Comino looks unreal from a private deck. This Malta day charter puts you on a skipper-led route through Comino’s famous bays—without spending your day stuck in a crowd. I especially like the personalized route and the way you can jump in when the water is right, and I also like that the basics for fun are handled (snorkelling gear plus 2 stand-up paddleboards). The trade-off: food and drinks cost extra, and the BBQ option takes time while you’re living your best lagoon life.

You start and end at Kalkara Marina, right in the orbit of Valletta’s Grand Harbour. The skipper can adjust plans based on your preferences and the day’s weather, which matters because conditions around Comino can change fast. One more thing to consider: the total time is long, but not all of it is spent anchored—so if you want maximum swim time, show up on time and keep your day schedule light.

Key points before you sail

• Private time with a skipper: a route shaped around what you want to do and what the weather allows.
• Comino lagoon focus: Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are built into the day, with time to swim and snorkel.
• Easy water fun included: snorkelling equipment and two SUP boards are part of the package.
• Valletta Grand Harbour views: you don’t just see Malta’s coast at a distance—you get the harbour scenery as part of the sail.
• BBQ is optional, not automatic: plan your food budget (and decide whether on-board cooking is worth it for you).

Private day sailing: skipping the crowd math

A private charter is basically the antidote to the big-boat, big-line day. You’re not waiting for ferry schedules, and you’re not sharing your swim stop with hundreds of people packed shoulder-to-shoulder. I like that the skipper can steer the day toward the kind of water time you want—swim breaks, snorkel stops, or paddleboard cruising—rather than following one rigid script.

The price is for a group of up to two, so you’re paying for both privacy and time on the water. That can feel steep until you compare it to what you’d spend on transport plus tickets plus paying separately for a “real” day at sea experience. The biggest practical drawback is that food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to decide early how you want to handle lunch.

Kalkara Marina to Valletta Grand Harbour: the view before the swimming

Your day starts at Kalkara Marina (Pontoon F) in the Valletta Grand Harbour area. This is a great setup if you like scenery right away, because the harbour itself is a highlight: wide views, strong coastal character, and the sense you’re leaving the city behind without going far inland. You’ll also make time for a pass and tour around the Grand Harbour during the day.

On the sail north, you pass by the Sliema sea front, so you get that classic Malta coastline look while you’re getting into position for Comino. If you’re the type who enjoys photos, you’ll appreciate that this isn’t just “go straight to the lagoon.” It’s more like “set the mood first,” then spend your best hours in the water.

Crystal Lagoon: why one hour can feel perfect

Crystal Lagoon is one of those names that sounds like marketing—until you’re seeing the water in person. You get about 1 hour at this stop, and the point isn’t sightseeing on land; it’s using that time for swimming and snorkel moments. The stop being ticket-free makes it easy to stay focused on the water fun.

In practice, one hour works well here because it’s long enough to get in, float, and explore the shallows, but not so long that you’re stuck waiting around. If you like to snorkel seriously, arrive ready with your gear and good swim momentum, since you won’t have endless time to “figure it out.”

Blue Lagoon and Comino bays: calm water is the real luxury

Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but the real value of a private charter is that you aren’t forced into the busiest version of the spot. You’ll spend around 2 hours there, and the skipper aims to find a peaceful place within the lagoon for your swim and snorkel time.

One helpful note from real-world experience: Blue Lagoon can be crowded on shore, but the water experience can still feel relaxed depending on exactly where you drop anchor. At least one captain reported getting you a different swimming location when conditions weren’t ideal—like when jellyfish show up—so you’re not stuck with the most chaotic scenario just because it’s the name everyone knows.

Also, this is where paddleboards shine. If the conditions are right, you can do short SUP “beats” between swim positions rather than treating the stop like one long swim and done. If you’re traveling with kids or teens, these boards also give you an easy activity that isn’t dependent on snorkel comfort.

St. Paul’s Bay and the northern sail story

You’ll also pass by and stop near St. Paul’s Bay, connected to the story of St. Paul’s shipwreck. The stop is about 30 minutes, so it’s mostly for a quick look, photos, and a sense of place—not for a long land tour.

Between Valletta, St. Paul’s area, and Comino, the day has a satisfying rhythm: sail, reposition, swim, snack, repeat. The itinerary also includes sailing past St. Paul’s Islands on the way north, which gives you that extra layer of “Malta is bigger than the postcards” feeling.

On the return, the harbour setting comes back into focus, and you’ll get more time passing around Valletta Grand Harbour before you’re back at Kalkara Marina.

What’s on board: snorkel kit, SUP boards, and free water

This charter is built around water time. Included in the price are snorkelling equipment and 2 stand-up paddle boards, plus free-flow of water, fuel, and the skipper. That’s not a small detail—when gear and water are covered, you spend less of your day managing logistics and more of it actually on the water.

The best way to think about this: you’re buying a floating activity platform. Want to snorkel? You can. Want to paddle a few slow lines across a bay? You can. Want a calm hour of just sun and scenery? The boat setup lets you do that too.

If you’re worried about comfort, the reviews include examples of skippers being helpful when someone had mobility concerns getting on and off the boat. Still, don’t assume all boats handle every situation the same way—if you have specific needs, ask questions ahead of time.

BBQ lunch vs bring-your-own: time and value check

Food is the one big area where this charter can be either a slam dunk or a budgeting decision.

The baseline offering does not include food and drinks, but there’s an option to include a fresh barbecue meal with drinks and other nibbles. Some people love this because it makes lunch feel like part of the whole day, not a pause to hunt for a restaurant.

Here’s the balanced angle: at least one couple found the lunch option pricey for what they got later in Malta. Another practical note is that on-board BBQ can eat into valuable lagoon time. If you’re the kind of person who wants every minute in the water, you might prefer a bring-your-own cold meal approach.

One operator perk: you can bring your own food and drinks. That’s a strong option if you want better value or if you’re picky about meals. And if you’re traveling for a honeymoon or a birthday, packing something small but special can make the day feel more personal without paying premium on-board pricing.

Price and what you’re really paying for

At $707.44 per group (up to 2) for about 8.5 hours, the price isn’t just for a boat ride. You’re paying for:

• a private skipper
• fuel and taxes
• snorkelling equipment
• two SUP boards
• and a day’s worth of repositioning to hit the lagoons

That’s why this can still feel like good value for the right pair. If you’d otherwise pay for separate boat transport, pay for equipment, and lose time to schedules and crowds, this starts to make sense. It’s also a win if you’re traveling on a tight schedule and want a single “do it all” day that doesn’t require multiple transfers.

Where it may not feel worth it: if you’re trying to stretch the budget as far as possible, and you know you’ll skip snorkel gear and SUP most of the time. In that case, you might prefer a cheaper group option and just accept the crowd.

Timing tips: start on time and protect swim hours

Even with a long day on the water, the best part is the anchored swim windows. One reviewer tip that’s worth taking seriously: the trip can be about 9 hours, but the time anchored in bays can be only a few hours total. Time flies once you’re in and out of the water.

So here’s what I’d do before you head out:

• arrive early so you’re ready to go when you’re called
• pick a simple plan for lunch (decide whether you want BBQ or bring-your-own)
• keep extras minimal (no big museum detours before sailing)

This is also where the skipper conversations work best. If you’re hanging out on the foredeck sunning, you might not be in the spot where easy chatting happens. If you want sailing stories and local context, position yourself where you can hear comfortably and ask for the theme you care about—history, sailing, or just where to swim next.

Who this fits best: couples, families, and teens who want options

This is a private charter, so it’s ideal for couples who want a romantic Malta day without noisy public-tour energy. Multiple honeymoon-style trips were described as a highlight, mostly because the day can be shaped around your pace and your swim preferences.

It also works for families and mixed groups because the activity list is flexible: snorkel breaks, paddleboarding, swimming, and boat time for relaxation. One review called out teens staying entertained, and another described kids enjoying time on the boat in more active ways like fishing and sailing moments.

If you’re traveling with mobility considerations, you’ll likely find the crew willing to help getting on and off the yacht, but ask specific questions in advance if you need a particular kind of assistance.

Should you book this private sailing charter?

Book it if you want a Malta day that feels like it’s built around water time, with included snorkel gear and SUP boards, and you’re willing to pay for privacy and a skipper-led route to Comino’s lagoons.

Skip it or rethink if you’re expecting the exact kind of all-inclusive deal where lunch and drinks are included automatically, or if you’re trying to maximize your time onshore. Also, if you’re the type who gets frustrated by a crowded famous spot, set your expectations: Blue Lagoon can be busy on shore, though a good skipper can still find calmer water for swimming.

FAQ

FAQ

How many people can go on the charter?

This is a private tour/activity, and it’s priced per group for up to 2 people.

How long is the sailing day?

It runs for approximately 8 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Sailing Charters MaltaMarina at Pontoon F in Kalkara Marina and ends back at the same meeting point.

Which lagoons are included during the day?

You’ll stop at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, plus you’ll also see the Valletta Grand Harbour and pass areas like St. Paul’s Bay while sailing north toward Comino.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

Are stand-up paddle boards included?

Yes. Two stand-up paddle boards are included.

Is food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included by default. There is an option to include a fresh barbecue meal, plus drinks and other nibbles.

What’s included in the price besides the skipper?

Included are all taxes, fuel, free-flow of water, the skipper/guide, snorkelling equipment, and the SUP boards.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included. You’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation by you is non-refundable and can’t be changed for any reason.