The Case for Sailing
If you’ve never been on a sailing yacht under sail in proper conditions, it’s worth doing once. The boat goes quiet (no engine, no fuel smell), heels gently with the wind, and moves through the water in a way that motor boats simply don’t. Malta has reliable summer breezes, particularly in the afternoon, and the passages between the islands are short enough that sailing is a genuine option rather than just a romantic idea.
That said, sailing isn’t for everyone or every day. If your group includes anyone who’s truly prone to seasickness, or you’ve got young children who’d rather just swim, a motor boat or catamaran is probably the better choice. Sailing yachts heel — that’s the point. Some people love it and some people don’t.
What’s Available for Sailing Yacht Hire in Malta
Sailing charter in Malta covers a wide range. At the smaller end, day-sail yachts in the 30 to 35 foot range take 6 to 8 guests for a day on the water, usually with a skipper. Mid-size cruising yachts (40 to 50 feet) work for groups of 8 to 10 and have proper cabins for overnight trips. Larger performance yachts and crewed sailing yachts above 50 feet handle bigger groups and longer charters.
Bareboat sailing in Malta is available for qualified sailors holding an ICC, RYA Day Skipper, or equivalent. The operator will usually want to see your certificate and may ask about your experience. If you’ve sailed in Malta before, mention it — knowing the local marinas and the weather patterns matters here.
What a Sailing Day in Malta Looks Like
A typical day-sail leaves Sliema, Msida, or St Julian’s around 9am and returns by 6pm. The morning leg often runs north toward Comino under sail when the breeze is right, with an anchorage stop at the Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon for swimming and lunch. The afternoon return sail down the east coast of Malta is usually the highlight, particularly when the breeze fills in and the boat picks up speed.
For overnight sailing trips, the standard route is a Friday departure to Gozo or Comino, an evening anchorage in a quiet bay, dinner on board or ashore at Mgarr harbour, and a Saturday or Sunday return via the Maltese east coast. Two or three nights gives you genuine cruising rather than just a long day trip.
Sunset Sails
A two-hour sunset sail is one of the better value options on the menu in Malta. Departures around 6pm in summer, returning after dark with the lights of Valletta and Sliema visible from the water. Most sunset trips include drinks and light snacks. A small group can charter a private sunset sail for a few hundred euros and it makes for a much better evening than another restaurant.
What Sailing Boat Charter in Malta Costs
A skippered day-sail on a 35 to 40 foot yacht typically runs €400 to €700 in low season (April through June and October) and €600 to €1,000 in high season (July through September). Larger yachts cost more, smaller yachts less. Bareboat day rates are usually €50 to €100 a day cheaper than skippered, but you’ll need to add fuel and you’re responsible for any damage.
Weekly bareboat rates on a 40 to 45 foot yacht run roughly €2,500 to €4,000 in low season and €4,000 to €7,000 in peak. Add the skipper if you don’t have a qualification, usually €150 to €200 a day.
Sunset sails generally run €50 to €80 per person on a shared trip, or €300 to €500 for a private charter for a small group.
Booking Notes
When you book a sailing charter, confirm the boat’s age and recent service history. Sailing yachts in charter fleets get hammered and the difference between a well-maintained 5-year-old yacht and a tired 15-year-old yacht is significant. Ask about sails (when were they last replaced), engine hours, and recent surveys. A good operator will answer these questions without hesitation.
Also confirm what’s included. Fuel, harbour fees, the skipper, watersports gear, and food/drinks vary between operators. Some include a basic provisioning, others expect you to bring your own. Browse the sailing fleet below, filter by group size and skippered or bareboat, and submit an enquiry for the dates that work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charter a sailing boat in Malta?
A skippered day-sail on a 35 to 40 foot yacht typically costs €400 to €700 in low season and €600 to €1,000 in high season. Bareboat weekly rates on a 40 to 45 foot yacht run €2,500 to €4,000 in low season and up to €7,000 in peak summer. Sunset sails are €50 to €80 per person on a shared trip.
Do I need a sailing license to charter a yacht in Malta?
For bareboat sailing in Malta you need an ICC (International Certificate of Competence), RYA Day Skipper, or equivalent qualification. Operators will ask to see your certificate and may also ask about your experience. If you don’t have a license, book a skippered charter — the skipper handles the boat and you enjoy the sail.
Where do sailing trips in Malta depart from?
Most sailing charters depart from Sliema, Msida marina, or St Julian’s on the east coast of Malta. Some yachts are based in Mgarr harbour on Gozo. Pickup details are confirmed by the operator when you book.
When is the best time of year for sailing in Malta?
May through October is the main sailing season in Malta. June and September give you reliable breezes, warm water, and fewer crowds than the July–August peak. April and October are quieter and cheaper but the weather can be more variable. Winter sailing is possible but conditions are unpredictable.