Best day on the water starts with a stop. This full-day private sailing adventure strings together the Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Gozo with swim breaks, snorkeling gear, and plenty of time to linger off the boat while Malta’s coastline does its best “wow” impression. What I like most is the feel of a true private charter—your group sets the pace—and the hands-on time for water fun like paddle boarding and jump-ins. One thing to weigh: it’s weather-dependent, and windy days can mean choppier seas, so motion-sickness prone folks should plan accordingly.

You meet at Solevela Yacht Charters in Ta’ Xbiex (Roland Marina) at 9:30am and you’re back in the same spot at the end of the day—about eight hours of sea time with a skipper who’s focused on comfort and getting you to the right spots at the right moment. If you’re celebrating something, this is also the kind of day that feels special without needing fancy dress or long lines.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel

• Private sailing for up to 11: no crowded catamaran vibe, just your group.
• Stop-to-stop swim time around Comino and Gozo, with jumps from the boat.
• Snorkeling gear + stand-up paddle included so you can go straight from sight-seeing to play.
• Lunch can be a big upgrade if you want a hot meal cooked aboard.
• Captain flexibility in real weather: itinerary can shift if conditions change.
• Calm pace: you’re not on a stopwatch the whole day.

Private Charter on a 52-Foot Sailboat: What Makes This Day Different

A lot of Malta tours are “drive, park, rush, repeat.” This one is built around the opposite rhythm: you’re on a 52-foot sailing boat, so the itinerary is really about where you can drop anchor, swim, and explore by water.

The private setup matters. With only your group on board, you tend to get faster help when you want snorkel gear, clearer guidance on where to go in the water, and a more relaxed vibe when you decide you want one extra swim break. It also helps with small moments—like finding a flatter spot if someone in your group doesn’t want to swim in rougher conditions.

The best part, though, is how the sea activities are treated as part of the travel—not an optional add-on at the end. You’re not just looking at water; you’re in it.

Getting to Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex (and Why 9:30am Works)

You start at 9:30am at Solevela Yacht Charters, Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex. The meeting point is described as near public transportation, which is great if you’re not driving or if you want an easy, low-stress start.

Starting in the morning is practical. You get the best chance for calm water during your first major swim stop, and you avoid the mid-day congestion you often see around the most popular spots. Also, an 8-hour day means you’re out long enough to feel like you truly did something, not just “touched” the highlights.

One tip: if you have sun-sensitive skin, plan your gear. You’re on the water for hours, and there isn’t much shade value unless the boat is positioned in the sun’s path.

Blue Lagoon and Comino: Clear Water, Real Swim Breaks, No Rush

Your first big water playground is the Blue Lagoon area on Comino. Expect time for swimming, snorkeling, and jumping off the boat. The appeal here is obvious—people come for the visibility—but the real win is that you’re not doing it from a crowded beach. You’re choosing the moment, climbing back aboard when you’re ready, and staying as long as the day allows.

This stop is also where your included equipment starts paying off. You have snorkeling equipment available, and you can add stand-up paddle time if you want to cruise in calmer spots and get photos without hovering in the middle of a swim crowd.

A practical note: if you’re planning snorkel time, go early in your swim window. The light can help visibility, and you’ll spend less time adjusting gear in crowded water.

Crystal Lagoon: Paddling, More Swimming, and the Best Use of Your Sea Day

After Comino, the day continues toward Crystal Lagoon. Think of this as another chance to be in the water—only with a different feel than the Blue Lagoon stop. The day isn’t just about repeating the same thing; it’s about getting different water texture and different scenery angles as the boat works its way around the islands.

Because you’ll likely be warmer (or at least more used to the boat routine) by the time you reach this stop, you can get more done. You can snorkel, you can paddle, and you can simply hang out and let the boat settle while you soak up the views.

One small consideration: stand-up paddle boarding depends on wind and sea state. On breezy days, you might still be able to use it, but you’ll want to follow the skipper’s advice on where the water is calmer.

Island of Gozo by Sea: A Scenery Shift You Can Feel

Gozo is where the trip earns its “full-day” status. Seeing the islands from a boat changes the way you understand Malta. The coastline isn’t just background—it shapes where you can go, where the boat can safely anchor, and where the views open up.

From the boat, you also get a sense of separation: Malta is busy and structured; Gozo feels more spacious and slower. Even if you don’t spend hours on land, the time at sea gives you the main effect—changing the mood of the day.

This is also a great spot for a quieter break if your group likes a calmer pace. The boat lets you step into the water, then step back into comfort right away. No long walks, no “figure it out” stress once you’re wet and ready to cool down.

Lunch, Wine, and the Big Decision: Upgrade or Bring Your Own

Food can make or break a sailing day, and this one treats lunch as an optional upgrade. Lunch and alcoholic beverages are listed as not included, though wine and beer can be bought on board, and you can also bring your own.

Here’s the practical way to think about it:

• If you want minimal effort, choose the lunch option. Several people point out the meal is fresh and cooked aboard.
• If you prefer total flexibility, bring your own food and drinks (there’s mention of using a cooler on board for storing your items).
• If you skip the paid lunch and don’t bring anything, you should expect more basic refreshment rather than a full meal. Water is always available for free.

From a value angle, the lunch choice can be worth it if you don’t want to manage snacks for an 8-hour day at sea. It’s also easier if someone in your group has taste requirements—there’s mention of accommodating allergies.

My advice: if you’re celebrating, or you want the day to feel like a “proper event” rather than a long day of swimming, pay for the meal.

Captain Sergio and How Flexibility Helps When the Wind Blows

Weather is the real character in Malta sailing days. One review story sticks with me: on a windy day, the skipper worked hard to keep the day enjoyable and adjusted plans so the group still had a great time, even if it meant staying in a different area.

That flexibility is a big deal. In a private charter, you don’t waste time with forced tourism stops that don’t match the conditions. Instead, the skipper can choose safer, more comfortable water and still get you the swimming and scenery time you paid for.

Safety-wise, the consistent theme is that the skipper is experienced and cautious. Even on days with choppy water, the goal is comfort and control—especially when children are involved or when someone in the group needs a calmer spot to enter the sea.

One more detail from the experience vibe: communication matters. People mention good contact ahead of the day and clear guidance during the charter.

What’s Included (and What You Should Bring Anyway)

Included for the sailing day:

• Fuel and skipper
• Snorkeling equipment
• Stand-up paddle board

Not included:

• Lunch and alcoholic beverages
• Alcohol can be purchased on board, and wine or beer is possible as an alternative to bringing your own

Even with gear included, you’ll feel smarter if you bring a few personal items:

• Your own water shoes if you prefer them (helps for stepping off into swim areas)
• Motion-sickness remedies if you’re sensitive
• A small waterproof bag for phone and wallet
• Sunscreen and a hat that can handle sea wind

Also, bring snacks or extra drinks if your group gets hungry between swim windows. The schedule is flexible, but an 8-hour charter still means real time in the sun and on the water.

Price and Value: $846.56 for Up to 11 (How It Adds Up)

At $846.56 per group (up to 11), this isn’t “cheap,” but it is often good value compared to any option that would otherwise require multiple tickets, transfers, and crowded stops.

Here’s the math you can use:

• If you fill the boat with close to 11 people, that’s roughly $77 per person.
• If you’re a smaller group, the per-person cost goes up—but you still get the privacy, pace control, and sea access that group tours can’t match.

The included snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle help justify the cost, but the real value comes from the private pacing. You’re not trapped into set time slots. If your group wants a slower day—more floating, more photos, more swimming—you can usually do it.

And if you’re the type who plans ahead and wants a special day with minimal logistics, private sailing tends to feel like money well spent.

Who This Sailing Day Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This charter is perfect if:

• You want private time on the sea in Malta and Gozo, not a shared tour.
• Your group includes people who love swimming and snorkeling.
• You want a flexible schedule that responds to conditions.
• You’re celebrating something and want a more intimate vibe.

It may be less ideal if:

• Your group strongly prefers staying entirely on land (most value here is water time).
• You’re very motion-sensitive and don’t want even a possibility of choppy water.
• You expect appetizers as a standard included item without paying for lunch or bringing your own food. If you want a full meal, plan for the lunch option.

Should You Book This Malta and Gozo Sailing Charter?

If you want one day in Malta that feels like it belongs on your vacation highlight reel, I’d book this kind of charter with confidence. The private setup, included snorkeling and stand-up paddle, and the chance to swim at multiple stops make it a strong choice for people who like their sightseeing with saltwater attached.

My final decision rule is simple:

• Book if you’re excited for swim breaks and you like the idea of choosing your pace with a skipper who can adjust when weather changes.
• Think twice if you’re unwilling to deal with sea conditions or if you’re counting on food being included beyond basics. If food matters to your group, plan the lunch upgrade or bring your own.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing adventure?

It lasts about 8 hours.

What time does it start?

The tour starts at 9:30am.

Where do we meet and where do we return?

You meet at Solevela Yacht Charters, Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex, Malta, and you end back at the same meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.

What’s included for water activities?

Fuel and the skipper are included, along with snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle boarding.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. Wine and lunch on board are possible on an extra charge.

Can we bring our own food or drinks?

Yes. The option to bring your own food and drinks is available.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Confirmation is also subject to availability, received within 48 hours.