Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter

Gozo and Comino look different from the sea. What I like most is the chance to linger over crystal-clear water in secluded coves, and then actually play in it with kayak and paddle board. The one thing to plan for is that wind can affect how much swimming time you get, though the skipper knows how to keep the day fun.

This is a full-day, private-feeling sail with enough space to relax, plus multiple breaks to explore caves and marine life. With skipper Peter at the helm, the vibe tends to be easy and hands-on, not rushed, even for mixed groups. I also like that you get real sailing time rather than a fast stop-and-go tour.

Key Points Before You Sail

• 14-meter sailboat with 3 cabins for comfortable lounging and resting between swim stops
• Multiple anchor-and-swim stops so you are not just taking photos, you are in the water
• Snorkeling equipment plus kayak and paddle board included for active time on the sea
• Skipper Peter focuses on finding the best spots and keeping the schedule comfortable
• BBQ is on board (bring your own food), paired with snacks and Prosecco
• Group up to 11 means it can feel social for families and friends, without being crowded

A Real Gozo and Comino Sailing Day Starts With Water That Changes Color

If you want Malta to feel like more than a coastline drive-by, this is the right idea. You spend the day sailing around Gozo and Comino, with time to drop anchor, relax, and then jump in where the water looks clear enough to count rocks at the bottom.

The best part for me is how the charter is built around water time, not just sightseeing. You are not rushing from one tight viewing spot to the next. Instead, you get repeated chances to hover near cliffs, float in quiet bays, and explore underwater life when conditions allow. And because it is a sailboat, you tend to get that slower rhythm that makes the island feel bigger.

Your 14-Meter Sailboat, 3 Cabins, and the Gear That Makes It Worth It

This charter is on a well-equipped 14-meter sailboat with full access to the 3 cabins. That matters more than it sounds. When you are out for 8 hours, having places to sit, rest, and cool down between swimming rounds keeps the day comfortable instead of turning into one long sun-and-sweat session.

On top of that, the boat comes with the key toys that turn a swim stop into an actual plan:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddle board
• Kayak
• A hammock for quiet time

What makes this feel like good value is that these are not just “optional activities” you have to figure out. You show up, use what is provided, and spend less of the day organizing logistics.

Meet Skipper Peter: The Difference Between a Tour and a Sail

In the comments from recent groups, one name comes up again and again: skipper Peter. And the pattern is consistent. He is described as welcoming, attentive, and patient, especially when families or mixed groups are involved.

You can feel this kind of hosting in two ways. First, Peter seems to balance time on the water with the reality of wind. In one case, the group still got swimming time even though the wind was up. Second, he encourages people to actually use the toys, not just look at them from the deck.

If you are traveling with kids, friends, or a group with different energy levels, this is a big deal. You still get variety, but the day does not become chaotic. It stays organized while letting you do your thing.

Choosing Your Departure: Marfa Jetty or Mgarr Harbor (Gozo)

The day starts with departures from Marfa Jetty or Mgarr Harbor Gozo. That affects how you time the rest of your Malta day.

If you are basing yourself around Malta, starting from Marfa Jetty can be convenient. If you are already spending time on Gozo, leaving from Mgarr Harbor keeps the day connected to where you are staying and cuts down on back-and-forth. Either way, you are setting off toward Gozo and Comino, with the boat handling the “how do we reach that place?” problem.

Practical tip: get to the meeting point early enough to settle in before departure. Once you are moving, the day rolls quickly into sailing and swim planning.

What You Do All Day: Cruise, Anchor, Swim, Explore Caves

The charter takes you along parts of Gozo and Comino that are easier to reach by boat than by road. The focus is on the coastline scenery and the secluded bays, plus crystal-clear lagoons and private coves.

The practical rhythm looks like this:

1. Sail along the coast and admire the cliffs from the water
2. Reach a swim stop area
3. Drop anchor and give you time to swim and explore
4. Use the snorkeling and water toys when conditions allow
5. Move on again when it is time for the next set of coves

A key detail is that you get multiple swim stops, not just one long break. That changes the feel of the day because you can adapt. If one spot is busy with boats or if the wind shifts, you still have another chance later.

During swim times, you can also explore caves and marine life. The charter is designed for that kind of “look around, then play” pacing. It is not a scripted checklist where everyone has to do the same thing at the same moment.

Snorkeling, Kayak, and Paddle Board: How to Plan Your Water Time

You do not just get the locations, you get the gear. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you also have paddle board and kayak access.

Here is the value in having all three:

• Snorkeling is best for short, easy exploration when you spot something interesting underwater.
• Kayak lets you move at your own pace from the anchoring area, ideal if you want a calmer route around coves.
• Paddle board is the fun option when conditions are calm enough to stay balanced and enjoy the views.

I also like the way these options reduce boredom. Some travelers love swimming but do not want to snorkel for long. Others want snorkeling, then switch to kayak. Having options means the day keeps flowing without anyone feeling left out.

If you want a simple strategy, do snorkeling first while you are freshest, then switch to paddle board or kayak for the longer, more leisurely part of the swim window. And if wind picks up, listen to the skipper and shift to the safest activity that still lets you enjoy the water.

The Cliff Views Are the Main Event, Not a Bonus Photo

Gozo and Comino are famous for scenery, and this charter puts you at the right angle to appreciate it. You are not viewing cliffs from a parking lot. You are out on the sea, where the scale feels real and the edges of the island look taller and sharper.

At anchor, you often get a different mood too. The boat can make the coves feel private, and the calm water makes swimming feel more like a relaxing break than a chore. It is the kind of day where you look up between swim rounds and realize you are surrounded by coastlines, caves, and hidden corners you never saw from shore.

BBQ on Board: Bring Food to Grill, Then Keep It Simple

The charter includes a BBQ setup, but you bring your own food to grill. That is a smart arrangement for two reasons.

First, it gives you control over what you eat. If your group wants chicken, vegetables, or something easy, you can match it to preferences. Second, it avoids the problem of paying for food you might not love, while still giving you a proper meal moment during the day.

Along with the BBQ experience, you get water, soft drinks, snacks, and Prosecco. That means you can go from swimming to eating without needing to leave the boat or hunt for a café.

Practical tip: if you are bringing food, keep it simple and pack it in a way that makes it easy for the skipper to grill. You do not want a complicated cooking plan that slows everything down.

Timing, Wind, and Comfort: The Things That Affect Your Day

Sailing in Malta can be spectacular, but you are still dealing with sea conditions. One of the strengths of the charter is that the skipper can adjust. In at least one recent experience, wind did not ruin the day, and the group still enjoyed swimming.

What you should take from that as a practical traveler is this: go in with flexibility. The goal is time on the water, and if conditions shift, the skipper will steer the day to keep you comfortable.

Comfort-wise, the boat’s setup helps. The hammock and cabin access make it easy to reset between swim stops. And since it is a 3 cabin sailboat with a full-day plan, you are not stuck just standing in the sun the entire time.

Price for a Private Group: When $823 Per Group Makes Sense

The listed price is $823 per group up to 11 for an 8-hour charter. That can sound high or reasonable depending on your group size and what you compare it to.

Here is how I think about the value:

• If you split the cost across a larger group, the per-person cost can drop quickly.
• You are getting a skipper, fuel, port fees, and a full day on a 14-meter sailboat.
• You also get included gear: snorkeling equipment, kayak, paddle board.
• Food and drinks are partially handled too, with snacks, Prosecco, water, and soft drinks, plus BBQ grilling if you bring the food.

So the charter tends to be a great deal when you have friends or family who genuinely want an all-day sea experience with activities included. If you are only two people, it may still be worth it for the privacy and gear, but you should weigh it against other Malta tours that are cheaper per person.

Who This Sailing Charter Fits Best (Family Groups and Mixed Crews)

This feels especially well-suited for:

• Families with kids who want swimming and toys, not just sightseeing
• Friend groups that want a shared day with space to relax
• Travelers who prefer a smaller group feel compared with big boat excursions

One recent group included adults and kids together, and they described the day as amazing while using kayak and paddle board. Another group of friends was described as lively, and the skipper stayed patient and professional.

That tells me the day works when everyone is not exactly the same kind of traveler. You can take turns with activities, spread out across the boat, and still share the main moments, like cliffs, caves, and that moment when you drop anchor and the water looks like it belongs on a postcard.

Should You Book This Full Day Charter?

Book it if you want a calmer, more active day at sea than shore tours can offer. This charter makes sense when you care about actual swimming time, snorkeling gear, and the freedom to use kayak and paddle board when the sea conditions are right. The combination of multiple swim stops, a well-equipped 14-meter sailboat, and a skipper like Peter who keeps things welcoming and unhurried is a strong match.

Skip it or consider other options if you are very sensitive to wind and changes in outdoor schedules, because the day can shift based on conditions. Also, if you hate bringing and planning your own BBQ food, you might feel less enthusiasm since the charter has you bring what you want grilled.

If you are traveling with a group of up to 11 and you want a true day on the water in Gozo and Comino, this is the kind of experience that tends to turn into the trip highlight you keep talking about later.

FAQ

How long is the sailing charter?

It is an 8-hour full day sailing charter.

Where do departures happen?

Departures are from Marfa Jetty or Mgarr Harbor Gozo.

What water activities are included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and you also have access to a paddle board and a kayak.

Is there food and drink included?

Yes. Snacks, soft drinks, Prosecco, and water are included. There is also a BBQ, and you bring your own food to grill.

What is the group size and price?

The price is $823 per group up to 11 people.

What are the cancellation and payment options?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there is a reserve now and pay later option so you can book without paying today.