One boat, one crew, no one else aboard but you. Captain Lino has sailed these waters for 55 years — let him take you somewhere quiet, at a pace that's entirely yours.
Dream Once is a Bavaria Cruiser 45 — spacious on deck, easy on her lines, and built for a full day spent unhurried on the water. These are the photographs and specifications for our actual boat, not a stock listing.
Two ways to sail with us. Both are private — Dream Once is never shared between separate bookings — and neither includes an overnight stay.
Depart in the morning and spend the day around Comino's Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, with the sea caves and a quiet second bay for lunch and swimming. A long, unhurried day with nowhere else you need to be.
An evening sail that stays closer to home — out past Manoel Island and along the Grand Harbour, then down the coast toward Marsaskala and St. Thomas Bay for a swim, before turning back as the light goes gold. Captain Lino brings out Prosecco and a few appetisers for guests of legal drinking age to enjoy on deck as the sun starts to drop. The kind of evening that's easy to remember and hard to put into words.
Every charter is built around where the wind and your mood take us. These are the three waters Dream Once moves between.
The turquoise water everyone pictures when they imagine Malta. We anchor away from the crowds where possible, and use the tender for anyone who wants to reach the shoreline.
Gozo's coastline is quieter and dramatic — limestone cliffs, sea caves you can swim into, and calmer anchorages when the wind favours the north.
The route for our sunset cruises — out past Manoel Island and along the Grand Harbour, then down toward Marsaskala and St. Thomas Bay for a swim before the light turns golden.
Most full-day charters centre on Comino, where the water everyone comes to Malta for actually is. Captain Lino reads the wind and the crowds on the day, so the order and timing may shift — the stops stay much the same.
We set off from Msida Marina, Ta' Xbiex, and head out toward Comino.
Malta's most famous turquoise waters, and where we spend the biggest part of the day — swimming, snorkelling and taking in the two lagoons side by side.
A short, scenic ride through Comino's sea caves on the way to our next stop, past rock formations carved out by the water.
A quieter bay a few minutes from the lagoons, with clear water and none of the crowds — where we usually anchor for lunch.
Back where we started, at Msida Marina, Ta' Xbiex.
Want to see more? On longer or early-start charters, we can extend the day to Gozo's southern coast and Gozo Marina, or finish with a cruise through Malta's Grand Harbour — just ask Captain Lino when you book so he can plan the timing.
Every charter is fully crewed and provisioned. You bring your guests — we take care of the rest.
Full-day charters include a lunch prepared fresh on board — Mediterranean platters built around local produce, good bread, olive oil and seasonal fruit, served at anchor once we've found a quiet spot to stop for a few hours.
We ask about dietary requirements and allergies when you book, and we're happy to adjust the menu for vegetarian, vegan or other needs.
Half-day charters can add lunch or a lighter snack platter on request.
Real moments from real days on the water — Comino's turquoise water, dinner on deck as the light goes gold, and the small details that make Dream Once feel like your own boat for the day.
There's a difference between chartering a boat and being taken to sea by someone who has spent his entire life on this water. Captain Lino is the second kind — and on Dream Once, he's the only captain you'll ever get.
Born and raised in Msida, Malta, boats have shaped his whole life — from repairing the island's classic luzzu boats after school as a boy, to more than 55 years sailing these waters since. Forty years working offshore as a marine engineer gave him a depth of hands-on knowledge few charter captains can match — he has sailed, worked on, repaired, and even built boats himself.
Today, that lifetime of experience is entirely in service of one thing: you. There's no rotating crew and no handing you off to someone else — Lino welcomes every guest personally, takes care of every detail, and often adds his own touch, sometimes something freshly made on board that holds its own against Malta's best restaurants. He knows this coastline the way only 55 years allows — from the crystal waters of Comino to quiet, romantic coves in the south that most visitors never find. For a couple who want more than a standard boat trip, that's the difference: a private day at sea, guided by someone who genuinely knows and loves this place, built entirely around you.
Captain Lino knows the water and hidden coves around Malta well — and he's a great chef too. Blue Lagoon was packed with boats, but he found us a perfect place to anchor for swimming and lunch.
We had the best experience thanks to Captain Lino's kindness and availability. The boat is super nice and clean — among all, this was the best boat experience!
Incredibly friendly, highly professional, and someone you can truly trust. We even spotted dolphins along the way — a trip to remember.
No agents, no booking fees — message Captain Lino directly and we'll confirm availability for your dates.
No agents, no booking fees — you'll hear back from Captain Lino directly, usually within 24 hours.
The essentials, in plain language, before you book.
A 30% deposit secures your date, with the balance due on the day of the charter. If you need to change plans, here's where you stand:
Weather. Malta's Mediterranean climate means most days are sailable, but if Captain Lino determines conditions are unsafe, you'll be offered a full reschedule or a full refund — this is never counted against the cancellation windows above.
Late arrival or no-show. Charters depart on schedule from Msida Creek Marina. If your group arrives significantly late, the charter time is not extended and no refund is given for missed time.
These terms are set by Dream Once directly, not a booking platform — confirm any questions with Captain Lino before you pay your deposit.
Who's responsible for your data. The data controller is Lino Sammut, trading as Dream Once, operating from Msida Creek Marina, Ta' Xbiex, Malta. For anything relating to your personal data, contact him directly using the phone, WhatsApp or email details on this page.
What we collect. Only what's needed to run your charter: your name, phone number, email address, preferred dates, guest numbers, and anything you volunteer about your group (dietary needs, seasickness, children in the party, and so on). If you pay a deposit by bank transfer or card, that payment is handled by your bank or card provider — Dream Once doesn't store your payment details.
Why we process it. To respond to your enquiry, confirm and run your booking, and stay in touch about your charter. This is necessary to perform the contract between you and Dream Once, so no separate consent is needed for it under GDPR Article 6(1)(b).
WhatsApp and email. Enquiries are handled over WhatsApp and email. WhatsApp is provided by Meta, and messages may be processed on servers outside the EU/EEA under Meta's own safeguards; if you'd rather keep things within the EU, email Dream Once instead.
Sharing. Your data is never sold or used for third-party marketing. It may be shared with Dream Once's insurer or the Maltese authorities where the law requires it — for example, in connection with an incident at sea.
How long we keep it. Booking and enquiry records are kept for as long as needed to deliver your charter, plus any further period Maltese tax and accounting law requires. Records not needed for that are deleted on request.
Photos. Photos taken during charters may occasionally be used on this website or on social media. Tell Captain Lino before or during your charter if you'd rather not be included, and any photo you're in won't be used.
Your rights. Under the GDPR and Malta's Data Protection Act (Chapter 586 of the Laws of Malta), you can ask to access, correct, delete or restrict the personal data Dream Once holds about you, and to receive a copy of it, at any time — just message Captain Lino directly. If you think your data's been mishandled, you can also complain to Malta's Information and Data Protection Commissioner (idpc.org.mt).
The parties. These terms are a direct agreement between you (the "Charterer") and Lino Sammut, trading as Dream Once (the "Operator"), for a skippered charter aboard the Bavaria Cruiser 45 Dream Once. Dream Once is not a booking agent or platform.
Booking & payment. A charter is confirmed once your deposit is received and Captain Lino has confirmed your date, guest count and departure time in writing (WhatsApp or email is sufficient). The balance is due as agreed at booking, and before departure at the latest.
Cancellation. See the Cancellation & Refund Policy above for the windows and refund amounts. Because this is a service tied to a specific date, EU law (Article 16(l) of the Consumer Rights Directive 2011/83/EU) doesn't give you a general 14-day right to withdraw once your date is confirmed — the cancellation terms above are what apply instead.
Guests, capacity & conduct. Maximum 9 guests aboard Dream Once. Everyone on board must follow Captain Lino's instructions on safety, swimming areas and onboard conduct at all times. Minors must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian throughout. Captain Lino may end a charter early, without refund, if guest behaviour endangers the boat, crew or other guests.
Alcohol. Guests may bring their own drinks aboard. Intoxication that compromises anyone's safety may result in the charter being cut short without refund.
Weather & itinerary. Routes around Comino, Gozo and northern Malta are planned around conditions on the day. Captain Lino has final authority over the route, timing and whether it's safe to sail, and may change or shorten the itinerary for guest safety and comfort.
Security deposit. A refundable security deposit may be requested on the day to cover damage to the boat or equipment caused by guests, and is returned in full where no damage occurs.
Insurance. Dream Once carries third-party liability insurance meeting the minimum required under Maltese law for a vessel of this kind (currently €250,000). This covers damage the boat causes to third parties and their property — it isn't personal travel, accident or medical insurance for you or your group. Guests are strongly advised to arrange their own travel and medical insurance before the charter.
Liability. Guests take part in swimming, water sports, paddleboarding and all other activities at their own risk. To the fullest extent Maltese law allows, Dream Once and Captain Lino are not liable for personal injury, illness, loss of or damage to personal property, or any indirect or consequential loss, except where this results from proven negligence on the part of Dream Once or Captain Lino. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under Maltese law.
Force majeure. Neither party is liable for a failure to perform caused by events beyond their reasonable control — severe weather, port or coastguard restrictions, or other circumstances that make sailing unsafe or unlawful.
Governing law & disputes. These terms are governed by the laws of Malta. Any dispute that can't be resolved directly with Captain Lino may be brought before the Maltese courts or, for EU-based consumers, via the European Commission's Online Dispute Resolution platform.
This is a plain-language summary of how Dream Once operates, not a substitute for legal advice — have a local lawyer check it against your actual insurance policy and booking process before relying on it commercially.
None at all. Captain Lino handles the boat from start to finish — you're a guest, not crew. If you want to take the helm for a while or learn a few basics, he's happy to show you, but it's never expected.
Captain Lino makes the final call on safety, not the calendar. If conditions on your date aren't sailable, you'll be offered a full reschedule or a full refund — see the cancellation policy above for details.
Yes — swimming stops are a normal part of every charter, usually at the Blue Lagoon or another sheltered spot Captain Lino picks based on the day's conditions. Masks, fins and snorkels are provided for everyone aboard.
Dream Once takes up to 9 guests plus Captain Lino. Let him know your group size when you enquire so he can plan seating, shade and swimming stops accordingly.
Fuel, mooring, water, snorkelling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard are all included. Sunset cruises also include Prosecco and appetisers, offered on deck to guests of legal drinking age. Beyond that, bring your own food, drinks and any alcohol you'd like aboard, plus sunscreen, a hat, a towel and a change of clothes.
Dream Once is a stable 45-foot cruising yacht, and routes are planned around calmer waters where possible. If you're prone to seasickness, taking a tablet an hour or so before departure is the usual advice, and mentioning it to Captain Lino when you book helps him plan the route.
Yes, children are welcome aboard when accompanied by a parent or guardian, who is responsible for their supervision and safety at all times, including around swimming stops.
A deposit secures your date, with the balance due on the day — Captain Lino will confirm exact payment details once your booking is set via WhatsApp or email.
