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Malta Boat Tours you’ll regret missing!

April, 12 2023 ( Updated May, 27 2024)

Malta
Family
Nature
Sports

Malta is a country of many experiences, and if you ask what is the best period to visit Malta, then the answer is all-year-long. With its 300 days of sunshine and a remarkably mild climate, there is indeed never a bad time to visit this Mediterranean island nestled just south of Sicily.

The traditional fishing boats, called luzzu, harboured in the village of Marsaxlokk  on a sunny day  The traditional fishing boats, called luzzu, harboured in Marsaxlokk 

The Maltese archipelago comprises 3 islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino, and all three islands offer a different experience. At the mainland you can immerse in 7000 years of history and enjoy a very vibrant nightlife; at Gozo, you can enjoy a relaxed pace combined with impressive monuments and beaches; and at the uninhabited Comino, you can soak up the splendid natural beauty of the archipelago.  

Though the islands can be explored on foot, on wheels and even on water, the best way to fully take in the beauty of this island is to go on traditional boat tours or sea excursions in Malta. Touring the Maltese islands on the water will make you catch picturesque glimpses of its sandstone facades, natural monuments and pristine harbours that become exceptionally beautiful, especially during the golden hours of the day.

Sunset at Marsans harbour, Valletta, MaltaEnjoy a beautiful sunset at Marsans harbour, Malta 

You can either hire a private car, use public transport or easily move from island to island using the harbour ferries. Some of them are so enticing, they give you beautiful panoramic views of the typical buildings with colourful balconies, imposing historical structures like St. John’s Cathedral and harbours lined with yachts and boats at affordable prices. 

Now that we have seen why boat tours in Malta are an amazing way of enjoying your trip, let us head and find tours that are worth going for! 

Boat Tour to Comino and Blue Lagoon  

The most suggestive and one of the best Malta boat tours is the one to the Blue Lagoon, located in the north of the island and featuring two beaches. The lagoon is a slice of paradise made up of soft white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

The famous Blue Lagoon with its crystal-clear waters in the Mediterranean Sea. Island of Comino, MaltaThe famous Blue Lagoon in the Mediterranean Sea. Island of Comino, Malta 

There are 2 types of tours that you can opt for based on your budget. The ferry tour, which is cheaper and time-bound, is ideal for those who want to spend a couple of hours around the lagoon, soaking in the visual beauty of multiple hues of blue and the beaches. However, with the ferry tour, you will not be able to swim because of the time constraint, but you can surely enjoy the two beaches of the Blue Lagoon.  

How can I get to the Blue Lagoon from Malta ferry? You can get to Ċirkewwa by public transport if you do not have a private vehicle, from there you can easily take the ferry to the Blue Lagoon. You can check Malta’s public transport schedule. Hop-on hop-off ferries also depart from all the major tourist destinations like Valletta (the capital of Malta), St. Julians (the party hub of Malta) and Sliema (a historical city in Malta).  

The second way is to book a private tour, which is a little on the expensive side. But this is recommended for those who want to swim and snorkel in the Blue Lagoon. To make the most of your day at the Blue Lagoon, it is advisable to reach it before mid-morning as the area is small, there are no lidos, and the best spots fill up fast.

Happy.Rentals' terrace property on a sunny day in Malta, ID 6383Surrounded by splendid Maltese sunshine, this pool penthouse is perfect for a relaxing break anytime! ID 6383 

You can book your stay in terraced appartments in Mellieħa, which is just a 10-minute drive to the Ċirkewwa ferry terminal

Boat Tours from Buġibba Harbour 

Buġibba Harbour is located within the gorgeous St. Paul's Bay and is one of the famous tourist attractions with clubs, pubs and a long sandy coastline. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy Malta’s nightlife and are looking for convenience to connect to other places or islands.

The turquoise waters of St. Paul’s Bay, Malta with some harboured boatsThe turquoise waters of St. Paul’s Bay, Malta 

However, taking Malta boat cruises/ tours from this harbour means that your tour would most likely be longer and organised on personal catamarans. These are ideal for leisurely exploration of the lesser-known caves, bays and snorkeling spots of the archipelago like the Crystal Lagoon on Comino. 

Tip: If you want to enjoy a Malta boat party, then you can even opt for experiences like 5-hour Lazy Pirate Boat Party!

Typical Mediterranean villa with garden and pool near St. Paul’s Bay, Malta, ID 7225 Enjoy alfresco meals in the typical Mediterranean villa with pool near St. Paul’s Bay, Malta, ID 7225 

Book your stay at this family-friendly retreat with open-air dining, a hot tub and a swimming pool for the perfect relaxed stay in St. Paul’s Bay! 

Boat tour to the famous Blue Grotto 

If you are in Malta, then you must visit the Blue Grotto. Known as Taht il-Hnejja in Maltese, the Blue Grotto is a natural monument with shimmering blue waters surrounding it; a thing of beauty that only Malta’s rugged coastline can offer.  

Spectacular aerial view of the Blue Grotto, Malta, with its turquoise watersSpectacular aerial view of the Blue Grotto, Malta 

The Blue Grotto is in the southern part of Malta and there are 2 ways you can admire its beauty. One is from the viewing point in the coastal fishing village of Wied iż-Żurrieq, and the other is from boarding a ferry from the same village and entering the cave. You can visit the parking lot of the village and from there a boardwalk takes you to the viewing point. The kiosk to buy ferry tickets to the Blue Grotto is located close to the parking lot.  

Tip: Visit the Blue Grotto before mid-morning to see the sunlight directly illuminating the shimmering waters of the cave. 

There are also other boat tours from Wied iż-Żurrieq if you prefer longer tours; one of which takes you to almost six caves, namely the Honeymoon Cave, the Cat’s Cave, Reflection Cave, Window Cave, Window Cave and the Elephant Foot. However, if you want to swim in the Blue Grotto, then you can only do so with private boat tours or by kayaking, but it is not really recommended due to the high number of tourist boats. The Blue Grotto is also a popular diving spot where you can discover its underwater life swimming with octopuses and red cardinals!

Living room of the Modern Central Bright apartment with terrace, ID 6471, Malta

Enjoy your stay in the modern Central Bright apartment with terrace, ID 6471, Malta 

Want a holiday home that is right next to the sea and within easy driving distance of Wied iż-Żurrieq? Book your stay here! 

Boat Tours from Mġarr Harbour 

Located on the tranquil Gozo Island, with extraordinary tourist attractions like the prehistoric Gjantija Temples and Ta’ Pinu Shrine, you can enjoy many boat trips to stunning natural locations from Mġarr Harbour (including Comino Island).

Panoramic Bay View of Mgarr, Town and Harbour where Ferries Dock at the East End of Island Gozo, Malta Panoramic Bay View of Mgarr, Town and Harbour where Ferries Dock at the East End of Island Gozo, Malta 

However, when here, do take a moment to explore the Lourdes Chapel next to the towering Fort Chambray, stroll along the Żewwieqa waterfront, grab a drink at one of the marine-themed bars like Gleneagles, and observe the engaging yet uniquely serene harbour life. If you are looking for a convenient place that is just a short drive from the harbour, then choose to stay in this exquisite holiday retreat on Gozo!

Terrace with pool in Malta, property ID 7231  Enjoy Maltese sun in the terrace with pool of this gorgeous property, ID 7231 

Book this wonderful holiday retreat or more like this in Nadur, which is just a 10-minute drive to Mġarr Harbour! 

But, apart from the picturesque boat tours, is it worth to visit Malta in summer? 

Definitely! This Mediterranean Island offers all kinds of vacations; from super relaxed sunbathing days on the beach to water sports adventures under the sea, historic immersion and party-till-the-break-of-dawn experiences. In fact, Malta attracts a major portion of its tourism during the hotter season. Therefore, if you would like to go to the island and enjoy a quieter and less crowded location, then Gozo is perfect to keep as your base.

The outdoor Jacuzzi of this amazing traditional Gozan-style villa, ID 6180 Relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi of this amazing traditional Gozan-style villa, ID 6180 

From cities to beaches and lakes, you can also find uncrowded holiday destinations to enjoy in summer all over Europe. All you need to do is choose the right destination for you! Plus, with Malta’s digital-nomad-friendly policies and atmosphere, you can make this Mediterranean island your next nomadic home! 

Are you ready to have an exceptional summer this year? Book the best holiday homes in Malta!


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