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

Sunset, swimming, and a floating dance floor. The Dance Island boat party gives you four hours of open-bar drinks and live DJ music while you cruise from Sliema along Malta’s rocky coast. I like the easy mix of swimming, sea views, dancing, and snacks, and I especially like that the event works for solo visitors as well as groups. The main catch is the large, international crowd, which may feel social and exciting to some people but crowded or noisy to others.

I also like the simple timing. You board at 18:30, leave between 19:00 and 19:10, and spend the evening watching the light fade over the water. The swim stop adds a real break from the music, though weather can affect it, and anyone looking for a quiet sunset cruise should choose a calmer boat trip instead.

Key points at a glance

• Four hours from Sliema: The boat leaves between 19:00 and 19:10, giving you an evening on the water rather than a short harbor ride.
• Open bar included: Rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks are available during the cruise.
• One swim stop: Jump from the boat into clear Mediterranean water when conditions allow, then return to the music.
• Live DJ and dancing: The music covers feel-good house, chart anthems, and sing-along classics.
• Food is light but useful: You receive one tuna or ham and cheese sandwich, plus fruit.
• Large social setting: Up to 238 people may be onboard, so expect a lively party rather than an intimate sailing trip.

Boarding the Faith in Sliema

Your evening begins at the Supreme Boats Rentals departure point in Sliema. Look for the boat named Faith, docked in front of Burger King. Boarding starts at 18:30, with departure scheduled between 19:00 and 19:10.

That early arrival window matters. This is a large group activity, and finding the correct boat should be easier if you allow time to locate the dock, check in, and settle aboard before the music gets going. The meeting point is specific, but the instructions do not include hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to Sliema.

The boat party lasts four hours. Since the departure is around sunset, you get changing views during the evening: brighter coastal scenery early on, softer light as the sun drops, and a more party-focused atmosphere once the boat is lit and the DJ takes over.

Malta’s coast from the water

The route follows Malta’s coastline, with rocky cliffs, sea views, and coves that are best appreciated from offshore. A boat gives you a different sense of the island than a road or town walk. You see the coast as a long sweep of stone, open water, and small inlets instead of a series of separate sightseeing stops.

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a guide explaining every landmark. The scenery works as the setting for the party. You can look out from the deck, take photos, chat with other people, or stay near the music. The boat format also removes the hassle of moving between bars and clubs during the evening.

The sunset timing is one of the strongest parts of the plan. You begin with views and conversation, then the mood grows louder and more energetic as the light fades. If you want good photographs, keep your phone or camera ready during the early part of the cruise, before dancing and drinks become the main focus.

The DJ sets the tone

Music is central here, not a side feature. A resident DJ plays feel-good house, popular chart songs, and sing-along classics. The stated aim is a festival-style party on the water, and the format supports that: open deck space, a large group, a live DJ, and several hours without needing to change venues.

One of the clearest positives in the available feedback is the music. Megan from the United Kingdom gave the experience five out of five and specifically praised the DJ, saying the event was well worth the money. A French booking also praised the staff, music, drinks, and food together, which suggests the best part of the evening is the full combination rather than any single feature.

Still, music is personal. If you enjoy house music, familiar chart songs, and singing along with a crowd, you are likely to settle into the mood quickly. If you prefer low-volume conversation, a small sailing group, or traditional Maltese music, you may find the sound level too much.

There is space to move around and take a break between tracks. That does not turn the boat into a quiet retreat, but it gives you somewhere to stand, mingle, or cool off without leaving the action entirely.

What the open bar includes

The price includes an open bar with rum, vodka, gin, beer, tequila, and soft drinks. That is a useful inclusion for an evening activity, since separate drinks at a club or waterfront bar can quickly add up.

The open bar also simplifies the night. You do not need to carry cash for every drink or decide where to go next after the cruise. You can spend the evening aboard, with the bar and entertainment in one place.

The sensible approach is to pace yourself. The cruise combines alcohol, dancing, warm weather, and a swim stop. Soft drinks are included, so switching between alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks is easy. The open bar is part of the value, but it is not a reason to rush through it.

Keep in mind that the package includes drinks, not a full meal. You receive one sandwich and fruit, which is enough for a snack but not a replacement for dinner.

Sandwiches, fruit, and the food question

The included snack is one tuna sandwich or one ham and cheese sandwich, along with fruit. You can choose between a fish option and a simple meat-and-cheese option, making the food useful for taking the edge off your hunger during the evening.

The meal description is limited, and the activity specifically says that a meal is not included. I would eat properly before boarding if you expect to spend four hours dancing and drinking. The sandwich and fruit are best treated as a practical refreshment, not a buffet.

This distinction affects the price calculation. At $70 per person, you are paying mainly for the boat, four-hour duration, open bar, DJ, swim stop, and the social setting. The snack adds convenience, but the food alone does not justify the cost.

The swim stop in clear water

At anchor, the boat makes a swimming stop when weather permits. You can jump into the sea, cool down, and return to the boat for the second part of the party. Clear Mediterranean water and the sunset setting make this more than a token break from the music.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Those are the two items specifically requested, and you will want both if you plan to enter the water. The swim stop is a strong reason to choose this activity over a standard club night, but you should remember that it is weather-dependent.

The stop also changes the pace. After music, conversation, and drinks, a swim can give you a short reset before the DJ starts the party again. If you do not want to swim, you can remain onboard and use the time for photographs or a quieter pause.

You should not treat the swim stop as a long guided snorkeling session. No snorkeling equipment or underwater activities are included in the details provided. It is a scenic swim from the anchored boat.

How the group size affects the night

The boat is designed for a large party, with 238 people onboard. That number tells you a lot about the character of the experience. You are joining a social event with a ready-made crowd, not hiring a small sailboat for a private evening.

For solo visitors, this can be a plus. The DJ, bar, and shared setting make it easier to be around people without planning your own night. Couples can enjoy the sunset and sea views, while groups can use the boat as a simple evening plan with no club-hopping required.

The same scale can be a drawback. You may need patience around the bar, seating, or popular viewing areas. If an international party crowd is not your idea of fun, this may not be the right choice. One three-star rating criticized the high number of foreigners. In practice, that points to a very international audience, not a local-only Maltese event.

The activity is strictly for people aged 18 and older. It suits adult groups, couples, solo visitors, and hen or stag parties. Families with children need to choose another boat outing.

Is $70 good value?

At $70, the experience offers a solid bundle for anyone who plans to use the main inclusions. You receive four hours on the coast, a live DJ, an open bar, a sandwich and fruit, a photographer, and a swim stop. If you would otherwise pay for dinner, drinks, a club, and transport between venues, the package can compare well.

The value is strongest for people who genuinely want the party atmosphere. You are not paying for a detailed island tour or a gourmet meal. You are paying for a complete evening with music, drinks, swimming, and a large social crowd.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike loud music, or mainly want sightseeing. The boat scenery is attractive, but the activity is built around entertainment. A quieter cruise with commentary would likely suit you better if coastal views are your main goal.

A 3.9 rating from 178 reviews suggests a generally positive but mixed experience. That feels fair for an activity with such a clear personality. The right audience can have a great night, while anyone expecting a calm cruise may feel misplaced.

Practical tips for a smoother evening

Arrive before the 18:30 boarding time if you are unfamiliar with Sliema. The departure point is by the Supreme Boats Rentals dock, in front of Burger King, and you need to identify Faith before boarding.

Wear swimwear under clothes or bring it with you. Pack a towel, since both are listed as essential items. You may also want a secure phone case or a simple way to protect your belongings around the swim stop, though no specific storage arrangement is provided.

Eat before you board. The tuna or ham and cheese sandwich with fruit is helpful, but the activity does not include a full meal.

Plan your evening around the boat’s fixed departure. The listed departure window is 19:00 to 19:10, and missing the boat would be a poor start to an event with no hotel pickup.

If your dates are flexible, summer departures run several times per week. The activity can sell out, so checking availability before you build the rest of your evening around it is sensible. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Who should book the Dance Island party?

I would recommend this boat party to you if you want a social, music-led evening and like the idea of combining drinks with a swim. It is especially suitable for friends, solo adults, couples who enjoy a crowd, and hen or stag groups.

The strongest reasons to book are the four-hour format, the open bar, and the change of pace between sunset cruising, swimming, and dancing. The positive feedback gives extra weight to the DJ, staff, drinks, and food, with one five-star rating calling the event well worth the money.

I would skip it if you want a quiet sailing trip, a small group, a full dinner, or a guided tour of Malta’s coast. The large international crowd and party music are not minor details. They define the evening.

For the right audience, $70 is a reasonable price for a ready-made night out on the Mediterranean. Bring swimwear, bring a towel, eat beforehand, and arrive in Sliema with enough time to find Faith. If that sounds like your kind of Malta evening, this is an easy activity to add to your plans.

FAQ

Where does the Malta boat party depart?

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

What time should I arrive?

Boarding starts at 18:30. Departure is scheduled between 19:00 and 19:10.

How long does the boat party last?

The activity lasts four hours.

What drinks are included?

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

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat makes a swim stop in clear water when weather conditions permit.

Can children join the boat party?

No. The activity is for people aged 18 and older.