Best Malta Boat Trips: Cruises, Tours & Excursions

Best boat trips in Malta

Malta boat trips come in several formats, and the right one depends on what you want to see and how you want to spend your time on the water. Comino and Blue Lagoon boat trips focus on the island’s famous turquoise bay, often appealing to travellers who want time to swim and enjoy coastal scenery. Some Malta cruises also include the Crystal Lagoon or sea caves, but these stops depend on the published route and sea conditions.

If you want to cover more ground, Gozo and Comino boat trips combine two distinct islands in one excursion. They suit travellers looking for a fuller day out, while a dedicated Gozo trip may offer a more in-depth look at that island. Coastal and cave cruises, meanwhile, are a good fit when the journey itself is the main attraction rather than a single swimming destination.

The boat type shapes the experience too. A catamaran cruise in Malta generally suits those after a more unhurried cruise with space to relax. Speedboat trips are often chosen by travellers who prefer a quicker ride and a more active feel. A private boat tour in Malta gives couples, families and small groups greater control over the occasion, although the route and services still vary by operator.

Which Malta boat trip should you choose?

Choose a Blue Lagoon Malta boat trip if swimming and Comino are your priority. For a broader island-hopping day, look at cruises that list both Gozo and Comino on their itinerary. A catamaran cruise can be a good match for a laid-back day at sea, while a speedboat experience may suit visitors with less time or those who prefer a faster journey.

Private and smaller-group options can be worth considering when you are travelling as a couple, family or group of friends and want a less shared experience. If sightseeing is your main aim, look for a longer coastal or full-day cruise with the places you most want to see clearly listed.

Departure points, duration, swimming opportunities, route and included services are not the same on every boat trip in Malta. Check the details of each tour rather than assuming that every cruise visits the same bays or islands or includes parasailing in Malta.

Compare Malta boat trips and cruises

Browse the available Malta boat tours below and compare the itinerary, duration, departure point, recent reviews, availability and services included. This makes it easier to find a cruise that fits both your plans and the experience you have in mind.

Where do Malta boat trips go?

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Comino is one of the main destinations for boat trips Malta visitors book. Its Blue Lagoon is known for its clear water and is a major reason travellers choose a cruise rather than visiting only by land and ferry connections. It can be particularly busy at popular times, so the amount of time available there and the boat’s planned route are useful details to check before reserving.

Crystal Lagoon and sea caves

Some boat tours Malta travellers find include the Crystal Lagoon, coastal caves or rock formations around Comino and the Maltese coast, including the Blue Grotto. These are not standard stops on every trip. Access and the final route can depend on the operator, the boat type and weather or sea conditions on the day.

Gozo and Comino

A combined island cruise is designed to give you a taste of both Gozo and Comino in one day. This differs from a dedicated Gozo day trip, which is usually the better choice when your priority is spending more time exploring Gozo itself rather than dividing the day between islands. Read the listed programme carefully to understand whether the experience is primarily a sea cruise, an island visit or a mix of both.

Where do boat trips depart from in Malta?

Boat trips can depart from several parts of the archipelago. Sliema is a common starting area for coastal cruises and trips from the harbour side of Malta. St Paul’s Bay and Bugibba are also widely used departure areas, particularly for Comino boat trips. Mellieha can be convenient for travellers staying in the north of the main island and looking towards Comino.

Other departure points, including Marsaxlokk for some routes, may be offered depending on the operator and the route. Do not choose solely by destination: confirm the meeting location and allow enough time to get there from your accommodation, especially if you are staying in Valletta or elsewhere on the island.

Catamaran, cruise or speedboat?

A catamaran is often chosen for a sociable, spacious and slower-paced day on the water. It may suit travellers who see the boat journey as an important part of the experience. Larger cruise boats can be practical for classic sightseeing routes and island excursions, with the exact atmosphere depending on the vessel and passenger numbers.

Speedboats offer a more direct and energetic way to travel by sea. They can appeal to visitors who want to spend less time travelling between places, but they may feel less suitable for anyone who prefers a calm, steady ride. Always check the boat description and participation information before booking.

Private boat tours in Malta

A private boat tour can make sense for a couple celebrating a special occasion, a family wanting to stay together, or a small group sharing the cost. It can also be appealing if you value a more personal setting than a larger cruise. However, private is not automatically the best option: compare the route, time on the water, capacity, stated services and total price against shared tours before deciding.

How long are Malta boat trips?

Malta boat excursions range from shorter coastal cruises to full-day island trips. A shorter option can work well if you mainly want a boat ride and sea views, while a longer excursion may be more appropriate for visiting Comino, combining Gozo and Comino, or allowing time for planned swimming stops. The advertised duration does not tell the whole story, so also check the places covered and how the time is structured.

Best time for a boat trip in Malta

Boat tours operate most actively during the warmer travel season, when swimming is often part of the appeal. Conditions can still change throughout the year: wind, waves, visibility and access to sheltered bays may affect an itinerary. Outside the peak summer period, availability may be more limited. Check the current forecast, the operator’s latest information and the booking terms close to your travel date.

What to bring on a Malta boat trip

• Sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen.
• Swimming gear and a towel if your chosen tour includes time in the water.
• Drinking water, unless the booking details state that it is provided.
• A light layer for the return journey, particularly outside the hottest months.
• Any medication you may need, including motion-sickness remedies if appropriate for you.

Tips for booking a Malta boat tour

Start by choosing a departure area that works with your accommodation and transport plans. Then compare the itinerary rather than relying on the tour title alone: check whether Comino, Gozo, the Blue Lagoon, caves or other locations are actually listed. Review the duration, boat type and whether swimming stops are planned, keeping in mind that sea conditions may require changes.

Also read what is included, especially if food or drinks matter to your plans, and look at recent traveller reviews for practical feedback. Finally, check the cancellation policy, availability and the operator’s weather-related conditions before confirming your booking.