How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Private Boat in Malta? — Complete Price Guide 2026
This is the question most people search before booking — and the answer is simpler than most guides make it seem.
Private boat hire in Malta starts from €99 per boat. Not per person. Per boat.
That single fact changes the calculation entirely. Split among a group of friends or family, a private boat in Malta is often comparable in price to a group ferry ticket — and delivers a completely different experience.
This guide covers every option available in 2026 — skippered private boat charters, self-drive rentals, what is included in each, and exactly what the cost works out to per person depending on your group size.
Private Boat Hire Malta — Quick Price Guide 2026
| Tour | Duration | Price Per Boat | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express | 1 hour | €99 | Quick Blue Lagoon visit |
| Short tour | 2 hours | €199 | Blue Lagoon + Crystal Lagoon |
| Full Comino ⭐ | 3 hours | €289 | Full Comino circuit |
| Comino + Gozo | 4 hours | €369 | Comino + south Gozo coves |
| Full day | 6 hours | €539 | Full Comino + Gozo coast |
| Full circuit ⭐ | 8 hours | €699 | Complete Gozo + Comino |
| Sunset tour | 3 hours | €289 | Golden hour at Blue Lagoon |
| Self-drive half day | 3 hours | €199 | Independent exploration |
| Self-drive full day | 6 hours | €299 | Full day independence |
💰 Early bird discount: €20 off 3h, 6h and 8h tours booked 14+ days in advance
The Most Important Thing to Understand — Per Boat, Not Per Person
Most people assume private boat hire is expensive because comparison sites quote the price per person rather than per boat. This creates a misleading picture.
Here is the real cost per person for the most popular tour — the 3-hour private boat at €289:
| Group Size | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | €144.50 each |
| 4 people | €72.25 each |
| 6 people | €48.17 each |
| 8 people | €36.13 each |
| 10 people | €28.90 each |
| 13 people (maximum) | €22.23 each |
For a group of 6 — the most common booking size — the 3-hour private boat works out at roughly €48 per person. A group ferry ticket to the Blue Lagoon costs €10-15 per person. The difference is around €33 — for a completely private boat, a skipper with 25+ years of local knowledge, the Crystal Lagoon, the sea caves, and spots the ferry never reaches.
For the 1-hour tour at €99 per boat — €16.50 per person in a group of 6 — the private boat is genuinely comparable to the ferry price.
What is Included in the Price?
✅ Skippered Private Boat Tours — Everything Included
Every skippered private boat tour includes:
- Fuel — fully included, no surprises at the end
- Skipper — experienced, licensed, with 25+ years on these waters
- Snorkelling equipment — masks and fins for every guest
- Shade canopy — essential for full-day tours in Maltese summer heat
- Safety equipment — life jackets, first aid, radio
- Local knowledge — hidden caves, secret spots, and the skipper’s expertise that no map provides
What to bring yourself:
- Swimwear and towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Food and drinks in a cool box — you can bring whatever you like on board
- Cash in euros — no ATM on Comino
- White bread — for feeding the sea bream at the Blue Lagoon
⚠️ Self-Drive Rentals — Fuel NOT Included
Self-drive rental prices do not include fuel. Fuel is paid separately based on actual consumption.
A typical circuit around Comino and the Blue Lagoon at a relaxed speed of 15 knots uses approximately €25 of fuel. Your actual cost depends on:
- Number of people on board — more weight means more fuel
- Speed — faster means more consumption
- Sea conditions — rougher water requires more power
- Boat trim — how weight is distributed on board
Budget approximately €20-35 for fuel on a half-day self-drive trip. Longer trips or higher speeds will cost more.
Skippered Private Boat vs Self-Drive — Which is Right for You?
| Skippered Private Boat | Self-Drive Rental | |
|---|---|---|
| Skipper included | ✅ | ❌ |
| Fuel included | ✅ | ❌ (~€25 extra) |
| Snorkelling gear | ✅ | ❌ Bring your own |
| Local knowledge | ✅ 25+ years | ❌ |
| Hidden spots | ✅ Caves, secret coves | ❌ Hard to find |
| Licence required | ❌ | ❌ (minimum age 21) |
| Flexibility | ✅ Route adapted to you | ✅ Total independence |
| Starting price | €99/boat | €199/boat |
Choose skippered if: You want the best experience, local knowledge, hidden spots, and snorkelling gear included — without needing to navigate yourself.
Choose self-drive if: You are an experienced boater who wants complete independence and is happy exploring the main spots — Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto — without a guide.
For the complete self-drive guide, read here.
Private Boat vs Group Ferry — The Honest Cost Comparison
| Group Ferry | Private Boat (3hrs, 6 people) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per person | €10-15 | ~€48 |
| Blue Lagoon access | Shore only | Open water — no pass needed |
| Crystal Lagoon | Walk only | ✅ Included |
| Sea caves | 2 on some returns | ✅ All 6 |
| Hidden spots | ❌ | ✅ |
| Your own space | ❌ Shared | ✅ Private boat |
| Schedule | Fixed times | ✅ Fully flexible |
| Snorkelling gear | ❌ Bring own | ✅ Included |
| Skipper knowledge | ❌ | ✅ 25+ years |
The honest verdict: For solo travellers or couples on a strict budget, the ferry is a reasonable option if taken early in the morning. For groups of 4 or more, the per-person cost difference narrows significantly — and the experience difference is enormous.
How Much Does It Cost Per Tour — Full Breakdown
1 Hour — €99 Per Boat
The express option. Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon — enough time for a swim and a look at the cave entrances before heading back.
Per person: €49.50 (2 people) / €16.50 (6 people) / €9.90 (10 people)
2 Hours — €199 Per Boat
Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and the entrance to the main sea caves. Good time for snorkelling and swimming at both lagoons.
Per person: €99.50 (2 people) / €33.17 (6 people) / €19.90 (10 people)
3 Hours ⭐ Most Popular — €289 Per Boat
The full Comino circuit. Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, all six sea caves, and the hidden coves and secret spots that the shorter tours can’t reach. The most popular booking for groups and families.
Per person: €144.50 (2 people) / €48.17 (6 people) / €28.90 (10 people)
4 Hours — €369 Per Boat
Full Comino circuit plus the south Gozo coastline — Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Tac-Ċawl Cove, Bemberin Gorge, Żrieżaq Bay, and Ħalfa Rock. The best option for guests who want both Comino and a taste of Gozo’s hidden coast.
Per person: €184.50 (2 people) / €61.50 (6 people) / €36.90 (10 people)
6 Hours — €539 Per Boat
Full Comino circuit plus the full south Gozo coastline. Enough time for lunch at a secluded spot, extended snorkelling stops, and the caves on both Comino and Gozo.
Per person: €269.50 (2 people) / €89.83 (6 people) / €53.90 (10 people)
8 Hours ⭐ Full Circuit — €699 Per Boat
The complete circumnavigation of both Gozo and Comino by sea. Every hidden cove, every cave, the full west coast cliffs, Dwejra, San Blas, Wied il-Għasri, and the complete Comino circuit. The most comprehensive single-day boat experience available in Malta.
Per person: €349.50 (2 people) / €116.50 (6 people) / €69.90 (10 people)
Sunset Tour — €289 Per Boat
Three hours departing in the late afternoon — timed for the golden hour at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon as the day-trippers head back to Malta. The most romantic option and one of the most photographed experiences available in Malta.
Per person: €144.50 (2 people) / €48.17 (6 people) / €28.90 (10 people)
Where Do the Tours Depart From?
All tours depart from Ċirkewwa, Malta — or for guests staying in Gozo, directly from Mġarr Harbour, Gozo.
Departing from Gozo means no need to cross to Malta first. The Blue Lagoon is just 10 minutes from Mġarr Harbour by private boat — closer than most Malta-based guests realise.
For the complete guide to getting to the Blue Lagoon from Gozo, read here.
📍 I Malta Boat Trips — Ċirkewwa departure point:
Where Do the Tours Depart From?
All tours depart from Ċirkewwa, Malta — or for guests staying in Gozo, directly from Mġarr Harbour, Gozo.
Departing from Gozo means no need to cross to Malta first. The Blue Lagoon is just 10 minutes from Mġarr Harbour by private boat — closer than most Malta-based guests realise.
For the complete guide to getting to the Blue Lagoon from Gozo, read here.
📍 i Malta Boat Trips — Ċirkewwa departure point:
📍 Mġarr Harbour, Gozo departure point:
How Many People Can Fit on a Private Boat?
Our boats accommodate up to 13 people. This makes private boat hire particularly good value for larger groups — hen parties, family holidays, groups of friends.
The more people in your group, the lower the per-person cost. A group of 10 on the 3-hour tour pays roughly €29 per person — less than most group ferry tours, for a completely private boat.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
1. Book early. The early bird discount gives you €20 off 3h, 6h and 8h tours when booked 14 or more days in advance. The most popular morning departure slots fill up fastest in July and August.
2. Build your group. The per-person cost drops significantly with each additional person. A group of 4 versus a group of 8 on the same tour roughly halves the per-person cost.
3. Choose the right duration. The 3-hour tour is the most popular for good reason — it covers the full Comino experience without being too long for guests who also want to enjoy Malta’s beaches or restaurants in the afternoon. The 1-hour tour is the best value entry point for budget-conscious groups.
4. Go early. Morning departures mean the Blue Lagoon in its best condition — flat, vivid, empty — before the ferry crowd builds from 10:00 onward. The early morning window is the most valuable part of the day.
Book Your Private Boat Tour
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FAQ — Cost of Hiring a Private Boat in Malta
How much does it cost to hire a private boat in Malta?
Private boat hire in Malta starts from €99 per boat for a 1-hour tour. The most popular option — the 3-hour private boat — costs €289 per boat. All prices are per boat, not per person. For a group of 6 the 3-hour tour works out at approximately €48 per person.
Is fuel included in private boat hire Malta?
Yes — fuel is fully included in all skippered private boat tours. There are no additional charges. For self-drive rentals, fuel is not included and costs approximately €25 for a typical Blue Lagoon circuit.
How many people can go on a private boat in Malta?
Our private boats accommodate up to 13 people. The price is per boat regardless of group size — so the more people in your group, the lower the cost per person.
Is a private boat cheaper than the ferry to the Blue Lagoon?
For solo travellers the ferry at €10-15 per person is cheaper. For groups of 4 or more, the per-person cost of a private boat becomes competitive — and the experience is fundamentally different. A private boat includes Crystal Lagoon, all six sea caves, snorkelling gear, and the skipper’s local knowledge. The ferry takes you to the shore and back.
Do I need a licence to rent a self-drive boat in Malta?
No licence is required for self-drive boat rental in Malta. Minimum age is 21. A full safety briefing is provided before departure.
What is the cheapest private boat option in Malta?
The 1-hour express tour at €99 per boat is the most affordable option. For a group of 6 this works out at approximately €16.50 per person — comparable to a ferry ticket but with a completely private boat.
Does the price include snorkelling equipment?
Yes — snorkelling masks and fins are included on all skippered private boat tours. Self-drive renters should bring their own equipment.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on the boat?
Yes — bring whatever you like in a cool box. There are no restrictions. For longer tours, bringing a picnic lunch to eat at a secluded anchor spot is one of the highlights of the day.
Is there an early booking discount?
Yes — book any 3-hour, 6-hour or 8-hour tour 14 or more days in advance and receive €20 off the total price.
Where do private boat tours depart from in Malta?
From Ċirkewwa on the northern coast of Malta, or from Mġarr Harbour in Gozo for guests staying on the sister island. The Blue Lagoon is 10 minutes from Mġarr Harbour by private boat.
Further Reading
- Blue Lagoon Malta — Complete Guide 2026
- How to Get to the Blue Lagoon from Gozo
- Gozo to Comino Ferry vs Private Boat
- Self-Drive Boat Rental Malta
- Private Boat Tour Malta — Complete Guide
- Best Time to Visit Blue Lagoon — Avoid the Crowds
- Comino Island Malta — Complete Guide 2026
- Comino Boat Tour From Gozo
- Best Things To Do on Comino 2026
- What to Bring on a Boat Trip Malta
