Malta Gozo Comino: Full Day Sailing Charter

The best part of this charter is the freedom to spend a full day on the water without being tied to a crowded sightseeing boat. Skipper Peter takes your private group toward Gozo and Comino, where you can stop in quiet coves, swim through clear water, and use the kayak or paddle board at your own pace.

I like the 14-meter sailboat, which gives your group room to spread out, and I like that the day includes actual time for swimming rather than only a quick photo stop. The main consideration is that this is a private boat charter, so the $823 price makes the most sense for a group of several people, especially if you can fill most of the 11 available places.

Key points to know

• Private sailing for up to 11 people: You get the boat for your own group rather than sharing the day with strangers.
• Two departure options: Start from Marfa Jetty in Malta or Mgarr Harbor in Gozo.
• Eight hours on the water: The long format allows several swim stops and time to use the water equipment.
• Water activities included: Snorkeling gear, a paddle board, kayak, and hammock are available aboard.
• Bring food for the BBQ: The grill is included, but your group supplies the food you want cooked.
• Peter is a hands-on skipper: He has been praised for his welcome, patience, and ability to adjust the day when wind affects swimming or sailing.

A full day between Malta, Gozo, and Comino

This is not a quick harbor cruise. You have eight hours aboard a well-equipped sailing boat, with the chance to reach coastal spots that are difficult or impossible to visit from land.

The route focuses on Gozo and Comino, two islands known for rocky shores, steep cliffs, sea caves, clear water, and small bays. The exact stops can depend on conditions, but the idea is simple: cruise along the coast, anchor in attractive places, and give your group time to swim and play.

I like the pace this creates. You are not being pushed from one attraction to the next. If your group wants a long swim, a quiet spell on the deck, or another turn on the paddle board, the private format gives Peter room to shape the day around you.

That flexibility matters in Malta. Wind can change how comfortable a particular cove feels, and one side of an island may be better for swimming than another on a given day. One of the useful details from the recent trips is that Peter was able to keep the day enjoyable even when the wind made conditions less straightforward.

Setting out from Marfa Jetty or Mgarr Harbor

You can board at Marfa Jetty in Malta or Mgarr Harbor on Gozo. The information provided does not specify one universal meeting time, so check the available starting times when you book and confirm the correct departure point.

Your choice of harbor can make a difference to the day’s feel. Marfa places you near the northern end of Malta and close to Comino. Mgarr is Gozo’s main harbor, so starting there may suit you if you are already staying on Gozo or arranging your day around that island.

The boat is a 14-meter sailboat with three cabins. That does not mean you are booking a cabin cruise or spending the day below deck. It does mean you have more interior space if you want shade, a rest, or a break from the sun and wind.

The three cabins and general layout also help with a mixed group. Families can take a pause from the water, while adults can sit back with a drink and enjoy the movement of the boat. The rocking motion will not appeal to everyone, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan accordingly, though no specific medical advice or equipment is provided with the charter.

Cruising past cliffs and rocky coves

Once underway, the scenery becomes the main event. Malta, Gozo, and Comino have shorelines shaped by pale rock, high cliffs, narrow inlets, and caves reached most easily from the sea.

From a boat, you see the coast at a different height and angle than you do from a road or walking path. Sheer cliffs can appear especially impressive from below, and small openings in the rock become possible places to explore by kayak or swim.

The trip description does not promise a fixed list of named stops, which is a good thing in one respect. It allows the skipper to choose places suited to the day rather than forcing a rigid route. At the same time, you should not book this expecting a guaranteed checklist of every famous bay around Comino.

Peter’s role is important here. He is not only steering the boat. The available information describes him taking groups to attractive places, watching conditions, and giving people plenty of time rather than rushing them onward. For a private charter, that personal judgment is one of the main reasons to book with a skipper rather than simply hiring a boat without guidance.

Swimming in clear water

Swimming is central to the experience. The boat makes multiple stops, giving you time to get into the water, look for marine life, and enjoy a bay without treating it as a five-minute pause.

The water is described as crystal clear, and snorkeling equipment is included. That makes this a practical choice if you want to explore below the surface without arranging extra rental gear. Still, the quality of visibility and the amount of marine life can change with wind, light, and location, so keep your expectations sensible.

The private setting is especially useful for families. One recent group included four adults and four children, with everyone making use of the boat and its water equipment. A child who is tired of swimming can rest aboard while others continue in the water.

You should also remember that this is an active day. There may be repeated boarding and climbing back onto the boat after a swim. If your group includes people who prefer a purely scenic cruise, make sure they are comfortable with a trip built around water time.

Kayak, paddle board, and snorkeling gear

The included equipment gives the day more variety than a standard sailing trip. You can snorkel, paddle board, or take the kayak into a cove, depending on conditions and how the equipment is being used.

The paddle board is a good choice if you want a quiet workout or a view across the water without going far from the boat. The kayak is more useful for exploring the edges of a bay and approaching rock formations at a slower pace.

These activities also spread people out. On a busy charter boat, the whole group may compete for one small activity or wait for a turn. Here, the equipment is available for your private group, though you should still expect to share it if everyone wants a go.

A hammock is also available for those who would rather do very little. I like that detail because a good full-day boat trip needs some downtime. You can move between swimming and sitting in the sun, then find shade or a cabin when you need a break.

What to eat aboard the sailboat

The charter includes a BBQ, but you bring the food. That is worth planning before departure. The boat provides the grill, while your group supplies the meat, vegetables, bread, or other items you want prepared.

Several recent outings involved Peter preparing the food brought aboard, including a grilled meal for one group. That is a thoughtful practical touch, but you should not assume a full catered lunch is included. Bring enough food for eight hours, along with anything your group needs beyond the listed drinks and snacks.

Water, soft drinks, snacks, and prosecco are included. The prosecco suits a relaxed afternoon on deck, while water is especially important in Malta’s strong sun. If you want a particular drink, side dish, dietary option, or larger meal, arrange that within your group rather than relying on the basic provisions listed.

The BBQ can become one of the most enjoyable parts of the day because it gives everyone a natural pause between swim stops. It also makes the charter feel less like a sightseeing transfer and more like a private day out with friends or family.

How the $823 price works for your group

The listed price is $823 for up to 11 people, not a per-person fare. If you fill all 11 places, the cost works out to about $75 per person. For eight people, it is roughly $103 each, and for four people it is about $206 each.

That pricing makes the group size the key value question. A family or group of friends with eight to 11 people can get a strong return from the private format, especially since fuel, port fees, skipper, drinks, snacks, water, and water equipment are included.

For a smaller group, the charter becomes a premium purchase. You are paying for privacy, control over the pace, a full eight hours, and a larger boat rather than only paying for transport around the islands. If you mainly want to see the coast from the deck and do not care about a private boat, a shared cruise may cost less.

The value also improves if you would otherwise rent snorkeling gear, a kayak, or a paddle board separately. Those items are already available aboard, and you do not need to arrange fuel or hire a skipper yourself.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would recommend this experience most strongly for families, groups of friends, and couples traveling with a larger party. The boat has enough features to keep different ages busy, and the private setting lets your group choose how active or relaxed the day becomes.

It is also a good match for people who want a sea day rather than a land-based island tour. You will see cliffs and coastal scenery, but the main reward is being able to stop, swim, snorkel, paddle, and rest.

This is less suitable if you want a tightly scripted sightseeing itinerary with a long list of guaranteed named attractions. It may also be a poor fit if nobody in your group wants to swim or if the price cannot be shared among several people.

The trip is conducted in English, with a live English-speaking guide and skipper. Peter’s friendly, patient approach has been one of the strongest parts of the experience, particularly for large and lively groups.

Practical details before you book

Allow the entire eight-hour period for the charter. The trip includes the boat, skipper, fuel, and port fees, so there are no listed fuel or harbor surcharges to add later.

Bring the food you want to cook on the BBQ. You may also want personal sun protection and any preferred snacks or drinks, though water, soft drinks, snacks, and prosecco are supplied.

Because wind can affect sailing and swimming, keep your schedule flexible after the trip if possible. The boat can still offer a good day in breezier conditions, but the best swimming spot may change and some activities may feel less comfortable.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are planning around changing holiday arrangements.

Should you book the Malta Gozo Comino sailing charter?

Book it if your group can share the cost and you want a private, active day on the water. The combination of a large sailboat, multiple swim stops, snorkeling gear, kayak, paddle board, BBQ, and an attentive skipper gives you far more control than a standard boat excursion.

I would be particularly keen to book this for a group with children or mixed interests. Some people can swim and paddle, others can use the hammock or cabins, and everyone can gather for food aboard.

Think twice if you are traveling alone or as a small pair and mainly want a low-cost way to see Comino. For a full group that values privacy and flexibility, though, the $823 price can be reasonable. The strongest reason to choose it is not one famous stop. It is having the whole day, the whole boat, and Peter’s judgment to find pleasant places as conditions change.

FAQ

How long is the sailing charter?

The charter lasts eight hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

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

Where does the boat depart from?

Departures are available from Marfa Jetty in Malta or Mgarr Harbor in Gozo.

Is food included?

A BBQ, water, soft drinks, snacks, and prosecco are included. You must bring the food you want to cook on the BBQ.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a paddle board and kayak.

Who is the skipper?

The skipper is Peter, and the tour is conducted in English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.