From Marsamxett: Maltese Islands Private Yacht Charter

The best thing about this private yacht charter is the freedom. There is no fixed route and no crowd of strangers, so your skipper can steer north or south from Marsamxett Harbour, depending on the weather and what you want from the day. Captain Rey is named in one booking account as a particularly memorable skipper, and the crew’s long connection with Malta’s sea gives the outing a local feel.

I like two things right away: real time for swimming and snorkeling, rather than a quick photo stop, and the chance to see Malta’s forts and coastline from the water. The boat also has a fridge, plates, cutlery, electric heads, snorkeling gear, and Bluetooth music, which makes eight hours at sea much easier. The main consideration is that this is a weather-led day, not a guaranteed list of bays or landmarks.

Key points to know before you book

• A fully private day for up to six people: You have the yacht and skipper to yourselves, which suits families, couples, and small groups who want quiet time on the water.

• A flexible northern or southern route: The skipper chooses the sailing area with you, while respecting wind and sea conditions.

• Swimming and snorkeling are central to the day: Several bays may be visited for time in the water, with snorkeling equipment supplied.

• A family-run Maltese operator: The skipper and team bring decades of sailing, motor boating, fishing, and racing experience to the charter.

• Food is your responsibility: Water and soft drinks are included, but you should bring ready-made food unless you arrange catering ahead of time.

• Ta Xbiex is the practical base: The boat leaves from and returns to the area near the Black Pearl Restaurant and a nearby kiosk in the parking area.

Eight hours on Malta’s water, with no rigid script

This charter is designed around a full day, usually leaving Ta Xbiex at about 9:30 in the morning and returning around 18:00. That timing gives you a useful stretch of daylight for swimming, sailing, relaxing, and seeing the shoreline from offshore.

You do not receive a fixed sightseeing checklist. Instead, you discuss the day with the skipper and choose between heading north or south from Marsamxett Harbour. The weather has the final say. That may sound less certain than a standard excursion, but it is also the reason this trip can feel personal rather than mechanical.

I would think of the outing as a private sea day with sightseeing woven into it. You might spend part of the morning under sail, motor when needed, pause in a bay for swimming, then move on to a second stop for snorkeling or coastal views. The exact pattern depends on the conditions and your group’s mood.

That flexibility works best if you are happy to make choices as the day develops. If you want a precise route with named stops guaranteed in advance, this may feel too open-ended. If you want to avoid a packed boat and shape the day around your own group, the loose plan is a strong advantage.

Leaving Marsamxett Harbour by yacht

Marsamxett Harbour gives you a fitting start. As the boat moves away from Ta Xbiex, you see Malta from a lower, wider viewpoint than you get from the road. The coast, water, and old defensive structures become part of the same scene.

The charter specifically highlights Malta’s forts and fortifications, so sightseeing is not limited to sunbathing. Your skipper can point out coastal defenses and help connect what you see from the water with Malta’s long maritime past. The supplied information does not promise a particular fort or monument, so treat these views as part of the route rather than a timed monument visit.

The boat can sail when the wind allows, or use its motor when that makes sense. Fuel for up to four hours of motoring is included. This matters because the day is not dependent on perfect sailing conditions. You can still reach swimming areas when the breeze is light, while stronger wind may bring the more exciting sensation of moving under sail.

A private boat also lets you decide how much attention to give the scenery. You can stay in the cockpit, listen to music, watch the shoreline, or simply sit with a cold drink. That is a better fit for an unhurried day than for someone trying to tick off every sight in Malta.

Swimming and snorkeling in the bays

The main reward is time in the water. The skipper normally takes you to a couple of bays for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing, with the final choices shaped by weather and your requests.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. Still, bring swimwear, a towel, and sun protection. Swimwear is not supplied, and the advice to bring a beach towel and body sun protection is worth taking seriously. An exposed boat deck offers little escape from the Mediterranean sun.

The charter promises clear water, but it does not promise specific marine life or underwater sights. I would book this for the pleasure of being in Malta’s water and exploring at your own pace, not for a specialized wildlife encounter.

The private format helps here. You are not waiting for a large boat to load and unload, and you can spend longer in a bay if everyone is enjoying it. The boat can then move on when your group is ready. That control is one of the clearest differences between this outing and a standard group cruise.

People prone to motion sickness should take precautions before departure. A full day at sea can feel very different from a short harbor ride, particularly when the boat is moving between bays. If anyone in your party is uncertain, plan ahead rather than hoping the water stays calm.

What the yacht adds to the day

The yacht is described as exceptionally maintained and equipped for a comfortable day at sea. Twin helms make access to the cockpit easier than on a racing-style yacht, which is useful when people are moving between the seating area, swim points, and deck.

You also have an electric head on board. That is a small but important comfort during an eight-hour charter. The fridge, plates, and cutlery mean you can bring lunch, fruit, sandwiches, or snacks without treating the boat like a bare-bones rental.

Water and soft drinks are included. Alcohol is not, so bring it only if the operator permits it and confirm arrangements before the day. The listing specifically says food is not included, though the company can organize food arrangements on request. Ready-made food is the simplest plan.

Music can be part of the day too. You can connect your phone to the boat’s Bluetooth sound system and play your own choices. Keep the volume considerate, especially if your group wants to hear the skipper or enjoy the sound of the sea. The practical point is that the boat is set up for a relaxed private outing, not only for transport from one bay to another.

The family-run side of the experience

Maltese Islands Charter is a family-run business with a long connection to sailing, motor boating, recreational fishing, regattas, and sailing races. The company’s focus is on readiness, cleanliness, and safety, with a licensed local skipper on board.

The skipper is described as having more than 50 years of experience. One booking account names Captain Rey and describes him as taking the group to places that larger commercial boats could not reach. That fits the nature of this charter: a smaller private yacht can make choices that are harder for a large vessel.

You should not expect a formal lecture at every point along the coast. This is primarily an active day at sea, with local knowledge added as you move. Ask questions if you want more context about the forts, bays, sailing conditions, or the Maltese coast. The available host languages are Italian, English, and Maltese.

The strongest praise centers on the skipper, the boat, and the personal attention. Another account describes the yacht and skipper as worth the cost, while a separate booking account highlights the sympathetic captain, beautiful places, and enough time to swim and relax. Those details point to the charter’s real strength: the human scale of the day.

Is $879 good value for six people?

The private rate is $879 for a group of up to six. With six people, that works out to $146.50 per person for eight hours, including the skipper, fuel for up to four hours of motoring, water, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, taxes, and use of the yacht’s sound system.

That is not a budget boat trip, but the comparison should be made with other private charters rather than with a basic shared cruise. You are paying for exclusivity, a full day, a licensed skipper, and the ability to shape the route. The cost becomes harder to justify for one or two people, since the same group price is spread across fewer passengers.

For a family or group of friends, the value improves. You avoid paying separately for several activities, and you gain control over swimming time, rest stops, food, and music. The fact that there are no hidden fees also makes the price easier to understand.

Fuel coverage has a limit: up to four hours of motoring is included. Any optional extra hours must be agreed with the skipper. Ask about possible additional costs if you want a longer day or a route that requires more motor use.

Meeting at Ta Xbiex

The meeting point is near the Black Pearl Restaurant, beside a kiosk in the parking area. If you arrive by bus, take Route 15 or the Embassy route, then walk toward the restaurant facing the Valletta bastions. By car or taxi, tell the driver you want the Black Pearl.

The boat returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so allow time to reach Ta Xbiex on your own. Since the usual departure is around 9:30, confirm the exact start time when booking.

Bring only what you need for the day. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and this is not a suitable outing for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The charter is also not suitable for anyone over 287 pounds, or 130 kilograms.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The charter is weather permitting, so keep some flexibility in your Malta plans.

Who will enjoy this private charter most?

I would recommend it most for a group that wants the boat to itself and does not need every minute planned in advance. Families can choose a gentler pace, while friends can mix swimming, snorkeling, sailing, music, and lunch without adapting to strangers.

It also suits people who have already seen Malta’s main streets and want a different view of the islands. From the sea, forts and coastal structures make more sense as part of Malta’s defensive position, while the bays give you a break from sightseeing on land.

This is less suitable if you want a structured guided tour, a guaranteed list of named sites, or a low-cost shared cruise. It may also be a poor fit if anyone in your group gets seasick or needs step-free access.

What to pack for the boat

Bring swimwear, a towel, strong sun protection, and ready-made food. Water and soft drinks are included, but alcohol and meals are not.

A phone is useful if you want to connect to the Bluetooth sound system. Keep personal items compact because oversize luggage is not allowed. If you are sensitive to motion, take suitable precautions before boarding.

Should you book the Malta yacht charter?

Book it if you want eight private hours on the Mediterranean, with real time to swim and a skipper who can adapt the route to the day. The strongest reasons are the small group size, the family-run service, the well-equipped yacht, and the freedom to choose between northern and southern waters.

I would be more cautious if your budget is tight for a small group, if you need a fully fixed itinerary, or if the sea makes you uncomfortable. For six people who want a relaxed day away from crowded boat tours, the $879 price can make good sense. Bring lunch, confirm the weather and meeting time, and let the skipper shape the route around safe conditions.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht charter?

The charter lasts eight hours. It usually leaves Ta Xbiex at about 9:30 and returns around 18:00, though you should check the available starting times when booking.

Where does the boat depart?

The boat departs from Ta Xbiex near the Black Pearl Restaurant and a kiosk in the parking area. The same location is used at the end of the charter.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers a private group of up to six people.

Is food included?

Food is not included. You are advised to bring ready-made food, and food arrangements may be organized on request. The yacht has a fridge, plates, and cutlery.

Are drinks included?

Water and soft drinks are included. Alcohol is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and the day includes stops for swimming and snorkeling when weather and sea conditions allow.

Can the route be customized?

Yes, the charter can be customized to a certain extent. You can discuss heading north or south and your preferred activities, but the final route follows the weather and sea conditions.

Is the charter suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not suitable for people over 287 pounds, or 130 kilograms.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The charter is weather permitting. The skipper respects the conditions of the day, and you should keep your plans flexible. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.