And Marine Life

Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter - Comino’s Clear Water: Lagoons, Caves, And Marine Life
Comino is famous for its water clarity, and this day is built around actually being in it. The plan is to reach crystal clear lagoons and private coves, then spend time exploring caves and the marine life that lives just under the surface.

A key detail here is that the charter includes multiple swim stops. That is better than one long swim session, because you get changing views and multiple chances to find the water conditions that suit your group. If one stop has slightly rougher surface conditions, you still have later anchors where you might find it easier to float, snorkel, or just relax.

The cave exploration and snorkel time can be especially enjoyable if you like the “short adventure, then back to comfort” format. You do not need to be a gear expert. You just need to be willing to take a few steps into the water and see what is there.

Swim, Snorkel, Kayak, Paddle Board: The Toybox That Changes Everything

The standout value on this charter is not just that swimming is included. It is that you get a real menu of water activities with gear provided.

On board, you have access to:

  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Paddle board
  • Kayak
  • Hammock for relaxing

This is one of those inclusions that makes the day feel like it has layers. You can do a light snorkeling session, then switch to a kayak when you want a different pace. Or, if you have kids, you can set them up on the paddle board while others snorkel. It keeps the group from splitting into bored and active sides.

Even if you are not a strong swimmer, you can still enjoy the water stops by choosing the gentler activities. The charter approach is more flexible than a strict itinerary where everyone must snorkel at the same time.

A BBQ That Works With Your Actual Schedule

Food on sailing trips can be tricky. You either get a snack that barely counts, or you get a full meal that you have to eat while the boat is bouncing. Here, the charter includes a BBQ, but with a helpful catch: bring your own food to grill.

That usually makes the meal part feel more personal. You can bring what your family actually likes, then grill it in the moment when the skipper recommends it. The day also includes water, soft drinks, snacks, and Prosecco, so you are not stuck with just a dry sandwich after swimming.

One practical point: if you are bringing your own food, pack it in a way that is easy to open and handle on a boat. Keep it organized so you do not end up hunting through bags while everyone is excited and ready to eat.

Skipper Peter And The Pace That Keeps Groups Smiling

Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter - Skipper Peter And The Pace That Keeps Groups Smiling
The skipper is often the difference between a good charter and a memorable one. In this case, Peter comes through as a welcoming, capable host who manages the day so people can actually enjoy themselves.

From what is consistently reflected in the experience, Peter handles pacing with real attention. He does not rush the time you spend in the water. He also tends to adjust when conditions change, so the day keeps moving even if the wind rises.

That pacing matters for mixed groups. When you have kids who want to swim immediately and adults who want time to relax, the skipper’s role is to balance both. Here, the structure is built for that: cruise, anchor, swim, repeat, plus breaks for rest.

You also get practical safety and comfort from a professional skipper. On a sailboat, small handling details can make the difference between feeling relaxed and feeling stressed. A steady hand helps everyone enjoy the motion instead of fighting it.

Price And Value: Is $823 Worth It?

Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter - Price And Value: Is $823 Worth It?
The price is $823 per group, with room up to 11 people, for an 8-hour charter. That sounds steep if you look at it per person at a low headcount. It looks smarter when you split among a fuller group.

Here is the simple way to think about value:

  • You are paying for a private boat for a full day
  • You get gear included, snorkeling equipment, paddle board, and kayak
  • You also get fuel, port fees, water, soft drinks, snacks, and Prosecco
  • BBQ is included as setup, but you bring the food

If you fill a good portion of the 11 spots, you are effectively buying a full-day experience with amenities that many per-person tours charge extra for. If you are traveling as a small party of 2 or 3, it can still be worth it, especially if you want privacy and flexibility, but you will want to weigh it against per-person boat tours.

Also consider what you are avoiding. Big-group cruises often mean less time at each anchor and more crowding at the moment you most want to swim or snorkel. A private charter trades cost for control, and for many groups, that control is the whole point.

Who This Sailing Charter Fits Best

Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter - Who This Sailing Charter Fits Best
This is a good fit if you want a sea day that feels like a plan, not a schedule. It works well for:

  • Families who want safe, organized swim time and included toys
  • Friend groups who want variety, kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkel time without pressure
  • Anyone who likes secluded coves and caves but prefers being on the water rather than sightseeing from land

If you are an experienced sailor type, you might appreciate the full-day sailing structure and the relaxed charter style. If you are new to sailing, the hammock, cabin space, and multiple swim stops help you settle into the rhythm quickly.

The boat being a 3-cabin sailboat also supports mixed needs. Some people can rest in the shade while others stay active.

Things To Consider Before You Book

A few realities can help you plan better.

First is wind and sea comfort. You are on open water, and the motion can feel stronger at certain times. That is normal sailing. The good news is that Peter’s approach seems to focus on keeping swim time realistic even when conditions shift.

Second is packing for a day that is both sailing and swimming. Even with snacks and water provided, you will want swim-friendly clothes, a towel, and protection from sun and salt water. You might also want a plan for how you will keep valuables secure on a boat.

Third is the BBQ setup. Because you bring the food, you have to do a little prep. The upside is you control what goes on the grill. The downside is you cannot show up empty-handed and expect everything to be provided from scratch.

Should You Book This Full Day Charter?

Book it if you want a private, full-day sailing experience with real time in the water, not just a quick photo stop. The combination of multiple swim stops, included water toys, BBQ setup, and a hands-on skipper like Peter makes it one of those day plans that feels fun from start to finish.

Skip it, or at least think twice, if you are sensitive to boat motion or you do not want to pack your own BBQ food. Also, if you are traveling solo or as a tiny group, the cost may feel harder to justify unless you strongly value privacy and variety.

If you can gather a fuller group and you want Gozo and Comino from the sea, this charter is the kind of Malta experience that turns into a story you will still be telling months later.

FAQ

Where does the sailing charter depart from?

Departures are from Marfa Jetty or Mgarr Harbor Gozo.

How long is the charter?

The charter runs for 8 hours.

What water activities and equipment are included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, paddle board, and a kayak, and there is also a hammock available for relaxing.

Is food and drink included?

There is a BBQ setup, and you bring your own food to grill. The charter also includes water, soft drinks, snacks, and Prosecco.

How many people can be in a group, and what is the price?

The price is $823 per group, with pricing listed for up to 11 people.

What cancellation window is offered, and what language is the guide?

You get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The live tour guide is English.

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Ways to spend a day on the islands

Pick the kind of day. Nothing here is more than an hour from anything else.