Malta Boat Trips: Choosing the Right Experience
Malta's coastline is best seen from the water, but the range of boat trips can feel overwhelming. This guide helps you choose between the main formats — harbour sightseeing, island excursions to Comino, sunset trips, and private charters — so you can match the trip to the kind of day you want.
Each format offers a different experience: a harbour cruise is a short, narrated sightseeing trip; a Comino excursion gets you to the Blue Lagoon for swimming; a sunset trip adds evening atmosphere; and a private charter gives you exclusive use of a vessel on your own schedule. Use the specialist guides below to compare verified options within each format.
Choose this if…
- Choose a harbour cruise if you want a short, narrated sightseeing trip close to shore without swimming stops.
- Choose a Comino excursion if your priority is swimming in the Blue Lagoon's turquoise water and you're happy on a shared vessel.
- Choose a sunset trip if you want evening atmosphere and calmer conditions, with a Comino stop.
- Choose a private charter if you want exclusive use of a vessel, a flexible route, and your own group on board.
Start with the kind of day you want, then compare the operator's confirmed departure, duration and inclusions before booking.
Harbour cruises
Harbour cruises are short sightseeing trips that stay close to the departure point, typically exploring the Grand Harbour or Marsamxett Harbour with live commentary. They do not include swimming stops or island excursions. See our Malta harbour cruises guide for verified options.
Comino and Blue Lagoon excursions
These shared cruises take you to Comino's Blue Lagoon for swimming and sightseeing. They are the most popular format for visitors who want to experience the iconic turquoise water. See our Comino boat trips guide for verified options, and read our Blue Lagoon boat trip checklist before booking.
Sunset boat trips
Sunset trips combine a Comino stop with evening timing, offering calmer conditions and a different atmosphere. See our Malta sunset boat trips guide for verified options.
Private boat charters
Private charters give you exclusive use of a vessel with a skipper, a flexible route, and your own group on board. They are priced per boat, not per person. See our private boat charter guide for verified options.
Combined Gozo and Comino trips
Some excursions combine a Gozo stop with a Comino visit in a single day. These are longer trips that cover both islands. See our Gozo and Comino boat trips guide for verified options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a harbour cruise and a Comino excursion?
A harbour cruise is a short sightseeing trip that stays close to the departure point with live commentary and no swimming stops. A Comino excursion travels to the Blue Lagoon at Comino for swimming and sightseeing, and is a longer trip.
Do I need to book a boat trip in advance?
In peak season (July and August), Comino excursions and popular trips can fill up. Booking in advance is recommended during these months. For private charters, advance booking is essential to secure your preferred date and vessel.
Does a boat trip to Comino include going ashore at the Blue Lagoon?
Not automatically. Some trips include a shore stop, others keep you on the vessel for swimming. Check the operator's description for whether going ashore is included, and read our Blue Lagoon boat trip checklist for current official access guidance.
What is the difference between a shared cruise and a private charter?
A shared cruise sells individual tickets and you share the vessel with other passengers. A private charter gives you exclusive use of the entire vessel for your group, with a flexible route and schedule. Private charters are priced per boat, not per person.