Blue Grotto Malta Boat Trip: See the Sea Caves on a Private Charter
Swim under the arches at sea level, on your own private boat from Ta' Xbiex or Sliema
See the Blue Grotto the Right Way: From the Water
The Blue Grotto is one of Malta's most photographed natural sites, and most people only see it from the clifftop viewpoint at Wied iż-Żurrieq. At sea level, with the limestone arches rising overhead and the water glowing blue beneath you, it's a completely different experience.
On a private charter you rent the whole boat for your own group, sail down Malta's south coast, anchor near the caves and swim. No queue, no 20-minute window. We have been running this route for over ten years.
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Blue Grotto Boat Trips: Which One Is Right for You?
Short boat trip from Wied iż-Żurrieq
- Drive about 40 minutes from Valletta to the small harbour
- Traditional dgħajsa boats run trips of around 20 minutes
- A quick look at the caves, but no swimming
Private boat charter from Ta' Xbiex or Sliema
- A full day on your own boat, about 8 hours
- Anchor near the arches, swim and snorkel
- Explore the south coast coves, or add the Blue Lagoon
What to Expect on a Blue Grotto Boat Trip
Board & sail south
Meet your skipper at Roland Marina, Ta' Xbiex, or at our Sliema base, and sail down the east coast.Arrive at the caves
We time it for the morning, when the light inside the caves is at its strongest.Swim & snorkel
Anchor near the arches, swim at the base of the cliffs and paddleboard in clear water.Coves or Comino
Quiet south coast bays, or a long day combined with the Blue Lagoon.Private Blue Grotto Boat Trip Prices
One price for the whole boat for a full day, never per person. Skipper, fuel and VAT included. Book online with a €200 deposit. Save 15% with code MCC26 until 31 December.
Best Time to Visit the Blue Grotto
What's Included
Bring your own food and drinks, or add our onboard BBQ package for €40 per person, drinks included. Bring your own mask and fins if you'd like to snorkel. We check the wind and sea the day before; if the wind reaches Force 5 or above and we cancel, your deposit is refunded in full.
Blue Grotto Malta: FAQs
Is the Blue Grotto in Malta worth visiting?
Yes, especially from the water. The clifftop viewpoint only shows the arches from above. From sea level you see the caves rising overhead and the light glowing blue in the water, and the south coast around them is worth the trip on its own.
Can you swim at the Blue Grotto?
Yes. On a private charter you anchor near the caves and swim freely. The water is clear and sheltered on most days from April to October. The short dgħajsa trips from Wied iż-Żurrieq do not include swimming.
How long does a Blue Grotto boat trip take?
The dgħajsa trips from Wied iż-Żurrieq take around 20 minutes. A private full-day charter with us takes about 8 hours, with time to swim, eat and explore the south coast.
How much does a private Blue Grotto boat trip cost?
A full-day private charter costs from €700 for the whole boat with up to 10 guests, up to €1,900 for Playtime with up to 55 guests. Skipper, fuel and VAT are included.
How far is the Blue Grotto from Valletta?
About 40 minutes by road, or around 90 minutes by sea from Ta' Xbiex or Sliema.
Can you combine the Blue Grotto and the Blue Lagoon in one day?
Yes. We run a combined route covering the Blue Grotto on the south coast and the Blue Lagoon at Comino on the same day. It's a long day, and one of our most popular summer routes.
Where do we board?
At Roland Marina, Ta' Xbiex, or at our Sliema base, at no extra cost.
What is the best way to see the Blue Grotto?
By private boat at sea level, arriving in the morning when the light inside the caves is at its strongest.
Book Your Blue Grotto Boat Trip
Choose your boat and date online with a €200 deposit, or contact us to plan the route together.