Malta on the water feels different when it’s just your group. This private sailing charter keeps the day flexible around wind and turns Comino into your swim stop, with a home-cooked lunch waiting onboard.

I really like two things about how this day is put together: the whole trip is for your party only (up to 6 people), and the captain builds the experience around where the water is best that day. You also get a proper lunch onboard—not just snacks—plus soft drinks, bottled water, and coffee or tea.

One thing to consider: the route depends on wind direction. If Comino isn’t workable, the captain will choose another destination, so plan to be flexible and trust the crew.

Key things that make this charter worth your time

• Private boat for up to 6 so your day stays calm, not a queue
• Comino + Blue Lagoon anchoring time for swimming and snorkel-friendly water
• Captain Michael’s local insights that turn scenery into context
• Homemade lunch onboard (salads, caprese-style plates, cold cuts, fruit)
• Time in the water with floats available, plus an optional SUP you pay for

Private sailing from Senglea: what the day feels like

If you’re picturing a classic Malta sea day, this charter matches that mood—morning departure, a long stretch of sailing, then a big swim window, and a relaxed return to the harbor. The pacing is designed for real leisure, not ticking off stops fast.

The trip is scheduled for about 8 hours, with a 9:00 am start. You meet at Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu, Senglea (ISL 1040). From there, you sail out along the Maltese shoreline and aim for Comino when conditions allow.

The “private” part matters more than you might think. When you’re not sharing a small boat with strangers, it’s easier to talk with the captain, ask questions, and get a feel for the plan. The boat can also feel more like your floating base than a tour bus with seats.

From the morning briefing to Comino: how the route works

The day starts with a short briefing, then you head out in the morning. The captain sets the course toward Comino, depending on wind direction. If the wind doesn’t cooperate, you’ll go elsewhere—so the experience is still a sailing-focused day, not a rigid checklist.

The sail time to Comino is about 2.5 hours. That’s a meaningful block of time on the water, which is good news if you want more than “we arrived, take photos, leave.” You’ll have time to settle in, look along the coast, and enjoy the boat moving steadily instead of constantly stopping.

A practical point: because the schedule hinges on wind, you’re unlikely to control the exact timing of the anchor stop. The upside is that the captain chooses what’s workable and comfortable for the day—especially important for anchoring in the right spot.

The Blue Lagoon stop: the swimming-and-snorkel rhythm

Comino is the highlight for many people, and the itinerary centers on time anchored near the Blue Lagoon area. Once you arrive, you’ll anchor and the day shifts from sailing to relaxing.

This is where the charter earns its keep. You get real time in the water—long enough to swim, snorkel, and actually enjoy that clear, open-water feeling. There’s also a standup paddle board option mentioned in the experience details, though SUP use is not included. So if you want to paddle, you should be ready for that extra cost.

Floats are also on hand, which makes it easier for people who just want to float, play around, and cool off without committing to full-on snorkeling. It’s a nice middle ground between “I want to swim” and “I just want to relax on a calm cove.”

One small consideration: you’re stopping to swim in open water, so you’ll want to dress for the sea—comfortable swim gear helps, and you’ll likely spend a lot of the afternoon in that sun-and-saltair mode.

Lunch onboard: simple, Mediterranean, and truly practical

Lunch is one of the most satisfying parts of this kind of sailing day because it removes the hassle of finding food once you’re out of town. The plan here is to eat while you’re still on the boat, so you don’t lose your momentum.

The meal is home-cooked and served onboard with a Mediterranean feel. Expect a mix along these lines:

• Homemade salads, including options like caprese with buffalo mozzarella
• Cheese and antipasto-style cold cuts, such as salami and prosciutto
• Olives and bread like baguette or olive bread
• Fruit dessert, often melon

Drinks are included: soft drinks (soda/pop) and bottled water, plus coffee and/or tea.

There’s also a useful note for diet needs. Lunch includes seafood-related possibilities (like octopus or shrimp) in some salad variations, and the guidance is to let the operator know when booking if you’re vegetarian. If you’re booking with specific dietary restrictions, don’t leave it to chance—send the message early.

This lunch setup is part of the value. For many sailing days, you either get a minimal snack or you scramble to eat later. Here, you eat well, you stay on schedule, and you keep the relaxed mood.

Captain Michael and the onboard vibe

A big reason this charter rates so highly is the way the captain turns a boat day into a Malta day. The captain on this experience is Michael, and the character of the trip is simple: he sails well, shares what he knows, and keeps the day laid-back.

You’ll likely notice two things as the day goes on:

1) The captain adjusts plans for enjoyment, not for appearances. If the goal is less crowded swimming time, that’s the direction the day tends to move.

2) Conversation is welcomed. If you’re the type who likes learning while you travel, Michael’s style makes it easy to ask questions.

On a private charter, you control the energy more. You can chat and learn, or you can just enjoy the quiet. Either way, the ship becomes a comfortable base instead of a nonstop guided script.

Timing and the return to Senglea

After the swim and lunch window, you’ll start heading back around 3:00 pm. The return sailing comes in around 5:00 pm, and the tour ends back at the starting point in Senglea.

That timing is practical. It gives you a full day at sea without eating up your entire afternoon. You’ll still have evening time for dinners and sunset strolling once you’re back in town.

Also, the return timing helps if you’re staying in or near the Three Cities area. You can plan a relaxed rest period afterward, since you’re not getting back late in the night.

What you’re really paying for: value of $768.98 per group

The price is $768.98 per group, up to 6 people. That’s not “cheap” in the way a bus tour might be, but it’s also not priced like an out-of-control luxury fantasy. You’re paying for a private boat day plus the included meal and drinks.

Here’s how the value usually shakes out for you:

• If you’re a couple: the per-person cost can feel high, but you get the privacy and the dedicated captain time.
• If you’re a group of 4 to 6: the cost spreads out, and the price starts looking much more like a smart splurge—especially because lunch and drinks are included.
• If you care about calm: private sailing often delivers a better day than a crowded charter where you spend time negotiating space.

What’s included helps tip the math in your favor:

• Lunch (salads, cheese/cold cuts, fruit; dietary needs can be accommodated with notice)
• Soft drinks, bottled water
• Coffee and/or tea
• Time for swimming/snorkeling, plus floats mentioned for water fun
• Private charter experience for your party only

What’s not included:

• SUP use

If you’re comparing this to smaller-group or shared-boat options, the private format is the biggest reason it can be worth it. You get a day built around your group’s rhythm.

Who should book this charter (and who might skip)

This is ideal if you want a low-stress Malta sea day with real downtime. It’s a good fit for:

• Couples who want a quieter, more personal sailing experience
• Small groups (up to 6) who like learning from the captain but don’t want a strict schedule
• People who care about a proper lunch onboard rather than grabbing food in a hurry

It’s not suitable for children below 5 years old, so if you’re traveling with younger kids, you’ll need another option. Also, because the plan depends on weather and wind, it’s best for travelers who can be flexible.

If you’re the type who wants action every minute, you may find the pacing relaxed. But if your goal is swimming, sun-on-water time, and conversation with a real captain, the “slow day” approach is the point.

Tips to get the most out of the day

You don’t need to overthink it, but a few choices can help you enjoy the full 8 hours:

• Dress for a day on open water with swimming time.
• If you care about dietary needs, mention them during booking so the lunch can match your preferences.
• If you’re interested in the SUP, assume it’s an extra and plan accordingly.
• Expect the captain to make decisions based on wind direction, so keep your expectations flexible for the destination choice.

One more practical thought: since you’re sailing for hours, pick shoes and clothing that won’t feel annoying once you’re getting into the water and back onto the boat.

Quick reality check: weather and wind can change the plan

This charter requires good weather. If weather forces cancellation, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. On the day itself, wind direction can determine whether Comino is the target or an alternate destination is chosen.

That’s not a flaw—it’s just how sailing works. The upside is that the captain isn’t guessing. He’s running the day based on what’s workable and comfortable, not what looks best on paper.

Should you book this private charter?

I’d book it if you want Malta at sea with less hassle and more personal space. The combination of private sailing, a real swim stop, and homemade lunch plus drinks makes it a strong value for a group of 4 to 6—and still a worthy splurge for couples who want a calm, captain-led day.

Skip it if you’re traveling with kids under 5, or if you’re the kind of traveler who needs the exact same destination no matter what wind conditions do. This trip is built around the water and the day, not around rigid timing.

If you’re aiming for a memorable Malta moment without the crowds, this is the kind of day that tends to stick.

FAQ

Where does the tour start, and what time does it run?

The experience starts at Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu, Senglea, ISL 1040, Malta. The start time is 9:00 am, and it ends back at the meeting point around 5:00 pm.

Is this a private sailing charter?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates. The group size is up to 6 people.

Do you sail to Comino and the Blue Lagoon?

The plan is to sail toward Comino (wind direction permitting). The anchor stop includes Blue Lagoon time for swimming and snorkeling.

What’s included for lunch and drinks?

Lunch includes home-made salads, cheese, ham/cold cuts, and fruit (like melon). Drinks include soda/pop, bottled water, and coffee and/or tea.

Is the standup paddle board (SUP) included?

SUP use is not included. It’s listed as an activity you can use, but you should expect additional cost for the SUP.

Are there age limits for the tour?

Yes. It is not suitable for children below 5 years of age.

What happens if weather is bad?

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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