Malta: Sailboat Party with an Open Bar, Snack, and Swimming

Malta looks best from a moving dance floor. The Dance Island cruise combines four hours of open bar with a live DJ, giving you a lively way to see the coast without spending the night moving between clubs. I especially like the swim stop in clear Mediterranean water and the sunset timing, which shifts the mood from easygoing drinks to a full dance party. The main drawback is the size and energy of the crowd: with up to 238 people onboard, this is social and noisy, not a quiet sailing trip.

You will also get a tuna or ham and cheese sandwich, fruit, and a photographer on board. The price is $70 per person, which can be good value if you plan to drink and want one organized evening out. Keep in mind that the snack is light, hotel transfers are not included, and the cruise is only for people aged 18 and over.

Key points to know before boarding

• Sunset departure from Sliema: Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m., with departure around 7:00 to 7:10 p.m.
• Four-hour party at sea: The cruise runs along Malta’s coast, with music and drinks throughout the evening.
• A real swim stop: You can jump into clear water at anchor, weather permitting, so bring swimwear and a towel.
• Full bar selection: Rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks are included.
• Live DJ and dance deck: Music includes house, chart hits, and sing-along classics.
• Large adult crowd: The boat can hold 238 partygoers, making it best for social groups, couples, solo adults, and hen or stag parties.

What the Dance Island boat party is really like

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a few background songs. It is a floating evening party that happens to move along Malta’s coastline.

The four-hour format gives the evening room to build. Early on, you can watch the coast, have a drink, and find your place on the boat. As the sun drops, the DJ turns the focus toward dancing. Later, the lights come on and the cruise feels more like a club at sea.

I like that the experience includes time for both movement and downtime. You can dance, chat, take photos, or step away from the speakers for a while. You are not locked into one activity every minute, which matters when the music and crowd stay lively for several hours.

The mood is aimed at adults who want a social night without planning several bars or clubs. Couples can enjoy the sunset and sea views, while solo visitors have an easy setting for meeting people. Hen and stag groups also get a ready-made party with no need to arrange transport between venues.

The tradeoff is clear. This is not the boat for a peaceful meal, a private charter, or a slow sail in near silence. The music is central to the experience, and the large number of people means personal space may be limited during the busiest parts of the night.

Boarding at Sliema and finding the right boat

The meeting point is at the Supreme Boats Rentals departure area in Sliema. Look for the boat named Faith, docked in front of Burger King.

Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m. The boat leaves between 7:00 and 7:10 p.m., so arriving early is sensible. You will need time to find the dock, identify Faith, and board before the music and drinks get underway.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. That makes the meeting point an important part of your plan, especially if you are staying outside Sliema. You need to arrange your own way to the departure area and your own return after the four-hour cruise.

The early evening departure is one of the best features of the schedule. You get some daylight for the coast and swim stop, followed by sunset views as the party picks up pace. Exact light levels will depend on the season, but the timing is designed to give the cruise a changing atmosphere rather than one long block of nighttime entertainment.

Malta’s coast from the water

Once underway, the boat cruises along Malta’s coastline, passing rocky cliffs, coves, and open sea views. The coast looks different from the water than it does from a road or town promenade. You get a moving view of the shore instead of stopping at one lookout.

The first part of the trip is likely to feel the most relaxed. This is your chance to look around, take photographs, and settle into the rhythm of the boat before the dance floor becomes the main attraction.

The coastline is scenery rather than a guided sightseeing program. No detailed commentary or named coastal stops are provided, so do not book this expecting a history lesson or a list of formal landmarks. The value comes from being out on the water during the evening, with Malta passing by as the setting for the party.

I would treat the views as an important bonus, not the only reason to go. If you want to study cliffs and coves in peace, a daytime boat tour would likely suit you better. If you enjoy scenery with a soundtrack, drinks, and plenty of company, this format makes sense.

The open bar and the food onboard

The open bar includes rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks. That is a useful selection for a party cruise because you are not limited to one type of drink. Soft drinks also give you an option between alcoholic beverages.

The bar is included for the full four hours, so the price is not only covering the boat ride. If you expect to have several drinks during the evening, the package can compare well with paying for a cruise and buying drinks separately at a club. Of course, the value depends on how much you drink. If you plan to stay sober or have only one drink, the open bar will matter less.

The food is a snack, not a dinner. You receive one tuna sandwich or one ham and cheese sandwich, along with fruit. That is enough to take the edge off hunger, but I would not treat it as a full meal before a long night.

You should eat properly before boarding if you normally need a substantial dinner. The included food works best as a practical bite during the cruise, especially when you are dancing and drinking. Vegetarian or other special food choices are not listed, so do not assume alternatives are available.

One strong point is that the food keeps the evening simple. You do not lose party time waiting for a restaurant meal, and you can refuel without leaving the boat. One limitation is that the snack menu is narrow, so anyone with dietary needs should check before booking.

The DJ, dance floor, and music style

A live DJ controls the soundtrack, with feel-good house, chart anthems, and sing-along classics. That mix tells you a lot about the mood. This is built for broad appeal and group energy, not a specialist electronic music crowd.

The evening begins at a lower level during golden hour, then grows more intense as the sun sets and the lights come on. That gradual change gives the cruise a natural rhythm. You can chat and enjoy the views at first, then spend more time dancing later.

Music taste is personal, so this is one area where you should be realistic. If you want a quiet cruise or a narrow music style, the playlist may not be right for you. If you like recognizable songs and a dance floor that does not require specialist knowledge, the format should be easy to enjoy.

One rating of 3.9 from 178 reviews suggests a generally positive but not universally perfect experience. The strongest praise focuses on the staff, music, drinks, food, and value. A verified booking from the United Kingdom called the DJ very good and considered the cruise worth the money. A French booking also praised the staff, music, drinks, and food.

There is one revealing criticism: one person disliked the high number of foreign visitors. For most people, that is part of the point. This is an international party, not a local Maltese night out, so expect a mixed adult crowd rather than a specifically Maltese social scene.

The swim stop in clear Mediterranean water

At anchor, you get a swimming break in clear water, weather permitting. This is an important change of pace after time on the dance floor.

You can jump from the boat, cool off, and take photographs before returning to the music. The swim also gives you a reason to book this instead of choosing an ordinary club night. You are not only watching the coast from a deck. You get a short chance to enter the sea itself.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Those are the only items specifically listed, but they are essential if you want to swim. The activity is weather dependent, so the stop is not guaranteed in poor conditions.

Do not expect a long beach visit. You remain on the boat, and the stop is part of a four-hour party cruise rather than a dedicated swimming excursion. There is no information about a beach landing, snorkeling equipment, or an organized swim lesson.

The best approach is to see the swim as a refreshing break and a memorable extra. If it happens during golden hour, it can also provide some of the most attractive photographs of the night.

Is $70 good value for four hours?

At $70 per person, the value depends on how you would otherwise spend the evening.

The package includes the boat tour, live DJ, four hours of open bar, a sandwich and fruit, a photographer, and the swim stop. For someone planning to buy drinks at a bar and pay for nightlife separately, this bundles several costs into one booking.

I see the strongest value for people who want a full evening activity rather than a short cruise. Four hours is long enough to justify getting to Sliema, boarding, and arranging your return. You also avoid the hassle of deciding where to go next once the night begins.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike crowded parties, or mainly want coastal views. In that case, you may be paying for the open bar and DJ even though those are not the parts you care about.

The snack helps, but it should not influence your decision too heavily. One sandwich and fruit are useful, not generous. Plan your meal around the cruise, especially if you are staying out later.

The photographer is another extra, though the supplied details do not explain how photographs are delivered or whether they cost more. Ask about that if photos are important to you.

Who should book the Dance Island cruise?

I would point this cruise toward adults who enjoy social settings and want their evening organized in one place. It suits:

• Friends who want an easy group night
• Couples who like sunset views with music
• Solo adults who are comfortable meeting people
• Hen and stag groups
• Partygoers who want drinks, dancing, and swimming in one event

It is not suitable for anyone under 18. Children cannot join, and the adult-only rule is firm.

I would also think carefully if you have mobility, health, or comfort concerns related to a crowded boat, although the provided details do not explain accessibility arrangements. Contact the operator before booking if you need specific assistance.

The cruise is not the best choice for a quiet romantic sail, a full meal, a cultural tour, or a family outing. It also may not suit you if you dislike international party crowds or loud music.

Practical tips for a smoother evening

Arrive before the 6:30 p.m. boarding time. The departure window is around 7:00 to 7:10 p.m., so a late arrival could create unnecessary stress.

Wear swimwear under clothes that are easy to change out of, and bring a towel. You will want both for the swim stop, and the boat setting makes simple clothing more practical than anything formal.

Eat before you board. The sandwich and fruit are welcome, but they are not a complete meal. A proper meal beforehand can also help you handle an evening that includes alcohol and dancing.

Bring your booking details and allow time to locate Faith in front of Burger King. Since hotel transfers are not included, plan your route to Sliema and your way back before the cruise begins.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta schedule is still changing. Summer departures run several times per week and can sell out, so check the available date rather than assuming you can book at the last minute.

Should you book this Malta boat party?

Book it if you want a high-energy adult night with a live DJ, unlimited listed drinks, a swim stop, and sunset coastal views. At $70, it makes the most sense when you will use the bar and want four hours of entertainment without planning several separate venues.

Skip it if you want quiet scenery, a proper dinner, a small boat, or a cultural introduction to Malta. The crowd can reach 238 people, the snack is modest, and the experience is designed around party energy.

For the right person, the strongest feature is the mix: you can watch the coast, jump into the sea, grab a sandwich, and return to the dance floor without changing venues. Check the weather, eat before boarding, arrive at Faith early, and bring your swimwear and towel. That is the formula for getting the most from the night.

FAQ

Where does the Malta boat party depart from?

It departs from Sliema at the Supreme Boats Rentals departure area. Look for the boat named Faith, docked in front of Burger King.

When should I arrive for boarding?

Boarding starts at 6:30 p.m. Departure is scheduled between 7:00 and 7:10 p.m.

How long does the boat party last?

The experience lasts four hours.

Is the bar included in the price?

Yes. The open bar includes rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks.

What food is included?

You receive one tuna sandwich or one ham and cheese sandwich, plus fruit.

Is swimming part of the activity?

Yes. There is a swim stop at anchor in clear water, weather permitting.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Can children join the cruise?

No. The activity is not suitable for anyone under 18.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Sliema and back.