Reviewed · VALLETTA WALKING TOURS
From Valletta: Full Day Private Charter on a Sailing Yacht
A 45-foot yacht day in Malta feels different. This private charter puts you on Mowgli, a modern Elan Impression sailing yacht, with swim stops in waters many people can only reach by boat. You also get your route adjusted to conditions, so the day stays practical even when the weather has opinions.
I love the full-day flexibility: you’re not stuck on a rigid tour script, and you can choose between busier bays and quieter spots. I also like that the basics are taken care of onboard with water, soda, and coffee/tea included, plus fuel and the skipper.
One possible drawback: you’re renting time on the water, so if you’re mainly after a long checklist of land sights, this day is more about sea time and swimming than walking around. And like any open-water plan, the route depends on what the skipper considers safe.
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- A Private 45-Foot Yacht Day from Valletta (Mowgli, Skipper Included)
- Who this is best for
- From Marina di Valletta to Your First Bay: Timing That Works
- Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: The Swim-First Highlights
- Blue Lagoon stop (about 2 hours)
- Crystal Lagoon stop (about 1 hour)
- Armier Bay and the Middle of the Day: A Breather Stop
- North vs South Malta by Sea: How the Route Can Change
- If you go north: Comino bays and possible caves
- If you go south: Hoffriet, Sant Peter’s Pool, Sant Thomas Bay
- Why the Skipper Matters: Grace’s Friendly, Professional Style
- What’s Included vs What You Bring: Avoiding Day-of Surprises
- Included on board
- Not included: food and drinks
- Extra time is possible
- Price and Value: What $742 Gets You
- Practical Tips for a Smooth Sailing Day
- Pack for water time, not shore time
- Expect the route to be weather-dependent
- Pets aren’t allowed
- Use the skipper’s experience to your advantage
- Should You Book This Private Sailing Charter from Valletta?
- FAQ
- How long is the private sailing yacht charter?
- Where does the charter start?
- Where should I meet within the marina?
- How many people can the boat accommodate?
- Is the skipper included in the price?
- What drinks are included onboard?
- Can I bring food and drinks, or do I need to pre-order?
- Can I extend the charter beyond 8 hours?
- What happens if the weather is unsafe to go out?
Key Things to Know Before You Go

- 2020-built, 45ft yacht (Elan Impression 45) makes this a comfortable day on the water
- Skipper included so you can relax and focus on swimming and views
- Swim-friendly lagoons such as the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are the core payoff
- North vs south options can include Comino caves or bays like Sant Thomas Bay
- Up to 12 guests means this works well for families and small friend groups
- Route flexibility helps when weather limits certain areas
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A Private 45-Foot Yacht Day from Valletta (Mowgli, Skipper Included)

A full-day charter is the simplest way to see Malta like a local: you start from Valletta, then spend the day where the coast is best from the water. The boat here is Mowgli, an Elan Impression 45 built in 2020. It’s a 45-foot, 14-meter sailing yacht, sized for a group day without feeling cramped.
The big advantage is that it’s truly private. Your group is out there on your own time, with a professional skipper onboard. That matters in Malta, where small wind shifts and water conditions can change what’s comfortable. You’re not guessing or improvising; the crew handles the sailing part so you can enjoy the day.
I also like the comfort setup. You’re not just renting a boat shell. The charter includes onboard comforts, and you’ll have water plus soda, along with coffee/tea early in the day. It’s a small thing until you’re hungry, thirsty, and already out at sea.
Who this is best for
This charter fits you if you want a day that feels like vacation, not a timed itinerary sprint. It’s especially good for:
- families with kids who want swimming and an easy schedule
- couples or friend groups who want quiet coves without sharing with strangers
- travelers who already saw the main sights in Valletta and want the water side now
From Marina di Valletta to Your First Bay: Timing That Works

The day begins at Marina di Valletta (Pietà), at the yacht marina. When you arrive, look for Pontoon B. Expect a short start routine: you’ll grab coffee and water, get a safety briefing, and then you’ll sail out (the first sailing time is about 15 minutes).
This is a helpful rhythm. You’re not wasting the morning figuring out where you are or how to get settled. Within a short window, you’re already headed toward the best swim areas.
The charter runs about 8 hours, which is long enough to do multiple stops with real swim time, not just quick photo stops. That pacing is what makes the day feel worth it, even if you’ve only got one full day on Malta.
More private Malta boat charters we have taken the helm on
Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: The Swim-First Highlights

If you picture Malta as crystal-clear water and that famous “turquoise” look, you’re thinking in the right direction. The charter’s example route is very swim-centered, and that’s not an accident.
Blue Lagoon stop (about 2 hours)
Your first major swim stop is the Blue Lagoon. You’ll get time to relax, sightseeing, and most importantly, swim and snorkel. This two-hour block is key. It’s long enough to do one proper swim session, take photos, then just hang out without feeling rushed.
A practical tip: treat this like your anchor stop. Plan to wear or bring what you’ll need for snorkeling and reapply sun protection here if you do that sort of thing. The morning sun can add up fast on the water.
Crystal Lagoon stop (about 1 hour)
Next comes Crystal Lagoon. You’ll have a shorter window—around an hour—focused on sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling, plus a photo stop. This is the “quick hit” segment: great water, good views, and then you move on before it feels too crowded or too tiring.
Armier Bay and the Middle of the Day: A Breather Stop

After the lagoon pair, you’ll head to Armier Bay Beach for about an hour. The time split here is simple: you get another photo moment and another chance to swim and snorkel, then you’re back to sailing mode.
This stop works well because it breaks up the day. If you only did lagoons, you could end up feeling like you’re repeating the same view over and over. Armier Bay adds a slightly different feel, especially if you’re the type who likes changing scenery every hour or two.
North vs South Malta by Sea: How the Route Can Change

One thing that keeps this charter from feeling overly scripted is that the route can shift. Weather can make certain areas unsafe, and the skipper will adjust. That’s not a failure—it’s part of why a skipper charter is worth paying for.
You’ll usually see two main style options depending on direction:
If you go north: Comino bays and possible caves
Northbound options can include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, and Sant Niklaw Bay, including a visit to the caves. This is the side that’s associated with the classic “boat-only” coast experience.
If caves are on your wish list, this direction is the one to ask about when you book. Since the route depends on conditions, I’d treat cave time as a bonus if it’s possible that day.
If you go south: Hoffriet, Sant Peter’s Pool, Sant Thomas Bay
Southbound options can include the two bays of Hoffriet, Sant Peter’s Pool, and Sant Thomas Bay. This can feel like a more varied coastline experience and can be a good match if you’re hoping for different shorelines than the Comino lagoon focus.
Bottom line: you’re not choosing only between bays—you’re choosing between different coastal personalities.
Why the Skipper Matters: Grace’s Friendly, Professional Style
This is one of those activities where the skipper isn’t background. She’s part tour guide, part safety lead, part “where should we anchor right now?” problem-solver.
In the comments you’ll see the name Grace repeatedly. People describe her as professional, friendly, and confident with the boat. They also mention her sense of humor and her customer focus—meaning she’s not just sailing; she’s checking that you’re comfortable, well taken care of, and able to enjoy the stops.
One of the best practical takeaways: Grace is also the type who shares local recommendations for eating. That means your sea day doesn’t end when you dock. If you want to keep the Malta momentum going, you can ask her what she’d do for dinner afterward.
And if you’re thinking about safety, you’ll be glad the charter is led by a professional skipper in a modern yacht. A private day like this is at its best when you don’t have to worry about the sailing mechanics.
What’s Included vs What You Bring: Avoiding Day-of Surprises

Let’s talk value, because this is where you’ll feel the difference between a “cheap boat” and a true day charter.
Included on board
You get:
- Fuel
- Skipper
- Water
- Bottled water
- Soda
- Coffee/tea
That’s a lot of small costs handled for you, especially once you’re out at sea and food options are no longer convenient.
Not included: food and drinks
Food and drinks aren’t included. You have two routes:
- pre-order food and drinks, or
- bring your own
This is an easy decision. If your group wants minimal planning, pre-ordering makes sense. If you prefer controlling what you eat (and want a picnic vibe), bring snacks and drinks and keep it simple.
Extra time is possible
If 8 hours sounds short, you can extend for €75 per extra hour. That’s a nice option if you want one more swim window or want the day to end later instead of heading back right when you’re having fun.
Price and Value: What $742 Gets You

The price is listed as $742 per group up to 9 for this type of 8-hour charter. At the same time, the yacht can host up to 12 guests with the skipper onboard, and there are notes about discounts for smaller groups.
So here’s how I’d think about value:
- If you’re traveling as a small-to-medium group, you’re paying for privacy and skipper time, not just water views.
- If you can fill more seats, your per-person cost drops in practical terms, because the yacht and skipper are the main fixed costs.
- Compared to shared boat trips, a private charter is often more expensive on paper, but it gives you a flexible route and the ability to prioritize swimming time without having to share anchors or return on someone else’s schedule.
If you’re doing this as a group of friends, I’d treat it like a “one-day milestone expense” that you’ll remember more than another dinner out.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Sailing Day
A few things help your day go smoothly without overthinking it.
Pack for water time, not shore time
Since the charter focuses on swimming and snorkeling, bring what you need to be comfortable in the water. Also plan for sun exposure since you’ll be on the water for most of the day.
Expect the route to be weather-dependent
Sometimes certain areas just aren’t possible. The operator adjusts accordingly and keeps things safe. So if you have a must-have stop like caves, keep it as a request, not a guaranteed promise.
Pets aren’t allowed
If you’re traveling with a pet, you’ll need to make alternate plans. The charter doesn’t allow pets.
Use the skipper’s experience to your advantage
Ask where you’ll have the best swim conditions that day. The point of hiring a skipper is that you’re not stuck guessing.
Should You Book This Private Sailing Charter from Valletta?
You should book if:
- you want a private day on the water with a professional skipper
- your priority is swimming and snorkeling in standout Malta bays
- you’re going with friends or family who will actually use a full 8 hours together
- you want flexibility: north vs south style routes, and adjustments when weather changes
You might skip or consider another option if:
- you mainly want land sightseeing and long walking time
- your group is uncomfortable with boat days where the exact route can shift
If your day in Malta is limited and you want a “this was the best part” experience, a private charter on Mowgli is a smart use of time. It’s comfortable, practical, and it turns Malta’s coast into the main event.
FAQ
How long is the private sailing yacht charter?
The duration is 8 hours.
Where does the charter start?
It starts at Marina di Valletta (Yacht Marina Malta).
Where should I meet within the marina?
When you arrive at the marina, look for Pontoon B.
How many people can the boat accommodate?
The yacht is set up for your group, with room for up to 12 guests plus the professional skipper.
Is the skipper included in the price?
Yes, a professional skipper is included.
What drinks are included onboard?
You get water, bottled water, soda, and coffee/tea. Food and drinks are not included.
Can I bring food and drinks, or do I need to pre-order?
You can pre-order food and drinks or bring your own.
Can I extend the charter beyond 8 hours?
Yes, you can extend for €75 per extra hour.
What happens if the weather is unsafe to go out?
If the skipper decides it isn’t safe to go out, the charter may be canceled and you can receive a full refund.
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