I am Sam, the Gozo-born founder of Outdoor Explorers Malta, and I have operated boat experiences since 2016. If you are deciding what to pack for a private boat tour in Malta, this guide goes beyond the usual generic checklist. It explains what genuinely helps—and what causes avoidable problems on a wet, moving deck.
What should you pack for a private boat tour in Malta?
Pack swimwear, a towel, cream sunscreen, sunglasses, a secure hat, water, compact snacks, personal medication, a light cover-up, a dry bag and flat non-slip footwear. Add water shoes for rocky landings or climbing, warmer clothing for sunset trips, and any specialist camera or snorkelling equipment you personally prefer.
That is the complete short answer, but the most useful advice is to keep everything inside one soft, manageable bag. Storage on an open powerboat is different from storage in a hotel room or car. A soft backpack or beach bag can fit safely beneath a seat; a hard suitcase occupies valuable deck space, moves awkwardly and gives everyone one more object to step around.
| Item | Why it matters | Local skipper tip |
|---|---|---|
| Swimwear | You will normally swim directly from the boat. | Wear it before arriving; changing space varies between boats. |
| Towel | For drying, warmth and sitting comfortably on cushions. | Choose a colour that looks good against blue water for photographs. |
| Cream sunscreen | Sun exposure builds quickly on open water. | Cream is easier to control than spray on a windy, polished deck. |
| Water | Swimming, wind and summer heat make regular hydration important. | Bring enough for everyone, with extra for longer summer charters. |
| Dry bag | Protects phones, wallets, medicines and travel documents. | A small roll-top bag is usually enough; close it after every use. |
| Secure sunglasses and hat | Reduce glare and direct sun. | Use a sunglasses strap and a hat that will not leave with the first gust. |
| Compact snacks | Especially useful after swimming and for children. | Choose simple, sealed food that is easy to hold and clean up. |
| Light layer | A wet body can feel cool when the boat begins moving. | Particularly useful in spring, autumn and after sunset. |
Keep prescribed medicine accessible, and discuss temperature-controlled medication beforehand. Bring what is personal to you, then check the inclusions on the Outdoor Explorers Malta private boat trips so you do not carry masks, coolers or speakers already waiting aboard.
What does Outdoor Explorers Malta already provide?
Outdoor Explorers provides your private boat, local skipper, fuel, adult and children’s life jackets, masks, snorkels, floatation aids, swim noodles, canopy shade, cushioned seating, Bluetooth audio, charging points, a swimming ladder and either a fridge or ice box. Onboard toilets, freshwater showers and jumping platforms are available only on selected boats.
Do not carry a large cooler or speaker when ice and Bluetooth audio are prepared aboard. Casual swimmers can use the supplied masks, while nervous swimmers can request suitable floatation aids. Children’s life jackets are selected by weight, so add each child’s approximate weight in the booking comments and let the crew prepare before you arrive.
Every boat has either a fridge or an ice box, so food and drinks can be kept cold. Onboard toilets and freshwater showers are available only on selected boats. If your boat does not have a toilet, our fast boats can normally take you to nearby public toilet facilities in about five minutes, depending on your position and sea conditions. If an onboard toilet is essential, mention it when booking so we can recommend a suitable available boat.
Selected boats also have the forward “dolphin platform” guests love for photographs and approved jumps. It gives the skipper another way to personalise the experience, but it is not available on every model and all jumping remains subject to the skipper’s safety instructions.
Experienced freedivers and regular snorkellers often prefer their own mask because they already know its fit. That is worth bringing even when equipment is included. Everyone else can save luggage space. If your main reason for booking is snorkelling, read the company’s guided snorkelling information and mention your experience level when booking.
What should you not bring on a Malta boat tour?
Avoid high heels, glass bottles or cups, hard suitcases, oversized bags, uncontrolled aerosol sunscreen, loose valuables and unnecessary jewellery. Large coolers and speakers are normally redundant on an equipped private boat. Anything fragile, sharp, difficult to secure or painful to lose is usually better left safely at your accommodation.
High heels are the mistake our skippers notice most often. They are designed for stable floors, not a deck that may be wet and moving. Even if you are taking a proposal or celebration cruise, arrive in secure flat footwear and bring dressier shoes in a small bag only if you genuinely need them for photographs after the boat trip.
Sam also recommends cream or lotion sunscreen instead of a spray. On an open boat, wind carries aerosol beyond the person applying it. It can settle over cushions and the deck, making surfaces unpleasant or slippery and creating difficult stains. A controlled amount of cream applied carefully is kinder to the boat and the guests beside you.
| Leave behind | Why | Bring instead |
|---|---|---|
| High heels | Unstable on wet, moving surfaces | Sandals, flip-flops or non-slip flats |
| Glass cups and bottles | Breakage endangers bare feet | Cans, suitable plastic and paper cups |
| Hard luggage | Consumes space and is difficult to secure | One compact soft bag |
| Aerosol sunscreen | Overspray reaches deck and cushions | Cream or lotion sunscreen |
| Unsecured valuables | Easy to drop, soak or lose | Only essentials inside a closed dry bag |
What should you wear on a private boat trip in Malta?
Wear your swimwear beneath light, quick-drying clothes, with flat footwear that grips and removes easily. Add sunglasses, a hat that stays secure and a light shirt or cover-up. For spring, autumn and sunset charters, pack a warmer layer because wind over wet skin can feel cool while cruising.
Which shoes are best on the boat?
Flat sandals, flip-flops, deck shoes or other non-slip footwear are suitable for boarding. Once settled, many guests prefer being barefoot, provided the skipper agrees. Avoid heels and heavy footwear. Keep shoes together beneath a seat so they do not slide around, block the walkway or disappear under other bags.
Do you need water shoes in Malta?
Water shoes are optional for swimming directly from the boat but strongly useful for rocky shore access, exploring shallow coves or approaching approved cliff-jumping points. Malta’s limestone can feel sharp beneath bare feet. Choose secure shoes with proper soles rather than loose footwear that can slip off while swimming or climbing.
Water shoes do not make every rock safe and should never be treated as permission to climb wherever you want. Ask the skipper before leaving the water or attempting a jump. They understand boat traffic, swell, submerged rock and local access better than a map or social-media clip filmed on a completely different day.
What sun protection should you pack for a Malta boat tour?
Bring high-protection, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen in cream or lotion form, plus sunglasses, a secure hat and a light cover-up. Apply sunscreen before boarding and reapply according to its instructions, especially after swimming or towelling. Shade helps, but it does not replace personal protection during a bright Mediterranean boat day.
The surprise for many visitors is not simply Malta’s sunshine; it is how easy it is to forget exposure while swimming, talking or enjoying the breeze. You may feel comfortable because moving air cools your skin, yet shoulders, feet, ears and the back of the neck remain exposed. Apply carefully in your accommodation, then carry the bottle for reapplication.
A cap is useful only if it stays on your head. Choose a fitted style or a brimmed hat with a secure cord rather than something loose that becomes marine litter at speed. A floating or fitted sunglasses strap is a small purchase that can save an expensive pair. Polarised lenses can also make it easier to see beneath surface glare.
What food and drinks should you bring on a private boat charter?
Bring plenty of drinking water and simple, compact food that is easy to open, hold and clean up. Packaged snacks, fruit, sandwiches, Maltese galletti and children’s familiar favourites work well. Drinks should be in cans or suitable plastic containers, not glass. Every boat has either a fridge or ice box.
You do not need to create an elaborate floating buffet. Swimming often makes children hungry, so familiar crisps, crackers, Pringles, fruit or a small sandwich can rescue the mood quickly. Individually packed portions are easier than large serving dishes, and dry foods are usually simpler than meals with loose sauces, cutlery and ingredients that deteriorate in summer heat.
Water comes first. Bring enough for the full group and more for a long summer charter. Beer, soft drinks and other preferred beverages can be placed in the provided fridge or ice box, but choose cans or suitable non-glass bottles. Moderate alcohol and swimming sensibly do belong in the same plan; heavy drinking, moving decks and jumping from rock do not.
If someone has a severe allergy, tell the operator in advance and bring food you know is safe. Do not assume seasonal kiosks will have suitable products or that every route includes a shop. Full-day charters can sometimes incorporate a lunch stop, depending on the plan and conditions, while shorter trips are better served by bringing something ready to eat.
What should you pack if you get seasick?
If you are prone to motion sickness, bring a remedy recommended for you by a pharmacist or doctor and take it before exposure, following its exact instructions. Also pack water and a light snack. Tell the skipper, sit where motion feels lower, face the horizon and avoid prolonged phone use or reading.
Do not wait until you feel very unwell to mention it. The CDC’s travel guidance explains that motion-sickness medicines are generally more effective before exposure than after symptoms begin, but onset times and side effects differ. Follow the packet and ask a pharmacist, particularly for children, pregnancy, medical conditions or other medication.
Outdoor Explorers uses open boats with fresh air, and private routes avoid keeping guests trapped inside a cabin. That helps many people, but no ethical operator can promise that nobody will feel sick. If you are sensitive, tell the team in the booking comments. The skipper can consider seating, pace, weather and shorter stops while still delivering a good experience.
Practical habits matter too. The NHS motion-sickness guidance recommends looking toward a fixed point such as the horizon, breathing fresh air and avoiding reading or screens. A heavy meal or too much alcohol before departure is rarely a clever experiment. Eat something light, sleep properly and speak early if you begin feeling warm, dizzy or nauseous.
What should families and guests with special requirements pack?
Pack the normal essentials plus any personal medicine, comfort items, safe food and suitable clothing your group relies on. More importantly, use the booking comments to disclose children’s weights, pregnancy, injuries, reduced mobility, allergies, non-swimmers, nervous swimmers or special plans. Advance information helps the skipper prepare and personalise safely.
What should you pack for babies and children?
For children, bring towels, sun hats, protective clothing, water, familiar snacks, spare dry clothes, nappies and any personal medication. Add each child’s approximate weight when booking so a suitable life jacket can be prepared. A favourite small comfort item can also make an unfamiliar boat feel immediately more relaxed.
Families often prefer early morning or later afternoon departures because the light and temperature can feel gentler and those times may fit around naps. The right trip length depends on the children: many families enjoy a focused half-day private Comino and Blue Lagoon trip rather than carrying a full day’s worth of belongings.
What should pregnant guests, seniors and non-swimmers bring?
Bring personal medication, water, secure footwear, sun protection and anything recommended by your healthcare professional. Tell the operator before booking about pregnancy, mobility limits, recent injuries or inability to swim. The skipper can discuss suitable seating, a gentler pace, easier ladder access and sheltered or shallower swimming options.
Non-swimmers are welcome when the operator knows beforehand. You can enjoy caves, cliffs and island scenery without entering deep water, wear a life jacket, use floatation aids or request sheltered shallow options when conditions allow. Seniors who prefer sightseeing can ask for more cruising and fewer energetic swim stops. The trip should fit the guests, not force every guest into the same activity.
What should you tell the operator about celebrations and activities?
Mention proposals, birthdays, photo priorities, cliff diving, freediving, snorkelling, rock climbing or sightseeing in the booking comments. This is more valuable than packing extra equipment blindly. The crew can prepare the route, choose suitable stops, protect surprises and help capture important moments when weather, ability and local conditions permit.
For a proposal, keep the ring inside a secure zipped box or pouch—not loose in swim shorts—and coordinate the moment privately with the team. The skipper can position the boat for the background, help create space and film discreetly. For freediving or serious snorkelling, bring your own fitted mask and explain your ability honestly so appropriate locations can be considered.
This is what “private” should mean: the boat and skipper are yours, and the safe route is tailored around your group. Use that advantage. As Sam tells guests, “Come as guests and leave as family friends.”
How does your packing list change with the trip length?
For two or three hours, one towel, water, sunscreen and a small snack may be enough. Four to six hours require more water, food and sun protection. Eight-hour trips need lunch planning and spare dry clothing. Sunset charters call for a warmer layer, while every trip benefits from packing lightly.
| Trip | Core packing | Useful extra | Do not overpack |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–3 hours | Towel, sunscreen, water, dry bag | Small snack and action camera | A full meal is rarely necessary |
| 4 hours | Core list plus more water and snacks | Cover-up and water shoes | Use the fridge or ice box |
| 6 hours | Substantial water, lunch or planned stop | Spare dry top and personal mask | Avoid elaborate serving dishes |
| 8 hours | Full-day hydration, food plan, sun care | Dry clothes and charging cable | One organised soft bag per person |
| Sunset | Towel, water, dry bag, secure shoes | Light jumper, shirt or wind layer | One photo outfit at most |
A longer trip does not require four times as much luggage; it mainly requires more hydration, a better food plan and protection for later in the day. The full-day private Gozo and Comino charter covers much more coast than a short lagoon trip, so comfort items and spare dry clothing become more useful.
What should photographers, snorkellers and cliff jumpers pack?
Photographers should bring a waterproof phone pouch or action camera, charged batteries, lens cloth and secure straps. Serious snorkellers can bring their own fitted mask. Cliff jumpers need water shoes and skipper approval, not extra bravado. Drone pilots should be experienced, check applicable rules and coordinate every launch with the skipper.
For most guests, a modern phone in a reliable waterproof pouch or an Insta360-style action camera delivers excellent footage with far less stress than a drone. A 360-degree camera can record jumps, the boat and surrounding cliffs without needing perfect framing at the moment. Attach everything properly; “water resistant” and “safe to drop into the Mediterranean” are not identical promises.
Colour choices matter in photographs. A white, orange, yellow or patterned towel can stand out beautifully against turquoise water, while some blue shades disappear into the scene. Choose colours that suit your complexion and the look you want. Early morning often gives clean blue tones; late afternoon and sunset add warmer orange light to limestone cliffs.
Can you bring a drone on a private boat tour?
You may bring a drone only if you are an experienced pilot, have checked current flight rules and receive the skipper’s agreement. Launching and hand-catching from a small moving boat is difficult. Calibrate and prepare on land, protect the equipment from spray, and never distract the skipper during manoeuvres.
Cliff jumping also depends on the day. Never copy a jump simply because you saw it online. Water depth, swell, traffic and access can change, and midday can bring more boats into popular areas. Tell the operator in advance so the route can include suitable possibilities when conditions and ability align. Wear water shoes for the climb and follow the skipper’s exact entry point.
What should you pack if you plan to go ashore at Blue Lagoon?
If you plan to step ashore and remain inside Blue Lagoon’s regulated area, keep your free timed landing-pass QR code available on your phone and preferably save a screenshot offline. Add secure footwear, water and sun protection. You do not need a landing pass merely to swim from your private boat.
The official Blue Lagoon Access Management System FAQ states that visitors stepping onto land at Blue Lagoon need a valid QR code, subject to its listed exemptions. The pass is free, uses timed slots and can be reserved up to two months ahead. One email reservation can cover up to four people, while accompanied children under five do not currently require a pass.
A private boat does not force you to land. Many guests prefer swimming in clear water directly from the boat, using the ladder, shade, cold storage and their own space instead of spending charter time waiting for jetty access. Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but a good Comino experience also includes caves, reefs, Crystal Lagoon and quieter bays selected according to conditions.
If going ashore matters, tell the operator before the route is planned and choose a slot compatible with the charter. Save the confirmation email and QR image somewhere accessible without relying on perfect reception. Wear footwear suitable for hot, uneven ground and carry only what you need; everything else is safer left aboard as directed by the skipper.
What is the final skipper-approved packing checklist?
Wear swimwear and flat shoes; pack a towel, cream sunscreen, secure sunglasses, water, simple snacks, dry bag, light layer and personal medicine. Add activity-specific equipment only when needed. Remove glass, heels and excess luggage. Finally, place every safety, health and personalisation detail inside the booking comments before departure.
- Swimwear and towel
- Cream sunscreen
- Secure hat and sunglasses
- Water and compact snacks
- Dry bag and light layer
- Medication and comfort items
- High heels
- Glass cups and bottles
- Hard or oversized luggage
- Loose expensive jewellery
- Unnecessary speakers and coolers
- Anything you cannot secure
- Children’s approximate weights
- Pregnancy, injuries or mobility needs
- Allergies or medical considerations
- Non-swimmers or nervous swimmers
- Proposals and celebrations
- Preferred activities and photos
The perfect Malta boat bag is surprisingly small. Your private boat already carries the bulky equipment; your job is to bring the personal details that make the day yours. If you are still choosing the right duration, explore all private Malta boat-charter options, then share your plans in the comments when you reserve.
Frequently asked questions about packing for a Malta boat tour
The best Malta boat-trip packing strategy is to carry personal essentials while relying on your operator for confirmed onboard equipment. The answers below cover towels, footwear, sunscreen, food, alcohol, children, seasickness, snorkelling gear, drones and Blue Lagoon access—the questions guests most often ask before a private charter.
Do I need to bring a towel on a private boat tour in Malta?
Yes. Guests should bring their own towels unless their booking explicitly says otherwise. A towel is useful for drying after swimming, sitting on the bow cushions and staying warm while the boat moves. A quick-drying or brightly coloured towel is practical and can also look excellent against Malta’s blue water.
What shoes should I wear on a Malta boat trip?
Wear flat sandals, flip-flops, deck shoes or another secure, non-slip option for boarding. Many guests go barefoot once safely aboard, with the skipper’s agreement. Avoid high heels. Bring proper water shoes when your plan includes rocky shore access, shallow coves or approved cliff-jumping locations on Malta, Comino or Gozo.
Should I bring spray or cream sunscreen on the boat?
Bring cream or lotion sunscreen rather than an aerosol spray. Wind can spread spray over other guests, cushions and the deck, where residue may become slippery or difficult to clean. Apply sunscreen carefully before boarding, carry it for reapplication and follow the product’s directions, particularly after swimming or using your towel.
Can we bring food and drinks on a private boat in Malta?
Yes. Bring water, packaged snacks, sandwiches, fruit, soft drinks or other food suited to your group. Every Outdoor Explorers boat has either a fridge or ice box. Choose cans or suitable plastic containers instead of glass, keep meals simple, disclose serious allergies and confirm any special food or alcohol arrangements with the operator beforehand.
Are snorkelling masks and life jackets provided?
Yes. Outdoor Explorers private charters provide masks, snorkels, adult life jackets, children’s life jackets, swim noodles and floatation aids. Tell the team each child’s approximate weight before departure so suitable jackets can be prepared. Experienced snorkellers and freedivers may still prefer bringing a personal mask with a familiar, reliable fit.
What should I pack if I suffer from seasickness?
Bring a motion-sickness remedy recommended for you and use it before the journey according to its instructions; different medicines have different timings and side effects. Tell the skipper, drink water, eat lightly, face the horizon and avoid reading or prolonged phone use. Ask a pharmacist about pregnancy, children or existing medication.
What should I pack for children on a private boat tour?
Pack towels, child-appropriate sun protection, secure hats, protective clothing, water, familiar snacks, spare dry clothes, nappies and personal medication. Include every child’s weight in your booking comments for life-jacket preparation. Keep comfort items compact, organise wet belongings separately and choose a trip length that suits their normal energy and nap schedule.
Can I bring a drone or professional camera equipment?
You can request to bring camera equipment, but protect it from spray and secure every item. Drone pilots should be experienced, check current flight requirements and obtain the skipper’s agreement before launching. For most guests, a waterproof phone pouch or secured 360-degree action camera creates excellent footage with much less risk and disruption.
Do I need a Blue Lagoon pass on a private boat?
You need the free timed QR landing pass if you step ashore and remain within Blue Lagoon’s regulated area, subject to the official exemptions. You do not need it simply to swim from your private boat. Reserve early if landing matters, save the QR code offline and ensure its time matches your charter.
How much luggage can I bring on a private boat charter?
Bring as little as practical, ideally one compact soft bag per person or one shared family bag. Open boats have useful storage, but oversized luggage reduces comfort and can obstruct movement. Leave hard suitcases at your hotel or accommodation, use the onboard fridge or ice box, and ask beforehand if travelling with unavoidable baggage.
