A day on the Maltese water moves fast. This private yacht charter lets you set the pace around Malta, Gozo and Comino, with photo-worthy spots like Smugglers Cave and serious swim time.

I love that everything feels low-stress: water sports gear is provided (paddleboards on request), so you can show up and start enjoying the day. I also like the human touch from captains Sheldon and Wayne, who adjust the route and keep things personal for a group of up to 8.

The catch is the whole plan is weather-dependent, so if conditions aren’t right you’ll need patience for an alternate date or an adjusted itinerary.

Key points to know before you go

• You control the pace: you choose your itinerary and how long you stay at swimming spots
• Gear is included: water-sports equipment is provided, with paddleboards available on request
• Comino is built for swimming: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay depend on the weather
• Gozo gets quieter: Mgarr ix-Xini is a calmer stop with clear, clean water
• Last stop for snorkel lovers: Paradise Bay is a prime finisher before heading back
• A small private group: up to 8 people means fewer crowds and more space on the boat

Entering The Day: Meeting Point, Start Time, and What 8 Hours Really Means

Your day starts at 9:00am at Island Life Charters (Mellieħa Bay, Mellieħa). The meeting point is described as easy to find, and it’s near public transportation, which is a nice safety net if you don’t have a car.

This is an 8-hour private charter (approx.), and that matters. You’re not doing quick “see-and-go” island hopping. You’re going out on open water, stopping several times, and getting time to actually swim, hang out, and enjoy the scenery.

Because it’s private for just your group (up to 8), the boat day tends to feel more like a shared day with a captain than a rigid tour. That’s great if your group likes flexibility—or if someone needs slower pacing.

The Most Valuable Part: Flexibility (Not Rushing)

The standout theme here is choice. You can choose your itinerary and pace, and in Comino you can pick a swimming spot and stay there as long as you like, depending on weather.

That means the day can work for:

• swimmers who want longer water time
• people who prefer calmer coves
• groups that want to snorkel at one stop and just relax at another

Even the short stop at Smugglers Cave is built around the idea of photos and viewpoints rather than a checklist. It’s quick, but it’s also photogenic in a very Malta/Comino way—cave behind you, water in front of you.

First Stop: L-Aħrax and Smugglers Cave (A Quick Photo Break With Big Payoff)

L-Aħrax is where you get a taste of the island coastline right away. You’ll make a short stop (about 10 minutes) at Smugglers Cave, timed more for the photo moment than for a long landing.

The appeal is simple: it’s fast, it’s scenic, and it gives you that “this is why people come here” view early in the day. If your group likes to get momentum before the swimming starts, this is a good opener.

Admission is listed as free for this stop, which keeps the day straightforward. You mainly need to be ready to hop on and off quickly.

Comino Swim Time: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay

Comino is the heart of the day for most people, and this charter gives it proper time. You’ll spend about 3 hours at Blue Lagoon first, then another 3 hours connected to Crystal Lagoon and nearby swimming spots.

Here’s the practical part: which exact spots you hit is weather-dependent. That’s not a deal-break. It’s actually how you get the best water conditions and avoid sailing into something unpleasant.

What you can count on is a sequence of swim-friendly areas, including:

• Blue Lagoon
• Crystal Lagoon
• Santa Maria Bay

The captain plans it based on what the day allows, and you can choose where to stay once you’re there. That’s a big difference from group tours that timebox swimming to the minute. This format lets you linger—float, swim, and move around at your own speed.

One of the big praises from real-world experience is how this private setup helps you enjoy Comino without the usual chaos. You’re still in a famous area, but you’re doing it from a small boat setup that feels calmer.

A tip for comfort

If your group wants to paddle, lounge, or explore shallow areas, Comino is where that plays best. Bring swim gear, and if you’re sensitive to motion, this style of day tends to offer better control because the captain can shift your position to find calmer water when possible.

Mgarr ix-Xini in Gozo: Clear, Quiet Water for a Reset

After Comino, the day shifts to Gozo with Mgarr ix-Xini. This stop is about 1 hour, and it’s described as quiet with clean, clear waters.

Think of Mgarr ix-Xini as your reset button. By the time you get here you’ve already had the “big wow” moments from the Comino lagoons. This one tends to feel more laid-back—good for swimmers who want less commotion and more glassy water.

Admission is listed as free for this stop too, so you don’t need to plan around additional entry costs. The bigger “planning” is simply knowing you’ll have a shorter window here, so use that hour wisely—swim early, then settle if conditions are ideal.

Paradise Bay: The Last Swim Stop and Snorkeling-Ready Water

The final major stop before heading back is Paradise Bay. It’s about 1 hour, and it’s known for crystal-clear water and good snorkeling.

That “last stop” timing matters. By the end of the day, the light often looks better for photos and the water can feel extra tempting after you’ve worked up a thirst for swim time.

If you’re a snorkel person, this is the stop to focus on. Clear water makes it easier to see fish and interesting underwater spots without needing heroic effort.

Admission is again listed as free, keeping things simple as you finish up.

Paddleboards and Water Sports Gear: Included, With a Catch

A huge value point is that water sports gear is provided. If you want paddleboards, you can request them, which is a nice upgrade from the usual “bring your own” assumption.

This matters because it removes friction. You don’t need to pack bulky equipment or scramble last-minute to rent anything. You can travel lighter and spend your budget on experiences instead of accessories.

Also, because the group is small, it’s easier to coordinate who wants to paddle, who wants to lounge, and who wants to explore caves nearby. The captain can help shape the flow so it doesn’t turn into a busy scramble.

The Crew and Boat Experience: Sheldon and Wayne Set the Tone

The experience is driven by the captains—Sheldon and Wayne. What makes them stand out in the descriptions is the mix of care and flexibility.

They provide guided touches—short histories and explanations of bays and land masses—without turning the day into a classroom. That keeps the vibe relaxed while still helping you understand what you’re looking at.

There’s also real attention to comfort. One story includes the captain helping guests find calmer water for someone with motion sickness. That’s not something you’d expect from every operator, and it can make the difference between a memorable swim and a painful day.

And yes, the boat itself gets praise too—smooth ride, comfortable lounging spots, and enough shade for sun breaks. For an 8-hour day, comfort isn’t a luxury. It’s what keeps you enjoying the water instead of thinking about your back.

Lunch on the Water or In Gozo: How to Plan Food Without Stress

You have two options for food:

• stop at a restaurant (own expense)
• bring your own lunch

In practice, the best approach depends on your group.

If you want an easy day with minimal planning, let the captain handle a restaurant stop. Lunch in Gozo is a common part of the day, and one group specifically mentioned Tortuga as a standout.

If your group prefers control—diet needs, budget, or just comfort—bring your own. The boat is described as having helpful items like fridges and cutlery, so your lunch doesn’t have to be a sad sandwich on a paper plate.

One practical move: decide ahead of time whether you want restaurant lunch or bring-your-own, then communicate that early. Private-charter days run smoother when everyone knows the plan.

Price and Value: What $1,505 Means for a Group of 8

The price is $1,505.14 per group, up to 8 people, for about 8 hours. On paper, it’s not cheap. But you need to think per person and per experience.

Here’s why it can feel like good value:

• You get a private boat, not a shared excursion with strangers and fixed timing
• You get multiple meaningful swim stops around Malta, Gozo, and Comino
• Water sports gear is included, and paddleboards are available on request
• The crew provides tailoring—pace and route adjust to your group and the day’s conditions

If you split it among 6–8 people, the cost can start to look more reasonable compared with piecemeal paid activities plus time wasted getting around. And if your group values flexibility—staying longer in Comino, exploring caves when conditions allow—this charter is built for that.

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, it’s still a great day, but you’ll feel the price more. That’s when you ask yourselves: do we want the private comfort and control badly enough to pay for it?

Weather, Caves, and the Reality Check

This experience depends on good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Weather matters because you’re on open water and the captain is choosing swimming locations based on conditions. So if you’re booking during a week with unpredictable forecasts, keep your schedule flexible.

On the plus side, the day is designed for water and scenery. Caves and coves are part of the appeal, and the captain can often shape where you go once the conditions are clear.

Also, if you care about sea life: one group described seeing octopi and being shown them for viewing and release. Sea life spotting isn’t guaranteed, but the areas are the kind where you might get a chance if the captain finds the right moment.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Want a Different Style)

This charter is a strong match for:

• couples and families who want a calmer, private version of Comino
• groups who like choosing their own pace
• people who want swimming plus optional paddleboarding without extra rental hassles
• anyone who values a comfortable boat day with shade and room to lounge

It may be less ideal if:

• you dislike spending long stretches on the water
• your group hates waiting for weather to cooperate
• you’re trying to do Malta at “breakneck speed” with constant land stops

It lists moderate physical fitness as a requirement. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete. It does mean you should be able to handle time on boats and get in and out of the water without trouble.

How to Get the Best Day Possible (Without Overthinking It)

Here’s how you make this day smoother:

• Decide early on lunch: restaurant stop or bring your own
• If you want paddleboards, request them ahead of time
• Pack swim essentials and plan for sun and salt-air
• Bring a calm mindset about weather—flexibility is part of the deal
• If anyone gets motion sickness, tell the captain early so they can help you find calmer water

Because the day is private, small communication helps a lot. The crew can tailor the day more easily when they know what matters to your group.

Should You Book This Private Yacht Charter?

If your priority is swimming time over sightseeing time, and you want Comino and Gozo without crowds running your schedule, I’d say book it. The included gear, the small group size, and the flexible pace make it feel like a practical luxury rather than just an expensive boat ride.

I’d hold back only if your travel dates are tight, you’re booking late without weather flexibility, or you want a land-based tour with constant landmarks. This is a water-first day. If that fits your idea of Malta, it’s a very strong choice.

FAQ

How many people can join this charter?

It’s a private experience for your group, up to 8 people.

How long is the yacht charter?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00am.

Where do we meet the guide or captain?

The meeting point is Island Life Charters (Mellieħa Bay, Mellieħa, Malta).

Is this tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates.

What’s included for water activities?

Water sports gear is provided. Paddleboards are available on request.

Are there admission fees for the stops?

The listed stops show admission tickets as free.

Can we choose how long we stay in the swimming areas?

Yes. In Comino, you can choose to stay in a particular swimming spot as long as you like, and the overall day can be tailored to your itinerary and pace.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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