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

The best part of this Malta yacht charter is control. You choose how long to swim, where to look for calmer water, and when to leave the busy Blue Lagoon for a quieter cove. Captains Sheldon and Wayne guide the boat, share brief stories about the bays, and adjust the day to suit your group.

I like the private format, especially for families or friends who want one boat, one schedule, and room to stretch out. I also like that water gear is provided, with paddleboards available on request, and that you can arrange a restaurant lunch or bring your own food and wine.

The main consideration is price: $1,505.14 per group of up to eight is a serious spend. It becomes much better value when the boat is full, but a small group may pay a lot for a day that also depends on good weather.

Key points before you book

• Private yacht for up to eight people: Your group does not share the boat with strangers, so the pace and swimming stops can be adjusted during the day.
• Sheldon and Wayne run the boat: They provide guidance around Malta, Comino, and Gozo and have been praised for calm-water routing and thoughtful service.
• Three hours around Comino: The Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay may all be included, depending on conditions and your wishes.
• Caves are part of the fun: The boat can reach coves and cave areas that are difficult to see from a larger excursion boat.
• Lunch is flexible: Stop at a restaurant at your own expense or bring food and drinks. The boat has fridges and cutlery.
• Water equipment is included: Snorkeling and other water-sports gear are provided, while paddleboards can be requested.

Why a private boat changes the Comino day

Comino is famous for water so clear that the boat seems to hover above the bottom. It is also famous for crowds, especially around the Blue Lagoon. A private charter cannot make the lagoon empty, but it can get you there with more control than a standard group cruise.

You can swim when the water looks inviting, stay longer in a sheltered bay, or move on when the shoreline becomes too busy. That flexibility matters more than it may sound. A fixed boat trip may give you a short swim stop at the most popular place, then call everyone back aboard just as you are getting comfortable.

This charter runs for about eight hours, beginning at 9:00 a.m. from Island Life Charters at Mellieha Bay. You return to the same meeting point. The trip is private, so your group can settle into its own rhythm instead of following a guide’s whistle and a crowded boat’s timetable.

The boat has space for shade and for sitting in the sun. That gives you a choice during a long day on the water, though I would still bring sun protection, a hat, and a cover-up. The tour requires a moderate level of fitness, since swimming, getting in and out of the water, and moving around a boat are part of the day.

L-Aħrax and the Smugglers Cave photo stop

The first listed stop is L-Aħrax, where you can see Smugglers Cave and take a photo with the cave behind you. The stop is only about 10 minutes, so think of it as a quick introduction rather than a full cave visit.

That short pause can be useful. It gets you out onto the water quickly, gives you an early photo opportunity, and lets you see the rocky coast from a different angle. If you want a long swim here, this is not the place to count on it. The more substantial water time comes later around Comino and Gozo.

The captain’s route may also change with wind and sea conditions. That is a strength of a private charter, not a flaw. The boat can spend less time at an exposed spot and more time in a calmer cove when conditions call for it.

Three hours around Comino’s Blue and Crystal Lagoons

The main part of the day is Comino. The planned area includes the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay, with the exact choice depending on the weather and what your group wants.

The Blue Lagoon is the famous stop, with bright, clear water and a dramatic setting. It is the place most people picture when they think of Malta’s swimming coves. The drawback is that fame brings crowds and boat traffic. A private yacht gives you a better chance of choosing your moment, but it cannot remove the activity from the lagoon.

Crystal Lagoon is a strong choice for swimming and snorkeling. Its name points to the clear water, and the rocky setting makes it appealing for people who want more than a quick look from the boat. You might spend time swimming, using the supplied equipment, or exploring nearby cave openings if conditions are safe.

Santa Maria Bay offers another option within Comino. If the main lagoons feel too busy or the sea is more comfortable there, the captain can help you shift the plan. This is where the private format earns its keep: you are not locked into spending the whole Comino visit at one famous stop.

The advertised timing gives three hours to the Comino portion, while the individual stops are presented with flexible durations. Do not read those times as three full hours at every lagoon. The day is only about eight hours, so Sheldon and Wayne will shape the route around weather, swimming time, lunch, and the other stops.

Several activities fit into this part of the trip. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard if requested, or simply sit on deck and watch the water. You might also visit caves that are difficult to reach on a large boat. Families with children should find the freedom useful, since a child who tires of swimming can rest while the adults enjoy a little more time in the water.

Gozo’s Mgarr ix-Xini brings a quieter hour

After the main Comino stops, the route includes Mgarr ix-Xini in Gozo. This is described as a quiet spot with clean, clear water, and it gives the day a change of pace.

Mgarr ix-Xini is not included for the same reason as the Blue Lagoon. You go there for a calmer setting and another chance to swim without making the whole day about Malta’s most famous cove. The planned time is about an hour, which feels long enough for a relaxed swim or a little time on the water without making you rush through the rest of the route.

Lunch can fit into the Gozo portion of the day. You can stop at a restaurant and pay for your own meal, or bring food and drinks aboard. The boat has fridges and cutlery, making a packed lunch more practical than it might be on a basic small craft.

Past groups have arranged meals at places including One80 and Tortuga. Those names come from the experience’s reported outings, so do not treat them as guaranteed bookings. Ask about the current restaurant plan before you go, especially if lunch is a major part of your day.

Bringing your own food gives you more control over timing and cost. A restaurant stop gives you a proper break from the boat. I would decide before departure, since an eight-hour outing feels much easier when everyone knows what lunch will look like.

Paradise Bay finishes the route with easy snorkeling

Paradise Bay is usually the final swimming stop before the boat returns to Mellieha Bay. It is known for clear water and snorkeling, so it works well as a last chance to get in the sea.

The planned time is about an hour. That is enough for a final swim, some snorkeling, or a quiet rest on the boat. If you have spent the morning in the water, this stop can also be your chance to enjoy the view without feeling pressure to take part in every activity.

The order of the stops may shift. Sea conditions matter, and the captain may decide that one bay works better earlier or later in the day. That flexibility is useful, but it means you should see the route as a framework, not a promise that every stop will receive the same amount of time.

What Sheldon and Wayne add to the day

A private boat is only as good as the people running it. Sheldon and Wayne are the captains named for this outing, and their role goes beyond steering from one bay to the next.

They provide brief background about the bays and land areas, help choose calmer water, and tailor the route to the group. One especially useful detail is their willingness to adjust the boat’s course for someone prone to motion sickness. They brought one group toward calmer water and helped keep the ride comfortable.

That does not guarantee a motion-free day. This is still a boat trip, and sea conditions can change. If you are sensitive to motion, tell the crew early rather than waiting until you feel ill. The private setup gives them more room to respond than a large scheduled cruise.

The crew has also helped with small practical needs, such as making a sandwich for a hungry child. That is not a promised meal service, but it gives you a sense of the hands-on style you can expect. You should still pack enough food for your group.

The boat itself has been described as clean, well maintained, and comfortable, with shaded areas and sunny places to lounge. Those details matter on an eight-hour charter. A boat that looks good in a quick photograph is not enough. You need somewhere to sit, shade when the sun is strong, and a layout that works when some people want to swim and others want to rest.

Gear, lunch, and what to bring

Water-sports equipment is provided. Paddleboards are available on request, so ask for them when booking or before the day begins. Snorkeling and other water gear are part of the setup, but you should confirm any special equipment needs in advance.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Add a light cover-up for the ride back, when wet clothing and wind can become uncomfortable. Food and drinks are your responsibility unless you arrange a restaurant meal.

The boat has fridges and cutlery, which makes it possible to bring a proper lunch rather than relying on snacks. Wine can also be brought aboard, according to the practical details supplied for the trip. Keep the meal simple enough to manage on a moving boat and make sure everyone has water.

The meeting point is Island Life Charters at Mellieha Bay, near public transportation. The exact meeting location is listed with map coordinates, so check it before departure. The activity ends back at the same point.

Is $1,505.14 good value for eight people?

The listed price is $1,505.14 per group of up to eight, not per person. Split eight ways, that is about $188 per person before lunch and any other personal spending. For four people, the cost is about $376 per person, which changes the value calculation considerably.

For a full group, the price can make sense. You receive a private boat for roughly eight hours, a custom route, water equipment, captain service, and access to several islands in one day. You also avoid paying for separate transport between Malta, Comino, and Gozo.

The value is strongest if your group cares about privacy, swimming time, and flexibility. It is weaker if you mainly want a cheap ride past the coast or if only two people will use the boat. A shared cruise will cost less, though it will not offer the same control over stops and pace.

Lunch is not included, and restaurant meals are your own expense. Bring your own food if you want to keep the total down. Also remember that the trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you receive a different date or a full refund, but a weather change can still affect your wider holiday plans.

Who should book this private charter?

I would look closely at this trip if you are a family, a group of friends, or a couple willing to pay for privacy. It works especially well for people who want to mix swimming, snorkeling, caves, lunch, and quiet time instead of choosing one fixed activity.

It also suits groups with different energy levels. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while others can remain aboard in the shade. Parents may appreciate not having to force children through a full group schedule.

I would be more cautious if you dislike boats, need a tightly fixed sightseeing plan, or are traveling on a small budget. You should also be comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity and with the possibility that weather will change the route.

My verdict on the Malta, Gozo, and Comino yacht charter

Book this charter if your priority is a relaxed, private day on the water rather than the lowest possible price. The strongest reasons are the flexible Comino route, the chance to visit caves and quieter coves, and the care Sheldon and Wayne bring to the day.

For eight people, the cost is easier to defend because the boat, crew, and full-day access are shared across the group. For a smaller party, compare the price with a shared cruise before committing. If you do book, request any paddleboards early, decide how you want to handle lunch, and tell the crew about motion sickness or other needs at the start.

The Blue Lagoon may be the headline, but the better memory could be a quiet swim at Mgarr ix-Xini, a cave visit with no fixed crowd schedule, or a final snorkel at Paradise Bay. That mix is what makes this charter worth considering.

FAQ

Where does the private yacht charter start?

The tour starts at Island Life Charters, Mellieha Bay, Mellieħa, Malta. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m., and the activity lasts about eight hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers one private group of up to eight people. Only your group participates in the activity.

Which places can the boat visit?

The route includes L-Aħrax and Smugglers Cave, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay, Mgarr ix-Xini in Gozo, and Paradise Bay. The exact route depends on weather and your group’s preferences.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. You can stop at a restaurant at your own expense or bring your own food and drinks. The boat has fridges and cutlery.

Is water-sports equipment provided?

Yes. Water-sports gear is provided, and paddleboards are available on request.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.