Boat vs. Yacht Rental in Malta – Which One Is Right for You?

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With crystal-clear waters, dramatic coastlines, and secluded lagoons, Malta is a dream destination for a day on the sea. But with three very different types of boats in our fleet — a RIB, seven catamarans, and a sailing yacht — picking the right one isn’t always obvious. Here’s how they compare, and which one fits your day best.

RIB: Speed, Flexibility, and Value

Turismo 710, our RIB (rigid inflatable boat), is built for speed and agility rather than lounging. It’s the fastest way to cover distance — more coves, more caves, more swim stops in a shorter day.

  • Capacity: Up to 8 guests
  • Best for: Small groups, spontaneous exploration, swimming and snorkelling stops, quick trips to the Blue Lagoon
  • Skipper: Available self-drive with a valid nautical licence, or with a skipper included
  • Price: From €500

Catamarans: Space, Stability, and Value for Groups

Our seven catamarans are the most popular choice, and for good reason — they’re stable, spacious, and give everyone room to spread out on deck. They range from intimate (14 guests) up to our largest, Playtime, at 45.

  • Capacity: 14–50 guests, depending on the boat
  • Best for: Family days out, group celebrations, larger parties, a steady and comfortable ride
  • Skipper: Always included
  • Price: From €900 to €1,900, depending on the boat and group size

See the full pricing breakdown for all 7 catamarans.

Sailing Yacht: Comfort, Elegance, and Romance

Shirina Mia, our Elan Impression 45, is our sailing yacht — a quieter, more classic experience for smaller groups who want a romantic or intimate day (or evening) on the water.

  • Capacity: Up to 10 guests
  • Best for: Special occasions, sunset sails, a slower, more elegant pace
  • Skipper: Always included
  • Price: From €700

Comparison at a Glance

Feature RIB Catamaran Sailing Yacht
Guest Capacity Up to 8 14–50 Up to 10
With Skipper? Optional (self-drive with licence) Always included Always included
Best For Speed, exploring caves & coves Groups, families, celebrations Romance, elegance, sunset sails
Starting Price €500 €900 €700

Day Charter or Sunset Cruise: Every Boat Type Has Both

Whichever type of boat you choose, you’re not locked into a full day on the water. Every boat in the fleet — RIB, catamaran, or sailing yacht — is available as either a full Day Charter or a shorter Sunset Charter, at a lower price point. This is worth factoring into your decision as much as the boat type itself.

  • Day Charter: Typically runs several hours, giving you time to reach further destinations like Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Gozo, or the Blue Grotto, with stops to swim and snorkel along the way.
  • Sunset Charter: A shorter evening cruise along Malta’s coastline, timed to catch the sunset — a popular choice for couples, smaller groups, or anyone short on time.

A useful way to think about it: pick your boat type based on your group size and the experience you want (speed, space, or romance), then pick your charter length based on how much time you have and what you’d like to see. A family heading to the Blue Lagoon for the day will usually want a catamaran Day Charter, while a couple after a quick, memorable evening on the water might prefer a Sailing Yacht Sunset Charter instead.

All charters are private — you’re renting the whole boat for your group, not booking individual seats — regardless of which boat type or charter length you choose.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want speed and independence — especially if you or someone in your group holds a nautical licence and wants to drive — the RIB is your best fit.

If you’re a group of 4 or more looking for a comfortable, stable day out with room to relax, a catamaran is almost always the right call — it’s also the better per-person value for larger groups.

If you want a quieter, more romantic experience — a proposal, an anniversary, or simply a calmer pace — the sailing yacht is worth the choice.

Whichever you choose, every charter includes safety equipment, a flexible itinerary, and personalised service. Explore the full fleet or get in touch to help you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch between boat types depending on the day’s plan?
Yes — if you’re planning multiple days on the water, it’s common to book a RIB for a fast exploring day and a catamaran or yacht for a more relaxed one.

Is a catamaran more stable than a RIB in choppier water?
Yes, noticeably. Catamarans sit more steadily in the water thanks to their twin-hull design, which also makes them a good option if anyone in your group is prone to seasickness.

Can a RIB reach the same destinations as a catamaran?
Mostly yes — and often faster. The trade-off is less onboard space and fewer amenities (no toilet or shaded lounge area, for instance) compared to a catamaran.

Do I need experience to book the RIB self-drive?
You’ll need a valid nautical licence to take the RIB out yourself. If you don’t have one, it’s still available with a skipper included, same as our other boats.

What if I’m not sure which boat suits my group?
Tell us your group size, budget, and what kind of day you’re after — we’re happy to recommend the right fit before you book.

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