Private boat charter in Malta: when it's worth €400+

Why consider a private charter

Malta has more boat tours per square kilometre than almost any other Mediterranean destination. The organised group tours are competent and well-priced — but they come with fixed routes, fixed timings, and the company of 40–80 strangers. If you’ve spent a morning at the Blue Lagoon squeezed onto a boat with cruise-ship passengers and seen nothing of it beyond crowded water, you’ll understand the appeal of going private.

A private charter means:

• You choose when you leave
• You choose where you stop (within reason — the skipper has final say on safety)
• You choose how long you stay at each location
• You’re sharing the boat with only your own group
• The crew’s attention is entirely on you

For a group of 6–8 people splitting the cost, a private charter is often not much more expensive per person than a premium group tour — and the experience is incomparably better.

What types of private charter are available

Small motorboat (6–12 people)

The most common private charter in Malta. A small fibreglass motorboat with a skipper, typically 7–12 metres, capable of reaching Comino, the Blue Lagoon, Blue Grotto, and the sea caves. Fast, stable in calm weather, and practical. These typically run €300–450 for 3–4 hours.

Traditional luzzu or dgħajsa (2–6 people)

The iconic Maltese painted wooden boat, now used mostly for private hire. More atmospheric than a motorboat but slower and limited to calmer waters. Best for a harbour cruise or a short Blue Lagoon stop rather than a full-day island tour. Prices vary but are typically lower than motorboats.

Catamaran (8–16 people)

Significantly more stable, with more deck space, seating, and shade. A good choice for families with small children or for groups who want to spend the day on the water rather than rushing between stops. Catamarans are slower than speedboats but far more comfortable for extended trips.

Book a private catamaran day charter with skipper

Sailing yacht (2–10 people)

For those who want the sailing experience rather than just transport. A private sailing yacht with skipper offers the combination of silence (when the sails are up), privacy, and aesthetics that motorboats can’t match. Prices start at around €600–900/day.

Book a Maltese islands private yacht charter (from Marsamxett)

Book a private yacht charter with skipper and drinks

Private charters to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

The most popular private charter destination is Comino and the Blue Lagoon. The route typically takes about 45 minutes from Sliema, depending on the boat. A 3-hour private charter to Comino gives you about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon (arriving and departing on your own schedule), plus time for a stop at Crystal Lagoon or the sea caves.

Book a 3-hour private boat charter to Comino Blue Lagoon

The key advantage: You control your arrival time. In July and August, the Blue Lagoon becomes genuinely unpleasant between 11:00 and 16:00 — 3,000+ people, noise, boats idling, and water that doesn’t look like the Instagram photos. A private charter can leave at 08:00 and arrive before the day-trip boats, or leave at 16:30 and arrive as the crowds disperse. Group tours can’t do this — they run fixed schedules.

There are also private charter options from Gozo if you’re based there:

Book a private boat charter to Blue Lagoon from Gozo

Private charters around Valletta and the Grand Harbour

For a harbour-focused private charter — the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities, Valletta’s bastions at sunset — a private motorboat or sailing yacht from the Valletta area makes sense.

Book a private boat charter from Valletta

The advantage here is the ability to spend as long as you want in the Grand Harbour at golden hour, without a fixed departure time or a skipper hurrying you back.

What affects the price

Boat type and size: Motorboats are cheapest, sailing yachts and catamarans cost more. Luxury yachts are a different category entirely.

Duration: Most private charters are priced by the half-day (3–4 hours) or full day (7–8 hours). Half-day is usually sufficient for Blue Lagoon; full day makes sense for a Gozo and Comino circumnavigation.

Season: High season (June–September) prices are typically 20–30% higher than shoulder season. Some operators add a high-season premium.

Fuel: Some operators include fuel in the price; others charge it separately. Confirm when booking.

Skipper and crew: A skipper is included in virtually all private charter prices in Malta. A hostess or second crew member is sometimes extra.

Catering: Bring your own food and drinks, or pay for catering. Most private charters allow you to bring your own provisions — ask when booking.

Honest assessment: when private charters are worth it

Worth it when:

• You’re a group of 4–8 and can split the cost to ~€50–80/person
• You’ve already done a group tour to Comino and want a calmer, less crowded version
• You’re celebrating a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, proposal)
• You have specific requests (arriving at Blue Lagoon early, stopping at Crystal Lagoon rather than Blue Lagoon, visiting Gozo’s sea caves)

Not worth it when:

• You’re travelling solo or as a couple and the per-person cost is €200+
• Your priority is seeing Blue Lagoon at all rather than seeing it in ideal conditions
• You’re on a tight itinerary and a 3-hour charter would use up time better spent elsewhere

For couples, a sunset cruise or the romantic sailing yacht tour often offers a better per-person value for a 1.5–2 hour experience than a private charter.

How to book safely

Book through GYG rather than directly at the dock. Dock prices can be inflated, the contracts are verbal, and cancellation policies are non-existent. GYG provides price transparency, operator reviews, and a clear refund process.

Before any private charter, confirm:

1. The exact duration (not “approximately”)
2. What’s included (fuel, skipper, snorkelling equipment, any food/drinks)
3. The cancellation policy in bad weather
4. The exact meeting point and how to contact the skipper

Frequently asked questions about private boat charters in Malta

How much does a private boat charter in Malta cost in 2026?

Small motorboats (3–4 hours, up to 8 people): €300–450. Catamarans (half day): €500–700. Sailing yachts (full day): €700–1,200. Prices vary by operator, season, and inclusion of fuel.

How many people can a private charter in Malta hold?

This depends on the boat. Small motorboats typically take 6–10 passengers. Larger catamarans can take 10–20. Sailing yachts vary from 4–10. Always confirm maximum capacity when booking.

Do I need a boat licence for a private charter in Malta?

No. All private charters include a licensed skipper. You’re a passenger, not the operator.

Can I go to Blue Lagoon on a private charter?

Yes, and this is one of the best reasons to book one. A private charter allows you to arrive at Blue Lagoon early (before 10:00) or late (after 16:00), avoiding the worst of the crowds. See the Comino Blue Lagoon guide for timing advice.

What’s the best time of year for a private charter in Malta?

May–June and September–October are ideal: warm water, calmer seas than July–August, and lower prices. July–August is the most expensive and most crowded, though still very popular.

Can a private charter go to Gozo?

Yes. Full-day private charters can include Gozo, Comino, and the sea caves. Allow 7–8 hours for a full circuit. Half-day charters are usually limited to Comino or the southern Malta coast.

What happens if the weather is bad on my charter day?

Most operators will offer to reschedule or refund if conditions are unsafe to sail. Get this in writing (or via GYG) before booking.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20