Gozo is Malta’s greener, quieter sister island, and one of the best day trips you can take during a holiday in Malta. Most visitors cross on the ferry and spend the day on Gozo’s roads. But much of the island’s best scenery (sea caves, quiet coves and cliff-lined bays) is on the coast, and the easiest way to see it is from the water. This guide explains how boat rental in Gozo works, how it compares with the ferry, and how to plan a private boat day from Malta.
3 Ways to Get to Gozo from Malta
Gozo lies just off the north-west tip of Malta, with the small island of Comino in between. You have three realistic options for a day trip:
| Car ferry | Fast ferry | Private boat rental | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From | ÄŠirkewwa, at Malta’s northern tip | Valletta | Ta’ Xbiex or Sliema |
| Crossing | About 25 minutes | About 45 minutes | The whole day is on the water |
| Arrives at | MÄ¡arr harbour | MÄ¡arr harbour | Gozo’s bays, coves and caves |
| Best for | Exploring inland by car | Foot passengers visiting Victoria and the Citadel | Swimming, snorkelling and the coastline |
| Shared with others? | Yes | Yes | No, only your group on board |
The ferries are cheap and frequent, and perfect if you want to see Gozo’s inland sights like the Citadel in Victoria. Keep in mind that ÄŠirkewwa is at the far end of Malta, roughly an hour by car or bus from Sliema and St Julian’s, so the journey can take a good part of your day.
Why Rent a Boat for Your Gozo Day Trip
- You see the coast, not the car park. Many of Gozo’s most beautiful spots are at the bottom of steep cliffs or narrow valleys, and are far easier to reach by sea.
- No queues and no timetable. You leave from Ta’ Xbiex or Sliema, close to most hotels, and your skipper plans the route around your group.
- Swim wherever you stop. Anchor in a quiet bay, jump in, snorkel, paddleboard, and have lunch on board.
- Add Comino on the way. The Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon sit between Malta and Gozo, so it’s easy to combine both islands in one day.
- It’s private. With a private boat rental you rent the whole boat for your group, at one flat price, never per seat.
What You Can See in Gozo by Boat
Your skipper chooses the exact route on the day, depending on the wind and sea conditions. These are some of the places a Gozo boat day can include:
- Ħondoq ir-Rummien: a sheltered bay on Gozo’s east coast facing Comino, with clear, shallow water that’s great for swimming.
- MÄ¡arr ix-Xini: a narrow, fjord-like inlet on the south coast, with cliffs on both sides and calm water at the end.
- Xlendi Bay: a small bay surrounded by high cliffs, with sea caves to explore nearby.
- Dwejra: the site of the former Azure Window, where dramatic rock formations and sea caves are best seen from the water.
- Wied il-Għasri: a narrow limestone gorge on the north coast with very clear water for snorkelling.
- Ramla Bay: Gozo’s largest sandy beach, known for its red-gold sand.
Gozo’s west and north coasts are more exposed to swell than the sheltered waters around Comino, so on windier days your skipper may focus on the calmer side of the island. For the full west-coast route, see our Gozo day trip by private boat page.
Which Boat to Rent for Gozo
We have 9 boats for 2 to 55 guests. Every price below is for the whole boat for a full day, with skipper, fuel and VAT included (except fuel on the RIB).
| Your group | Best boat | Full day from |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 8, want speed | Turismo 710 RIB | €600 with skipper, €500 self-drive (fuel extra) |
| Couples and up to 10 | Shirina Mia sailing yacht | €700 |
| Up to 14 | Chiquita or Cicciolina Mia | €900 |
| 15 to 30 | Pupa Mia, Bowie, Angelina Mia or Siesta Mia | €1,200 |
| 31 to 55 | Playtime | €1,900 |
For a Gozo day, a catamaran is the most comfortable choice for most groups. It’s stable on the open-water crossing, has shade and a toilet on board, and the wide deck makes swimming stops easy. The RIB is the fastest way to cover a lot of coastline, but offers no shade or toilet. Not sure which to pick? Read our comparison of catamaran vs sailing yacht, or compare every boat on our boat rental Malta page.
A Typical Gozo Boat Day
- 10:00: Board at Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex or at Tigné Seafront in Sliema.
- Morning: Cruise north along Malta’s coast. Many groups stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon for an early swim, before the crowds arrive.
- Midday: Cross to Gozo and anchor in a sheltered bay for swimming, snorkelling and lunch on board.
- Afternoon: Explore more of Gozo’s coastline and caves, conditions permitting.
- Around 18:00: Back at your departure point.
Because the boat is private, this is only a starting point. Some groups want to see as much as possible; others prefer one or two bays and a long, slow lunch.
Tips for Renting a Boat for Gozo
- Book early for July and August. Weekends and larger boats fill up weeks ahead.
- Go in late spring, September or October. The sea is warm, the bays are quieter and the light is beautiful.
- Bring your own food and drinks, or add our BBQ package at €40 per person, drinks included.
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, towels, swimwear and a light layer for the ride home.
- Trust the skipper on the route. Gozo’s coast changes a lot with the wind, and they’ll find the calmest, clearest water on the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a boat to go to Gozo from Malta?
Yes. Our boats depart from Ta’ Xbiex and Sliema, and a full-day private charter can include both Gozo and Comino. Prices start from €600 for the whole boat with a skipper on our RIB (fuel extra), or €700 with fuel included on our sailing yacht.
Do I need a licence to rent a boat for Gozo?
No, if you rent with a skipper, and all our boats are available with one. Only our self-drive RIB (€500 a day, fuel extra) requires a valid boating licence.
Is the ferry or a private boat better for Gozo?
It depends on your plans. Take the ferry if you want to drive around Gozo and visit inland sights like the Citadel. Rent a boat if you want to swim, snorkel and see Gozo’s coves and caves from the water.
Can we visit Gozo and Comino on the same day?
Yes. Comino lies between Malta and Gozo, so most Gozo boat days include a stop at the Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the wind reaches Force 5 or above, we cancel and refund your deposit in full. On borderline days, your skipper will choose a more sheltered route.
Plan Your Gozo Boat Day
Gozo from the water is one of the highlights of any trip to Malta. Choose your boat, pick your date and book online with a €200 deposit. See all our boats for rent, or contact us to plan your route.
