Private Yacht Charter in Malta, Gozo & Comino – Full Day

Blue water, quiet coves, and your own boat. This full-day Malta charter gives your group a private way to see the best swimming spots around Malta, Gozo, and Comino without following a fixed crowd schedule. I especially like the freedom to choose how long you stay at each bay, plus the chance to explore caves and swim from the boat.

I also like the practical setup: water sports gear is included, the boat has shade and comfortable places to sit, and you can bring lunch, wine, and other food with the help of onboard fridges and cutlery. The main drawback is price. At $1,505.14 for up to eight people, it makes the most sense for a full group, and lunch costs extra.

Key points before you book

• Private boat for up to eight people: Your group does not share the yacht with strangers, so the day can be adjusted around your preferred swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing pace.
• Comino gets the most time: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay may fill much of the day, depending on weather and your choices.
• Caves are a real highlight: L-Aħrax includes a quick Smugglers Cave photo stop, while other coves and caves may be explored during swimming stops.
• Lunch is flexible: You can stop at a restaurant, bring your own food, or ask the crew to help arrange a meal at a place such as One80 or Tortuga.
• Sheldon and Wayne host the trip: The brothers are described as friendly, accommodating captains who give short explanations about the bays and islands.
• Weather controls the day: The route can change in rough conditions, and the charter requires good weather to operate.

Why a private yacht works so well here

Malta’s best coastal scenery is scattered across three islands and a long list of small bays. A standard boat outing can show you the major sights, but it may also mean fixed stops, shared seating, and limited time in the water.

This private charter gives you a different rhythm. You can spend longer at a clear cove if everyone is happy swimming, move on when the children are ready, or look for calmer water if someone suffers from motion sickness. The captains have already adjusted routes for a passenger with that problem, taking the boat toward calmer areas to keep the day comfortable.

That flexibility is the strongest reason to book. You are not paying only for transport. You are paying for control over an eight-hour day on the water, with a crew that can help shape the route.

The boat suits a group that wants both activity and rest. There are shaded areas and comfortable spots for sitting in the sun. You can swim, snorkel, try paddleboarding on request, search around caves, or simply stay aboard and watch the coast pass by.

Starting at Mellieħa Bay at 9:00 am

The charter starts at Island Life Charters in Mellieħa Bay, Malta. The meeting point is described as easy to locate and is near public transportation, which helps if you are not driving.

The scheduled start is 9:00 am, and the full outing lasts about eight hours. That early start matters in summer. It gives you more time on the water and a better chance of reaching popular Comino spots before the busiest part of the day.

Bring the things that make a boat day easier: swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and any food or drink you want for the day. The boat has fridges and cutlery, so bringing your own lunch is a practical choice. You should still confirm arrangements for food with the operator before departure, especially if you want a restaurant stop.

Because this is a boat trip, you should be comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity. Getting in and out of the water, moving around the deck, and exploring caves can require balance and steady footing.

L-Aħrax and the Smugglers Cave photo stop

The first listed stop is L-Aħrax, where you make a short visit to Smugglers Cave. The stated stop lasts about 10 minutes, so this is not a major swimming session or a long cave visit.

Think of it as a quick scenic introduction. You can take a photo with the cave behind you, enjoy the coastal setting, and settle into the day before the longer stops around Comino.

The short timing is worth noting. If you want a long cave exploration, this particular stop will not provide it. The better chance for that comes later, when the crew may take you to other caves and quieter coves based on conditions and your group’s wishes.

Three hours around Comino’s Blue Lagoon

Comino is the main attraction, and the charter allows a large part of the day for its swimming areas. Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay are all possible stops, but the exact combination depends on weather and what you want to do.

Blue Lagoon is the famous name, and it is easy to understand why. The water is clear, the setting is striking, and it is one of the places most people want to see from a boat. The catch is popularity. The area can feel crowded and hectic, particularly at busy times.

A private yacht helps you handle that problem, though it cannot remove other boats or people from the lagoon. The crew can take you to less crowded nearby spots or arrange the day so you visit the most popular area at a sensible time. One especially useful advantage is access to smaller caves and swimming places that would be difficult to reach on a larger shared boat.

The published timing gives three hours for the Comino swimming area, but that should be read as flexible time around Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay rather than three separate three-hour visits. You decide where to linger, subject to weather and the captain’s judgment.

The water activities are a major part of the value. Snorkeling gear is provided, and paddleboards are available on request. You may also swim into caves, look for fish, and spend time floating near the boat.

One family had children who loved swimming through caves. Another group saw fish, harmless jellyfish, and two octopuses that the crew caught briefly so they could be viewed and released. That kind of close look at marine life is a nice bonus, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, and choosing your pace

Crystal Lagoon offers another clear-water swimming setting near Comino. It may be calmer or more appealing than Blue Lagoon at a given moment, depending on wind, boat traffic, and sea conditions.

Santa Maria Bay is also included among the possible Comino stops. The value here is not simply checking off three names. It is having the option to compare different coves and choose the one that feels best for your group.

I would use this part of the day for the activity everyone most wants. If you have keen swimmers, allow plenty of time in the water. If you have mixed ages or one person who prefers to stay dry, ask the crew to balance swimming with scenic cruising and time aboard.

The crew’s flexibility is important for groups. A party of eight friends may want to spend most of the time swimming and snorkeling, while a family may prefer shorter water stops and more time relaxing. A private charter can accommodate both better than a fixed group cruise.

Do keep expectations sensible. The Blue Lagoon is not a secret place, and a private boat does not guarantee solitude. What it gives you is a better chance to move away from the thickest crowds and a much more personal way to use your time.

Gozo’s quiet Mgarr ix-Xini

The route then reaches Mgarr ix-Xini on Gozo, described as a quiet spot with clean, clear water. The suggested time here is about one hour.

This is a good contrast with Comino’s famous lagoon. Instead of focusing only on Malta’s most photographed water, you get a quieter Gozo setting where the main pleasure is swimming and enjoying the bay.

Mgarr ix-Xini also makes a sensible lunch area if your group wants to eat somewhere peaceful. Restaurant arrangements vary, so confirm them ahead of time. The crew has helped arrange lunches at places including One80 and Tortuga, and you can also bring your own food.

If you bring lunch, the onboard fridge and cutlery make the plan easier than it would be on a basic small boat. You still pay for your own food, and restaurant meals are not included in the charter price.

Paradise Bay as the final swim

Paradise Bay is usually the last swimming stop before the boat returns to Mellieħa Bay. The suggested time is about one hour, with clear water and good conditions for snorkeling.

Ending here makes sense. After a long day around Comino and Gozo, you can have one final swim without rushing straight back to the dock. It also gives you a last chance to use the snorkeling gear and enjoy the water before the return journey.

The word usually matters. Weather and sea conditions guide the route, so the captain may change the order or substitute another suitable place. This is one of the small trade-offs of a flexible boat day: you gain freedom, but you should not expect every stop to happen exactly as printed.

The crew, boat, and onboard comfort

Sheldon and Wayne are the named hosts associated with the charter, and they are brothers. Their role goes beyond steering the boat. They provide short explanations about bays and land formations, help groups choose stops, and make an effort to keep the day comfortable.

The strongest praise centers on their attitude. They are described as kind, accommodating, and willing to adjust the route. One group received help with a sandwich for a hungry child. Another group appreciated the effort made to find calm water for a passenger prone to motion sickness.

These details matter because an eight-hour private charter gives you a lot of contact with the crew. A friendly captain can make the difference between a pleasant day and an awkward one, especially when plans need to change.

The boat is described as beautiful and in excellent condition, with a smooth ride, shade, and comfortable places to lounge. Water sports equipment is supplied, while paddleboards need to be requested. Ask about the gear you want before the day begins so there is no confusion.

The boat is not merely a way to reach the swimming spots. You can spend a fair amount of time aboard, so seating, shade, storage, and a fridge affect the quality of the day. The supplied details suggest the vessel is set up for both active swimming and lazy stretches in the sun.

Is $1,505.14 good value?

The total price is $1,505.14 per group of up to eight people. At the full group size, that works out to about $188 per person before lunch and other personal expenses.

That is a serious price for a boat outing, but the comparison should be with other private charters, not with a shared ferry or a basic sightseeing cruise. You receive about eight hours, a private vessel, a flexible route, water sports equipment, and a crew focused only on your party.

For a group of eight, the value is fairly strong if you care about privacy and time in the water. For two people, the same total price is much harder to justify unless a private yacht is a central part of your Malta holiday.

The biggest value comes from avoiding a one-size-fits-all schedule. If your group wants to swim for longer, search for caves, adjust around motion sickness, or choose a quieter place for lunch, the private format earns its cost.

Lunch is extra, and the charter does not include restaurant bills. You can reduce additional costs by bringing food and drinks, using the fridge and cutlery onboard. If you prefer a sit-down meal, ask the crew about current restaurant options and availability.

Who should book this Malta yacht day?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, groups of friends, and extended families who can share the cost. It is also a good choice for anyone who considers swimming and snorkeling the main reason for visiting Malta.

The trip suits active passengers, but it is not only for strong swimmers. You can stay aboard, use the shaded seating, and shape the day around your comfort. Still, the tour asks for moderate physical fitness, particularly if you plan to get in and out of the water or explore caves.

This is less suitable for a strict sightseeing plan. The day focuses on bays, caves, swimming, snorkeling, and time on the boat rather than museums, towns, or long walks on land.

Weather is another key factor. The charter requires good conditions, and the route may shift if wind or sea conditions change. The cancellation terms allow a full refund if the operator cancels for poor weather, or you may be offered another date.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:00 am start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and a late cancellation is not refunded.

My verdict: book it for the water, not just the photos

This private Malta yacht charter is a strong choice if you want a full day built around swimming, snorkeling, caves, and freedom. The combination of Comino’s famous lagoons, Gozo’s quieter Mgarr ix-Xini, and a final stop at Paradise Bay gives the day good variety.

I especially like the private format, the flexible timing, the supplied gear, and the thoughtful work of Sheldon and Wayne. The boat’s shade, seating, fridge, and cutlery also make eight hours at sea far more comfortable.

Book it when you have a group large enough to share the cost and when the sea is a major part of your Malta plans. Skip it if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget, or if you would rather spend your day exploring historic streets and inland sights.

For the right group, this is one of the most enjoyable ways to reach Malta’s best swimming water without surrendering your whole day to someone else’s clock.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht charter?

The charter lasts approximately eight hours.

What time does the experience start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 am.

Where does the charter begin?

It begins at Island Life Charters in Mellieħa Bay, Malta.

Where does the charter end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Mellieħa Bay.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers one private group of up to eight people.

Which islands does the charter visit?

The route covers areas around Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

Which swimming locations may be included?

Possible Comino stops include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay. The exact route depends on weather conditions and your group’s preferences.

Is lunch included?

No. You can stop at a restaurant or bring your own lunch, but food and restaurant costs are your responsibility.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Water sports gear is provided. Paddleboards are available on request.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.