Is a sailing day charter in Malta worth it?

A Malta sailing day charter is worth it specifically for those who want silence, wind power, and a more intimate boat experience than Malta's motorised group tours offer. It's not the fastest way to see the islands — sailing is slower than a speedboat and sometimes slower than a catamaran. But for those who find sailing inherently pleasurable, a full day charter with skipper on Malta's clear water, stopping at Comino and Gozo at your own pace, is one of the finest experiences the Maltese archipelago offers. Expect to pay €700–1,200 for a full-day private sailing charter.

Malta sailing day charter: what to expect

What makes sailing different from other Malta boat tours

Malta has hundreds of boat tour options, but the vast majority are motored: speedboats, catamarans, gulets, water taxis. Sailing — propulsion by wind rather than engine — is a different experience that most Malta visitors never consider.

The differences matter:

Sound: Under sail, the engine is off. You hear the wind and the water. In a destination where most boat tours involve diesel engines thrumming all day, this is genuinely refreshing.

Pace: Sailing is slower and less predictable than motor cruising. The route adapts to the wind direction. A skilled skipper uses this as an advantage — tacking across Marsamxett Harbour, running downwind toward Comino, anchoring in a sheltered bay you hadn’t planned on. The journey is part of the experience, not just the transit.

Experience level required: None. You’re a passenger on a skippered charter. The skipper handles everything. If you want to learn, most skippers are happy to let you take the helm in calm conditions.

Typical itinerary: A full-day sailing charter in Malta usually departs from Sliema, Gzira, or Ta’ Xbiex and heads toward Comino and possibly Gozo depending on the wind. You’ll anchor in sheltered bays for swimming, have lunch on board, and return in the afternoon.

At a glance	Details
Where	Departs Sliema, Gzira, Ta’ Xbiex, or Mellieha; heads toward Comino and Gozo
Cost	Around €350-1,200 depending on duration and group size (see cost table below)
Time needed	Half day (3-4 hours) to full day (7-8 hours)
Getting there	Marinas are a short taxi/Bolt ride from Sliema, St Julian’s, or Valletta hotels
Best time	May-June and September-October for the best wind and calm seas

Operators and boats

Malta has a reasonable fleet of charter sailing yachts — mostly 35–50 foot monohulls and a smaller number of catamarans available for private charter.

Book a private sailing yacht charter from Marsamxett Harbour

Book a private yacht charter from Ta’ Xbiex with skipper and drinks

For those based in Mellieha or the north of Malta, some operators offer full-day sailing charters with a broader itinerary covering Malta’s western coast and Comino:

Book a full-day Malta, Gozo, Comino sailing charter (Mellieha)

Book a half-day Malta, Gozo, Comino sailing charter (Mellieha)

And for a private skippered sailing yacht based in the Mellieha area:

Book a full-day private skippered sailing yacht

Sailing routes in Malta

The best sailing routes depend on wind direction (Malta’s predominant wind is the Gregale from the northeast), your home port, and how much time you have.

Valletta/Sliema → Comino (full day)

The classic Malta sailing charter: leave Marsamxett or Grand Harbour in the morning, sail to Comino (2–3 hours depending on wind), anchor at Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon for swimming and lunch, return in the afternoon. Total distance: about 25–30 nautical miles.

Mellieha → Comino → Gozo coast (full day)

From the north of Malta, Comino is closer and you can extend the day to include the Gozo coast — Xlendi Bay, Dwejra, the Azure Window site. The scenery along Gozo’s southwestern cliffs is dramatic and largely inaccessible except by water.

Grand Harbour → Blue Grotto → south Malta (half day)

For those who want a sailing experience without going to Comino, the southern Malta coast from Valletta to Blue Grotto is another option — dramatic limestone cliffs, sea caves, and the open water south of the island.

What’s typically included in a sailing charter

Most private sailing charters in Malta include:

Licensed skipper (required)
Fuel for engine portions (entering and leaving harbour, calm days)
Snorkelling equipment
Swimming ladder

Usually not included:

Food and drinks (bring your own, or arrange catering in advance)
Dock fees at Comino (sometimes)
Fuel surcharge for unusual motoring distances

Always confirm the inclusion list before booking. For a full-day charter, bring food for 6–8 hours on the water.

Sailing charter costs in Malta (2026)

Option	Duration	Typical cost
Half-day private sailing charter	3–4 hours	€350–550
Full-day private sailing charter	7–8 hours	€700–1,200
Sunset sailing charter	2 hours	€200–350
Crewed sailing week (bareboat)	7 days	€3,000–6,000+

The per-person cost makes most sense for groups of 4–8. A €800 full-day charter split 6 ways works out at €133/person — comparable to a premium group tour but with infinitely more privacy and flexibility.

When sailing is NOT the right choice

You want maximum time at Blue Lagoon: A speedboat gets you there in 25 minutes; sailing takes 2–3 hours from Sliema. If maximising time at the Blue Lagoon is the goal, a motorboat is smarter.

The wind is wrong: Malta can have glassy calm days where a sailing yacht under engine is just a noisy motorboat. In July–August, the Mistral can make conditions rough for inexperienced passengers. Ask your skipper about expected conditions before departure.

You’re prone to motion sickness: A sailing yacht in any swell moves differently from a catamaran. The leaning (heeling) under sail can unsettle some passengers. If motion sickness is a concern, a motorised catamaran is more stable.

Budget is tight: Sailing charters are among the most expensive per-hour boat options in Malta. The experience is worth it, but it’s a premium product.

Best time of year for sailing in Malta

May–June: The best sailing months. Warm, reliable breeze, calm seas, and low crowds. Water is swimmable from May onwards.

July–August: Hot and sometimes windless (requiring engine use) or occasionally hit by the Sirocco (hot African wind) bringing rough conditions. The Blue Lagoon is very crowded during this period.

September–October: Excellent sailing. The sea is at its warmest (25°C), there’s reliable wind, and crowds have dropped. October can see the first Gregale storms but is usually still pleasant.

November–April: Experienced sailors only. The Gregale (northeast wind) dominates and can produce challenging conditions. The harbours and the Grand Harbour area remain accessible, but open-water trips to Comino become weather-dependent.

Combining a sailing charter with other activities

A sailing day charter pairs well with:

Arriving at Comino’s Blue Lagoon before the day-trip boats (depart at dawn for an 08:00 arrival)
An evening Valletta visit after returning to harbour in the late afternoon
Snorkelling at multiple sites rather than the single beach of a group tour

How a sailing day unfolds on board

A skippered day under sail has a rhythm that a group tour never gets. You step aboard at the marina, the skipper briefs you on where to sit, what to hold and where the shade is, and the engine carries you out of the harbour. Once there is open water and enough breeze, the sails go up and the engine goes quiet. That moment is the reason most people book.

From there the day follows the wind. If you are curious about the route, ask the skipper why they chose it; the answer usually tells you a lot about how the sea works around the islands. Swim stops happen when the boat is anchored in a sheltered spot, lunch is eaten on deck, and the return leg is often the most relaxed part of the day, with everyone a little sun-tired and quiet.

Dress for the water rather than for a restaurant: swimwear, a light layer for the breeze, a hat, sun protection and soft-soled shoes. Bring a bag that can sit on the deck without blowing away. Your phone will want a waterproof pouch.

Choosing the right format for your group

The right booking depends on who is coming. Couples often prefer a private yacht because the skipper can adapt the day to a slower, quieter pace; the Malta for couples guide and the romantic itinerary show where a sailing day fits in a longer trip. Families with young children should think about shade, the amount of deck space and how comfortable everyone is around water, and the Malta with kids overview covers the wider picture. Friends travelling together often split the cost and treat the boat as the whole day’s plan.

If you prefer a shared boat with a set programme, the three islands cruise guide and the Comino and Blue Lagoon day trip describe the motorised group options that cover similar water without the private-charter price.

Swimming and snorkelling stops

A big advantage of a private boat is that the swim stop is chosen for conditions rather than for a timetable. If the main bay is crowded, the skipper can try another sheltered cove instead. The Blue Lagoon without the crowds guide explains why timing matters there, and the snorkelling guide for Comino helps you decide what to look for once you are in the water. For the destination itself, see the Comino page and the Blue Lagoon page.

Before and after the boat

Departure harbours sit close to Sliema and Valletta, so it is easy to build the day around your accommodation. The Sliema destination page and the Valletta vs Sliema guide help if you are still choosing a base. Afterwards, an evening in Valletta is a natural finish, and the Valletta bars guide has ideas for winding down once you are back on land.

Sailing versus Malta’s other boat options

If sailing’s slower pace and higher price don’t suit your group, Malta has plenty of motorised alternatives that cover similar ground faster. The catamaran vs speedboat guide breaks down the trade-offs between the two most common motorised formats. For a straightforward Comino run without the sailing premium, the Comino Blue Lagoon cruise guide covers the standard group-boat options, and the private charter Malta boat guide covers motorised private charters at a lower price point than sailing.

If your priority is Gozo rather than Comino, the Gozo boat tour from Mgarr guide is the motorised equivalent of the Gozo-coast sailing route above. For an evening rather than a full day on the water, the sunset cruise Malta guide covers shorter, cheaper options that still deliver golden-hour views.

Mistakes to avoid

Booking a full-day sailing charter to “maximise Blue Lagoon time” — sailing takes 2-3 hours each way from Sliema; if the lagoon is the priority, use the Comino Blue Lagoon cruise guide instead.
Not asking about wind forecast before booking — a flat calm day means motoring most of the way, which defeats the point of sailing; ask your operator about conditions for your date.
Forgetting food and drink — most charters don’t include catering; bring supplies for the full day, especially on routes toward the Gozo coast where there are no shops once offshore.
Booking for a large group without checking capacity — most yachts comfortably seat 6-10; groups above that need two boats or a catamaran charter (see the catamaran vs speedboat guide).
Ignoring motion sickness risk — heeling under sail feels different from a stable catamaran; if anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, a motorised catamaran is the safer choice.

Frequently asked questions about Malta sailing charters

Do I need sailing experience to book a Malta sailing charter?

No. All private sailing charters include a licensed skipper who handles the boat. You’re a passenger. If you want to learn, say so — most skippers are willing to teach during calm conditions.

How many people can a sailing charter in Malta accommodate?

Most Malta charter yachts (35–50 feet) can accommodate 6–10 people comfortably for a day trip. If you’re more than 10 people, a catamaran charter or two separate yachts is a better solution.

Can I sail to Sicily or Tunisia on a Malta sailing charter?

Short charters (day trips) are limited to Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Multi-day passages to Sicily are possible with bareboat charters or fully crewed yachts, but these are a different market and require advance planning and suitable weather windows.

What wind conditions are best for sailing in Malta?

A moderate breeze (Force 3–4, approximately 11–18 knots) from the northwest or southwest gives a comfortable, fast sail toward Comino. The Gregale (northeast) can be gusty and is less pleasant for leisure sailing. Flat calm days mean motoring most of the way.

Is sailing or a motorboat better for the Blue Lagoon?

If the Blue Lagoon is the priority, a motorboat is more efficient. If the experience of sailing is the priority and you’d like to visit Blue Lagoon as part of a full day, a sailing charter makes sense. They’re not really competing for the same type of traveller.

Can I bring food and drink on a sailing charter?

Yes — most private charters in Malta allow you to bring your own provisions. For a full day, bring more than you think you need. There are no shops once you’re offshore.

How far in advance should I book a Malta sailing charter?

For May-September, 1-2 weeks ahead is a safe margin, and earlier for weekends or a specific date you can’t move. The sailing fleet is smaller than Malta’s motorboat fleet, so popular boats and skippers book out faster than a generic Comino group tour. October-April charters can usually be booked with less notice since demand drops and conditions are weather-dependent anyway.