Sailing charter along the Maltese shoreline incl. Lunch and drinks

The best part of this Malta sailing charter is the freedom to make the day feel personal. You leave Senglea at 9 a.m., sail toward Comino if the wind allows, then spend the afternoon swimming or relaxing at anchor instead of following a crowded, fixed boat route. Captain Michael also shares local stories and sailing know-how along the way.

I like the private boat and the thoughtful, Mediterranean-style lunch. I also like that Captain Michael can discuss the day’s plan with your group and aim for a quieter cove when conditions allow. The main consideration is the long sailing time to Comino, about two and a half hours, so this suits people who enjoy being on a sailboat as much as they want time in the water.

Key points to know before booking

• A private charter for up to six: You get the whole boat for your party, rather than sharing the day with strangers.
• Comino depends on the wind: The intended route heads toward the Blue Lagoon, but the captain chooses another destination if conditions require it.
• About 2.5 hours each way: The long sailing stretches are part of the experience, not simply transportation to a swimming stop.
• Lunch is prepared on board: Expect homemade salads, caprese with buffalo mozzarella, olives, cheese, cold cuts, bread, and chilled melon or other local fruit.
• A relaxed, personal captain: Captain Michael is happy to talk about sailing, Malta, and the places along the coast.
• Best for small groups: Couples, families with older children, and groups of friends get the most value from the private format.

A private morning departure from Senglea

Your day begins at 9 a.m. outside Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour in Senglea, one of Malta’s Three Cities. The meeting point is on Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu, and the boat returns to the same place at about 5 p.m.

You start with a short safety and route briefing. This is useful because the day is shaped by wind and sea conditions. The plan usually points toward Comino, but the captain may select another part of the coast if the wind makes that route impractical.

I like this approach better than a rigid promise to visit one exact cove. Sailing is weather-dependent, and a good captain needs room to make sensible choices. The tradeoff is that you cannot treat the Blue Lagoon as guaranteed. It is the planned highlight, but the actual destination depends on the day.

The charter is offered in English and is private for your group of up to six. That matters more than it may sound. You can talk without shouting across a crowded deck, agree on how much time to spend swimming, and ask Captain Michael about Malta or sailing without competing for his attention.

The long sail toward Comino

The trip to Comino takes about two and a half hours. That is a substantial portion of an eight-hour outing, so you should be comfortable with the sailing itself.

This is not a speedboat transfer. The pleasure comes from moving along Malta’s shoreline at a slower pace, watching the coast change from the water, and settling into the rhythm of the boat. You may want a light layer for the morning, even in warm weather, since the boat is exposed to wind while under sail.

Captain Michael’s role is part skipper and part local companion. He can explain sailing, point out coastal features, and share information about Malta and its history. People who enjoy asking questions will get more from the trip than those who see the boat only as a ride to a swimming spot.

I would set expectations clearly here: the day is not packed with several formal sightseeing stops. It is one long sailing outing with time to swim, eat, and relax. That makes it a good match for a slow holiday day, but less suitable if you want to cover many attractions.

Blue Lagoon and the Comino stop

The planned main stop is the Blue Lagoon on Comino. Its clear water is the main reason many people choose a boat day in this part of Malta. Once anchored, you have time to swim and snorkel, or simply remain on board with a drink and watch the water.

The exact feel of the stop depends on timing, weather, and the number of other boats in the area. The charter’s private format gives you a quieter boat experience, but it cannot make a popular location empty. One of the smart advantages of having Captain Michael plan the day with you is the possibility of choosing a less crowded cove instead when the conditions and route permit.

That flexibility has produced some of the most memorable moments on this outing. A group of six adults spent much of the afternoon in a cove where they were the only swimming and snorkeling group at the time. You should not expect that precise result every day, but the captain’s willingness to adjust the plan is a genuine strength.

Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and anything you personally need for time in the water. Snorkeling is part of the planned activity, but the supplied details do not promise a complete set of snorkeling equipment. The standup paddle board is specifically not included, so ask about it before booking if SUP use is important to you.

A few people have also had floats available on board, but I would not treat those as guaranteed equipment. The safe assumption is that your main water activities are swimming and snorkeling, with SUP use subject to separate arrangements.

A home-cooked Mediterranean lunch at anchor

Lunch is served during the swimming stop, which gives the meal a practical purpose. You can come out of the water, dry off, and eat without losing more time to a restaurant transfer.

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

This is simple boat food, not a formal multi-course meal. That is exactly right for the setting. Cold cuts, cheese, salads, bread, and fruit travel well, require no fuss, and fit the warm Maltese day. I especially like that the food is substantial enough to support a full afternoon on the water without turning lunch into a long interruption.

Some salads may include octopus or shrimp. If you are vegetarian, tell the operator when you book so the meal can be planned properly. The supplied information does not give a separate list of vegan, allergy-friendly, or gluten-free substitutions, so you should ask about those needs in advance rather than assume.

Drinks are soft drinks and water rather than an open bar. Coffee and tea are included, but alcoholic drinks are not listed. If you are expecting wine or beer with lunch, confirm that before you pay.

Sailing back to Senglea around 3 p.m.

The return journey begins at about 3 p.m., with arrival in Senglea around 5 p.m. That leaves roughly two hours for the trip back, though the exact timing can shift with wind and sea conditions.

By this point, you will have spent a full day outdoors. That is part of the appeal, but it also means the sun and wind can catch up with you. I would bring a hat that fits securely, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. These are practical comforts, not luxuries, on an eight-hour boat outing.

The return is also a final chance to talk with Captain Michael. The private setup works particularly well for a couple or small family that wants a calm day rather than a party boat. It also suits people who are curious about sailing itself. One couple described the experience as feeling like a day at sea with an old friend, which captures the informal tone better than any list of features.

The boat is described as a well-maintained monohull sailboat named Nushen. That detail matters for people who care about the boat, not just the destination. A classic sailing vessel gives the outing more character than a basic ferry ride, though it may also feel less spacious and less stable to anyone who prefers a large motorboat.

What the private price means for your group

The listed price is $768.98 per group of up to six. For six people, that works out to about $128 per person. For two people, the effective cost is about $384 per person, so the value changes sharply with group size.

For a full private boat, an eight-hour outing, lunch, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea, the price can make good sense for a group of five or six. You are paying not only for the route, but also for privacy, flexibility, and a full day rather than a short coastal cruise.

For a couple, the price is harder to justify unless the private setting is central to your holiday. You do get the boat to yourselves, a dedicated captain, and the chance to shape the day, but a shared cruise would normally cost less. This charter is strongest as a special occasion or a group splurge.

The private setup is especially useful for birthdays and family trips. One birthday outing included a captain who helped make the day feel personal, while a family with children enjoyed the swimming and relaxed lunch. Children must be at least five years old, and parents should remember that a full day at sea can be tiring even when the route is calm.

Who will enjoy this sailing day most

I would choose this experience if you want:

• A private day at sea for up to six people
• Time for swimming and snorkeling rather than constant sightseeing
• A captain who can explain sailing and Malta in an informal way
• A quiet lunch on board instead of a restaurant stop
• The freedom to adjust the plan around wind and crowd levels
• A special day for a birthday, anniversary, or family holiday

I would hesitate if you dislike long stretches on a boat. The sail to Comino is about two and a half hours, and the return trip takes roughly two hours. The day is built around the pleasure of sailing, not just a quick ride to the Blue Lagoon.

I would also think twice if you need guaranteed access to a paddle board, a specific swimming location, or alcoholic drinks. The SUP is not included, Comino depends on the wind, and the included drinks are soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea.

The activity is near public transportation, which helps with reaching Senglea. If you are coming from Gozo, a practical route is the fast ferry followed by the Three Cities ferry, then a short walk to the boat. That connection is useful, but allow enough time for transfers before the 9 a.m. start.

Weather, age limits, and booking details

The charter requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, 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, but cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the experience is often booked about three weeks ahead, I would reserve early if you need a particular date, especially during Malta’s busy summer season.

Most people can take part, but the experience is not suitable for children under five. The supplied information does not describe accessibility details for the boat, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator before booking.

Should you book this Malta sailing charter?

I would book it for a group of friends, a family of up to six, or a couple celebrating something special who values privacy more than a low per-person price. The strongest features are the private boat, Captain Michael’s personal approach, the chance to seek out a quieter swimming spot, and the easygoing lunch served on board.

I would skip it if you want a fast sightseeing tour, a guaranteed Blue Lagoon visit, or a fully equipped watersports package. But if you like the idea of spending a whole day on the Mediterranean, with plenty of swimming and no need to rush, this is a thoughtful way to see Malta from the water.

FAQ

Where does the sailing charter start and finish?

The charter starts and ends at Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu, Senglea, ISL 1040, Malta.

What time does the boat leave?

The stated start time is 9 a.m. The boat usually returns to Senglea at about 5 p.m.

Is the Blue Lagoon guaranteed?

No. The planned route heads toward Comino and the Blue Lagoon if the wind direction allows. If conditions are unsuitable, the captain chooses another destination.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes homemade salads, caprese with buffalo mozzarella, olives, cheese, salami, prosciutto, bread, and melon or other local fruit. Soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea are included.

Is the standup paddle board included?

No. Use of the SUP is not included in the listed price. Swimming and snorkeling are planned activities, but specific snorkeling equipment is not listed as included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If bad weather cancels the charter, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.