A long day on calm water beats a crowded day on land.

On this private day sailing charter out of Malta, you get a skipper who plans around your pace, not a bus schedule. My favorite parts are the chance to reach Comino’s Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon by boat, plus the freedom to swim, snorkel, and paddle whenever you feel like it. One thing to plan for: you’ll spend a decent chunk of time sailing between stops, so late starts can cut into your swim time.

You’re also paying for convenience and privacy. The upside is that you can hop to quieter swimming spots, even when the shore gets busy. The tradeoff is cost: it’s best when you split the group price well (or you’re a couple who really wants “no crowds” time).

Key takeaways before you go

• Private charter, not a public cruise: just your group with a skipper who adapts the route to your preferences and weather.
• Comino highlights by boat: Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are built into the day, plus extra bays and sea caves depending on conditions.
• Water toys included: snorkeling equipment and 2 stand-up paddle boards are part of the package.
• Grand Harbour views: the day ties into Valletta’s famous natural harbour at the start and finish.
• Lunch is optional: a BBQ lunch can be added, but it’s not automatically included in the base price.
• Time is your real currency: arriving on time matters because anchoring time is limited.

From Kalkara Marina to Valletta Grand Harbour: the day starts like a postcard

Your sailing day begins and ends at Kalkara Marina, at Pontoon F (Triq ir-Regatta 1969, Kalkara). The setting matters. This marina sits in the Valletta Grand Harbour area, which is famous for its dramatic natural shape and views—so you get scenery before you even head out.

The day typically starts with an easy “orientation”: you meet your skipper, get safety info, and then you’re underway. From there, you head north along the coast. The route is built around great swimming water and classic Malta sights, but the real win is that it’s not treated like a checklist. If you want more sailing time, you get it. If you want more time anchored in calm water, your skipper will try to shape the day that way.

On the way, you’ll pass by the Sliema seafront—worth it if you’ve never seen Malta’s coast from the water. And when you return, you do it with Valletta Grand Harbour in view again, so the end of the day feels like a second “wow.”

Crystal Lagoon for an easy first swim (and why timing matters)

The day’s first big water stop is Crystal Lagoon, usually about an hour. You’re not just there to look at the water. The idea is to arrive, get set up quickly, and spend that hour actually in the lagoon—swimming and snorkeling while the light and conditions are on your side.

Here’s the practical part: a one-hour stop goes fast, especially if you want to snorkel and also take time to just float. That means you should bring your “water routine” with you. If you plan to snorkel, get your gear on early. If you want photos, get them before the water action starts.

The good news is that Crystal Lagoon is typically “no extra add-on cost” for access during the tour—no separate admission ticket is needed for this stop. You still want to keep an eye on weather and wind, because lagoons can change quickly. That’s also why this is a private charter: the skipper can adjust the timing and exact positioning if conditions make sense.

Blue Lagoon at a calmer pace than the shore

Next up is the Blue Lagoon, usually around two hours. This is the stop everyone talks about, and it’s popular—so the benefit of being on a boat matters. From the water, you’re not in the crush of the shoreline. Even when people are active on land, you can often find a calmer pocket to swim.

One smart approach: treat Blue Lagoon as “two-phase time.” Spend your first part getting in the water and snorkeling while the crew helps you set up. Then shift to calmer swimming once you’ve found the spot that feels right for you—shallow, comfortable, and not too bouncy. If you’re on the water for that long, don’t feel like you must do everything at once.

If you’re thinking about paying extra attention to crowds, consider this: the Blue Lagoon in particular has lots of activity. But you can still have a great experience on a charter because your skipper aims for sailing-friendly conditions, not walking-friendly traffic. That’s the whole point of private.

Admission is handled like the other stops, with no extra ticket mentioned for this part of the day. The time you’re paying for is time on the water—moving, anchoring, and then actually enjoying the swim.

St. Paul’s Bay and St. Paul’s Islands: the story behind the sail

After Comino’s lagoon time, you’ll head to St. Paul’s Bay, roughly a 30-minute stop. It’s tied to a famous chapter of Malta’s story: it’s the place where St. Paul was shipwrecked. Even if you don’t care much about religious history, it adds meaning to the coastline. You’re sailing past locations that have been watched and told about for a long time, and that context changes how the coast feels.

This stop also works as a “reset moment.” You’ve spent time anchored and swimming, so a shorter stop is a good rhythm break. It gives you a chance to reposition, enjoy the views without rushing, and get ready for the harbour moments later.

On a private charter, your skipper can also explain what you’re seeing in plain terms—how the coast is shaped, why certain areas are better for swimming, and what to look for from the boat. When the skipper takes a “talk as we sail” approach, the whole day feels less like transport and more like a shared outing.

Passing Sliema and sailing north: how the route helps you see Malta

The route isn’t just “go to Comino and return.” You also sail past Malta’s north coast sights and get a different perspective on everyday shoreline.

Sliema is one of the best examples. Seeing a dense seafront from the water gives you a sense of scale. You understand where the city meets the sea, how access points work, and where boats tend to stop when they’re waiting for calm water.

Your skipper will also decide how much time to spend sailing versus anchored. The day’s stated duration is about 8 hours 30 minutes, and real-world timing can feel closer to about nine hours depending on conditions and how fast you move between tasks. Because of that, your best strategy is simple: show up on time, and don’t “plan to start later.” A late start is a classic way to lose the good part of the day. You’ll still sail, but the best anchoring time can shrink.

Snorkeling gear and 2 SUP boards: practical fun you don’t have to organize

What I like here is that the equipment is included. You get snorkelling equipment and 2 stand-up paddle boards as part of the charter. That’s not just a nice-to-have. It changes how the day feels, because you’re not waiting around for activities. When the boat anchors, you can choose your own mix of water time:

• Swim and float
• Snorkel at your pace
• Take a turn on a paddle board
• Jump in and cool off when the sun gets strong

For couples, it’s a great shared setup: one person snorkeling while the other paddles, then you trade. For families, it’s a built-in way to keep everyone entertained without everyone needing their own separate plans.

Also, there’s free-flow water included. That’s a small detail, but it helps you avoid the midday panic of running out of drinks once you’re in the sun and water for hours.

If you’re sensitive to sun, bring your own sunscreen and a hat. The boat can be sunny and breezy at the same time, so you might feel comfortable until you check your shoulders.

Optional BBQ lunch: when it’s worth it, and when you should bring your own

Food is the one part of the day that can swing in value depending on what you choose. The base experience lists food and drinks as not included. But the overall concept includes an option for a fresh barbecue meal with drinks and extra nibbles.

Here’s the honest tradeoff: BBQ onboard can be great because it saves you from thinking about meals. But it can also steal some of the precious time you want to spend in calmer water. One practical idea is to treat lunch as “efficient fuel,” not a long sit-down.

You might also want to consider bringing your own food and drinks. People report that this operator allows outside food and drink, unlike some other charters. That can help you control price and timing. If you’re the type who hates paying premium prices for boat meals, ask ahead about what’s permitted and what storage options you’ll have on board.

If you do order the BBQ, it sounds like the meals are genuinely cooked well—many people mention the food being fresh and a highlight of the day. If you’re celebrating (honeymoons, birthdays), the lunch option can add to the “special day” feel.

Either way, pack for the sun. If you’re not getting a full meal included, you’ll want snacks ready for the hours when you’re out of the water and catching the wind.

Skippers are the real secret sauce: plan around their style

This is a private charter, so the skipper’s approach shapes the whole day. The best captains do two things at once: they keep you safe and they read the group. People praise skippers who ask what you want—sailing, swimming, quieter stops—and then adjust the day to match.

Several skipper names come up repeatedly in the experience, including Captain Terry, Captain Steve, Captain Nick, Captain Niki, Captain Yuri, Captain Josh, Captain James, Captain Maurizio, Captain Maurice, and Captain Terrance. Meeting one of these skippers (or someone with the same calm, friendly style) can turn the charter into more than a sightseeing trip. You get explanations of what you’re seeing, plus small sailing touches that make it feel alive.

One practical note: if you’re the type who wants lots of conversation from the cockpit, you might prefer more time in shared seating. Some captains have guests spend lots of time on the foredeck sunbathing, which can mean less chatting in the middle of sailing. Just know that the day’s vibe can be “quiet scenic time” as much as “tour guide storytelling time.”

Price and value: when $707.44 per group makes sense

The price listed is $707.44 per group (up to 2) for about 8.5 hours. That’s not cheap. But private sailing is expensive because you’re paying for boat + fuel + skipper time, and you’re paying for comfort and access that public boats can’t replicate.

Where this starts to feel like good value:

• You want to avoid crowds at Comino’s best water spots.
• You care about customization—choosing the kind of day you want.
• You’re using included extras like snorkel gear and SUP boards.
• You’re celebrating something and want the day to feel “yours.”

Where it might not feel worth it:

• If you’re mainly looking for a quick ferry-and-swim day.
• If you won’t use the on-water activities (snorkel/SUP).
• If you expect a long land-based sightseeing day. This is a time-on-the-water experience, not a walking tour.

My rule of thumb: if your ideal day includes real swimming time, not just photos, a private charter can be money well spent. If your priority is budget, you may prefer public options and spend the savings on food, buses, or a different Malta activity.

Tips to make the day run smooth (and keep the swim time)

Here are the small, high-impact moves that help:

1. Start on time. The difference between 9:00 and 10:00 can be the difference between “nice swim” and “short swim.”
2. Decide your water priorities early: snorkeling, paddling, or mostly floating.
3. Pack a simple sun kit: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a dry bag for your phone.
4. If you’re choosing BBQ onboard, treat it as a short break so you don’t lose too much anchoring time.
5. Bring water-friendly clothes you can rinse off easily. Malta sun + sea air is not subtle.

Also, ask your skipper what the plan is for the day’s balance: how many anchoring stops feel right, and how weather might change the exact route. On a private boat, you’re allowed to steer the day—within safety limits.

Should you book this private sailing charter in Malta?

Book it if you want a private day on the water with included snorkeling and SUP boards, and you’re set on seeing Comino’s lagoon areas like Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon without turning your whole vacation into a queue.

I’d skip it (or reconsider) if you mainly want a budget-friendly “see the sights” day on foot. This is about sea time. The best parts happen when you’re in the water, not when you’re waiting around.

If you’re flexible, you’ll get a better day. Weather matters here, and a skipper can only work with what the sea gives them. When conditions are right, this feels like Malta at full volume: harbours at the start and end, Comino’s water in the middle, and enough freedom for your own pace.

FAQ

How long is the private day sailing charter?

It runs about 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where does the sailing charter start and end?

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

What does the charter include for water activities?

Snorkelling equipment is included, and there are 2 stand-up paddle boards included.

Is food included?

Food and drinks are not included as part of the base experience. A fresh barbecue meal can be added as an option, but you’ll want to plan for snacks and beverages if you don’t add lunch.

What route and stops are included during the day?

You’ll sail out from Kalkara Marina in the Valletta Grand Harbour area, head north past St. Paul’s Islands to Comino for lagoons like Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, stop at St. Paul’s Bay, and pass by Sliema’s seafront on the way up north. You’ll also show you around Valletta Grand Harbour at the end.

Are admission fees required for the main stops?

No admission ticket fees are listed for Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and St. Paul’s Bay as part of the experience.

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.

What group size is this for?

It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates. The price is listed per group (up to 2), and you’ll get confirmation based on availability.