Blue Horizon Boat Trips

Blue Horizon Boat Trips Malta takes visitors out to the places that are hardest to appreciate from the road: the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon on Comino, sea caves along the cliffs and the rugged shoreline of Gozo. It offers private skippered charters, shared trips aboard a traditional Maltese boat and sunset sails, and it is based in Mellieħa in the north of the island. Malta's coastline is a mix of crystal-clear turquoise water, dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden sea caves and postcard lagoons, and a boat reaches spots that land-based tours simply cannot, whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to see more.

On VisitMalta.co.uk the business is listed among our boat charter operators in Malta and tour operators. If you are comparing options, this page explains what each type of trip includes and what the prices look like, so you can decide before you send an enquiry.

Private boat trips

A private trip means the boat is reserved for you and your guests alone. With a skipper at the helm you choose the departure time, how long to stay at each stop and whether the day is about swimming, snorkelling, sightseeing or doing nothing at all. The route can be changed on the day to suit weather and sea conditions, which is useful for steering away from crowds.

Private hire includes a professional skipper, fuel for an agreed cruising area, several swimming stops, a cooler with ice, a Bluetooth sound system, a stand-up paddleboard, snorkelling masks, floats, barbecue equipment, shaded areas and access to a shower and toilet. The trips suit couples, families with children and groups of friends, and are popular for birthdays, anniversaries and honeymoons.

Popular private itineraries include Comino and the Blue Lagoon, timed to avoid the busiest hours, hidden coves and sea caves on the north and south coasts, and the rugged shoreline described in our Gozo island guide.

Is private worth the extra cost? For many visitors it becomes the highlight of a holiday. There are no crowds and no rushing, you get more time in the water, and the comfort and service are a step above a standard tour. Private hire costs more than a shared seat, but the price is per boat, so it is often good value for families and groups of friends. Special occasions such as proposals, anniversaries and birthdays are a common reason to book.

Half-day or full-day

Half-day trips last around four hours. They suit short stays, first-time visitors, families with young children and anyone combining the sea with other plans, and they usually include one or two swimming stops, coastal cruising and a morning or afternoon departure, focused on Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

Full-day trips last about eight hours and leave time for multiple swimming and snorkelling stops, longer at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon and time to explore Gozo. For private charters the full day is often the best value, with the most flexibility.

To choose between the two, a half-day trip is the better pick if time is short or you prefer a lighter outing. A full day suits anyone who wants to explore the coastline and the neighbouring islands properly, including snorkelling and photography enthusiasts and travellers who want to see both Comino and Gozo in a single day.

Shared trips and sunset sails

Shared trips are the budget-friendly choice. Guests join a medium-sized group on an authentic Maltese luzzu, a brightly painted wooden fishing-style boat, run by Captain John, usually with his son and crew. The itinerary is fixed, normally a half day, and typically takes in the Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkelling, Crystal Lagoon and nearby sea caves, scenic cruising and swim stops in sheltered bays.

Sunset trips run in the late afternoon or early evening, with coastal cruising, a swim in calm water, music and time to watch the sun go down. They are available as shared or private trips, and private sunset cruises can be customised, for example with your own drinks or champagne on board.

Shared trips are best for solo travellers, backpackers, couples on a budget, small groups of friends and visitors with limited time who like a structured plan. The atmosphere on board is friendly and sociable, with skippers who know the coast well, and there is still plenty of time to relax, swim and take photographs. Private sunset trips are especially popular with couples, honeymooners and photographers chasing golden-hour light, and many people book one even after a daytime lagoon trip because the mood is completely different.

Prices

Prices printed for the business vary with the season and the type of trip. Shared half-day trips of around four hours cost €25 to €30 per person. Private charters are priced per boat: half-day trips are from €300 to €400 and full-day trips from €600 to €700, which often works out cheaper per head when shared among several guests.

Check what is included before you book, such as fuel, skipper, swimming stops and equipment, and book early in peak season. A beach-by-beach guide to Malta helps if you want to add land stops to your holiday.

Planning tips

A few habits make any boat day easier. Choose a morning departure where you can, since seas tend to be calmer and visibility is better. Check the weather forecast, because wind and sea state can alter the route. Book ahead in summer so that you secure the boat and departure time you want, and compare shared and private options against your group size rather than the headline price alone.

Think about what you will take with you. Private hire already supplies masks, floats, a paddleboard and barbecue kit, but sun protection, a towel, swimwear and a camera are worth packing, along with any drinks or food you want to bring if your trip allows it. If you plan to combine the trip with sightseeing, our guide to things to do in Malta suggests how to fit it around the rest of your holiday.

When to go and safety

Peak season runs from June to September, with hot weather, generally calm seas and high demand, and Comino and the Blue Lagoon can be crowded. April, May and October are a good compromise, with pleasant temperatures, fewer visitors and often lower prices. From November to March boat trips are still possible, but conditions are less predictable and many private charters stop operating. Morning departures usually bring calmer seas and better visibility, and our Malta weather guide shows what to expect each month.

All trips are skippered by experienced, licensed professionals who monitor forecasts. Boats are regularly inspected and typically carry life jackets for every passenger, first-aid kits and communication and navigation equipment. The skipper may change the route, choose a sheltered bay or reschedule or cancel a trip if conditions are unsafe.

Getting in touch

The business is based in Mellieħa, where our Mellieħa guide and hotels in Mellieħa pages help with planning, and it also fits well with a visit to Popeye Village. The business takes enquiries every day from 8am to 6pm.

For dates, group size or a tailored route, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Blue Horizon Boat Trips Malta, which will reply to you directly.