Private Day Sailing Boat Charter

Malta’s best coastal moments often happen away from the shore, and this private sailing charter gives you eight and a half hours to find them. You can cruise from Kalkara toward Comino, stop at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, and ask your skipper to trade busy swimming spots for quieter coves. The route can bend with the weather and your mood.

I like the freedom to spend more time swimming, snorkeling, or using the two paddleboards instead of following a fixed group schedule. I also like the human touch: skippers such as David, Terry, Nick, James, and Maurizio have tailored days around honeymoons, birthdays, children, mobility needs, and simple requests to avoid crowds. The main catch is time. The trip includes a fair amount of sailing, so arriving late or lingering over a barbecue can cut into your hours in the water.

Key points before you book

• Eight and a half hours from Kalkara: The boat leaves from Kalkara Marina in Valletta Grand Harbour and returns there.
• Comino’s famous water: Crystal Lagoon gets about an hour, while Blue Lagoon gets about two hours, though the skipper may adjust the plan.
• Private means flexible: Only your group takes part, with stops shaped around weather, swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.
• Water gear is included: You get snorkeling equipment, free-flowing water, fuel, a skipper, and two stand-up paddleboards.
• Lunch costs extra: You can choose a barbecue and drinks option, or bring your own food and beverages.
• The best value comes with a full boat: At $707.44 for up to two people, the price is easier to justify for a small group sharing the charter.

Starting at Kalkara Marina in Valletta Grand Harbour

Your day begins at Sailing Charters Malta, Pontoon F, Triq ir-Regatta 1969, Kalkara KKR 1390. This is more than a practical departure point. Kalkara sits inside Valletta Grand Harbour, one of Malta’s great natural settings, so the first and final parts of the trip already offer fine views before you reach Comino.

The boat returns to this same marina. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to arrange your own way to Kalkara. The meeting point is near public transport, but the supplied details do not promise a transfer service. Allow enough time to arrive before departure, since a late start can cost you precious swimming time.

The charter lasts about eight hours and thirty minutes. That sounds generous, and it is, but the route north takes time. You may pass the Sliema waterfront, sail by St. Paul’s Islands, and continue toward Comino. If you want the most time in the lagoons, start on time and resist treating the first hour as disposable.

Sailing north past Sliema and St. Paul’s Islands

The outward trip is part of the experience, not just transport. From the harbor, the boat heads north past the Sliema waterfront and toward St. Paul’s Islands. The route gives you a different view of Malta’s coast, with the skipper pointing out places along the way when conditions allow.

The actual amount of commentary can vary. Some skippers, including Nick and Maurizio, have shared stories about Malta, boating, and their own sailing careers. Nick has also given a sailing lesson, and Maurizio allowed a passenger to take the helm when conditions were suitable. Other parts of the day may be quieter, especially when the skipper is focused on handling the boat safely.

That balance matters. This is not a full-time guided history tour. Your skipper’s first job is to operate the yacht and keep you safe. If you want more explanation, ask early in the day. If you prefer sun, sea, and silence, the private format lets you keep conversation to a minimum.

Crystal Lagoon: one hour in clear water

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about an hour and is one of the day’s major stops. Its clear water and enclosed feel make it a fine place for a swim or snorkel. The boat gives you access to the water without requiring you to join a large group excursion.

You receive snorkeling equipment, and the two stand-up paddleboards give you another way to enjoy the bay. You can swim from the boat, look below the surface, or paddle at your own pace. The charter does not promise a particular marine life sighting, so think of snorkeling here as a chance to enjoy the water rather than a formal wildlife tour.

One hour passes quickly. If you want time to swim, snorkel, and use a paddleboard, tell the skipper what matters most. A private charter helps because the schedule is not built around a whole boatload of strangers, but the day still has a practical limit.

Blue Lagoon: famous, beautiful, and often busy

Blue Lagoon receives about two hours in the planned route. The water is the star here, with the pale color that has made Comino one of Malta’s most popular stops. You can swim from the yacht and enjoy the view without having to spend the whole visit on shore.

Do not expect the lagoon to feel private. Blue Lagoon can be very busy, especially near the shore. The good news is that the crowd tends to be most obvious on land, while the boat lets you reach the water directly. The skipper can also anchor in a quieter position or move elsewhere if the conditions and traffic make another cove more appealing.

This is where the private format earns its keep. You can see Blue Lagoon, then ask for a calmer location rather than spending all day beside the main crowd. One couple used the boat for a quick look at Blue Lagoon and gave more of their time to quieter areas. That is sensible. Use the charter for places that are hard to reach by ferry, and visit the famous lagoon separately if you want a longer stay among the shore facilities.

St. Paul’s Bay and the return through the harbor

St. Paul’s Bay is included as a 30-minute stop. It is associated with the shipwreck of St. Paul, giving the stop a clear historical connection as well as a chance to see another part of Malta’s coast. The stay is short, so treat it as a scenic and cultural pause rather than a full visit ashore.

The return route brings you back toward Valletta Grand Harbour. This final entrance may be one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. Keep your camera ready and do not pack up too early. The harbor’s walls, waterfront, and tightly arranged historic setting look especially good from the water.

The planned route also includes passing the Sliema waterfront. Weather, sea conditions, and your wishes can change the order or length of stops. A good skipper may spend less time at one place to find calmer water somewhere else. That is not a flaw in the itinerary. It is one of the practical benefits of sailing rather than following a rigid bus schedule.

What your skipper adds to the day

The boat is only half the experience. The skipper shapes the day, and the names connected with this charter include David, Terry, Nick, James, Josh, Yuri, Steve, Nik, Niki, and Maurizio. The exact skipper depends on the date, but the pattern is clear: you should expect a friendly host who asks what you want before setting the route.

David has been praised for clear communication and for helping guests sort out details before departure. Terry has been described as relaxed, attentive, and happy to share information about Malta and sailing. James has kept both older children and a toddler occupied, while Josh adapted the route when the sea was choppy and took the group into calmer lagoons.

Families can ask for a route that suits children, and couples can shape the day around a honeymoon, birthday, or proposal. One skipper helped a passenger with mobility issues get on and off the boat. That is encouraging, but you should still discuss your needs in advance because the supplied information does not describe the boat’s exact accessibility arrangements.

Do not assume every skipper will give a running commentary. If cultural information matters to you, say so at the start. If your priority is swimming and quiet, say that instead. The best use of a private charter is to make your preferences known early.

Lunch, drinks, and the real cost of the charter

The listed price is $707.44 per group of up to two people. Fuel, taxes, the skipper, water, snorkeling equipment, and two paddleboards are included. Food and other drinks are not included, so the final price depends on how you handle lunch.

A barbecue can be added, and the food has received strong praise, including swordfish and a Maltese platter. Fresh food cooked on board sounds appealing, especially for a full day at sea. Still, lunch takes time. If you only have a few hours in Malta, a cold meal brought from shore may be cheaper and faster.

The operator allows you to bring your own food and drinks, which gives you useful control over both cost and timing. Water is supplied, but do not assume other drinks are free unless you have arranged them. Ask about the barbecue menu and price before booking if the meal is important to you.

For two people, the cost is a serious splurge. For a group sharing the private boat, the calculation improves, though the advertised rate specifically covers up to two people and any larger-party pricing should be confirmed before booking. Compared with a standard ferry or crowded group cruise, you are paying for control, personal space, and the ability to change the route. If you only want to reach Blue Lagoon, public transport on the water will cost less. If you want a full day with a skipper, equipment, and flexible stops, the charter has a stronger case.

Swimming, snorkeling, paddleboards, and sailing time

The included equipment makes the day easy to use. Snorkeling gear is provided, and two paddleboards are available. You can swim directly from the boat, sunbathe, paddle, or ask about sailing instruction when conditions permit.

The boat is not a floating resort with endless activities. Your enjoyment depends on how much you like being at sea. One family had children aged 11 and two and a half who stayed entertained all day, while another passenger who felt queasy received care from the skipper. Sea conditions can be choppy, and the skipper may move into sheltered bays when needed.

Bring a practical attitude. The sea may not cooperate with every plan, and a lagoon can be crowded or affected by jellyfish. The crew can adjust the route, but they cannot guarantee perfect water, empty bays, or a certain number of snorkeling stops.

Who gets the most from this private day

I would recommend this charter most strongly to couples, families, and small groups who value privacy over the lowest possible price. It works well for a honeymoon or birthday, and the private setting makes it easier to mark a special day without sharing the boat with strangers.

It also suits people who have already seen Malta’s main sights and want a new view of the coast. You can ask for calm water, less crowded bays, or more time under sail. Families can request a route that keeps children active, while a couple can favor quiet coves and a long swim.

You may want a different option if you dislike boats, need a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour, or mainly want to visit Blue Lagoon itself. A group ferry can handle that job for less money. This charter makes sense when the journey, the skipper, and the freedom to change plans matter as much as the destination.

The experience is marked as suitable for most participants, with no minimum age requirement. It requires good weather, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund if poor weather forces cancellation. Your own cancellation is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so book only when your plans are firm.

Should you book this Malta sailing charter?

Book it if you want a full day on the water and are willing to pay for a private setting. Start on time, bring a cold lunch if you want to maximize swimming, and ask the skipper to focus on quieter coves rather than spending every minute at Blue Lagoon.

Skip it if your budget is tight or your main goal is simply to see one famous lagoon. For everyone else, the combination of Comino’s clear water, a flexible route, included water gear, and a personable skipper can make this one of Malta’s strongest splurges. The final sail back into Grand Harbour is a fitting last look at the island from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the private sailing charter start and finish?

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

How long does the charter last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours and thirty minutes.

What is included in the price?

Taxes, fuel, the skipper and guide, free-flowing water, snorkeling equipment, and two stand-up paddleboards are included.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can opt to arrange a barbecue meal and may bring your own food and drinks.

Which locations does the boat visit?

The planned route can include Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, St. Paul’s Bay, Valletta Grand Harbour, the Sliema waterfront, and areas around Comino. The skipper may adjust the route based on weather and your preferences.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.