Tucked in between Sicily and the North African coast, is the Mediterranean island of Malta. Known for its too good to be true weather, historic ruins of temples and fortresses, recounting the intricate mix of influences and cultures – Malta is the culminating center of British, Arab, Roman, Moor, Italian, and Greek cultures in one.
With a population of 525,285 people, and divided into 5 regions, incredible natural sights like the Blue Lagoon, 12+ beaches, extraordinary coves, and caves, let’s explore some of the best boat tours in Malta ready to make your island hopping expedition a smooth journey into the Mediterranean sea.
- What are the best places to visit during a boat tour in Malta?
- 1 – Gozo
- 2 – Valletta
- 3 – Comino
- 4 – Blue Lagoon
- 5 – St Paul’s Islands
- Can you rent a boat in Malta?
- Where do Malta boat tours depart?
- How much does a boat tour in Malta cost?
- How long does a boat tour in Malta take?
- When is the best time for a boat tour in Malta?
- Which other water activities can be done in Malta?
- Useful tips
Don’t feel like reading ahead? Check our full catalog of boat tours in Malta.
What are the best places to visit during a boat tour in Malta?
1 – Gozo
Astonishingly beautiful is the Mediterranean island of Gozo, brimming with a variety of influences from the Arabs, Sicilians, British, French, and many more.
Known mostly for its natural hiking paths, excellent scuba diving opportunities, outstanding beaches, and Neolithic Ġgantija Temple ruins which happen to be the oldest man-made constructions, Gozo is an archaeologist’s dreamland.
Often viewed as the relaxed and hidden of the two neighboring islands, Gozo is a slice of heaven for those looking for a quieter ambiance from mainland Malta.
Enjoy a full-day tour experience of boarding a family-owned boat, that takes you along the Mediterranean, making stops in Comino, and of course, offering visitors a chance to take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon.
Enjoy other water activities such as snorkeling in the picture-perfect Blue Lagoon, tanning on the beaches of Gozo, and taking in the magical sights of the rocky cliffs, coves, and caves.
Aside from the beautiful natural wonders at Gozo island, guests will also be given a few hours to explore the city, and take a walk to see the architecture and points of interest along with the charming town.
Perhaps a half-day tour fits your plans best, in that case, enjoy an excursion that takes visitors from the enchanting town of Mellieha to the island of Gozo, as well as a stop at the Blue Lagoon for fun water activities.
While on the boat journey, some tours include deck chairs on the upper-level decks for visitors to relax and work on their tans, or even slide down the fun boat slide onto the transparent, warm waters of the sea.
There are even some boat tours that will include all of the above, with the addition of touring Gozo’s natural scenery on ATVs or taking a journey to Gozo’s hidden island gems on a jeep tour with a smaller group of people. Depending on budget and time, there are a few tours to choose from, so it’s worth checking them out.
2 – Valletta
Valletta is the capital of the Mediterranean island of Malta. Blessed with an incredible marine backdrop and delicious warm weather, Valletta dates back to the 1500s and was once a walled-in city, that was established under the reign and order of the Catholic religion.
Today, Valletta is known for impressive ruins including fortresses, Baroque palaces, and other intricate architecture, and for being the sunniest city in Europe.
Cruise along with its stunningly beautiful blues shores, and visit two of the capital’s popular harbors – Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour.
Hop on the 4.5-hour cruise that includes hotel pick-up options, and takes visitors to Grand Harbour’s enchanting fortresses and old architecture, and then to Marsamxett – considered to be one of Malta’s natural ports.
Take in the sights of the historic cities, breathe in the Meditteranean sea air, until stopping in the charming town of Sliema for dinner and a stroll. The tour comes to a final stop back at the starting point, where visitors bid farewell to an incredible day at sea exploring Malta’s extremely scenic ports and historic towns.
Do you have your days full already? Consider taking a night tour of the impressive Marsamxett and Grand Harbour ports, and take in the island’s charm by night, and its ten beautiful creeks.
Catch an amazing golden hour on this 90-minute cruise, as you sip on a beverage of choice in the fully stocked bar, or just soak in the scenery itself, and learn about the island’s history as told by the historians included in the tour package.
View from your seat the charming old towns come to life at night, such as Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea, which are not too far from Grand Harbour.
Also offering hotel pick up and drop off, the night tour is the perfect option to consider to accommodate your plans best.
3 – Comino
Home of the extraordinary Blue Lagoon – a popular place of interest in Malta, Comino is an island that shows off its beautiful crystal blue shores and white powdery sandy beaches such as Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay.
Dating back to its finding in 1416, King Alfonso V of Aragon built a tower on the island, in hopes of derailing any invaders from hiding on the island, by petition of the island inhibitors.
Today, Comino is one of the smaller islands in Malta, however, most visited for the Blue Lagoon, lovely beaches, and incredible sunsets.
While the Blue Lagoon may be the most widely recognizable destination on Comino Island, make sure to also check out the stunning natural coves, as well as the impressive Maltese historic sites.
Take advantage of the different boat tours, from full-day options to half-day options, and explore nearby islands in one day such as the beautiful and historic St. Paul Islands, swim the sparkly blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, snorkel the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, all while enjoying in-between snacks and drinks available on board.
Depending on the boat tour experience you choose, some tours do offer lunch and drinks on board as part of the price you pay, and others may not. Those tours that do not include lunch on board will make longer stops at Comino island, or a nearby island for people to purchase their own food.
Something else to keep in mind is that though snorkeling is a part of the water activities to do while visiting Comino, some boat tours will have the equipment for an additional cost, so if you want to participate in snorkeling activities, you may want to bring extra money.
Enjoy swimming close to stunning schools of fish, and be guided by a local, multilingual historian recounting the impressive history of the island in detail.
4 – Blue Lagoon
Recognized for its iconic blue waters, pristine clear appearance, and a major hot spot for most, if not all visitors to Malta, is the Blue Lagoon.
Located on the island of Comino, and only a 17-kilometer distance from mainland Malta – the Blue Lagoon draws in visitors from all over the world, for its amazing light swimming, outstanding snorkeling, and beautiful contrast between the dramatic rocky cliffs and blue waters.
There are a variety of different boat tour journeys that go to Blue Lagoon multiple times per day, meaning that visitors have the option of making it a full-day excursion or half-day depending on scheduling.
A full-day boat tour includes the journey to Blue Lagoon, as well as stops in other neighboring islands such as Gozo Island, while half-day tours offer the journey to Blue Lagoon, and water activities like swimming, snorkeling, or diving at Blue Lagoon only.
Another bonus you get when you book a boat tour is that you will also receive the convenience of pick up and drop off to multiple points within mainland Malta in popular spots such as Bugibba Jetty or Sliema Harbour, or St. Julian’s.
Enjoy tours to Blue Lagoon that last anywhere from 6 – 8 hours long, chockfull of different activities like snorkeling opportunities, swimming, hiking, and so much more.
Many boat tours also offer onboard open bars, as well as snacks available, so rest assured, you will always be taken care of.
One of the most popular boat tours to take is undoubtedly the sunset cruise, which takes visitors through the calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, offering people the greatest natural sights of the sea, nearby islands like Gozo, Malta, and St. Paul on the horizon.
Take a dip in the sea when the sun is least strong, and swim towards the coast, while peeking at natural-made caves nearby.
5 – St Paul’s Islands
Otherwise known as Selmunett – St. Paul’s Islands are located northeast of mainland Malta.
Gifting island visitors equally pure blue waters, incredible sunsets from its rocky cliffs, and incredible natural sights – St. Paul’s Islands are considered to be some of the quietest islands in Malta.
Originally considered a shipwreck island after Paul the Apostle’s ship got stuck on the island on his way to Rome, Paul the Apostle remained on the island, not only influencing the name of the Maltese island but also bringing Christianity. In 1844, a statue of Saint Paul was constructed on the island’s cliff to commemorate this eventful historical event.
There are different types of boat tours offered that invite visitors to explore its vast and interesting history, as well as visit some of its famous resort areas such as Bugibba and Qawra.
Most boat tours include the St. Paul Islands as a stop in a 7-8 hour-long boat tour island hopping around Malta, so keep that in mind when planning your Maltese itinerary.
Though considered to be quieter than mainland Malta, these two resort towns prove to change that a bit in the summer, as amazing nightlife goes down and people tend to flock to these areas of the island.
Explore boat tours that offer multi-stop journeys, so you can get the most out of your visit to these incredible islands. Make sure to pay attention to the details of each tour, as some tours may ask you to bring extra items like towels if you’re going to swim.
Some tours will include stops at other popular sights within the islands, an insider look into the natural formation of the nearby caves, and jumping off the boat for an added pump of adrenaline.
Many of the tours to St. Paul Islands offer onboard wifi, a local tour guide giving you insider knowledge of the islands, and come fully equipped with safety equipment, and noodle floating games.
Can you rent a boat in Malta?
You can rent a boat while visiting Malta if you decide that you much prefer a personal experience, where you can become the captain of a boat for the day.
Malta doesn’t require people to have a boating license for small boats, however, any vessel with more than 30 hp power may require a nautical license.
Also, you need to factor in where the person is from, for instance, a UK traveler may have a bit more ease to have a nautical license recognized in Malta than an American.
UK travelers may have an easier chance at renting and driving their own boat, depending on the type of boat, how many people their party would consist of, as well as fulfilling a few requirements beforehand.
For U.S. travelers, the rules may be a bit more strict, and therefore, it would be best suitable to rent a boat with a captain, which is available through many boat renting sites.
Check out multiple types of boats available for rent, many of which are offered at different price points, depending on personal budgets, amenities, and services desired. Prices can vary as well depending on the season in which you travel to and rent a boat in Malta.
When renting your boat, make sure to look at the small print which details the specific requirements, prices, taxes, and other important to know information, so that you are well aware of what you are renting for the price you are investing.
For example, make sure to check how many guests are allowed on the boat, and if there is a fee for any additional person that you’d like to add to your group. Or if some of the boats offer amenities such as a deck shower, paddleboards, or a bathing ladder.
Some boat rentals range from 300 euros all the way to up to 1,200 euros per day, so make sure to check and compare to assure the best possible rate, for the personal needs and desires you have.
With a wide range of different style boats, visitors can choose anything from sailboats to motorboats, to jetskis to a yacht, and many in between to rent for a day or more.
Where do Malta boat tours depart?
Depending on the boat tour that is purchased, the boat tour company will determine where the boat will depart on the island of Malta. Fortunately, there are many ports where boat tours embark and disembark around mainland Malta and the other islands.
If you are departing from the mainland of Malta, there are a few popular departing ports to be aware of to get on your tour. Look out for the Sea Adventure desk at Bugibba Harbor, located on the northern coast of Malta.
There is also Hornblower Cruises dock, also in Bugibba Harbor. Mostly all tours leaving from mainland Malta will leave from Bugibba square.
Also on mainland Malta, visitors may also depart from the capital city of Valletta, on Malta’s east coast. Visitors must look for signs from their boat company, so look for Sliema Ferry Terminal, Gozo Fast Ferry, and all along the Valletta Waterfront.
On the island of Gozo, visitors may be picked up from ports around the island, such as Gozo Ferry Terminal.
Generally speaking, it’s easy to spot where your boat tour will depart from because most boat tours depart from the same harbor most of the time.
Make sure to double-check the name of your boat tour, and read where the boat will depart from before booking to make sure it is not too far from where you’re staying, and it should be easy to find.
It is advised by more than a few boat tour companies that when planning your arrival at the departing port, please arrive 15-30 minutes before departure time.
The same instructions may also be given when it’s time to be picked up to return back to the island after the tour is over, so make sure to keep track of your time.
How much does a boat tour in Malta cost?
When it comes to pricing out and budgeting how much to spend on a boat tour in Malta, there is a range within which these prices fall within.
Visitors can expect to spend anywhere between 25€ for a group boat tour and up to 1,200€ for a private boat rental, per person or per party (depending on the tour package).
Each boat tour prices its excursions based on what is offered, for instance, if you’re looking for a day trip from mainland Malta to Comino Island and Blue Lagoon (which is not too far off from Comino Island) the 7-hour boat tour would cost around 25€ per person.
The price includes all taxes and handling fees, access to deck chairs, lockers, a slide, and toilet facilities. It doesn’t include food, however, there may be some for purchase onboard.
Something a bit more middle price range which is around 45€ or 50€ per person would begin to include other activities as part of the boat tour excursion.
For instance, for the price of 45€ per person, visitors can expect to go kayaking as part of their boat tour experience, and the price would include all kayaking equipment, a local guide, and beginner-friendly instructions.
For the price of 50€ per person, visitors can expect a parasailing adventure along with their boating experience across the Mediterranean. The 50€ per person boat tour would include parasailing equipment, photos, date flexibility, and a customized pickup location to your hotel instead of a general meeting point.
Lastly, an expensive boat tour around 300€ per person would include not only a customizable experience, but also a private one for you and your guests.
In this price range, visitors can expect a private boat, activities, and equipment to snorkel, swim, or cliff dive, as well as a tour throughout the major islands of Malta with ticket prices included.
Although the mid-price and more expensive boat tours are offered for only 3 hours, while the less expensive is offered for 7 hours, the difference lies in the quality, customization, and privacy in comparison to the longer tours.
How long does a boat tour in Malta take?
Boat tours in Malta on average, last anywhere from 3 hours up to 8 hours. Depending on preferences, visitors are able to choose how much time they’d like to spend on a boat tour, exploring neighboring islands, which may lower or increase the price.
For example, if you’re looking for an all-day excursion, visitors may come to realize that some of the 8-hour-long boat trips are some of the least expensive options. This is because the purpose of the boat tour is to take visitors from point A to point B to do one activity, typically.
For instance, a boat tour from mainland Malta to Blue Lagoon will take visitors to swim and spend some time on the island alone. They may not provide much other than the boat ride, and a few things on board.
A 3-hour boat tour is usually on the more expensive side, and the reason for that is due to a few factors such as quality, privacy, and customization.
Many times, the 3-hour boat rides are private tours meant for groups of 6 or fewer people who all know each other, some include snacks and drinks on board, and some include ground transportation to and from the front door of your hotel.
Other 3-hour-long boat tours may also include other activities within the boat tour itself. The highlight is more than one thing, and the tour may offer kayaking, paragliding, or swimming, in which the tour company will offer visitors equipment, materials, lockers, and more.
Visitors have a choice to either purchase a half-day tour, or a full-day tour – each offering different activities, services, and amenities.
Additionally, visitors may also look into the night or sunset boat tours (3 hours long), where the boat tour will offer an open bar or drinks for purchase, music, and a fun ambiance to help send off the day while watching the beautiful sunset.
When is the best time for a boat tour in Malta?
Although Malta is blessed with close to perfect weather all year round, for the sake of planning purposes, the best time for a boat tour in Malta is early April to late October due to the extremely favorable and predictably beautiful weather, ideal for boating.
Summer (June-August) is ideally the time to go boating in Malta, simply because as the temperatures rise, so does the water temperature, making it much more ideal for water activities that are often a part of several boat tour experiences.
Going into September all the way to November, the temperatures may start to lower bit by bit, and you may start to notice that some boat tour companies, as well as boats for hire, are starting to close for the season.
This doesn’t mean that there are no boat tours offered during this season, however, they start to lessen a bit more, even though the weather is still pretty warm and ideal to ride a boat on most days.
When it comes to the winter months, however (December-February) it is not recommended to go boating as much, simply because even though the sun is out and the air is warm, the winds get stronger, creating strong currents and waves in the sea, which can be dangerous.
Going during the shoulder season (March-May) is a great opportunity to take advantage of if you want to avoid crowds and higher flight and lodging prices, as this is when some more boat companies and tours start to reopen and prepare for the slow stream of visitors.
If renting a boat or going on a boat tour interests you, you can also contact a boat company in Malta to help you plan the best time to book your boating experience based on their knowledge.
Which other water activities can be done in Malta?
Aside from the incredible Maltese sights to see via boat tours, there are many other water activities that you can take advantage of to further enrich your experience.
Those wanting to explore underwater and be one with the marine life in the Mediterranean Sea can check out different snorkeling options that fulfill and can even exceed nature lovers’ expectations. Some tours go from 2-hour to a full-day snorkeling tour that is safely guided providing visitors to get up close and personal with marine life, as well as be equipped with all the necessary equipment.
Dive into the depths of the transparent blue waters of Malta, and enjoy an extraordinary look into the different sea life that lives in the Mediterranean by booking a scuba diving tour. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned scuba diver, there are plenty of tours that offer visitors the adequate training and knowledge to feel confident when descending 12 meters down.
If you’re looking for a fun dose of fun, adventure, and a slightly different way of enjoying an afternoon at sea then check out one of the many paddleboarding experiences. Sail away on your paddleboard, and get close to some of the caves and other incredible rock formations near the islands. Some other paddleboarding tours include yoga training, paddleboard lessons around Gozo island’s stunning caves, and even night paddleboard classes, which range anywhere from 1-3 hours long.
Escape the intense heat, and refresh yourself with a kayak ride on the Mediterranean on one of the kayaking tours offered, in which guests will be taken to explore nearby caves on Gozo Island, stunning bays, and beaches. Some tours go from 3 hours to 6.5 hours long, and some also include the chance to get off your kayaks for a quick swim, as well as a small group ambiance of 12 people or less.
Imagine elevating from the crystal blue waters of Malta into the air, to get an epic view of the sea, the islands, and those cheering you on from below. A flyboarding tour gives this and more, and if you choose you can choose experiences from 20 min. – 30 min. long, making this activity easily doable even on a busy day of sightseeing.
Travel tips
- For an island, Malta deals with some pretty heavy traffic, which is important to know especially when planning day-to-day activities that require you to arrive at a certain time. Always try to plan with extra time if possible, so you don’t miss boat departure times and your plans don’t fall behind.
- The best ways to get around Malta are either by bus, ferry (between islands), or on foot (in nearby locations). Taxis are available, and if you absolutely must take one, they are available, but much overpriced when compared to the bus. Buses have their pros and cons, such as being clean, and purchasing tickets onboard is self-explanatory (just make sure to bring cash). However, some cons are it’s not always on time, and they are full to the max with people sometimes.
- The official language of Malta is Maltese, which is described as a mixture of a few languages such as Italian and Arabic, which is no surprise due to its history of influences of cultures and people that settled for a while on the island. However, the second most widely spoken language is English, due to a 150-year-old British rule on the island.
- Make sure to check which plug style and voltage your devices operate on. In Malta, they use the type G plug, and the voltage is 230 V with 50Hz
- Make sure to attend a festa while in Malta, which are celebrations and festivals to honor local saints and their church (Malta has more than 350 churches). Mostly taking place in the summer months.
- The tap water is completely safe to drink, however, depending on your personal taste, some people may or may not be fond of the slightly salty taste that the water has. If you’re not a fan, then you can buy bottled water.
Final thoughts
Malta is overflowing with incredible island sights, numerous water activities, and amazing tours to take advantage of to learn and appreciate the incredible country.
We hope that this list was helpful and gave you a few ideas on things to do in Malta & Gozo. As you can see, some of the best things to do are boat tours, so we hope that you have also added a few of the best boat tours in Malta for your Maltese adventures.
Happy travels!