Reviewed · BOAT CHARTERS

Sailing charter along the Maltese shoreline incl. Lunch and drinks

5.0 · 16 reviews 8 hours (approx.) From $768 Operated by Sailing classic Ketch · Bookable on Viator
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This private charter along Malta’s shoreline is interesting because you get a full sail day with your own small group, not a big mixed crowd. You’ll head toward Comino and anchor where the water is calm enough for swimming and snorkeling, with a captain who adjusts the plan based on wind direction. It is a classic Malta sea day with a very personal pace.

Two things I really like about it: the whole boat for your group (up to six), which makes the day feel relaxed and flexible, and the home-cooked lunch on board with local-style salads, cheese, cold cuts, and melon. One thing to consider is the day is weather dependent, and you should plan for a slower, wind-driven sail if conditions shift.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

Sailing charter along the Maltese shoreline incl. Lunch and drinks - Key Things to Know Before You Go

  • Private charter for up to six, so you can actually hear each other and talk with the crew without juggling a crowd
  • Comino goal depends on wind direction, with an alternative destination chosen if needed
  • Blue Lagoon swim time with snorkeling and swimming, plus floats available
  • Lunch is served on board, including salads, cheese, prosciutto/cold cuts, and chilled melon
  • Soft drinks, bottled water, coffee or tea are included, so you do not need to hunt for refreshment
  • SUP use is not included, so if that matters to you, confirm how it works when booking

Why This Private Comino Sail Feels Different From the Usual Tour

Sailing charter along the Maltese shoreline incl. Lunch and drinks - Why This Private Comino Sail Feels Different From the Usual Tour
What makes this experience feel special is that it is built around your party size and the water, not around rushing between stops. You sail out from Senglea in the morning, spend the middle of the day at the Comino area, then sail back by late afternoon. Even if you only care about the sea views and a good swim, the structure keeps the day from feeling chaotic.

I also like that the captain and crew bring you local context as you go. That shows up in how the day is paced and how swimming spots are chosen. In plain terms, you get a smoother day when someone local is thinking about wind, shelter, and timing.

The one drawback is simple: you are on the Mediterranean, and the plan depends on weather and wind. If the conditions do not cooperate, you may sail to a different destination than the one you first expected. That said, the activity is designed for those shifts, and the day is still a sailing-focused outing.

Other private charters from Malta:

Morning Start in Senglea: Getting on Board Without Stress

The tour begins at Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour in Senglea, with the full address listed on your confirmation. The start time is 9:00 am, and you will return to the same meeting point at the end of the trip. It also notes that the meeting point is near public transportation, which is helpful if you are not driving.

Before you set off, there is a short briefing. This matters more than it sounds. You are likely to hear what the crew is aiming for that day, how the timing will work, and what the plan is for swim time and lunch. On a small private charter, that briefing helps you feel in control instead of just following along.

One practical tip: bring a little patience for boarding. On the water, everything depends on departure timing and wind, so the morning is smoother when you are not rushing your arrival.

The 2.5 Hour Sail Toward Comino, Plus How the Day Builds Momentum

Sailing charter along the Maltese shoreline incl. Lunch and drinks - The 2.5 Hour Sail Toward Comino, Plus How the Day Builds Momentum
From the start, the sail toward Comino takes about 2.5 hours. That is long enough to get that true sailing rhythm, but not so long that you feel stuck. You will feel the day shift from land mode into sea mode, and you can settle in early.

This leg is also where the captain’s decisions start to matter. The itinerary says Comino is the goal based on wind direction, and if wind does not allow it, another destination is chosen. In other words, you are not just hoping for good conditions, you are sailing with someone who plans for reality.

What you can expect during the sail:

  • Plenty of sea time for photos and looking along Malta’s shoreline
  • A relaxed pace while you head out toward the calmer, swimmier part of the day
  • Crew conversation if you want it, and quiet time if you do not

If you like being active, this is a good moment to get yourself comfortable on the boat before the swim stop. If you prefer to unwind, this leg is basically your “slow start” into the sea day.

Blue Lagoon Anchor Time: Swimming, Snorkeling, and Quiet Water

The main stop is the Blue Lagoon area at Comino. The pattern is: you arrive, anchor in a cove, and then guests have time to swim and snorkel. The plan also includes time for you to use a standup paddle board, but the listing specifically says SUP use is not included, so treat that as “ask what options cost” rather than assuming it is included.

A key detail I would pay attention to is the water time setup. On board, you get floats available, which makes it easier if you want to hang out in the shallows without doing constant laps. If you are snorkeling, anchoring matters because it keeps the water calmer and more stable to swim around.

What makes the Blue Lagoon time worth it is the balance. You are not in and out in 10 minutes. You have a block of time to actually enjoy the water, then lunch later on board keeps the rest of the day comfortable.

Possible downside: if you are prone to motion sickness, you might want to take that seriously. This is sailing, not a dockside excursion, and it can feel like more movement depending on wind. Bring what usually works for you.

Lunch on Board: Salads, Cheese, Cold Cuts, and Chilled Melon

Lunch is one of the best reasons to choose this format. It is served on board and cooked in a home-style way. You can expect a mix of salads, cheese, and cold cuts, with chilled local melon as dessert. The details include things like caprese with buffalo mozzarella, olives, cheese, and cold cuts such as salami and prosciutto, typically with baguette or olive bread.

The lunch also has a practical advantage: it keeps you from having to plan a restaurant stop on a sea day. You are already settled on the water, and the food arrives while you are enjoying the day. That is the kind of “small thing that makes a big difference” on a trip.

If you are vegetarian, the listing asks you to let the crew know at booking, since salads might include ingredients like octopus or shrimp in some cases. This is a good place to be proactive so lunch fits you comfortably.

What to expect from drinks:

  • Soda or pop are included
  • Bottled water is included
  • Coffee and/or tea is included

So in practice, you get a full midday meal with drinks taken care of. It makes the cost feel more reasonable because you are not paying extra at ports and then trying to rush back to the boat.

Sailing Along Malta: What You Get Beyond the Swim Stop

Even though the schedule centers on Comino and the Blue Lagoon, the experience is also about getting time out on the water along Malta’s shoreline. That shoreline viewing is not just a scenic bonus. It changes how you understand Malta.

From the deck, you see coastlines and sea cliffs in a way you simply cannot replicate from land. You also get the “moving perspective,” which makes the photos better and the mental map clearer.

And because the day is private, you are not pushed toward the fastest route through everything. The captain can shape the timing so you get enough sailing and enough swim time.

One more subtle benefit: a smaller group makes boat life easier. You feel less like you are fighting for space near the rail. That matters when it is warm and the water time is coming up.

The Return Sail: Back to Senglea by Around 5pm

Around 3:00 pm, you head back toward Senglea, arriving around 5:00 pm. That timing is nice because it leaves you with the afternoon for your own plans once you are back on land.

The return leg also gives you a second chance to enjoy sailing views, especially if you spent the morning focused on getting settled. Many people treat the outbound ride as “travel time,” but on this kind of trip, the sea is still the highlight.

By the end, the tour ends back at the meeting point. That is helpful because you are not figuring out transfers after a day on the water.

Captain Michael and the Value of a Small-Group Sail Day

Sailing charter along the Maltese shoreline incl. Lunch and drinks - Captain Michael and the Value of a Small-Group Sail Day
A big reason people love this sail is the captain. The experience is associated with Captain Michael, and the overall vibe comes through in the way he runs the day.

What you can expect from that kind of leadership:

  • Clear sailing decisions and a well-kept boat
  • Local insight as you sail along Malta’s coast
  • A friendly, conversational pace, especially if you like learning about sailing or the area

In a private setup, your captain can tailor how the day feels. That does not mean the day becomes a totally different excursion. It means the captain can emphasize what your group cares about, like making sure you get enough time in the water or finding quieter spots depending on conditions.

This is also a good fit for celebrations. If you are marking a birthday, this kind of half-day to full-day private outing with food and sea time feels thoughtful without being overplanned.

Price and Value: What $768.98 for Up to Six Really Means

The price is listed at $768.98 per group, up to six people. That puts it at roughly $128 per person at full capacity, though of course your real per-person cost depends on how many friends or family members join you.

Here is how I think about value for this kind of trip:

  • You are paying for a private charter, which means the boat, captain, and time are not being split with strangers.
  • You get a midday meal and drinks included, which removes the usual “we will grab lunch somewhere” uncertainty.
  • The main “activity product” is the sailing plus the Comino swim time, and those are the exact things that cost more when you do them piecemeal.

So the price works best if you have enough people to fill most of the group size, or if you really want the peace and control of a private day. If you are traveling solo, you might feel the per-person cost is high compared to group cruises. If you have three to six people, it becomes much easier to justify.

Weather and Timing: How to Plan so the Day Still Feels Great

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is important because sailing is not a “rain or shine” activity when the sea is unsafe.

If you are booking, you can reduce stress by:

  • Being flexible with your travel schedule
  • Setting expectations that wind affects where you sail
  • Keeping your afternoon plans lighter for the day of the charter

Timing is also built around a full day. It is about 8 hours total, starting at 9:00 am and returning around 5:00 pm. That means you should treat this as the anchor event of your Malta day, not something you tack on after a long sightseeing marathon.

Also remember: SUP use is not included. If that matters, confirm what is possible and whether there are any added costs before you go.

What to Pack and How to Make the Day Comfortable

The day includes sailing, time on the deck, and a swim stop in the Comino area. That means you should pack like you are planning to be in and out of the water.

You might find these practical items helpful:

  • Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • A hat that stays put in sea wind
  • A light layer for when you are back out on open water
  • Any seasickness remedy that normally works for you

If you do snorkeling, bring what you personally prefer for comfort, since the listing focuses on swims and snorkeling time rather than gear details. And for the SUP question, treat it as “check first” because it is not included in the listed benefits.

Who This Sailing Charter Is Best For

This tour is private and suited to small groups. It also notes that most travelers can participate, but it is not suitable for children below 5 years old. That makes it a decent family option for kids who handle boats well, but it is not a toddler-friendly excursion.

This is especially good for:

  • Couples who want a calm, guided day with food and water time
  • Small friend groups who want privacy rather than a crowded boat
  • Families with older kids who will actually swim
  • People celebrating birthdays or anniversaries who want a day with a story

If you hate the idea of water time or you want a nonstop sightseeing bus-style itinerary, this might feel too focused on swimming and sailing.

Should You Book It?

If you want a real Malta sea day with your own boat, Comino swim time, and a solid lunch included, I think it is an easy yes. The captain-led experience, especially with Captain Michael running the day and keeping the boat in good shape, is exactly what you are buying here.

I would hesitate only if your group strongly depends on having SUP included, or if you cannot handle weather-driven changes. Otherwise, this is one of those trips where the structure and inclusions make the day feel simple: sail out, swim in, eat on board, sail back.

FAQ

What time does the sailing charter start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is approximately 8 hours.

Where does the tour meet and where does it end?

It starts at Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu, Senglea, ISL 1040, Malta. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates.

How many people can be in a group?

The price is per group, up to 6 people.

Where is the main stop for swimming and snorkeling?

The sail includes an anchoring stop at Comino, with the highlighted stop at the Blue Lagoon.

What is included for lunch and drinks?

Lunch includes homemade salads, cheese, ham or cold cuts, and fruit such as melon. Drinks include soda/pop, bottled water, and coffee and/or tea.

Is standup paddle board (SUP) included?

No. Use of the SUP is not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

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