Boat charters and boat tours in Malta

Malta from the water feels like a cheat code. On a private charter, you can hit Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon in one smooth day, with the convenience of a skipper and gear included. I especially like the “ready to go” setup: snorkeling stuff, floating noodles, a big cooler with ice, plus a stand up paddle board you can use for free. One thing to consider, though, is that you’re in an open boat, so sun and sea spray are part of the deal.

I also like that the day is built around real swim time, not just sightseeing from far away. You’ll ride out in a 24 ft open boat powered by a Yamaha 250 hp motor, with pickup and drop back in St Julian’s, and an English-speaking skipper to keep things easy. If your group wants a totally hands-on, flexible day at sea, this style fits well.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Private group up to 14 people for a more relaxed pace on the water
• Yamaha 250 hp power in a 24 ft open boat, with skipper and fuel included
• Big Comino time (5 hours for swimming and snorkeling)
• Swim stops at St Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon
• Snorkelers, floating noodles, and cooler with ice included
• Free stand up paddle board plus mobile music connection on the sound system

Setting off from Aqua Bliss Charters Malta in a 24 ft Yamaha-powered open boat

Your day starts with pickup and drop in St Julian’s, and the charter begins at Aqua Bliss charters Malta. You’ll be on a 24 ft open boat, powered by a Yamaha 250 hp motor, which matters because it helps you cover several key water stops without turning the day into a long, slow ride.

What I like about the open-boat format is the “no waiting around” vibe. You get up close to the coastline and you’re not stuck with a huge group marching between docks. For groups up to 14, that private feel keeps everyone’s day feeling more like a custom outing than a cattle-call tour.

The one practical consideration is comfort in sun and wind. Open boats are great for views, but you’ll want to think like a sailor for a minute: sunscreen, hats, and gear that can handle splashes. If you’re sensitive to sun, plan accordingly.

Private group pacing: what “up to 14” means for your day

This charter is designed as a private group experience with seating capacity for up to 14 people. That number is big enough to work well for families or friends traveling together, but small enough that you’re not constantly bumping into strangers or competing for attention.

In real terms, that group size helps you enjoy the rhythm of the day. When you have swim stops planned at several famous bays, a smaller group can typically make the transitions smoother. And since the skipper is included, you can focus on enjoying the water instead of managing logistics.

If you’re coming as a couple or a small crew, you still get the same private setup, but your per-person value depends on how full the boat is at booking time. More on that later, because pricing is where this experience can feel either like a steal or a splurge.

The big Comino block: swimming and snorkeling with 5 hours on the water

Comino is the centerpiece, and the schedule gives it real time: 5 hours for swimming and snorkeling. That’s the kind of time window that lets you do more than just “one quick dip.” You can settle in, find your comfort level with snorkeling, and spend enough time in the water to actually feel like you had a swim day.

This is also where the included gear pays off. You’ll have snorkelers available, plus floating noodles, which are great if you want extra buoyancy or a more relaxed float. The boat also has a cooler with ice flakes, which is one of those small details that makes a full-day trip feel easier.

A pro tip based on how open-boat days usually go: bring what you need for an entire swim stretch, not just a “go in for a minute” approach. With a big chunk of time allocated, you’ll feel better if you’re ready to stay in the rhythm for hours.

St Maria Bay swim stop: easy water time without turning it into a mission

After Comino, you’ll move into additional swim stops, starting with St Maria Bay. The point here is simple: more chances to swim, more chances to change the scenery, and fewer moments where you’re just sitting on the boat watching time pass.

Because snorkelers and noodles are included, you can choose your style. If you want to snorkel, you can. If you’d rather float and relax, the noodles do that job too. This flexibility is a big advantage of a private charter, because your group does not have to match one rigid pace.

One thing to keep in mind: every swim stop follows its own water conditions. Some spots feel calm and easy. Others might have more chop. The skipper’s job is to manage that, but your best move is to keep your expectations flexible. Plan to enjoy the day, even if the water changes how it feels from stop to stop.

Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: two separate swim moments that don’t blur together

The charter includes a swim stop at Blue Lagoon and another at Crystal Lagoon. Having two separate stops matters because it keeps your day from blending into one big, rushed “Lagoon time.”

I like that this structure gives your group a fresh reset twice. You can spend a chunk of time soaking up the experience at Blue Lagoon, then later switch to Crystal Lagoon without feeling like you’re repeating the same stop over and over.

Also, these are the moments where music can genuinely make a difference. The boat has a sound system, and you can connect your mobile to play what you like. That turns swim stops from just scenic breaks into a more social, hangout-style outing.

Just be realistic about water time. With multiple lagoon stops, you may feel the sun more than you expect, even if the boat ride is quick. Reapply sunscreen when you can, and keep an eye on how you feel after several hours in and out of the water.

Visiting Mellieha cave, Comino caves, and Elephant rock from the water

Between swim stops, you’ll also visit several signature spots: Mellieha cave, Comino caves, and the Elephant rock. Since the charter is on the water, these stops are part of the boat experience, not a land-based detour.

Here’s what I think is valuable about including these sights on a day that already centers on swimming. It keeps the outing from being only beach and water. You get that mix of scenery from the sea plus time to enjoy the sea itself.

There is also Saint Paul island on the route. The benefit of doing island or cave areas as part of a charter is that you are not stuck waiting in line or trading time for transit. Your skipper manages the flow, so your day feels like one continuous stretch.

The one consideration: caves and rock formations are exactly the kind of place where boat access and viewing can depend on conditions. This is not a land tour where everything is guaranteed the same way. In exchange for that variability, you’re getting a day that feels private, flexible, and focused on water.

On-board comfort details that actually help: cooler, storage, and music

It’s often the small things that make a full-day charter worth it. In this case, you get a cooler with ice flakes, and there’s space for storage under the seats. That matters when you’re carrying swim essentials, drinks, and anything you want to keep dry.

Floating noodles and snorkel gear are also part of the package. You do not need to show up hunting for rentals or last-minute gear. And if your group likes to switch it up between swimming and calmer floating, noodles help you do that without interrupting your day.

Then there’s the music option. You can connect your mobile to the stereo, so you control the vibe. This is a surprisingly effective upgrade for a private day at sea, because it keeps the energy high during boat rides between swim stops.

One more detail I appreciate: a stand up paddle board is available to use for free. Even if only a couple people want it, having the option adds variety without extra cost.

Price and value: $648 per group up to 14 for a full 7 hours

The price is $648 per group for up to 14 people, with a full day of 7 hours. This is best understood by your group size.

• If you can fill the boat near capacity (14 people), it works out to about $46 per person.
• If you’re traveling as a smaller group, the per-person cost rises, but you still get real inclusions: skipper and fuel, snorkeling items, a cooler with ice flakes, noodles, and a free stand up paddle board.

To judge value, focus on what you would otherwise pay separately. A private charter with a skipper and fuel is usually where costs climb fast. Here, those core expenses are built in, and that can be the difference between a “fun plan” and a “treat day.”

If you’re comparing this to smaller group tours, the private aspect is often the deciding factor. You’re not just paying for transportation, you’re paying for control of your time, your pace, and the fact that your group stays together as you bounce between Comino, multiple swim stops, and the sea cave and rock viewpoints.

Who this charter fits best

This experience is ideal if you want a private boat day and you plan to actually use the water time. It’s a strong match for:

• Friends or family groups who want one shared outing with minimal hassle
• People who want a lot of swim and snorkeling time, not just short stops
• Travelers who value included gear and simple comfort items like the cooler

It’s less ideal if you prefer quiet, land-based sightseeing where you can stay dry and step out whenever you want. The open boat format means you’ll be more exposed, and the day is organized around being on the water.

Also, since the skipper is English-speaking, it’s easy to ask practical questions and get help figuring out what to do during stops.

A note on the skipper experience, including Dorian

One past booking shared that the skipper was Dorian, and the group felt very comfortable and well looked after. The key takeaway for you is not a name for the sake of a name, it’s the kind of service focus that makes a day on the water feel smooth: friendly handling, attentive care for the group, and support with using the provided gear.

Since the skipper is included, you’ll get someone focused on guiding the boat and managing the route across multiple stops. That support is a big part of why charter days feel easier than you might expect.

Should you book this private Comino and lagoon charter?

If your top goal is a private day that mixes major swim stops with included snorkeling gear, I’d book it. The best reasons are the amount of time at Comino for swimming and snorkeling, the multiple lagoon and bay swim stops, and the practical inclusions like the cooler, noodles, snorkelers, and the free stand up paddle board.

Book this if your group can share the boat cost so the per-person price stays reasonable. It’s also a good fit if you want music and a more social, hangout-style pace during transit between spots.

Skip it if you know you hate sun exposure or you want a very dry, land-first sightseeing day. This is built for being on the water, repeatedly, for hours.

If you want one clean decision rule, use this: if you’re coming to Malta to swim and snorkel, and you’re traveling with enough people to make a private charter worthwhile, this is a smart way to spend a full day.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the full-day charter?

The full-day option is 7 hours. There is also a half-day option listed at 4 hours.

What boat and engine are used?

It is a 24 ft open boat powered by a Yamaha 250 hp motor.

Is the skipper included, and do I have to pay for fuel?

Yes. The skipper and fuel are included.

What snorkeling items are provided?

Snorkelers are provided for free, along with floating noodles. A cooler with ice flakes is also included.

Is a stand up paddle board included?

Yes. A stand up paddle board is available to use for free.

Where do pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off are included at St Julian’s.

What stops are included during the day?

You visit Saint Paul island, Mellieha cave, Comino caves, and the Elephant rock, plus swim stops at St Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon.

What is the maximum group size?

The boat seating capacity is 14 people.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.