Five swim stops, and you’re in charge. This private yacht charter takes you between Malta, Gozo, and Comino, and it’s the kind of day where the sea decides the mood. I like that the meeting point is easy to locate at Island Life Charters in Mellieħa Bay, and that the captains, Sheldon and Wayne, give a real guided feel without turning it into a lecture.

My other favorite part is the freedom. You get water sports gear (paddleboards on request), and you can choose how long you want to stay in each swimming spot. One thing to plan for: the day is weather-dependent, and you’ll need moderate comfort with being out on a boat for hours.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Private time for up to 8: you set the pacing instead of following a big-group shuffle.
• Water sports gear provided: paddleboards are available if you ask ahead.
• Comino timing is flexible: you can linger at the lagoon/sea-bay combo that fits the day.
• A short, sweet cave stop at L-Aħrax: 10 minutes built in for that cave-behind-you photo.
• Real lunch options: stop for a restaurant meal or bring your own food (with fridges and cutlery on board).
• Captains can tailor for comfort: people have mentioned smoother routing when motion sickness is a concern.

Your Private Route Around Malta, Gozo and Comino

This is an 8-hour charter day (around 9:00 am to back where you started), designed for swimming, snorkeling, and taking your time between coves. It’s not a “get off, get back on, next stop” tour. The captains build your day around what the sea is doing, so you can spend longer where the water looks and feels right.

The day’s framework has five stops. You kick off with a fast cave moment at L-Aħrax, then head into Comino’s water playground for extended swim time. After that you shift gears to quieter Gozo waters at Mgarr ix-Xini, and you end with a final snorkel-friendly stop at Paradise Bay. That structure matters because it mixes big-name scenery (the lagoons) with calmer breaks (ix-Xini), so you don’t feel like you’re only doing tourist highlights.

A private boat also changes how you experience caves. You’re not limited to the viewing-the-rocks-from-a-ferry version. On past days, the crew has helped people explore caves and even spot marine life like octopi (then release them). You’ll want to keep your eyes open and your phone away until you’re stable—sea time is better when you’re watching, not filming the whole day.

Getting to Island Life Charters and Starting at 9:00

Your start is Island Life Charters, at Mellieħa Bay in Mellieħa (near public transportation). The meeting point is described as easy to find, which is a big deal when you’re trying to get on the water without stress.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and confirmation is typically sent within 48 hours of booking (subject to availability). Most people do better arriving a bit early anyway. Boats are one of those places where “we’re here” is not the same thing as “we’re ready to cast off.”

Also, plan for a full day in swim mode. You’ll be boarding and disembarking for swimming stops, so bring what you’ll need rather than assuming you can dash for it later. If you’re bringing lunch, the boat’s setup (fridges and cutlery have been mentioned) makes it practical, not just an emergency snack.

L-Aħrax Smugglers Cave: The 10-Minute Photo Stop

L-Aħrax is a quick stop—about 10 minutes—centered on Smugglers Cave. It’s a great “pause and get the picture” moment, with the cave behind you for that instantly recognizable setting. It’s also the kind of stop that works well early in the day: short enough that you’re not stuck off the water, useful enough that you don’t miss it.

The listing for this stop shows admission as free, so you don’t have to build time around ticket lines or paywalls. In practice, that means you can keep your day on track. If you like photos but hate long stop durations, this is a solid match.

A small piece of advice: take your photo, then get back to the water plan. The best part of the day is what comes next in Comino.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: Swim Spots, Not a Script

Comino is where this day earns its reputation. You get extended time in the water—around three hours for the Blue Lagoon area and another three-hour block for the Crystal Lagoon area. The captain can move you between swimming spots such as the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay, depending on weather conditions.

Here’s what that flexibility means for you: you’re not locked into one exact shoreline. If wind kicks up, the crew can steer you toward a better-feeling swim. If one cove is busy or the light isn’t great, you can shift to the spot that actually works for the day. And if you find a pocket you love, you can stay there longer rather than being dragged along by a schedule.

This is also where snorkeling becomes part of the day naturally. Paradise Bay is explicitly described as good for snorkeling, but Comino’s clear water is often the main event. People have also noted seeing non-poisonous jellyfish and different fish during swims. That’s not a guarantee every minute, but it’s a good sign that the waters here can be lively and clear.

If you want paddleboarding, this is prime time. Paddleboards are available on request, and trying one in calmer pockets is a whole different way to experience the coves than just floating.

Mgarr ix-Xini in Gozo: The Quiet-Water Reset

After Comino, the day slows down at Mgarr ix-Xini. This spot is known for clean, clear water, and it’s described as a quieter area. You get about an hour here, with admission listed as free.

That hour is often the best kind of travel break: not a long “shore excursion,” just time to swim without the constant crowd pressure that can show up at the most famous spots. If your group includes people who want to swim but also want the day to feel relaxed, ix-Xini helps it land right.

Also, if you’re traveling with kids, this kind of stop can be easier than a rocky, back-and-forth schedule. You’re basically doing water time, then moving on. A few past days have highlighted how much families liked the easy kid-friendly energy of the boat day.

Paradise Bay: Last Swim, Snorkel-Friendly Water

Paradise Bay is usually the final stop before heading back. You get about an hour there, and it’s described as offering crystal clear waters and a nice spot for snorkeling.

This is the stop I’d treat as your “finish strong” moment. The morning swims can make you forget basics like reapplying sunscreen or grabbing water. Paradise Bay is a good time to slow down, snorkel, and look around instead of trying to do everything at maximum speed.

Because it’s the last major swimming stop, it’s also where you can manage your energy. If the day has you feeling sunny and tired, this is when a lighter pace makes sense.

Included Gear, Lunch Options, and What to Pack

You’ll have water sports gear provided, and paddleboards are available if you request them. That takes a big chunk of planning off your shoulders. You don’t need to show up with a raft, mask, or board from Malta logistics hell.

Lunch works two ways. The crew can stop at a restaurant for you (own expense), or you can bring your own lunch. People have mentioned lunch arrangements in Gozo and also bringing food to eat on the water. The boat having fridges and cutlery makes packing more than just sandwiches. Think of it like a moving picnic setup, not a barebones boat.

What to pack is still on you:

• Swimwear and a quick-dry layer for when you’re done in the sun
• Reef-safe sunscreen if you use it (water days love a good, even layer)
• Water and a hat
• If you get motion sickness, consider bringing your own remedy and tell the crew in advance so they can help you find calmer water when possible

Moderate physical fitness is listed for this experience. That usually means you should be comfortable moving around on a boat deck and getting in and out of the water safely.

Price, Pacing, and Who This Private Day Fits

The price is $1,505.14 per group (up to 8 people) for about 8 hours. If you fill the charter with a full group, the per-person cost becomes much more reasonable than if it’s just two people splitting the bill. This is one of those times when “private” is doing the heavy lifting: you’re paying for a dedicated boat, dedicated captains, and flexible swim time.

What you’re really buying is time. Three hours at Comino, another three-hour block, then quieter water in Gozo, and a final snorkeling stop at Paradise Bay. That’s a lot of water access for one day—especially with gear included and an itinerary that can shift with conditions.

This day fits best if you want:

• A swim-first itinerary (not a sightseeing checklist day)
• Less crowd energy and more private cave-and-cove time
• A group that enjoys being together on the water

It’s less ideal if you need rigid land schedules, or if you want a budget-friendly, minimal-excursion day. Also keep in mind it requires good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book This Private Yacht Charter in Malta?

If your ideal Malta trip includes hours of swimming, cave exploration, and the ability to choose where you linger, I’d book this. It’s built for water time with a private-group vibe, and Sheldon and Wayne are the kind of hosts who make the day feel guided without taking over.

I’d think twice only if your group can’t handle a boat day, or if you’re hoping for a strictly timed, land-based sightseeing schedule. For everyone else, this is a strong value when you spread the cost across a full group and prioritize Comino and Gozo water over another crowded “tour bus” afternoon.

FAQ

How many people are in the private charter?

The charter is for up to 8 people, and it’s private, so only your group participates.

How long is the full-day yacht experience?

It runs for about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start and when?

It starts at 9:00 am at Island Life Charters (Mellieħa Bay, Mellieħa) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What water activities are included?

Water sports gear is provided, and paddleboards are available on request.

What stops are included during the day?

You’ll visit L-Aħrax (Smugglers Cave), Comino swimming spots including the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon (timing and exact spots can change with weather), Mgarr ix-Xini in Gozo, and Paradise Bay.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included as part of the core price. You can either stop at a restaurant or bring your own lunch (own expense).

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.

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