Planning a boat rental in Malta? Whether you’re comparing boat hire options for a family trip, searching for the best boat trips to Comino, or just want to know how it all works, this guide covers everything: the types of boats available, where to go, what’s included, real pricing, and how to book.
Boat Rental in Malta: What to Expect
Most boat rental in Malta works one of two ways: a shared ferry or day-tour ticket where you join a boat full of strangers on a fixed schedule, or a private charter where you hire the whole boat for your own group.
Malta Catamaran Charters is the second kind. Every boat hire is a private, whole-boat booking — one flat price for the boat, not a per-person ticket. You get your own skipper, your own schedule, and nobody else aboard. That’s the main thing to know before comparing boat trip options: “cheap tickets” and “private charter” are two different products, and the right one depends on whether you want to share the boat or not.
Private Charter vs. Ferry or Shared Boat Trips
| Private Charter | Ferry / Shared Tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Flat rate per boat | Per person |
| Who’s aboard | Just your group | Strangers, often full capacity |
| Route | Flexible, set with your skipper | Fixed schedule and stops |
| Best for | Groups of 4+, special occasions, flexibility | Solo travellers, tight budgets |
For a solo traveller or couple on a tight budget, the ferry to Comino can make sense. For a group of four or more, a private charter often works out similar in cost per person — with none of the crowding.
Types of Boats Available for Hire in Malta
Our fleet covers three boat types, so the right choice depends on your group size and what kind of day you want.
Catamarans
Seven catamarans make up most of the fleet, ranging from Chiquita and Cicciolina Mia (14 guests) up to Playtime, our largest (up to 50 guests). Catamarans are the most popular boat rental choice in Malta because they’re stable, spacious, and give everyone room to spread out — good for families, groups, and anyone who wants a steady ride rather than a sportier one.
Sailing Yacht
Shirina Mia, an Elan Impression 45, is our sailing yacht — ideal for smaller groups (up to 10 guests) who want a quieter, more classic day on the water.
RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)
Turismo 710 is our RIB, seating up to 15 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.
One thing worth being upfront about: every boat in our fleet comes with a skipper included. We don’t offer self-drive or bareboat rental. If you’re specifically looking to drive the boat yourself, that’s a different type of Malta boat hire than what we provide — but if you’d rather relax and let someone else handle the boat while you enjoy the trip, that’s exactly what a skippered charter is for.
Which Boat Should You Choose?
As a rough guide: groups under 10 tend to prefer the sailing yacht for a quieter, more classic feel. Groups of 10–25 usually go for a catamaran, which gives the best balance of space and stability. Larger groups of 25+ need one of our bigger catamarans like Playtime. If your priority is covering more distance and stopping at more spots in a single day rather than lounging on deck, the RIB is worth considering regardless of group size.
Popular Boat Trip Routes in Malta
Most first-time visitors haven’t been to any of these places before, so here’s what to expect and how a private boat gets you there.
Where you go depends on your day length and interests, but these are the destinations most private boat trips from Malta include:
Blue Lagoon, Comino
Malta’s most photographed stretch of water — shallow, turquoise, and busy with ferries by mid-morning. A private boat lets you arrive early, before the crowds.
Crystal Lagoon, Comino
Right beside the Blue Lagoon but far quieter, with a dramatic tunnel sea cave for snorkelling. See our full Crystal Lagoon guide for details.
Gozo’s Bays
Malta’s sister island has calmer, less-visited bays — a good stop for swimming without the Comino crowds.
Sea Caves & Blue Grotto
Malta’s south coast has dramatic limestone caves and natural arches, best seen at water level from a boat. Read more on our Blue Grotto page.
St Peter’s Pool
A natural rock pool near Marsaxlokk, popular for cliff jumping and clear water swimming.
Mellieħa Bay & Golden Bay
Malta’s largest sandy beaches, best appreciated from the water where you can anchor just offshore.
What’s Included in Your Boat Hire
Every private charter includes:
- An experienced local skipper
- Fuel
- Snorkelling gear
- Paddle board (fleet-dependent)
- Cooler box
You’re free to bring your own food and drinks aboard, or we can help arrange catering for larger groups or special occasions.
How Much Does Boat Rental Cost in Malta?
Our pricing is a flat rate per boat, not per person — so the more people in your group, the better the value:
| Boat | Guests | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Turismo 710 (RIB) | Up to 8 | From €500 |
| Shirina Mia (Sailing Yacht) | Up to 10 | From €700 |
| Chiquita / Cicciolina Mia | 14 | €900 |
| Bowie Lagoon 42 / Pupa Mia | 20–25 | €1,200 |
| BALI 4.0 Catspace / Siesta Mia | 25–30 | €1,300 |
| Playtime | Up to 50 | €1,500 |
Full-day charters run around 8 hours from Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex, with pickups available from Sliema, Portomaso, and Bugibba for an additional fee.
How to Book Your Boat Trip
Booking a private boat rental in Malta is straightforward:
- Pick your boat based on group size and the type of day you want.
- Choose a date — we recommend booking a few days ahead in peak season (June–August).
- Confirm with a deposit — usually €200, refundable in full if we need to cancel for weather.
- Meet your skipper at the marina on the day, and let the route unfold from there.
If wind reaches Force 5 or above, we’ll cancel the charter and refund your deposit in full — safety always comes before the schedule.
Best Time for Boat Trips in Malta
May, June, and September offer the calmest seas and clearest water with fewer crowds. July and August are warmer and busier, but an early departure still gets you ahead of the day-trippers. See our full guide to timing your Malta boat trip for a month-by-month breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is boat rental in Malta only for experienced sailors?
No — every boat comes with a skipper, so no boating experience is needed.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own, or we can help arrange catering for special occasions.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day?
If conditions aren’t safe (wind Force 5 or above), we’ll cancel and refund your deposit in full.
How many people can come on a private charter?
It depends on the boat — from 10 guests on our sailing yacht up to 50 on our largest catamaran.
Do you offer self-drive or bareboat rental?
No — every charter includes a skipper. We don’t offer self-drive boat hire.
