Malta sailing day charter: what to expect and who it's for

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.

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 (Mellieha)

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

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.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20