Malta Boat Trips: Best Boat Tours and Cruises Compared

Malta is best seen from the sea. From a 20-minute hop to Comino to a full day around the islands, there is a boat trip for every budget and mood. This guide compares the best Malta boat trips and cruises, where they leave from and how to choose.

Best Malta Boat Trips and Cruises

Other Boat Trips Worth Knowing

• Sunset cruises: evening trips along the coast or around the harbours.
• Private boats and speedboats: charter a boat for your group and choose your own stops.
• Dgħajsa water taxi: a traditional Maltese boat across the Grand Harbour from Valletta to Birgu.

Where Do Malta Boat Trips Leave From?

Departure point	Trips
Sliema (Ferries area)	Harbour cruises, Comino and round-island cruises
Buġibba and Qawra	Comino and Blue Lagoon cruises
Ċirkewwa	Short ferries to Comino and the Gozo ferry
Mġarr, Gozo	Boats to Comino, about 15 minutes
Wied iż-Żurrieq	Blue Grotto boats
Valletta waterfront	Dgħajsa water taxis to the Three Cities

Malta Boat Trips Compared

Boat trip	Length	Best for	Runs
Comino and Blue Lagoon	Half or full day	Swimming, families	Mainly spring to autumn
Grand Harbour cruise	Usually under 2 hours	History and views	All year
Blue Grotto	20 to 30 minutes	Photos, short on time	Calm days only
Gozo and Comino cruise	Full day	Seeing a lot in one day	Mainly spring to autumn
Sunset cruise	A few hours	Couples	Mainly summer

How to Choose a Malta Boat Trip

• Want to swim? Pick a Comino trip and check how long you get at the Blue Lagoon.
• Short on time? The Blue Grotto or a harbour cruise fits into half a day.
• Prone to seasickness? Harbour cruises stay in sheltered water.
• Travelling with kids? Shorter trips with shade on board work best.
• Book flexible tickets: trips are cancelled when the sea is rough, so choose free cancellation.

Blue Lagoon Booking: What Boat Passengers Need

Prefer to go on your own? See how to get to the Blue Lagoon by bus and the €15 Comino ferry.

Since 2025, everyone landing at the Blue Lagoon in summer needs a free booking from the Malta Tourism Authority, whether you arrive by ferry, tour boat or private boat. There are three daily slots, from 08:00 to 13:00, 13:30 to 17:30 and 18:00 to 22:00, with up to 4,000 people at any one time. You get a QR code, which you swap for a wristband when you land.

Do not assume your boat ticket includes the pass. Ask the operator before you pay. Full details are in our Blue Lagoon guide.

Boat Trip Safety and Comfort Tips

• Check the forecast: trips are cancelled when the sea is rough, and the Blue Grotto boats stop in even moderate wind.
• Seasickness: sit at the back of the boat, near the middle, and look at the horizon. Harbour cruises in sheltered water are the gentlest.
• Sun: boats have little shade, so bring a hat, high-factor sunscreen and water.
• Swimming stops: stay within the area the crew points out and watch for other boats.
• Kids: ask whether the operator has children’s life jackets.

Malta Boat Trips by Month

Months	What to expect
November to March	Harbour cruises run, but fewer trips to Comino and around the coast. Sea around 15 to 18°C
April and May	Most trips start up again, with calmer seas and fewer crowds
June to September	Peak season. Sea 21 to 26°C. Book ahead, especially at weekends
October	Warm sea, quieter boats, a few more cancelled days for weather

More in our Malta weather by month guide.

Malta Boat Trips FAQ

What is the best boat trip in Malta?

A Comino and Blue Lagoon trip is the most popular, especially in summer. For history and views without swimming, choose a Grand Harbour cruise.

Do boat trips run in winter?

Harbour cruises run all year. Most Comino and coastal trips run mainly from spring to autumn, and all sea trips depend on the weather.

How long is the boat to Comino?

About 20 minutes from Ċirkewwa and about 15 minutes from Mġarr in Gozo. Cruises from Sliema and Buġibba take longer and usually stop at caves on the way.

What happens if my boat trip is cancelled?

Operators cancel when the sea is rough. Most booking sites refund or rebook cancelled trips, but check the terms before you pay.

Do I need to book the Blue Lagoon if I am on a boat trip?

Yes, if you land at the Blue Lagoon in summer. The booking is free on the official system and some tour operators arrange it for you, so ask before you book.

Keep Planning

Sources: Visit Malta, Gozo Channel, Malta Tourism Authority: Blue Lagoon booking, Climate of Malta (Wikipedia).