Boat Trips from Sliema: Why Private Tours Offer the Best Experience
November 12, 2025
Sliema is one of Malta’s most popular departure points for coastal adventures, offering easy access to the islands’ most stunning locations, from the turquoise waters of Comino’s Blue Lagoon to the dramatic cliffs and coves around Gozo. Lined with marinas and seaside promenades, Sliema serves as the perfect gateway for travellers eager to explore Malta’s hidden gems by sea.
While shared Malta boat trips from Sliema are widely available, many visitors are now choosing Malta private boat tours for a more relaxed, flexible, and personalised experience. A private boat trip from Sliema lets you set your own pace, design your own route, and enjoy the Mediterranean in comfort, away from the crowds. Whether you’re seeking secluded swim spots, picturesque caves, or a romantic sunset sail, private tours offer the best way to see Malta from a fresh perspective.
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Popular Private Boat Trips from Sliema
Boat trips from Sliema offer a wide variety of experiences, from quick coastal getaways to full-day explorations of Malta’s most beautiful lagoons and caves. If you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or romance, Malta private boat tours can be tailored to suit your style. Below are the most popular boat tours offered by GOZOblu, a trusted name in personalised island charters.
1. Half-Day Private Tours: Perfect for Quick Escapes
For travellers with limited time, a half-day private tour from Sliema is the ideal way to experience the highlights of Malta’s coastline. These 3–4 hour tours usually include top destinations such as Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and nearby sea caves.
You can explore more about these short and scenic routes in our guide to the Top 5 Best Spots in Malta You Can Explore on a Half-Day Private Boat Tour.
With GOZOblu’s RIB boat, you’ll enjoy speed, comfort, and easy access to secluded swim spots away from the crowds. Each trip includes snorkel gear, complimentary bottled water, and light snacks, perfect for a carefree morning or afternoon adventure.
Contact us to learn more about our half-day Malta private boat tours.
2. Full-Day Adventures: Explore More of Malta’s Coastline
A full-day Malta boat trip from Sliema is perfect for travellers who want to make the most of their day at sea. Visit Gozo’s dramatic cliffs, Popeye’s Cave, and hidden coves known only to locals, with time for snorkelling, sunbathing, or exploring sea caves.
Our skippers can adjust the route based on weather conditions and your interests, giving you a personalised itinerary that’s both flexible and unforgettable. To get inspiration for your overall island experience, take a look at our 7-Day Malta Itinerary: Culture, History & Relaxation in a Week, perfect if you’re planning a full holiday that blends adventure with relaxation.
Contact us to explore our Gozo and Comino private boat tours for full-day itineraries.
3. Sunset Cruises: Romance and Golden Views
A sunset cruise from Sliema is one of the most magical ways to experience Malta. Departing in the late afternoon, you’ll glide across the calm Mediterranean as the sky turns golden. These private tours are perfect for couples, photographers, or small groups wanting a relaxed, scenic end to the day.
With GOZOblu’s RIB, you can reach quiet coves to enjoy a private moment or toast the sunset in total peace. Learn more about how our commitment to safety, comfort, and authenticity ensures the perfect evening on the water in our article: Safe, Comfortable, and Authentic: What Makes Our Private Boat Tours Different.
Contact us for our information about our sunset cruise packages.
4. Multi-Stop Custom Itineraries: Your Trip, Your Way
For those who want complete flexibility, multi-stop private itineraries allow you to build your own route. Combine Malta’s most scenic destinations, Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Popeye’s Cave, and Gozo’s rugged coastline or ask your skipper for hidden coves known only to locals.
At GOZOblu, we specialise in designing custom RIB tours that fit your pace and interests. You can see why guests consistently rate their experience 5 stars in our feature: Discover Why Our Malta Private Boat Tour Gets 5-Star Reviews.
On select tours, a GoPro camera can be provided at an additional charge to capture your snorkelling and underwater moments in HD. We always recommend starting from Ċirkewwa for the best experience.
Contact us to plan your custom private boat tour from Sliema.
Types of Boats and Onboard Inclusions
When comparing Malta private boat tours, it’s useful to know the types of vessels available. Many Sliema operators use rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) or larger motor yachts. RIBs like those used by GOZOblu are ideal for small groups, offering a smooth, fast, and comfortable ride that lets you access hidden spots larger boats can’t reach.
Every GOZOblu tour includes:
- Snorkel gear
- Complimentary bottled water and light snacks
- Professional skipper
While our main pick-up points are in Mgarr and Cirkewwa, travellers staying in Sliema can easily contact us to arrange convenient transfers. We provide guidance to help travellers reach our main pick-up points. However, it’s always best to start directly from Mgarr or Cirkewwa, as this allows you to spend more time enjoying Malta’s top attractions like the Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Gozo instead of traveling back and forth.
For more swimming inspiration before you go, explore our guide to the Best Places to Swim in Malta: Holiday Spots You’ll Love.
Shared vs Private Boat Trips: What’s the Difference?
Before choosing, it helps to know what sets the two apart.
Shared Boat Tours
- Budget-friendly: Shared tours are the cheapest way to reach spots like the Blue Lagoon.
- Fixed schedules: Boats leave at set times and follow strict routes. Want more time somewhere? Too bad, it’s on to the next stop.
- Larger groups: Expect dozens of people on board, with limited space to move around.
- Tourist feel: These trips are built for efficiency, not personalisation.
Private Boat Tours
- Your own space: The entire boat is reserved for your group. No strangers, no elbowing for a seat.
- Custom routes: Want to skip the crowded lagoon and spend more time in hidden caves? Easy.
- Flexible timing: Stay longer at a beach you love or move on if it doesn’t impress.
- Comfort upgrade: Many private boats include shaded seating, sun loungers, coolers, and even snorkeling gear or paddle boards.
Side-by-Side View
Feature | Shared Tour | Private Tour |
Price | Lower | Higher upfront, better value |
Group Size | Dozens | Your group only |
Schedule | Fixed | Flexible |
Comfort | Basic | Spacious & tailored |
Experience | Tourist-style | Personal & memorable |
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Why Private Boat Tours from Sliema Offer the Best Experience
- Escape the Crowds: On group tours, boats often arrive at the Blue Lagoon around the same time. Dozens of vessels drop off hundreds of tourists, and the shore fills fast. With a private boat tour Malta, your skipper can adjust the timing, arriving early, staying later, or choosing quieter bays instead.
- Make It Your Own: Private boat tours let you call the shots. Spend half the day snorkelling at Crystal Lagoon, skip Gozo, or discover sea caves. Families with kids can plan around nap times, while couples can choose a romantic sunset cruise.
- Comfort and Relaxation: Private boat tours are typically better equipped: shaded seating, loungers, coolers for drinks, even onboard bathrooms. With only your group on board, you can stretch out, enjoy the sea breeze, and relax without feeling packed in.
- Personalised Service: Most private charters include a licensed skipper who knows the coastline inside out. They’ll share stories, suggest secret coves, and adjust the plan based on weather or your mood, something impossible on large tours.
- Worth the Investment: Private boat trips cost more than shared tickets. But when you factor in time saved, comfort, and avoiding crowds, the value is clear. Many travellers say it’s the highlight of their Malta holiday.
Key Features to Look for in a Private Boat Tour
- Safety and Certification: Safety should always come first when booking any Malta boat trip from Sliema. Make sure your chosen operator is fully licensed and insured, with qualified skippers who know local sea conditions. Certified vessels are regularly inspected for compliance with Malta’s maritime safety regulations.
- Amenities for Comfort and Enjoyment: Look for boats equipped with shaded seating areas, snorkelling equipment, coolers stocked with drinks, and even an on-board toilet for longer routes. These small touches elevate the experience.
- Reviews and Reputation: Before booking, take time to read recent guest reviews on Google or TripAdvisor. The best-rated Malta private boat tours often mention friendly skippers, clean vessels, and flexible itineraries. Reliable operators will have consistent positive feedback and may be recommended by locals or travel blogs.
- Flexible Cancellation Policies: Choose boat tour providers with flexible cancellation or rescheduling options to protect your plans. Top boat trips from Sliema often include “weather-adjusted” itineraries, meaning your skipper can modify the route to safer or calmer areas while still delivering a great experience.
- Customisable Routes and Hidden Spots: One of the main advantages of Malta private boat tours is the ability to design your own itinerary. Instead of following a fixed schedule, you can ask your skipper to explore hidden coves, sea caves, or photography-friendly locations.
Suggested Private Route from Sliema
- Half-Day Adventure: Morning departure → swim at Blue Lagoon → quiet stop at Crystal Lagoon → back to Sliema by early afternoon.
- Full-Day Exploration: Blue Lagoon → Cominotto → sea caves → circle Gozo → sunset stop in a calm bay.
- Sunset Cruise: Late afternoon swim, then drift along the coast as the sky changes colors. Ideal for couples.
- Adventure Seeker’s Trip: Caves, reefs, snorkelling, and cliff-jumping spots, perfect for groups of friends.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Private Boat Trip
- Pack Smart: When heading out on boat trips from Sliema, pack light but bring the essentials. Sunscreen is a must under the Maltese sun, along with your swimsuit, a towel, and a small waterproof bag for phones or cameras.
- Stay Hydrated: Even though many private boat trips Malta include drinks on board, it’s a good idea to carry your own water. Hours of swimming and sunbathing can take a toll, and staying hydrated keeps your energy up throughout the day.
- Book in Advance: During summer, especially July and August, demand for Malta private boat charter experiences is high. Book early to secure the boat type and time slot you want. Last-minute bookings may leave you with fewer options.
- Respect the Sea: Malta’s coastline is stunning, and keeping it that way means doing your part. Don’t leave behind trash, and avoid touching marine life when snorkelling.
- Ask the Locals: Your skipper knows the waters better than anyone. Don’t be shy, ask about hidden coves or secret caves. These insider tips often lead to the best memories from your private boat tour.
Making the Most of Your Sliema Boat Adventure
Sliema is the perfect launch point for exploring Malta by sea. With so many options, it’s tempting to grab the cheapest group ticket. But if you want space, flexibility, and a day designed around you, private boat tour Malta experiences are hard to beat.
Think about what makes a trip memorable. It’s not rushing from one crowded stop to another. It’s having time to swim where the water is clear, dropping anchor at a quiet cove, or enjoying the view without being shoulder to shoulder with strangers. That’s the difference a private boat gives you.
From the glowing blue water at Comino to the dramatic cliffs that frame Gozo, every stop feels more special when it’s just your group on board. You get to choose the pace, the places, and even the music. A private boat charter from Sliema isn’t just transport. It’s a chance to create your own perfect day at sea, relaxed, personal, and unforgettable.
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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