Malta from a sailboat beats buses. This full-day private charter threads Comino, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon with real time for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding, usually hosted by captain Sergio. I love the exclusive, just-your-party setup, and I also love that snorkeling gear and a stand-up paddle are included. One thing to plan for: lunch and alcohol aren’t included unless you add them, so you’ll want to decide how you want to handle food and drinks before you sail.

You’ll start at 9:30am from Solevela Yacht Charters at Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex, and you’ll be back at the same meeting point about 8 hours later. The captain runs the day in English, and you’ll get a mobile ticket.

The day’s shape depends on weather. When winds pick up, Sergio may adjust the plan and still steer you toward good water time, rather than forcing the schedule.

Key things that make this charter a smart pick

• Private sailing for your party (up to 11 people) on a 52-foot boat, so you’re not sharing time with strangers.
• Big-ticket waters included: Blue Lagoon/Comino and Crystal Lagoon, plus time around Gozo from the sea.
• Snorkeling gear + stand-up paddleboard are included, not tacked on as a rental.
• A flexible captain who can shift stops if conditions change, while still protecting the swim and paddle time.
• Lunch is optional (extra charge), and when you add it, the meal is cooked on board.
• Easy meeting point at Roland Marina (Ta’ Xbiex), near public transport, with an all-day loop ending back where you started.

Why a private charter matters in Malta (and it’s not just for show)

Malta can feel like a lot of “here’s the view, go wait in line” travel. A private sail flips that. You spend the day on the water, with your own rhythm for swimming, photos, and hanging out on deck.

With this charter, you’re booking the whole boat for your group, up to 11. That size is big enough to feel like a proper day out together, but small enough that you’re not constantly negotiating space. If you’re traveling as a couple, the experience still works, and you’ll likely spend more time actually in the water rather than listening to announcements on a loud platform.

The other big value piece is water time. You’re not just looking from afar. You can jump in off the boat and use the included snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboard when conditions allow.

Meeting at Ta’ Xbiex and what the day feels like start to finish

Your day begins at Solevela Yacht Charters, Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex, with a 9:30am start. The timing matters: leaving in the morning helps you get better water conditions for the first swims, and it also helps you avoid the later crowd crush that often hits the Blue Lagoon area.

The tour runs for about 8 hours and ends back at the same meeting point. That matters for planning dinner later, because you’re not guessing where you’ll dock or how you’ll get back.

This is listed as English-only. If you prefer a calm, guided day without a rigid script, that’s a good match. If your group likes to drive the day—how long you stay at each stop, when you swim, when you snack—you’ll likely feel like you have control.

Blue Lagoon and Comino: the classic water, with time to actually enjoy it

The day’s first water stop is Blue Lagoon. This is the kind of place where you get that “wow” moment when you’re staring at the water color and then realize you’re about to be in it.

Here’s what makes this stop work in a private charter: you don’t have to race. You can snorkel at your pace, then switch to pure float time. The boat setup also gives you multiple ways to experience it—snorkeling, a jump-in swim, or just sitting with the water close under you while the sea does its thing.

You’ll then move through Comino time as well. Comino is often famous for a single spot, but from the water you can find different angles and more varied coves. In good weather, that can mean calmer pockets for paddling and an easy day where you don’t feel rushed between “look” moments.

Practical note: the Blue Lagoon experience is heavily weather-dependent. If the wind is stronger, your captain may adjust the day to protect comfort. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a reason to pack a flexible mindset.

Gozo from the water: a quieter feeling, with caves and shoreline views

After Comino, you head toward the island of Gozo. This is where the sailing part gets more interesting, because you’re not just bouncing between swim areas—you’re also traveling around and seeing how Gozo looks when you approach it from the sea.

Gozo has a different mood than the more toury coastal spots. From a boat, you tend to notice the shape of the coastline, the small coves, and the way light changes on the water. Even if you don’t go ashore, you still feel like you’re “doing” the island, not just visiting a stop.

This is also where jumping off the boat can feel extra fun. With the included snorkeling gear and time to paddle, you can choose what kind of day you want:

• quick dips and photos
• longer swims and snorkeling
• stand-up paddle time if the water is cooperative

One thing to watch: if conditions are rougher, you might want to spend more time in calmer pockets. A good captain will look for the right water rather than forcing everyone into the same spot.

Crystal Lagoon: clear water time without the same pressure

Next up is Crystal Lagoon. If you’re doing Malta and Gozo for water and swimming, this is a second shot at that clear, inviting sea time.

Why it’s worth having another stop: it’s not just about seeing water twice. A second lagoon-like stop lets you match your energy. If you burned your stamina early at Blue Lagoon, you can go slower here—snorkel longer, paddle more, or just enjoy the scenery.

Also, some spots are calmer at different times of day. Having a second water stop gives your captain flexibility to pick the most comfortable area while keeping your day fun.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding: the best “included” value

This charter includes snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboarding. That’s a big deal because it turns the day from passive sightseeing into active sea time.

What you should expect:

• You’ll have moments when the captain lets you jump in and spend time in the water.
• Snorkeling gear is available so you’re not dealing with rentals or last-minute shopping.
• The stand-up paddleboard is part of the day, but like everything water-related, it depends on conditions and safety.

The most practical tip: bring a bag or small dry storage for your phone and essentials. If you’re the type who loves underwater shots, you’ll want your gear ready without scrambling when you see the clearest water.

If you’re newer to paddleboarding, you’ll still be fine. The water areas around these lagoons tend to be the kind where people can learn by trying, but always follow the captain’s guidance on where it’s easiest.

The lunch question: what’s included vs what costs extra

Lunch and wine are not included by default. What that means in practice is simple: you can either add the onboard lunch option (extra charge) or you can bring your own food and drinks.

When you add lunch, the meal is cooked on board. Multiple people describe it as fresh and delicious, served in a way that fits the day—you don’t just sit down in a restaurant and return to the water later. You can eat while the rest of the crew is out in swim mode, which keeps the whole day feeling like one flow.

If you want alcohol, it’s also an extra purchase. Some groups plan ahead and bring their own non-alcoholic snacks; others prefer to buy drinks on board. The big takeaway is: decide your food strategy before you go so the day stays relaxed.

One more practical note: water is available for free, and there’s usually an onboard cooler for storing what you bring.

Captain Sergio and the onboard vibe: flexible, friendly, and never rushed

A consistent theme in the experience is the hosting style. Captain Sergio shows up as the kind of skipper who lets the day breathe. People talk about being given time for multiple swims, choosing how long to linger, and not feeling pushed through stops.

Sergio also seems to do well with group dynamics—celebrations, families, and couples. And in some cases, his partner Carla is mentioned as part of the onboard team, including the food side.

The best part isn’t just personality. It’s decision-making under real conditions. When wind and sea state are less cooperative, the captain’s goal becomes protecting comfort while still giving you a satisfying day on the water. One example you’ll want to keep in mind: if a plan doesn’t feel right, you might shift to another area and still find a good time to swim.

Weather and comfort: how to plan when the sea has other ideas

This experience requires good weather. That doesn’t mean “don’t book.” It means you should plan around the fact that Malta’s conditions can change.

In higher wind, you can still have a great day, but the feel changes:

• More time may be spent in sheltered areas.
• Some people might move slower between stops.
• Water time can still happen, but comfort level may vary.

If you’re sensitive to motion, consider this your heads-up to bring layers and anything that helps you stay warm while moving between swim points. In cooler months (and even in spring with wind), being comfortable on deck matters a lot.

Price value: when $846.56 per group makes sense (and when it might not)

The price is listed as $846.56 per group for up to 11 people. That sounds steep until you think about how rare it is to get a private boat day in a place like Malta.

Here’s the honest way to judge value:

• If you fill the boat with a bigger group, the cost per person drops dramatically and becomes competitive with other premium excursions.
• If you’re a small group (two or three), you’re paying more per person—but you’re buying privacy, full control of pacing, and a day that’s much more “yours” than a shared cruise.

For couples and small groups, I’d think of it this way: you’re paying for reduced friction. No waiting for strangers. No sharing space at swim stops. No trying to coordinate group schedules. If your ideal Malta day is mostly water time, this price can start to feel like a bargain.

Also, if you add the lunch option, you’re upgrading the day further. Many people describe the onboard meal as a key highlight, not an afterthought.

Who this sailing day is best for

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A private day on the sea with swimming time built in
• snorkeling and paddleboarding without extra rentals
• a day that can flex if conditions shift

It also works well for celebrations. People mention birthday milestones and group trips, and the private boat format makes those moments feel special.

If your group expects a fully packaged, restaurant-style meal included in the base price, this might require a decision upfront—either add lunch or plan your own food and drinks.

Should you book this Malta and Gozo sailing adventure?

Book it if your “best day in Malta” picture includes jumping off the boat, real swim breaks, and a schedule that feels calm and personal. The included snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboard, and the fact that you’re booking a private 52-foot sailing experience make it a high-value way to see Malta, Comino, and Gozo without crowds running your day.

Consider a different option if you want lunch and alcohol included automatically, or if your group hates any uncertainty around weather. This charter runs on sea conditions, and while the captain can adapt, the water mood can change.

If you do book, do two things that pay off fast: decide whether you want the onboard lunch, and pack for a day that’s partly warm sunshine and partly wind-on-deck.

FAQ

What time does the sailing start?

The start time is 9:30am.

Where do we meet for the tour?

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

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 8 hours.

Is this tour private or shared?

It’s a private tour. Only your group participates.

What’s included with the charter?

Included are fuel and skipper, snorkeling equipment, and use of a stand-up paddleboard.

What’s not included?

Not included are alcoholic beverages and lunch. Lunch and wine on board may be possible for an extra charge.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How will I get the ticket?

You’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What if weather is poor?

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

You Might Also Enjoy

Barcelona Unique Private Luxury Sailing Tour (max 12 people)Tulum Luxury Escape – 4h All Inclusive on 43′ Private YachtKoh Samui 2-Dive Trip to Sail Rock for certified diversDubai: Marina Yacht Party with BBQ, Unlimited Drinks and DJ