Malta looks different from a sailboat. This private day mixes sea views with real water time—snorkeling gear ready, stand-up paddle included, plus plenty of stops chosen for swims and photos. I also like how the host keeps the day flexible, so you can linger instead of racing to the next dot on a map, and the onboard fresh lunch option can turn a swim day into a full-on meal break.

There is one thing to plan for: sailing comfort depends on wind and sea conditions. On rougher days, the route may shift and you might spend more time in fewer areas, even if the captain still aims to make the day special.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private boat time for your group on a 52-foot yacht, with a pace you control
• Blue Lagoon and Comino water stops that are built for swimming and snorkeling
• Stand-up paddle boarding plus snorkel gear included in the base price
• Flexible routing in wind so you still get meaningful time on the water
• Food is a big deal when you add the lunch option (and drinks can be purchased onboard)

Why Gozo, Comino, and Malta Feel Like a Whole Different Trip

If you’ve only done Malta from shore, this kind of day at sea changes your sense of the place. You’re not sightseeing from above the waterline. You’re hopping into it—sometimes in clear, bright spots that look unreal until you’re actually floating there.

What I like most is the way the day is built around movement. The route links multiple islands and lagoons, but the real value is how the stops are designed for short swims, longer floating, and paddling breaks. That makes it feel more like an experience than a checklist.

You’ll also get a quieter kind of Malta. Big bus routes tend to herd people. A private sailing day tends to mean fewer crowds near the spots where the water is best.

Setting Sail From Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex

Your day starts at Solevela Yacht Charters at Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex, with a 9:30 am start and return back to the same meeting point. Since the marina is near public transportation, you’re not stuck with only one option for getting there.

Plan for a full day on the water, around eight hours. That’s helpful because it gives you time to enjoy multiple lagoons rather than just touching one and rushing off. It also makes it easier to build your schedule around the rest of your Malta stay.

This is a private experience, so your group is the only one aboard. That matters more than it sounds. When you’re not sharing with strangers, you can spend your time the way you want—swim, sun, snorkel, photos, repeat.

Blue Lagoon and Comino: the Swim Stop That Changes Your Expectations

The day’s early highlight is the Blue Lagoon area. This is the kind of place where the water does a lot of the advertising. When conditions are right, the visibility turns snorkeling into the main event, not a side activity.

You’ll have snorkeling equipment included, which is a smart baseline. It means you don’t have to pack gear or worry about finding rental shops once you arrive. If you’re new to snorkeling, the captain can still help you get oriented before you’re out in the water.

Comino is the next big piece of the puzzle. The best part here isn’t just the scenery—it’s the pacing. You can choose how long you want to stay at each stop rather than being yanked back onto the boat every ten minutes.

If you’re the type who likes variety, you’ll probably enjoy the mix of calm floating and more active moments. Some areas are better for paddling and photos, while others are ideal for a slow swim and a long rest.

Crystal Lagoon: Clear Water, Paddling Breaks, and Quick Adjustments

Crystal Lagoon is where the day leans into bright-water fun. If you like the idea of switching between snorkel time and surface play, this stop is a strong match.

Stand-up paddle boarding is included, so you can swap from snorkeling gear to paddle mode without extra rentals. It’s also one of the easiest ways to feel like you’re moving through a postcard instead of just staring at one.

Here’s a detail that’s worth knowing when you’re planning your expectations: the captain may adjust timing based on on-the-water conditions. For example, if a stop is affected by jellyfish at a given moment, you may be shifted to another area or timed differently so your swim time still feels good.

So if you’re hoping for that clean, easy water moment, bring a flexible mindset. Your best day may come from rolling with small changes rather than expecting everything to be exactly the same minute-to-minute.

Gozo by Sea: Caves, Quiet Corners, and Cliff-Jump Energy

After Comino, the route heads toward Gozo. This is where the day gets more dramatic. You’re trading some of the lagoon glow for island character—rocky edges, sheltered water pockets, and natural features that look made for sea days.

A common theme from the experience is the freedom to explore at your own speed. That matters on Gozo because the best water moments often happen in short windows. If you want to linger on a calm stretch or take a few extra minutes near a cave area, you’re not fighting a group schedule.

There’s also the fun of jumping off the boat in the right spots. Some areas are set up for quick in-and-out swims, and others are better for a longer float where you can just watch the water and scenery change.

If you’re traveling with someone who’s not comfortable with open-water swimming, it’s smart to ask the captain about the easiest areas to enter from the boat. I’ve seen captains work around mobility needs by choosing flatter entry points so everyone can still enjoy the sea without forcing it.

Food, Wine, and What Private Really Means on the Water

Let’s talk food, because this is where your day can go from great to unforgettable. In the base offering, fuel, skipper, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddle are included. Lunch and wine aren’t automatically included in the standard price, but you can add them for an extra charge.

When people add the lunch, it’s not treated like a sad sandwich break. The captain has cooked meals onboard that get described as intimate and fresh. Some groups even enjoy eating in a way that feels tied to the water time, not separate from it.

You can also find options for beer and wine with the onboard meal, depending on what you choose. The key is that alcohol isn’t part of the default package, so if wine is a big part of your plan, pick the add-on intentionally.

One small but practical detail: there’s free water onboard. If you decide not to add lunch, you can bring your own food and drinks, and a cooler on the boat helps keep things organized. That’s a good option for picky eaters, dietary restrictions, or anyone who wants full control of what they drink.

Food is also a trust-builder. A good host pays attention to allergies and food needs, and this is one of the most praised parts of the experience. If your group has specific dietary concerns, message ahead so the captain can handle it smoothly.

Weather and Wind: When the Plan Changes Without Losing the Day

This is sailing in the Mediterranean, so weather matters. The experience depends on good conditions, and if it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

On windier days, you may see the itinerary shift. The goal stays the same—get you to great water and keep the day enjoyable—but you might spend more time around a different area than you expected. I’ve seen examples where groups still got a strong day, even when they couldn’t reach all the intended spots.

Safety is taken seriously. Even on rougher seas, the day isn’t about risky behavior—it’s about adjusting routes and choosing sheltered water when needed. Think of it like this: the sea is the boss. Your captain manages around it so you still get the best possible day.

If you’re booking for a large part of your trip highlight, consider scheduling a bit of flexibility. Weather can be unpredictable, and having another free day in your Malta plan can reduce stress if conditions aren’t perfect.

Cost and Value: $846.56 for a Private Day at Sea

Price is listed as $846.56 per group, up to 11 people, for about eight hours. On paper, that sounds like a splurge. In practice, it starts to make sense because you’re paying for a full private sailing setup, not a shared tour.

Here’s the math. If you fill it with the maximum group size, you’re around $77 per person. If your group is smaller, the per-person cost rises, but the value still comes from what’s included: fuel, skipper, snorkeling gear, and stand-up paddle.

Also, you’re buying time. A private yacht day gives you sustained access to water, not just quick shoreline viewing. When you factor in swims, snorkeling, and the ability to stay as long as you want at stops, it often feels more like a long activity day than a short excursion.

Then there’s the add-on question. Lunch and wine are extra, but the experience is set up so you can go either way:

• Add lunch for a hosted meal onboard
• Or bring your own food and drinks and keep costs lower

If your group is the kind that will actually eat on board and enjoy the wine side of the day, the lunch add-on can be one of the best value upgrades.

Who This Sail Day Fits Best

This tour style tends to work especially well for:

• Couples or friend groups who hate crowds and want more control over time
• People who want water activities without planning gear rentals
• Travelers who want Malta plus a side of Gozo and Comino in one day

It also suits families in many cases because the stop types are flexible. Still, if you have kids or anyone who’s sensitive to motion, I’d plan for wind. Ask how the captain handles rougher conditions, and remember that water entry options can be chosen to match comfort levels.

If your group wants a strict, timed schedule with no flexibility, a private sailing day might feel too open-ended. But if you want freedom to swim longer and linger where the water feels right, this is exactly the format that delivers.

Should You Book This Malta and Gozo Private Sail?

I’d book it if you want a true sea day, with real swimming time, and you like the idea of a private crew tailoring the pace. The biggest wins are the included water gear, the practical flexibility, and the chance to add a proper onboard meal that can make the whole day feel special.

I’d think twice if your trip dates line up with very windy expectations or if you need a guarantee that you’ll hit every exact spot. Sailing plans can shift with conditions. You might end up staying in fewer areas, even when the day stays enjoyable.

If you’re deciding between this and a shore-based tour, choose the sail if you care more about water time than museum time. Malta’s best moments often happen where you can feel the sea spray, not just see it.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing adventure?

It runs for about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start?

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

What time does the sailing trip begin?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Is this experience private or shared?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Included are fuel and the skipper, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddle boarding.

Are lunch and alcoholic drinks included?

Lunch and wine are not included in the base price. Lunch and wine can be added for an extra charge.

What happens if 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.