Our Private Boat Fleet in Malta
Compare every iMalta private boat model, including engines, legal guest capacity, shade, seating, swimming ladders, toilets and the way we select the right boat for your group.
Quick answer: what boats does iMalta operate?
iMalta Boat Trips currently operates an 11-boat private charter fleet: five GAIA 25 Open boats, three Marinello Eden 22 boats, one ZAR Formenti 75 RIB, one Mingolla Brava 25 and one Nireus 22. Every boat has cushioned seating, shade, a swimming ladder, Bluetooth and device charging.
The Marinello and Nireus carry 200hp outboards; the GAIA, ZAR and Mingolla carry 300hp outboards. Legal guest capacity ranges from eight guests plus the skipper on the Nireus to 15 guests plus the skipper on the Mingolla. GAIA boats include a freshwater shower and toilet.
iMalta fleet comparison
Guest capacity below excludes the skipper. The skipper is always additional to the stated number of guests.
| Boat model | Fleet quantity | Engine | Legal guest capacity | Shade, cushions, ladder | Shower & toilet | Best-known strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAIA 25 Open | 5 | 300hp | 12 guests + skipper | Yes | Yes | Comfort, amenities and larger groups |
| Marinello Eden 22 | 3 | 200hp | 9 guests + skipper | Yes; especially comfortable ladder | No | Easy swimming access and balanced comfort |
| ZAR Formenti 75 RIB | 1 | 300hp | 10 guests + skipper | Yes | No | RIB layout with private-tour comfort |
| Mingolla Brava 25 | 1 | 300hp | 15 guests + skipper | Yes; especially comfortable ladder | No | Largest groups and easy water access |
| Nireus 22 | 1 | 200hp | 8 guests + skipper | Yes | No | Couples, families and smaller private groups |
GAIA 25 Open
Our most numerous model and the only fleet type with both a freshwater shower and toilet.
5 boats
- 300hp outboard
- 12 guests + skipper
- Shower
- Toilet
- Shade
- Bluetooth & charging
The GAIA 25 Open combines a wide open layout with shaded and sunbathing areas. Its legal capacity is 12 guests plus the skipper, making it useful for couples, families and medium-to-large groups that want more onboard space.
All five GAIA boats have cushioned seating, a shade canopy, swimming ladder, Bluetooth, charging, freshwater shower and toilet. The toilet and shower can be especially useful on longer trips, for families with children or for guests who prefer additional comfort.
The GAIA is one of our first choices for larger groups, although the Mingolla has the greatest single-boat guest capacity. Read the dedicated GAIA boat guide for more photographs and background.
Marinello Eden 22
A comfortable 22-foot-style open boat with one of the fleet’s easiest swimming ladders.
3 boats
- 200hp outboard
- 9 guests + skipper
- Especially comfortable ladder
- Shade
- Cushioned seating
- Bluetooth & charging
iMalta operates three Marinello Eden 22 boats. Each carries up to nine guests plus the skipper and is powered by a 200hp outboard. The layout works well for couples, families and groups that want a comfortable boat without needing the capacity of the GAIA or Mingolla.
Every Marinello has shade, cushioned seating, Bluetooth, charging and a swimming ladder. Along with the Mingolla, the Marinello has one of the most comfortable ladders in our fleet. This can make it a particularly practical allocation for families, frequent swimmers and guests who value easier entry back onto the boat.
There is no toilet or freshwater shower on the Marinello. If either feature is essential, request a GAIA in your booking notes and contact the team to confirm availability.
ZAR Formenti 75 RIB
A 300hp rigid inflatable boat configured for comfortable private trips.
1 boat
- 300hp outboard
- 10 guests + skipper
- RIB design
- Shade
- Cushioned seating
- Bluetooth & charging
The ZAR Formenti 75 RIB carries up to ten guests plus the skipper. It provides the recognisable RIB design while retaining the comfort clients expect from an iMalta private charter: shaded seating, cushions, a swimming ladder, Bluetooth and charging.
It suits couples, families and groups. The 300hp outboard gives the skipper suitable power for the routes offered, but trip speed is always selected for passenger comfort, marine rules and the sea conditions—not simply the engine’s maximum output.
The ZAR does not have a toilet or freshwater shower. Guests who require those amenities should request a GAIA and wait for confirmation.
Mingolla Brava 25
The largest-capacity boat in the fleet and one of the easiest for returning from the water.
1 boat
- 300hp outboard
- 15 guests + skipper
- Largest guest capacity
- Especially comfortable ladder
- Shade
- Bluetooth & charging
The Mingolla Brava 25 legally carries up to 15 guests plus the skipper, giving it the greatest single-boat guest capacity in the current iMalta fleet. It is therefore our clearest choice for larger families, groups of friends, celebrations, hen parties and stag groups that want to remain together on one vessel.
It has cushioned seating, a canopy, Bluetooth, charging and a swimming ladder. Together with the Marinello, the Mingolla provides one of the most comfortable ladder arrangements in the fleet—valuable when several guests expect to swim repeatedly.
The Mingolla does not have a toilet or freshwater shower. For a group larger than the confirmed capacity, iMalta can discuss using two or more boats rather than exceeding the legal limit.
Nireus 22
A modern option for couples, families and smaller private groups.
1 boat
- 200hp outboard
- 8 guests + skipper
- Shade
- Cushioned seating
- Swimming ladder
- Bluetooth & charging
The Nireus 22 carries up to eight guests plus the skipper and uses a 200hp outboard. Its smaller legal group capacity makes it a natural fit for couples, individual families and compact groups that do not need a larger boat.
It still includes the central iMalta comfort features: shaded and cushioned seating, a swimming ladder, Bluetooth and charging. Like every fleet model, it works well for couples and families; being smaller does not mean it is a lower-quality experience.
The Nireus does not have a toilet or freshwater shower. If those features matter, place a GAIA request in the booking notes and ask for confirmation.
Features shared across every iMalta tour boat
- Modern, well-presented private-tour boat
- Professional skipper in addition to guest capacity
- Shade canopy
- Cushioned seating and relaxing space
- Swimming ladder
- Bluetooth music
- Device charging
- Safety equipment and life jackets
- Mask and snorkel equipment
- Icebox with ice
- Fuel included on direct skippered tours
- Flexible route within time and conditions
See our complete guide to everything included in an iMalta private boat tour, including what guests should bring and how skippered tours differ from self-drive rentals.
How does iMalta select your boat?
If you do not request a specific model, the operations team allocates the boat they believe best suits your booking. The decision considers:
- Number of adults and children
- Requested tour duration and route
- Family, couple or group requirements
- Mobility and ladder preferences
- Need for a toilet or shower
- Weather and expected sea conditions
- Departure from Ċirkewwa or Mġarr
- Maintenance and operational availability
All models are modern private-tour boats with shade, cushioned seating, swimming ladders, Bluetooth and charging. Allocation is not a division between “good” and “bad” boats; it is about choosing the most appropriate available vessel for the group and day.
Which boat is best for you?
Couples
Every model works well
Couples receive a completely private experience on every boat. Choose according to preferred style and amenities rather than assuming the largest model is automatically better.
Families
Every model works well
All boats have shade, cushions, ladders and safety equipment. Group size, children’s ages, swimming plans and toilet requirements help determine the allocation.
Larger groups
Mingolla or GAIA
The Mingolla carries up to 15 guests plus the skipper, while a GAIA carries up to 12 guests plus the skipper. Multiple boats can be arranged for bigger parties.
Easier swimming access
Mingolla or Marinello
All fleet boats have comfortable ladders, but Sam particularly recommends the Mingolla and Marinello ladder arrangements for frequent water entry.
Toilet and shower
Request GAIA
The five GAIA 25 Open boats are the models with an onboard toilet and freshwater shower. Confirm this request before the booking date.
Smaller private groups
Nireus, Marinello or any available model
The Nireus has the smallest legal guest capacity, but couples and small families can enjoy every model. The team may allocate a larger boat when it suits operations.
Does the boat change the route or inclusions?
The chosen tour duration and conditions determine the route more than the model. Every boat can deliver a private Comino and Blue Lagoon experience within its approved operation. Longer tours may include more of Gozo.
Direct skippered bookings include the skipper, fuel, snorkelling equipment, safety gear, shade and an icebox with ice. The boat model mainly changes passenger capacity, layout, ladder style and access to amenities such as a toilet or shower.
Compare the routes in our half-day and full-day private boat guide, or see the four-hour Comino and south-Gozo tour that we recommend for most first-time visitors.
Frequently asked questions about the iMalta fleet
Which boats and how many boats are in the iMalta fleet?
The current fleet has 11 boats: five GAIA 25 Open boats, three Marinello Eden 22 boats, one ZAR Formenti 75 RIB, one Mingolla Brava 25 and one Nireus 22.
What is the legal guest capacity of each iMalta boat?
The Nireus carries eight guests plus the skipper, Marinello nine guests plus the skipper, ZAR ten guests plus the skipper, GAIA 12 guests plus the skipper and Mingolla 15 guests plus the skipper.
Which engines are fitted to the iMalta boats?
The Marinello Eden 22 and Nireus 22 use 200hp outboards. The GAIA 25 Open, ZAR Formenti 75 RIB and Mingolla Brava 25 use 300hp outboards.
Do all iMalta private boats have shade and cushioned seating?
Yes. Every model in the private-tour fleet has a shade canopy and cushioned seating. Canopy coverage and seating layout vary between models.
Do all iMalta boats have a swimming ladder?
Yes. Every boat has a swimming ladder. All are comfortable, but the Mingolla and Marinello have the fleet’s most comfortable ladder arrangements according to the operating team.
Which iMalta boats have a toilet and freshwater shower?
The five GAIA 25 Open boats have a toilet and freshwater shower. The Marinello, ZAR, Mingolla and Nireus do not. Request and confirm a GAIA if these amenities are essential.
Do all iMalta boats have Bluetooth and device charging?
Yes. Bluetooth music and device charging are available across the current private-tour fleet.
Which iMalta boat is best for couples?
Every model is suitable for couples because every booking is private. Couples can request a preferred style, but the team may allocate any model that suits the tour and availability.
Which iMalta boat is best for families?
All fleet boats are suitable for families and include shade, cushions, a swimming ladder and safety equipment. The best allocation depends on family size, children’s ages, mobility and whether a toilet is required.
Which iMalta boats are best for larger groups?
The Mingolla is the largest, carrying 15 guests plus the skipper. Each GAIA carries 12 guests plus the skipper. For groups exceeding a boat’s capacity, iMalta can discuss a multi-boat arrangement.
How does iMalta decide which boat clients receive?
If no model is requested, iMalta allocates the boat that best suits the group size, requirements, route, weather, maintenance schedule and operational availability. Every model is modern, shaded and cushioned.
Can clients request a specific iMalta boat?
Yes. Use the notes field during booking to request GAIA, Marinello, ZAR, Mingolla or Nireus. Requests depend on availability and are not guaranteed unless the team confirms the model.
Accuracy and fleet-information note
Fleet quantities, engines, equipment and legal guest capacities were supplied directly by the iMalta operating team and reviewed on 23 August 2026. Boats may be unavailable because of maintenance, weather, legal requirements or operational changes. Your final booking confirmation controls the allocated boat and capacity.
Existing iMalta GAIA boat guide
What is included on an iMalta private boat tour
iMalta frequently asked questions
Outdoor Explorers Malta guide to Comino swimming locations
Choose your tour—or request your preferred boat
Tell us your group size, ages, swimming plans and any essential features. If you have a preferred model, leave it in the booking notes and contact us for confirmation.
