From Valletta: Full Day Private Charter on a Sailing Yacht

The best thing about this charter is the freedom to see Malta from the water without sharing your day with a boatload of strangers. You can spend your time swimming at Blue Lagoon, drifting into quieter bays, or simply stretching out aboard Mowgli, a modern 45-foot yacht launched in 2020.

I like the private-group format, which makes the day work well for families and friends. I also like the flexible route: your skipper can head north toward Comino, or south toward bays such as Saint Peter’s Pool and Saint Thomas Bay. The main consideration is that the most famous stops can be busy, and wind or sea conditions may change the plan.

Key points at a glance

• A modern 45-foot Elan Impression yacht: Mowgli offers a spacious private setting with room for up to 12 passengers plus the skipper.
• Grace is often at the helm: She has earned repeated praise for her friendly manner, careful boat handling, and useful Malta recommendations.
• Two very different route options: Head north for Comino’s lagoons and caves, or south for bays including Hoffriet, Saint Peter’s Pool, and Saint Thomas Bay.
• Eight hours gives you real time at sea: This is not a rushed photo stop. You have time for swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and relaxing.
• Food is flexible: Water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included, while you may bring your own food or arrange provisions in advance.
• The price makes most sense for a group: At $742 for up to nine people, the cost becomes much better when shared by family or friends.

Setting out from Marina di Valletta

Your day begins at Marina di Valletta in Pietà, a short distance from Valletta. Look for Pontoon B when you arrive. The marina setting is useful because you can reach it from the capital without first making a long trip to a distant harbor.

The first part of the outing includes coffee, a safety briefing, and roughly 15 minutes of sailing. That briefing matters on a private charter. You will learn how to move around the boat, where to sit, and how the skipper wants you to behave near the water. Listen closely, especially if you have children in your group.

Mowgli is an Elan Impression 45 sailing yacht from 2020. The boat is 45 feet, or about 14 meters, long, and is described as clean, well maintained, and comfortable. You are not booking a basic transfer boat. You are hiring a private floating base for a full day.

The group limit needs a little attention. The yacht can take up to 12 passengers plus the professional skipper, but the stated price of $742 applies to a group of up to nine people. Smaller groups may receive a discount, while additional hours cost €75 each. Confirm the exact price for your party before paying, especially if you have between 10 and 12 people.

North to Blue Lagoon and Comino

If the weather and sea conditions allow a northern route, the main stops are around Comino. The usual plan may include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, and Saint Niklaw Bay, with the possibility of visiting caves along the coast.

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. Its clear, bright water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and you get the advantage of arriving by private yacht rather than joining a standard shore excursion. You can swim, take photographs, or stay aboard and enjoy the view from the deck.

The catch is simple: Blue Lagoon is Malta’s most famous swimming area, so it can feel busy, particularly in the warmer months. A private charter does not make the entire bay private. What it gives you is control over how long you stay, where you position yourself, and when you leave.

The planned two-hour stop allows enough time for more than a quick swim. You can get in the water, dry off, have a drink, and return for another swim without watching the clock every few minutes. If you prefer quiet, tell the skipper. The route is meant to be adjusted to your group where conditions and timing permit.

Crystal Lagoon for swimming and photographs

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about an hour. The name points to the main appeal: clear water, steep coastal scenery, and a good setting for photographs from the boat.

This stop suits people who want a short, active break rather than a long stay on shore. You can snorkel, swim, or use the boat as a calm place to take in the views. Since there is no promise of a long land visit, pack for a water-based day rather than expecting a beach afternoon.

A lagoon stop can also depend heavily on wind. The skipper decides whether conditions make a location safe and pleasant. If the sea is rough or the approach is not suitable, the route may change. That is not a failure of the charter. It is one of the practical limits of sailing around Malta.

Armier Bay and the shape of a full day

Armier Bay is another possible northern stop, with time for photographs, swimming, and snorkeling. It gives the day a different feel from the enclosed lagoons, with a wider bay and another chance to get into the water.

The sample schedule allows roughly one hour here. Taken together with the time at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, the route gives you several chances to swim rather than one long stop followed by a boat ride. That variety is useful if your group includes people with different energy levels.

The listed times are best treated as a framework. A private charter is not a bus tour with a rigid timetable. The skipper may adjust the order or length of stops based on wind, waves, traffic on the water, and your group’s preferences. You might spend more time at a bay your group loves, or move on sooner if the water is crowded.

The southern route: Hoffriet, Saint Peter’s Pool, and Saint Thomas Bay

The southern route offers a different day from the Comino plan. Possible stops include the two bays of Hoffriet, Saint Peter’s Pool, and Saint Thomas Bay.

Saint Peter’s Pool is known for its striking rock formations and natural swimming areas. From a boat, you can appreciate the shape of the coast without needing to organize a separate land visit. It is a strong choice for a group that wants photographs and swimming in the same stop.

Saint Thomas Bay gives you another place to swim and relax, while Hoffriet provides additional coastal scenery. The appeal of the southern route is variety and a somewhat less predictable feel than simply heading to the most famous lagoon.

Do not book this day with one fixed photograph in mind. Wind direction determines which coast is comfortable and safe. The skipper may decide that the southern side is the better option on one day, then choose Comino on another. You get a more pleasant day by accepting the sea’s terms.

What life aboard Mowgli feels like

Mowgli is set up for a relaxed private day rather than a fast sightseeing transfer. The advertised comforts include water, bottled water, soda, coffee, and tea. Fuel and the skipper are included, so you do not need to manage the basic operating costs during the trip.

Food and other drinks are not included. You can bring your own provisions, or pre-order food and drinks in advance. This is worth arranging early if you want lunch on board, since the details of what can be supplied should be confirmed before departure.

The practical packing list is short:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection
• A hat that will stay on in wind
• Dry clothing for the ride back
• Snorkeling equipment if you prefer to use your own
• Food and drinks beyond the included refreshments

The supplied information does not promise specific snorkeling equipment, so ask before assuming masks and fins are provided. The same applies to any meal service. Water and basic drinks are included, but lunch is your responsibility unless arranged ahead of time.

A sailing yacht also means you should expect movement. If someone in your group is prone to seasickness, plan carefully and ask the operator what they recommend. The skipper can adjust the route for safety, but no boat can remove all motion from a day at sea.

The skipper can make or break the day

The most consistently praised part of this experience is the skipper, especially Grace. She is described as friendly, cheerful, professional, and attentive to the group. One particularly useful detail is that she has offered recommendations for places to eat, which adds value beyond simply steering the boat.

That personal service matters more on a private charter than on a standard boat ride. You are spending eight hours with the person responsible for the route, safety, and tone of the day. Grace has been praised for explaining things clearly, helping with whatever the group needs, and making people feel well looked after.

The skipper is also the person who decides whether conditions are safe. If the weather becomes unsuitable, the charter can be canceled with a full refund when the skipper makes that call. If only one area is affected, the route may be changed instead. You should see this flexibility as a benefit, not a promise that every advertised bay will always be visited.

The operating language is English. If Grace is not assigned to your departure, the experience still includes an English-speaking skipper, but the specific crew member may differ.

Is $742 good value for your group?

The stated price is $742 per group of up to nine people. That works out to about $82 per person for a full eight-hour private charter if nine people share the cost. At six people, the rough figure is about $124 each. For a couple, the same price becomes a much larger outlay, although smaller-group discounts may apply.

The value comes from the time and privacy. A standard boat trip may cost less per person, but you usually give up control over the route and spend the day with a larger crowd. Here, your group has a skipper, fuel, a modern yacht, and the ability to shape the day around swimming and quiet bays.

The charter is best value when you fill several places. Families, groups of friends, and small celebrations can make good use of the boat. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, compare the smaller-group rate with other Malta sailing options before booking.

An extra hour costs €75. That can be useful if your group wants a slower return, an additional swimming stop, or more time to enjoy lunch aboard. Confirm how the extra time is charged and whether it must be arranged before departure.

Who should book this sailing day?

You should consider this charter if you want:

• A private boat instead of a shared excursion
• Several swimming and snorkeling stops
• A flexible route around Malta, Comino, and possibly Gozo
• A comfortable yacht with a professional skipper
• Eight hours on the water rather than a short coastal cruise
• A day tailored to your own group’s pace

It may be less suitable if you want a guaranteed visit to one exact bay, a fully catered lunch, or a completely calm ride. The sea controls the schedule, and the most famous locations can be busy.

It is also not suitable for pets, as pets are not allowed. Families should ask about the ages and swimming ability of children when arranging the trip, since the activity is centered on open-water swimming and boat travel.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. There is also a reserve-now, pay-later option, which helps if your plans are not fixed.

If weather is unsafe, the skipper may cancel the charter, and a full refund is available in that case. The route can also change because of conditions. Check the starting time for your date, arrive at Pontoon B at Marina di Valletta, and allow enough time to find the correct part of the marina.

The boat departs from Pietà, not directly from a beach in Valletta’s historic center. That is still convenient, but you should check your route to the marina before the morning of the trip.

Should you book Mowgli?

Book this charter if your group values privacy, swimming time, and control over the route. The modern yacht, eight-hour schedule, and warm service from skipper Grace give it a strong advantage over a basic sightseeing cruise.

For the best value, bring enough people to share the group price, arrange food in advance, and stay flexible about the coast you visit. If Blue Lagoon is your only goal, a shorter shared boat may cost less. If you want a full day that feels like your own Malta sea adventure, Mowgli is a sensible choice.

FAQ

Where does the sailing charter begin?

It begins at Marina di Valletta in Pietà. When you arrive at the marina, look for Pontoon B.

How long does the charter last?

The charter lasts eight hours. You can check available starting times when booking.

How many people can join the yacht?

The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests plus the professional skipper. The stated $742 group price applies to up to nine people, and smaller-group discounts may be available.

Which places might the charter visit?

A northern route may include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Saint Niklaw Bay, and nearby caves. A southern route may include the two bays of Hoffriet, Saint Peter’s Pool, and Saint Thomas Bay.

Is the route fixed?

No. The route is adjusted to suit your group when possible, but weather and sea conditions may require changes. The skipper decides which areas are safe and suitable.

What is included in the price?

Fuel, the skipper, water, bottled water, soda, coffee, and tea are included.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. You may bring your own food and drinks, or pre-order them. Food and drinks beyond the included refreshments are not part of the standard price.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

If the skipper decides that conditions are unsafe, the charter may be canceled and a full refund is available. You may also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.