Reviewed · SAILING
Private Full-Day Yacht Tour in Maltese Islands
A full-day private yacht outing in Malta is interesting because it turns the island’s best scenery into something you can actually float in. You get a smooth, no-stress day at sea, with time planned for swimming and snorkeling around Comino, plus a pass along the coast toward Valletta and Sliema. I especially like the Comino lagoon focus and the fact that you sail with Captain Raymond, who clearly knows the waters, the history, and the best spots away from heavy crowds. One consideration: the itinerary is weather dependent, so you should be ready for the route and stop timing to shift a bit if conditions change.
If you’re traveling with a couple or a small group, this is also appealing because it’s truly private, up to 6 people, with a calm, comfortable boat vibe rather than a big-day-tour scramble. I like the practical inclusions, snorkeling gear and free-flow water or soft drinks, because they cut down on planning. The main drawback to think about is what isn’t included, food, alcohol, and hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan your day around that.
Key highlights to look for on the water

- Private up to 6 people means you control the pace and avoid the big-boat feel
- Comino lagoon time at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon gives you multiple swim options
- Captain Raymond’s local storytelling adds context while you’re cruising past landmarks
- St Paul’s Islands chance offers a quick stop in crystal-clear water tied to the famous shipwreck story
- Snorkeling equipment included keeps the day easy if you want to see the underwater life
- Bluetooth sound system and outdoor shower add comfort between swims
A private yacht day from Marsamxett, built for Comino’s swimming stops

This is the kind of Malta day that feels simple in the best way. You start at Marsamxett Harbour, right in the middle of where the action and the coastline connect, and you sail out with a skipper who plans around the day’s conditions. If your idea of a great vacation day is fewer lines, fewer buses, and more water time, this fits.
The tour is organized around Comino, which matters because Comino is where a lot of Malta’s postcard sea scenes come from. You’re not just passing it by. You get structured time for swimming and soaking up the sun, with snorkel gear included, so you can go from boat to water without extra steps.
Also, you’re not locked into a rigid script. The route is described as typical weather permitting, and there’s also flexibility baked in based on what the day is like. That’s a real deal in Malta, where wind and sea conditions can change your experience fast.
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Timing, meeting points, and how the day flows (9:30 start, back again after 8 hours)
Your start time is 9:30 am, and the total tour duration is listed as about 8 hours including travel time. The meeting and ending point is the same area, at Creek Marina Pontoon N Malta, and the tour ends back at that meeting point.
On paper, it’s a full day. In practice, it tends to feel like a sequence of short transitions plus one or two anchor swims. You’ll have enough time to enjoy the sailing views and still get multiple water breaks.
Two logistics notes to plan around:
- There is no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to already be positioned near the meeting area (or use public transportation, since it’s noted as near public transport).
- You should confirm how you’re getting to the marina the morning of, since the tour has a defined start time.
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to use the first half of the day well and then relax the rest, this schedule is the sweet spot.
The cruise out north: Sliema views, St Paul’s area, and the Comino setup

After leaving Marsamxett Harbour, the typical plan is to head north where the sailing route passes by sights tied to both Malta’s history and Comino’s sea formations. You’ll also pass by the Sliema seafront on the way out and on the way back.
That matters more than it sounds. Sliema is one of those places where you can see Malta’s modern coastline energy while you’re still close enough to the water to feel like you’re on vacation, not in transit. Then, as you sail north, the day shifts into quieter, more swim-ready scenes.
Your skipper’s job here is partly driving the boat and partly reading the day. The tour description notes weather permitting, which is code for: you’ll get the best version of the route when conditions are kind. When they aren’t, a good captain adjusts so you don’t lose the day.
Stop option: St Paul’s Bay and the St Paul’s Islands refresh
There’s a chance to stop at St Paul’s Islands, with the stop described around St Paul’s Bay. If you do this, it’s positioned as a quick water break, about 30 minutes, with admission ticket free.
Why this stop is worth caring about: St Paul’s Islands are tied to the famous shipwreck story of St Paul, and the tour context usually gives you more meaning than just a float and a photo. Even if it’s brief, it’s one of those stops that feels culturally anchored while still being a swim moment.
What to expect realistically: this is not a long beach day. It’s a quick refresh in crystal-clear water, then you move on to the lagoons of Comino. If you want lots of time on shore, you might feel slightly shorted here, but the time you gain is in the main lagoon swims.
Same islands, a different way to spend the day:
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Blue Lagoon time on Comino: the main swim window (about 2 hours)
The big featured stop is Blue Lagoon, on Comino. You get about 2 hours there, and admission is free. This is where the day’s energy peaks, because it’s the most famous swimming water on the route.
Here’s how to make the most of those two hours:
- Swim early if you want a calmer feel in the water before the day builds.
- Use the included snorkeling equipment if you want to see more than just the surface colors.
- If your group has different comfort levels in the water, this is where the skipper’s judgment helps you find spots that work for everyone.
Also, this stop is described as the tour will go to Blue Lagoon and will do its best to find a spot to spend time. That wording matters: it implies you’re not just dropping anchor anywhere. You’re aiming for a practical place to enjoy the water while still getting that classic lagoon experience.
One consideration: Blue Lagoon can be popular by nature. Your private setup helps, but you still need to accept that you’re visiting a highlight area, not a secret cove.
Crystal Lagoon: shorter, easier, and great for sun-and-snorkel (about 1 hour)

Next comes Crystal Lagoon, also on Comino, with about 1 hour of time. Admission is free, and the focus here is flexible: you can swim, or just soak up the sun.
I like this stop because it gives you a different mood than Blue Lagoon. It’s shorter, so you can keep momentum in the day, and it works well if you want another water moment without turning the day into only swimming.
If you’re snorkeling more seriously, an extra hour can be enough to do a couple of passes without feeling rushed. If you’re more of a lounge-on-the-boat swimmer, it’s the kind of stop where you can dip in, relax, and then be ready for the return sailing.
Santa Maria Caves: a pass-by that still adds drama
The tour also includes a stop that’s described as Santa Maria Caves, located at Comino. The description says you’ll pass by, which means you should treat it like scenery time rather than a dedicated shore or swim stop.
Even as a pass-by, caves can make the day feel special. Caves change the way light hits the water, and they give the coastline more texture than plain shoreline cruising. If you like visual variety, this helps break up the day between lagoon swims.
If your main goal is water time, you might wish for a longer caves interaction. But if you’re aiming for the best mix of swimming plus views, this pass-by adds that extra Malta flavor.
Sailing past the coast: why the return route matters
On the way back, you’ll pass by Sliema sea front again and then return to the marina. This matters because the return is often where you realize how much of the day you actually enjoyed, not just where you swam.
There’s something about sailing back along Malta’s coastline that makes the whole day feel like a loop: modern harbor energy near the start, then Comino’s clear water, then back to the city edge again. It gives you a sense that you saw more than one “version” of the island.
Also, the tour is private and starts and ends at the same point. That reduces friction. You’re not coordinating transfers after the water day ends.
What’s included: the comfort stuff that actually changes your day
This is where the value shows up. The boat includes:
- Skipper/guide
- Fuel and all taxes
- Snorkeling equipment
- Free-flow of water and soft drinks
- Bluetooth sound system
- Outdoor shower
- Use of an outdoor shower, which is one of those underrated travel features. You’ll really appreciate it right after a swim, especially if you plan to head back out afterward.
The yacht is described as clean and comfortable in the feedback. A spotless boat matters because you’re spending real time onboard between swims. You want to feel like you can relax, set your stuff down, and not worry about where your towel goes.
There’s also mention of fridge space in some cases and the sense that packed lunch setups are handled well. While exact meal setup isn’t guaranteed in the provided details, you should expect the boat to be set up for day-cruise comfort.
Who Captain Raymond seems to be, and why that matters for your experience
A lot of boat days become the same routine if the skipper treats it like a job. That doesn’t seem to be the style here.
Captain Raymond is repeatedly described as:
- very professional and skilled at the helm
- local, with strong knowledge of Maltese history and how the island has changed over decades
- attentive and fun to be around
- safety-minded in a calm way
- willing to adjust the experience based on the day
That last part is important for you. If the winds are low, a good skipper still makes sure the day feels complete. If conditions are good, they find the best-feeling water spots and timing for swimming.
And because you’re on a private tour, his attention is not spread across a crowd. You’ll feel like your day is the day.
Price and value for up to 6 people, compared to the cost of convenience
The price is $946.63 per group up to 6, for about 8 hours. That’s not the cheapest way to do Malta by water, but it can be strong value depending on who you travel with.
Here’s the practical way to think about it:
- If you’re two people, you’re paying more per person than a shared group tour.
- If you’re four to six people, the per-person cost can start to feel more reasonable, especially because many extras are already included.
The value improves because you get more than transport. You get:
- a private boat and skipper for the whole day
- snorkeling equipment
- free-flow water and soft drinks
- comfort features like a Bluetooth sound system and an outdoor shower
Notably excluded items include food, alcohol, and hotel pickup. That means you should budget for a meal plan separately, either bringing food or arranging it for pickup on your side of the day. But if you plan well, you won’t feel like you’re constantly buying add-ons during the trip.
Compared with the cost of piecing together multiple tours or paying for separate transfers, this can be a clean “one booking, one day” solution.
Swimming, weight limits, and practical health notes you should not ignore
This tour isn’t trying to be a one-size-fits-all. You’ll want to pay attention to the details that affect comfort and safety.
- The tour asks you to advise whether you can swim.
- It notes a restriction to persons under 120 kg / 264 lbs.
- You should advise of medical conditions.
- It’s described as most travelers can participate, which suggests it’s fairly welcoming, but the swimming requirement still matters.
If anyone in your group has mobility or balance concerns, ask in advance what the boat transfer and water entry is like. The data here doesn’t specify exact steps, so it’s smart to clarify before you go.
Also, the tour requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the experience may be canceled and you’d be offered another date or a full refund.
What to bring so the day feels easy (and not like a scramble)
The tour does not include swimwear, food, or alcohol, so I’d treat this as a “bring your basics” day. You can pack light, but don’t forget the essentials.
My checklist:
- swimwear (even if you plan to just sit in the water for a bit)
- a towel if you have one you prefer
- sunscreen and a hat, since lagoon time is sun time
- a basic plan for lunch and drinks, because food and drinks are not included
If you’re sensitive to sea conditions, mention medical needs early. You’ll get a better answer about what the skipper recommends for your situation.
Should you book this private yacht tour of the Maltese Islands?
Book it if you want a private, water-first Malta day with real swimming time around Comino. This is especially worth it if your group can reach the cap of up to 6, because the price makes more sense and you spread the cost of a full-day yacht and skipper.
Skip or compare another option if:
- you dislike weather-dependent plans and want guarantees on exact stops
- you only want shore time and not boat time
- you’re traveling solo or as a couple and the per-person cost feels too high compared to shared tours
If your goal is to see Malta from the sea, swim in famous lagoon water like Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and do it with a skipper who brings local context to the day, this is a very strong choice. It’s built for comfort, simplicity, and that moment when the boat stops and the water turns into your day’s main event.
FAQ
Where does the private yacht tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends at the same meeting point, Creek Marina Pontoon N Malta. The activity also leaves from Marsamxett Harbour where the yachts are berthed.
What time does the tour run?
The start time is 9:30 am, and the total duration is about 8 hours, including travel time.
What’s included in the tour price?
It includes all taxes, fuel, skipper/guide, snorkeling equipment, free-flow water and soft drinks, Bluetooth sound system, and use of an outdoor shower.
What is not included?
Food and drinks, alcohol, and swimwear are not included. Hotel pickup is also not included.
Do we get swimming and snorkeling time?
Yes. The plan includes swim stops at Blue Lagoon (about 2 hours) and Crystal Lagoon (about 1 hour), and snorkeling equipment is included. You should also let the operator know if you can swim.
Is the itinerary the same every day?
The route is described as weather permitting, with typical stops and pass-by sights. If conditions are not good, the plan may change.
What’s the cancellation policy if weather is poor?
You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
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