Full-Day Private Sailing Adventure in Malta and Gozo

The best part of this Malta sailing day is the freedom to shape it around your group. Sergio can linger at a favorite swimming spot, seek calmer water when the wind rises, or swap a planned stop for a sheltered area. Private use of the boat makes this feel far more personal than a crowded harbor cruise.

I especially like the combination of excellent swimming stops and a real sailing boat rather than a basic motor launch. I also like the option of adding a fresh lunch prepared on board, a detail that has made this day feel like a special occasion for many groups. The main consideration is weather: strong wind can change the route, and the advertised price does not include lunch, wine, beer, or other drinks.

Key points to know before booking

• A 52-foot sailing boat: The boat can carry up to 11 people for this booking, though comfort depends on your group size and how much room you want to spread out.
• A flexible private route: Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo, and Crystal Lagoon are planned highlights, but wind and sea conditions can change the day.
• Swimming is the main event: Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a willingness to climb in and out of the water.
• Lunch costs extra: Sergio can prepare a fresh meal on board, or you can bring your own food and use the boat’s cooler.
• Snorkeling and paddleboarding are included: Equipment is available, though you may need to ask for it at the stop.
• The price works best for groups: At $846.56 for up to 11 people, the cost per person drops sharply as your party gets larger.

A full day on Malta’s water, not a fixed sightseeing circuit

This eight-hour private sailing trip begins at 9:30 a.m. from Solevela Yacht Charters at Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex. You return to the same meeting point, unless the operator agrees to a different arrangement in advance. The marina is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying around Valletta, Sliema, or the surrounding harbor towns.

The day is built around the sea rather than a long list of land attractions. You board a 52-foot yacht, head toward the islands, and stop where the water and weather look best. You can swim, snorkel, use the stand-up paddleboard, take photographs, or simply lie on deck while the boat moves between locations.

That flexibility matters. A standard sightseeing boat usually follows its timetable, even when a particular cove is crowded or the water is rough. Here, Sergio can adjust the pace to suit your group. If you are celebrating a birthday, traveling with children, or simply want a quiet day without strangers around you, the private format is the main reason to choose this experience.

The boat is booked for your party alone, with capacity listed at up to 11 people. The operator has explained that the yacht itself has a higher legal capacity, but bookings are limited below that level for comfort. Even so, seven adults is likely to feel more relaxed than 10 or 11, especially if everyone wants room on deck and below.

Blue Lagoon: famous water with a busy reputation

The Blue Lagoon on Comino is the trip’s best-known stop. Its clear water and pale seabed create the bright, postcard look that draws people from across Malta. It is a fine place for a swim and photographs, and the yacht gives you a better angle on the lagoon than you get from shore.

The catch is popularity. The Blue Lagoon can feel crowded, particularly during the warmer months and at the busiest part of the day. A private boat helps because you are not tied to a large group schedule, but it cannot make the lagoon empty.

Use this stop for the classic Comino experience, then ask Sergio where the quieter water is. Several outings have included less familiar swimming areas, and the captain has been willing to stay longer at a peaceful cove when the group preferred relaxation over rushing through the route.

The water is the star here, so pack your phone in a waterproof case if you want photographs. Snorkeling equipment is included, but ask for it clearly before entering the water. The same applies to the paddleboard. It is available, but it may not be placed in your hands automatically at every stop.

Comino and Crystal Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling

Comino gives the day its strongest sense of escape. The island is known for its rocky coast, small caves, and clean water. You may spend time swimming near the boat, snorkeling along the shoreline, or using the paddleboard when the water is calm enough.

Crystal Lagoon is another major highlight. Its enclosed feel and clear water make it well suited to a swim and a snorkel. Natural caves and rocky edges add interest, especially if you enjoy exploring from the water rather than sitting on a beach.

Conditions make a real difference. Strong wind can bring uncomfortable waves, and cooler spring weather may make the water feel brisk. On one windy outing, the planned route was shortened and the group remained around Comino. On another, Sergio looked for a more sheltered area so the group could still swim safely.

That is not a fault in itself. Malta sits in an exposed part of the Mediterranean, and a sailing trip must respond to the sea. Still, you should book this with an open mind. Gozo may not be reached, every lagoon may not be suitable for swimming, and the best day may be the one that changes course sensibly.

The captain has also altered the order of stops when conditions at one site were poor. When jellyfish made one swimming area unpleasant, the group moved to another stop sooner. That sort of practical adjustment is valuable because it keeps the day enjoyable instead of treating the schedule as untouchable.

Gozo by boat, with time to set your own pace

The Gozo portion is not a land tour. You are seeing the island from the water, with the yacht moving along its coast and stopping at suitable places for swimming, views, or photographs. If you want museums, churches, villages, or a long walk inland, this is not the right way to explore Gozo.

From the water, though, you get a different side of the island. Rocky shores, inlets, and caves become the focus, and you can enjoy them without spending the day in a vehicle. The private setup also allows your group to decide how much time to devote to a stop.

Some outings have included pickup from Gozo instead of Malta when arranged ahead of time, but the standard start and finish are at Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex. Do not assume a Gozo pickup is included. Ask the operator before booking if you are staying on Gozo.

A calm day can allow more sailing and longer swims. A windy day may mean a shorter route or more time in sheltered water. The itinerary should be treated as a guide to the intended highlights, not a guarantee that every island and lagoon will be reached in every condition.

Sailing back toward Malta at an unhurried pace

The return leg is part of the pleasure. Instead of being packed into a transfer boat, you can spread out on the yacht, talk, listen to music, or rest after swimming. Some groups have used the boat’s speaker, while others have simply taken a nap on the stern or bow.

The boat has been described as clean, well maintained, charming, and comfortable. Those details matter more on an eight-hour outing than they do on a quick harbor ride. You want shade or seating, room for wet towels, and a stable place to eat. Exact seating arrangements are worth confirming if your group is close to the 11-person limit.

This is also when the sailing itself can become more noticeable. If the wind cooperates, the return can be quiet and smooth, with the sails doing some of the work. If the wind is strong, the ride may feel more active. People unused to sailing should know that high waves can make the boat less comfortable even when conditions are considered safe.

Sergio has been praised for explaining weather choices clearly and for letting the group decide whether to continue on a windy day. That is good practice, but you should still be honest about your own comfort with waves before departure.

The optional lunch is a major part of the value

The base price includes the skipper and fuel, but not lunch or alcoholic drinks. You can bring your own food and beverages, and the boat has a cooler for storage. Water is available, while wine and beer can be purchased on board or arranged as part of an added food and drink option.

The extra lunch is more than a snack box. Sergio prepares food fresh on board, and meals mentioned in the trip feedback include quiche, cacio e pepe, fish pasta, and other fresh dishes. Lunch may be prepared while you swim, which makes the meal feel like part of the day rather than a rushed stop at a restaurant.

If food is important to you, add it when you book and clarify exactly what is included. The general wording about appetizers and wine can create confusion. The operator’s explanation is that a full lunch is available by request, while the no-lunch option means you bring your own meal and drinks. Water is free, but soft drinks and alcohol are not automatically included.

For a birthday, anniversary, family celebration, or a day you want to remember, I think the lunch upgrade is worth considering. For budget-minded groups, bringing your own food is perfectly workable. You lose none of the swimming, sailing, or scenery by skipping the catered meal.

How the $846.56 group price compares

The listed price is $846.56 per group of up to 11 people. That makes the value strong for a larger party. Split among 10 people, it is about $85 per person before any food or drink add-ons. For six people, the cost is about $141 each. For two people, it becomes a serious splurge at roughly $423 per person.

That comparison tells you who should book. Families, groups of friends, and birthday parties can make good use of the private boat. Couples should book only if privacy, flexibility, and a full day on the water matter more than keeping costs low.

The price includes fuel, the skipper, snorkeling equipment, and the stand-up paddleboard. It does not include hotel transport, lunch, wine, beer, or other alcoholic drinks. The boat returns to the marina, so factor in your own way to reach Ta’ Xbiex.

A private charter also saves you from dealing with a large group, fixed seating, and someone else’s schedule. That is a real part of the value. You are paying for control of the day, not just transportation between four named stops.

Who will enjoy this sailing day most

I would choose this trip if you want to swim in several parts of the Maltese archipelago and prefer a relaxed private outing to a packed excursion. It suits confident swimmers, casual snorkelers, families, couples celebrating something special, and groups that like to decide their own pace.

It can also work for people with different activity levels. Strong swimmers can snorkel or paddleboard, while others can stay on deck and enjoy the scenery. One outing was adjusted so a person recovering from arm surgery could enjoy a flatter, easier area by the sea.

You should think carefully if you are prone to seasickness, dislike wind, or expect a guaranteed route to Gozo and every lagoon. The trip requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund if the operator cancels. If the boat sails in stronger but safe wind, the sea may still feel rough to you.

The tour is offered in English, and most people can participate. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted unless the operator cancels because of weather.

Should you book Solevela Yacht Charter?

Book it if you want a private, flexible day built around swimming, clear water, and time on a real sailing yacht. The strongest reasons are Sergio’s cooking, the ability to alter the route, and the chance to avoid a crowded group boat. Add lunch if you want the outing to feel like a complete celebration.

Before paying, ask about the expected route, wind forecast, lunch cost, drink arrangements, and how comfortable the boat will be for your exact group size. Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and your own snacks if you are skipping the meal option.

I would not book it for a strict sightseeing checklist or a low-cost way to see Malta and Gozo. For a group that values privacy and a full day at sea, though, this is one of the more appealing ways to connect the islands.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip begin?

The meeting point is Solevela Yacht Charters at Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex, Malta.

What time does the experience start?

The stated start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the trip last?

The sailing adventure lasts approximately eight hours.

Where does the trip finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Roland Marina.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The activity is private, and only your group participates.

How many people can join?

The listed price covers a group of up to 11 people.

What places are planned on the route?

The planned stops are Blue Lagoon, Comino, the island of Gozo, and Crystal Lagoon.

Are snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard is included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is available as an extra option, or you can bring your own food. Wine and beer are also available for an additional charge.

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.