Private vs Group Boat Tour Malta — Which is Worth It?
- Andrew
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
When you're planning a boat day in Malta, you'll face a choice: join a group tour or book a private charter. Both will get you to the Blue Lagoon. The experience is completely different. Here's an honest comparison.
What a Group Tour Looks Like
Group tours typically run on large catamarans or traditional Maltese boats carrying 20–50 people. They follow a fixed itinerary — usually Blue Lagoon, a cave or two, and back. You share the boat with strangers, swimming spots are crowded, and the schedule doesn't bend for anyone. The crew are professional but they're managing a lot of people at once.
Lunch is often included (which can make group tours seem better value at first glance), and there's sometimes a social atmosphere that solo travellers or couples who want to meet people appreciate.
What a Private Charter Looks Like
A private charter is your group and a skipper. The boat — in Nautiful's case the Axopar 37 — is yours for the duration. The itinerary is built around what you want. You go where you want, stay as long as you want, and leave when you're ready. There's no shared timetable and no compromise.
Your skipper anchors in spots away from the group tour boats. At the Blue Lagoon, that means the clearest, quietest water rather than the crowded section by the jetty. At each subsequent stop, you get a swimming spot to yourselves.
Side by Side Comparison
Group tour: fixed itinerary | Private charter: fully customised
Group tour: 20-50 strangers | Private charter: your group only
Group tour: crowded anchorage spots | Private charter: skipper finds quieter water
Group tour: cheaper per person for solo travellers | Private charter: better per-person value for groups of 4+
Group tour: often includes lunch | Private charter: you bring your own food and drinks
Group tour: social if you want to meet people | Private charter: ideal for families and established groups
Who Should Book Which
Group tours work well for solo travellers, couples who want a social atmosphere, and budget-conscious visitors who don't mind a shared experience. They're a perfectly good way to see the Blue Lagoon.
Private charters are the better choice for families with children, groups of 4 or more, couples who want a genuinely special day, and anyone who values flexibility and privacy over price-per-head. If you've been to Malta before on a group tour and want to see it properly, a private charter is the answer.