Reviewed · FOOD, WINE & CHOCOLATE TOURS

Sliema: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Food, and Swimming

3.7 · 155 reviews From $79 Operated by The Dance Island · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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A sailboat party in Malta hits different. You get an open bar, a live DJ dance floor, and a swim stop, all from Sliema. I like that it is built for a simple, social evening, not a complicated itinerary, and the set-up feels like you can drop in and enjoy the water right away. One thing to keep in mind, this is not a calm, quiet cruise, and it is not suitable for anyone under 18.

What really works for me is the mix of partying and actually getting in the sea. You will have rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks at the bar, then you move to the DJ music and a proper dance floor. The other highlight is the onboard photographer, which matters if you want memories without hassling for camera timing all evening. My main caution is that the snack is not a full meal, so if you get hungry easily, you may want to eat beforehand.

Key things to know before you go

Sliema: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Food, and Swimming - Key things to know before you go

  • Open bar variety includes rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, plus soft drinks
  • Live DJ dance set starts right after boarding, with reggaeton and upbeat dance music
  • Swim stop from the boat at clear-water location where you can jump in
  • Snack included with tuna ftira or ham and cheese ftira, plus fresh fruits
  • Onboard photographer helps you get group photos during the fun
  • Adult-only (18+) means you can expect a party vibe

Checking in by the dock: finding Faith in Sliema

Sliema: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Food, and Swimming - Checking in by the dock: finding Faith in Sliema
This experience starts in Sliema, and the meeting point is easy to miss if you are not looking for it. You will go to Supreme Boats Rentals, and you should look for the sailboat named Faith docked in front of Burger King. Boarding starts at 18:30, with departure between 19:00 and 19:10.

I recommend arriving a little early so you can settle in, grab a first drink, and get oriented. Sliema is busy, especially in the evening, and you want those first minutes to feel relaxed, not like you are jogging to the boat. Also, with a sailboat party, timing matters. If you arrive late, you could end up stuck waiting rather than enjoying the opening DJ set.

One more practical thought: there is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you should be comfortable using local transport or walking in the area. This is a dock-based activity, and it works best when you can show up on your own.

The sailboat party format: drinks, DJ music, and that sunset feeling

Sliema: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Food, and Swimming - The sailboat party format: drinks, DJ music, and that sunset feeling
Once you are aboard, the rhythm is straightforward: drinks at the open bar, then music on the dance floor. A live DJ sets the tone, with reggaeton and upbeat dance music. This is the part where the group energy matters. If you like moving to music and being social, you will likely have a great time. If you prefer quiet sightseeing, this format may feel more like nightlife than a scenic cruise.

I also like that the boat layout supports both. There is a lounge area, and you can shift from the dance floor to watching the evening unfold. From the water, you get sunset views toward Valletta, which is one of those Malta moments that feels instant and memorable, even if you are not a big history person.

Because the drinks are included, the party does not require constant add-ons. You can order rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks from the open bar. That helps the value feel real, especially compared to paying drink prices one by one during a normal night out.

Open bar choices you should care about

Sliema: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Food, and Swimming - Open bar choices you should care about
The open bar is one of the main reasons this tour is worth considering. You get multiple spirits and beer, not just one basic option. That range makes it easier to stick to what you actually like, whether you are a cocktail person, prefer beer, or just want something light.

Here is a practical way to think about it. A sailboat is not a club, and the vibe can change as you move from dancing to swimming. If you plan to swim, pace your drinks. You will enjoy the sea more when you are not feeling woozy or overly full.

The swim stop: jumping in and staying safe

Sliema: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Food, and Swimming - The swim stop: jumping in and staying safe
A key part of this experience is a stop for swimming at a location with clear waters where you can jump in from the boat. This is the moment that turns it from a party cruise into something more active.

The tour asks you to bring swimwear and a towel, which tells you the swim is real and expected, not just a quick look. I love that you are not just paying for entertainment. You get time to cool off, move your body, and experience Malta from the water level.

Practical tip: keep your phone and camera protected. You might be tempted to film everything, especially with the photographer onboard, but seawater and hands-on party time can get messy fast. If you want photos without risk, let the onboard photographer do their thing and keep your own device stored unless you are safely in the moment.

Also, remember this is a sailboat. That means you are on open water and on a moving deck. If you are someone who gets motion sickness easily, you might want to bring what usually helps you before boarding, since the schedule is fixed around the sailing and DJ set.

The snack break that keeps the energy going

Sliema: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Food, and Swimming - The snack break that keeps the energy going
You are not served a full meal, but you do get a snack during the cruise. The menu is tuna ftira or ham and cheese ftira, plus fresh fruits.

I like snacks like this because they are simple and quick to eat while you are in a party flow. They are not heavy in the way a full sit-down meal can be when you still want to dance and then swim. That said, if you will arrive hungry, eat something earlier. The included snack is a boost, not your dinner plan.

There is also a small advantage here. This food is Malta-style, so it feels like part of the local experience rather than generic cruise food. Even if you are focused on the DJ and sea time, you still get to try something that fits Malta.

Onboard photographer: when it is worth it

Sliema: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Food, and Swimming - Onboard photographer: when it is worth it
This tour includes a photographer onboard. That matters because it can be hard to coordinate photos when everyone is dancing, moving, or rotating positions for best views. Having a photographer helps you get memories without you needing to chase angles all evening.

Since the photographer is part of the experience, I suggest you treat it like a photo opportunity rather than a chore. If you are comfortable in group settings, your photos will likely capture that Malta-at-night party feeling better than any solo snapshot.

Timing and pacing: a 4-hour party with real stops

Sliema: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Food, and Swimming - Timing and pacing: a 4-hour party with real stops
The total duration is 4 hours, and the flow is built around an evening departure. Boarding starts at 18:30, and you head out between 19:00 and 19:10. You then cruise, dance, drink, take your swim, eat your snack, and return to Sliema at the end.

That timing makes it easy to fit into a vacation day. It is long enough to feel like a night out, but not so long that you lose your whole evening. It also means you are not stuck waiting around all day, which is a big deal if you have other plans in Valletta or elsewhere.

The pacing also creates natural checkpoints:

  • pre-departure boarding gives you time to settle
  • DJ time gets the energy up early
  • the swim stop breaks up the party and cools you down
  • the return keeps it from dragging

Price and value: is $79 per person fair?

Sliema: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Food, and Swimming - Price and value: is $79 per person fair?
At $79 per person, this tour is priced like a packaged nightlife experience. Whether it feels like a good deal comes down to what you would otherwise spend time and money on.

If you plan to go out in Sliema anyway, you would likely pay for drinks at bars plus pay for a boat or a separate activity if you want swimming from the water. Here, your big costs are already bundled: open bar plus live DJ, plus snack, plus photographer, plus the swim stop.

Two value angles I like:

  • You are paying once for the core party ingredients, not nickel-and-diming drinks.
  • The swim stop gives you an activity beyond just music and alcohol.

The one value mismatch to watch is that there is no full meal included. If you normally eat a proper dinner during outings, you should budget for food beforehand, so the total experience still works for your wallet.

Finally, there is the adult-only rule (18+). That can actually be a value benefit, because it usually means the atmosphere matches what the tour is selling.

Who should book this sailboat party (and who should skip it)

Sliema: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Food, and Swimming - Who should book this sailboat party (and who should skip it)
I think this is a strong choice if you want an easy, social evening that combines three things people often do separately: drinks, a music party, and swimming in clear water.

It is especially suited for:

  • adults looking for a fun night in Malta with an actual water component
  • groups of friends who like dancing and want the same plan for everyone
  • people who like views from the sea, not just from streets

I would tell you to skip it if you want a quiet cruise, a long sit-down meal experience, or something focused purely on sightseeing. This is built around the DJ dance floor and a party vibe first, sailing and swimming as part of that ride.

Quick practical checklist before you board

Bring what the tour asks for and a little extra common sense. The essentials are:

  • Swimwear
  • Towel

If you are planning to use the included snack but also want comfort, eat something light before boarding. Also, keep your expectations realistic about drinks and food. It is open bar and snacks, not a full meal plus unlimited downtime.

Should you book the Sliema sailboat party?

If you are an adult who wants a Malta night that is equal parts music, open bar, and a swim stop from the boat, I think this is worth serious consideration. The $79 price makes sense when you add up what you get: multiple drink types, live DJ energy, a real swim break, a Maltese-style snack, and a photographer.

If you prefer quiet evenings, or you need a full dinner included, you might feel underfed or overstimulated. For that kind of traveler, Malta has plenty of calmer water experiences.

My bottom line: book it if you want a straightforward party cruise in Sliema with a genuine sea moment built in. Pass if your ideal vacation evening is low noise and no dance floor.

FAQ

Where do I meet the sailboat in Sliema?

You meet at Supreme Boats Rentals. Look for the boat named Faith, docked in front of Burger King.

What time does boarding start?

Boarding starts at 18:30.

When does the boat leave?

Departure is between 19:00 and 19:10.

How long is the experience?

The duration is 4 hours.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks.

Is there a live DJ on board?

Yes. The music is played by a live DJ, and there is a dance area.

Do we stop to swim?

Yes. The cruise includes a swim stop where you can jump in from the boat at a clear-water location.

What snack is included?

You get one sandwich, tuna ftira or ham and cheese ftira, plus fresh fruits.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

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