How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Private Boat in Malta? — Complete Price Guide 2026

The most common answer to this question online is a number without any context. And without the context, the number looks wrong.

So before we get to the prices — which we will, clearly and completely — there is one thing that changes everything about how you read them.

The price is per boat. Not per person.

That single detail completely transforms how private boat hire in Malta looks on paper. A price that seems expensive for one person becomes very reasonable for two. For a family of four, it becomes genuinely good value. For a group of six, it often works out at the same per-person cost as a shared group tour — but for an experience that is categorically, fundamentally better.

This is the guide that explains all of it. Every tour option, every price, exactly what is included, what the hidden costs are with other companies, why booking direct matters, and real examples from real guests who have done exactly what you are considering.

The Biggest Mistake People Make Before They Even Look at the Price

Most people who search for private boat hire in Malta assume — before they have checked a single price — that it is going to be expensive. The word “private” triggers an association with luxury, with exclusivity, with cost.

Here is what actually happens when you look properly.

A 3-hour private boat tour from I Malta Boat Trips costs €289 for the whole boat. Your whole group. Up to 6 people included in that price. Divided between 6 people, that is €48 per person for a completely private experience — your own boat, your own skipper, your own route, the Blue Lagoon and Comino sea caves and Crystal Lagoon all covered, with nobody else on the boat at any point.

A shared group catamaran tour to the Blue Lagoon costs between €25 and €86 per person. For a group of six, that is between €150 and €516 — for a fixed route, a crowded deck, a scheduled return, and locations that large boats simply cannot access.

The second biggest mistake is comparing a private boat to a ferry or group tour at all. They are not the same product. A private boat is not a more expensive version of a group tour. It is a completely different experience — customised for your group, at your pace, in places the group boats never reach.

As our skipper says: our boat, your experience.

The Full Price List — Every Option Explained

Every private boat tour with I Malta Boat Trips is completely private and exclusively yours. Every tour includes the skipper, fuel, snorkelling gear, Bluetooth music, shade canopy, and all permits. No hidden charges. No surprise fees on arrival.

Prices are for up to 6 guests per boat. Additional guests above 6 are charged at €10 per person on shorter tours and €20 per person on full-day tours.

🟣 1-Hour Private Boat Tour — €99

Best for: Solo travellers, couples on a budget, cruise passengers with very limited time, anyone who wants a genuine private experience without committing to a longer day

What it covers: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto

Not yet on the website — book directly via WhatsApp to arrange.

Even in one hour, the private boat experience is completely different from the ferry. You anchor in open water at the Blue Lagoon away from the crowds. You swim from the boat. You visit Cominotto — the tiny uninhabited island that the ferry never reaches. For guests who have limited time or a tighter budget, this is the entry point to a genuine private Malta sea experience.

Per person (group of 6): €17

🔴 2-Hour Red Tour — €199

Best for: Families with babies or very young children, couples, guests who want the highlights without a full day, first-time private boat visitors

What it covers: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Comino sea caves

Per person (group of 6): €33

The 2-hour tour covers the Blue Lagoon in open water away from the crowds, the Crystal Lagoon with its deeper and more intense colour, and the Comino sea caves — including Lovers Cave with its hidden sandy beach inside the cliff, and Alex Cave with the most vivid blue water on the entire Comino coastline.

For the complete cave guide, read here.

Joana and her partner booked a 2-hour tour — her partner was nervous about boats. Here is what happened:

“From the moment we stepped on board, Chris made us feel welcome, safe, and completely at ease. He was professional, calm, and clearly knew the sea like the back of his hand. His confidence and friendly manner helped my partner relax and actually enjoy the experience. The scenery was breathtaking, the water was crystal clear, and the entire trip felt tailored just for us.” — Joana Santana, Google Review

🔵 3-Hour Blue Tour — €289 ⭐ Most Popular

Best for: Most visitors to Malta — covers everything essential around Comino What it covers: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, all sea caves, Cominotto, south Gozo highlights

Per person (group of 6): €48 Per person (group of 4): €72 Per person (couple): €145

The most popular tour and the one that consistently produces the strongest reviews. It covers the complete Comino experience — the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, all sea caves, and Cominotto island — with options to extend into south Gozo highlights if conditions and timing allow.

Early Bird Offer: Book 14+ days in advance and save €20 on the 3-hour tour. Book directly here.

🟠 3-Hour Sunset Tour — €289

Best for: Couples, photographers, romantic evenings, groups who want the northwest Malta coastline at golden hour What it covers: Scenic northwest Malta coast, golden sunset views, Anchor Bay, Golden Bay

The sunset tour is the most romantic option available — departing in the late afternoon and anchoring offshore at Golden Bay as the sun drops toward the horizon. The limestone cliffs turn amber. The Lippija Tower silhouettes against the orange sky. For the complete sunset tour guide, read here.

🟣 4-Hour Tour — €369

Best for: Families with older children and teenagers, groups who want Comino plus south Gozo, guests who find the 3-hour slightly short but the full day slightly long

What it covers: Full Comino circuit plus south Gozo — Mġarr ix-Xini, Ħondoq Bay, Crow Rock, and more

Per person (group of 6): €62 Per person (group of 4): €92

Not yet on the website — book directly via WhatsApp to arrange.

This is the skipper’s personal favourite. Four hours gives you enough time to explore everything properly without being too tired by the end. The full Comino circuit is covered without rushing, and the south Gozo stops add the extraordinary Mġarr ix-Xini fjord and the natural clay mud experience at Ħalfa Rock.

For families with teenagers specifically — the 4-hour is the recommendation. Long enough for cliff diving, proper snorkelling, the sea caves, and the south Gozo highlights. Short enough that nobody is exhausted on the return.

🟡 6-Hour Yellow Tour — €539

Best for: Sea lovers, snorkelling enthusiasts, families and groups who want a full day on the water

What it covers: Full Comino circuit plus entire south Gozo coastline — Ħalfa Rock clay mud, Mġarr ix-Xini, Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs, Żrieżaq Beach, Qala Point

Per person (group of 6): €90 Per person (group of 8): €67

The full-day option for guests who want the complete south Gozo experience alongside Comino. The natural clay mud stop at Ħalfa Rock — where guests apply fine natural clay embedded with calcite crystals directly to their skin, let it dry in the sun, and swim it off in the sea — is one of the most genuinely unique experiences available anywhere in the Maltese islands.

For the complete 6-hour guide, read here.

🟢 8-Hour Green Tour — €699

Best for: Serious explorers, groups who want the complete Gozo circumnavigation, guests returning to Malta who have already seen Comino and want all of Gozo

What it covers: Full Comino circuit plus the complete Gozo coastline — north and south — including Wied il-Għasri gorge entry, Xwejni salt pans, Ramla Bay, San Blas Bay, Dahlet Qorrot, Marsalforn lunch stop

Per person (group of 6): €117 Per person (group of 8): €87

The most comprehensive single-day boat experience available in the Maltese islands. Weather permitting — your skipper assesses conditions and adapts the route accordingly.

For the complete 8-hour guide, read here.

Self-Drive Boat Rental — No Skipper, No Licence Required

For guests who want complete independence — no skipper, no schedule, explore wherever you choose at your own pace.

• Half-day (3 hours): €199
• Full-day (6 hours): €299

Important: Fuel is not included on self-drive rentals — unlike the skippered charters where fuel is always fully included. Budget for fuel as an additional cost on self-drive options.

Book the half-day self-drive here. | Book the full-day self-drive here.

The Complete Price Summary

What Is Included — Every Time, No Exceptions

Every skippered private boat tour includes:

✅ Experienced skipper — your guide throughout the day ✅ Fuel — fully included, no surprise charges ✅ Snorkelling gear — mask, fins, and float for every guest ✅ Freshwater shower on board ✅ Cool box with ice ✅ Shade canopy ✅ Cushioned seating ✅ Bluetooth music — your playlist ✅ Life jackets for adults and children ✅ All permits ✅ Fully private — your group only

What to bring: Swimwear, towel, sun cream SPF 50+, your own food and drinks (BYO — no alcohol restrictions on skippered tours), camera, cash in euros.

For the complete what’s included guide, read here.

The Hidden Costs With Other Companies — What to Watch For

This section exists because it matters. Some private boat operators in Malta — particularly those listed on OTA platforms — advertise a headline price that does not reflect the real cost of the day.

Common hidden charges with other companies:

• ❌ Fuel not included — charged separately on arrival, often €30 to €50
• ❌ “Low price” listings that increase with add-ons at the dock
• ❌ Skipper fee charged separately
• ❌ Permits not included
• ❌ Snorkelling gear as a paid extra

With I Malta Boat Trips: The price you see is the price you pay. Skipper, fuel, snorkelling gear, canopy, cool box, and all permits are fully included in every tour price. There are no charges on arrival beyond what was agreed at booking.

Optional extras to budget for on the day (these are not hidden — they are genuinely optional from separate providers):

• 🍍 Ice cream and pineapple cocktail boats around Comino — cash, approximately €5 to €10
• 🍹 Floating bars at the Blue Lagoon
• 🍔 Food kiosks on Comino shore (if you go ashore)
• 💦 Jet skis and watersports from separate operators

Bring cash. There is no ATM on Comino. Some small vendors on the island do not accept cards.

Booking Direct vs OTA — Why It Matters

You can find I Malta Boat Trips on GetYourGuide and Viator. However, booking directly — via the website or WhatsApp — is better for several specific reasons.

The price difference: OTA platforms charge operators a commission of typically 20 to 30%. This commission is built into the price you see on the platform. Booking direct cuts out the middleman — meaning you often get better value for the identical experience.

The experience difference: Booking direct means you speak with Sam or Janet before your tour. They help you choose the right option for your specific group. They know if you have a nervous partner, a baby on board, a group of teenagers who want cliff diving, or a couple celebrating an anniversary. They build the day around that information from the moment you first make contact.

The flexibility difference: Direct bookings are more flexible on timing, tour customisation, and last-minute adjustments. OTA bookings operate within the constraints of the platform.

The personal difference: You are supporting a local family-run business directly — not a large international booking platform. Every direct booking means more goes to the team who are actually on the water with you.

Real Examples — What Real Guests Paid and Why It Was Worth It

A Couple — 2-Hour Tour, €199 (€100 per person)

Joana booked a 2-hour tour for herself and her partner — who was nervous about boats. The skipper was Chris.

“From the moment we stepped on board, Chris made us feel welcome, safe, and completely at ease. The entire trip felt tailored just for us. We’ll definitely be returning to Malta, and when we do, booking another trip with Chris will be at the top of our list.” — Joana Santana

For a couple, the 2-hour tour at €199 total works out at €100 per person. For a private experience tailored entirely to them — Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, caves — that is not a luxury price. That is genuine value.

A Solo Traveller — Joined a Small Group, 3-Hour Tour

Majella booked as a solo traveller — something that works perfectly on private boat tours when you join a small group or book the 1-hour option.

“Had a fabulous day with Adin out on Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon today. Adin was a great skipper and made sure we all enjoyed swimming and snorkelling in the most incredible spots around Gozo. Highly recommend!” — Majella Lewis

A Group of 6 — 3-Hour Tour, €289 (€48 per person)

Kevin’s group of 6 booked a 3-hour private tour. At €289 for the whole boat, that is €48 per person.

“Our private boat shore excursion in Malta was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our entire trip. The skipper tailored the trip perfectly to our interests, offered fascinating local insights, and made us feel completely at ease the entire time. It’s worth every moment and every cent.” — Kevin Wilson

€48 per person. For a completely private experience — no strangers, no fixed route, access to caves and coves that group tours never reach. Compare that to a premium group catamaran tour at €45 to €86 per person — for a fixed route and a crowded deck.

A Group of 9 Friends — Full Day, Customised

Liam’s group of 9 friends booked a full-day tour. Groups above 6 pay a supplement of €20 per additional guest on full-day tours.

“We had Casper as our skipper for this trip. He was fun and energetic, wanted to make sure we had a tailored experience. He made sure everyone left with a smile on their face. We were a group of 9 and had a great time!” — Liam Johnstone

Is It Worth It? — The Honest Answer

If you are sitting on the fence about the price, here is the honest answer.

You are not paying for a boat.

You are paying for the only way to experience the Blue Lagoon in peace — anchored in open water away from the crowds, swimming in the most vivid turquoise you have ever seen, with nobody else around.

You are paying for access to Lovers Cave — which no group tour enters, and which no ferry reaches. For the crystal-clear shallows above the Cominotto reef. For the silence of Mġarr ix-Xini on the south Gozo coast with limestone walls rising on both sides.

You are paying for a skipper who knows every corner of this coastline, who will point out the rock formation inside Popeye Cave that looks like a human face, who will show you Scala Nova — the ancient staircase carved into the Blue Lagoon rock that almost no tourist has ever found.

And you are paying for the freedom to stay as long as you want at the stop that moves you most. No group schedule. No other passengers. No compromise.

You can visit Malta. Or you can truly experience it.

That is what the price buys.

How to Book

Book directly — via the website or WhatsApp — for the best value, most flexibility, and the most personal service.

Got questions? Sam and Janet are here to help before you book. Contact the team and they will guide you to the right option for your group.

Early Bird Offer: Book 14+ days in advance and save €20 on the 3-hour, 6-hour, or 8-hour tour.

1-hour and 4-hour tours: Not yet on the website — book via WhatsApp directly.

👉 Book all tours here. | Contact us here.

Frequently Asked Questions — Private Boat Hire Cost Malta

How much does it cost to hire a private boat in Malta?

From €99 for 1 hour to €699 for the complete 8-hour Gozo circumnavigation. The most popular option is the 3-hour tour at €289 per boat — €48 per person in a group of six. All prices are per boat, not per person.

Is the price per person or per boat?

Per boat. This is the most important detail. The price covers the whole boat — up to 6 guests included. Divided across your group, private boat hire in Malta is often comparable to or better value than group tour pricing per person.

What is included in the price?

Skipper, fuel, snorkelling gear, freshwater shower, cool box with ice, shade canopy, cushioned seating, Bluetooth music, life jackets, and all permits. Everything. No hidden charges on arrival.

Is fuel included?

On all skippered private boat tours — yes, fuel is fully included. On self-drive boat rentals, fuel is not included and should be budgeted separately.

Is it cheaper to book direct or through GetYourGuide?

Booking direct is better value. OTA platforms charge a commission that is built into the price. Booking directly via the website or WhatsApp cuts out the middleman and gives you more flexibility, a more personal service, and often a better price.

What is the best private boat tour for value?

The 3-hour tour at €289 per boat offers the best combination of coverage and price — Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, all Comino sea caves, and Cominotto. At €48 per person in a group of six, it is outstanding value for a completely private experience.

Is there a discount for booking in advance?

Yes — book 14 or more days in advance and save €20 on the 3-hour, 6-hour, or 8-hour tours when booking directly.

Should I bring cash?

Yes — there is no ATM on Comino. Some vendors on the island do not accept cards. Bring euros for drinks, snacks, and any watersports you want to try from separate providers.

Further Reading

• Private Boat Tour Malta — Complete Guide
• What’s Included on a Private Boat Tour Malta
• How Many Hours Do You Need
• Private Boat vs Group Tour
• Are Private Boats Worth It
• Bareboat Charter Malta
• Blue Lagoon Malta — Complete Guide
• Comino Private Boat Tour — Complete Guide
• Families on Private Boat Tours Malta
• Sunset Cruise Malta
• Gozo Boat Tour — Complete Guide
• 5 Days in Malta Itinerary