Sliema: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Food, and Swimming

Malta’s best party may happen offshore, where a classic sailboat becomes a floating dance floor, bar, and swim platform. I like the mix of sunset views over Valletta and a proper swim stop in clear water. The open bar, DJ, sandwiches, and fruit also make the $79 price easier to justify.

I especially like that the boat returns to Sliema, so you do not need to arrange a late transfer across the island. The main drawback is the party format: this is not a quiet sailing trip. Music, alcohol, and dancing are the point, and the 3.7 rating from 155 ratings suggests the experience may not suit every mood or expectation.

Key points to know before booking

• Faith departs from Sliema: Find the Supreme Boats Rentals departure point in front of Burger King, then look for the boat named Faith.
• The evening schedule is fixed: Boarding begins at 18:30, with departure usually between 19:00 and 19:10.
• The open bar covers spirits and soft drinks: Rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and nonalcoholic drinks are included.
• The swim stop is a highlight: You can jump from the boat into clear water, so bring swimwear and a towel.
• Food is light rather than a full dinner: You receive one tuna or ham and cheese ftira sandwich plus fresh fruit.
• This is an adults-only party: Children under 18 cannot join.

What this Sliema sailboat party is really like

This four-hour cruise is built around music, drinks, swimming, and social energy rather than sightseeing commentary. You board a spacious sailboat in Sliema, order from the open bar, and settle into an evening that moves between dancing, lounging, eating, and swimming.

The boat has a dance area, lounge space, and a swim platform or edge suitable for jumping into the sea. A live DJ starts with reggaeton and upbeat dance music, then keeps the party moving as the light fades.

I would think of this as a floating night out with a Malta setting, not as a traditional sailing excursion. The boat gives you changing views from the water, but the entertainment comes from the DJ, the crowd, and the chance to swim under the evening sky.

The onboard photographer is another part of the setup. You can capture photos during the cruise, though the supplied details do not state whether photographs are included in the price or sold separately. Treat the photographer as a useful extra, not as the main reason to book.

Finding Faith at the Sliema departure point

The meeting point is practical but easy to miss if you arrive in a hurry. Go to the Supreme Boats Rentals departure area in Sliema, in front of Burger King, and look for the sailboat named Faith.

Boarding begins at 18:30. Departure is scheduled between 19:00 and 19:10, so arriving at the start of boarding gives you time to find the boat, check in, and settle aboard without rushing.

That gap between boarding and departure matters. The cruise lasts four hours, but the time on the water begins only after the boat leaves. If you arrive at the last minute, you may still board, but you will have less time to get a drink, choose a place to sit, or find the dance area before departure.

The activity ends back at the same Sliema meeting point. That is useful for a night out because you do not need to coordinate a return pickup. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you are responsible for getting to Sliema and returning to your accommodation.

Sunset views from the water

Once Faith leaves Sliema, the first part of the evening gives you a chance to see Malta from a different angle. The stated highlight is the view toward Valletta at sunset, best enjoyed from the lounge area if you want a break from the music.

I like this part of the timing. The cruise begins in the evening, so you get daylight for the early sailing, softer light around sunset, and a darker sky as the party continues. The exact sunset colors depend on the date and weather, but the schedule is designed to make sunset one of the evening’s visual moments.

You can choose your pace. Sit with a drink and watch the shoreline, move toward the dance floor when the music picks up, or stay near the social center of the boat. The experience gives you more freedom than a tightly guided excursion, but that also means you need to make your own fun.

Do not expect a detailed narration about Malta’s forts, harbors, or landmarks. The focus is music and relaxation, with the scenery serving as a backdrop. If you want a sightseeing cruise with historical explanations, this is the wrong format.

The open bar and what is included

The open bar includes rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks. That range covers the standard party drinks, and it means you do not need to pay for each beverage during the cruise.

The value depends on how much you plan to drink. At $79 per person, the package makes more sense for someone who wants several drinks, dancing, and the swim stop. If you rarely drink or prefer a quiet sail, you may find the price harder to defend.

Drink responsibly, especially before using the swim stop. Alcohol, a moving boat, and jumping into the sea call for good judgment. You can enjoy the bar without treating the open drinks as a challenge.

The details do not list wine, cocktails, or premium brands, so do not book expecting a cocktail menu. Think of the bar as a selection of spirits, beer, and soft drinks that supports a casual party atmosphere.

Dancing with a live DJ

The DJ begins with reggaeton and upbeat dance music. That tells you a good deal about the tone: this is aimed at an energetic adult crowd, not a gentle evening cruise with background music.

The dance area is central to the experience. You can join in, watch from the lounge, or move between the two. A live DJ gives the evening more energy than a fixed playlist, though the music style may not suit everyone.

The boat’s social atmosphere is likely to change as the evening progresses. Early on, people may be finding seats and ordering drinks. After sunset, the dance floor and bar are likely to become the main focus.

I would book this for a birthday night, a friends’ outing, or an adult holiday evening when you want something more memorable than a bar on land. Solo visitors can still enjoy the setting, but the experience is designed around shared party energy.

The swim stop in clear Maltese water

The swim stop breaks up the music and gives the cruise its most active moment. At the selected location, you can jump directly from the boat into clear water for a refreshing swim.

Bring swimwear and a towel. You may also want a dry layer for the return sailing, since an evening breeze can feel cool after you leave the water. These are not listed as supplied, so pack them yourself.

The swim stop is optional in the sense that you can choose whether to enter the water, but the boat is the only base during the stop. If you stay aboard, you can watch the swimmers and enjoy a drink from the lounge area.

The information does not provide the name of the swimming location, the water depth, or details about ladders and changing facilities. You should be comfortable with a boat-based swim and prepared to follow the crew’s directions. Do not assume there will be a sandy beach, changing room, or shallow entry.

For many people, this is the part that makes the cruise feel distinctly Maltese. You are not simply looking at the sea from a deck. You get the chance to enter it, then return to the boat for music and food.

Tuna ftira, ham and cheese, and fruit

The included food is a snack, not a full meal. You receive one tuna ftira or ham and cheese ftira sandwich, along with fresh fruit.

Ftira is a Maltese-style bread, so this gives you a small local touch rather than a generic bag of crisps. The tuna option suits a stronger savory taste, while ham and cheese is the simpler choice. The supplied details do not explain how you select your sandwich, so check the arrangement when you board.

The food is useful with drinks and helps take the edge off your appetite, but you should not arrive expecting dinner. If you need a substantial meal, eat beforehand or plan food after returning to Sliema. The package specifically describes a snack, and the included items are limited.

This light approach also fits the activity. A heavy meal would be awkward around dancing and swimming, while sandwiches and fruit are easy to eat between activities. Still, anyone with a large appetite should plan ahead.

Is the $79 price good value?

At $79, you are paying for four hours of entertainment and access to several included features: the boat tour, live DJ, open bar, snack, fruit, photographer, and swim stop.

The price is strongest if you intend to use the whole package. A person who enjoys several drinks, spends time dancing, swims, and stays for the full cruise gets more from the fare than someone who only wants a short sunset sail.

You are also paying for convenience. The boat, entertainment, drinks, food, and swim stop are arranged in one evening, and the cruise returns to its starting point. You do not need to plan separate transport between a bar, a beach, and a sunset viewpoint.

The value is less clear for nondrinkers or anyone hoping for a calm sailing experience. Soft drinks are included, but much of the atmosphere is built around the bar and party music. The rating of 3.7 out of 5 from 155 ratings is a useful reminder to match the format to your expectations.

Who should book this evening cruise?

I would recommend it to adults who want a lively night on the water, especially couples, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a different party setting. The combination of sunset, swimming, music, and an open bar gives the evening several distinct moments.

It is also a reasonable choice for people who do not want to spend the whole night in a club. You get fresh air, water views, and a swim stop before returning to Sliema.

I would not choose it for children, since the activity is not suitable for anyone under 18. I would also skip it if you want quiet sailing, a serious Maltese meal, detailed cultural guiding, or a carefully structured sightseeing program.

The boat party format rewards flexibility. You may spend ten minutes taking photos, half an hour dancing, time in the water, and the rest chatting or watching the coastline. If you want every minute planned, this will feel loose. If you like choosing your own pace, that freedom is a plus.

Booking details that affect your evening

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which can help if your Malta schedule is still changing.

The cruise lasts four hours, with availability and starting times shown during booking. The stated boarding time is 18:30, and the boat leaves between 19:00 and 19:10.

Hotel transfers are not included. Plan your own way to Sliema, and remember that the boat returns to the same meeting point at the end.

The only required items specifically listed are swimwear and a towel. I would also bring a change of clothes and keep valuables to a minimum, since the evening includes swimming and movement around a boat. Those are practical suggestions, not supplied inclusions.

Should you book the Sliema boat party?

Book this cruise if you want an adults-only party with a real mix of activities: an open bar, DJ music, sunset views, a swim stop, light Maltese food, and a return to Sliema. At $79, it offers fair value for someone who will use the drinks and entertainment.

Skip it if you want a peaceful sail, a full dinner, or a history-focused tour. The moderate 3.7 rating points to an experience that depends heavily on personal taste, so make the decision based on the party atmosphere rather than the promise of a polished sightseeing cruise.

FAQ

Where does the Sliema boat party start?

Go to the Supreme Boats Rentals departure point in front of Burger King in Sliema. Look for the boat named Faith.

When should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 18:30. Departure takes place between 19:00 and 19:10, so arriving at the boarding time gives you a comfortable margin.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts four hours and ends back at the same meeting point in Sliema.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks.

What food is provided?

You receive one tuna ftira or ham and cheese ftira sandwich, plus fresh fruit. This is a snack rather than a full meal.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. The cruise includes a swim stop in clear water, with the option to jump from the boat into the sea.

Is the activity suitable for children?

No. The activity is not suitable for anyone under 18.