Malta Yacht Day Trip: How the Day Unfolds

7 min read · Published: October 28, 2023 · Updated: October 29, 2026 · Prices and details checked: October 2026

A yacht day trip in Malta follows a simple rhythm: you board in the morning, cruise to a sheltered bay, swim and snorkel, have lunch on deck and head back in the afternoon. The exact route is set by the skipper on the day, based on wind and sea state. This guide walks you through the day in order, so you know what to expect and what to bring.

Key takeaways

The day has five parts: boarding and briefing, cruise, swim and snorkel stop, lunch on board, return to the marina.
The route is decided by weather. Sheltered bays near Comino and along the Gozo coast are common choices, but nobody can promise one fixed stop.
Bring sun protection, a towel, swimwear and shoes with soft soles. Boat shoes or clean trainers protect the deck and your feet.
Snorkel gear, food and drinks differ between boats and bookings. Ask for the list of inclusions in writing before you pay.
“Naughty by Nature” is a partner boat of Travelissimo. You can request a date through the booking page.

Table of contents

What happens when you board?
How does the cruise to the first stop work?
Where are the swim and snorkel stops?
What is lunch on board like?
How does the return trip go?
What should you bring on a yacht day trip?
FAQ
Next step

What happens when you board?

You meet the crew at the marina, step aboard and get a short safety briefing. This usually covers where life jackets are kept, how to move around the deck and which areas are off limits while the boat is under way.

Use this moment to ask the questions that shape your day. Do you want a quiet swim stop or a longer cruise? Does anyone in your group get seasick? Are there children or non-swimmers on board? The crew can adjust the plan if they know early.

Stow your bags in the spots the crew shows you. Loose items on a moving deck end up in the water faster than you expect.

How does the cruise to the first stop work?

Once the lines are off, the boat leaves the harbour under engine and heads for open water. Where it goes depends on the wind. On a calm day the skipper can choose a bay on the north side. When the wind picks up, the boat looks for the lee side of an island instead.

Valletta bastions lit up at night, seen from the water — Valletta from the water at night

This is why serious operators do not promise a fixed itinerary. If someone guarantees one exact bay on a given date, treat that with caution. A good skipper picks the best option on the morning.

The cruise itself is the quiet part of the day. You sit on deck, watch the coastline pass and see Malta from the sea: limestone cliffs, watchtowers, small fishing harbours and the layered skyline of the larger towns. Photos from the water look very different from photos taken on land, so keep your phone ready and in a waterproof pouch.

Combine your trip with a hotel in Malta

Flight plus hotel in Sliema, St. Julian's or Gozo for your dates and budget.

Show Malta offers

Where are the swim and snorkel stops?

The usual choices on Malta day trips are sheltered bays around Comino, including the area of the Blue Lagoon, and coves along the coast of Gozo. The boat drops anchor away from the busiest landing spots, which is one of the main advantages over arriving by ferry.

If you want to know how the Blue Lagoon works from land, including access and rules in the protected area, read our separate guide to the Blue Lagoon visit. For everything about anchorages and sailing routes, see yacht charter routes and activities in Malta.

At the stop, the crew sets up a safe way in and out of the water. Most boats use a ladder at the stern. Check where it is before you jump in, and agree a signal for returning to the boat if you swim further out.

What do you need for snorkelling?

You need a mask, a snorkel and, for many people, fins. Ask whether the boat provides them and in which sizes. If you own a mask that fits well, bring it. A poor fit means a leaking mask and a short swim.

Look at the water first. Rocky bays with sea grass are good for spotting small fish. Stay in the shallows if you are not a confident swimmer, and keep an eye on the boat’s position, because the wind can turn a boat slowly while it is at anchor.

What is lunch on board like?

Lunch is taken at anchor, so the boat is stable and you can eat without balancing a plate. What is served depends on the booking: some trips include a meal, some offer a simple snack and some ask you to bring your own food. Do not assume. Ask which of these applies and whether drinks are included.

Tell the crew about allergies and dietary needs when you book, not at the table. This is easy to arrange in advance and hard to fix at sea.

After lunch, many groups swim again or simply rest in the shade. Give yourself a break from the sun in the middle of the day. Even on a breezy boat, the reflection off the water makes sunburn quick and often unnoticed until evening.

Scuba diver descending in deep blue water below sunlight

How does the return trip go?

In the afternoon the crew prepares the boat for the trip back. Everything on deck is secured, towels are collected from the railings and the anchor comes up. The return is often the most relaxed part. The light is softer, the sea tends to be busy with other boats, and you see the coast from a slightly different angle than in the morning.

Ship in the harbour at sunset near Valletta, Malta — Sunset over Valletta harbour

Back at the marina the crew helps you ashore and the day ends. Plan nothing tight for the evening. If you are staying in Sliema or St. Julian’s, the trip home is short, but allow time to shower and rest before dinner.

What should you bring on a yacht day trip?

Bring what you need for sun, water and a moving deck, and little else.

Swimwear, a towel and a change of dry clothes
Reef-safe sun cream, a hat and sunglasses with a strap
Shoes with soft soles that leave no marks on the deck
A light layer for the cruise, because wind on open water feels cooler than on land
A waterproof pouch for your phone
Seasickness tablets if you are prone to it, taken before boarding rather than at sea
Your own snorkel mask if you have one that fits

Leave heavy bags, hard suitcases and high heels on shore.

Want to see the coast from the water yourself? Our partner yacht Naughty by Nature sails from Malta. Details and booking requests are on our yacht charter page.

FAQ

Is a yacht day trip suitable if I get seasick?

Often yes, if you prepare. Choose a calm day, sit near the middle of the boat where movement is smaller, keep your eyes on the horizon and take medication before you board. Tell the crew in advance so they can plan a shorter cruise and a sheltered stop.

Can children come along?

Many yacht trips accept families, but rules on age, life jackets and supervision depend on the boat and the operator. Ask when you request your date, and name the ages of all children. Non-swimmers should wear a life jacket whenever they are on deck.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Skippers decide on the day. A strong wind can change the route or make a trip impossible. Ask the operator what happens to your booking in that case, and get the answer in writing before you pay.

Do I need to know how to sail?

No. The crew handles the boat. You are a passenger, and you can help or just relax. If you want to learn, tell the skipper and he or she may let you try the helm in calm water.

Is it better to take a yacht or a ferry to Comino?

The ferry is cheaper and runs on a set schedule, but you arrive among everyone else. A yacht costs more, yet gives you a quieter anchorage, your own timing and a place to rest on board. Choose the yacht if the swim stop matters more than the budget.

Next step

If you want to book a day on the water, you can request a date and ask about inclusions on our booking page. For a first overview of the partner boat, read about the Naughty by Nature yacht.