You want a yacht charter Malta, and you want it to be straightforward. No hidden fees, no surprise skippers you have to tip separately, no boats that look nothing like the photos. BoatHire24 connects you with boat owners and charter companies along the Maltese coast, from Sliema to St Julian's to Valletta. Every booking includes a licensed skipper, so you can relax with a drink while someone else handles the mooring lines.
Malta's coastline is 197 km of rocky coves, sandy beaches and limestone cliffs. The water is clear enough to see the sandy bottom at 10 metres. A yacht charter Malta means you can explore the Blue Lagoon on Comino, drop anchor off Gozo's Ramla Bay, or cruise past the fortifications of Valletta. You don't need a boating licence, and you don't need to speak Maltese. We handle the logistics; you handle the sun cream.
What Is Included in a Yacht Charter Malta
When you book a yacht charter Malta through BoatHire24, the skipper is included in the price. That is not always the case with other platforms, where the skipper is an optional extra that doubles the cost. Here, the skipper is part of the deal. He or she knows the local waters, the best anchorages and the spots where the sea is calm even when the wind picks up. Fuel is usually included for a standard day trip (8-10 hours), but check the listing details because some larger yachts charge fuel separately. Snorkelling gear, paddleboards and a cool box with ice are standard on most boats. Some catamarans also include a small inflatable tender for reaching shallow beaches.
What is not included: your food and drink (though you can bring your own or order catering through the charter company), dockage fees if you decide to stay overnight in a marina, and crew gratuity (10-15% is customary if the service is good). The boat will be cleaned before you board, so you do not need to tidy up afterwards. Just leave the cabin as you found it.
Departure Ports for Your Yacht Charter Malta
Most yacht charter Malta bookings start from one of three main ports. Sliema is the most popular, with dozens of charter companies based along the Sliema waterfront. From there you can be at Comino in 45 minutes or Gozo in 90 minutes, depending on the boat speed. St Julian's (Portomaso) is a close second, with a modern marina and plenty of restaurants for a pre-charter breakfast. Valletta Grand Harbour is the third option, more dramatic because you sail past the 16th-century fortifications before hitting open water. Less common departure points include Marsaxlokk (south-east Malta) and Mġarr (Gozo), which are useful if you want to spend most of the day on the Gozo side without crossing the channel twice.
If you are staying in a hotel near Golden Bay or Mellieħa Bay, some operators will pick you up from the local jetty by tender. Ask when you enquire. The distance from the marina to the open sea is never more than 15 minutes, so you are not wasting time motoring through a canal.
Types of Boats Available for a Yacht Charter Malta
The fleet in Malta is varied, and the right choice depends on your group size and what you want to do. Motor yachts are the fastest option, typically 12-18 metres, with a cruising speed of 20-25 knots. They are ideal for a day trip to the Blue Lagoon because you can get there in under an hour and have more time to swim. Catamarans are wider, more stable and have more deck space. A 14-metre catamaran can comfortably seat 12 people for lunch. If you are prone to seasickness, a catamaran is the better choice because it does not roll as much as a monohull. Sailing yachts are slower but quieter, and you can ask the skipper to cut the engine once you are clear of the harbour. The experience is more relaxed, more about the journey than the destination.
RIB speedboats are available for smaller groups (up to 6 people) and are the cheapest option, from around EUR 400 for a half day. They are not comfortable for lounging, but they are fun for a fast trip to a beach club. Fishing boats are tricked out with rods and fish-finders, and the skipper will take you to the best spots off the south coast. Superyachts (over 24 metres) are available for VIP groups, with prices on request and a crew of 3-4. You do not need a boating licence for any of these boats because the skipper holds the Maltese licence required by law.
Pricing Guidance for a Yacht Charter Malta
Prices for a yacht charter Malta vary by season, boat size and duration. A half-day (4-5 hours) on a 10-metre motor yacht starts from around EUR 800 in the low season (October to April) and EUR 1,200 in the high season (June to September). A full day (8-10 hours) on a 14-metre catamaran is typically EUR 1,800-2,800. Superyachts are price on request, but expect EUR 5,000+ for a day. Fuel surcharges are uncommon but not unheard of for long trips to Gozo or the south coast. Always confirm the total cost before paying the deposit. The deposit is usually 30-50% of the total, with the balance due on the day, either in cash or by card.
There are no hidden cleaning fees or port taxes to pay separately. The price you see on the listing is the price for the boat, the skipper and the standard equipment. Extras like a photographer, a chef or a DJ are charged separately, usually EUR 200-500 per service. If you want to book a wedding reception on a yacht, expect a premium of 50-100% on the standard charter price, plus catering costs.
Best Season for a Yacht Charter Malta
The Mediterranean climate means the season for a yacht charter Malta runs from April to October, with July and August being the peak. Water temperature in August is 26-28 degrees C, and air temperature is 30-35 degrees C. The sea is calm most days, though a north-westerly wind can create a chop in the afternoon. The shoulder months of May, June and September are the sweet spot: warm enough to swim, fewer crowds, and lower prices by 20-30%. October is still pleasant, with water at 22 degrees C, but the chance of a windy day is higher.
Winter charters (November to March) are possible but less common. The boats still operate, but the water is 15-17 degrees C, and the air temperature rarely exceeds 18 degrees C. If you are interested in a winter charter for a special event or a photography trip, contact the charter companies directly. The prices are lower, but you will need a jacket on deck.
Malta is famous for its clear water, which is due to the lack of rivers carrying sediment into the sea. Visibility underwater is 20-30 metres on a calm day. The Blue Lagoon is the most famous spot, but it gets crowded in summer. Your skipper can take you to Crystal Lagoon (south of Comino) or the caves at Ghar Lapsi instead. Those spots are quieter and just as clear.
How to Book a Yacht Charter Malta on BoatHire24
Booking a yacht charter Malta on BoatHire24 takes a few minutes. Use the search page to filter by date, boat type, group size and budget. Each listing shows photos, a detailed description, the equipment list and the cancellation policy. Most operators offer free cancellation up to 14 days before the charter date. After that, you lose the deposit. Some allow rescheduling for a fee of EUR 100-200, depending on the boat.
Once you select a boat, you submit a booking request through the platform. The operator confirms availability within 24 hours. Payment is made via bank transfer or credit card. The deposit is refundable if the operator cancels due to weather or mechanical issues. We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance in the high season, because the best boats go quickly. If you are booking last minute, try calling the operator directly; they sometimes have cancellations at a discount.
After the booking is confirmed, the operator sends you the skipper's contact details and the exact meeting point. The skipper will meet you at the marina 15 minutes before departure. They speak English, Maltese and usually Italian. If you have specific dietary requirements or want a particular route, tell the skipper at the start of the day. They are flexible.
Who Is a Yacht Charter Malta For
A yacht charter Malta works for families with children (the skipper is experienced with kids), couples looking for a romantic day, groups of friends celebrating a birthday or a stag do (within reason), and corporate groups for a team-building day or client entertainment. The boats are not suitable for large parties where people are going to be rowdy and disrespect the crew. The skipper has the right to cut the trip short if the behaviour is unsafe. Most groups of 6-12 people get along fine, and the skipper usually knows a good spot for lunch on the water.
If you are a solo traveller, you can book a shared charter on some boats, where you join a group of strangers. That is cheaper (from EUR 150 per person) but you have less control over the itinerary. Check the listing for shared charter options. Otherwise, you need to book the whole boat.
If you have a disability, contact the operator before booking. Some boats are wheelchair accessible (ramps to the main deck, wide doors to the cabin), but many are not. The skipper can help with boarding, but the toilets on smaller boats are cramped. Larger catamarans and motor yachts over 15 metres usually have accessible heads.
Local Tips for Your Yacht Charter Malta
Malta is small, so you can see most of the coast in a single day if you start early. A typical itinerary for a full-day yacht charter Malta: depart Sliema at 9 am, head to Comino (45 minutes), spend two hours at the Blue Lagoon, then cross to Gozo (30 minutes), anchor off Ramla Bay for lunch and a swim, then cruise back via the north coast, passing the cliffs of Dingli. You are back at the marina by 5 pm. If you want to add a stop at the Valletta waterfront, that adds 30 minutes.
Bring a towel, sun cream (SPF 50, the Maltese sun is strong), a hat and a light jacket for the wind. The boat has a shaded area, but the deck gets hot. Snorkelling gear is provided, but if you have your own mask, bring it. The water is so clear you can see the fish without a mask, but it is nicer with one. Do not feed the fish; it disrupts the ecosystem and the skipper will tell you off.
Malta has a strong boating culture, and the Maltese are proud of their maritime history. The Grand Harbour is one of the deepest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, and the fortifications are UNESCO-listed. Your skipper can give you a short history tour if you ask. The price is the same whether you ask or not.
Why Book Through BoatHire24 Rather Than Directly
You can book a yacht charter Malta directly with a charter company, and sometimes it is cheaper by 10-15% because there is no platform fee. But BoatHire24 offers three advantages. First, we verify the boats and the skippers before listing them. Every boat on the platform has a valid commercial licence, insurance and a safety certificate. Second, we handle the payment and the deposit, so you are not handing cash to a stranger at a marina. Third, we have a dispute resolution process if something goes wrong: the boat breaks down, the skipper does not show up, or the photos misrepresent the condition. You are protected for up to EUR 5,000 through our insurance policy.
We also have a blog with guides to the best anchorages, the latest regulations and tips for first-time charterers. It is updated monthly. The BoatHire24 homepage has a map view of all available boats, so you can see which ones are closest to your hotel. We do not charge a booking fee; the price you see is the price you pay, minus any extras you add.
Malta is a small island, but the variety of boats and itineraries is large. A yacht charter Malta is the best way to see the coast without the crowds of the beach clubs. The water is warm, the sun is hot, and the skipper handles the rest.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boating licence for a yacht charter Malta?
No. Every BoatHire24 charter includes a licensed skipper who holds the Maltese commercial licence. You do not need any qualifications to be a passenger.
What is the cancellation policy for a yacht charter Malta?
Most operators offer free cancellation up to 14 days before the charter date. After that, the deposit is non-refundable. Some allow rescheduling for a fee of EUR 100-200.
Can I bring my own food and drink on the yacht?
Yes. You can bring your own food and drink. Most boats have a cool box with ice. Some operators offer catering at an extra cost of EUR 30-50 per person.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my charter?
The skipper makes the final call. If the weather is unsafe, the charter is cancelled and you receive a full refund. If it is just windy, the itinerary may change to a sheltered area.
How many people can fit on a typical yacht charter Malta boat?
A 12-metre motor yacht fits 8-10 passengers comfortably. A 14-metre catamaran fits 12-14. The maximum is stated in each listing. Overcrowding is not allowed for safety reasons.
Is it possible to charter a yacht for a half day only?
Yes. Half-day charters (4-5 hours) are available on most boats. They are cheaper but you have less time to reach Gozo or the Blue Lagoon. A half day is best for a quick trip to a nearby beach.
Can I request a specific itinerary for my yacht charter Malta?
Yes. The skipper is flexible and will follow your preferred route, as long as it is safe and within the charter duration. Discuss the plan at the start of the day.