Four islands, one easy sailing day. This private Malta and Gozo charter takes you from the Blue Lagoon to Comino, then on to Gozo and Crystal Lagoon, with jump-off time for swimming and snorkeling. I especially like the privacy and the 52-foot sailing boat feel, not crammed with strangers.

The second big win is pacing. You get to linger at the water stops, and you can do it your way, from laid-back floating to active snorkel sessions and stand-up paddle time. A great host helps you read the sea and pick the best moments.

One thing to consider is the food and drink setup. Lunch and alcoholic beverages are not included in the base price, and some days may shift if wind picks up, so you should treat the exact route as flexible, not fixed.

Key things I’d plan around

• Private charter for your party with fuel and skipper included
• Blue Lagoon and Comino time for swims, snorkeling, and jumping off the boat
• Crystal Lagoon + Gozo added for variety across the Maltese islands
• Snorkeling gear + stand-up paddle included on board
• Lunch and wine are optional extras, cooked on board when you add them
• Route can adjust with weather while still aiming to protect your time in the water

Why this private sailing day beats the typical Malta tour vibe

Sailing in Malta is all about the water, and this is set up for that. You’re not trying to “see everything” with a group that has a tight schedule. Instead, you’re on your own private boat, with a skipper steering you toward the best water time and the moments that feel special, like cliff jumps and calm anchorages.

What makes the charter feel different is the mix of freedom and professionalism. You can choose your pace at each stop, but the skipper still manages the sailing part, the safety part, and the timing part. If the sea is a bit rough, the plan adapts rather than forcing everyone to power through a day that feels miserable.

Bottom line: if you want Malta from the water, and you hate feeling rushed, this format is a strong fit.

The meet-up at Roland Marina (and how the day usually starts)

You start at Solevela Yacht Charters, Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex at 9:30 am. The marina is described as being near public transportation, which is handy if you’re not driving.

From there, you’re set up for a full day at sea, roughly 8 hours total. Expect a relaxed flow rather than a checklist. Once underway, the skipper’s job becomes simple: keep the boat moving efficiently while putting you in the right spots for swimming, snorkeling, and paddling.

This is also where you can calibrate your expectations about “extras.” Water is available, and snorkeling and paddle gear are part of the offer. But if you’re hoping for a full meal and wine on board, you’ll want to plan on the lunch option, since those are extra charges rather than included.

Blue Lagoon and Comino: the swimming-and-snorkeling core

Blue Lagoon is the reason a lot of people come to the Maltese islands. Here, you don’t just look at it from shore. You actually get boat access, meaning you can jump off and get right into the water when it’s clear and inviting.

At this stop, you’ll have the equipment to make it more than a casual swim. Snorkeling gear is included, so if you want to check out what’s under the surface, you can do that without scrambling to find rentals. The stand-up paddle is also part of the experience, which is a fun way to cover more water gently, especially if you prefer a slower pace than swimming.

Comino usually comes right after, and that’s where the day can feel either lively or soothing depending on conditions. The skipper generally builds in time for you to choose how long to stay. One of the standout themes from the experience is not being rushed: if you want a second swim session or a longer float, you can usually make it happen.

Practical note: bring swimwear you’re comfortable wearing for hours, plus something for sun protection. You’ll be in and out of the water, often more times than you planned.

Crystal Lagoon: clear-water time, with a payoff for snorkelers

After the Comino area, your day shifts toward the other signature water stop: Crystal Lagoon. The name says it all, and the real value here is the format. You’re positioned from the boat, so snorkeling is direct and simple. You don’t need to “figure out” how to get out of the way of crowds on shore.

This is also a stop where you can mix activities. If you’re into snorkeling, use the included gear. If you want a lighter activity, stand-up paddle time can be a nice alternative that still feels like you’re doing something active without needing to go full speed.

One thing I like about charter days like this is that you’re not stuck in one mood. You can do a quick snorkel, then switch to lounging. When you’re on your own boat with a host who is paying attention to the sea state, that flexibility makes the day feel personal.

Gozo by sea: variety, scenery, and a different feel than Malta proper

Adding Gozo is where the day expands beyond “just another lagoon swim.” From the boat, Gozo feels more like a journey than a side trip. You get the sense of distance and scale when you’re moving by water rather than hopping between viewpoints.

In a full-day sailing setup, Gozo time also matters because it breaks up the water stops into different flavors. One anchorage can be all about clear swimming; the next can be a calmer pace where you take photos, enjoy the view, and reset.

There’s also a real-world element here: wind can affect how the day plays out. If conditions aren’t ideal, the skipper may adjust what’s possible. I’d think of the route as a plan with smart flexibility, not a guarantee of “exactly these four locations in this exact order no matter what.” You’ll still aim to protect the best parts of the day, especially swimming and comfort.

Lunch, wine, and the decision that changes the whole day

Food is often the make-or-break part of a private day at sea. In this case, the lunch option is a big deal, and it’s not just a sandwich situation. When you add it, meals are prepared on board and served in an intimate way that fits the rhythm of the sea day. You can eat while still close to the water, then head back out for more swims.

From examples shared by past passengers, the lunch can include dishes like quiche, pasta, and other freshly cooked items. Wine and beer can also be added, so you can turn the day into a full-on celebration rather than just a long swim.

If you don’t add lunch, plan around what that means. The base experience includes water, plus the water activities. But you should not assume extra snacks are automatically part of the deal unless you’ve selected the add-on. Some communication around appetizers and wine at sunset can feel a little ambiguous depending on what you choose in advance, so the safest approach is simple: if you want a food-forward day, add lunch.

My practical take: this is the kind of tour where the extra spent on food often feels worth it because it removes hassle. No searching for lunch on a travel schedule. No packing a complex meal. Just eating something good while you’re already in vacation mode.

What’s included (and what you’ll want to bring anyway)

Included items make the day easier:

• Fuel and skipper
• Snorkeling equipment
• Stand-up paddle

What’s not included in the base:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Lunch and wine are optional extras

Even with inclusions, you’ll have more fun if you bring a few comfort items. Past passengers specifically suggested having snacks and drinks you like, and mentioned there’s a built-in cooler on board. That’s useful if you want something besides water while you’re between swims.

Also bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat (you’re out for hours)
• A light layer for the ride, especially if conditions feel cooler
• A small waterproof bag for phone or keys, since you’ll be jumping in and out

The overall vibe is active but not exhausting. The boat access makes it easy to do “just enough” swimming without turning it into a workout you regret later.

Sergio and the on-board experience: pacing, flexibility, and small touches

Sergio is the name that comes up again and again as skipper and host. People describe him as attentive and flexible, with a calm way of steering the day. The best part isn’t just navigation. It’s how the day feels emotionally: not rushed, not tense, and not stuck in rigid timing.

A few themes show up that matter for you:

• You can usually choose how long to stay at each stop
• He makes adjustments when weather changes
• He’s also the one cooking when you add lunch, which turns food into part of the sailing experience rather than a separate interruption

There’s even a small “this feels personal” touch mentioned: a boat cat named Abi. It’s not required for the tour to work, but it’s exactly the kind of detail that makes a private charter feel like a story you’ll remember.

One caution from the feedback: one passenger had a mismatch between what they expected and what they received regarding appetizers, especially when they didn’t add lunch. The fix is simple: decide in advance what kind of food day you want. If you want the full experience with more than water, add lunch.

Price and value for a group up to 11

The price is $846.56 per group (up to 11), for about 8 hours. That’s not “cheap,” but it’s also not priced like a large cruise or a shared sightseeing day.

Here’s what you’re really paying for:

• Privacy on a 52-foot sailing boat
• A skipper plus fuel
• Included snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle
• A full day where the main activity is water time, not changing buses and paying for separate attractions

If you split the group cost across friends or family, it can become a very reasonable way to get a premium experience. If you travel as a couple or small group, you’ll feel the difference more, but you’re still buying convenience and time in the water without logistical headaches.

My advice: this is worth it when you treat it as the centerpiece of a day. If you’re only looking for a quick look and a short swim, you might find cheaper options. If you want a full sea day with flexibility and good food, this pricing starts to make sense fast.

Should you book this Malta and Gozo private sailing charter?

Book it if you:

• Want real water time at Blue Lagoon, Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Gozo (with flexibility if weather shifts)
• Prefer a private day over crowded group schedules
• Care about swimming, snorkeling, and using a stand-up paddle on a proper boat setup
• Plan to add lunch if you want food to be part of the experience

Skip it (or go in with eyes open) if:

• You’re expecting a full food package without selecting the lunch option
• Your group hates any chance of route changes due to wind or sea conditions
• You’re sensitive to choppier water on windy days, since the islands can be breezy and the captain may adjust the plan rather than guarantee every stop

If you want my simple decision rule: if Malta’s water is your top priority, and you’d actually use snorkeling and paddle time, this charter is one of the most direct, low-stress ways to do it.

FAQ

How long is the sailing adventure?

It runs for about 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Fuel and skipper are included, along with snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle access.

Is lunch or wine included?

Alcoholic beverages are not included. Lunch and wine on board are possible for an extra charge.

Are snorkeling and paddle activities part of the experience?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, and stand-up paddle is included as well.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Will I get confirmation after booking?

You should receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

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