Malta Blue Lagoon Tours
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Aerial view of Comino's turquoise Blue Lagoon from directly above — the primary destination for private boat charters departing from Malta and Gozo
Private boat charters Malta · Custom routes · Groups & special occasions · 2026

Private Boat Charters in Malta: Everything You Need to Know

A private charter gives you the same Blue Lagoon, sea caves and Comino route as a group tour — but with only your group on the boat, a flexible itinerary, and your own skipper. This guide covers how private charters work in Malta, what they cost to plan for, and how to decide if one is right for your trip.

★★★★★ 4.9–5.0 / 5 across Malta's top-rated private charter operators

Full boat to yourselves Custom timing & route
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What makes it different

What Is a Private Boat Charter in Malta?

Unlike a scheduled group tour — where you board with other passengers, follow a fixed route and return when the operator decides — a private charter reserves the entire boat for your group only. You work with the operator to agree the route, timing and any special requests in advance. Once onboard, the pace is yours: stay longer at the Blue Lagoon, skip a stop you're not interested in, or anchor off a quiet cove that isn't on the standard tour map.

Check live availability and prices for this tour on GetYourGuide. Pоwered by GetYourGuide.

The result is the same destinations most group tours visit — the Blue Lagoon, the Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria sea caves, and optionally Gozo — but with a completely different atmosphere. Popular for special occasions and larger groups splitting the cost, but also genuinely worth considering for small groups who want the flexibility a shared departure doesn't offer.

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Worth comparing before you book

Private Charters and Group Tours Side by Side

The live options below show both private and shared tours for the Blue Lagoon and Comino.

Whether you're looking for a private speed boat to Comino's Blue Lagoon, a full-day private charter including the Santa Maria sea caves and an optional stop on Gozo, or a private sunset charter from St Paul's Bay or Sliema — the live options below update automatically for private and small-group boat tours around Malta.

Types of private charter

Types of Private Boat Charter Available

Four main options — from a short Blue Lagoon run to a fully custom full-day itinerary.

Most popular

Half-Day Private Charter

A 3–4 hour private Blue Lagoon trip — the most booked format for small groups and couples. Typically covers the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and a pass by the Santa Maria sea caves, with flexible timing agreed in advance. Good for groups combining a private morning on the water with other plans in the afternoon.

Most complete

Full-Day Private Charter

A full day out — typically 6–8 hours — covering the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, sea caves, and often a few hours ashore on Gozo. The pace is entirely your group's, so you can spend as long as you want at each stop. Best for groups who want to see everything without the constraints of a shared itinerary. See what the Malta & Gozo guide covers on a full-day trip.

For special occasions

Private Sunset Charter

An evening-only charter focused on the coastal light and atmosphere rather than swimming — popular for proposals, anniversaries, and honeymoons. Timing is flexible, so you can anchor exactly where the light is best. See our Malta sunset cruises guide for what a sunset sailing involves.

Fully custom

Custom Itinerary Charter

For groups with a specific request — a particular route, extra time at one spot, a combination of sightseeing with a celebration, or a route that avoids the busiest tourist areas. Mention your priorities when enquiring and operators can usually build a suitable plan.

What's in the price

What's Usually Included in a Malta Private Charter

Most private charters include these as standard — add-ons vary by operator.

A skipper and crew

Private charters are almost always crewed — a licensed skipper comes with the boat. You don't need any boating qualifications. The crew handles navigation, anchoring, and safety; you focus on the experience.

Flexible timing

You agree the start time and duration in advance. Want an early departure to avoid the Blue Lagoon crowds? A later start for a relaxed morning? Discuss it when booking — most operators accommodate.

The route you choose

The itinerary is agreed before departure. Standard routes cover the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and sea caves; Gozo is an optional extension depending on the charter duration.

Snorkel gear (varies)

Many private charters include basic snorkel gear — fins, mask, snorkel. Confirm when booking whether it's included or available to rent. If cave snorkelling is a priority, mention it in advance.

Catering options (varies)

Some operators offer food and drink packages at an extra cost — from a basic drinks package to a full catered lunch. Worth asking about if you're celebrating a special occasion.

Special occasion extras

Flowers, decorations, a champagne arrival, specific music — operators often accommodate these for an additional cost if arranged in advance. Mention your occasion when enquiring.

Private charter vs group tour

Private Charter vs Group Boat Tour: What's the Difference?

The same destinations — very different experience.

CriterionPrivate CharterGroup Tour
CostHigher (per boat, not per person)Lower per person
FlexibilityHigh — custom timing and stopsFixed schedule and route
PrivacyFull boat to yourselvesShared with other passengers
Group sizeSuited to 2–12 peopleOpen to all, often 50–100+ passengers
Special occasionsIdeal — flexible timing, extras possibleNot ideal for proposals or milestones
Best forSmall groups, families, special occasionsSolo travellers, budget-conscious visitors

Cost tip: a private charter is priced per boat, not per person — so for a couple, it's a significant premium over a group tour. For a group of 8–10 splitting the cost, the per-person price gets much closer to a standard group tour. See our full boat trips comparison for all the group tour options side by side.

The private charter we'd book first

The Best Malta Private Charter We Recommend

A fully crewed private boat to Comino's caves, beaches and the Blue Lagoon — departing from St Paul's Bay.

Top pick · private boat · caves, beaches & Blue Lagoon

Malta: Private Boat Cruise with Caves, Beaches & Swim Stops

From $285 4.9 (250+ reviews) Private boat · custom route Free 24-hour cancellation

Why we recommend it: at 4.9/5 it's one of the highest-rated private charters available in Malta — a fully crewed private boat that takes in the sea caves, sheltered coves and the Blue Lagoon on a flexible route from St Paul's Bay. The per-boat price means smaller groups pay a premium; for groups of 4 or more, it starts to compare favourably on a per-person basis.

The key advantage over the standard group catamaran is time and access — the operator can take you to coves and cave entrances the large shared boats can't reach, and linger as long as your group wants at each stop. Snorkel gear, swim stops, and photography at the cave entrances are all part of the package. Book below, or compare with the speed boat option below.

  • Private boat — just your group and a skipper
  • Sea caves, sheltered coves and Blue Lagoon on one route
  • Flexible timing and pace throughout the day
  • Snorkel gear included
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Check live dates below. For a faster, more open-water private speed boat to the Blue Lagoon, see the options below.

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Free cancellation · instant confirmation

Planning your charter

How to Plan a Private Boat Charter in Malta

Five decisions to make before you book.

  1. Decide on the duration

    Half-day (3–4 hours) is enough for the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and a cave pass. Full-day (6–8 hours) adds time ashore on Gozo, more flexibility at each stop, and a more complete picture of the route. Sunset-only (2–3 hours) is purely evening-focused.

  2. Choose your priorities

    Tell the operator what matters most before you book — Blue Lagoon swimming, cave snorkelling, Gozo, a particular cove, or a specific stop for a proposal. They'll plan the route around your list, and knowing in advance means fewer compromises on the day.

  3. Confirm your group size

    Group size determines the boat type: smaller motorboats suit 2–6 people; larger boats and catamarans accommodate bigger groups up to 10–12. The operator will match you to the right vessel for the number of passengers.

  4. Ask about inclusions

    Snorkel gear, catering, drinks, and any celebration extras vary by operator. Clarify what's in the base price and what's an add-on so there are no surprises on the day.

  5. Book ahead in peak season

    Private boats are limited in number compared to group tour capacity. Summer weekends fill fast — especially for half-day departures. If your dates are fixed, book as soon as you can.

Before you book

Tips for Booking a Private Charter in Malta

The details that make the difference between a good charter and a great one.

What to do

  • Be specific about your priorities when enquiring — operators tailor better when they know what matters to you
  • Ask about the boat type and size to make sure it suits your group
  • Mention any special occasion when booking — many operators can arrange small extras
  • Confirm the cancellation and weather policy before paying
  • Ask for the departure point address so you know where to go on the day

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the route is the same as a group tour — clarify which stops are included
  • Not asking what happens in bad weather — cancellation and rescheduling policies vary significantly
  • Booking without confirming what's included vs what costs extra
  • Leaving it to the last minute in summer — private boats book up faster than group tours
More ways to explore

Or Compare with Group Tours and Sunset Sailings

If the private charter price doesn't fit the budget — or you want to see what else is available.

Group cruise · best reviewed

The best-reviewed Comino group tour for the Blue Lagoon and caves

For travellers who want the same Blue Lagoon and sea caves route without the private charter price — the top-rated shared Comino catamaran covers the same ground with 6,500+ verified reviews. A good benchmark for what the route looks like, and what the private charter is adding over it.

See all Comino & Blue Lagoon cruises →
Clear shallow turquoise water at Comino's Blue Lagoon — the primary destination on both private charter and group catamaran tours from Malta
Best group tour comparison Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Sea Caves Catamaran Tour ★ 4.6 · 6,500+ reviews · From $34 · Sea Trips Check availability
Evening option · private or shared

Prefer a sunset charter or an evening sailing?

If a daytime private charter doesn't fit your schedule, a sunset sailing — either private or on a shared cruise — gives you the evening light on the same coastline. Private sunset charters are particularly popular for proposals and anniversaries. See our Malta sunset cruises guide for all the evening sailing options.

See all Malta sunset tours →
Valletta's Grand Harbour at sunset — the fortified limestone skyline reflected in the water, typical of harbour-focused Malta sunset cruises
Best sunset pick Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise — Swim, Snorkel & Slide ★ 4.8 · 1,000+ reviews · From $28 · GetYourGuide Check availability
Common questions, answered

Private Boat Charters Malta: Frequently Asked Questions

Is a private boat charter worth it over a group tour in Malta?

It depends on priorities — if flexibility, privacy, and a custom pace matter to you (or it's a special occasion), a private charter is generally worth the premium. For a couple on a standard budget, a group tour covers the same route for much less. For a group of 6–10 splitting the cost, the per-person price difference shrinks significantly.

Can a private charter visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes — most private charters follow similar routes to group tours, including stops at the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and sea caves. The difference is flexible timing and more time at each stop, rather than a different destination.

How many people can join a private charter in Malta?

This depends on the boat. Smaller motorboats typically suit 2–6 passengers; larger boats and catamarans can accommodate groups up to 10–12. Specify your group size when enquiring so the operator can match you to the right vessel.

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

No — private charters in Malta are almost always crewed, meaning a licensed skipper comes with the boat. You don't need any qualifications; the crew handles all navigation and anchoring.

Can I request a custom itinerary on a private charter?

Yes — this is one of the main advantages. Most operators will build the route around your priorities if you mention them when booking: extra time at one stop, a particular cove, or a combination of sightseeing and celebration.

Do private charters offer a better Blue Lagoon experience than group tours?

Often yes — particularly in avoiding the peak-hour crowds. Private charters can time their arrival at the Blue Lagoon to miss the busiest periods (mid-morning on shared group tours), anchor in quieter spots nearby, and spend as long as the group wants. See the Blue Lagoon visitor guide for more on what the lagoon is like at different times of day.

← Back to all Malta Blue Lagoon & Comino tours

Plan a private day on the water

Book a Private Boat Charter in Malta

Reserve a fully crewed private boat to Comino's Blue Lagoon, sea caves and Crystal Lagoon — with flexible timing, a custom route, and options for catering or special occasion extras.

  • Full boat to yourselves — no strangers, no fixed schedule
  • Top-rated private charter: 4.9/5 with 250+ reviews, free cancellation
  • Custom route agreed in advance — Blue Lagoon, caves, Gozo options
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