Malta Boat Trips from Sliema: Best Routes, Prices & Why Private Tours Are Worth It
December 3, 2025
If you’re planning to explore Malta by sea, Malta boat trips from Sliema are the easiest and most popular way to reach Comino, the Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Malta’s stunning coastline. Sliema offers frequent departures, calm waters, and a huge range of shared and private tour options, perfect for both first-time visitors and returning travellers.
This guide covers everything you need to know before booking: routes, pricing, private tours vs shared trips, what to expect, what to bring, common questions, and why many travellers choose private boat tours over big group cruises.
Quick Summary
Best for: Easy access to Comino, Blue Lagoon, and coastal bays
Top routes: Blue Lagoon & Comino • Gozo & Comino • Coastal & Cave Tours • Sunset Cruises
Prices:
- Shared cruises: €25–€40 per person
- Private tours: €199–€500+ per boat (2hours, half or full day)
Why choose private: Flexible route, fewer crowds, quieter bays, better swimming spots, customisable itinerary.
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Why Sliema Is a Popular Starting Point
Many visitors search for Malta boat trips from Sliema because the town is one of the island’s busiest waterfront areas, with dozens of daily cruises leaving from its long seaside promenade. It’s well-known, convenient, and easy to reach if you’re staying in central Malta.
However, while Sliema is a major hub for shared cruises, GOZOblu’s departure points are different.
For the best experience and fastest access to Comino and the Blue Lagoon, GOZOblu departs from Mgarr (Gozo) and ÄŠirkewwa (Malta). These ports are much closer to Comino, giving you calmer waters, shorter travel times, and more time swimming or exploring.
We can arrange pickups from Sliema upon request, but we always recommend joining us directly at Mgarr or ÄŠirkewwa to enjoy the smoothest, quickest, and most scenic route.
Why Travellers Often Search for Sliema Boat Trips
Even though GOZOblu departs from Mgarr and Ċirkewwa, here’s why Sliema still appears frequently in searches for boat tours:
Why Sliema Is Popular Among Tourists
- Easy-to-reach starting point for shared group cruises
- Sheltered waters that make boarding simple
- Multiple operators in one place (good for comparison)
- Restaurants, cafés & shops along the promenade
- Frequent departures from morning to sunset
Sliema is a tourist-friendly pickup and meeting area, but it is not the closest gateway to Comino or Blue Lagoon.
Why GOZOblu Recommends Mgarr & ÄŠirkewwa Instead
By starting your boat tour from Mgarr (Gozo) or ÄŠirkewwa (Malta), you get:
- Much shorter journeys to Comino and the lagoons
- Less time cruising, more time swimming
- Smoother waters and easier access to hidden spots
- Immediate access to Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & caves
- A far more relaxed, scenic, and efficient experience
These ports are the best starting points for anyone who wants a high-quality, stress-free boat trip.
If you’re in Valletta, check out How to Travel from Valletta to the Blue Lagoon in the Easiest Way to plan your trip.
Shared vs Private: Choosing the Right Type of Trip
Most travellers pick between two main types: shared group trips or private Malta boat tours. Both travellers usually choose between shared group cruises or private charters from Sliema. Both offer beautiful scenery, but the experience is very different.
Shared Group Boat Trips
Best for: Budget travellers, solo travellers, quick day trips
What to expect:
- Fixed route and timetable
- Dozens (sometimes hundreds) of passengers
- Standard stops: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, some caves
- Affordable prices (€25–€40)
- Limited flexibility
Shared cruises are ideal if you simply want to reach Blue Lagoon Malta without planning anything.
Private Boat Tours from Sliema
Best for: Families, couples, small groups, photographers, travellers wanting flexibility
What makes private tours worth it:
- You choose the route
- You choose the timings
- Access to quieter coves big boats can’t reach
- Space and privacy on your own boat
- Tailored itinerary: swimming, snorkelling, sightseeing, relaxing
A private Malta boat trip gives you full control over your day. When the cost is split between 4–8 people, it’s often comparable to shared trips.Â
You can also explore Top 5 Best Spots in Malta on a Half-Day Private Boat Tour to plan your own adventure.
Most Popular Routes for Malta Boat Trips from Sliema
1. Blue Lagoon & Comino (Most Popular Route)
If you’re searching for Malta boat tours, this is the classic choice.
Highlights:
- Electric-blue water at Blue Lagoon
- Swimming & snorkelling in Crystal Lagoon
- Sea caves and shallow inlets
- Best visited early morning or late afternoon
Why this route is popular: This is the easiest way to enjoy Malta’s most famous lagoon. It’s featured in the Ultimate 7-Day Malta Itinerary for a perfect mix of culture, history, and relaxation.
2. Gozo & Comino Full-Day Route
A full-day option combining island exploration with coastal stops.
Includes:
- Time at Comino’s lagoons
- Free time or guided exploration on Gozo
- Coastal swim stops
- Sea caves and scenic cliffs
Perfect if you want both land and sea experiences without planning separate transport. If you’re visiting Gozo and surrounding villages, check out Hidden Gems in Malta: Villages and Beaches Near Valletta.
3. Coastal Bays & Caves (Private Tours Only)
These routes avoid crowds and focus on Malta’s lesser-known coastline.
Typical stops:
- Hidden coves
- Rocky inlets
- Snorkelling reefs
- Scenic cliffs and caves
Best for travellers who want peaceful swimming spots instead of busy lagoons.
4. Sunset Cruises
A relaxing short trip during golden hour.
What to expect:
- Calm waters
- Warm sunset colours
- Soft light for photos
- Ideal for couples or families wanting a relaxed end to the day
Read more about Comino Sunset Cruise: The Most Magical Way to End Your Day in Malta and why a Sunset Cruise in Malta Should Be on Your Bucket List.
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Hidden beaches, secret swim spots, and local tips — all in one easy guide.
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How Much Do Malta Boat Trips from Sliema Cost?
Prices depend on the type of trip, the boat size, the season, and the route. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you set expectations.
1. Shared Group Trips
- €25–€40 full-day
- €15–€25 short harbour cruises
These are the cheapest options. You pay per person and join a large group following a fixed itinerary. Most full-day shared trips include several swim stops and a few hours at blue lagoon Malta.
Includes:
- Fixed route
- Standard stops
- Basic seating
Best for visitors who simply want an affordable way to reach popular spots.
2. Private Boat Tours
- Starts from €199 (2hours tour)Â
- €300+ (half day, 3–4 hours)
- €500+ (full day, 6–8 hours)
Private charters vary in price depending on the length of the trip and the type of boat used. The cost is for the entire boat, not per seat. It’s also important to note that not all operators use the same standard of vessels.Â
Some use basic fishing boats for charters, while GOZOblu uses high-quality, premium RIBs designed for comfort, stability, and smoother rides. This difference in boat quality plays a major role in the overall experience, especially when navigating coves, caves, and shallow areas around Comino.
What you typically get:
- Shaded seating
- Soft deck cushions
- Cooler for drinks
- Snorkelling gear
- Flexible route
- Experienced skipper
When split between a group, private tours often cost similar to buying several shared tickets, with far better comfort.
3. Possible Extras
- Fuel surcharges for long routesÂ
- Snorkelling equipment rental (if not included)
- Blue Lagoon access passes (seasonal)
Always check the operator’s details before booking.
Why Many Travellers Choose Private Boat Tours with GOZOblu
Many visitors end up choosing private boat trips because of the freedom, comfort, and personal attention they simply can’t get on crowded tourist boats. With GOZOblu, that difference is even more noticeable.
Benefits of Private Charters with GOZOblu
- Complete Control Over Your Schedule: With GOZOblu, there’s no fixed timetable or rushed itinerary. You choose your departure time, pace, and how long you want to swim, explore, or take photos. Your skipper adjusts everything to match your group’s style of travel.
- Less Crowd, More Serenity: Unlike large boats that stop in busy zones, GOZOblu’s private RIB can slip into quiet swimming spots, calm coves, and peaceful areas far away from the crowds. If your goal is a relaxing, spacious, and comfortable trip, you get exactly that.
- A Personalised, Custom Itinerary: Want extra time exploring the Comino caves? Prefer to snorkel longer in the Crystal Lagoon? Looking for the best angles for photos or videos? Your skipper knows every hidden corner around Comino, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon and will shape the tour around what matters most to you.
- Access to Hidden Coves & Shallow Areas: GOZOblu uses two premium boats: a powerful Yamaha V6 250 RIB and the new 2025 Zodiac Medline 900. Both designed for stability, comfort, and smooth handling. Their shallow draft and agile performance allow the skipper to navigate into crystal-clear coves, narrow inlets, and secluded swimming spots that big commercial boats simply cannot reach.
- Perfect for Families with Kids & Older Travellers: Families repeatedly mention in reviews how accommodating the skipper is, helping kids in and out of the water, choosing gentle swim areas, and keeping the trip safe but fun. Older adults appreciate the calm ride, shaded seating, and ability to avoid the crowds. With GOZOblu, it’s your group only, so you travel with comfort and confidence.
- A Private Experience – No Strangers, No Noise: You don’t share the boat with 50 strangers. It’s just your group, your music if you choose, and your pace.
Read why travellers consistently give GOZOblu 5-star reviews.
The GOZOblu Difference
Travellers consistently choose GOZOblu because the team delivers:
- Friendly, experienced skippers who know Malta, Gozo, and Comino’s waters inside out
- Two premium RIB boats: A powerful Yamaha V6 250 RIB and the new 2025 Zodiac Medline 900, both offering exceptional stability, smooth performance, and access to shallow coves big boats can’t reach
- Spacious, comfortable layouts with shaded seating, soft deck cushions, and plenty of room for families and small groups
- Snorkelling equipment included, making swim stops easy and enjoyable
- Bottled water and a cooler onboard so you can bring your own drinks and stay refreshed throughout the trip
- Flexible pickup options from ÄŠirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr Marina (Gozo) for the fastest access to Comino
- Stunning photo stops at Comino Caves, Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Cominotto, Elephant Rock and more
- The ability to skip the loud crowds and explore hidden spots at your own pace, far away from packed tourist boats
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon?
Can every boat drop passengers on Comino?
What happens if the weather changes?
Are private charters good for kids?
What should you wear?
A Great Way to Explore Malta
Seeing Malta from the water changes how you experience the islands. The coastline is full of small details you’d miss from land: caves tucked into cliffs, natural swimming pools, reefs, and tiny coves where the water turns clear and still.
If you’re looking for an easy way to reach places like Comino or the lagoons, shared trips get you there. But if you want more freedom, comfort, and a day shaped around what you enjoy most, Malta private boat tours are the way to go. They give you space, privacy, and routes that fit your pace, whether you want an adventure or a peaceful float in the sun.
Malta is beautiful from every angle, but from the deck of your own boat, with warm wind, clear water, and hours ahead of you, it becomes something special.
You can even combine a private trip with a cultural tour: Most Fun and Interesting Things to Do in Valletta or Top 5 Must-Do Shore Excursions in Malta for Cruise Passengers.
Get Your Free Malta Travel Guide!
Hidden beaches, secret swim spots, and local tips — all in one easy guide.
Just drop your email. We’ll send it straight to your inbox.
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