Private Day Sailing Boat Charter

Malta from a private sailboat feels like cheating. I love the privacy of having your own captain and route, and I love the Comino swim stops where you trade shore crowds for turquoise water. The main thing to watch is timing, most of your 8.5 hours is sailing, so starting on time matters if you want the most swim time.

You start at Kalkara Marina in Valletta Grand Harbour, then head north past St. Paul’s Islands before reaching Comino for Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. Your skipper adjusts the day based on what you want and the weather, which is how this stays relaxing instead of feeling like a strict checklist.

Price is about $707.44 per group (up to 2), and the value comes from what is included: fuel, skipper, snorkelling equipment, free flow of water, plus two stand-up paddle boards. Food and drinks are not included, so budget for that or choose the optional BBQ.

Key things I’d bank on before you book

• A private route beats the shore crowd: you’re not stuck watching everybody from the waterline.
• Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are built into the plan: you get time in both without rushing.
• Skippers steer the day your way: they recommend stops based on your preferences and weather.
• Snorkel gear and 2 SUP boards are included: you can split time between floating, paddleboarding, and swimming.
• Valletta Grand Harbour gets a proper pass at the end: it’s a great payoff after the Comino swims.

Kalkara Marina and Valletta Grand Harbour, the right way to start

The day begins and ends at Sailing Charters Malta at Kalkara Marina, Pontoon F, in Kalkara. Even before you move, the setting matters. Valletta Grand Harbour is considered one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world, and you get to spend real time seeing it from the water instead of just driving past.

If you like the idea of leaving the busy parts of Malta behind quickly, this is a smart setup. You’re already on the water, so your “vacation mode” starts the moment you step aboard.

The Comino route, Crystal Lagoon then Blue Lagoon

Most days, your skipper aims north first, sailing past St. Paul’s Islands and then reaching Comino. That’s where the water games begin, and where you’ll feel the value of a private charter: you can spend your time in the places you care about, not just the places that fit a public schedule.

Crystal Lagoon: famous, and worth the stop

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about 1 hour. This is the short hit of Comino, the one you’re glad you didn’t skip. It’s also a good place to recheck your gear, get a feel for the water conditions, and plan how you want to use your time, swim first or snorkel first.

The big advantage here is flexibility. If conditions are calm enough for it, you can do more than one activity in the same hour, especially since snorkelling equipment is included.

Blue Lagoon: the “slow down” portion of the day

Blue Lagoon is planned for about 2 hours. This is the time block that tends to feel the most relaxing, because you’re anchored (or at least set up for swimming) long enough to enjoy it instead of treating it like a quick photo stop.

Blue Lagoon can be busy from the shore, but the real experience is what the water feels like once you’re in it. If you want quiet, the best move is to let your skipper choose where you swim within the area, not just follow the crowd. That’s one of the most common themes from people who’ve done this, they appreciated being guided to calmer water pockets.

Also, this is where you’ll likely use the included extras. Two stand-up paddle boards mean you can rotate between board time and snorkel time, and keep the day from feeling repetitive.

St. Paul’s Bay and St. Paul’s Islands, the story stop without a lecture

You’ll also make a shorter stop at St. Paul’s Bay, about 30 minutes. This is the area where St. Paul was shipwrecked. Even if you’re not looking for a museum-style narration, it’s a neat moment in the route, a reminder that Malta’s coastline has been traveled and tested for a very long time.

The practical win is that the stop is short. You don’t burn your best time of day on something that feels too static. You get the place name and the meaning, then back to sailing.

Passing Sliema and getting the grand finale in Valletta Grand Harbour

On the way up north, the route passes by the Sliema seafront. You’re still moving, so it’s more of a scenic transition than a stop you would get out for.

Then, near the end of the day, your skipper makes it a point to show you around Valletta Grand Harbour again before returning to Kalkara Marina. People love this part because it’s an obvious, visible payoff: you spend hours in the bright, swim-focused zone around Comino, then you come back to a classic port view while everything is winding down.

Customization with the skipper, how it changes the day

This charter works because the day is personal. Your skipper can provide suggestions based on your preferences and current weather, and you’ll feel that right away. In past outings, skippers like Terry and Nick have been highlighted for a friendly, guide-with-you vibe, and David and Steve for being great at talking through what you can do without turning it into a school day.

One thing I really like about this style of trip is the range it offers. If you’re a couple who wants romance and calm, you can keep it simple: sail, swim, snack, repeat. If you’re traveling as a family, the plan can expand into paddleboarding and snorkelling time that keeps everyone busy without needing a strict group itinerary.

Included gear and what that means for your time

Here’s what you do not need to bring, based on what’s included:

• Snorkelling equipment
• 2 stand-up paddle boards
• Free flow of water
• Fuel and skipper

That matters because it reduces friction. You can show up, get suited up, and spend less time planning logistics and more time doing the fun part.

One more practical note: because the pace is partly activity-based, having both snorkel gear and SUP boards helps you adapt. If the water is great for swimming but conditions are not ideal for long snorkel sessions, you can swap to paddleboarding. If your group wants slower movement, SUP can be the chill option.

Lunch and the BBQ choice, where the trade-off is real

Food and drinks are not included in the base price. Your options include adding a fresh barbecue meal, plus drinks and other nibbles.

People have said the BBQ can be excellent and that lunch on board can be a highlight. At the same time, there’s a real trade-off. If you choose a BBQ during the best anchoring time, you might feel like you lost some minutes in the water. One good way to think about it is this: the bay time is limited, so plan lunch so it supports the day you want, not so it steals it.

If you’d rather protect the water time, you can also bring your own food and drinks, which several people contrasted positively against other operators. That can be a smart value move if you’re trying to keep the overall spend down.

Your best chance for a smooth, relaxing day

This is a weather-dependent experience, and sailing does not fit well with bad sea conditions. That’s not a bad thing, it’s the reality of being on the water. When conditions are good, the charter feels effortless, and you get to enjoy those secluded-feeling swim stops.

A few practical tips based on what the experience is built for:

• Start on time. Since you spend a lot of the day sailing, late mornings can steal swim hours.
• Tell your skipper what you want early, quiet water or more active time, snorkel or paddle, and any must-see goals like Crystal Lagoon.
• Plan for a full day outdoors. Even with water provided, you’ll want sun protection.

Who this private charter suits best

This is a private day sailing boat charter for your group only. That makes it a strong fit if you want:

• A custom route instead of following a crowded schedule
• Calm water time for swimming and snorkelling
• Extra flexibility for families, including kids who enjoy being on the boat and trying paddleboarding
• A romantic or milestone day, with people celebrating honeymoons and birthdays calling it a standout experience

The group size matters too. It’s priced per group up to 2, which is excellent if you’re a couple sharing costs, and also appealing if you want a private day without the coordination headache of larger crews.

Price value: $707.44 for up to 2, what you’re really paying for

At about $707.44 per group for up to 2 people, this is not a budget activity. But the pricing starts to make sense when you look at what’s included and what it replaces.

You’re paying for:

• A private boat and a skipper
• Fuel
• Snorkelling equipment and two SUP boards
• Time in Comino lagoons with flexibility that public transport and shared tours can’t match

If you were to build a day combining boat transport, paid activities, gear rental, and guided navigation, the cost would likely creep upward fast. The most important “value question” for you is not the headline price, it’s whether the private format fits your style. If you care about fewer crowds, more water time, and a captain who steers the day around your preferences, the cost feels easier to justify.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the private sailing charter?

It runs for about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Where do we meet, and where does the trip end?

You start and end at Sailing Charters MaltaMarina, Pontoon F, Triq ir-Regatta 1969, Kalkara KKR 1390, Malta.

What activities and equipment are included?

The charter includes snorkelling equipment and 2 stand-up paddle boards, plus free flow of water. You can also swim and snorkel at your own pace during the stop times.

Is food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. You can opt to include a fresh barbecue meal, plus drinks and other nibbles.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour limited to my group only?

Yes, it’s private, so only your group participates. It’s offered in English, and confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking subject to availability.

Should you book this private day sailing charter for Malta?

I think you should book it if your idea of a great Malta day includes being on the water for hours, swimming in Comino lagoons, and avoiding the chaos of a public schedule. The included snorkel gear and SUP boards help you get more out of each anchoring stop, and the skipper-driven route customization is what makes the day feel tailored instead of canned.

Skip it if you want a short, low-commitment outing. This is a full-day sail with a lot of moving time, so if you’re very sensitive to sea time or you only want a quick swim, another format might suit you better. But if you’re aiming for a memorable Malta day with calm water breaks and time to actually enjoy the bays, this private charter is a strong choice.