Sailing charter along the Maltese shoreline incl. Lunch and drinks

Sailing out of Senglea beats the crowded boats. This is a private sailing charter for your whole group, plus a planned stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon with time to swim and snorkel. What I like most is the home-cooked lunch on board and the captain’s local guidance. One thing to consider, the day depends on wind and weather, so the exact route can shift.

If you want a Malta day that feels unhurried and personal, this is a strong fit. The morning sail is long enough to feel like a real trip, and the afternoon return keeps it simple.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Private boat for up to 6 people, so you can set the pace.
• Comino and Blue Lagoon time with anchoring for swimming and snorkeling.
• Home-cooked lunch with multiple salads, cheese, cold cuts, and melon.
• Captain and crew local insights, including sailing tips and area context.
• Soft drinks, water, and coffee or tea included on board.
• SUP not included, so plan to swim or snorkel instead.

A Private Charter That Feels Like Your Own Day at Sea

This kind of charter is all about control. You are not timing your day around a fixed group schedule, and you are not sharing the boat with strangers who want something different than you do. With up to 6 people in the group, the vibe stays relaxed and conversational.

I also like that the captain runs a true sailing day, not just a sightseeing cruise. You get the slow, calming rhythm of a real sail, and the water time is built in, with anchoring for swim breaks.

The one potential snag is that the plan depends on conditions. The departure aims for Comino, but if the wind direction is wrong, another destination may be chosen.

Meet the Crew, Step Aboard, and Enjoy the Pace

You meet at Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Senglea for the 9:00 am start. There is a short briefing first, then you head out after that, not hours later. It helps a lot when you want a clean day plan without stress.

The boat is a sailing classic ketch, and the experience centers on the captain and crew making the day work. In practice, that means you get practical sailing talk and local context, not just a playlist and a camera checklist.

Also, this is not a stiff, sit-and-listen tour. Based on how the day tends to run, it feels like sailing with people who want you comfortable, whether you chat or mostly stay quiet and enjoy the sea.

Why the Morning Sail Matters (Comino Is About 2.5 Hours Out)

The itinerary is built around a 2.5-hour sail to Comino. That time is not filler. It is what separates this from a quick boat tour, and it is why the day feels like an actual excursion.

You will set off in the morning, and the destination can be Comino depending on the wind direction. If Comino does not work, you still get a similar style of experience elsewhere, so the day stays meaningful.

If you are the type who likes being active but not rushed, this timing works well. You are not sprinting between stops all day, and you still end up with a proper swim window.

Blue Lagoon Time: Anchoring Beats Parking at a Dock

The standout stop is Blue Lagoon, where you anchor and get time in the water. Once you arrive, there is a swim and snorkel window where you can float, swim, and explore at your own pace.

This is also where the day gets real in Malta. The water is clear enough that snorkeling feels worthwhile, and you can often find a calmer feel than you would on a busy schedule of short stops. Having your own boat helps a lot here, because you are not stuck with the constant movement of multiple groups.

You can also use a standup paddle board, but SUP use is not included. So if SUP is your must-do activity, check the cost or availability at booking, or plan to stick with swimming and snorkeling.

Swim and Snorkel Practical Tips for This Day

Bring swim basics, even if you think you will only float. Sunscreen matters because you are out on open water for hours, and a sun hat helps during the sail.

If you want an easy water experience, focus on swimming and snorkeling around the anchor area. You do not need to chase depth or distance. The day plan is designed for an afternoon break while the boat stays in place.

If you are sensitive to sun, plan for frequent shade breaks on board. The sail itself can be breezy, but once you are anchored the sun can hit hard.

Lunch on Board: The Mediterranean Diet, Not Just Sandwiches

Lunch is one of the best reasons to book. You stop for anchoring time, and while you are enjoying the water, lunch is prepared on board.

The menu you should expect centers on homemade salads and local flavors. Options include caprese with buffalo mozzarella, olives and cheese, plus chilled melon for dessert. Cold cuts are part of the meal too, with salami and prosciutto often served with baguette or olive bread.

What I like about this is that it is not fussy, but it is clearly thought through. You are eating something that fits the sea day, not a heavy meal that ruins the afternoon.

Diet note: salads may include octopus or shrimp. If you are vegetarian, you need to let the operator know when you book, so they can adjust.

Drinks and Comfort: Small Inclusions, Big Difference

You get soft drinks, bottled water, and coffee or tea included. These are the kind of details that stop a day from feeling nickel-and-dimed.

The charter format also helps with comfort. Because you are not in a packed boat with limited space, you can breathe. You can move around, get settled, and spend time on the water without feeling like you are on a conveyor belt.

And since this is your own group, you can treat the day like a hangout with a plan. Sit, snack, swim, talk. Repeat.

The Return to Senglea: A Clean Finish by 5 pm

Around 3:00 pm, you head back toward Senglea. The return is typically around 5:00 pm, so you still have time afterward for dinner or a relaxed stroll.

I like this timing because it keeps the day from turning into an all-night marathon. You get a full sailing experience and swim time, then you are back while the evening is still usable.

Back at the end, the activity finishes at the same meeting point in Senglea. That means you do not need extra planning for transport right after you sail.

Value for Money: What $768.98 for Up to 6 Really Buys

The price is $768.98 per group, for up to 6 people, for about 8 hours. That sounds high if you are comparing it to mass-market boat trips. But private is the point here.

Here is the value math that matters: you are paying to get a whole boat for your group, with a captain who can tailor the day and a lunch built in. For couples or small families, the cost per person can shrink quickly compared to multiple tickets on shared cruises.

You also get real meal value. Homemade salads, cold cuts, fruit, and drinks add up fast if you tried to replicate the same day on land and buy a private boat separately.

The other value piece is flexibility. Even if the overall route is planned, the crew can steer you toward the kind of cove and water conditions that make the day feel calm.

If you want to feel like you own the afternoon, this is the kind of charter that delivers.

Who This Sail Is Best For

This charter fits best if you want a calmer day on the water with a private group. It works well for couples, groups of friends, and family groups where everyone is comfortable with boat time and swimming.

Most people can participate, but it is not suitable for children under 5. If you have younger kids, this is likely not the right fit.

If you love chatting, the captain and crew tend to share sailing and area insights. If you want quiet, you can keep it low-key too. The day works either way because the core activities are water time, sailing, and lunch.

Weather and Wind: The One Factor That Can Change Your Day

This experience requires good weather, and wind matters. If conditions are poor, the sail can be canceled, and you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Because the destination is influenced by wind direction, the exact day plan may adjust. That does not mean the day is ruined, it means the captain chooses the best option to keep sailing time and water time strong.

My practical advice: check the forecast for the morning of your booking, and plan the rest of your day with a little flexibility. This is the Mediterranean, and the sea decides how the day goes.

Should You Book This Private Malta Sail?

I would book it if you want a private, small-group sailing day that includes a real lunch and serious water time at Comino. The combination of a morning sail, anchoring at Blue Lagoon, and an on-board meal is exactly the kind of trip that makes Malta feel personal.

You might skip it if you mainly want a low-effort sightseeing cruise with no concern for wind and no interest in swimming. Also, if you care about standup paddle board time, remember that SUP use is not included, so factor that into your plans.

If you are traveling as a group of two to six and want a day that feels tailored, this is one of the best ways to spend time off Senglea.

FAQ

How long is the sailing charter?

It lasts about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start, and when do you return?

The start time is 9:00 am, and you typically arrive back around 5:00 pm.

Where is the meeting point?

You start at Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu Senglea, ISL 1040, Malta.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

How many people are in a group, and what is the price?

The price is $768.98 per group for up to 6 people.

What is included in the charter?

Lunch (home made salads, cheese, ham, fruits), soda or pop, bottled water, and coffee and/or tea are included.

Is standup paddle board (SUP) included?

No. Use of the SUP is not included.

Can the lunch accommodate vegetarians?

Salads might include octopus or shrimps. If you are vegetarian, let the operator know when you book.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

Is it suitable for children?

It is most travelers can participate, but it is not suitable for children below 5 years of age.