Malta Boat Tours: How to Pick the Best Tour To See the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, & Paradise Bay
Malta boat tours are hands down the best way to see the island’s stunning coastline and unbelievable blue water. I spent an amazing week in Malta and the boat tour we took was the highlight of the trip.
The water is gorgeous (hello, Blue Lagoon!), the tours are shockingly affordable, and it was an amazing way to see parts of Malta we never would have otherwise.
I’ve traveled to over 30 countries, and the turquoise waters around Comino and Gozo honestly rank among the most beautiful I’ve ever seen (you heard me, Greece).
But not all Malta boat tours are created equal. Here’s exactly what to look for when booking so you can enjoy a relaxing day cruising over crystal blue water and not cramming in with giant crowds of people.
Malta Boat Tours Quick Guide
Running short on time? Here’s a quick guide of everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit to Malta
The Best Boat Tour in Malta
- This is the best small group tour – affordable, small boat, sunbeds, it was perfect.
- This is an ideal private tour– 1,000 5-star reviews and the definition of affordable luxury!
Where to Stay in Malta
- Radisson Blu Golden Sands for beaches.
- Westin Dragonara for families.
- The Phoenicia for true luxury.
- More in-depth guide here for you!
When to Visit Malta
- Late May to Mid-October.
Other Things to Do In Malta
- Do a day trip to Gozo (you can easily take the ferry with or without a car).
- Explore Mdina. It’s worth it to pay to enter the cathedral!
What to Expect from Boat Tours in Malta
Every boat tour in Malta will vary a little bit in the route they take, the size of the boat and the duration of the tour (and these factors are actually super important, as you’ll see in just a minute).
No matter what, you’ll probably head out from Malta, cruise around Gozo and the stunning coastline of Comino, stopping by the Blue Grotto, and definitely hit the Blue Lagoon. If you’re lucky, you’ll also go to Crystal Lagoon (also called Crystal Coves) and Paradise Bay, which is a local Maltese favorite that doesn’t get nearly as crowded.
The typical Malta day tour starts with pickup from your hotel or a meeting point near the harbor. We met ours at Bugibba and just parked on the street pretty easily, but we went early to be safe.
You’ll board the boat, claim your spot, and head out into the Mediterranean. Most tours include swimming stops at 2-4 locations, with about 45 minutes to an hour at each spot.
Personally, I’d recommend a tour that hits all 3 spots (like the €30 one I took) and that’s geared for small groups.
Trust me, you don’t want to be waiting in a line of 100 people before you can jump into the water. Watching massive tour boats unload while you’ve already been swimming around the Blue Lagoon for an hour feels pretty amazing.
Blue Grotto: Malta’s Most Dramatic Sea Caves
Our first stop on our Malta boat tour was the Blue Grotto, a series of sea caves carved into towering limestone cliffs on Malta’s southern coast.
The rock formations are absolutely massive, rising up from the water and really emphasizing the crystal blue water. The whole area glows with this ethereal blue light that reflects off the water and illuminates the inside of the caves. I honestly couldn’t stop taking videos of the gorgeous water around the giant rocks.
Fortunately, because we had a small boat, we could easily go right into the caves. We navigated through these narrow channels and passages, ducking under low rock overhangs, and pulling right up to the back of the larger caves. The water inside is so clear and blue it almost looks lit from below.
The bigger tour boats with 100+ people can’t access the Blue Grotto the same way. They have to stay pretty far outside the caves looking in, which means passengers miss out on actually experiencing what makes this place magical.
Every Malta Boat Tour’s Main Stop: The Blue Lagoon
The most famous boat tour stop in Malta is the Blue Lagoon, and honestly, it lives up to the hype.
It’s hard to describe just how beautiful the Blue Lagoon is, so fortunately I took 1,000 photos!
The water is this insane shade of turquoise that doesn’t even look real. It’s like someone turned up the saturation to 150% on a photo, except it actually looks like that in person.
The Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and the tiny islet of Cominotto, creating this protected bay with crystal clear, shallow water. You can literally see straight down to the white sand bottom and peek at all the fish swimming around.
You can swim, snorkel, or get a free ticket ahead of time to explore Comino island itself. It’s a protected reserve so they don’t want hundreds of people from the giant tour boats pouring on at once.
The island is pretty sparse. There’s not much there except for one small bar/restaurant and some walking paths, but it’s nice to stretch your legs if you want a break from swimming. I just stayed in the water though.
⭐ Pro Tip: For the Blue Lagoon, you want to book a Malta boat tour that stops here early. We were the second small boat to arrive, so we basically got the entire place to ourselves for an hour.
We went down the waterslide, snorkeled with fish darting around the rocks, and jumped off the side of the boat pretty much uninterrupted.
When we were pulling out to our next stop, massive tour boats with hundreds of people started to arrive and I was definitely glad we beat them. By 11 AM, the Blue Lagoon can get absolutely packed, with boats anchored everywhere and swimmers crowding every square foot of water.
If you’re doing a Blue Lagoon tour in Malta, this early arrival timing is non-negotiable. It’s the difference between a peaceful, magical experience and feeling like you’re in a water park on a Saturday in July.
Crystal Lagoon: Malta’s Hidden Gem
Near the Blue Lagoon is the Crystal Lagoon, which flies way too under the radar for how beautiful it is.
This spot is a series of hidden caves and blue waters tucked into dramatic limestone cliffs. The water here is somehow even clearer than the Blue Lagoon, if that’s possible. It’s deep, a little chillier, and the most incredible shade of sapphire blue.
What makes the Crystal Lagoon special is the caves. These aren’t huge caves you can walk through, but rather sea caves carved into the cliffs that you can swim right into.
My boyfriend spent an hour swimming under the caves and listening to the echo of the waves washing against the rocks. He said it was one of the coolest experiences of the entire trip.
We also threw some bread in to feed the fish (who knew fish love carbs as much as I do?) and saw them swimming right alongside us.
Not all ships can fit here since it requires navigating through some narrow passages between rocks, so you’ll want to choose a Malta boat tour that’s smaller and specifically lists it as a stop.
The big party boats with 200+ people can’t access this area, which is why it stays relatively uncrowded even during peak season.
Paradise Bay: Where the Locals Go
Our third stop on our Malta boat tour was Paradise Bay, which is popular with the locals because it offers a completely different vibe from the other stops. I always love getting a chance to do something a little local on any tour, so I really appreciated this spot.
Paradise Bay has an actual sandy beach, which is pretty rare in Malta where most of the coastline is rocky (except by our hotel at the Golden Sands!). The sand is this gorgeous white color, and it’s beautifully soft. Perfect for laying out if you’re done swimming for a bit.
The bay is more sheltered than the other stops, so the water here is calmer and even warmer. I swam over to the rocks on the edges to see schools of small fish while my boyfriend laid out on the smooth sand and took a nap.
There’s a small beach club on shore where you can grab drinks or snacks if you want something beyond what’s on the boat, and the whole area just feels more relaxed and less touristy than the Blue Lagoon.
Some Malta boat trips skip Paradise Bay in favor of spending more time at the Blue Lagoon, but I think that’s a mistake. The variety of stops makes the day way more interesting.
The Exact Malta Boat Tour I Recommend
When it comes to booking one of the many available Malta boat tours, there are 3 factors you should consider:
- Where it stops: You want to book a boat tour in Malta that goes to the Blue Grotto, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Paradise Bay. If you’re only going to do one boat tour in Malta, you want to hit all the hot spots. Some tours only go to the Blue Lagoon and maybe one other spot, which feels like a missed opportunity.
- Boat size: In this case, size matters way more than you’d think 😘 I just cannot emphasize enough that you don’t want to be on a boat tour with 100 people. It’ll take you 20 minutes to even get into the Blue Lagoon because everyone’s trying to use the same ladder.
The tours are generally cheap enough (if you book in advance) that getting a small boat tour is very doable. Look for tours that cap at 30 people max. That’s the sweet spot where you still have space to move around but there are enough people that it’s a fun, social vibe. - Start time: I am definitively not a morning person, and I’m still going to recommend going early. It’s 100% worth it to beat the other tour groups to these beautiful spots. We did an 8:30 AM departure, and I would absolutely do it again.
By the time we left the Blue Lagoon around 10:30 AM, it was getting noticeably more crowded. An early start also means you’re back on land by 3-4 PM with the whole evening ahead of you.
This is the exact tour I took, and it was the highlight of our time on Malta (seriously, I can’t recommend it enough), plus it was shockingly affordable.
It was honestly one of the best values of our entire Malta trip. The sunbeds felt luxurious to lie on while we cruised around, they sold sandwiches, coffees, and drinks (including wine!) throughout the day. Nothing felt overpriced, and the crew was genuinely friendly, not just going through the motions.
⭐ Pro Tip: You want to get on the boat about 45 minutes ahead of time so you can claim a sunbed on the top deck. These go fast, and once the boat is moving, it’s hard to navigate up the stairs with everyone settled in.
We showed up right when boarding opened, grabbed two sunbeds in the middle (not too close to the front where it’s choppy, not at the back where the engine is loud), and had the perfect setup for the whole day.
⭐ Pro Tip: You need to bring your own towel and I would highly recommend a waterproof phone case as well!
Best Time to Take Malta Boat Tours
The Malta boat tour season runs from April through October, with July and August being peak season.
- May, June, and September are your sweet spot. You get warm weather, clear water, and slightly fewer crowds. The water temperature is perfect (around 70-75°F), and you’re not competing with quite as many tourists.
- If you’re going during peak season (July-August), the water is warmest, but expect the Blue Lagoon to be absolutely packed. Booking an early morning tour becomes even more critical during these months.
- The shoulder season (April and October) means chillier water (60-65°F), but the crowds are minimal. If you don’t mind cooler water, you can have these spots almost to yourself. Bring a wetsuit if you’re going in April or October and want to swim for longer periods.
I went in October and the water was pretty chilly, but still worth it.
Where Malta Boat Tours Depart From
Most boat tours depart from a few key locations around the island:
- Sliema is the most popular departure point, easily accessible from Valletta and most hotels in the northern part of Malta. There’s a whole row of tour operators along the waterfront, and many tours include pickup from hotels in the area.
- Bugibba is another major departure point on the northern coast. Tours from here are often slightly cheaper, and it’s convenient if you’re staying in St. Paul’s Bay or the northern resort areas. This is where we departed from, and parking was totally fine. We just found street parking and walked to the meeting point.
- Valletta has some tours that depart directly from the capital’s harbor, which is convenient if you’re staying there. The boat ride to the Blue Lagoon is a bit longer from here though
. - Mellieha is the closest departure point to Comino and the Blue Lagoon, meaning less time on the boat getting there and more time swimming. If you’re staying in this area, look for tours that depart from Mellieha Bay.
If you’re still figuring out where to stay in Malta, I’d recommend picking a hotel near one of these departure points to make your morning easier.
And if you’re planning to rent a car in Malta for the rest of your trip, parking near the boat tour departure points is generally pretty straightforward.
What to Bring on Your Malta Boat Trip
Here’s exactly what to pack for your Malta boat tour, and what I wish I’d brought:
Essentials:
- Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes)
- Towel (boats don’t usually provide them)
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen (SPF 50 minimum because the sun is intense on the water)
- Waterproof phone case
- Euros for drinks and snacks
- Hat and sunglasses
- Change of clothes (when you’re done swimming, you’ll want to change into dry clothes)
Nice to have:
- Snorkel gear (some boats provide it, but it’s not always great quality)
- Underwater camera or GoPro
- Light cover-up or jacket for sun protection or when its windy on the boat ride
- Seasickness medication if you’re prone to motion sickness. I usually get seasick but I did fine! The water was very calm.
Private Malta Boat Tour (It’s Surprisingly Affordable)
If you’re with a few people, or just looking to make the day special, it could really be worth it for a private boat tour. We saw a few small, private boats at our stops and they were zipping around totally on their own schedule.
Somewhere like Greece these would cost $1,000, but in Malta it usually runs just a few hundred, depending on what kind of boat you want.
Getting your own skipper to go at your own pace just for you sounds like an awesome day in Malta to me.
This company has 1,000 5-star reviews and is amazingly affordable!
Is a Malta Boat Tour Worth It?
Absolutely. Our Malta boat tour cost €30 each, and it was hands-down the best money we spent on the entire trip (except maybe our amazing hotel).
The boat tour gave us a full day of swimming in the most beautiful water I’ve ever seen, access to three stunning locations, and memories that I’m still talking about months later.
The value is incredible, especially compared to similar boat tours in other Mediterranean destinations.
Malta Boat Tours: FAQs
For most visitors, a full-day boat tour like this one to the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Paradise Bay offers the most bang for your buck.
These tours typically run €30-40, include multiple swimming stops, and showcase Malta’s most beautiful coastal areas. If you want something beyond a boat tour, the ancient Mdina walking tours and Valletta food tours are also excellent.
Tipping isn’t required in Malta, but I recommend €5 – €10 per person if your crew did a great job (like ours!).
Private boat charters in Malta range from €150-400 for a half-day, depending on the size and type of boat.
A basic speedboat for up to 8 people costs around €150-200 for 4 hours, while a larger yacht with a captain and amenities can run €300-400 or more. For groups of 6+ people, a private boat tour can be cost-effective when you split the cost, and you’ll have complete control over your itinerary.
Consider three main factors when picking your boat tour. Group size matters (look for 30-50 people max), departure time is crucial (go early to beat crowds), and itinerary should include the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Paradise Bay. Avoid the cheapest options, which often pack 100+ people onto massive boats.
Many Malta boat tours work well for non-swimmers. The boats have ladders and platforms, and you can enjoy the views without getting in the water.
The Blue Lagoon is particularly appealing because the water is shallow (10-12 feet) and calm, making it comfortable even for nervous swimmers. Most tour operators provide life jackets upon request, and the crew keeps a close eye on swimmers.
While most Malta boat tours operate from April to October, a few companies run year-round tours in the winter months (November-March). The water is quite cold though (60°F or below), seas can be rough, and many tours are weather-dependent and may cancel. If you’re visiting Malta in winter and really want to do a boat tour, I’d book with a flexible cancellation policy and have a backup plan.
Final Thoughts on Malta Boat Tours
If you’re planning a trip to Malta, don’t skip the boat tour. It’s one of those experiences that sounds good when you book it, then completely exceeds your expectations once you’re actually floating in that insane blue water.
The Blue Lagoon is stunning, the Crystal Lagoon is magical, and Paradise Bay is the perfect spot to relax after hours of swimming. Book early, choose a small group tour, and get there before the crowds.
Cheers to your next adventure, and please go down the waterslide an extra time for me 🛝🏖️
