Thinking of renting a boat in Malta but not sure how it works? This guide walks you through it step by step: how a private charter works, which type of boat suits your group, what’s included, where you board and how booking works. When you’re ready to compare boats, prices and dates, head to our boat rental in Malta page, with all 9 boats and live availability in one place.
Step 1: Understand How a Private Charter Works
Every charter with Malta Catamaran Charters is a private, whole-boat rental: you rent the entire boat for your group, not individual seats or tickets. That means no strangers aboard, no shared tours, and full flexibility over your route and timing. You pay one price for the boat, whether you bring 2 guests or the maximum.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Boat
RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)
Turismo 710 is our RIB, seating up to 8 guests. RIBs are faster and more agile than catamarans, suited to groups who want to cover more ground (more coves, more swim stops) in a shorter day. It’s also the only boat in the fleet available self-drive, if someone in your group holds a valid boat licence.
Catamarans
Our seven catamarans are the most popular choice, and each has its own character. Chiquita and Cicciolina Mia are our most intimate, ideal for smaller groups of up to 15. Bowie Lagoon 42 and Pupa Mia step up to around 20–25 guests, comfortable for families and mid-sized groups. Angelina Mia and Siesta Mia suit larger groups and celebrations. And Playtime, our largest at up to 55 guests, is built for big parties and corporate groups.
Sailing Yacht
Shirina Mia is our Elan Impression 45 sailing yacht, perfect for smaller groups wanting a more classic, romantic experience, and a popular pick for couples and sunset charters.
One thing worth knowing: our catamarans and sailing yacht are skippered only. Our RIB is the exception: it can be rented self-drive with a valid boat licence, or with a skipper if you’d rather relax. See our skippered vs. self-drive guide for more on choosing between them, or our catamaran vs sailing yacht comparison if you’re still deciding.
What does it cost? A full day ranges from €500 for the self-drive RIB to €1,900 for Playtime, our biggest catamaran, and sunset charters cost less. For every boat’s price, capacity and photos side by side, see all 9 boats and prices on our boat rental page.
Step 3: Check What’s Included
- Skipper (except the self-drive RIB option)
- Fuel (except on the RIB)
- Stand-up paddleboard on every catamaran and the sailing yacht (not the RIB)
- Ice box
- Safety equipment
- Bluetooth sound system
Bring your own towels, drinking water, and a mask and fins if you’d like to snorkel. Want to bring your own food or arrange catering? See our food and drinks options.
Step 4: Plan Your Route
Most charters head toward the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon in Comino, with many also stopping at the Blue Grotto or cruising past Valletta’s Grand Harbour. Full-day charters often combine several stops. If you’re deciding between the ferry and a private charter for Comino, we’ve compared both in Ferry or Private Boat to the Blue Lagoon? See our Malta boat trips page for the most popular routes.
Prefer to time your charter around the evening light? Read our guide to the best way to watch the sunset in Malta, or if you’d rather escape the crowds, our guide to 10 hidden coves and beaches only accessible by boat.
Not sure which month to visit? Check our guide on when to go on a boat day in Malta for weather and sea conditions by season.
Step 5: Choose Where to Board
We depart from Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex, a short drive from Sliema, St. Julian’s and Valletta, or from Tigné Seafront in Sliema, at no extra cost. If you’d rather not arrange your own transport, we offer a pickup and drop-off service.
Step 6: Book and Pay Your Deposit
Pick your boat and date on our boat rental page. A €200 deposit secures your booking, with the remaining balance due on the day (card, cash or Revolut). If weather conditions aren’t safe (wind Force 5 or above), we’ll cancel and refund your deposit in full.
Corporate Events & Celebrations
Beyond a standard day out, a private charter also works well for corporate events, weddings and special occasions. See our guide on planning a corporate event on a private catamaran, or our special occasions charter page for weddings and celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to rent a boat in Malta?
No. Our catamarans and yacht come with a skipper included. Only the RIB self-drive option requires a valid boat licence.
Do you offer self-drive or bareboat rental?
Our catamarans and sailing yacht are skippered only. Our RIB, Turismo 710, can be rented self-drive with a valid boat licence, or with a skipper included.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
May, June and September offer calmer seas and comfortable temperatures. July and August are peak season, so book ahead.
How many guests can each boat take?
From 8 guests on our RIB up to 55 on our largest catamaran, Playtime, and bigger groups can book two or three boats together. See all 9 boats for each boat’s capacity.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, feel free to bring your own, or ask us about arranging catering for your charter.
What’s the difference between a Day Charter and a Sunset Charter?
A Day Charter runs for several hours, giving you time to reach further destinations like Comino or Gozo. A Sunset Charter is a shorter evening cruise along the coast, timed for the sunset, at a lower price. Most boats in the fleet offer both.
Ready to choose your boat? Compare all 9 boats, prices and availability, or check our full FAQ.
