What does “private boat charter” actually mean?

Private does not mean a small shared group or a limited number of tickets. It means the entire boat is reserved only for you and the people you choose. You have your own skipper, and the route, pace, music and swimming stops are tailored around your group, weather permitting.

This is one of the questions Sam receives most often. A “small-group tour” can still place you beside guests you have never met. A genuinely private charter does not: your family, partner or friends are the only passengers, so the skipper can shape the experience around you.

What is included in a full-day private boat charter in Malta?

Your direct charter includes a private boat reserved only for your group, a knowledgeable local skipper, fuel, standard port costs, a weather-adjusted itinerary, snorkelling masks, life jackets, floatation aids, shade, cushioned seating, a boarding ladder, Bluetooth audio, charging points and an ice cooler prepared with ice.

The price is for the boat rather than an individual seat, making a private charter increasingly good value when shared by a family or group. Explore the current private boat trips around Malta, Comino and Gozo before comparing a headline price from a shared excursion.

Are the skipper and fuel included in the charter price?

Yes. When you book a skippered private charter directly with Outdoor Explorers Malta, both the local skipper and fuel for the agreed itinerary are included. This policy applies to skippered charters, not self-drive rentals, where no skipper is supplied and fuel is charged separately according to usage.

This distinction matters because some online listings use “boat rental” and “boat charter” interchangeably. A low self-drive or marketplace price may exclude fuel, a captain or both. Always compare the final total and inclusions, not only the first number shown.

What equipment and comfort features are included on board?

Every charter boat provides shade, cushioned seating, a swimming ladder, life jackets, snorkelling masks, Bluetooth music and an ice cooler. Newer boats may also provide freshwater showers, charging points and an onboard toilet. Because facilities vary across the fleet, confirm any essential feature before booking.

Does every private charter boat have a shower and toilet?

No. Freshwater showers and toilets are available on selected newer boats, including the GAIA 25 fleet, but they are not guaranteed on every vessel. If a toilet, shower or particular boarding arrangement is essential, state this before booking so the team can confirm a suitable boat.

A private charter can also stop at harbours with public facilities when the route and sea conditions allow. This can be helpful for young children, seniors and longer eight-hour trips, but harbour stops use some of your charter time.

Are life jackets available for babies and young children?

Yes. Children’s life jackets are carried on board, but babies require careful sizing. Add each baby’s approximate weight in the booking comments—for example, five to ten kilograms—so the crew can prepare an appropriate jacket. Also mention pregnancy, reduced mobility or nervous swimmers before the trip.

What is not included in a full-day private boat charter?

Food, drinks and towels are not included in the standard charter. Hotel transfers, restaurant meals and optional watersports are also separate unless your booking states otherwise. This keeps the base charter flexible: bring the refreshments you genuinely want, while the crew provides an ice cooler and ice.

• Food and drinks: bring your own or arrange a lunch stop.
• Towels: pack one for each guest.
• Hotel transport: not part of the normal boat price unless agreed separately.
• Restaurant bills: paid directly by your group.
• Optional activities: extras such as Subwing or jet-ski combinations require separate confirmation.

Can we bring our own food, drinks and alcohol?

Yes. You may bring snacks, meals, water, soft drinks and alcohol at no extra charge. The boat has an ice cooler for storage. For safety, cans and plastic bottles are preferable to glass, and alcohol should be consumed responsibly, especially before swimming, snorkelling or cliff jumping.

Can the skipper stop at a restaurant for lunch?

Yes, a lunch stop can usually be arranged on longer charters when weather, berth availability and your chosen route permit. Mġarr Harbour, Marsalforn and Xlendi have waterfront restaurants. Remember that docking and dining use charter time, so a picnic often preserves more swimming and exploring time.

Should I choose a six-hour or eight-hour private boat charter?

Choose six hours for a relaxed Comino circuit, Gozo’s south or east coast and longer swimming stops. Choose eight hours when seeing the full Gozo coastline matters more than maximising time at each anchorage. The eight-hour circumnavigation covers greater distance and therefore depends more heavily on calm conditions.

What do we normally see on the six-hour charter?

A typical six-hour trip combines the Comino circuit with Gozo’s south and east coast. Possible highlights include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Comino’s caves, Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay, Hondoq, Ħalfa Rock, Zrieżaq Bay, Qala Point, Mġarr ix-Xini and Ta’ Ċenċ.

The route is not a rigid checklist. Your skipper chooses sheltered water and balances caves, sightseeing and swim time around what your group enjoys. View the current six-hour Comino and Gozo charter for live availability and pricing.

What do we normally see on the eight-hour charter?

The eight-hour route aims to circle Comino and Gozo, adding Ramla, San Blas, Daħlet Qorrot, Marsalforn, Xwejni salt pans, Wied il-Għasri, Wied il-Mielaħ, Dwejra, Xlendi, Ta’ Ċenċ and Mġarr ix-Xini. The full circuit operates only when sea conditions make it safe and comfortable.

This option involves more cruising, so it suits guests who want dramatic cliffs and the complete island perspective. Check the eight-hour private Gozo and Comino tour or read the detailed full-day Gozo route guide.

Which boats are used for full-day private charters?

Outdoor Explorers operates GAIA 25 Open, Marinello Eden 22, ZAR 75 RIB, Mingolla Brava 25 and Nireus 22 boats. The team allocates the most suitable vessel according to group size, comfort needs, availability and expected conditions. A particular model can be requested but is not automatically guaranteed.

*Guest limits shown exclude the skipper and remain subject to safe loading, final boat allocation and operating requirements. Larger groups can be arranged across suitable boats; contact the team for the safest setup.

Where do full-day private boat charters depart from?

Standard departures are from Ċirkewwa in northern Malta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. Both are close to Comino, keeping transfer time short and preserving more of the charter for swimming and exploration. Confirm your selected departure point on the booking because meeting instructions differ between Malta and Gozo.

Arrive around 30 minutes before departure so the team can check in your group, discuss the route and board safely. Late arrival reduces your time on the water because the charter must still finish at the agreed time.

Can we customise the route and swimming stops?

Yes. The charter is private, so the skipper can prioritise swimming, snorkelling, caves, sightseeing, photography, a restaurant stop or quieter anchoring. The itinerary remains flexible rather than guaranteed because wind, swell, marine traffic and safety determine which caves, bays and sections of coastline are suitable that day.

Use the booking comments to describe your ideal day. Mention babies, pregnancy, mobility needs, nervous swimmers, celebrations and must-see locations. Your skipper can then plan the best realistic balance before departure rather than learning your priorities halfway through the trip.

Do we need a Blue Lagoon landing pass on a private charter?

You need the free QR-code landing pass only if you step ashore and remain within the regulated Blue Lagoon land area. No pass is required when your group stays aboard or swims directly from the boat. The pass is separate from your charter and should be reserved independently.

Our practical advice is not to treat landing as essential. A private boat can anchor away from the busiest shoreline and continue to other parts of Comino. Read the complete Blue Lagoon landing-pass guide before deciding.

What should I bring on a full-day Malta boat charter?

Bring swimwear, one towel per person, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, food and any preferred drinks. Add a light layer outside peak summer, download your music playlist, and protect phones or cameras from spray. Medication and personal baby supplies should always remain with your group.

If snorkelling is your priority, explore our guide to the best snorkelling locations around Malta, Gozo and Comino.

How much does a full-day private boat charter cost?

Current direct prices start from €539 per boat for six hours and €699 per boat for eight hours. Full-day trips add €20 per guest above six people. The website currently applies a €20 discount automatically when you book at least fourteen days before departure.

Prices are per boat, not per person. Your live checkout is the final reference because group size, selected boat, extras or promotions can affect the total. Booking directly also lets you communicate preferences to Janet and the operations team instead of passing messages through a marketplace.

Are there hidden fuel or skipper charges at the dock?

No. Direct skippered charter prices include the skipper and fuel for the agreed itinerary, so these should not appear as surprise charges after your trip. Optional extras, restaurant meals, transfers and group-size supplements are separate, but your booking total should show applicable charges before you confirm payment.

How far ahead should I reserve a full-day charter?

For July, August and the first half of September, reserve one to two months ahead, especially for a specific boat or departure time. Cruise dates and busy weekends can also fill early. Booking at least two weeks ahead currently secures the automatic €20 direct-booking discount.

What happens if weather affects the full-day route?

The skipper may change the route, stops or direction to find safer, more sheltered water. If conditions are unsafe and the charter cannot operate, you may reschedule or receive a full refund. Booking near the beginning of your holiday leaves more alternative dates if postponement becomes necessary.

No responsible operator can promise the complete Gozo circuit on every date. An honest charter promises the best safe route available—not a fixed checklist regardless of wind and swell. Review the current private boat weather and cancellation policy.

Frequently asked questions about full-day private boat charters

These answers summarise the practical points guests most often ask before reserving: fuel, food, facilities, children, routes, pricing, weather and Blue Lagoon access. Boat assignments, promotions and operating details can change, so confirm any essential requirement and check the live booking total before paying.

Ready to book your full-day private charter?

Choose six hours for relaxed swimming and Comino with southern Gozo, or eight hours for the complete coastal adventure when conditions allow. Book directly to see the live price, share your requirements with the local team and receive the current €20 early-booking saving when eligible.