Renting a boat in Malta is one of the best ways to experience the island — from the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon to the dramatic cliffs of Gozo. This guide covers everything you need to know: how it works, what it costs, which boat suits your group, and how to plan your day. Ready to book? Compare all 9 boats and check availability on our boat rental Malta page.
Private Charter, Not Tickets
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.
Our Fleet
Most boats below are available as a full Day Charter or a shorter, lower-priced Sunset Charter. Click through to any boat for full details, photos, and availability.
| Boat | Capacity | Day Charter | Sunset Charter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turismo 710 (RIB) | Up to 8 | From €500 (self-drive) / €700 (skippered) | — |
| Shirina Mia (Sailing Yacht) | Up to 10 | €700 | €400 |
| Chiquita | Up to 15 (14+1) | €900 | €600 |
| Cicciolina Mia | Up to 15 (14+1) | €900 | €600 |
| Bowie Lagoon 42 | Up to 24 (20+4) | €1,200 | Day only |
| Pupa Mia | Up to 25 (20+5) | €1,200 | €850 |
| Angelina Mia | Up to 27 (22+5) | €1,300 | €850 |
| Siesta Mia | Up to 30 (25+5) | €1,300 | €950 |
| Playtime | Up to 55 (45+10) | €1,900 | €1,200 |
On day charters, extra guests above the standard number cost €25 each. Sunset charters are one fixed price up to the boat’s maximum.
Types of Boats
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 nautical 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 — a popular pick for couples and sunset charters.
One thing worth knowing: our catamarans and sailing yacht are skippered only. Our RIB, Turismo 710, is the exception — it can be rented self-drive with a valid nautical licence, or with a skipper if you’d rather relax and let someone else handle the boat. 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 which type suits your group.
What’s Included
- Skipper (except self-drive RIB option)
- Fuel
- Ice box
- Safety equipment
- Bluetooth sound system
- Stand-up paddleboard on selected boats
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.
Popular Destinations
Most charters head toward the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon in Comino, with many also stopping at the Blue Grotto or sailing 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 specifically, we’ve compared both in detail 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 entirely, 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.
Getting to the Marina
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 to make the start and end of your charter as easy as the day itself.
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.
Booking & Deposit
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to book a charter?
No — our catamarans and yacht come with a skipper included. Only the RIB self-drive option requires a valid nautical 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 nautical 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 — 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 the fleet table above for the full breakdown.
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 plan your day on the water? Check our full FAQ or get in touch to book.
