Private Day Sailing Boat Charter

Malta looks different from a private boat. I love how quickly you can get away from crowds while still hitting headline waters like Crystal Lagoon, and I love that the skipper builds the day around what you want to do in the bays. The only real catch is time management, most of your 8.5 hours is spent sailing between anchor spots, so starting late (or moving slowly) can shrink your swim time.

This is built for a calmer kind of sightseeing. You leave from Kalkara Marina in Valletta Grand Harbour, sail north past St. Paul’s Islands, then spend meaningful time around Comino, where the water is clear enough to make snorkeling feel easy.

You’ll also have real freedom once you’re stopped. You can swim, snorkel, use the included SUP boards, and take breaks whenever you want, but the weather can affect the plan, and sea conditions can make the ride a bit bumpy.

Key things I’d zero in on before booking

• Private route control with a human captain: you can share your preferences and get a plan that fits the weather and your pace.
• Two Comino lagoon stops built into one day: Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are both included, with time to actually get in the water.
• Water play is included: snorkelling equipment plus 2 stand-up paddle boards mean you are not paying extra once on board.
• Optional BBQ, with tradeoffs: it can be delicious, but it eats into the limited time you have in the best water.
• Valletta Grand Harbour at the start and end: you get the “big harbour” views, not just a quick pass.

Getting aboard at Kalkara Marina and the Valletta Grand Harbour wow-factor

The experience starts and ends at Kalkara Marina, Pontoon F, inside the same area that gives you access to Valletta Grand Harbour. That matters, because you are not fighting a complicated meetup or long transfers, you’re stepping into a day on the water right away.

Valletta’s harbour is a big visual moment. You’ll see the waterfront from the sea, and the way you return through it at the end feels more like closing a loop than simply “wrapping up.”

If you’re arriving the day of, I’d plan to be on time and ready to move. A private day is smooth when everyone is ready when the skipper is ready.

Sailing north past St. Paul’s Islands toward Comino

After leaving Kalkara, the typical plan heads north of the island. One of the most scenic early segments is the sail past St. Paul’s Islands, then onward toward Comino, with breaks planned for swimming and snorkeling.

Comino is where this charter earns its reputation. The reason is simple: you get access to bays and sea cave areas you would never reach the same way on public routes. Even when you’re just sailing between stops, you’re looking at Malta from angles most people only see from shore.

Bring a layer for the boat ride. Even in good weather, you may feel cooler once you’re out moving.

Crystal Lagoon: the first big swim stop with about an hour on location

Crystal Lagoon is the first named lagoon stop on the day, with about an hour scheduled. That timing can work well if you treat it like your “jump in early” moment, not an extended hangout on the deck.

What I like about a dedicated stop here is that it’s not just a look. You have time to swim, snorkel, and use the included gear while the light and water conditions are still in your favor.

A practical note: don’t over-plan lunch timing or long changing delays at the first stop. If you want real time in the water, keep your transition routine simple.

Blue Lagoon: how you enjoy it, without it running your day

Blue Lagoon is usually the star for a reason, but it can also be the busiest spot. The good news with this charter style is that your skipper can choose where you anchor and how you time your swimming, which can make a huge difference.

You’ll have about two hours here. That’s long enough to get in for a couple swims, snorkel for a stretch, and still have time to relax on board. It also helps to have your own cadence, since some days people want extra water time, while others are happier drifting and sunning.

One thing to watch for is the mess factor. On at least some days, conditions like jellyfish can affect how you enjoy the water, so be ready to follow the skipper’s call on where to swim. If you’re sensitive, ask early what the water is like where they plan to stop.

St. Paul’s Bay, plus a pass by Sliema’s seafront

You also get a stop around St. Paul’s Bay, tied to the area where St. Paul’s shipwreck story is associated, with about 30 minutes allocated. This is a shorter segment, so think of it as a “context and views” stop rather than a deep shore excursion.

On the sail back north, you also pass by Sliema’s seafront. Even if you’ve seen Sliema before, sea views are different. You get a sense of the coastline layout and where the main towns sit along the water.

If your ideal day is mostly water time, you’ll probably feel happy with these shorter stops. You’re not dragged into long, on-foot stretches.

On-board extras: snorkelling equipment and two SUP boards

The charter includes snorkelling equipment and 2 stand-up paddle boards. For a first-time boat day, this is a big deal because it removes the “what do we do now?” problem.

Snorkelling tends to be easiest when you have guidance on where to enter and when to move. The skipper can steer you toward calmer water areas, which keeps the experience fun instead of tiring.

For SUP boards, timing is everything. When the boat is anchored and conditions are calm, it’s a perfect use of the included gear. When conditions aren’t ideal, you can still enjoy the day by focusing on swimming and deck time.

Also, there’s free-flow water on board. That sounds minor until you’re out for hours and realize you don’t have to ration drinks or hunt for them between swims.

BBQ lunch on the boat, and the best way to choose

Food is where this charter gets personal, because food and drinks are not included by default. You can include a fresh barbecue meal, plus drinks and other nibbles, if you choose that option.

The key tradeoff is time. One couple noted that BBQ sounds great, but it can eat into your valuable bay time. I agree with that logic. If the water is calling, you don’t want the meal to turn your best swim windows into waiting.

At the same time, lunch can be a highlight. Several groups praised the BBQ as fresh and well cooked, including one mention of swordfish being beautifully prepared. So the real answer is: pick the food option if you want a built-in, low-effort meal. Skip it, or keep it simple, if you want to maximize time in the lagoons.

A smart strategy if you’re watching cost or timing: you may be able to bring your own food and drinks, since this operator has been described as allowing that. If you plan to do it, confirm what’s easiest for the skipper and what kind of storage is available on your specific boat.

How skippers shape the day, from Terry to Yuri to Steve

The biggest difference between a private charter and a public trip is the person at the helm. In this case, the skipper is the guide, the safety lead, and the day designer.

I saw several captains praised for being warm, patient, and willing to tailor the route. Names that came up include Captain Terry, Captain David, Captain Steve, Captain Nick, Captain Yuri, Captain Niki, Captain Josh, Captain James, and Captain Maurizio. The common thread is simple: they ask what you care about, then they shape the route around it.

A couple of examples of how that personalization can show up:

• If you want fewer crowds, the skipper can look for quieter swim pockets while still covering the famous lagoons.
• If kids or mobility needs are part of the day, some skippers are reported as adjusting how the day runs, including helping with getting on and off the boat.
• If you want to do a little sailing, some captains even offer hands-on moments when conditions allow.

One more practical point: because the skipper’s first job is safety, they will not prioritize fun if the sea state is rough. That can mean adjusting plans, and that’s not a failure, it’s good seamanship.

Weather and sea conditions, the real “fine print” that affects comfort

This experience requires good weather. If the day gets canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Even when the day goes ahead, sea conditions can still be choppy. One group described a beautiful day even with some chop, and another noted that the captain found safer, calmer water for swimming. That’s the value of having a skipper who can read the conditions in real time.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider packing your usual remedy. And aim to keep your day flexible, since the best plan is the one the captain can safely execute that day.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is listed at $707.44 per group, up to 2. That sounds high compared to a ferry ticket, but it’s not the same product.

You’re paying for:

• a private boat day rather than shared public schedules
• fuel, taxes, and a skipper/guide included in the charter format
• included snorkeling gear plus two SUP boards
• the ability to anchor in calmer water pockets and time your swims

In other words, you’re not paying just for transportation. You’re paying for access, time flexibility, and a route that can reduce the “everyone is doing the same thing at the same time” feeling.

Also, this is often booked about 26 days in advance. That’s a clue that people plan this as a key part of their Malta trip, not a last-minute add-on.

Who should book this private sailing day (and who might not love it)

This charter fits best if you want one thing above all: water time with less crowd pressure. Couples on honeymoon got special praise for the romantic, calm feel. Families also liked it for keeping kids entertained with paddle boards and snorkeling.

It’s also a great pick if you like customization. One of the strongest notes from multiple captains is that they ask what you want, then they try to deliver it.

You might think twice if your main goal is shore sightseeing on foot. This day is water-first. The shore stops are short, and you spend most of your time at anchor or moving between bays.

Should you book this private sailing charter from Kalkara Marina?

If you’re the kind of person who reads the coastline like a story and wants to spend real time in the lagoons, I’d book it. The combination of Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon time, plus included snorkel gear and SUP boards, makes the day feel “complete” without feeling rushed.

If you’re on a tight budget, decide early how you want to handle lunch and drinks. Since food and drinks aren’t included by default, you’ll want to compare your preferred meal style, either choosing the BBQ option or bringing your own.

If you’re sensitive to sea motion, plan for that before you sail, and arrive on time so your water windows stay generous. When you get those basics right, this is the kind of Malta day that leaves you talking about the water long after you’re back on land.

FAQ

How long is the private day sailing charter?

It runs about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point for this experience?

You meet at Sailing Charters Malta Marina, Pontoon F, Triq ir-Regatta 1969, Kalkara KKR 1390, Malta. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this a private tour or shared experience?

It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What language is the experience offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Included are all taxes, free-flow water, fuel, a skipper/guide, snorkelling equipment, and 2 stand-up paddle boards.

Is food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. There is an option to include a fresh barbecue meal, plus drinks and other nibbles.

What activities can we do during the charter?

You can swim and snorkel, and you can also use the included stand-up paddle boards. The exact plan is adjusted by the skipper based on your preferences and the weather.

What happens if 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.