Malta from the water feels like cheating. This private day charter lets you sail a custom route around Comino and the Grand Harbour, so you get the Comino lagoons without shore crowds. I love that the skipper steers the day around your mood (swim time, snorkel time, chill time), and I also love that the practical stuff is handled for you: snorkelling gear plus stand-up paddleboards. The only real catch is that you’ll spend most of the day afloat and anchored—if you want lots of long, on-land touring, this isn’t that kind of trip.

You start and finish at Kalkara Marina, right in the world-famous Valletta Grand Harbour area, and you’ll often head north past St. Paul’s Islands toward Comino. The captain will time the route based on the weather, and you finish by cruising back through the harbour so the day ends with a proper Malta-water “wow.” Just expect a relaxed, swim-first day, not a museum checklist.

Key things that make this charter worth your time

• A private, captain-led route instead of following a fixed group schedule
• Comino’s Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon with swim and snorkel time built in
• Snorkelling gear and two SUP boards included, so you can keep moving once you’re anchored
• Valletta Grand Harbour scenic sailing as part of the experience, not just a quick photo stop
• Optional fresh BBQ/lunch add-on if you want food handled onboard

Kalkara Marina and Valletta Grand Harbour: your day starts in the right place

The meeting point is Kalkara Marina (Pontoon F), in the Valletta Grand Harbour area. In plain terms, it’s a great launch spot: you’re already in one of Malta’s most photogenic harbours the moment you arrive, and the harbour views become your warm-up act before you even get to Comino.

What I like about starting here is that you’re not doing the whole “bus, then ferry, then another transfer” song-and-dance. Once you’re on the boat, the day flows. There’s also a subtle benefit: the captain can quickly read the sea and wind conditions and then shape the day accordingly.

Even better, the trip isn’t just an out-and-back to Comino. You’ll also get time sailing around the Grand Harbour, which is where Malta often looks its best—harbour light, fortress angles, and the feeling that you’re seeing the island the way locals do.

The northbound route: Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon at anchor

Comino is the star, and the schedule gives you real time there, not a drive-by. Crystal Lagoon is typically a 1-hour stop, and Blue Lagoon is usually about 2 hours. Those time blocks matter because the experience isn’t only the view from the deck—it’s the time in the water.

Crystal Lagoon (about 1 hour)

Crystal Lagoon is famous for a reason: clear water and that “you can see forever” feel once you’re floating. Practically, you can use that hour in a few ways:

• quick snorkel laps using the provided gear
• a slow swim while you watch your surroundings
• stand-up paddleboarding if the water’s calm enough

Because you’re on a private charter, the captain can generally look for the right moment for calm conditions rather than being stuck at the busiest shoreline areas.

Blue Lagoon (about 2 hours)

Blue Lagoon is popular. No way around it. But the payoff is that you’re not confined to one crowded beach setup. With a boat charter, you can often find a peaceful spot to swim and snorkel while still being close enough to enjoy the main area’s magic.

A good way to think about Blue Lagoon is: treat it like your “main swim session.” Two hours gives you time to settle in, cool off, and do more than one activity (snorkel, swim, paddleboard) without feeling rushed.

St. Paul’s Bay and St. Paul’s Islands: history without the crowds

You’ll pass St. Paul’s Islands on the way north, and you also have a stop at St. Paul’s Bay (around 30 minutes). St. Paul’s Bay is described as the place where St. Paul was shipwrecked, so it’s one of those Malta moments that mixes story with scenery.

Even if you’re not a history deep-dive person, this stop works because:

• you’re seeing the coast from the water
• you get a break from continuous anchoring/swimming
• the captain can point out what you’re looking at as you go

This is also where a good skipper helps you connect the dots fast. You might not have time for a full “lecture,” but you do get enough context to make the scenery feel intentional instead of random.

Sailing past Sliema and re-entering the Grand Harbour: the Malta postcard parts

On the way north, you’ll pass the Sliema sea front. It’s a quick but satisfying “this is where the city meets the sea” moment. From the water you get a different sense of scale—buildings, promenade lines, and that Mediterranean coastline rhythm.

Then, near the end of the day, you’ll go back to the Valletta Grand Harbour and actually show it to you properly. People often remember the Comino swim parts (understandable), but I like that the ending includes harbour sailing. It gives the trip balance: island-water time, then the big harbour finish.

One practical tip: keep a little time buffer at the end of the day for the final harbour moments. You’ll still be dealing with life-vests, towels, bags, and getting organized—so don’t spend the last 10 minutes stuffing everything away before you enjoy the view.

Snorkel, swim, paddleboard: how to get your money’s worth in 8.5 hours

Your included swim gear and paddleboards are the heart of this charter. The tour includes snorkelling equipment plus 2 stand-up paddle boards, and you also have free-flow of water onboard.

Here’s how I’d structure your time once you’re anchored, so you don’t waste the best hours:

• First 15 to 30 minutes: snorkel or swim so the water feels fresh and easy before you overthink it.
• Middle time: rotate to paddleboarding or another swim session once you’re warmed up.
• Last part of the stop: do something slower—floating, relaxing, taking photos—so you’re not rushing when you want to chill.

Also, if you’re traveling with kids or teens, this mix of activities is a big win. Several charter experiences highlight that kids stay busy all day when there’s a ladder for quick swims, snorkelling to try, and paddleboards to rotate through.

If the sea is a bit choppy

The water can be lively depending on weather and conditions. The good news is you’re not on a tight schedule for a bunch of land activities. Your captain can choose calmer spots where it’s comfortable to swim.

Bring whatever helps you handle boat motion (like motion-sickness basics if you need them). It’s a small step that can turn a “rough feeling” day into a smooth one.

Included vs not included: what you should plan for before you go

Included:

• all taxes
• fuel
• skipper/guide
• snorkelling equipment
• 2 stand-up paddle boards
• free-flow of water

Not included:

• food and drinks
• hotel pickup

What that means for you in real life: you’re paying for the boat day, the captain, and the water activities. You’re not automatically paying for lunch unless you choose the optional BBQ/lunch add-on.

Also note the pace: you’re not going to hop on a bus for a restaurant stop. So if you skip the onboard meal option, bring a simple plan—think snacks and water you can actually enjoy while anchored.

BBQ lunch and the food question: timing and value checks

The experience offers the option to include a fresh barbecue meal, plus drinks and other nibbles. That’s great if you want the “food handled, no decisions” vibe.

But here’s the honest consideration: onboard BBQ can take time, and that time comes out of your lagoon time. One traveler pointed out that BBQ lunch may be pricey, and recommended bringing your own cold meal and drinks if you want better value and to spend more minutes swimming.

So I’d frame the decision like this:

• Choose the BBQ option if you want convenience and you don’t mind a bit less free water time.
• Consider bringing your own food and drinks if you care most about maximizing swim minutes and saving money.

Either way, the private format helps. You can still eat at a spot where the water looks good and the day feels relaxing, not like a race to refuel.

Captains matter: personalization is the real luxury

This charter is private, and that privacy isn’t just about being alone. It’s about the skipper adjusting the route to your preferences and the day’s weather.

In practice, that can look like:

• more time at quieter swimming points
• choosing which lagoon to lean into based on sea conditions
• taking you past the big-name areas quickly, then focusing on calmer bays and caves

You’ll also notice different skippers have different styles. Some are known for storytelling and a relaxed, friendly vibe (names you might see include Captain Terry, Captain David, Captain Steve, Captain Nick, Yuri, Niki, Josh, and Mauricio). What stays consistent is the “host” role: your captain asks what you want, then makes a plan.

For me, that’s where the value is. You’re not just buying a route. You’re buying judgment: where to swim safely, where it’s comfortable, and how to avoid the worst crowds without feeling like you’re doing detective work.

Who this charter fits best

You’ll likely love this if:

• you’re a couple or small family up to 2 on the booking (that’s the group size the pricing is built for)
• you want Comino and you want to spend time in the water, not just watching from shore
• you care about avoiding the busiest shoreline areas
• you like activities with low friction: snorkel gear ready, paddleboards ready, water ready

You might not love it if:

• you want lots of long land stops and frequent walking tours
• you hate spending hours on the water (even anchored)
• you’re expecting an all-inclusive meal and drinks package as part of the base price

Quick FAQ-style practicalities you’ll want to know

FAQ

How long is the private sailing charter?

It runs about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

What’s included in the price?

Taxes, fuel, a skipper/guide, free-flow of water, snorkelling equipment, and 2 stand-up paddle boards are included.

Is lunch included?

Food and drinks are not included. There is an option to add a fresh barbecue meal, but you’ll want to plan for food either way.

Does the tour provide pickup from hotels?

Hotel pickup isn’t included.

What activities can I do during the day?

You can swim and snorkel, and you also get stand-up paddle boards. Exact options depend on the day’s conditions and your captain’s route choices.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

How does the weather affect the trip?

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

What if I need help getting on and off the boat?

The info says most travelers can participate, and one review specifically noted helpful assistance for a guest with mobility issues getting on and off. If you have specific needs, it’s smart to ask in advance.

Should you book this private sailing boat charter in Malta?

I’d book it if your ideal Malta day includes Comino swimming time, a captain who can adjust the route to your preferences, and water activities without the stress of crowds and transfers. The price makes sense when you look at what’s included (boat day, fuel, skipper, snorkel gear, and two paddleboards) and when you remember it’s private—no negotiating the chaos of public options.

If you’re mainly looking for shore sightseeing, skip this. If you want the island from the sea, with real time in the lagoons and a calm pace you control, this is one of the best ways to spend a day in Malta.

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