REVIEW · SAILING
Sailing charter along the Maltese shoreline incl. Lunch and drinks
The best part of this Malta sailing charter is the privacy. You get the whole boat for your own group, with Captain Michael guiding the day aboard his well-kept monohull, Nushen. The route heads toward Comino when the wind cooperates, but the captain can choose a quieter spot if conditions or crowds make another destination wiser.
I like the unhurried pace and the chance to spend real time in the water, rather than rushing between several quick stops. I also like the simple, home-cooked lunch of salads, cheese, prosciutto, bread, and fruit. The main consideration is the long sail to Comino, about two and a half hours each way, so this suits you best if you enjoy being on a sailboat as much as you enjoy swimming.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you book
- Sailing from Senglea into Malta’s open water
- The Blue Lagoon and the choice of a quieter stop
- A Mediterranean lunch served aboard Nushen
- What the eight-hour schedule feels like
- Why the private format affects the value
- Captain Michael’s role in the day
- Practical details that can make the day easier
- Who should book this sailing day
- Should you book the Malta private sailing charter?
- FAQ
- How long is the sailing charter?
- Where does the boat depart?
- Where does the tour finish?
- Is this a private boat trip?
- Does the route always go to Comino?
- How long does it take to sail to Comino?
- Is lunch included?
- Can vegetarian meals be arranged?
- Are drinks included?
- Is the standup paddle board included?
Key points to know before you book

- A private boat for up to six: You do not share the sailing day with another group.
- Captain Michael and Nushen: The captain handles the sailing and shares information about Malta, the coastline, and the places you visit.
- Comino depends on wind: The planned route can change, and another destination may be selected if conditions require it.
- Lunch is part of the day: Expect homemade salads, caprese with buffalo mozzarella, olives, cheese, cold cuts, bread, melon or other local fruit, plus drinks.
- A full day on the water: Departure is at 9:00 a.m., with a planned return around 5:00 p.m.
- The price works best for a small group: At $768.98 for up to six people, the cost becomes far better value when you fill the boat.
Sailing from Senglea into Malta’s open water

Your day begins at 9:00 a.m. beside the Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour in Senglea. The meeting point is at Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu, ISL 1040, and the activity finishes at the same place. The location is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in the Three Cities or arriving from another part of Malta.
There is a short briefing before departure. This gives you a chance to understand the plan, ask about the day, and discuss what you hope to do. If your group cares most about sailing, swimming, quiet coves, or local stories, say so early. The captain has room to shape the day around your interests, within the limits of wind, time, and sea conditions.
The boat is Nushen, a classic monohull sailboat. That matters because this is not a fast sightseeing cruise designed to tick off many places. A sailing boat gives you a slower ride and a closer feel for the sea. You may spend stretches simply moving with the wind, watching Malta recede behind you, and talking with your group.
The trip toward Comino takes roughly two and a half hours. That is a substantial part of the day. I would not book this if you want constant activity or a quick transfer to a swimming site. I would book it if the sailing itself sounds appealing, since the time underway is part of the experience rather than dead time between attractions.
A few more Malta trips to weigh up
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The Blue Lagoon and the choice of a quieter stop
The planned stop is the Blue Lagoon on Comino, one of Malta’s best-known swimming areas. Its clear water is the main draw, and the schedule allows time to swim and snorkel after the boat anchors. You can also relax aboard while lunch is prepared.
The Blue Lagoon can be beautiful, but its fame also means it can be busy. One useful feature of a private charter is flexibility. Captain Michael can adjust the plan according to wind direction and local conditions, and the group can discuss heading for a less crowded cove. On one particularly successful sailing day, the boat reached a cove where the group had the swimming and snorkeling area almost to itself for much of the afternoon.
That flexibility is more valuable than a rigid promise to visit one famous place. If the Blue Lagoon is calm and pleasant, you can enjoy it. If conditions are poor or the crowds are not to your taste, another destination may offer a better day on the water. Keep in mind that the route is not guaranteed. Wind direction controls the sailing plan, and the captain has the final say for safety.
Once anchored, the day becomes pleasantly simple. Swim, snorkel, use the equipment available, or stay on deck with a drink. The information for this trip lists a standup paddle board as not included, so confirm the current arrangement before booking if a SUP is important to you. The core activities are swimming and snorkeling, not a long list of included water sports.
A Mediterranean lunch served aboard Nushen

Lunch is one of the stronger features of this charter because it fits the setting. Instead of a formal restaurant meal, you get a cold Mediterranean spread prepared on the boat. The menu includes homemade salads, caprese with buffalo mozzarella, olives, cheese, salami, prosciutto, baguette or olive bread, and chilled melon or another local fruit.
Some salads may include octopus or shrimp. If you are vegetarian, tell the operator when you book. That is an important detail, since the meal is varied but not automatically vegetarian unless you request it.
The food is designed for a warm day at sea. You can eat without leaving the boat, and the menu is easy to share while sitting in the open air. Bottled water, soda, coffee, and tea are included. Alcohol is not listed among the included drinks, so do not count on beer or wine unless you arrange it separately.
I like that the meal is substantial without pretending to be a gourmet production. Cold cuts, cheese, bread, salads, and fruit make sense after swimming and sailing. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, ask before paying, since the supplied menu only confirms vegetarian adjustments.
What the eight-hour schedule feels like
The outline is straightforward:
- 9:00 a.m.: Meet in Senglea and receive a short briefing.
- Morning: Sail toward Comino, taking about two and a half hours.
- Around midday: Anchor for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch.
- Around 3:00 p.m.: Begin the return sail.
- Around 5:00 p.m.: Arrive back at the Senglea meeting point.
The return timing leaves a reasonable afternoon for dinner or an evening walk, but the sea can make schedules less exact. Weather and wind may alter the route, and the captain may need to change the timing for safety.
The long return is worth considering if anyone in your group gets restless on boats. The trip is best for people who enjoy conversation, views, and a slow ride. Captain Michael has been praised for talking easily with a group, sharing sailing advice, and explaining Malta and its coastline. One couple described the atmosphere as similar to sailing with an old friend. That tells you more about the tone than a polished sales pitch would: this is personal and informal, not a silent luxury yacht service.
Same islands, a completely different day out:
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Why the private format affects the value
The price is $768.98 per group of up to six people. For six, that works out to about $128 per person for eight hours, including the boat, captain, lunch, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea. For two people, the same charter costs about $384 each, so the value depends heavily on group size.
A private boat makes the price easier to justify for a family or group of friends. You control the conversation, can discuss the route, and do not have to fit around strangers. It also helps if your group has mixed interests. One person can swim while another stays aboard, and you can decide how much time to spend at the anchor stop.
For a couple, this is a more expensive choice, but it offers unusual privacy. A private sailing day can feel special for a birthday or another celebration, especially since the captain can help shape the pace. Several groups have used the trip for family occasions, and the relaxed format worked well for both adults and children old enough to participate.
The boat is not suitable for children below five. Everyone else should be comfortable with a full day at sea and basic swimming or boat activity. The operator says most people can participate, but the supplied information does not give details about wheelchair access or specific mobility arrangements. Ask directly if that affects your booking.
Captain Michael’s role in the day

Captain Michael is central to the experience. He is not simply steering from the front while you follow a fixed script. The sailing days described with him include conversation about Malta, local places, the sea, and sailing itself.
That personal contact is especially useful on a private charter. You can ask why the route changes, what you are seeing along the coast, or how the boat handles the wind. If you want a quiet day, you can also make that clear. The captain’s friendly, informal style may suit you perfectly, but anyone expecting a formal luxury service with a large crew should set expectations differently.
His care for Nushen also matters. The boat has been kept in very good condition, which adds comfort and confidence during a long day offshore. The experience depends on the boat and captain working together, and both have received especially strong praise for creating a relaxed, safe-feeling day.
Practical details that can make the day easier
Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since this private charter is booked about 21 days ahead on average, I would not leave it until the last minute if your Malta dates are fixed.
The meeting point is near public transportation. If you are coming from Gozo, one practical route is the Fast Ferry followed by the Three Cities ferry, then a short walk to the boat. That connection tip can save you from arriving in Senglea by a more complicated route.
Bring swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need for a long day outdoors. The supplied information confirms drinks and lunch, but it does not list towels or snorkeling equipment, so ask what is provided before departure. If your group wants to use the SUP, confirm the extra charge and availability as well.
The charter requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.
Who should book this sailing day
I would choose this charter for a group of friends, a family with older children, or a couple willing to pay more for privacy. It is a particularly good match for people who want a flexible route, a proper lunch, and time to swim without being pushed from one stop to the next.
I would also recommend it to anyone curious about sailing itself. The two-and-a-half-hour trip to Comino is not a minor transfer, so you need to enjoy the motion and rhythm of a boat. Captain Michael’s interest in sailing and his willingness to talk about it add value for beginners and experienced sailors alike.
I would look elsewhere if your priority is speed, nightlife, or a packed list of coastal sights. This is not a party cruise, and it is not built around a dozen short photo stops. The SUP is not part of the listed price, and the route can change. Those are small drawbacks for the right group, but important facts if you want a fixed itinerary or lots of included equipment.
Should you book the Malta private sailing charter?
Book it if you can share the cost with four to six people and want a calm, personal day on the Mediterranean. The strongest reasons are the private boat, Captain Michael’s flexible approach, the chance to reach a quieter swimming cove, and the generous lunch included in the price.
For two people, compare the cost with other Malta boat trips before deciding. You will pay more, but you get the whole boat and a day shaped around your group. If that privacy matters, the extra cost can make sense. If you mainly want a quick look at the Blue Lagoon, a larger shared cruise may be cheaper.
FAQ
How long is the sailing charter?
The experience lasts about eight hours, from 9:00 a.m. until approximately 5:00 p.m.
Where does the boat depart?
The meeting point is Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, Triq il-31 ta’ Marzu, Senglea, ISL 1040, Malta.
Where does the tour finish?
The charter returns to the same meeting point in Senglea.
Is this a private boat trip?
Yes. Only your own group participates, with up to six people included in the group price.
Does the route always go to Comino?
The plan is to sail toward Comino, but this depends on wind direction. Another destination may be chosen if conditions require it.
How long does it take to sail to Comino?
The trip to Comino takes about two and a half hours.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch includes homemade salads, cheese, ham or cold cuts, bread, and fruit. Salads may include octopus or shrimp.
Can vegetarian meals be arranged?
Yes. You should tell the operator when you place your booking if you need a vegetarian meal.
Are drinks included?
Bottled water, soda, coffee, and tea are included. Alcohol is not listed as an included drink.
Is the standup paddle board included?
No. Use of the standup paddle board is listed as an additional cost, so confirm availability and pricing before booking.
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