Sailing charter along the Maltese shoreline incl. Lunch and drinks

A quieter Malta waits offshore. This private sailing charter gives your group a full day on the water, with a morning run toward Comino, time to swim and snorkel, and lunch served aboard a well-kept monohull. I especially like the private boat for up to six people and the chance to ask Captain Michael about Malta, sailing, and the coast without sharing the day with a large tour group.

I also like the relaxed food and drink setup: homemade salads, cheese, prosciutto, bread, fruit, soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee. The main trade-off is the long sailing time, about 2.5 hours each way to Comino, so this suits people who enjoy being at sea rather than anyone seeking a quick transfer to the Blue Lagoon.

Key details before you book

• Private sailing for up to six: Your group has the boat to itself, which makes the day easy to shape around your interests.
• A 2.5-hour sail to Comino: The journey is part of the experience, not just transport.
• Blue Lagoon stop: You can swim, snorkel, and spend time in the clear water, with the exact anchorage guided by wind and crowd conditions.
• Lunch prepared on board: Expect homemade salads, caprese with buffalo mozzarella, olives, cheese, cold cuts, bread, and melon or other local fruit.
• Captain Michael’s local insight: He shares information about Malta, its coast, and sailing in a friendly, conversational way.
• Return to Senglea around 5pm: The day begins at 9am at Cugó Gran Macina and ends at the same meeting point.

Leaving Senglea at 9am

The day starts at Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour in Senglea, one of Malta’s Three Cities. You meet the captain there for a short safety and sailing briefing before setting off.

That location matters. Senglea is across the harbor from Valletta, and the meeting point is near public transportation. If you are staying in Valletta or arriving from another part of Malta, allow enough time to reach the waterfront without rushing. The boat returns to this same spot at the end of the day, which keeps the start and finish simple.

The crew plans to head toward Comino if the wind allows. If conditions point elsewhere, the captain chooses another destination. This is a practical sailing decision, not a flaw. A boat cannot follow a fixed route safely in every wind direction, and a good captain should favor a pleasant day on the water over a rigid promise.

The briefing is short, then the sailing begins. I would treat the outward trip as a major part of the day. You have roughly 2.5 hours before reaching Comino, so bring a light layer, sun protection, and any personal medication you need. The experience is not built around constant activity. It is built around open water, conversation, views, and the simple pleasure of letting the boat move at its own pace.

The long run toward Comino

A private charter changes the feel of the journey. You do not need to match the schedule or mood of a large group. You can talk with the captain, settle into the rhythm of the boat, and make the crossing part of your Malta holiday rather than something to endure.

Captain Michael receives especially strong praise for his sailing ability and easy manner. He is described as passionate about sailing, happy to discuss the craft, and willing to share information about Malta and the coast. That can make a real difference on a trip of this length. You are not simply sitting on a boat for two hours. You can ask questions and get a more personal sense of the island.

The sailboat, Nushen, is described as a beautiful, well-maintained monohull. That detail will matter to anyone who cares about the boat itself. A classic sailing vessel offers a different experience from a crowded motorboat transfer, with more emphasis on the movement of the sea and the act of sailing.

Still, you should be honest with yourself about the pace. If your ideal day means reaching the swimming stop as quickly as possible, the 2.5-hour outbound journey may feel long. If you enjoy sailing, it is part of the reward.

Blue Lagoon and the afternoon swim

The main stop is the Blue Lagoon area of Comino, reached in the morning if the wind and route permit. Once the boat anchors, you have time to enter the water, snorkel, or relax aboard.

The clear water is the star here. The experience gives you a chance to enjoy it from a private sailing boat rather than arriving only for a short look from shore. You can swim, use floats supplied on board, and spend the afternoon at a slower pace.

The exact setting may change with conditions. Some days may bring the classic Blue Lagoon visit, while the captain may choose another cove if the wind or crowd level makes that wiser. One of the strongest details from the feedback is that Captain Michael has adjusted plans so groups could reach quieter swimming areas. On one outing, a group of six ended up in a cove where they were the only swimming and snorkeling group for much of the afternoon.

That flexibility is valuable, but you should not treat it as a guarantee of having the Blue Lagoon to yourself. Comino is a popular part of Malta, and the water can be busy. The captain can look for a better place, yet conditions and other boats still shape the day.

Swimming and snorkeling are central activities, so pack accordingly. The tour includes bottled water and soft drinks, but personal swim equipment is not detailed beyond the available floats and the optional standup paddle board. The SUP is not included in the price, so ask about its cost before booking if that activity matters to you.

Children under five cannot join. The experience is otherwise suitable for most people, but you should be comfortable boarding a sailboat, spending hours at sea, and getting in and out of the water.

Lunch with a Mediterranean spread

Lunch is prepared on board while you enjoy the water. The meal is informal and well suited to a warm day at sea.

You can expect homemade salads, caprese with buffalo mozzarella, olives, cheese, salami, prosciutto, baguette or olive bread, and chilled melon or another local fruit. Octopus or shrimp may appear in some salads. Vegetarian guests should mention this when booking so the food can be planned accordingly.

I like this menu because it fits the setting. Cold cuts, cheese, bread, salads, and fruit are easy to serve on a boat and do not require a heavy midday meal. The food also reflects familiar Mediterranean ingredients rather than trying to turn lunch into a formal restaurant service.

The meal has received strong praise, including from a group of six adults who found the lunch especially satisfying. Another couple appreciated the Mediterranean-style food as part of a day that mixed swimming, sailing, and conversation. You should expect a generous picnic-style lunch, not a multi-course dining experience with a choice of dishes.

Soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea are included. Alcohol is not listed among the included drinks, so do not assume it will be provided. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, contact the operator before booking rather than relying on last-minute changes.

Returning to Senglea around 5pm

The boat leaves the swimming area around 3pm and heads back toward Senglea, arriving at approximately 5pm. This gives you an eight-hour outing from the 9am departure.

The return crossing is another long stretch of sailing. After lunch and time in the water, you may find it peaceful, though some people may be ready to reach land. That is why I would book this for a full day at sea, not as a simple Blue Lagoon excursion.

The timing also affects the rest of your evening. You should have the night free or keep later plans flexible. You will likely be ready for a shower, a drink, or a quiet meal after a full day under the sun.

What the private format is worth

The listed price is $768.98 for the group, up to six people. Split six ways, that works out to about $128 per person. For two people, the effective cost is about $384.49 each, so the value changes sharply depending on your group size.

For six people, I think the price is easier to justify. You are paying for a private boat, a full eight-hour outing, a captain, lunch, and drinks. You also avoid the fixed feel of a shared excursion and can spend the day with family or friends. The private setting is especially useful for a birthday, family outing, or small group that wants time together without strangers aboard.

For a couple, the cost is much higher per person. It can still make sense if privacy and a personal sailing experience are your top priorities, but it is not the budget choice. The strongest case for two people is the relaxed, personal atmosphere and the chance to shape the day through conversation with the captain.

The price does not include use of the standup paddle board. Lunch, soda, water, coffee, and tea are included, which reduces the need to buy food and drinks during the outing. There is no separate entrance charge listed for the Blue Lagoon stop.

Who will enjoy this sailing day

I would recommend this charter to people who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. You should like being on a sailboat, swimming in open water, eating a casual lunch, and spending a long day outdoors.

It is a good fit for:

• A small family group wanting a private day together
• Couples seeking a quiet boat experience
• Friends who want swimming and conversation instead of a packed sightseeing schedule
• Sailing fans who would enjoy talking with an experienced captain
• Visitors celebrating a birthday or another special occasion
• People who prefer a flexible route over a fixed group timetable

The outing may not suit you if you dislike long crossings, need a tightly scheduled program, or want a motorboat to reach Comino quickly. It is also not suitable for children below five.

The private format worked well for families with children, but the boat setting still demands normal care around the water. The captain can tailor the mood and route, yet this remains a sailing day, not a supervised children’s activity.

Practical planning for the meeting point

Start at Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu, Senglea, at 9am. The activity ends back at the same meeting point around 5pm.

If you are coming from Gozo, one useful route is the Fast Ferry followed by the Three Cities ferry. The boat is a short walk from that ferry connection, according to the practical directions shared by a previous group. Check your connections carefully so you arrive before the 9am start.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The tour is offered in English, and only your own group participates.

Weather matters. Sailing can be canceled in poor conditions, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, so keep the local cutoff time in mind.

The best reasons to book, and the fair warnings

The most praised parts of this experience are clear: Captain Michael, the private boat, the beautiful swimming spots, the food, and the relaxed mood. The boat Nushen is kept in very good condition, and the captain’s willingness to share sailing and local information gives the day a personal touch.

The biggest caution is also clear: this is a long day on the sea. You spend about five hours in total sailing to and from Comino, with the main swimming and lunch period in between. That sounds ideal if you want a slow Mediterranean day. It sounds less appealing if you want nonstop sightseeing or quick access to the water.

I would also set your expectations about comfort. This is a friendly, informal outing, closer to sailing with an old friend than to a polished luxury yacht service. That is part of its charm, but people seeking a formal crew, elaborate meal, or highly structured entertainment should choose another type of cruise.

Should you book this Malta sailing charter?

Book it if you have a group of up to six, enjoy sailing, and want a private day with swimming, local food, and a captain who takes time to talk. The value is strongest when the cost is shared among six people.

For two people, book only if privacy and the sailing experience matter more than keeping the price low. I would choose this charter for a birthday, family day, or relaxed outing where the crossing itself sounds pleasant. I would skip it if you mainly want a fast Blue Lagoon visit.

FAQ

Where does the sailing charter start?

It starts at Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu, Senglea, Malta.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9am.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Senglea.

How long is the experience?

The sailing day lasts approximately eight hours, from about 9am until around 5pm.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity for your own group, with up to six people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes homemade salads, cheese, ham, fruit, and bread. Salads may include octopus or shrimp, and vegetarian requests should be made when booking.

What drinks are included?

Soda or soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea are included.

Is the standup paddle board included?

No. Use of the standup paddle board is not included in the price.

Can children join the tour?

Children below five years of age cannot participate. Most other people can take part.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours before the start time.