A private Malta boat tour typically costs between €199 and €900+ per boat, depending on the boat size, trip duration, season, and inclusions. For larger groups, this can work out to as little as €50–€120 per person, often making a private charter excellent value compared with premium shared tours.
Many travellers initially compare the headline price of a private charter with the cost of a shared boat trip and assume the latter offers better value. In reality, it’s rarely that simple. The real question isn’t just “How much does a private boat tour in Malta cost?” It’s “What do I actually get for my money?”
At GOZOblu, we believe transparency is just as important as providing an unforgettable day on the water. That’s why our private boat tours include fuel, port fees, an experienced skipper, snorkelling equipment, and light local snacks without hidden extras appearing at the end of your trip. More importantly, every itinerary is designed around the day’s weather and your group’s interests, rather than following a rigid timetable.
If visiting the Blue Lagoon is at the top of your itinerary, explore our Blue Lagoon Malta boat trips to see how a private charter lets you experience this iconic destination away from the busiest crowds.
In this guide, we’ll explain what influences the cost of a private Malta boat tour, what’s typically included, and why choosing the cheapest option isn’t always the best value.
What Determines the Private Malta Boat Tour Cost?
There isn’t a single fixed price for a private boat tour in Malta because every trip is slightly different. The overall cost depends on several factors, including how long you’d like to spend on the water, the size of your group, the type of boat, and the destinations you want to visit.
1. Tour Duration
One of the biggest factors affecting the private Malta boat tour cost is the length of your trip. Most operators offer several options, including three-hour private tours, half-day boat tours, full-day private charters, and sunset cruises.
A shorter excursion is ideal if you’re mainly interested in swimming at the Blue Lagoon or visiting a couple of scenic bays. However, many visitors quickly discover that a few hours isn’t enough to experience everything Malta’s coastline has to offer. A full-day private charter allows you to explore at a relaxed pace, combining several destinations.
Not sure how long you should book? Read our comparison of half-day vs full-day Malta boat trips to help decide which option suits your holiday.
One advantage of travelling with GOZOblu Private Boat Tours is the flexibility to customise your itinerary. Rather than rushing between locations, your skipper can recommend the best route based on sea conditions, crowd levels, and your group’s preferences.
Local Tip: During the summer months, the Blue Lagoon becomes significantly busier from late morning onwards. Local skippers often recommend visiting quieter bays first before returning later in the afternoon, when many commercial tour boats begin heading back to Malta. It’s a simple adjustment that can completely transform your experience.
2. Boat Size
The type of vessel you choose also influences the overall price.
Generally, private boat charters fall into several categories:
- Smaller boats for couples or small families
- Mid-sized boats ideal for groups of friends
- Larger private charters for celebrations and extended families
- Premium luxury vessels with additional amenities
Larger boats naturally cost more to operate because they consume more fuel and accommodate more passengers. However, when the total cost is shared among a full group, the price per person often becomes surprisingly affordable.
Instead of comparing the total charter price, it’s often more useful to calculate the individual cost.
For example, a private charter costing €400 for eight guests works out at approximately €50 per person.
When compared with premium shared excursions, the difference in price is often much smaller than many travellers expect, especially considering the additional privacy, flexibility, and personalised service. Wondering whether a luxury yacht is worth the extra investment? Our guide comparing small private boat tours vs luxury yachts in Malta explains the pros and cons of each option.
3. Group Size
Unlike shared tours, private boat charters are usually priced per boat, not per passenger. This makes them excellent value for large families, groups of friends, birthday celebrations, hen and stag parties, and corporate outings.
As more people join your group, the individual cost decreases while everyone still enjoys exclusive use of the boat. Instead of sharing the experience with dozens of strangers, your group has complete control over the day.
You decide:
- Where to swim
- How long to stay at each location
- Whether to snorkel or relax
- When to stop for lunch
- Which hidden bays you’d like to explore
This level of flexibility is one of the biggest reasons many visitors choose a private boat trip in Malta over a traditional group excursion.
4. Time of Year
Like most travel experiences, boat charter prices vary depending on the season.
- Peak Summer (June to August): This is the busiest time to visit Malta. Demand for private charters is highest, particularly during school holidays, public holidays, and weekends. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended if you’re travelling during this period.
- Shoulder Season (April, May, September and October): Many locals consider these the best months for a private boat tour. You’ll often enjoy pleasant temperatures, warm sea conditions, smaller crowds, more availability, and excellent visibility for snorkelling. September is particularly popular because the Mediterranean remains warm while visitor numbers begin to fall.
- Winter: Although some operators reduce their schedules during winter, calm sunny days still occur regularly in Malta. Private charters remain available, although routes may be adapted depending on weather conditions. At GOZOblu, we never promise a fixed itinerary months in advance. Instead, our experienced skippers plan each route around the day’s sea conditions.
Destinations You Want to Visit
Not every private boat tour follows the same route. Some operators focus exclusively on the Blue Lagoon.
Others may include:
- Crystal Lagoon
- Santa Marija Caves
- Elephant Rock
- Gozo’s southern coastline
- Hidden sea caves
- Remote snorkelling locations
Longer itineraries covering both Gozo and Comino generally require more time on the water but offer a far richer experience than simply anchoring at one popular swimming spot.
One of GOZOblu’s biggest advantages is that your skipper isn’t restricted to a fixed commercial route. We can adjust the itinerary throughout the day, taking you to quieter swimming spots, secluded caves, and lesser-known bays that many larger tour boats simply don’t visit.
Insider Tip: If the Blue Lagoon is exceptionally busy, experienced local skippers often head towards Crystal Lagoon or the sheltered coves around Santa Marija first. These areas frequently offer calmer water, excellent snorkelling, and a far more peaceful atmosphere before returning to the Blue Lagoon later in the day when the crowds begin to thin.
What’s Usually Included in the Price of a Private Boat Tour?
Not all private boat tours offer the same level of value. Two operators may advertise a similar price, yet one includes everything you need for a carefree day at sea, while the other adds extra charges for essentials like fuel or skipper fees.
When comparing the private Malta boat tour cost, always look beyond the headline price and ask exactly what’s included.
At a minimum, most reputable operators should include:
- A licensed skipper
- Private use of the boat
- Safety equipment
- Basic insurance
However, premium operators often include much more.
1. Skipper
Every private charter should be led by a fully licensed skipper who knows the local waters. But there’s a difference between someone who simply drives the boat and someone who hosts your day.
At GOZOblu, our skippers don’t simply take you from one stop to the next; they share local stories, recommend quieter swimming spots, adapt the itinerary to suit your group, and help create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere from the moment you step aboard. It’s the kind of local hospitality that’s difficult to find on larger commercial excursions.
That’s something our guests regularly mention in their reviews. After a private boat tour with skipper Georgio, Ella shared:
“He was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and professional from start to finish. He took us to beautiful spots, made sure everyone was having a great time, and created such a relaxed and fun atmosphere… If you’re looking for a fantastic boat trip with a skipper who genuinely cares about his guests, we couldn’t recommend GOZOblu private boat tours more highly.”
Reviews like this reflect what we strive for on every charter. We believe your skipper should do more than navigate the boat; they should help you discover the Maltese islands like a local, making sure every guest feels welcome, safe, and free to enjoy the day at their own pace.
2. Fuel
Fuel is one of the biggest hidden expenses travellers overlook. Some operators advertise an attractive starting price but charge separately for fuel at the end of the trip, particularly if you visit multiple locations or spend longer on the water.
At GOZOblu, fuel is included in the quoted price, so you know exactly what to budget for before your tour begins.
3. Port Fees
Another charge that occasionally surprises visitors is harbour or port fees. These fees may seem relatively small individually, but they can quickly increase the overall cost of your charter.
That’s why GOZOblu includes port fees within our pricing, making it easier to compare the true value of your booking.
4. Snorkelling Equipment
One of the highlights of any private boat trip in Malta is discovering the underwater world. The crystal-clear waters around Comino and Gozo are home to colourful marine life, dramatic rock formations, underwater arches, and fascinating caves.
Having snorkelling equipment included means you can jump straight into the water without arranging rentals elsewhere.
5. Light Local Snacks
GOZOblu includes light local snacks on board, giving guests the chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy authentic local flavours between swimming stops.
We also understand that every group is different. Whenever possible, we’re happy to accommodate dietary preferences so everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably. As one recent guest shared:
“My friend was vegan, so they switched the snacks to various fruits on deck for us to snack on and stored cooled water bottles whenever we needed hydration.” – Soo
It’s these thoughtful touches that often leave the biggest impression. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all experience, our skippers aim to personalise the day wherever they can.
3. Flexible Itinerary
Perhaps the biggest advantage of booking a private charter is flexibility. Unlike scheduled group excursions, a private tour isn’t tied to a strict timetable. Your skipper can adjust the day depending on weather conditions, sea conditions, crowd levels, your preferred swimming spots, snorkelling opportunities, and time spent at each location.
Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, you enjoy the freedom to experience Malta’s coastline at your own pace.
This flexibility becomes especially valuable during the busy summer months when conditions can change throughout the day. It’s something our guests regularly appreciate. After a family tour, Julien Sapiens shared:
“Francesco was very flexible and stopped whenever we wanted to swim, which made the experience even more special.”
It’s this personalised approach that allows every GOZOblu tour to feel less like a fixed excursion and more like a day on the water tailored to your group.
Private vs Shared Boat Tours: Which Offers Better Value?
Many travellers assume a shared boat tour is automatically the cheaper option. While the ticket price is lower, the overall experience is very different.
| Shared Boat Tour | Private Boat Tour |
| Fixed timetable | Flexible itinerary |
| Shared with dozens of passengers | Exclusive to your group |
| Limited swimming time | Stay as long as you like |
| Fixed route | Route customised around weather and crowds |
| Little interaction with crew | Personal local skipper |
| Limited privacy | Complete privacy |
If you’re still deciding which option suits you best, our guide to private boat tours vs. group boat tours explores the differences in more detail.
Many guests are surprised that, once the total cost is divided between six or eight people, a private charter often works out only slightly more expensive per person than a premium group excursion, while delivering a completely different experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most private boat tours are priced per boat rather than per passenger. This means larger groups often enjoy much better value, as the total cost is shared among everyone on board.
Not always. Some operators charge fuel separately, particularly if your itinerary covers multiple destinations. At GOZOblu, fuel is included, so there are no unexpected additions at the end of your trip.
Absolutely. One of the biggest benefits of a private charter is flexibility. Subject to weather and sea conditions, your skipper can tailor the day around your interests, whether that’s snorkelling, sightseeing, swimming, photography, or simply relaxing in quieter bays.
Many couples consider a private charter one of the highlights of their holiday. The privacy, flexibility, and ability to explore secluded locations create a far more intimate experience than joining a busy shared excursion. It’s also a popular choice for anniversaries, honeymoons, and marriage proposals.
Yes. Private tours are ideal for families because there’s no need to keep pace with large groups. Parents can enjoy a more relaxed day, while children have plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and explore at their own pace.
Your skipper will recommend the safest and most enjoyable route based on the conditions. Rather than cancelling unnecessarily or sticking to an unsuitable itinerary, GOZOblu allows us to adapt the route while still delivering an unforgettable experience.
If you’re visiting Malta between June and September, it’s best to book several weeks in advance, especially if you’re travelling during school holidays or planning a special occasion. Booking early also gives you a better choice of dates and departure times.
Ready to Experience Malta from the Water?
If you’re looking for a private boat tour that combines local expertise, transparent pricing, and the flexibility to explore beyond the usual tourist routes, we’d love to welcome you aboard.
Browse GOZOblu’s private boat tours and discover how our experienced local skippers can help you explore the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Gozo, Comino, and hidden bays at your own pace. Book your adventure today and experience the Maltese islands the way locals know them best.
If you’re still deciding whether a private charter is right for you, our Complete Guide to Private Boat Tours in Malta explains everything you need to know before booking.
| About the Author Captain Francesco Azzopardi Captain Francesco Azzopardi is a licensed skipper and co-founder of GOZOblu, born and raised in Nadur, Gozo. Growing up along the Gozitan coastline, Francesco spent his childhood spearfishing, swimming, and exploring the hidden coves and secluded bays of the Maltese islands with his family. Decades of experience on the water have given him an unrivalled understanding of the local coastline, sea conditions, and lesser-known swimming spots that many visitors never discover. Today, he shares that lifelong passion by creating personalised private boat experiences that showcase the authentic beauty of Gozo, Comino, and Malta. |
