Malta from the water feels like a cheat code. This full-day private yacht charter strings together caves, clear-water swimming in Comino, and quieter coves in Gozo, with you calling the pace. Two names matter here too: captains Sheldon and Wayne help keep the day running smoothly and make the route feel personal.

I especially like the easy, low-stress plan: an 8-hour day, a clear meeting point at Mellieħa, and enough time at each stop to actually get in and enjoy the water. I also like that you get water sports gear provided, with paddleboards available on request, plus an onboard setup that makes bringing your own snacks and drinks practical.

The only real drawback to plan for is weather dependence. This trip needs good conditions, and the captain may adjust which swimming spots you hit to match what the sea is doing that day.

Key things to know before you go

• Private means no crowd math: it’s just your group, up to 8 people.
• You control the tempo: stay longer where you like, shorter where you don’t.
• Water sports gear is included: paddleboards are available if you request them.
• Comino is flexible: the plan can shift among Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay based on conditions.
• Shade and lounge space matter: the boat is set up so you can relax between swims.
• Lunch can be simple: stop for a meal or bring your own, and there’s support on board for storing/eating what you bring.

Entering The Day: Mellieħa meeting point and how the charter runs

You start in Mellieħa Bay, meeting at Island Life Charters (the provided pin is Island Life Charters X984+RJF, Mellieħa). The start time is 9:00am, and the whole outing runs about 8 hours before returning to the same meeting point.

This is also a straightforward location for getting there. It’s listed as near public transportation, which helps if you don’t want to stress about parking or coordinating rides with your group.

Fitness-wise, you only need a moderate level. The bigger challenge is usually not walking distances—it’s getting comfortable on and off a boat and into the water when you’re switching between spots.

Why private wins here: Captains Wayne and Sheldon make the route feel personal

A private charter is supposed to mean flexibility, but this one actually uses it. Captains Wayne and Sheldon focus on matching the day to your group’s priorities—swimming time, cave time, and quiet coves after the main highlights.

In practice, that shows up as: you hit the classic sights, then you can add in calmer places once the day is underway. If your group includes kids or you want a day that mixes activity with downtime, this kind of pacing is a big win.

One extra detail I appreciate: they’ll pay attention to comfort on the water. If someone in your group gets motion sick, the captain can route you toward calmer waters, which can make the difference between a great day and a miserable one.

Stop 1: L-Aħrax and Smugglers Cave for an easy first win

The day’s first real stop is L-Aħrax, with Smugglers Cave right behind the photo spot. It’s quick—about 10 minutes—and the value is simple: you get a memorable landscape moment early, without eating up half your day.

Admission is listed as free for the stop, so you’re not scrambling for tickets or surprise costs here. This is the kind of quick stop that keeps energy high while everyone’s still fresh.

If you want a first bite of Malta’s coast without committing to a long shore break, this opener works well.

Comino’s water time: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay

Comino is the headline, and you get a big block of time here: about 3 hours at a series of swimming areas, then another 3 hours with the same idea—multiple swimming spots where conditions allow. The plan can include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay.

The key phrase for you is: you can choose where you stay once you’re there. Instead of rushing from one dockside view to another, you’re in the water long enough to actually enjoy it, then you can move only if the vibe changes.

What can affect your exact route is weather. This isn’t a deal-breaker; it’s realistic. In good conditions, you’ll get the iconic clear-water look. If conditions aren’t ideal, the captain adjusts so you still get enjoyable swimming time.

Also, Comino is where a private setup really pays off. The point isn’t just that you’re off the big crowds—it’s that you can position yourselves so you can actually swim and explore without constantly being shuffled.

Paddleboards and the included gear: small request, big payoff

This charter includes water sports gear, and paddleboards are available on request. That matters because it turns the day from passive sightseeing into active exploring.

If you’re the kind of traveler who gets restless after the first swim, paddleboarding can fill that gap nicely. If you’re traveling with mixed ages or skill levels, it gives everyone a “choose your own adventure” option.

Bring a sensible swim setup and you’ll be able to make the most of your time. If you’re unsure how to request paddleboards, ask ahead of time so you’re not trying to coordinate at the dock.

Stop 4: Mgarr ix-Xini in Gozo for quiet, clear water

After Comino, you shift to Gozo for Mgarr ix-Xini, a quiet spot known for clean, clear water. You’ll have about 1 hour here.

This is a nice change of rhythm. Comino tends to feel like the main event, while Mgarr ix-Xini gives you breathing room. It’s the kind of stop that helps you avoid the feeling that you’re sprinting between scenic postcard points.

Admission is listed as free for this stop too, so again, you’re not dealing with ticketing on the fly.

Stop 5: Paradise Bay for snorkeling and that last swim feeling

The final major swim stop is Paradise Bay, typically the last stop before heading back. Plan for about 1 hour here.

Paradise Bay is presented as a great spot for snorkeling, especially since the water is described as clear. If you want one final push before the ride back, this timing makes sense.

One practical way to think about it: this is the stop where you decide how much energy you have left. If you’re feeling great, you can go longer in the water. If the day has been a lot, you can keep it light and still get value.

Lunch choices: restaurant stop or bring your own food

Lunch is flexible. You can either stop at a restaurant or bring your own lunch (your expense for food either way).

This is where private charters beat random group tours. Your captain can work around the rest of the route so you’re not eating while everyone is tired and cranky. In at least some cases, a lunch spot in Gozo like Tortuga has been part of the day, which tells you the lunch isn’t treated like an afterthought.

Also, a couple of onboard details can help your planning: the boat has fridges and cutlery, so bringing items like sandwiches, fruit, or snacks is easier. One family even had the crew make a sandwich for a hungry kid, so don’t be shy about asking if you’ve got specific needs—within reason.

If you’re packing your own lunch, plan for easy-to-eat food that won’t turn into a sticky mess in the sun.

Getting the most out of an 8-hour schedule

With any full-day sea plan, the secret is pacing your own expectations. This itinerary is designed so you’re not just watching from above. You’ve got multiple swimming blocks, plus shorter scenic stops and one longer day structure.

The best strategy is to assign roles inside your group. One person can be the swim/gear manager. Another can handle water shoes or anything you need for comfort. A third can keep an eye on time so nobody forgets to grab lunch items or reapply sunscreen before the next swim.

That’s also why private works: you’re not at the mercy of a packed schedule where moving slower means falling behind.

What you’re really paying for: value of a full-day private charter

The price is $1,505.14 per group (up to 8) for about 8 hours. If you fill all 8 spots, that’s roughly $188 per person—which can look surprisingly reasonable compared to piecing together multiple tickets and paid activities on land plus separate boat trips.

But the real value isn’t just the math. You’re paying for:

• private time on the water across Malta, Comino, and Gozo
• the ability to stay as long as you want where you like best
• gear support for water activities, including paddleboards if requested
• a crew that can tailor the day, including steering toward calmer water if needed

If you only have a couple of people, the per-person cost rises fast. In that case, this is best when you’re treating it as a shared splurge and not a bargain hunt. For a group of friends or family traveling together, it’s a strong way to turn Malta into a full-day experience instead of a half-day detour.

Who this charter suits best

This fits best if you want:

• swimming-first sightseeing (not just views)
• a flexible day with breaks for shade and lounging
• access to caves and coves that feel more satisfying than a shore stop
• a group experience that can include kids and adults without everyone needing to match the same pace

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and you’re budget-tight, you might look for a shared group boat instead. If you can afford private, this is one of the more practical ways to buy time on the water without feeling like you’re paying for nothing.

Quick packing and mindset tips (so the day stays fun)

You’ll be in and out of the water, so plan like you’re doing a long beach day, not a quick cruise.

Bring swimwear you can reuse, plus a towel and whatever you need for comfort. If you know you get sunburn fast, treat sunscreen like a first-order priority. And if motion sickness is an issue, tell the captain early so you can shape the route around calmer water.

Most of all, go in ready to slow down. The best moments are the ones where you stop moving—float, swim, then decide what’s next.

Should you book this private Malta, Gozo & Comino day?

Book it if your ideal Malta day includes clear-water swimming, cave/photo time without a rush, and a crew (Wayne and Sheldon) who will adjust the day to your group. The private setup is the main reason this becomes a highlight instead of just another tour.

Skip it or rethink the timing if your group can’t handle weather changes. Since the trip needs good conditions, the sea can decide your exact swimming mix. If you’re okay with that reality—and you want a true full-day on the water—this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht charter?

It’s about 8 hours, starting at 9:00am and ending back at the meeting point.

What size group is this tour for?

It’s a private tour for your group only, for up to 8 people.

Where do we meet for the yacht charter?

The start is at Island Life Charters (X984+RJF) in Mellieħa Bay, Mellieħa, Malta, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What water activities are included?

Water sports gear is provided. Paddleboards are available on request.

What 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 we eat lunch on the water?

Yes. You can stop at a restaurant during the day, or bring your own lunch (your expense for food). The boat also has fridges and cutlery, which can make bringing food easier.

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