REVIEW · MALTA
Full-Day Private Sailing Adventure in Malta and Gozo
Book on Viator →Operated by Solevela Yacht Charter · Bookable on Viator
Eight hours of sea time beats any bus tour. I love the way this private charter (up to 11 people) lets you choose your swim time, and I love that the chef stops to make lunch part of the day when you add it. On a 52-foot sailboat from Roland Marina, you’ll cover Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Gozo with snorkeling gear and stand-up paddle included. One consideration: alcohol and the food upsell are not included by default, so plan to select the lunch add-on (or bring your own) if you want more than water between swims.
Sergio (and Carla, when they’re on board) runs a calm, capable trip, and the boat itself feels like a real getaway, not a cattle-transport. In rougher conditions, the captain’s job becomes route-tuning and timing-tuning, not forcing a rigid plan, so you still end up with quality water time and good sea views.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Zoom In On Before You Book
- Why a Private Charter Beats the Big Boats
- From Roland Marina: Your 9:30am Start and Smooth Flow Back
- Blue Lagoon and Comino: The Swim-Focused Water Time
- Gozo and Crystal Lagoon: More Variety Beyond the Famous Names
- Lunch on Board: The Add-On That Changes the Day
- Snorkel Gear and Stand-Up Paddle: Included Fun, Not Just a Checkbox
- Wind, Waves, and Why Flexibility Is Part of the Deal
- Price and Value: When $846.56 Makes Sense
- Should You Book This Malta and Gozo Sailing Day?
- FAQ
- What time does the sailing experience start?
- How long is the tour?
- Is this tour private?
- How many people can be in the group?
- Where do we meet and where does the tour end?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Are alcoholic beverages included?
- When will I get confirmation after booking?
- What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
Key Things I’d Zoom In On Before You Book
- Private pacing for up to 11 people, so your day doesn’t get chopped into everyone-line-up blocks
- Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon as purpose-built swimming stops, not just photo stops
- Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle included, so you can do more than look
- Optional on-board lunch that gets cooked while you’re out there, turning downtime into a highlight
- A flexible approach to weather, with the captain adjusting where you go rather than rushing you
Why a Private Charter Beats the Big Boats
Malta is great, but the roads are busy and the harbor scene can feel like controlled chaos. A private sailing day solves that by putting you straight on the water, with your own rhythm and your own choices for swim breaks.
I also like that you’re not paying for a “one-size-fits-all” boat tour where the schedule runs your day. With Solevela Yacht Charter, the tone is more like: captain navigates, you decide how long to stay in the water, and the day shifts around sea conditions.
And yes, a real bonus is the on-board food option. A lot of sailing days end at a mediocre snack. Here, lunch is treated like part of the experience, and it’s often described as very fresh and cooked on board.
Other Gozo Island tours we've reviewed in Malta
From Roland Marina: Your 9:30am Start and Smooth Flow Back
This full-day sailing adventure starts at 9:30 am and runs about 8 hours. You meet at Solevela Yacht Charters, Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex, Malta, and the trip ends back at the same meeting point.
Because it’s a private group charter (only your party), you spend less time herding anyone, and more time getting ready for the first water stop. A mobile ticket is provided, and the experience is offered in English, which makes the day feel straightforward from the first message.
If you’re the type who hates vague timing, you’ll likely appreciate the clear communication noted in the experience details. On the day itself, expect stops that build around swimming and water fun, not just cruising by sights.
Blue Lagoon and Comino: The Swim-Focused Water Time
The sailing day is built around the clear-water reputation of the area. You start with Blue Lagoon, then you continue through Comino, using the sea as your main attraction and the boat as your comfortable base.
What you can realistically do here:
- Swim and relax in the water with multiple chances to hop in
- Use the provided snorkeling equipment for a look around when conditions are right
- Use the stand-up paddle when you want something slower and scenic
A pattern shows up across the experience style: the captain doesn’t rush you through the best parts. People describe spending real time in the water—long enough for a couple of swims, some lounging, and plenty of photo moments.
One practical tip: bring swim-ready clothes you can change into easily. You’re going to go back and forth between boat comfort and water time, and having a simple setup makes the day smoother.
Gozo and Crystal Lagoon: More Variety Beyond the Famous Names
After Comino, you head toward the Island of Gozo, then you continue to Crystal Lagoon. This is where the day can feel like it earns its title as a full-archipelago sail, because it’s not just one area over and over.
Why this works well:
- Gozo adds a different feel from the waters near Malta
- Crystal Lagoon is treated as another serious swimming stop, not just a quick look
- The route can shift based on wind and sea state, which often means more comfort and more enjoyable water time
Even when wind throws a curveball, the vibe tends to stay positive. In one scenario, the captain adjusted plans when conditions weren’t ideal for the original route, and you still got to enjoy time at sea through alternative areas.
If you’re coming from Malta for the first time, this is also a smart way to get a taste of Gozo without committing to a land-only day that can feel rushed between viewpoints.
Lunch on Board: The Add-On That Changes the Day
The biggest “make-or-break” choice for this trip is food. The standard inclusions cover fuel, the skipper, snorkeling gear, and the stand-up paddle. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and lunch and wine can be added for an extra charge.
So if you’re hoping for a full sit-down meal experience, don’t assume it’s automatic. If you want that chef-cooked, on-board lunch moment, select the lunch option.
The value here is that lunch gets treated like a “we’re doing this at sea” event. People describe intimate, freshly cooked meals prepared while they’re in the water. There are even examples of dishes like quiche, cacio e pepe, and fish pasta, which tells you the food isn’t a sad sandwich situation.
Also pay attention to preferences and needs. You’ll be asking for adjustments based on your group, and it’s been noted that the chef can handle allergy requests.
My practical advice: decide your food plan before you go. If you prefer simplicity and don’t want to buy lunch on board, you can bring snacks, and you’ll still have free water available. But if you want the day to feel extra special, the lunch add-on is where the experience really starts to feel like a private celebration.
Other private boat charters we've reviewed in Malta
Snorkel Gear and Stand-Up Paddle: Included Fun, Not Just a Checkbox
This charter includes snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddle. That matters because lots of sailing tours say snorkeling is included, but the gear is minimal or the water time is short.
Here, the water stops are built around using those things. Expect time where you can:
- Snorkel during clearer windows
- Paddle for slow exploration once you’ve got your sea legs
- Jump in for quick swims and photos without feeling like the boat is pulling away immediately
You’ll also want to consider comfort. Even if you’re not an expert swimmer, the captain can help you choose calmer spots when the sea is choppier. One big theme from the experience style is that the crew adapts to the group’s comfort level.
And for those who like small touches: the boat can come with a cat companion (people mention a sweet cat named Abi), which adds a funny, relaxing layer to the day.
Wind, Waves, and Why Flexibility Is Part of the Deal
Malta’s Mediterranean sailing can be breezy, and the wind can change how “comfortable” a day feels at sea. The experience details also mention that it requires good weather.
What I like here is that the captain’s approach is about adjusting rather than forcing the plan. On windy days, you might end up with a different mix of stops or a more sheltered choice, while still getting swimming and sea time. That flexibility is especially valuable if you booked for the water, not for a strict checklist of named locations.
Is there a risk if the sea gets rough? The operator’s stance in the provided information is that safety is taken seriously and they don’t treat dangerous conditions as a routine option. Still, as with any sailing day, you should go into it expecting some chop if the wind is up, especially in shoulder seasons.
My advice: if you’re sailing with kids or anyone who gets motion-sick, ask about comfort options before you lock in your date. And if you’re prone to nausea, pack motion-sickness support. It’s the kind of prep that pays off fast.
Price and Value: When $846.56 Makes Sense
The price is $846.56 per group, for up to 11 people. That’s the key to the value math. If you fill close to 11, you’re effectively spreading the cost to roughly $77 per person. If you book as 6 people, it’s closer to $141 per person. Either way, it can still feel fair because you’re not splitting the day with strangers on a large boat.
This is the type of tour that becomes a “yes” when:
- you want privacy and control of timing
- your group includes swimmers who’ll actually use snorkeling and paddle gear
- you want a full day without the stress of changing buses and cramming schedules
It also becomes a “think twice” if you’re only looking for sightseeing photos and you won’t use the included water gear. In that case, paying for the private boat might feel like overkill.
My best value tip: treat it like a day of water sports plus a boat. If that’s your plan, you’ll likely feel good about the cost.
Should You Book This Malta and Gozo Sailing Day?
Book it if you want:
- a private day at sea with a real chance to swim more than once
- included snorkeling and stand-up paddle time
- a flexible captain who can adjust the route when weather shifts
- the option to add a chef-cooked lunch that turns the day into a memory
Skip or switch to something else if:
- your idea of value is mostly on-shore landmarks and museum time
- you don’t want to pay extra for lunch and drinks but expect them to be automatic
- you strongly dislike any chance of wind-driven changes to the day’s plan
If you do book, decide early about the food and drinks plan. Then dress for repeated water jumps, and show up ready to slow down.
FAQ
What time does the sailing experience start?
The start time is 9:30 am.
How long is the tour?
It runs for about 8 hours.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
How many people can be in the group?
The price is per group for up to 11 people.
Where do we meet and where does the tour end?
You meet at Solevela Yacht Charters at Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex, Malta. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
What’s included in the price?
Fuel and skipper are included, along with snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle use.
Is lunch included?
Lunch and wine are not included, but lunch on board is possible for an extra charge.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
When will I get confirmation after booking?
Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
