Full-Day Private Sailing Adventure in Malta and Gozo

The best part of this Malta sailing trip is the freedom to shape the day around your group. From a private 52-foot yacht, you can swim in clear lagoons, explore sea caves, paddleboard, or simply stretch out on deck while Sergio finds a quieter place to stop. Sergio’s flexible style is a major plus, especially when wind, jellyfish, or sea conditions make a change sensible.

I like two things in particular: the private format, which saves you from a crowded boat and fixed timetable, and the chance to add a fresh-cooked lunch prepared on board. The main consideration is comfort. The boat is marketed for groups up to 11, but seven adults may feel more relaxed than a full party of 11, especially during a long day at sea.

Key points to know before booking

• A private 52-foot sailing boat: Your group has the yacht to itself, with fuel, skipper, snorkeling gear, and a stand-up paddleboard included.
• Four major swimming areas: The plan includes Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo, and Crystal Lagoon, though weather and sea conditions can change the route.
• A flexible captain: Sergio can adjust stop lengths and locations to suit your group, and he has altered plans when wind or jellyfish affected a swimming area.
• Optional food and drinks: Water is included, while lunch, wine, beer, and other drinks cost extra. Bring your own supplies if you skip the meal option.
• A full eight-hour outing: The boat leaves Roland Marina at 9:30 a.m. and returns there, giving you most of the day on the water.
• Strong value for a group: At $846.56 for up to 11 people, the cost becomes much more reasonable when shared by a family or group of friends.

Why a private yacht makes sense in Malta

Malta’s best swimming spots are often reached most easily from the sea. Roads and ferries can get you near the islands, but a private boat lets you move between coves and lagoons without spending the day in transit. You also avoid the fixed pace of a large cruise boat, where everyone leaves the water when the schedule says so.

Here, your party controls much of the rhythm. You can stay longer at a favorite swimming stop, ask for a quieter area, or spend more time sailing with the sails open when conditions allow. Sergio has also adjusted routes for practical reasons, including moving on from a jellyfish-affected swimming area and finding sheltered water during windy weather.

That flexibility is the heart of the experience. The published route lists Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo, and Crystal Lagoon, but this is not a promise that every stop will look exactly the same on every date. The sea and wind have the final word. A good captain will choose a safer, calmer alternative rather than force a set plan.

Starting from Ta’ Xbiex at 9:30 a.m.

The day begins at Solevela Yacht Charters at Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex. The activity ends at the same meeting point, so you should plan your transportation with a return to the marina in mind. The start time is 9:30 a.m., and the outing lasts about eight hours.

The marina is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying elsewhere in Malta. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the boat is private, it is wise to reserve early. This experience is booked, on average, about 40 days ahead.

Before departure, it is worth settling the food question clearly. Water is available, and you can bring your own lunch and drinks. A cooler with ice can be arranged for your supplies. Wine, beer, and a full cooked lunch are available for an additional charge, but the basic price does not include them.

That distinction matters. The description of the day emphasizes appetizers and wine, but the practical arrangement is that lunch and alcoholic drinks are optional extras. If you want the meal prepared on board, request it ahead of time rather than assuming it comes with the charter.

Blue Lagoon and Comino: Malta’s famous water

Blue Lagoon is the obvious star of the route. Its clear water and bright color make it one of Malta’s most famous places for swimming and photographs. From the boat, you can enjoy the setting without needing to carry beach gear across a crowded shoreline.

The attraction comes with a tradeoff. Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, so it can be busy. A private boat helps, but it cannot make the area empty. Your advantage is the ability to swim from the yacht and then move on when the atmosphere no longer suits you.

Comino gives the day more room to breathe. The island is small and known for its rocky coastline, coves, and clear water. Your group can stop for swimming, snorkeling, photos, or a quiet rest on board. You may also have time to explore natural caves and swim near cliffs, depending on the conditions and the captain’s route.

I like that the captain does not treat every stop as a quick photo opportunity. The itinerary is built around time in the water. People who want to swim for a while, paddleboard, and then simply rest on deck will get more from this trip than people who want a tightly packed sightseeing checklist.

Gozo by sea, with room to change plans

The trip continues toward Gozo, Malta’s smaller neighboring island. Seeing Gozo from the water gives you a different view from a land tour. You are focused on coves, rock formations, cliffs, and swimming areas rather than museums or village streets.

The Gozo stop is also one of the places most affected by wind and waves. On a calm day, it can be a fine setting for a longer swim or paddleboarding session. On a rougher day, the captain may keep the boat near Comino or choose a more sheltered part of the coast.

That flexibility has real value. One outing had to change because of heavy wind and rougher water, with the route redirected toward the Grand Harbor and other calmer sights. Another day included a pickup adjustment from Gozo instead of Malta. Those changes show that the charter can respond to real conditions, but you should not book it expecting a rigid guarantee of every named stop.

If your main goal is to reach Gozo itself and walk ashore, check the exact plan before booking. The experience is primarily a sailing and swimming day, not a land tour of Gozo’s towns and monuments.

Crystal Lagoon and the swimming stops

Crystal Lagoon is another major reason to choose this excursion. Its clear water and rocky surroundings make it especially appealing for snorkeling and photographs. The boat carries snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to rent basic gear separately.

A stand-up paddleboard is also included. It is available on request, so ask the captain when you arrive at a suitable stop. The same practical tip applies to snorkeling equipment. The gear is on board, but it may not be placed in your hands automatically the moment the boat anchors.

The swimming stops are the most active part of the day. You might jump from the boat, swim near caves, paddle across calm water, or snorkel along the rocky edges. If you cannot swim confidently, tell the captain in advance. One passenger recovering from arm surgery was taken to a flatter, easier area, showing that the route can be adjusted for different abilities.

Still, this is a sea outing, not a pool day. Conditions can change quickly, and some parts of the coast are rocky. Strong wind can make the ride less comfortable even when the captain considers it safe. If you are prone to seasickness or dislike choppy water, bring that concern into your booking decision.

Sergio, the captain, and the personal touch

Sergio is the central personality of this charter. He serves as captain, host, route planner, and, if you order lunch, cook. His communication before departure is often useful for sorting out pickup details, food, drinks, and weather expectations.

I especially value the captain’s willingness to let a private group choose its pace. You are not being moved from one stop to the next on a strict group schedule. You can ask to stay longer, change the order, or seek a calmer spot.

The experience is not perfect for every personality. One mixed account described the captain as less warm than expected and found that the paddleboard and snorkeling equipment had to be requested. That is a useful reminder to speak up. Ask for the equipment you want, confirm what food is included, and tell Sergio what kind of day you prefer.

Most importantly, discuss the weather honestly. Stronger wind may mean rougher waves, a modified route, or less time sailing with the sails open. The operator says it cancels when conditions are unsafe, but a windy day can still be uncomfortable. You have the option of accepting a weather-affected outing or canceling when poor weather leads to cancellation by the operator.

The optional lunch is a major part of the value

The base price includes the boat, fuel, skipper, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboard. It does not include lunch, wine, beer, or other alcoholic drinks. You can bring your own food and use a cooler, or request the onboard food and drink package for an extra fee.

The cooked meal has become one of the most praised parts of the experience. Dishes described include fresh quiche, cacio e pepe, fish pasta, and other homemade food, with wine and beer available on some outings. Sergio and Carla have also handled food allergies when informed ahead of time.

For a special occasion, I would seriously consider adding lunch. A meal prepared while you swim turns the boat into more than transportation. It gives the day a relaxed, almost private-dining feel, especially for birthdays, anniversaries, or family celebrations.

If you are watching the budget, bringing your own food is perfectly reasonable. The charter price is already substantial, and a family may prefer to pack sandwiches, fruit, and drinks. Just confirm the cooler arrangement and remember that the included offering is water, not a full spread of appetizers.

What the $846.56 group price really buys

The listed price is $846.56 per group of up to 11 people. For two people, that is a costly private day. For six, eight, or 10 people, the arithmetic looks much better because you are dividing the boat cost among the group.

At the maximum advertised group size, the base cost works out to roughly $77 per person before optional food and drinks. For six people, it is about $141 per person, and for two people it is about $423 per person. The fewer people you bring, the more you are paying for privacy and flexibility rather than simply transportation.

That is still a fair comparison point against larger shared boat trips. You are paying for a private skipper, a full day, fuel, swimming equipment, and control over the route. You also avoid sharing the deck with strangers and can use the boat for your own celebration or family day.

The main value question is comfort. A group of 10 or 11 can book the boat, but the deck may feel busy once everyone is seated, eating, changing, and preparing to swim. Seven adults fit more comfortably according to the available information. For a group close to the limit, ask for the boat’s exact layout before paying.

Sailing, resting, and the return trip

The day is not all swimming. When conditions permit, the boat sails between stops, giving you time to watch Malta’s coastline from the water. The return journey can be especially peaceful after several hours of swimming and sun.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a light layer for the ride back. The information supplied does not promise a specific cabin arrangement or shaded seating, so ask the charter company about the boat’s available spaces if shade or shelter is important to you.

The boat has been described as clean, well maintained, charming, and comfortable. A small boat cat named Abi may also be on board, though you should not count on the cat being present for every departure. Families should also discuss the wind forecast, since the ride can feel lively in rougher conditions.

Who should book this sailing day

I would choose this experience for a family or friend group that wants the sea to be the main event. It suits people who want to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, eat a long lunch, and relax without a crowd.

It is also a strong choice for a celebration. The private boat, flexible timing, and optional meal work well for birthdays, anniversaries, and group milestones. The captain has accommodated food allergies and changed routes to suit individual needs, but you should share those details before the day.

This is less suitable if you want a guaranteed sightseeing route, a low-cost boat ride, or a full land tour of Gozo. It may also disappoint you if you expect included appetizers and wine. Those extras need to be arranged and paid for separately.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 99 ratings, with 97 percent of customers recommending it. That is a strong record, but the less positive accounts point to the issues worth taking seriously: group size, communication about included food, and comfort in windy conditions.

Practical booking advice

Ask these questions before confirming:

• How many people can comfortably use the boat, not just legally board it?
• Is lunch included in my selected price, or is it an added option?
• Can I bring my own food and drinks?
• Will wine or beer be available, and at what extra cost?
• What route is most likely for the forecast on my date?
• Can we request a quieter swimming area or a longer stop?
• Will snorkeling equipment and the paddleboard be ready for use?

You receive free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Malta and Gozo sailing adventure?

Yes, if your ideal Malta day involves clear water, private space, flexible swimming stops, and a long lunch on a yacht. The strongest reasons to book are the private format, Sergio’s ability to adjust the route, and the option to have fresh food cooked on board.

Before paying, be realistic about the cost for a small party and confirm the food package in writing. If you have 6 to 10 people, the price becomes easier to justify. For a couple, it is a major splurge, but it can make sense for a special occasion.

I would also check the wind forecast and tell the captain if anyone has mobility, swimming, or food concerns. Book this for the freedom of a private day at sea, not for a guaranteed checklist of four stops. That is where the experience offers its best value.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Solevela Yacht Charters at Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex, Malta.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m., and the experience lasts about eight hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The tour is private for your group and can accommodate up to 11 people.

Are lunch and alcoholic drinks included?

No. Fuel, the skipper, snorkeling equipment, and a stand-up paddleboard are included. Lunch, wine, beer, and other alcoholic drinks cost extra. You can also bring your own food and drinks.

Which places are included in the route?

The planned stops are Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo, and Crystal Lagoon. The route may change because of wind, waves, jellyfish, or other sea conditions.

What happens if poor weather cancels the tour?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund for your own cancellation.