Full-Day Private Sailing Adventure in Malta and Gozo

The best part of this Malta sailing day is simple: your group controls the pace. Instead of following a crowded boat from one stop to the next, you can linger in clear water, paddle, snorkel, or ask Sergio to find a calmer spot when wind or jellyfish change the plan. You’ll sail aboard a 52-foot yacht from Roland Marina, with Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon on the route.

I especially like the private boat format and the chance to add a fresh lunch cooked on board. Sergio has earned strong praise for his cooking, careful handling of the boat, and willingness to adjust the day. The main thing to consider is weather: strong wind can make the sea rough, shorten the route, or keep you from reaching Gozo. Lunch, wine, and beer also cost extra.

Key points to know before booking

• A full private boat for up to 11 people: The $846.56 price covers the group, not each person, so the value improves sharply with a larger party.
• Sergio shapes the day around you: You can decide how long to stay at swimming spots and adjust plans when conditions change.
• The route covers four major stops: Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo, and Crystal Lagoon, though weather may require changes.
• Swimming gear is included: Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard are available on board.
• Lunch is an extra, but often worth considering: Sergio and Carla have prepared fresh meals ranging from quiche to pasta and fish dishes.
• The sea sets the rules: This is an outdoor sailing trip, not a guaranteed checklist of islands and lagoons.

A private sailing day from Roland Marina

Your day begins at 9:30 am at Solevela Yacht Charters in Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex. The location is near public transportation, and the trip returns to the same meeting point after about eight hours.

The boat is a 52-foot sailing yacht, large enough to give a private group room to spread out. The advertised maximum is 11 people. That makes this a good choice for families, couples traveling together, or a birthday group that wants the boat to itself. The price is $846.56 per group, so a full party of 11 pays about $77 per person before any food or drinks. For two people, the same price becomes a major splurge.

That price includes fuel, the skipper, snorkeling equipment, and a stand-up paddleboard. It does not include lunch, wine, beer, or other alcoholic drinks. Water is available, and you can bring your own food and drinks. A cooler with ice can be arranged, which is useful if you choose the self-catering option.

You should also understand the difference between legal capacity and comfortable capacity. The boat may be licensed for more people than the number booked for this experience, but comfort matters on a long day at sea. A group of seven has found the space comfortable, while a full group of 11 should expect a more social, close-together setup rather than acres of personal room.

Blue Lagoon and Comino: beautiful, popular, and weather dependent

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. Its clear water makes it ideal for a swim, photographs, and snorkeling close to the boat. The color is the main attraction, but the place is also famous, so it can feel busy, especially during the warmest months.

A private charter gives you an advantage here. You are not tied to a fixed group schedule, and Sergio can choose the timing or move you toward a quieter nearby area. Still, do not expect Blue Lagoon to feel private simply because your boat is private. The surrounding waters can draw plenty of other boats.

Comino gives the day more room to breathe. The island is known for its rocky coast, sea caves, and clear swimming areas. You may stop for a quick swim, spend longer snorkeling, or use the paddleboard. The flexible format is valuable because not everyone in a group wants the same thing. One person can paddle while another rests on board, and confident swimmers can explore nearby water.

The route can change. Wind, waves, or jellyfish may make one swimming area less pleasant, and the captain may move you elsewhere. That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private trip. On one outing, the boat changed the order of the stops when jellyfish made one area uncomfortable. On another, rough conditions kept the group around Comino rather than allowing the full route to Gozo.

Gozo by sea, with time to stop rather than rush

Gozo is the largest island on the itinerary and adds a different feel from the crowded Blue Lagoon. Approaching it from the sea lets you see the coast from a viewpoint that a land tour cannot provide. You can swim, take photographs, and enjoy the shoreline without spending the day driving between inland sights.

The practical advantage is time. A standard sightseeing tour often gives you a narrow window at each stop. Here, you can ask to stay longer in a place that suits your group. If you prefer calm water and a slow lunch, the day can lean that way. If your group wants more swimming and snorkeling, you can keep the pace active.

The drawback is that Gozo is not guaranteed in every condition. A windy day may mean staying near Comino, sheltering in calmer water, or taking a shorter route. The operator has canceled trips for poor weather in the past, and the policy offers a different date or full refund when conditions make the outing unsuitable. That is reassuring, but it also means you should keep some flexibility in your Malta schedule.

One useful detail: the pickup point can sometimes be adjusted by arrangement. On one windy April outing, Sergio collected a group from Gozo instead of Malta. Do not assume this is standard, but it shows that special arrangements may be possible if you ask before booking.

Crystal Lagoon and the best water time

Crystal Lagoon is another major swimming and snorkeling stop. The name fits the appeal: clear water, rocky surroundings, and a good setting for a swim from the yacht. It is also one of the places where you can see why a boat is better than a simple coastal drive. You reach the water directly, without needing to find a public beach or carry your equipment far.

Snorkeling equipment is included, but you may need to ask for it. The same applies to the paddleboard. They are available on board, yet they are not necessarily placed in your hands the moment you arrive at a stop. If you want to snorkel or paddle, say so clearly.

You may also encounter sea conditions that change the experience. Jellyfish can appear, and wind can make open-water swimming less inviting. A good captain will use another cove or reorder the itinerary, but you should not book this expecting every stop to look exactly like a postcard.

Sergio, Carla, and the food option

Sergio is the central personality of this outing. He serves as skipper, host, and, when you add the meal, cook. The strongest praise focuses on his calm handling of the boat, his communication before the trip, and his effort to accommodate different abilities and preferences.

That personal service matters on a private charter. Sergio has adjusted swimming plans for a passenger recovering from arm surgery, found flatter water for easier access, and taken care around children during windy conditions. He has also changed the route when a stop was uncomfortable. These details suggest that you should explain your needs before departure, especially if someone in your group is not a confident swimmer.

The lunch option costs extra, but it has been a highlight for many groups. Meals have included fresh quiche, cacio e pepe, fish pasta, and other dishes prepared on board. Sergio has also handled food allergies when told in advance. Wine and beer can be added as well, though you should confirm the current cost and menu before the day.

If you do not add lunch, bring enough food and drinks for eight hours. Water is provided, but the standard experience does not automatically include appetizers, soft drinks, wine, or beer. This is worth clarifying because the phrase appetizers and wine can create different expectations. The safer assumption is that food and alcohol are optional extras unless they are specifically included in your booking.

What a day on the yacht feels like

A sailing day has a slower rhythm than a bus tour. You move between stops, swim when you want, eat when it suits the group, and spend time simply sitting on deck. On the return trip, some people have used the bow or stern for a nap after a full day in the sun and water.

The yacht has been described as clean, well maintained, and comfortable. There is also a boat cat named Abi, an unusual touch that may delight animal lovers. A speaker is available for group music, though you should be considerate of the crew and nearby boats.

The experience is active, but it is not a nonstop sports day. You might snorkel, use the paddleboard, jump from a cliff where appropriate, or swim into natural caves. You might also spend long stretches resting in the sun. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for the ride back. The exact packing list is not supplied by the operator, but these are sensible basics for an eight-hour boat trip.

Strong wind deserves special attention. A windy day can mean larger waves, a rougher ride, and fewer stops. One group still had an excellent day around the Grand Harbour when the planned route was not practical. Another group felt the conditions made the trip uncomfortable and wished the boat had been canceled. The operator says safety decisions are made with weather in mind, but comfort at sea is personal. If you are prone to seasickness, ask about the forecast before departure and consider medication advice from a medical professional.

Is the $846.56 price good value?

The price makes sense when you fill the boat. For 10 or 11 people, you are paying roughly $77 to $85 per person for a private eight-hour outing, before lunch and drinks. That compares favorably with the cost of booking several seats on a premium boat trip, especially when you value control over the schedule.

For a small party, the calculation changes. Two people are paying more than $423 each, and even four people pay more than $211 each. At that point, the main value is privacy, personal service, and flexibility, not simply transportation to the islands.

The private format also saves you from spending a day with strangers, waiting for a large group, or leaving a favorite swimming spot because the schedule says it is time to go. If your group is celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or family milestone, those benefits may justify the price.

Lunch adds another layer of value. You can bring your own picnic and keep the cost down, or pay extra for a freshly cooked meal and drinks. I would choose the lunch option for a special occasion, but confirm exactly what is included so there is no confusion.

Who should book this sailing trip?

This outing suits you best if you want:

• A private boat rather than a large shared cruise
• A flexible day built around swimming and snorkeling
• A relaxed celebration with family or friends
• A captain who can adapt plans to wind, jellyfish, and swimming ability
• A chance to see Comino, Gozo, and Malta from the water
• The option of a fresh meal cooked on board

It is less suitable if you need a fixed route with every stop guaranteed. It is also a poor match if you dislike wind, waves, or the possibility of a changed itinerary. People who want a low-cost way to reach Blue Lagoon should compare the price with a shared boat or ferry.

The trip is generally suitable for most participants, but swimming confidence varies from person to person. Tell the operator about mobility concerns, allergies, children, or anyone who needs calmer water. The captain can adjust the plan, but the boat remains a boat, not an accessible shore-based attraction.

Booking details and cancellation

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour is offered in English, uses a mobile ticket, and requires good weather.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book it?

I would book this for a group of six to 11 people that wants a full day on the water without a crowd. The strongest reasons are the private schedule, the included swimming equipment, Sergio’s cooking, and the captain’s willingness to change plans when conditions or group needs call for it.

Before paying, confirm three things: the final group size, the lunch and drink package, and the weather outlook. If you want guaranteed Gozo access, wait for a favorable forecast. If you are comfortable letting the sea shape the day, this is one of Malta’s most rewarding ways to reach the islands.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip start?

The tour starts at Solevela Yacht Charters in Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex, Malta, at 9:30 am.

Where does the tour end?

The activity returns to the same meeting point at Roland Marina, Ta’ Xbiex.

How long does the sailing experience last?

The trip lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The advertised price covers one private group of up to 11 people.

Are lunch and alcoholic drinks included?

No. Lunch, wine, beer, and other alcoholic drinks cost extra. You can also bring your own food and drinks, while water is available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard are included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.