Malta’s crystal-clear waters, charming harbours, and scenic island hopping have made it one of Europe’s most captivating travel destinations. For many visitors, a Malta boat trip to Gozo or a cruise around Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon becomes a highlight of the trip, but deciding how to experience these waters can be surprisingly complex. Should you take a public ferry to see the islands or splurge on a private boat trip? Here’s what every traveller should know.
Malta is an archipelago just off the southern coast of Sicily. While the main island is rich in history, beaches, and nightlife, Gozo offers a slower pace, rugged coastlines, and hidden coves that feel worlds away.
Public ferries connect Malta to Gozo regularly, making island hopping easy and affordable. Beyond ferries, travellers can choose between group boat tours and private boat tours, each offering a very different experience on the water.
If you’re weighing up these options in more detail, this guide on group tours vs private boat tours in Malta breaks down how each experience suits different travel styles.
Public ferries are the backbone of local island transport in Malta. They are ideal if your priority is simply reaching Gozo without fuss or expense. These boats run on a set timetable and are popular with both residents and travellers alike.
However, the experience is functional rather than scenic. If you’re imagining sun-soaked waves and quiet coves, the public ferry is about getting there, not about the journey itself.
If your travel style leans toward flexibility, scenery, and freedom, a private Malta boat tour is worth considering. These tours depart from key ports around Malta and tailor the route to your interests. Whether you’re keen to snorkel in hidden coves, glide past dramatic sea cliffs, or pause in the famous Blue Lagoon, private options deliver a more curated day on the water.
One local provider that travellers often choose for its knowledgeable crews and well-planned routes is GOZOblu Private Boat Tours, a choice noted for blending local insight with a relaxed sea experience.
For many travellers, this feels like getting more out of a boat trip, especially when you’re seeking a memorable day on the water rather than just transportation.
When comparing a simple ferry versus a full Malta boat trip to Gozo, think about what matters most to your trip:
For travellers with time to spare and an appetite for adventure, a private excursion often becomes the highlight of a Malta holiday. Those on tighter budgets or short on time might find the public service just fine, especially if sightseeing on land is the main priority.
Before booking any water-based adventure in Malta, consider the season and weather. Summer months are the peak for boat tours, especially around the Blue Lagoon, where shallow, iridescent blue waters attract crowds. Advanced bookings can help you secure the itinerary you want, whether that’s a sunset sail for quiet romance or a daytime trip full of snorkelling stops.
Also, consider what’s included in the tour price: some private options include lunch, drinks, and snorkelling gear, while public ferries focus solely on transportation.
Both public ferries and private boat tours have a place in a Maltese itinerary. If you’re after simple island hopping, timetabled ferries offer an affordable and dependable route. But for travellers seeking that postcard-perfect day at sea, exploring hidden corners, watching the light dance off limestone cliffs, and stopping wherever the mood strikes, investing in one of the best Malta boat tours can make your trip truly unforgettable.
Whether you choose to keep it simple or make a splash with a customised journey across Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon, the waters around Malta are waiting, and each path offers its own kind of magic.
