REVIEW · MALTA
Private Full-Day Yacht Tour in Maltese Islands
Book on Viator →Operated by Malteseislandscharter · Bookable on Viator
Crystal-clear water is the headline here. This private Maltese islands yacht day is built around Comino’s best swimming stops, guided by Captain Raymond from the water.
I love the private, small-group feel (up to 6), because you can pause where the water looks good instead of racing a crowd. I also like the included snorkeling setup plus free-flow soft drinks and water, so your time in the lagoons is actually fun—not logistics. The main thing to consider is that the route is weather dependent, so if conditions are rough (or wind is low), the plan may adjust.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Marsamxett Harbor start: where the day actually begins
- The sailing route: north for quiet water, back past Sliema
- St. Paul’s Bay and possible St. Paul’s Islands stop
- Blue Lagoon on Comino: your first big swim window
- Crystal Lagoon: a more relaxed follow-up stop
- Santa Maria Caves: passing by for the view
- Sliema seafront return: keep your camera ready
- What’s included (and how it changes your day)
- Price and value: $946+ per group is about splitting the boat
- Comfort and safety feel: why the captain matters
- Who should book this private yacht day
- Practical packing checklist (based on what’s not included)
- Should you book this private full-day Maltese islands yacht tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the private full-day yacht tour?
- What time does the tour start?
- Where do we meet and where does the tour end?
- Is this a private tour?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are food and drinks included?
- Is alcohol included on board?
- Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?
- Is swimwear provided?
- What is the cancellation and weather policy?
Key things to know before you go
- Captain Raymond’s local knowledge: island history and practical guidance that makes the day feel personal.
- A Comino-focused swim schedule: Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon with dedicated time.
- Snorkeling equipment included: you’re not scrambling for gear once you’re out there.
- Comfort touches on board: outdoor shower, Bluetooth sound system, and room for a relaxed day.
- Sightseeing without the crowds: you’ll pass along the Sliema seafront and sail toward the quieter north side when weather allows.
Marsamxett Harbor start: where the day actually begins
Your full-day yacht experience starts in the Marsamxett Harbour area, with the listed meeting point at Creek Marina Pontoon NMalta. It’s a good setup because you’re close to the action, but the moment you’re underway, Malta switches from city noise to sea calm.
Start time is 9:30 am and the tour runs about 8 hours including travel time. That matters because you’re getting daylight hours for swimming, snorkeling, and scenic cruising—not just a quick coastal hop.
Since this is private, your group controls the pace. It’s not a “stand here, look there” kind of day. Expect more of a drifting rhythm: sail, stop, swim, soak up sun, then sail again.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Malta
The sailing route: north for quiet water, back past Sliema
A typical day follows a simple idea: head north when conditions allow. From there, you’ll sail past places along the way that are tied to Malta and Comino’s famous coast—plus the iconic St Paul’s area if the captain can work it in.
On the way back, you’ll pass by the Sliema seafront again, so you still get that classic Valletta–Sliema coastline view without turning the whole trip into a long coastal drive. For me, that’s the sweet spot: you get both the scenic edges of the islands and the swimming-centered part of the day.
One practical note: this is listed as a “weather permitting” itinerary. That doesn’t mean chaos. It means the captain will steer toward the best water available and adjust what’s possible.
St. Paul’s Bay and possible St. Paul’s Islands stop
One of the highlights is the possibility of a stop at St. Paul’s Bay, with time to reach St. Paul’s Islands. The connection is direct: this is the spot associated with where St Paul was shipwrecked. Admission is listed as free, and the stop is typically about 30 minutes.
Think of this as your quick historical anchor before Comino’s water steals the show. It’s short enough that it doesn’t derail your main goal, but it gives context to what you’re seeing from the sea. When a day is mostly swim time, that kind of brief “why this place matters” stop can make the whole route feel more meaningful.
A small consideration: because the stop is possible rather than guaranteed, you should treat it as a bonus. Your main promise is Comino water.
Blue Lagoon on Comino: your first big swim window
Then comes Blue Lagoon, with about 2 hours on site. This is the stop everyone talks about for a reason: the water here is the kind that makes you want to keep changing where you’re floating just to watch it look different.
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and admission is listed as free. In plain terms, this is where included gear pays off. You’re not forced to choose between swimming and snorkeling because you don’t have to rent gear on the spot.
What you’ll likely enjoy most is the captain’s approach to timing and positioning. In the feedback, Captain Raymond is praised for taking people to swimming spots away from heavy traffic areas. That’s exactly what you want at a place like this, because Blue Lagoon can attract crowds. A good skipper doesn’t erase the popularity, but they can help you spend your time where it feels calm.
If you don’t want a full snorkeling session, you can still make this stop easy: swim when you feel like it, hop out to breathe, and use the outdoor shower later for the quick rinse-down.
Crystal Lagoon: a more relaxed follow-up stop
After Blue Lagoon, the itinerary shifts to Crystal Lagoon for about 1 hour. This is another famous swim area around Comino, and admission is listed as free here too.
For many people, this hour is the reset. Blue Lagoon can be bright and active, and Crystal Lagoon gives you a second chance to get in the water, take a slower look around, or focus more on soaking up sun without feeling like you’re racing the clock.
Snorkeling gear being included again helps here, too. You don’t have to wait until you remember to pack something. You just suit up (bring your own swimwear, since it’s not included) and go.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Malta
Santa Maria Caves: passing by for the view
You’ll also pass by Santa Maria Caves around Comino. The timing is “pass by,” not a structured extended stop, which means this part works best as a viewing moment from the yacht—something you see as you move between lagoons and other stops.
This is one of those sea-day details that feels great because you’re not doing anything “extra.” You’re already sailing. The caves simply add texture to the coastline, and you get those dramatic coastal visuals without committing to a long cave program.
Sliema seafront return: keep your camera ready
On the way back, you’ll pass the Sliema seafront. It’s a nice contrast after time in the quieter north. You still get the water views, but you also get the sense that you’re returning to Malta’s lived-in coastal energy.
This is also a good moment to think about the day as a whole. By then, you’ve had serious swim time, and the return sailing becomes a relaxed photo-and-watch-the-coast segment rather than another stop you have to “do.”
What’s included (and how it changes your day)
The included items are exactly the kind that reduce friction during a sea day:
- Snorkeling equipment: you can go from deck to water quickly.
- Free flow of water/soft drinks: you won’t be hunting for basic hydration.
- Skipper/Guide (Captain Raymond): you’re not just paying for the boat; you’re paying for judgment, timing, and local know-how.
- Bluetooth sound system: it’s a small detail, but it can turn the sailing portion into a more personal experience.
- Outdoor shower: helpful after you’ve spent time in lagoons.
- Fuel and all taxes: fewer surprises.
The “not included” list is short but important:
- Hotel pickup/drop-off: you’ll need to get yourself to the marina area.
- Food and drinks: you’ll want a plan for your lunch and snacks.
- Alcohol: not included.
- Swimwear: not included.
If you like practical travel advice, here it is: plan on bringing a packed lunch and then treat the soft drinks and water as part of your on-board break. One review notes there’s space for a packed lunch, which fits the “bring your own food” reality here.
Price and value: $946+ per group is about splitting the boat
The price is $946.63 per group (up to 6) for around 8 hours. That sounds high if you think per person. But private yacht pricing usually works like this: it becomes reasonable when you split it.
If your group fills close to 6 people, you can think of it as a shared cost for a day that includes:
- a private captain for the full day,
- snorkeling gear,
- free-flow water/soft drinks,
- and the main “destination value” of Comino’s best swim areas.
Also, you’re not buying tickets for the key lagoons. Admission is listed as free for the swimming stops mentioned (St Paul’s Islands, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon). That matters because it keeps the day from turning into a pile of small costs.
A balanced way to judge value is this: if you’d otherwise pay separately for boat rentals, gear, and multiple tours to cover Comino by yourself, the private format usually stops feeling expensive fast. If you’re traveling as a solo person or a couple and can’t split the cost, it may feel like a splurge.
Comfort and safety feel: why the captain matters
This tour stands or falls on the captain’s comfort level with the sea and with your day’s expectations. In the feedback, Captain Raymond is described as professional, attentive, and skilled, and guests repeatedly mention feeling safe onboard.
One useful detail: people note he can handle different kinds of groups, including travelers who get sea sick. No one can promise zero motion, but a confident skipper tends to make the ride smoother and more predictable. If you’re sensitive to motion, I’d still plan with that in mind, and consider bringing whatever remedy you already use on boats.
Another practical point: there’s mention that sailing can change with wind, like times when the wind is too low to use the sails. That’s normal on the water. Your best takeaway is that you’re paying for the route and the stops, not for a guaranteed sail performance.
Who should book this private yacht day
This is a great match if you want:
- Comino swimming time with two lagoon stops,
- a private day where you’re not squeezed into a packed schedule,
- snorkeling gear included,
- and a captain who can add context, not just directions.
It’s also a good choice for couples and small families who want the day to feel like a personal outing. Because the tour is private and designed for groups up to 6, you get more control over comfort and pacing.
A consideration for planning: the tour is restricted to persons under 120kg / 264lbs, and you should advise if you can swim. If swimming isn’t your strong suit, you’ll want to be honest ahead of time so the captain can plan safer, more comfortable stop moments.
Practical packing checklist (based on what’s not included)
You can save yourself hassle by packing around the “not included” items:
- Swimwear (required for lagoon time)
- Any food and drinks you want beyond the free-flow water/soft drinks
- Your own alcohol plan if that’s something your group wants (alcohol is not included)
- If you plan to snorkel, you’ll still be good because equipment is included, but bring the rest of your comfort items (like your preferred eyewear/fit, if you have them)
Also, if you have any medical conditions, you’re asked to advise in advance. That’s a smart move on any water day, especially with swimming involved.
Should you book this private full-day Maltese islands yacht tour?
I’d book it if your top priority is a relaxing, swim-first day on Comino with a private captain who knows how to work the route and keep the experience smooth. The combination of included snorkeling equipment, two dedicated lagoon stops, and Captain Raymond’s hands-on hosting approach makes it feel like a real activity, not just transport.
I wouldn’t rush to book it if you’re traveling solo or with just one other person and can’t split the cost, or if you’re dealing with strong constraints around weather. Because the itinerary is weather permitting, your day depends on conditions at sea.
If you’re in Malta and you want one full-day “water chapter” that’s built around the best swimming spots, this is a strong choice. Bring swimwear, plan your own lunch, and let Captain Raymond do the steering while you focus on the water.
FAQ
How long is the private full-day yacht tour?
The duration is about 8 hours, and the total duration includes travel time.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 9:30 am.
Where do we meet and where does the tour end?
The meeting point is Creek Marina Pontoon NMalta. The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
What’s included in the price?
Included are all taxes, fuel, skipper/guide, snorkeling equipment, free flow of water/soft drinks, a Bluetooth sound system, and use of an outdoor shower.
Are food and drinks included?
Food and drinks are not included. Alcohol is also not included.
Is alcohol included on board?
No, alcohol is not included.
Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
Is swimwear provided?
No. Swimwear is not included, so you’ll need to bring your own.
What is the cancellation and weather policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
