SunReel Malta Charters

SunReel Malta Charters runs private boat trips, self-drive boat hire, fishing charters, cave tours and boat parties from the north of Malta and from Gozo, with trips heading to Comino, the Blue Lagoon and the caves and bays around them. The business has been operating since 2010 and handles every trip itself rather than passing bookings to third parties. Meeting points are at Ċirkewwa, the ferry port at the northern tip of Malta, or on Gozo. SunReel is listed in our boat charter in Malta directory.

Who SunReel is and how the trips work

Most of the trips are private: the boat is yours and your group's for the length of the booking, with a captain on board, so you decide how much of the time goes on swimming, snorkelling, sightseeing or simply lying in the sun. The vessels are licensed and operated under maritime safety rules, and the skippers are licensed and local. Itineraries can be tailored to the group, and trips come in several lengths with a choice of departure times.

The booking form on the SunReel site is open round the clock, and the team contacts you between 9am and 8pm. Because tours are priced per boat, not per person, a boat shared by a family or a group of friends can work out well.

The small boat is a private motor boat for up to eight people, with only your group and the captain on board. The company also runs a larger boat for bigger groups, with a toilet, a shower, a sun-protected area and a bow sundeck. The large vessel suits families and parties, and the small boat suits couples and small groups.

What is included on a private trip

On the small boat you can expect life jackets and safety equipment for everyone, an ice box with ice for your own food and drinks, a Bluetooth sound system, USB charging points, snorkelling equipment, an optional stand up paddle board, a shower, a bathing platform with a ladder and a sun-protected area. All port fees are included, and fuel is charged according to what the trip actually uses. Bring your own picnic and drinks to fill the ice box.

The captain keeps the pace relaxed, and the boat anchors at swimming stops along the way. Remember sunscreen, a towel and a hat, since the day is spent mostly in the open air.

Private boat tours and prices

The prices below are as printed per boat for the small boat; the large boat costs more on the longer trips and is priced separately on the site.

The 2 hour private tour is €198 for the small boat. It starts at the meeting point at Ċirkewwa or on Gozo, passes the Comino Tower, which featured in a film of The Count of Monte Cristo, and moves on to the Crystal Lagoon on the western side of Comino for a swim and snorkel before the Blue Lagoon, where sunlight reaches the pale seabed.

A 3 hour tour is €289 on the small boat and €329 on the large one, and a 4 hour tour is €349 or €389. The 6 hour tour, printed at €429 and €509 for the two boats, covers the Blue Lagoon, the Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Beach on Comino and further swimming and snorkelling spots. The 8 hour private tour, at €519 and €629, covers the same places at a leisurely pace and is the closest to a full day on the water. Our Blue Lagoon guide explains the area in more detail.

Sunset, fishing and cave tours

A 2 hour sunset tour costs €179 and is a romantic cruise with champagne and canapés as the sun goes down over the Mediterranean, aimed at couples.

Fishing charters run for 3 hours at €199 or for 6 hours, with all gear provided, and the target species include tuna, swordfish and local Mediterranean fish.

Cave tours are the best way to see the coast beneath the cliffs. A 1 hour Comino cave tour costs €99 and visits the Santa Maria Caves and crystal clear water. A 3 hour Comino and Gozo cave tour costs €297 and takes in the caves near the Blue Lagoon, Gozo's inland sea and Fungus Rock, which makes it a good introduction to the north-western coast. Our Gozo guide covers the sister island.

Self-drive boats, no licence needed

If you would rather be at the helm, SunReel hires out small self-drive motor boats that need no licence. After a short, compulsory safety briefing you set off from Ċirkewwa and cross the channel towards Comino at your own pace, with the freedom to explore hidden coves and sea caves, anchor for a swim, and cruise past the Santa Maria Caves and St Mary's Tower on the hill.

Rental prices are per boat: €118 for 2 hours, €236 for 4 hours, €354 for 6 hours and €472 for 8 hours. Fuel is not included. The boat takes up to five people and has an 80 to 130 horsepower outboard engine, with a length of between 5.5 and 6.5 metres. It carries life jackets, a first aid kit, a Bluetooth speaker, a USB charger, an ice box with ice, snorkelling equipment, nautical charts with route suggestions and a shade canopy on some boats.

The renter must be at least 18, with an ID card or passport, and basic swimming ability is recommended. No boating experience is needed. Mornings are calmer and quieter, and in summer it pays to arrive early to find a good anchoring spot. Bring sunscreen, water and snacks, and check the weather before you set off; our weather guide for Malta shows what to expect month by month.

Why choose a private boat

The case for a private boat is simple: you avoid joining a crowded tour group and set the rhythm of the day yourselves. The skippers are friendly, licensed and knowledgeable about the islands, and they can take you to quieter coves, sea caves and swimming spots.

Itineraries are flexible. You can ask for a trip focused on swimming and snorkelling, a slower sightseeing cruise along the coast, or a visit to the caves, and trip lengths and departure times are chosen to suit your schedule. Comfort is part of the offer, with fully equipped boats, safety gear and comfortable seating, so the day suits families with children as well as couples.

The coastline gives plenty of photo opportunities, from the sea caves to the clear water around the lagoons, and boat party trips include a secure place for your luggage.

If you are weighing up a first visit, a 2 hour private tour is the shortest way to see the Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon from the water, while a 6 or 8 hour day lets you linger, swim at several stops and see more of the shoreline. Self-drive hire suits confident groups who want to move at their own pace.

Boat parties and watersports

For groups wanting something livelier, SunReel offers boat parties with a music system, drinks, swim stops and photo spots, and some vessels have an onboard barbecue and bathing areas. Water sports are also available, and you can ask about them through the enquiry form.

A day out also fits well around other plans. Our things to do in Malta page and the best beaches in Malta are good for building the rest of your week.

Where to meet and how to book

SunReel's address on its site is Triq il-Marfa, Mellieħa MLH 2223, close to the Ċirkewwa and Mġarr ferry crossing, and the tours depart from Ċirkewwa or Gozo. If you are staying nearby, see our Mellieħa guide, hotels in Mellieħa and hotels in Gozo.

Tell us the date, the number of adults and children, the length of tour you want and any special requests. Use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to SunReel.