Malta's Top Boat Trips
The Best Boat Trips Around Malta
With its golden beaches and crystal clear seas, Malta is a charming holiday destination. The Malta experience is best enjoyed from the sea, on a private boat trip.
You will fall in love with this Mediterranean paradise, home to beautiful nature, turquoise sea, magnificent historical sites and plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
Sailing in Malta is a superb way to immerse yourself in all that the islands have to offer. The following are our top bays and anchorages for any boat trip in Malta. Whether it is for a full day boat trip, a short break , an evening late sail or a Grand Harbour cruise try and visit at least one or a combination of our recommended bays; some of which are difficult to access from land.
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The Malta Experience by Boat
Comino
Malta’s sister island, Comino might be small, but undoubtedly has some of the most infamous and instagrammable bays. Comino is a place known for its stunning turquoise waters and stunning surroundings.
The Blue Lagoon is Malta’s most sought after boat trip and is popular with both tourists and locals. If you are looking to go on a boat trip to Blue Lagoon we would recommend you miss out on the ‘pack them in mass tourist boats’ and rent your own private boat trip.
When renting a boat to visit Comino, you will get most out of your visit by choosing one or two bays to visit. This way you will be able to enjoy your time, sunbathe, snorkel, stand up paddleboard and relax under the Mediterranean sun.
1. The Blue Lagoon
The beautiful Blue Lagoon, Comino is our number one favourite anchorage, especially in the quieter off-season tourist months when you can truly enjoy its natural beauty. If you are visiting Malta in these quieter months, we would definitely recommend you take a sailing vacation that incorporates a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon as well as a trek around Comino. Use a local guide who will show you all its hidden gems.
In the peak of summer, Blue Lagoon can get busy, but there are still ways to enjoy it. If you are thinking of taking a day boat trip to Blue Lagoon from Malta then we advise you to leave early and have breakfast on board. That way you can enjoy the Blue Lagoon before the mass tourist day trip boats arrive. We would then recommend you move on to one of the other bays in Comino, Gozo or Malta.
Alternatively, charter a boat for a few days, enjoy a sailing vacation touring the Matese islands. Sleep on anchor in the Blue Lagoon and wake up the peaceful surroundings, making the most of its serenity before the tourist day trip commercial boats arrive.
2. Crystal Lagoon
Nestled between cliffs and only accessible by boat, Crystal Lagoon is a perfect, more exclusive alternative to Blue Lagoon. It’s definitely an anchorage we would recommend you visit whilst on your boat trip. Just under St, Mary’s Tower, it is a good spot to spend some time in the sun and have a swim.
3. Santa Marija Bay
Santa Marija bay, is popular with locals for it’s amazing azure waters made for swimming and snorkelling. This lovely little sandy beach is a lot more tranquil than other spots on the island.
4. St Nicholas Bay
St Nicholas Bay is another gem to visit during your sailing experience, as it offers crystal clear waters and excellent snorkelling. The two small sandy beaches are very accessible, so you could swim, snorkel or paddleboard to them to enjoy some time on the beach. St Nicholas Bay is quite popular in the Summer months, but it is usually quieter than the Blue Lagoon.
5. The Comino Caves
The Comino Caves are not to be missed when sailing around Comino.
Santa Marija cave has lovely blue water; it is not as spectacular as diving in the Galagapos but Santa Marija Cave is a favourite with snorkelling enthusiasts and divers.
You could trek around the island and visit the caves from land alternatively you could paddleboard or if you are a relatively strong swimmer, swim to the caves .
We would recommend you let someone know you are going off to visit the caves and always check with your local skipper, as there can be strong currents around Comino.
Allegra, in Blue Lagoon.
BOAT TRIPS TO THE NORTH OF MALTA
We would definitely recommend you book your private boat trip with a yacht chartering company that will provide you with a bespoke itinerary.
A boat trip to the North of Malta can be easily combined with a visit to Comino.
You can easily combine your sail to the Blue Lagoon with many of the picturesque anchorages on the way, such as Selmun or Armier bay. You will not be disappointed with the postcard-perfect views and landscapes.
As you are sailing to the Blue Lagoon, ask your local skipper to point out Elephant’s Rock.
Boat Trips around Malta
The Maltese Islands, offer an amazing Mediterranean sailing experience. Whether you choose a day boat trip, an evening Grand Harbour Cruise or you rent a boat for a weekend break or an all-inclusive sailing holiday, Malta offers all you are dreaming of.
Northern Bays
1. St Paul’s Islands
St Paul’s Islands off the north-east coast of Malta are worth a visit, they are a good stopover while on your way back from Comino or on your short break sailing holiday.
St. Paul’s island are identified as the spot St. Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked on his way to Rome to face charges. They are sometimes one and sometimes two, split by a shallow isthmus. It’s a popular spot especially with the locals due to its lovely clear water and cliff backdrop. Drop anchor here and hike to St Paul’s statue or simply spend your day relaxing on your boat and enjoying the Mediterranean sun and sea.
If you are short on time and you only have a couple of hours for your sailing experience we would recommend you include St. Paul’s island as a stopover.
2. Selmun Bay
Selmun is one of our top 5 beaches in Malta. It is characterised by Malta’s azure crystal clear seas. From the land, it can be a bit of a trek to get to so it’s definitely a bay to enjoy from the sea. We would definitely recommend you put this on your list of possible stopovers if you are planning a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon in Comino or renting a boat to sail around Malta and Gozo.
3. Armier Bay & Little Armier
Situated directly opposite Comino, these two sandy bays separated by a rocky stretch are a great stop on your Maltese sailing vacation or day boat trip. Besides their lovely crystal clear, turquoise water, they also boast a number of eateries, including Bahia, a chic restaurant and beach club favoured by locals for sundowner cocktails and dinner.
We recommend you visit the next 3 bays on a short break sailing vacation as they are that little bit too far to truly enjoy on a day boat trip.
2. Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay is as heavenly as it sounds. It can be quite a trek down to the small sandy cove but it is well worth it. When sailing around Malta, Paradise Bay is a bay we would definitely recommend. This bay is the perfect hideaway – a beautiful beach with crystal clear water.
3. Gnejna Bay
As a popular destination for hiking, this place is home to some of Malta’s pristine nature.
Combine a sailing and trekking holiday. Sail to Ġnejna on your own private boat trip, walk your way up the cliffs while exploring caves, and picnic on one of the sandy beaches afterwards.
4. Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
Malta’s most famous sandy beaches: Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieha. Both these stunning bays are extremely popular so can get quite busy during peak season. Renting a boat and visiting these bays by sea is the perfect solution. Of the two bays, Għajn Tuffieħa is our favourite; it is the least accessible from land and is largely unspoilt. So if nature is your thing then we recommend visiting Għajn Tuffieħa ( Apple’s Eye), on your Malta yacht charter.
It is worth checking both of the bays out to decide which is your favourite. Sleeping on anchor and experiencing sunset at Għajn Tuffieħa is always on our Malta Summer things to-do list.
““Cracking sailing experience!
A great way to see the Maltese Islands. Patrick and the crew looked after us so well. Well equipped yacht with great food and drink whilst aboard. Insider knowledge of hidden gem restaurants by the skipper made this trip great value!”
”
Boat Trips to the South of Malta
If you are looking to take a boat trip in Malta, bays and anchorages in the South tend to be less crowded and less frequented by mass tourist boats. They are just as beautiful as those in the North of the island – as long as you know where to look.
These are our favourite anchorages for a Southern Malta boat trip:
1. il-Hofriet, Delimara
Hofriet , accessible only by sea, is by far the most impressive of the bays in the South. It’s is still unspoilt by any development and you can truly enjoy Malta’s signature waters. If you are planning a boat trip in Malta do consider including this bay, we have also had many dolphin sightings on our way to this anchorage. It’s definitely in our top 5 beaches in Malta especially for a half-day boat cruise. It’s not far from the marinas in Ta’Xbiex and once you have anchored here you can truly enjoy the day, snorkelling, paddle boarding and making the most of your time out on your boat trip in Malta.
2. St. Peter’s Pool
Although we cannot anchor in this bay, we do tend to stop at St Peter’s Pool just to show our guests. Usually packed with people, showing off their diving skills, but always with a good atmosphere. This is a unique swimming spot in the south. It’s a short distance from Marsaxlokk, a picturesque and traditional fisherman’s village, where you can be taken to shore to enjoy a local fish lunch.
3. Delimara
With unique cliffs and rock formations, Delimara Peninsula is bound to impress. The Delimara Fort was built by the British between 1876 and 1888. Delimara is the place to go if you want to soak up some history on your boat trip in Malta.
4. Blue Grotto and Filfla
The Blue Grotto is a must-see on a boat trip around Malta. Surrounded by deep blue waters, this stunning rock formation is jaw-dropping. You will find seven caves along the southern coast, with a view of the little islet Filfla.
Too far usually for a day boat trip, we would normally recommend including this stop in a short break sailing vacation.
Boat Trips around Gozo
When sailing the Mediterranean, you don’t want to miss out on a Gozo boat tour. The island of Gozo is lesser-known than Malta, but is home to stunning scenery and picturesque bays. With cute local villages and protected nature, it is the perfect getaway from the main island.
Boat trips Gozo
For a weekend break or sailing holiday in the Mediterranean, Gozo is a marvellous destination. As Gozo is bigger than Comino, a day boat trip is a bit rushed. We would recommend touring the island as a weekend break on a multi-day charter. Here are our recommendations when heading out for a boat trip to Gozo.
Bays for day trips
On a sailing boat, these bays would take approximately 2 leisurely hours to get to from Malta.
San Blas Bay, Gozo
One of our favourite bays in Gozo is the hidden gem of San Blas bay; it lies in one of the most fertile valleys of Gozo.
Access to San Blas is via a very steep hill, this puts many people off so it is one of the quieter and more peaceful bays in Malta. Being difficult o access from the land it makes sit a perfect beach to enjoy on your boat trip to Gozo.
Another favourite beach of ours is Dahlet Qorrot, in between Qala and Nadur.
With fisherman huts cut into the limestone cliffs, this picturesque little bay is a popular day boat trip stop.
Weekend break trips
1. Mgarr
If you have the weekend to explore Gozo by boat, we advise you to spend the night in Mgarr, where you can enjoy the picturesque harbour and dine at great restaurants and have a drink at the iconic Gleneagles Bar.
2. Blue Lagoon, Comino
Another great option to sleep is on anchor in Blue Lagoon. Wake up for the sunrise and move on before it gets too crowded.
3. The Inland Sea, Dwejra
The Inland Sea at Dwejra is also worth a visit. Just getting there is wonderful as you sail past majestic cliffs and enjoy some of Gozo’s raw nature. Once in Dwejra you can swim and explore the many caves Sleeping on anchor here is truly an unforgettable experience, you will be entertained by shearwater calls at night break.
4. Mgar ix-Xini
Mgarr ix-Xini is a stunning fjord-like inlet, with a tiny pebbly beach at it’s end. This majestic inlet was the backdrop for the film, By the Sea, written and directed by Angelina Jolie and starring Brad Pitt. It is a great spot to snorkel and while the time away.
5. Ramla Bay
Perhaps Gozo’s most famous beach is Ramla l-Ħamra Bay.. It lies at the bottom of a fertile valley, its a gorgeous red sandy beach framed by unspoilt Gozitan nature. There are only a few family run shack-line eateries at the beginning of the beach, a good place to try out some home cooked Maltese food. This is definitely one of our top 5 beaches in Malta and Gozo Ramla beach has it all clean waters, a beautiful beach framed by raw unspoilt natural surroundings.
Evening Sunset Boat Cruise
A dinner cruise in Malta might just be the best harbour cruise you can get. As you enjoy the sunset on the Mediterranean Sea, this kind of boat trip is both romantic and adventurous.
Spending an evening out on a boat is beyond special. Not only will you enjoy a Maltese sunset with your loved one, but you will also see Malta and particularly the Grand Harbour in a different light – all while dining and relaxing on board.
The Grand Harbour was the base for the Knights of St John for 268 years, and it has played a major strategic role in Malta’s history. Besides being historic, it is absolutely breath-taking.
Are you planning your honeymoon in Malta? We recommend a dinner boat cruise to you.
In short, you cannot truly experience Malta without experiencing a boat trip. Make the most of your stay and charter a boat so you can enjoy Malta and its crystal clear waters. Enjoy!
If you are ever in France then we would recommend you check out our friends, at Serenity Barge, who offer incredible barge trips in France.