A day charter in Malta can feel like cheating the crowds. You get a private boat, a skipper who adjusts the plan to your group, and access to bays you simply do not reach the same way from shore. I love the chance to see Comino’s water from the best angle, then actually get in it for swimming and snorkel time.

Two things I really like: the stops at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon (not just passing by, but time in the water), and the included gear—snorkelling equipment plus two stand-up paddleboards. One possible drawback: it is a full day on the sea, so a good chunk of the time is spent sailing between anchor points, not lounging on the beach.

Key moments worth knowing before you sail

• Crystal Lagoon stop (~1 hour): iconic clear water with a quick, focused swim window.
• Blue Lagoon stop (~2 hours): plenty of time to swim and snorkel, with the skipper aiming for calmer spots.
• Comino access by boat: you get the payoff of lagoons and sea caves without the same shoreline crowd problem.
• Snorkel and SUP included: you can switch activities without renting extra toys.
• Skipper-led route from Kalkara: plan flexes with weather and what you want to prioritize.
• Optional barbecue or bring-your-own food: you control how much time you lose to lunch.

Kalkara Marina and the Valletta Grand Harbour start

Your day begins at Sailing Charters Malta, Kalkara Marina (Pontoon F), in the Valletta Grand Harbour area. This matters because Valletta’s harbour is the visual warm-up. Instead of jumping straight to swimming, you start with a proper harbour feel—big-water scenery and classic Maltese coastline framing.

You’ll normally head north after departure, then return to the same marina at the end. The operator also makes it a point to show you around the Grand Harbour when you come back in. That last stretch is easy to miss if you rush, so do yourself a favor: keep your phone handy and do not pack everything away right when you dock.

Sailing past St Paul’s Islands toward Comino

The general plan is northbound sailing, usually passing St. Paul’s Islands (the shipwreck area) before reaching Comino. Even if you never become a “sailing person,” this is one of the best ways to see Malta’s coast because the boat puts you above and out from the busy swim zones.

What I like here is the practical reality: when the weather is right, the route can feel smooth and scenic, and the skipper can adjust timing based on wind and sea state. The day is private, so you’re not locked into a rigid checklist.

Crystal Lagoon: one hour where the water does the talking

The Crystal Lagoon stop is short but focused—about 1 hour. That’s deliberate. You’re not trying to fill the day with one location. You’re hitting the highlight, getting in, and moving on while the light and conditions are still favorable.

This lagoon is famous for a reason, but the real win is how it feels from the water. When you jump in, your view of the bottom and the water clarity is the kind of “wow” that is hard to fake. With snorkel gear included and the boat positioned for access, you can do this in a way that feels personal, not rushed.

Practical tip: treat this as your “arrive, change, swim, repeat” block. If you want lots of photos, do it quickly—then let the water time be the main event.

Blue Lagoon with breathing room (even when it’s busy)

The Blue Lagoon stop runs about 2 hours. On the shore, it can be crowded. On the water, it can feel calmer, and that’s where a private skipper earns their keep.

The plan here is to find a peaceful spot inside a popular area so your swim and snorkel time does not feel like you are stuck in a human line. In real-world terms, this often means you spend your two hours actually floating and exploring instead of mostly staring at the shoreline.

Also, Blue Lagoon is not only about swimming. With snorkelling equipment included, you can gear up when you feel like it, then switch to paddleboarding when you’re done.

St. Paul’s Bay: the shipwreck stop for history lovers (and photo takers)

You’ll also stop at St. Paul’s Bay for about 30 minutes. This is the place tied to Paul’s shipwreck story, so if you enjoy context behind the scenery, this is your quick breadcrumb moment.

Is it the longest stop? No. But it gives meaning to what you’re seeing around the islands and coastline, and it helps your day feel less like a “swim only” checklist. If you’d rather stay in the water, the skipper can usually steer the day around your preferences—just be clear early on what you want most.

The Valletta Grand Harbour wrap-up you might not want to rush

After your Comino and lagoon time, you sail back and the operator makes a point of showing you around the Valletta Grand Harbour again. This is more than a return trip. It’s the chance to see the harbour as the dramatic natural setting it is, with boats moving through the same water channels that make Valletta feel like it has always been built around the sea.

This also matters because it gives you an emotional landing after a day of bright water and quick swims. Keep your sunglasses on until the end. You’ll thank yourself when you see how pretty that harbour looks in the softer light of later hours.

What’s included for water time, and how to use it well

This charter covers the practical stuff that makes a sea day easier:

• Snorkelling equipment
• Two stand-up paddleboards
• Free flow of water
• Skipper/guide
• Fuel and all taxes

That included snorkelling gear is a quiet win. You do not want to spend your vacation thinking about masks, rentals, or whether you picked the right size. With SUP boards included too, your group can split activities without waiting around.

In a few cases, captains have gone further—like teaching a bit of sailing, sharing stories as they move between spots, or even letting someone take the helm when conditions are safe. The day is private, so the skipper’s personality can shape the vibe: some captains go chatty and story-driven (you might get someone like Captain Terry or Captain Nick based on availability), while others keep it calm and let the water do the work.

Optional barbecue lunch versus bringing your own food

Food and drinks are not included by default. You can choose a fresh barbecue meal option (plus drinks and other nibbles), but this is the part where you should think like a time-manager.

One realistic consideration: lunch can take time that you could otherwise spend anchored in a bay. One couple even felt the lunch option was pricey compared to eating later at a top restaurant, and they recommended packing a cold meal if you want maximum water time.

That said, many people do rate the barbecue highly. The trick is to match the food plan to your priorities:

• Choose the BBQ option if you want less planning and like the idea of food right on the boat.
• Consider bringing your own food and drinks if you want to control cost and keep the day flowing. One review specifically noted this operator allows you to bring your own items.

My practical advice: whatever you choose, bring something you can eat without stress—because you’ll be hungry after swimming and SUP time.

How the day length feels in practice (8.5 hours is a real commitment)

The trip runs about 8 hours 30 minutes. That sounds reasonable until you’re actually on the boat and notice how the time splits.

You typically spend a lot of the day sailing between anchor points. Then you get the payoff windows—Crystal Lagoon at about an hour, Blue Lagoon at around two hours, plus the shorter stop at St. Paul’s Bay and the harbour viewing.

So the best mindset is: treat this as a full sea day. You are not squeezing in Malta sightseeing on land. You are choosing a slower rhythm on water—just with different water playgrounds.

Who should book this private day charter

This is a private experience, so only your group participates. It’s also listed as suitable for most people, with no minimum age requirement, and it’s in English.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• You want seclusion rather than standing in public lines.
• You care about water time and want more than one lagoon stop.
• You’re traveling as a couple, or as a small family (some families have reported sailing smoothly with kids).
• You want a skipper who can tailor the route to weather and preferences.

If you dislike being out on the sea for hours, or you only want shore time and beach hopping, you might feel this is too focused on water.

Price and value: what $707.44 buys you for up to two

The price is $707.44 per group (up to 2) for about 8.5 hours. At first glance, it sounds steep. Then you look at what’s included and the shape of the day.

You’re paying for:

• A whole private boat day (not just a seat)
• Skipper/guide
• Fuel and taxes
• Snorkel equipment
• Two SUP boards
• Free-flow water

That’s the value logic. If you tried to replicate this with separate ferries, paid boat rentals, and rented water gear, the costs add up quickly. Also, the big hidden value is time: you do not waste time figuring out connections, meeting points at multiple locations, or renting gear that might not fit right.

One more note: the experience is often booked about 26 days in advance on average. If you’re traveling in peak season or on a busy weekend, booking earlier usually helps you lock in the route timing you want.

Planning tips that make the day smoother

Here’s how to set yourself up for a calm, happy day:

• Plan to be on time at Kalkara Marina (Pontoon F). A late start is painful when you only have a few hours anchored.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, and a dry bag for phones and electronics. You’ll be hopping in and out.
• Use sunscreen early, then reapply after you swim.
• Tell your skipper your priorities at the start: more swimming, more snorkel, calmer bays, or sailing time.
• If the Blue Lagoon shoreline is your main dream, consider doing that part separately by ferry too, because a private boat day is really about getting you to calmer water and other areas by sea access.

If you’re celebrating something, tell them. Captains like Captain David, Mauricio/Maurizio, and Steve have been praised for making the day feel personal—right down to photo help for couples and celebrating milestones.

Should you book this Malta private sailing charter?

I think you should book it if you want a sea day that feels customized, with real water access and included snorkel/SUP gear. This is a great fit for couples on a honeymoon, families with kids who want an active day, and anyone who gets tired of crowds fast.

Skip it if your vacation style is mostly beach lounging on shore, or if you feel uncomfortable with a long time on the water between swim stops.

If you do book, pick your food approach (BBQ option versus bringing your own) based on how much you value anchored bay time. Then let the skipper do what they’re best at: steering you toward the best water, in the best conditions, for your group.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the sailing charter?

The charter starts and ends at Sailing Charters MaltaMarina at Pontoon F, Triq ir-Regatta 1969, Kalkara (KKR 1390), Malta.

How long is the private sailing day?

It runs about 8 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included for water activities?

You get snorkelling equipment, plus 2 stand-up paddleboards, along with free flow of water. A skipper/guide is included too.

Is food included in the price?

Food and drinks are not included by default. You can choose a fresh barbecue option, but otherwise you’ll need to plan your own meals and drinks.

Do I need hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup is not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

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