About Outdoor Explorers Malta: From Local Waters to Lifetime Memories
“Come as a client, leave as part of the family—forever.”
Welcome aboard! We are Outdoor Explorers Malta, a family-owned private boat charter business operating from the crystal waters of northern Malta (Ċirkewwa/Marfa) and Gozo (Mġarr Harbour).
We don’t believe in packing tourists onto commercial ferries like sardines. We believe your day on the Mediterranean should be personal, relaxed, transparent, and unforgettable—the undisputed highlight of your Maltese holiday.
Our Story: Born from the Maltese Sea
Our founder, Sam, spent his childhood on the water. His grandfather, Nannu Salvu, was a traditional Maltese fisherman who took Sam out on his boat before he could even walk. Growing up in Gozo, Sam spent endless hours snorkeling, spearfishing, and exploring every hidden cove along the coast. By age 15, he was working at Ramla Bay, managing water sports and coastal rentals.
After years of traveling the world and exploring different cultures, Sam returned home with a clear mission. In 2016, Outdoor Explorers was born.
In the beginning, we offered Segway tours, coasteering adventures, snorkel tours, DWS and guided hikes. But talking to travelers every day revealed a common theme: people were exhausted by crowded group boat tours and rigid timetables. They wanted intimacy, local knowledge, private boats, and freedom. Sam and his brother hunted down their first 22-foot powerboat, focused 100% on private charters, and never looked back.
Today, that passion has grown into Malta’s premier private charter family.
Meet the Family Behind Your Booking
When you message or email us, you’ll usually speak directly with Janet—Sam’s wife and the heart of our operations. While Janet coordinates your trip, you might hear our two young boys, Sol (turning 4) and Lalo (just turned 2), giggling in the background—with another little explorer joining our family soon!
We run this business with true family warmth. When you reach out to us, you aren’t talking to an automated call center or a third-party agency like GetYourGuide or Viator—you’re speaking directly to the family taking care of your day at sea.
Our Legendary Skipper Crew
Every skipper on our team brings decades of local experience, high maritime qualifications, and a passion for genuine hospitality:
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Danang: A calm, high-spirited skipper with a genuine heart. He loves showing you around, taking great photos of your trip, playing your favorite music, giving you your own space, and revealing the very best of Comino.
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Justin: Sam’s cousin and an elder on the crew. Justin spent his youth working on Comino Island and knows every tide, cave, and secret bay inside out.
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Joe: Our mid-60s veteran skipper. Joe was one of the very first pioneers of boat charters and boat taxis in Gozo. He is a master spearfisherman who knows the archipelago better than anyone.
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Francesco: A Gozo local with sea legs built from childhood. He is fully certified to command vessels up to 500 tons.
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Laura: Our standout female skipper. Friendly, funny, and highly skilled, guests constantly rave about her positive energy.
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Jimmy: A Nadur local and certified rescue diver who has lived on boats since he was a kid. Passionate about snorkeling, fishing, and local history.
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Upi: Originally from Sulawesi, Indonesia, Upi holds a 500-ton master license. He brings top-tier seamanship, sharp humor, and deep local island knowledge.
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Ginger: A traveler, backpacker, and animal welfare volunteer who spends his winters exploring South America and Southeast Asia before returning to skipper our summer charters.
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Man (“Superman”): The team handyman who can fix anything, speaks multiple languages, and brings a fun, relaxed vibe to every voyage.
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Lee: Our British expat who has lived in Malta for over 20 years. Exceptionally knowledgeable, friendly, and great with guests of all ages.
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Chandra (“Super Nunu”): High-spirited and full of positive energy, bringing smiles and laughter to everyone on board.
Where We Depart From: Fast & Easy Access to Comino
We launch directly from the northernmost ports of the Maltese islands, placing you just 5 to 10 minutes away from Comino’s Blue Lagoon:
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Northern Malta Docks (Ċirkewwa & Marfa): Ideal for guests staying anywhere in Malta. Easily accessible by taxi (Bolt/Uber/eCabs) or direct public buses (Bus 41/42 from Valletta, Bus 222 from Sliema & St. Julian’s).
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Gozo Island Dock (Mġarr Harbour): The perfect pickup location if you are staying on Gozo.
Starting from the northern tip means zero wasted travel time across bumpy open water—you jump straight onto your boat and arrive in crystal turquoise lagoons within minutes!
Look Out for Sam in the Orange Shirt!
When you arrive at the pickup point, you’ll almost always see Sam in his signature orange shirt waiting at the dock. He is always there welcoming guests, getting everyone set up comfortably, chatting through your priority swim spots for the day, and skippering tours himself.
We can’t wait to welcome you on board—looking forward to seeing you at the dock, guys!
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Why Book Direct with Outdoor Explorers?
Booking directly on OutdoorExplorersMalta.com guarantees you cut out expensive corporate middleman commissions while locking in superior service:
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100% Pricing Transparency: Fuel, licensed skipper, snorkeling masks, floaties, ice box, permits, and taxes are always included. No surprise dock fees ever.
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€20 Early Bird Discount: Save €20 instantly on 3-hour, 4-hour, 6-hour, or 8-hour charters when you book 14+ days in advance.
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You Choose Your Exact Boat: Choose from our luxury fleet instead of taking a chance on a generic agent assignment.
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Complete Itinerary Freedom: Swim where you want, stay as long as you like, and let your skipper navigate away from commercial crowds to secluded turquoise lagoons.
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100% Risk-Free Guarantee: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure, plus instant rescheduling or 100% full refunds if sea weather is unsafe.
Our Luxury Fleet: Custom-Built for Malta’s Waters
Our high-spec powerboats—including the Marinello Eden 22, Eden 26, Gaia 22, Gaia 26, and Mingolla 25—are specifically selected for navigating northern Malta, Comino, and Gozo:
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Plush Comfort: Luxury brown leather seating, floor carpets, and full Bimini shade canopies to keep you cool.
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Shallow-Draft Engineering: Designed to safely glide into shallow turquoise waters and slip directly inside Comino’s sea caves.
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The Instagram Jump Platform: Custom extended bow platforms perfect for diving into crystal water and capturing incredible photos.
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Powerful & Smooth: Outboard engines ranging from 200HP to 300HP get you to the best swim spots fast and comfortably.
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Onboard Amenities: Fresh-water deck rinse showers, Bluetooth sound systems, large cooler boxes/fridges with ice, sanitized masks, snorkels, and swim noodles.
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Large Group Fleet: Hosting a hen party, wedding, or corporate event? We also operate spacious 40ft cabin cruisers hosting groups up to 25 guests!
Our Promise to You
We know that while our skippers run multiple charters a week, this is your ONE special day on the water. Whether you are planning a romantic proposal, celebrating a birthday, taking a family vacation with toddlers or grandparents, or traveling with friends, we treat your trip with the care it deserves.
You come to us as a guest, but you leave as a lifelong friend.
Ready to create the highlight of your Malta holiday?
