Full-Day Private Sailing Adventure in Malta and Gozo

Your day at sea has built-in freedom.

This private full-day sail on a 52-foot yacht is designed for maximum water time, with stops that focus on Malta, Comino, and Gozo from the comfort of your own boat. I love that you get to linger at swim spots instead of being herded along on a schedule, and I also like that snorkeling equipment plus a stand up paddle are part of the plan. One thing to consider up front: lunch and wine are not included, so if you want the onboard meal and drinks, plan for the extra add-on.

You start at Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex around 9:30 am and go for about 8 hours before returning to the same place. Malta and Gozo can mean changing conditions on the Mediterranean, and the captain may adjust the route to keep the day fun and safe. It’s also a near-public-transport meeting point, which makes the start easier than it sounds.

Key highlights worth booking

• Your own private charter for up to 11 people, so you control the pacing
• Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo, and Crystal Lagoon in one full-day outing
• Snorkeling gear and stand up paddle included, ready when you are
• On-board lunch and wine available for an extra charge, often cooked during swim time
• Weather-flexible routing if winds or seas shift how you’d like to spend the day
• Sergio and the crew’s laid-back hosting, plus a resident cat named Abi

Why a private sailing day on a 52-foot yacht is the real win in Malta

Malta is compact, so it’s easy to cram it into a day. The problem is that boats and beaches get crowded fast, and a “quick stop” turns into a rush. This private charter is built to avoid that. You get one group, one boat, and one captain making real-time choices.

The yacht itself matters. A 52-foot sailboat gives you space to move around, stretch out after swims, and still feel close to the water instead of stuck in a crowded little motorboat tunnel. The experience stays active, but not frantic, because you’re not waiting behind other groups for a turn at the water.

It’s also a good value structure for groups. The price is per group (up to 11), which can feel steep for two people, but it starts to look smarter once you spread the cost across a small group, family, or celebration.

The 9:30 am start at Ta’ Xbiex, then straight into the sea

You meet at Solevela Yacht Charters, Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex. Starting at 9:30 am helps you beat the day’s busiest cruise energy and still arrive at the first swim spot with enough daylight to enjoy it properly.

This is an English-offered tour, and the format is straightforward: confirm within 48 hours (subject to availability), show up at the marina, and settle in. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not have to plan a complicated pickup at the end of your day.

What I like for planning: it’s designed as a full-day sea outing, about 8 hours, so you’re not trying to squeeze it between lunch and dinner plans on a tight itinerary.

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon for clear-water swims, snorkels, and easy paddling

Blue Lagoon is the obvious headline stop, and for good reason. This is where the Maltese sea quality turns into the kind of clear water that makes swimming feel effortless. With snorkeling equipment included, you’re not stuck “hoping you can rent gear” after you arrive.

What you should expect is a swim-first rhythm. The boat stops, you jump in, and you get time to enjoy the water without constant call-backs from a guide. One of the most praised parts of the day is exactly this, the captain not rushing people who want a couple of swims or who simply want to float and watch the light.

Practical tip for Blue Lagoon: if the water is busy or conditions are choppy, ask the captain where the easiest entry points are. A good crew will pick the spot where you can get in and out without fighting waves.

Comino time: switching from “see it” to “live it”

Comino is where your day becomes more than scenery. You’re in the water, you’re taking in the cliffs from sea level, and you’re getting the kind of slow, flexible exploration that land tours rarely allow.

This is also a stop where timing can matter. If jellyfish are present at certain moments (yes, it happens), the captain can steer the day toward the more comfortable water spot and still keep your time feeling complete.

If you love small-boat freedom, Comino is the payoff: you get to choose how long you stay, and you get to come back on board when you want a break. Stand up paddle is part of the plan as well, so if the water is calm enough, you can add that extra layer of fun without paying for it separately.

Crystal Lagoon: the kind of swim stop that changes your whole day

Crystal Lagoon is the kind of name that can sound like a sales line. On the water, it tends to land differently. The focus here is on being able to jump in, snorkel, and paddle without the “where do I go next?” stress.

This stop is also ideal for photos and for that quiet moment when you realize you’re actually getting real time on the sea, not just passing by. From the way the day is hosted, the captain treats these stops as experiences, not checkboxes.

One more reason Crystal Lagoon works well in a private format: if the wind picks up, your captain can adjust the day. That might mean changing how you spend Gozo time, or shifting where you swim, but the goal stays the same, keeping the day enjoyable.

Gozo: a quieter island pace, sometimes adjusted for the sea

Island of Gozo is the moment you feel Malta and its neighbor islands connect in a single journey. From the boat, Gozo looks different than it does from a viewpoint or bus window. It has space, angles, and a real sense of “we’re not just skimming the coast.”

In a perfect world, you get time on Gozo as part of the day. In less perfect weather, you might not reach everything as planned. That’s not unusual in the Mediterranean. What you want is a captain who explains options clearly and keeps you in control of choices.

The best sign here is how the day is described by people who care about pace. The captain’s style is not rushing, and the route can adapt when winds or waves change how comfortable swimming will be. That means if you’re traveling with kids, or if you just want a smooth ride, you’ll appreciate a crew that prioritizes comfort while still getting you into the best water spots possible.

Lunch, wine, and what it really costs you to do it right

Here’s the deal: lunch and wine are not included in the base price. However, lunch and drinks can be added on board for an extra charge.

If you love food, this is where your day gets upgraded fast. The most repeated praise is that the captain cooks a proper meal on board, served in a way that fits the sea rhythm, and done while you’re already in the water or just returning from a swim. People even call it a highlight, with dishes like quiche, cacio e pepe, and fish pasta showing up in the stories.

So, how should you budget? Think of the base charter as the boat, fuel, skipper, snorkel gear, and the water-time toys. Then think of the add-on as the “vacation moment” that makes the day feel complete. If you want wine with the sunset view, you’re going to want to plan for it since alcohol is an extra purchase.

If you don’t want the lunch option, plan to bring your own snacks or food and use the boat’s cooler to store items. Water is available, so you’re not arriving empty-handed either.

The crew and the vibe: Sergio, Carla, and the cat Abi

A great charter is not just about stopping in the right places. It’s about how you feel when you’re on the boat for hours. The recurring theme is that Sergio is a calm, flexible host who does not force a timeline.

People also mention Carla alongside Sergio, and that matters because a two-person hosting style can make the whole day feel effortless. You’re not trying to hunt down the next instruction, and the little logistics like gear ready at the right moment tend to feel natural.

And yes, there’s a boat cat named Abi. It’s one of those small details that makes a private day feel more personal, the kind of character that makes the photos fun and the memories stick.

Weather and sea conditions: what good planning looks like

This experience requires good weather, and that’s not a detail to ignore. If wind and waves are strong, your captain may change the day to find a more sheltered approach or to keep the ride comfortable.

There are also stories of “windy days” that still turned out great, with the captain adjusting plans and seeking shelter so everyone could still enjoy dips and time in the water. The takeaway is simple: the day is flexible, and the captain communicates, but you should still show up ready for the possibility that the sea will not always behave.

What to bring:

• Swimwear and water shoes if you prefer easy footing when getting in
• A light layer for the ride if it’s cooler or breezy
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Snacks or extra drinks if you’re not adding the onboard lunch
• A towel, and if you use one, a dry bag for phone protection

One practical note from how the day is described: even when conditions change, people highlight that the captain works hard to keep the day magical. The better your expectations match the Mediterranean reality, the more you’ll enjoy the flexibility.

Price and value: $846.56 per group up to 11

At $846.56 per group (up to 11), the price looks different depending on your group size.

• For 2 people, it’s a luxury splurge, because you’re paying for a whole boat
• For 6 people, it becomes a solid “private day” value versus doing multiple paid tours
• For a full group near 11, the per-person cost drops a lot, and suddenly it competes well with standard tour pricing, while giving you way more control and privacy

What’s included in the base:

• Fuel and skipper
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Stand up paddle

What costs extra:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Lunch, though it’s offered for an extra charge

I like this pricing model because it keeps your options open. You can decide if you want the onboard meal upgrade or if you prefer the freedom to bring your own food and just pay for the sea time and gear.

And given the high rating and recommendation rate (4.9 with 99 ratings), the day seems to hit its mark when people go in with the right expectations about lunch and alcohol being add-ons.

Who this private charter is best for

This charter makes the most sense if you want:

• A private boat day without crowded logistics
• A balance of swimming and sightseeing by sea
• Freedom to set your own pace at each stop
• Snorkeling time and paddle time without separate rentals

It’s especially good for:

• Couples who want a special day and like flexibility
• Families with kids who need space, gear ready fast, and a calmer rhythm
• Friends celebrating birthdays or milestones, where a private format feels like the right level up

If you’re the type who wants a land itinerary with lots of walking, this is not that tour. It’s a time-on-the-water experience first, and the “what you do” is mostly swim, snorkel, paddle, relax, and enjoy the ride between lagoons.

Should you book Solevela’s full-day sailing adventure?

I’d book it if you care more about real sea time than checking off landmarks. If your idea of a perfect Malta day includes Blue Lagoon, Comino, and a relaxed, flexible schedule with snorkeling gear ready, this hits the brief.

I would think twice if:

• You want lunch and wine included in the base price, because they are not
• You dislike any weather-dependent variability, because the Mediterranean can shift quickly and the route may adapt

If you go in prepared, bring a swim-focused attitude, and decide early whether you want the onboard meal, you’re set up for a day that feels both personal and memorable, with the kind of water stops that make Malta hard to forget.

FAQ

What time does the sailing tour start?

It starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the full-day private sailing adventure?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is this tour private or shared?

It’s private, meaning only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Included: fuel and skipper, snorkeling equipment, and stand up paddle.

Is lunch and wine included?

No. Alcoholic beverages and lunch are not included, but lunch and wine may be available on board for an extra charge.

Where do we meet the boat?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

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