Malta Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Malta

Malta sits at the crossroads of the Mediterranean – roughly 80 kilometres south of Sicily and halfway between Gibraltar and the Suez Canal – a position that has made this tiny three-island archipelago one of the most fought-over, fortified and culturally layered places in Europe. The main island is just 27 kilometres long, yet it holds 7,000 years of continuous human history, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than 360 churches, a capital city (Valletta) that is itself a living museum of Baroque architecture, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. For charter guests, Malta offers a concentration of natural beauty, history and gastronomy that far larger destinations struggle to match – all wrapped in a warm, English-speaking welcome that makes everything refreshingly easy.

The cruising ground is compact and endlessly rewarding. Malta’s coastline stretches 137 kilometres, and the sister islands of Gozo (14 kilometres to the north-west) and tiny Comino (wedged between them) add another 60 kilometres of dramatic cliffs, hidden bays and crystal water. Grand Harbour – one of the largest and deepest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, fortified by the Knights of St John in the 16th century and still a working port today – is the natural starting point. From there, the Blue Lagoon on Comino is roughly 20 nautical miles north, Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour is 25 nautical miles, and the Blue Grotto on Malta’s southern coast is barely 10 nautical miles south. You can circumnavigate the entire main island in a day and still have time for a swim at three different anchorages. Enquire with Boatcrowd for availability and pricing on our Malta fleet.

Why Charter a Yacht in Malta

Seven Thousand Years of History from the Water

Malta’s megalithic temples – Ggantija on Gozo, Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien on the main island – were built between 3600 and 2500 BC, making them older than the Egyptian pyramids by roughly 500 years and older than Stonehenge by a thousand. The Knights of St John ruled from 1530 to 1798, surviving the Great Siege of 1565 (when 40,000 Ottoman forces attacked) and building the fortified harbour city of Valletta in the five years that followed. Grand Harbour itself is a lesson in military architecture viewed from the waterline: massive bastions, the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, and Fort St Elmo at the harbour mouth. Approaching Valletta by yacht, with its honey-coloured ramparts rising above the water, is one of the most stirring arrivals in the Mediterranean.

Crystal Water, World-Class Diving and Dramatic Coastline

Malta’s position in the central Mediterranean, combined with a limestone geology and minimal river run-off, produces visibility of up to 30 metres – some of the clearest water in Europe. The islands are ringed with sea caves, natural arches, underwater cliffs and historic wrecks that draw divers from around the world. Comino’s Blue Lagoon – a shallow, neon-turquoise pool between the island and the uninhabited islet of Cominotto – is the signature swim stop, but the quieter coves of Gozo’s Dwejra (including the famous Blue Hole, a vertical chimney rated by Jacques Cousteau among the world’s top ten dive sites) and Malta’s southern Blue Grotto offer equally memorable experiences from the water.

A Booming Culinary Scene

Malta’s food has evolved from traditional village fare into a serious dining destination. The archipelago now holds eight Michelin stars, led by ION Harbour in Valletta (two stars since 2024). Under Grain in Valletta has held its star for seven consecutive years, and Noni, de Mondion (in the medieval walled city of Mdina) and Bahia add further depth. For something more local, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk – where 70% of the national fleet moors alongside brightly painted luzzu boats carrying the eye of Horus – has waterfront restaurants serving the morning’s catch. Pastizzi (flaky ricotta pastries), stuffat tal-fenek (slow-cooked rabbit stew, the national dish) and lampuki (dolphinfish, grilled whole in autumn) are the island staples. Indigenous grape varieties Gellewza (red) and Girgentina (white) are producing increasingly interesting wines.

Compact Cruising with Island Variety

Few charter destinations pack so much variety into such short passages. Malta’s main island is the cultural heavyweight: Valletta, the Three Cities, Mdina, the megalithic temples and the southern sea cliffs. Comino is the wild card: no permanent residents, no cars, just the Blue Lagoon and a handful of walking trails. Gozo is the quiet escape: rolling farmland, fortified citadels, the dramatic Dwejra coastline and a pace of life that feels decades removed from Valletta’s bustle. Your crew can blend all three islands into a single long weekend or spread them across a leisurely week, with each island serving as a distinct chapter in the story.

Top Destinations in Malta

• Valletta – Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565. Grand Harbour is one of the Mediterranean’s deepest natural ports, flanked by massive bastions, the 16th-century Fort St Elmo, and the Three Cities across the water. Ashore, the city is a grid of honey-coloured limestone streets, Baroque churches (St John’s Co-Cathedral holds two Caravaggio masterpieces), the Grand Master’s Palace, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens with their panoramic harbour views. Arriving by yacht is the most dramatic way to approach.

• Blue Lagoon, Comino – The signature swim stop of the Maltese islands. This shallow, neon-turquoise pool sits between Comino and the tiny uninhabited islet of Cominotto, with a sandy bottom visible through several metres of crystal water. Arrive by yacht before the day-trip boats to have the lagoon largely to yourself. There are no buildings, no cars and no permanent residents on Comino – just clear water, rocky scrub and silence.

• Gozo – Malta’s quieter sister island, 14 kilometres north-west. Mgarr Harbour (240 berths, accommodating yachts up to 85 metres) is the arrival point. Highlights include the Citadella (a medieval fortified town), the Ggantija temples (the oldest free-standing structures in the world, built around 3600 BC), Ramla Bay (Gozo’s largest and most beautiful sandy beach, backed by a terracotta-red hillside), and the dramatic Dwejra coastline where the Azure Window stood until its collapse in 2017 – now an extraordinary dive site.

• Blue Grotto – On Malta’s southern coast near the village of Zurrieq, a network of sea caves carved into the limestone cliffs. Morning sunlight refracting through the water creates an electric blue phosphorescence inside the caves. Your crew times the visit for morning light and takes you in by tender. The nearby temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are a short drive from the waterfront, making this a natural combination stop.

• Marsaxlokk – Malta’s largest fishing harbour, home to 70% of the national fleet. The waterfront is lined with traditional luzzu boats painted in vivid primary colours, each carrying the eye of Horus on the bow for protection at sea – a tradition dating back to Phoenician times. The Sunday fish market is a spectacle, and the harbourside restaurants serve the freshest seafood on the island. Anchor just offshore and tender in for lunch.

• The Three Cities – Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea and Cospicua face Valletta across Grand Harbour and predate the capital by centuries. Vittoriosa was the Knights’ first home in Malta from 1530, and its waterfront houses the Malta Maritime Museum chronicling 7,000 years of seafaring. Senglea’s Safe Haven Gardens at the tip of the peninsula offer one of the finest panoramic views in the Mediterranean. Best explored by tender from Grand Harbour.

Best Time to Charter a Yacht in Malta

Peak Season: July and August

High summer brings the warmest weather (30–33°C / 86–91°F), sea temperatures of 25–27°C, and the liveliest atmosphere ashore. The Blue Lagoon draws crowds by late morning, but arriving by yacht early gives you the turquoise water largely to yourself before the day-trip boats arrive. It is also the most expensive period, with the most sought-after charter yachts booking by spring. Light maestral winds (5–15 knots from the north-west) keep conditions comfortable without difficult seas.

Shoulder Season: May, June, September and October

For many charter guests, this is the sweet spot. May and June deliver warm, sunny days (23–29°C) with far fewer visitors at the popular anchorages. September and early October stay warm (25–28°C), the sea holds its summer heat at 24–26°C, and charter rates soften noticeably. The maestral blows more gently, the restaurants are less crowded, and the golden autumn light makes Valletta’s limestone positively glow. September and October are also excellent for diving, with peak visibility.

Early and Late Season: April and November

April opens the charter season with pleasant coastal warmth (18–23°C), ideal for temple visits, harbourside dining and long walks through Valletta and Mdina without the summer heat. November is similar in reverse: mild days, empty anchorages and soft pricing. The sea cools to 20–21°C, still comfortable for a quick swim if you’re adventurous. Both months are ideal for history-focused charters, wine tasting in the Mdina countryside and exploring the islands at a relaxed pace.

Malta on Screen: Film and Television Heritage

Malta’s fortified harbours, dramatic coastline and ancient stone cities have made the islands one of the Mediterranean’s most prolific filming locations. Game of Thrones used Fort St Elmo and Fort Ricasoli as King’s Landing’s Red Keep and Great Sept of Baelor, while Dwejra Bay on Gozo stood in for the Dothraki wedding scene. Ridley Scott built a full-scale Roman Colosseum at Fort Ricasoli for Gladiator. Troy, Assassin’s Creed, By the Sea (with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt), Munich and The Count of Monte Cristo have all filmed on the islands. The combination of period architecture, cinematic coastline and purpose-built studio facilities at the Malta Film Studios (which include a massive outdoor water tank) keeps drawing international productions year after year. For charter guests, cruising past these locations adds a layer of recognition that makes the harbours and fortresses feel even more alive.

Signature Experiences

• Arrive at Valletta by Yacht – Cruise into Grand Harbour between Fort St Elmo and Fort Ricasoli, with Valletta’s honey-coloured bastions rising above you on one side and the Three Cities on the other. This is one of the most stirring harbour arrivals in the world – a fortress city built by warrior monks, viewed from the water exactly as it was designed to be seen.

• Morning Swim at the Blue Lagoon – Arrive at Comino before the day-trip boats and slip into the neon-turquoise shallows. The water is so clear you can see every grain of sand from the swim platform. Your crew has coffee, pastizzi and fresh fruit waiting on the aft deck when you climb back aboard.

• Dive the Blue Hole, Dwejra – Gozo’s famous vertical chimney, rated by Jacques Cousteau among the world’s top ten dive sites, drops through a limestone arch into open sea. Visibility reaches 30 metres, and the rock walls are home to lobster, grouper and nudibranchs. Non-divers can snorkel the Inland Sea, a shallow lagoon connected to the open Mediterranean through a 60-metre cave.

• Sunset at the Blue Grotto – Take the tender into the sea-cave network on Malta’s southern coast as the late-afternoon light refracts through the water, turning the cave interior an electric blue. Time your visit right and the effect is otherworldly. The nearby temples of Hagar Qim stand silhouetted on the clifftop above.

• Sunday Lunch at Marsaxlokk – Anchor offshore from Malta’s most photogenic fishing village, tender in past the colourful luzzu fleet, and walk the Sunday fish market before sitting down to a waterfront table for the freshest grilled catch on the island. This is Malta at its most authentic.

• Megalithic Temple Visit – Step ashore near Hagar Qim and Mnajdra on Malta’s southern coast and walk through structures that predate the pyramids by 500 years. Built between 3600 and 2500 BC without metal tools or wheels, these UNESCO-listed temples are among the oldest free-standing religious structures on earth.

Yacht Types Available

• Motor Yachts (55’–99’) – The most popular choice for Maltese charters. These crewed vessels typically accommodate 6–10 guests in 3–4 en-suite cabins, with a crew of 3–5 (captain, chef, steward/ess and deckhand). Cruising speeds of 18–28 knots make island-hopping swift – Malta to Comino in well under an hour, Malta to Gozo in roughly 90 minutes. Modern flybridge motor yachts carry a full complement of water toys and offer flexible itineraries across all three islands. Weekly rates typically start from around $30,000–$50,000 depending on season and inclusions.

• Superyachts (100’+) – For larger groups or those seeking the ultimate in space and privacy. Grand Harbour Marina accommodates superyachts up to 135 metres, with 5-star ISPS-compliant facilities. Crews of 6–15+, expansive deck areas, lavish staterooms and a full arsenal of water toys. Superyacht charters in Malta typically run on MYBA terms (base rate plus APA of 30–35% for fuel, food, beverages and dockage). Weekly rates for 100’–130’ superyachts start from roughly $85,000–$165,000. Crew gratuity is customarily 10–15%.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Premium power catamarans offer exceptional stability, generous deck space and a shallow draft ideal for nosing into the Blue Lagoon’s shallowest turquoise pools and Malta’s tight coastal inlets. Catamarans in this range sleep 6–10 guests with a crew of 3–4. Their twin-hull design virtually eliminates rolling, making them the most comfortable option for families and guests prone to seasickness. Weekly rates start from approximately $30,000–$45,000 depending on season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in Malta cost?

Charter pricing depends on yacht size, type, season and inclusions. As a broad guide, crewed motor yachts in the 55’–99’ range start from around $40,000–$80,000 per week during peak season (July–August). Superyachts (100’–130’) typically start from $85,000–$165,000 per week on MYBA terms – the base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (usually 30–35%) covering fuel, food, beverages and dockage. Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) start from roughly $30,000–$45,000 per week all-inclusive. Shoulder-season rates (May–June, September–October) are typically 15–20% softer. Crew gratuity is customarily 10–15%. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote.

Are luxury catamarans available for charter in Malta?

Yes. Boatcrowd’s Malta fleet includes premium power catamarans from builders like Sunreef and Lagoon in the 55’–80’ range. These vessels are ideal for the Maltese islands thanks to their shallow draft (allowing access to the Blue Lagoon’s shallowest pools and coastal inlets that deeper-keeled yachts cannot reach), exceptional stability and generous living space. Most come fully crewed with captain, chef and steward/ess on an all-inclusive basis. They are particularly popular with families and multi-generational groups.

Can I charter a yacht in Malta for a film or TV production?

Absolutely. Malta is one of the Mediterranean’s most established filming locations, with a purpose-built studio complex (Malta Film Studios) and a track record that includes Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Troy and dozens of international productions. The islands’ fortified harbours, ancient citadels and dramatic sea cliffs provide period-ready backdrops without the need for elaborate set construction. Boatcrowd can arrange production-friendly charters with yachts that accommodate camera crews, lighting rigs and talent, and our team coordinates with local port authorities for filming permits and logistical support.

Is Malta a good destination for a proposal, honeymoon or milestone birthday?

Malta is a wonderful choice for milestone celebrations. Your crew can orchestrate a sunset proposal on the aft deck with Valletta’s illuminated bastions as the backdrop, a honeymoon dinner prepared by your private chef in the Blue Lagoon’s turquoise glow, or a milestone birthday anchored beneath Gozo’s dramatic Dwejra cliffs. The combination of ancient history, stunning anchorages and world-class dining makes every celebration feel genuinely special. Let Boatcrowd know the occasion when you enquire and we will ensure every detail is perfect.

Can I bring the whole family, including grandparents and young children?

Multi-generational family charters are among the most popular bookings in Malta. Yachts and catamarans accommodate 8–12+ guests with flexible cabin layouts. Children love the Blue Lagoon’s shallow, warm swimming, snorkelling in the sea caves, and kid-friendly menus from the onboard chef. Grandparents appreciate the gentle pace, cultural shore excursions (Valletta, Mdina, the temples) and attentive crew service. The maestral breeze keeps summer days comfortable, and Gozo’s sheltered bays offer calm, family-friendly anchorages.

Can I combine Malta with Sicily or other destinations?

Yes. Malta sits just 52 nautical miles south of Sicily, making it a natural pairing for an extended Mediterranean charter. A popular route adds two or three days in south-eastern Sicily – Syracuse (Ortigia island), the Baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa, and the volcanic coast near Mount Etna – before or after a Maltese island-hopping itinerary. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist will design a multi-destination route that maximises variety without long open-water passages.

What is the diving like in Malta?

Malta is one of Europe’s premier diving destinations, thanks to limestone geology, minimal run-off and visibility of up to 30 metres. Highlights include the Blue Hole at Dwejra on Gozo (a vertical chimney through a limestone arch, rated by Jacques Cousteau among the world’s top ten dive sites), the wreck of HMS Maori in Grand Harbour (a WWII destroyer at 15 metres, suitable for open-water certified divers), the Um El Faroud tanker (a 110-metre wreck at 35 metres), and Comino’s accessible cave systems with wide passages and excellent visibility. Your crew can arrange certified dive guides and equipment for all experience levels.