Private Full-Day Yacht Tour in Maltese Islands

Malta is best seen from the water. This private eight-hour yacht day takes you from Marsamxett Harbour toward St. Paul’s Islands, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves. I especially like the small private group and the chance to adjust the day around swimming, snorkeling, and your own pace. Captain Ray’s local stories and careful handling also add real character.

The main drawback is simple: the itinerary depends on weather and sea conditions. Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the captain may need to change the route or look for a quieter place. You also need to bring your own food, alcohol, and swimwear, while hotel pickup is not included.

Key points at a glance

• Private yacht for up to six people: You share the boat only with your own group, not a boatload of strangers.
• Three useful hours at Comino’s lagoons: The scheduled stops allow two hours at Blue Lagoon and one hour at Crystal Lagoon.
• A local captain named Ray: He is praised for his sailing skill, island knowledge, humor, and thoughtful communication before the trip.
• Marsamxett Harbour start: The boat leaves from Creek Marina Pontoon NMalta at 9:30 am and returns there.
• Snorkeling gear and soft drinks included: Fuel, taxes, water, soft drinks, an outdoor shower, and a Bluetooth sound system are also covered.
• Best value with a full group: At $946.63 for up to six people, the cost works out to about $158 per person if the boat is full.

Leaving Marsamxett Harbour at 9:30 am

Your day begins at Creek Marina Pontoon NMalta in Marsamxett Harbour. This central harbor area puts you near Sliema and Valletta, but you must make your own way to the boat because hotel pickup is not included.

The departure time is 9:30 am, and the total tour lasts about eight hours, including time spent getting from place to place. That matters because the day is not eight straight hours anchored at a swimming spot. You will have cruising time, views of the coast, and time near the caves and islands between the main stops.

You will pass along the Sliema seafront while heading north. The same waterfront appears again on the way back, giving you a different view of the coast from the sea. This is one of the nice benefits of starting in Marsamxett Harbour: the tour begins with Malta’s built-up waterfront before moving toward the more open waters around Comino.

The yacht is described as immaculate and comfortable, with room for a packed lunch and chilled drinks. An outdoor shower is available, which is handy after swimming in salt water. A Bluetooth sound system lets you provide the soundtrack, though the boat day does not come with organized entertainment.

St. Paul’s Islands and a quick first swim

Weather permitting, the first optional stop is St. Paul’s Islands. The islands are linked with the story of St. Paul being shipwrecked in Malta, giving this short swimming break some cultural interest as well as scenic value.

The planned time here is about 30 minutes. Think of it as a quick refresh in clear water rather than a long beach stop. If you want to swim early, this is a useful chance to get comfortable in the water before reaching Comino.

The stop is not guaranteed. Sea conditions and the captain’s judgment shape the day, and the tour description makes clear that the route is weather dependent. If St. Paul’s Islands are skipped, you may spend more time elsewhere, but that decision belongs to the captain.

You should tell the operator in advance if you can swim and mention any medical conditions. The crew also needs to know about swimming ability because the day includes open-water stops, not a supervised pool. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but you should bring your own swimwear and any personal items you need for comfort.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. The tour allows about two hours here, giving you enough time to swim, snorkel, relax on the yacht, or simply watch the water and the passing boats.

The practical challenge is popularity. Blue Lagoon is one of Comino’s best-known places, so finding a quiet position may take some work. The captain aims to find a suitable spot, but you should not expect total solitude, especially during busy periods.

A private yacht gives you a better chance of spending time in the area on your own terms. You can swim directly from the boat and return when you are ready. You do not have to follow a large group ashore or wait for a scheduled departure from a public ferry.

The supplied snorkeling gear makes this stop easier. You can bring your own mask and fins if you prefer, but the basic equipment is included. Fresh water and soft drinks are also available, though food is not. Pack a lunch if you want to eat onboard, and remember that alcohol is excluded.

Some of the strongest praise for the trip focuses on the swimming spots around Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. The water is described as clear, with fish visible while snorkeling. Conditions can change, so the exact quality of the swim depends on the day.

Crystal Lagoon for a slower hour

After Blue Lagoon, the yacht heads to Crystal Lagoon for about one hour. This stop gives the day a slightly quieter rhythm after the busier main lagoon.

You can swim, snorkel, or stay onboard and sunbathe. The one-hour allocation is enough for a refreshing stop, though it may feel short if your group wants a long swim and a relaxed lunch at the same time. If swimming is your priority, organize your belongings before anchoring so you do not lose time getting ready.

The private format is especially useful here. Captain Ray has been praised for taking groups to good swimming and snorkeling areas and for adjusting the day to suit their interests. That does not mean every requested stop is possible, but it does suggest a more personal experience than a fixed sightseeing cruise.

The yacht’s outdoor shower is useful after this stop. You can rinse off salt water before settling back into the boat for the return journey.

Santa Maria Caves and Comino from the water

Santa Maria Caves are included as a pass-by point around Comino. The yacht does not list a fixed swimming stop or shore visit here, so you should treat it as a scenic viewing opportunity rather than a guaranteed cave exploration.

Seeing the caves from the sea lets you appreciate the rocky coastline without adding a long walk or transfer. The captain may point out places of interest as you go, and Captain Ray is praised for explaining Malta’s island life, language, and past changes in a personal way.

This is where the guide can make a difference. A boat can show you a coastline, but a local captain can give that coastline a sense of place. Ray is from Malta and has shared details about the island’s culture and the evolution of the Maltese language. He has also been described as approachable, patient, and good-humored.

The exact route is flexible. The normal plan heads north, passes points around Comino, and returns south toward Marsamxett Harbour. On one recorded outing, the group went toward Gozo and Comino, while another included swimming bays and a cruise around Valletta Harbour. These details show that the day may be adapted, but they do not guarantee a Gozo stop or a Valletta harbor cruise on every booking.

What the private yacht adds

The largest benefit is control. With a maximum of six people, you can spend more time swimming, shorten a stop, eat onboard, or ask about a different coastal route. A large public cruise may cost less per person, but it generally cannot offer the same level of personal attention.

The boat has also been described as very clean and well kept. That matters during a full day at sea. You have space to sit, swim, dry off, store a packed lunch, and use the shower without the cramped feeling common on smaller excursion boats.

Safety is another major strength. Captain Ray is repeatedly praised for his experience at the helm and his calm, professional manner. One group included two people prone to seasickness and still found the captain patient and capable. That is encouraging, although no boat trip can remove the possibility of rough water or motion sickness.

The captain also contacted one group before departure with weather advice. That sort of communication is useful because conditions affect the route, clothing, and swimming comfort. Still, you should check the forecast yourself and bring sun protection, a hat, and a towel.

Price, group size, and real value

The price is $946.63 per group of up to six people. That sounds high at first, but the cost looks different when divided among a full group:

• Six people: about $158 per person
• Four people: about $237 per person
• Two people: about $473 per person

Fuel, taxes, the skipper, snorkeling equipment, water, and soft drinks are included. For a full group, this is competitive for a private full-day charter, especially when you compare it with buying several separate seats on a public boat and losing the ability to shape the route.

The value drops for a couple or a very small group. Two people pay nearly the full charter price, so this tour makes the most financial sense for families or friends traveling together. If you are a couple celebrating an anniversary, the privacy and personal service may still justify the cost, but it is not the budget choice.

Bring your own food because meals are not included. Alcohol is also excluded. A packed lunch keeps the day simple and avoids having to leave the water in search of food.

Who should book this yacht day?

I would recommend it most strongly to groups of four to six who want a relaxed day on the water rather than a tightly scheduled sightseeing cruise. Families, couples traveling with friends, and small celebrations can make good use of the private setup.

It also suits people who care about swimming and snorkeling. The itinerary gives you substantial time at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, with another possible swim at St. Paul’s Islands. If you prefer visiting museums, walking through towns, or spending the day on land, this is not the right choice.

The tour can work for people who do not swim, but you should tell the operator in advance. You can remain onboard and enjoy the coast, yet the main appeal is clearly the water.

The experience is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but there is a stated restriction for people over 120 kilograms, or 264 pounds. The boat is near public transportation, though getting to the marina remains your responsibility.

Weather, flexibility, and small cautions

Good weather is essential. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

Do not treat the advertised route as a promise that every stop will happen exactly as scheduled. The tour description repeatedly allows for weather changes, and the captain may need to find a safer or more suitable place. That flexibility is a benefit, but it means you should arrive ready for an adjusted plan.

The yacht may not sail under every condition. On one day with very little wind, the group could not raise the sails. You can still enjoy the motor cruise, swimming, and coastal views, but sailing should not be the main reason you book.

You should also plan for sun and salt water. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and food for the day. Water and soft drinks are supplied, but the information does not promise coffee, meals, or alcoholic drinks.

Should you book the Private Full-Day Yacht Tour?

Book it if you want a private, flexible day centered on Malta’s clear water, Comino’s lagoons, and a local captain who takes pride in showing the islands well. The strongest reasons are Captain Ray’s calm handling, the clean yacht, the included snorkeling equipment, and the freedom that comes with having the boat to yourself.

I would skip it if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget, or if you want a guaranteed sailing trip, a meal, or a fixed route. For a group of six, the price is much easier to justify. For a smaller party, the personal service becomes the main value.

FAQ

Where does the yacht tour start?

It starts at Creek Marina Pontoon NMalta in Marsamxett Harbour.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, including travel time between locations.

How many people can join the private tour?

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

Which places does the yacht visit?

The typical route includes Sliema’s seafront, St. Paul’s Islands, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves around Comino. The route can change with weather and sea conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and alcohol included?

No. Food, alcohol, and other drinks beyond the included water and soft drinks are not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.