REVIEW · PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS

Malta: Private Boat Charter

★ 5.0 · 4 reviews 7 hours From $1,013 Operated by Malta Boat Trips · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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A private boat day in Malta can feel like a small miracle. You get your own crew plus an easy plan built around swimming and good food, including a traditional Maltese platter. The main catch is price: at $1,013 per group up to 11, it really pays off when you split costs with friends or family.

This is the kind of trip that lets you spend your time on the water instead of searching for lunch or fitting yourself into a crowd. You’ll choose destinations ranging from coastal scenery to secluded spots like Comino and the Blue Lagoon, with time for swimming and snorkeling when conditions are right for the day.

One more thing to consider: the charter is set up for groups (up to 11), so if you are traveling just as a couple and want a budget-friendly day, you might compare it with shared cruises first.

Key Reasons This Charter Works So Well

Malta: Private Boat Charter - Key Reasons This Charter Works So Well

  • Private control of your day with an experienced captain and crew to guide the plan
  • Cold drinks and a Maltese platter included, so you are fueled without hunting down food
  • Comino and Blue Lagoon options for that classic clear-water Malta experience
  • Snorkeling gear and SUP Padel included, so you can switch from lounging to active water time
  • BBQ use onboard for a warm, relaxing meal on the water
  • Up to 11 guests keeps it social, but not chaotic

Private Boat Charter in Malta: What Your Day Feels Like

Malta: Private Boat Charter - Private Boat Charter in Malta: What Your Day Feels Like
Malta’s coastline has a way of making you forget how long you have been traveling. This charter keeps the focus simple: you get aboard a boat with an experienced crew, you head out from Grand Harbour Marina (next to the Wild West Restaurant), and your day revolves around views, swimming breaks, and food that does not require planning.

You are not stuck with a rigid schedule that forces you to be somewhere at a certain time for the sake of a checklist. Instead, you get a more personal rhythm. One of the biggest upgrades is having a team working just for your group, not for a busload of strangers. That means the captain can adapt and recommend spots based on what you want to do that day, whether it is mellow, swim-heavy, or a bit of both.

And yes, you get the practical luxuries that make a big difference on a boat. There is a cooler with ice, plus water, soft drinks, and ice-cold beer. That small detail changes the mood, because it makes the whole day feel like an outing, not a logistical exercise.

From Grand Harbour to Comino and Blue Lagoon: How the Route Actually Plays Out

Malta: Private Boat Charter - From Grand Harbour to Comino and Blue Lagoon: How the Route Actually Plays Out
Your charter can be built around a range of destinations. The most talked-about options include scenic coastal tours and the famous stretch around Comino and the Blue Lagoon. If you want a day that feels like Malta’s postcard version, this is the lane.

But the best part is flexibility. The crew is set up to help you pick stops rather than forcing one fixed itinerary. In practice, that means you can ask for a day with multiple swim moments, time for snorkeling, and even more adventurous breaks. One charter experience highlighted stopping several times, with swimming and snorkeling at wonderful locations, and another stop over a WWII shipwreck. It is not guaranteed that every day includes a wreck, but it tells you the captain is comfortable adding interesting underwater history when it fits the route and conditions.

Here is what to expect in a typical flow of your day on the water:

  • Depart from the harbour area and head along the coast while everyone settles in
  • Plan a series of swim and snorkeling stops, with breaks long enough to actually enjoy the water
  • Rotate through more scenic anchor points, including potential Comino/Blue Lagoon time if that is your choice
  • Finish the charter with a relaxed return before the full-day window closes

Potential drawback: because the day is flexible and tailored, you should have at least a rough idea of your priorities going in. If you say you want the Blue Lagoon but your group also wants lots of cliff-jumping-style adrenaline, the captain will try to satisfy both, but your day can only fit so many types of fun.

Maltese Platter Lunch and Onboard BBQ: Food That Makes the Trip Worth It

Malta: Private Boat Charter - Maltese Platter Lunch and Onboard BBQ: Food That Makes the Trip Worth It
A private boat day lives or dies on food. You will be out for 7 hours, and that is long enough to get snacky. This charter solves the problem in two ways: you get a traditional Maltese platter, and you also have the option to use the BBQ.

The Maltese platter is designed as a midday treat. That timing matters. It is early enough that you will not be stuck feeling hungry through the best water time, and it is late enough that you actually worked up an appetite on the move. Pair that with the cooler setup, and your energy stays steady rather than going up and down.

If you want your meal to feel like more than just a boxed lunch, this is where the onboard BBQ earns its keep. In one experience, Daniel was praised as the best host and a brilliant cook on the BBQ. That kind of crew competency changes the vibe: you get to relax while someone else handles the heat and timing.

Practical tip: plan for a casual meal. This is not a formal dining day, and you should treat it like a relaxed, outdoorsy lunch. Bring your focus to good bites, cold drinks, and staying present for the next swim stop.

Refreshments, Ice-Cooled Comfort, and Why Small Details Matter

It is easy to read a list of inclusions and think, yes, sure. The difference is how these items work together on a boat.

Here is what you are getting:

  • Water, soft drinks, and ice-cold beer
  • Cooler with ice
  • Maltese platter
  • BBQ use

That combination means you can keep your day moving without constantly thinking about buying drinks, refilling bottles, or stepping away from the group. On a sea day, attention is everything. The captain does the route work, the crew does the hosting and setup, and you get to be a passenger with agency.

Also, because this is private, your group’s preferences matter more. If your friends want an earlier drink check-in while others are still in swim mode, you can handle that without being rushed by a crowd.

More private charters in Valletta:

Snorkeling Gear and SUP Padel: Turning a Scenic Day Into Active Time

This charter is not just about watching the water. You also get gear to play.

You are provided with:

  • Snorkeling gear
  • SUP Padel

Even if you are not a hardcore snorkeler, gear inclusion is a real value. It means you do not have to shop or rent equipment at the last minute. It also helps you get into the water faster, which is the whole point of being out there.

From the experiences shared, the water time can include swimming and snorkeling at multiple locations, with at least one stop linked to a WWII shipwreck. That suggests the crew may choose spots that have visual payoff beneath the surface, not just safe shallows.

My advice for enjoying both snorkeling and lounging: set your own pace. Do one or two water sessions with breaks in between, then let the rest of the group steer toward whatever energy level you have. The best days are usually a mix, not a nonstop checklist.

Before you go, pack like you mean it: you will want a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Sunscreen is the least glamorous item to remember, but it matters most.

Crew and Captain Skills: The Real Difference on the Water

When you charter privately, the captain and crew become your day’s quality control. This is where the praised details matter.

One skipper, Trafford, was described as very experienced and helpful. The experience included multiple stops with swimming and snorkeling, plus an additional highlight over a WWII shipwreck. Another host, Daniel, was praised not only for hosting but also for BBQ cooking.

That tells you something useful: the crew is not just there to open the fridge. They actively shape the day. They recommend spots, they handle practical decisions, and they guide you so you spend less time guessing and more time enjoying.

Also, on a private charter, you can usually get a more natural kind of freedom. One group of ten friends enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere with freedom to choose where they wanted to go, while the captain recommended a few spots that worked out perfectly. That is the ideal blend: you have input, but you benefit from local experience.

Price and Value: Is $1,013 for Up to 11 Guests Fair?

Let’s talk money in a way that helps you decide.

The price is $1,013 per group up to 11 guests for a 7-hour charter. If you fill it with the full group size, that is roughly $92 per person. If you have fewer people, the per-person cost climbs fast.

So is it worth it? For the right group, yes, because your inclusions are not just a token add-on:

  • Private charter
  • Experienced crew
  • Drinks plus ice cooling
  • Maltese platter
  • BBQ use
  • Cooler with ice
  • Snorkeling gear
  • SUP Padel

When you compare that to a standard shared cruise, the difference is simple. Shared tours charge you for the seat, but you still often bring your own food, bring your own swim gear, and deal with a fixed schedule. Here, you are paying for the privacy and the full set of “onboard comfort plus water play.”

Who gets the best value:

  • Groups of friends splitting costs
  • Families who want a calm day without managing shore logistics
  • Celebrations where you want one easy plan for everyone
  • Corporate or group outings that want a memorable experience without the hassle of organizing taxis, meals, and timed entry tickets

If you are traveling solo or as a couple, you might find it hard to justify unless you have a small group already lined up.

Where You Start Matters: Grand Harbour vs Marsamxett Harbour

You meet at Grand Harbour Marina, next to the Wild West Restaurant. Pick-up can also be available from Marsamxett Harbour if you choose that option when booking.

Why this matters: where you start can affect how smooth your morning feels. If you are staying closer to one harbour than the other, you can reduce transit time and keep the day easy. On a sea day, “getting there” can be a stress point, so it is nice that you can pick the departure base.

Also, the charter supports full-day time framing from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, which fits a full day of exploration and relaxation. The listing states a 7-hour duration, so check the available start times for the exact window you will be on board.

Who This Charter Is Best For (And Who Should Rethink It)

This charter is built for people who want water time with minimal hassle. It fits:

  • Romantic getaways when you want privacy and a calm pace
  • Family outings when you want an easy plan and included refreshments
  • Group celebrations, because the private format keeps everyone in one space
  • Friends traveling together who want freedom to choose swim stops and activity level
  • Even corporate or group events when you want one shared “main event” day plan

You might reconsider if:

  • You want a highly structured, shore-based tour with guided history at every stop.
  • Your group is small and you do not want to split the cost.
  • You prefer to plan and bring all your own gear and food, since this option already includes a lot.

Practical Packing Tips That Keep Your Day Stress-Free

Because the day is built around swimming and sun, your packing should match that reality.

Bring:

  • Hat
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen

That is it for the essentials provided. If you are the kind of person who likes to be prepared, you can also think about how you will keep things dry while you are in and out of the water, but keep it simple. The point is to show up ready to play, not ready for a shipping expedition.

And when you arrive, plan on a relaxed start. You are meeting at Grand Harbour Marina, next to the Wild West Restaurant, so you can get your bearings fast and get on board without drama.

Should You Book This Malta Private Boat Charter?

I’d book it if your group wants a private day at sea with the basics handled for you, especially if you care about having cold drinks, a Maltese platter, and included water gear. It is also a strong pick if you want the chance to aim for Comino and the Blue Lagoon, with the option for multiple swim and snorkeling stops.

I would think twice if you are trying to do a budget-friendly trip as a tiny group, because $1,013 per group is the kind of number that only feels easy when you split it.

If you want the best experience, go in with two things decided: how many people will be onboard (up to 11) and what kind of day your group wants, calm swimming or a more active route with snorkeling and water play. Then let the crew help turn that into a great, flexible plan.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter in Malta?

The charter is listed as 7 hours.

Where do we meet for the boat charter?

The meeting point is Grand Harbour Marina, next to the Wild West Restaurant.

What group size can the boat accommodate?

The charter can accommodate up to 11 guests.

What is included with the charter?

Included are the private charter, an experienced crew, refreshments (water, soft drinks, and ice-cold beer), a Maltese platter, use of BBQ, cooler with ice, snorkeling gear, and SUP Padel.

What destinations can we choose?

You can choose from a range of destinations, including scenic coastal tours and secluded islands like Comino and Blue Lagoon.

What should I bring with me?

You should bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

What are the cancellation and payment options?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now, pay later option, so you can book and pay nothing today.

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