Sailing and Yacht Charters

Malta has a long sailing tradition, and its harbours make a natural base. Yacht marinas line Marsamxett Harbour at Msida and Ta' Xbiex, just across the water from Valletta, and there is another at Birgu (Vittoriosa) in the Grand Harbour. Ask charter operators in Gozo to confirm their departure point. The Royal Malta Yacht Club at Ta' Xbiex organises the Rolex Middle Sea Race, a race of about 606 nautical miles that starts from the Grand Harbour each autumn.

Ways to charter

Day charters with a skipper are the easiest option: you choose the route and the skipper handles the boat, anchoring for swims and lunch. Discuss routes up the coast to Comino with your skipper, including anchorages off the Blue Lagoon or Santa Marija Bay, or around the north of Malta past Paradise Bay. Longer bareboat charters let qualified sailors take a yacht themselves and spend nights at anchor off Gozo and Comino. Charter companies normally ask for a recognised sailing qualification and some experience before handing over a bareboat, so check their requirements well ahead.

Passengers who want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon need a pre-booked time slot, which is free as of November 2026 and is published by the MTA for visitors arriving by private or commercial vessel. Ask your skipper whether they arrange it.

Wind and weather

The islands are exposed on all sides, and the safe anchorage changes with the wind. A good skipper picks bays on the sheltered side each day, so keep the plan flexible. Summer often brings light winds; conditions on your sailing day should determine the route and anchorage.

• Prefer a shared boat? See Comino boat trips or Grand Harbour cruises.
• Take a mask and fins for swim stops: see snorkelling.
• Plan the rest of the trip with the seven-day Malta itinerary.

Pack soft-soled shoes for the deck, a windproof layer for the evening and seasickness tablets if you need them, and confirm what fuel, food and drinks your charter includes before you sail.