Boat charters and boat tours in Malta

Exploring Malta’s Coast on a Private Boat Charter: An Authentic Sea Adventure

Imagine spending a full day on the water, sailing along Malta’s rugged coastline, marveling at turquoise waters, hidden caves, and iconic rock formations like Elephant Rock. This private boat tour—offered by Aqua Bliss Charters—promises an intimate experience with your own skipper, snorkeling gear, and plenty of opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters. It’s a chance to see Malta from a unique perspective, away from the crowded beaches and organized group tours.

What I particularly like about this experience is how flexible and personalized it feels. The boat is a modest 24-foot open vessel, perfect for a small group of up to 14 people, making it ideal for families, friends, or couples seeking a relaxed day at sea. The inclusion of a skipper and fuel ensures you don’t have to worry about navigating or extra costs. Plus, the free extras—snorkel gear, noodles, paddle board, and a stereo for your playlists—really add to the value.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is the weather—Malta’s summer heat can be intense, and the full 7-hour cruise might be tiring for some. Also, because it’s a private charter, it’s not the cheapest option, but the personalized service and exclusivity often justify the cost.

Key points / Takeaways

• Private group experience ensures personalized attention and flexibility.
• All essentials included such as skipper, fuel, snorkeling gear, noodles, and paddle board.
• Multiple swim stops in popular spots like Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and St Maria Bay.
• Comfortable and well-equipped boat with stereo, storage, and a cooler with ice flakes.
• Expert guides like Dorian, praised for attentive service and helpful attitude.
• Flexible scheduling with options for full or half-day tours.

How the Tour Unfolds: A Day on the Maltese Waters

This private boat tour is designed for those who want more than just a scenic ride; it’s about experiencing Malta’s coastline intimately. Starting from Aqua Bliss Charters in St. Julian’s, you’ll meet your skipper, usually an English-speaking guide who knows these waters well. The boat, powered by a Yamaha 250 HP motor, is nimble enough to explore the diverse sites along the coast comfortably.

The Itinerary: From Cave Exploration to Lagoon Swimming

The day typically begins with a sail towards Mellieha Cave, a striking natural formation where you might want to snorkel or just admire from the boat. As you cruise past the Comino caves, you’ll get a good look at some of Malta’s lesser-visited coastal zones, often praised by guides like Dorian for their friendly and attentive service.

Your first swim stop is at St. Maria Bay, a quieter spot perfect for cooling off after the morning’s journey. Then, the highlight for many is the Blue Lagoon—a postcard-perfect stretch of vibrant blue water where you can float on noodles, snorkel, or simply soak in the sun. The third stop is at the Crystal Lagoon, a slightly quieter but equally stunning locale that offers a peaceful setting for your final swim.

Throughout the day, your guide might share interesting tidbits or respond to your interests—perhaps pointing out Elephant Rock, one of Malta’s most iconic formations, or stopping at Saint Paul’s Island if time permits. The entire trip is customizable, within reason, making it a truly personal adventure.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Many reviewers mention their guides, like Dorian, as a highlight. Eva Bolumar describes him as “very pleasant and attentive,” noting that he offered snorkel goggles, noodles, and stored their provisions in a large fridge. She also appreciated the “great service” and the way he handled all the coves they wanted to visit, ensuring everyone was comfortable.

This attention to detail means you’ll likely find yourself in good hands, especially if you enjoy engaging guides with local knowledge. The boat’s setup—storage under seats, a stereo system, and a cooler—makes for a smooth, enjoyable day. And because fuel and skipper are included, you won’t be dodging extra charges, which adds peace of mind.

Why This Experience Is Worth Consideration

While $624 might seem steep at first glance, it’s important to factor in the total experience: a private, customizable day with all gear supplied, guided by knowledgeable locals. The boat’s capacity up to 14 people makes it a good value for groups, splitting the cost among friends or family. Plus, the flexibility to choose either a full-day (7 hours) or half-day (4 hours) trip makes it accessible for different schedules.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who value privacy and a tailored experience over large-group excursions. If you enjoy snorkeling, swimming in clear waters, and exploring caves and lagoons at your own pace, this boat trip offers a fantastic way to see Malta’s coast from a different angle. It’s also perfect for those looking to combine adventure with comfort—everything from the floating noodles to the sound system is about enhancing your time on the water.

Who Will Love This Tour

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or a partner and want a day of relaxed exploration, this privately guided boat trip hits the mark. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a personal touch, like attentive guides and flexible schedules. Adventure-seekers will enjoy the multiple swim stops and snorkeling gear; others will appreciate the opportunity to simply float and enjoy the scenery.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer large group tours with more structure, other options might suit you better. But for anyone craving a comfortable, authentic, and personalized Malta boat experience, this tour delivers.

Price and Logistics: Does It Offer Good Value?

At $624 for up to 14 people, this tour breaks down to roughly $45 per person if you book as a family or group. Considering all gear, a friendly skipper, and fuel are included, it’s a competitive price for a private boat experience. The full 7-hour schedule allows ample time to explore multiple sites comfortably, and the flexibility to book half-day makes it adaptable to different plans.

The meeting point at Aqua Bliss in St. Julian’s is convenient for most travelers staying in the area. The tour’s daily schedule varies, so checking availability in advance is recommended. The cancellation policy—full refund if canceled 24 hours ahead—adds peace of mind.

Summary: Who Should Book This Tour?

This private boat cruise is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a personalized, comfortable way to explore Malta’s coast. It’s perfect if you want to swim in iconic spots like Blue Lagoon, explore caves, and enjoy snorkeling with gear provided. Family groups, couples, or friends who value quiet, intimate experiences will find this trip a true highlight.

While it might be pricier than group tours, the exclusivity, flexibility, and quality of guides like Dorian make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re after a memorable, hassle-free day on the water with a knowledgeable skipper steering, this experience delivers.

FAQs

What is included in the price?
The price covers the private boat, a skipper, fuel, snorkeling gear, noodles, a paddle board, and a stereo system for your music.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
While not explicitly mentioned, the cooler with ice flakes suggests you can bring some provisions onboard. It’s best to confirm with the operator if you plan to bring extra snacks or drinks.

How long is the tour?
You can choose between a full-day (7 hours) or half-day (4 hours) tour, depending on your schedule and interest.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at Aqua Bliss Charters in St. Julian’s, which is a central location easily accessible from most Malta accommodations.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, the boat’s capacity and provision of noodles and snorkeling gear make it family-friendly. Just consider the length of the trip and the weather.

What are the main stops I will visit?
You’ll see Mellieha Cave, Comino caves, Elephant Rock, and enjoy swim stops at St. Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon.

To sum it up, this boat tour offers a real slice of Malta’s coastline, blending comfort, flexibility, and a touch of adventure. It’s especially suited for those who want a private, guided experience with all essentials included. For a day of swimming, snorkeling, and exploring caves in a relaxed setting, this trip stands out as a memorable way to see Malta from the water.