REVIEW · COMINO
From Valletta: Full Day Private Charter on a Sailing Yacht
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Holidays in Malta ltd · Bookable on GetYourGuide
No crowds. Just your own slice of Malta at sea. This private full-day charter on the Mowgli (a modern 45-ft sailing yacht built in 2020) gives you a day that’s built around what you want: swimming, snorkeling, and bay-hopping along Malta’s coast, with stops that are much harder to reach any other way.
Two things I especially like are the skipper-led experience and the time in the water. In the best days, skipper Grace blends friendly conversation with clear expertise, and you’ll spend real chunks of the itinerary at places where swimming and snorkeling are the point. One drawback to plan for is that the route can change with wind and weather, so you should be ready for a slightly different mix of bays than what you see listed.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll care about
- Why this private sailing day feels different in Malta
- Getting on board at Marina di Valletta (and what happens first)
- The big decision: north vs south, and how the weather changes the plan
- Stop-by-stop: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Armier Bay
- Blue Lagoon: the long swim window
- Crystal Lagoon: a photo stop plus a solid hour in the water
- Armier Bay Beach: swim and snorkel with scenic breaks
- Returning to Valletta
- Onboard comfort that actually affects the day
- Skipper Grace: the difference between a trip and a day you remember
- The price: what you really get for $742 per group
- Who this charter suits best
- A practical packing checklist (based on the schedule)
- Weather and safety: the one thing you should not fight
- Should you book this private sailing charter with Mowgli?
- FAQ
- How long is the private sailing yacht charter?
- How many people can go on board?
- Where do we meet the boat in Valletta?
- Are specific bays guaranteed?
- What stops are included in the example itinerary?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is food and drinks included?
- Can I extend the charter beyond 8 hours?
- Are pets allowed on board?
Key highlights you’ll care about

- Modern 45-ft yacht (built in 2020) with space for up to 12 guests
- Skipper included so you focus on views, swims, and relaxing
- Boat-only access to famous coves and quieter shoreline spots
- A route that can shift based on wind and safety
- Real swim time at multiple stops, not just quick photo stops
- Value built in: fuel, water, soda, and coffee/tea are included
Why this private sailing day feels different in Malta

Malta is packed with sights, but the coastline is where it really starts to sing. A public tour can be fine, yet it still funnels you into set timing and other people’s schedules. This is a true private charter, so you’re not racing to the next group photo or squeezing into tiny shore time.
The boat matters too. Mowgli is a 45-foot sailing yacht, built in 2020, and it’s set up for comfort. You get that “we’re on a real boat” feeling: moving at a sailing pace, enjoying sea breezes, and settling into the day without the constant hustle that comes with smaller, faster craft.
You also start from a location that makes Valletta easy to pair with. The yacht is berthed at Marina di Valletta (in Pietà), so you’re not wasting hours in transit before you even hit open water.
Getting on board at Marina di Valletta (and what happens first)

Your day begins at Marina di Valletta, and the meeting point is straightforward: look for Pontoon B when you arrive. Once everyone’s on board, there’s a quick routine: coffee, a safety briefing, and then short sailing time to get you moving.
That early buffer is more helpful than it sounds. You settle in, you learn what to expect onboard, and you’re already underway before the first big stop. It’s also a good moment to ask any route questions directly to your skipper, since the day is designed to be customized around conditions.
The big decision: north vs south, and how the weather changes the plan

Even though you may see an example itinerary, the day is flexible. The route is “just an example,” and the skipper tailors stops as much as possible. The key thing is that weather can block certain areas, so you’ll get a safe alternative rather than a cancelled outing.
Here’s how the possible cruising zones break down:
- If you go north toward Comino, your day may include places like Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, and Sant Niklaw Bay (including caves).
- If you go south, your day may include stops around two Hoffriet bays, Sant Peters Pool, and Sant Thomas Bay.
What this means for you: if you have one “must-see” bay, tell the skipper early. If you don’t, you’re free to enjoy the flow. Either way, this is the sort of charter where being flexible is a superpower.
Stop-by-stop: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Armier Bay
Your charter includes an example route that hits three well-known swimming areas. Even if your final day ends up slightly different, this gives you a solid sense of the rhythm: sail, swim, reset, take photos, then swim again.
Blue Lagoon: the long swim window
The day’s first major water time is Blue Lagoon. You’ll get about 2 hours for free time, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.
This is the part of the day where you benefit most from being on a private yacht. You’re not stuck with a 30-minute stop that turns into a scramble. You can actually settle in, climb in and out at your own pace, and take breaks when you feel like it.
If you’re the type who likes to snorkel, this is also where you’ll want to spend your energy. The schedule is built around giving you time to do more than just dip your toes.
Crystal Lagoon: a photo stop plus a solid hour in the water
Next is Crystal Lagoon. Expect a photo stop first, then about 1 hour for sightseeing and swimming/snorkeling time.
Photo stops can feel quick on some tours, but here it’s paired with water time. That’s a good balance. You get the “we’re here” moment without giving up the chance to swim.
Armier Bay Beach: swim and snorkel with scenic breaks
The last example coastal stop is Armier Bay Beach. Like the previous lagoon, there’s a photo stop plus about 1 hour of swimming and snorkeling time.
For me, this is a nice close to the itinerary because the day shifts from a big headline bay to a more relaxed beach-feel stop. Even within a short time window, you can still find your rhythm: swim, float, sun, then move on when you’re ready.
Returning to Valletta
You’ll head back to Marina di Valletta to finish the day. The full loop keeps things simple for anyone staying in Valletta or near it.
Onboard comfort that actually affects the day

The charter description talks about all comforts onboard, and the bigger point is this: on a day on the water, comfort is what determines whether you’re relaxed or restless.
Here’s what’s included onboard:
- Fuel
- Skipper
- Water (including bottled water)
- Soda
- Coffee/tea
That means you don’t have to budget for drinks just to keep the day going. You also don’t have to plan a “bring everything” picnic unless you want to.
What’s not included is food and drinks beyond what’s listed above. The good news is you have options: you can pre-order food and drinks or bring your own. If your group has specific tastes or dietary needs, bringing your own is often the easiest way to keep it stress-free.
One practical note: pets aren’t allowed. If anyone in your group travels with a companion animal, this won’t work for you.
Skipper Grace: the difference between a trip and a day you remember
Skipper quality is where private sailing can either feel smooth and confident—or feel like you’re babysitting logistics. This charter’s standout theme is the skipper: Grace.
In the experiences described, Grace comes across as:
- super friendly and funny
- experienced and professional
- good at organizing the day so you feel taken care of
- helpful with practical ideas, including recommendations for places to eat around Valletta
That matters because your time on the water depends on timing and judgment: where to stop, when to move, and how to work with changing conditions. When your skipper is confident, you feel it immediately. When they’re not, you spend mental energy worrying instead of enjoying.
If you like a mix of laid-back conversation and solid competence, this is a strong fit.
The price: what you really get for $742 per group

The price is listed as $742 per group up to 9, and the yacht capacity is up to 12 guests (plus skipper). That means you’ll likely see the best value if you can fill more seats, but even if you can’t, smaller-group discounts are mentioned.
Here’s why I think it’s worth looking at, even with the private price tag:
- Skipper is included
- fuel is included
- you get water, bottled water, soda, and coffee/tea
- you’re paying for a route that can be customized around your group and conditions
Also, you can extend the outing: €75 per extra hour. That’s useful if you want one more swim window or you’re hoping for a later return.
The main “cost you control” is food. Since it’s not included, you can keep spend low by bringing snacks, or you can pre-order. Either way, you’re not locked into a single onboard menu.
Who this charter suits best

This private sailing day is built for small groups and flexible plans. It’s a great match if:
- you want swim-and-snorkel time as the core of the day, not an afterthought
- you’re traveling with friends or family and want everyone to move together
- you want boat access to bays like Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon
- you like having a skipper handle the “how” so you can focus on the “what” (views and water time)
It’s also a good pick for people who like Malta but don’t want another crowded shore checklist. From the water, you see a different Malta: coves, cliffs, and shoreline that feels more honest and less staged.
A practical packing checklist (based on the schedule)

The itinerary is heavily centered on swimming and snorkeling time. So plan for getting in and out of the water without drama.
I’d bring:
- swimwear and a quick-dry towel
- sunscreen and a hat
- a change of clothes for the ride back
- layers, because sea breezes can cool you down
If you snorkel often, bringing your own gear can help. The schedule includes snorkeling time, but it doesn’t specify gear availability, so having your own removes uncertainty.
Weather and safety: the one thing you should not fight
Because the route depends on conditions, you should treat this as a charter that prioritizes safe sailing over sticking rigidly to a list of stops.
There’s also a clear safety safety net: a full refund is possible if the skipper decides it’s not safe to go out. That’s the right policy for a sea day, especially when wind can change quickly.
Your best move is simple: keep your plans flexible. If you’re the type who hates schedule changes, pick a time window where you can adjust other activities around it.
Should you book this private sailing charter with Mowgli?
Book it if you want a private group day built around real time in the water, with a skipper who’s warm, experienced, and clearly focused on making the day work. The combination of a modern 45-ft yacht, flexible routing, and included water and refreshments makes it feel more like a day out than a piecemeal tour.
Skip it (or at least rethink) if:
- you want food fully included
- you travel with a pet
- you need a fixed route that never changes with weather
If your group is ready for a sailing day that adapts, this is an excellent way to see Malta from the water without the usual crowd pressure.
FAQ
How long is the private sailing yacht charter?
The duration is 8 hours, with departure times depending on availability.
How many people can go on board?
The yacht can host up to 12 guests plus a professional skipper.
Where do we meet the boat in Valletta?
Meet at Marina di Valletta, and look for Pontoon B.
Are specific bays guaranteed?
The route is an example and is customized as much as possible. Weather can affect which areas are reachable, and the skipper will adjust the route accordingly.
What stops are included in the example itinerary?
The example day includes Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Armier Bay Beach, with swimming and snorkeling time at each stop.
What’s included in the price?
Fuel, the skipper, water (including bottled water), soda, and coffee/tea are included.
Is food and drinks included?
Food and drinks are not included, but you can pre-order them or bring your own.
Can I extend the charter beyond 8 hours?
Yes. You can extend the trip for €75 per extra hour.
Are pets allowed on board?
No, pets are not allowed.



