Sailing charter along the Maltese shoreline incl. Lunch and drinks

Malta’s shoreline looks best from the water, and this private sailing day gives you eight hours to enjoy it at your own pace. The boat heads toward Comino, wind direction permitting, then anchors for swimming and snorkeling rather than rushing through a string of crowded stops. Captain Michael also shares local stories and sailing know-how along the way.

I especially like two things here: the private boat for up to six people, and the relaxed lunch of homemade salads, buffalo mozzarella, olives, cheese, prosciutto, bread, and melon. The main consideration is the long sail to Comino, about 2.5 hours each way, so this suits people who enjoy time at sea more than those seeking a packed sightseeing schedule.

Key points to know before booking

• A true private charter: Only your own group takes part, with room for up to six people.
• Comino is the main target: The morning route depends on wind direction, with another destination chosen if conditions require it.
• Swimming time matters: You can swim and snorkel from the anchored boat, with a standup paddle board also mentioned as an option. Confirm its use when booking, since it is not included in the price.
• Lunch is simple and Mediterranean: Expect homemade salads, caprese with buffalo mozzarella, cold cuts, bread, cheese, olives, and local melon or other fruit.
• The day runs from 9 a.m. to about 5 p.m.: You leave from Senglea and return to the same meeting point.
• Best for small groups and couples: The private format works especially well for birthdays, family days, and friends who want a calm outing rather than a party boat.

Leaving Senglea for an eight-hour sailing day

The boat departs at 9 a.m. from Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour in Senglea. You begin with a short safety and trip briefing, then set out toward Comino if the wind is suitable. If not, Captain Michael chooses another destination that makes better sense for the day’s conditions.

That flexibility is important. A sailing trip should follow the wind, not force a fixed route at any cost. You may not get the exact same anchorage every time, but you get a route chosen for safe and pleasant sailing.

The trip toward Comino takes about 2.5 hours. That is a substantial part of the morning, so I would not book this expecting a quick transfer to the Blue Lagoon. Instead, think of the journey itself as part of the experience. You have time to watch Malta’s shoreline from offshore, settle into the boat, and talk with Captain Michael about sailing and the places along the coast.

The boat is a classic monohull sailing yacht called Nushen. It is kept in good condition, according to the details provided, and the private setup means you are not sharing the space with a large crowd. For a couple, that can feel wonderfully peaceful. For six adults, it gives your group a comfortable way to spend the day together without negotiating space with strangers.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon, with room for a change of plan

The planned stop is the Blue Lagoon at Comino. Its clear water is the main attraction, and the boat anchors so you can get in for a swim or snorkel. You can also relax on board between swims, which is often more pleasant than spending the whole day on a packed beach.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its water, but fame brings crowds. The private charter’s real advantage is not a guaranteed empty lagoon, because no one can promise that. It is the ability to adjust the day. One group chose to visit quieter places instead and ended up swimming and snorkeling in a cove with no other group nearby. That is exactly the sort of choice you should discuss with Captain Michael before setting off.

The wind decides much of this. If conditions point elsewhere, another destination will be selected. That may disappoint you if Comino is the one place you have set your heart on seeing, but it is also part of responsible sailing. Ask at the start what route looks most likely and how much flexibility you have for the anchorage.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time off the boat

Once anchored, the schedule opens up. You can swim in the clear Mediterranean water, snorkel, or relax on deck. The trip is not built around a long list of formal stops. It gives you one main stretch of time to enjoy the sea without being hurried back aboard every few minutes.

The provided information also refers to a standup paddle board. At the same time, use of the SUP is listed as not included, so confirm the arrangement before you book or before you plan your day around it. Floats have also been available on board for getting into the water, though equipment can vary and should be checked directly.

This part of the outing is best for people who are comfortable around open water. The tour is not suitable for children under five, and younger children who do join should be watched closely around the boat and swimming area. Most people can take part, but you should tell the provider about any dietary needs, especially if you are vegetarian.

The private format helps here. If one person wants to swim while another prefers to stay on deck, your group does not have to follow the habits of a large shared tour. You can make the afternoon as active or lazy as you like.

A homemade lunch served at anchor

Lunch is one of the strongest features of this charter because it matches the setting. Instead of a formal restaurant meal, you receive a cold Mediterranean spread while the boat is anchored.

The sample menu includes homemade salads, caprese with buffalo mozzarella, olives, cheese, prosciutto, salami, other cold cuts, baguette or olive bread, and chilled melon or another local fruit. Soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea are included.

This is filling food, but it is not a hot multi-course meal. That is worth knowing before you book. You are getting a relaxed boat lunch built around salads and cold cuts, not a full restaurant service. For a warm day at sea, that can be exactly right. The food is easy to share, requires little fuss, and works well between swimming breaks.

Some salads may include octopus or shrimp. Vegetarians should mention this when placing the booking so the meal can be planned appropriately. The information provided does not list every possible dietary substitution, so people with serious allergies or strict dietary requirements should ask specific questions before paying.

Captain Michael and the value of a private boat

Captain Michael is a central part of the experience. He handles the sailing, talks about Malta and its history, and can discuss sailing in detail if that interests you. The best fit is a captain-led day with conversation, not a silent transfer where the crew disappears into the background.

The personal tone is part of the charm. One couple described the day as similar to sailing with an old friend, which also tells you something useful about the style: informal, social, and relaxed. If you prefer a polished cruise with a fixed script and little conversation, this may feel too casual. If you enjoy asking questions and shaping the day as you go, it should suit you well.

Captain Michael has also adjusted plans to help groups avoid the busiest places. That does not mean the boat can always escape crowds, especially around Comino, but it gives you a better chance of finding a quieter cove when wind and time allow.

The experience earns a 4.8 rating from 16 reviews, with 94 percent recommending it. Birthday groups, couples, families with children old enough to participate, and a full group of six have all found reasons to book it. The repeated strengths are the well-kept boat, the captain’s easy manner, the food, and the chance to have the whole sailboat to yourselves.

Is $768.98 good value for six people?

The price is $768.98 per group, with up to six people aboard. If you fill all six places, that works out to about $128 per person for an eight-hour private charter, including lunch and drinks. For a couple, the total cost per person is much higher, but you are paying for privacy rather than a seat on a shared boat.

I think the value is strongest for six adults, a family group, or two or three couples booking together. The cost buys a full day, a private sailing experience, a captain, food, and the freedom to spend the swimming stop as your group prefers.

Included drinks are soda, bottled water, coffee, and tea. Alcohol is not listed, so do not assume it is supplied. The SUP is also not included, despite being mentioned as an activity option, so clarify any extra cost before departure.

A private boat can also save you from the compromises of a large group. You do not have to follow another group’s music, timetable, swimming habits, or lunch preferences. That privacy is the main reason to choose this charter instead of a cheaper shared excursion.

Getting to Senglea and planning the day

The meeting point is Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu, Senglea, ISL 1040. The tour ends back at the same place around 5 p.m., assuming the planned schedule holds.

The meeting point is near public transportation. If you are coming from Gozo, one practical route is the fast ferry followed by the Three Cities ferry, then a short walk to the boat. Leave enough time to arrive before the 9 a.m. start, since the day begins with a briefing and the boat leaves in the morning.

Wear clothing that can handle sea spray and bring what you need for swimming and sun protection. The supplied details do not list towels or snorkeling equipment as included, so ask what is provided before setting out. Since this is a weather-dependent activity, keep some flexibility in your Malta schedule.

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather forces cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Who should book this Malta sailing charter?

Book it if you want a slow, private day on the water rather than a checklist of Maltese sights. It is a strong choice for a birthday, anniversary, family outing, or group of friends who can share the cost. The private setting also makes it appealing to couples who do not want a mixed charter.

You should enjoy swimming, open-water time, and a flexible plan. The 2.5-hour sail to Comino is not a minor detail. If you get restless on a boat, choose a shorter coastal trip instead.

I would also book this for people who enjoy a captain who talks with you. Michael’s local knowledge and sailing experience are part of the experience, but the tone is personal and informal rather than formal and showy.

FAQ

How long does the sailing charter last?

The experience lasts about eight hours. It starts at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to return to Senglea around 5 p.m.

Where does the boat depart from?

The meeting point is Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu, Senglea, ISL 1040, Malta. The tour ends at the same location.

Is the boat shared with other groups?

No. This is a private activity for your own party, with space for up to six people.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes homemade salads, cheese, prosciutto, salami, other cold cuts, bread, olives, and melon or other local fruit. Soda, bottled water, coffee, and tea are also included.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes. After anchoring near Comino or another chosen destination, you can swim and snorkel. A standup paddle board is mentioned, but its use is not included, so confirm the details before booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of bad weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

My booking advice

I would book this charter if your priority is privacy, swimming, good cold food, and time to enjoy Malta from the sea. Fill the boat with six people and the price makes much more sense. For two people, it is a special-occasion splurge, but the quiet private setting may be worth it.

Choose another outing if you want guaranteed access to the Blue Lagoon, a hot lunch, alcohol included, or a short ride with constant sightseeing. For everyone else, Captain Michael’s flexible route, Nushen, and the chance to find a quieter anchorage make this one of Malta’s better choices for a personal day on the water.