Malta Boating
FAQ

For boats with engines under 30hp (approximately 22kW), no boating licence is required in Malta for EU citizens. For more powerful vessels, you'll need one of the following: an ICC (International Certificate of Competence), a national boating licence from your home country, or a Maltese boat licence issued by Transport Malta. Charter operators will always ask to see proof of competence before handing over a self-drive boat. If you're booking a crewed charter, no licence is needed at all.

In Malta, the general speed limit within 200 metres of the shore (or within any designated swimming zone) is 10 knots. There are designated high-speed zones for watersports in certain areas. Within harbour approaches, speed limits are typically 5 knots. Always watch for local signage and follow the instructions of harbour masters. Speeding near swimmers carries significant fines.

No. Anchoring is prohibited in areas containing Posidonia oceanica seagrass beds, which are protected under Maltese and EU law. These areas are mapped and marked with yellow buoys. Anchoring in or near them can result in heavy fines. You're also prohibited from anchoring in harbour entrances, shipping channels, and designated swimming areas. Popular legal anchorages include St Thomas Bay, Mellieħa Bay, St Paul's Bay, and bays around Gozo.

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all registered vessels in Maltese waters. Most charter companies include third-party insurance in the hire cost. If you're bringing your own boat to Malta, you must have valid insurance documentation. Comprehensive boat insurance is strongly recommended but not legally required for pleasure craft.

When bringing a private vessel to Malta you need: ship's registration papers, proof of third-party liability insurance, ship's radio licence (if fitted with VHF), crew list, and valid passports or EU ID cards for all persons on board. On arrival, you must report to Customs and Immigration at the first port of entry. EU-flagged vessels benefit from simplified procedures as Malta is an EU member state.

Always monitor Channel 16 when underway — this is mandatory under maritime law and is the international distress and calling channel. Malta Radio (MRT) broadcasts weather updates on Channel 27 (announced first on Ch 16). For marina communications, see our VHF Channel Guide for Malta.

The best months for boat chartering in Malta are May through October. June, July and August are the most popular — hottest, sunniest and calmest sea conditions. May and September/October offer excellent conditions with fewer tourists and lower prices (often 20–30% cheaper). The winter months (November–April) can bring rough weather with Grigal north-easterly storms, though experienced sailors still charter year-round.

Boat charter prices vary widely in Malta:
• Small self-drive boat (4–6 persons): €100–200 half day, €180–350 full day
• Private day charter (6–10 persons, with skipper): €400–700 full day
• Larger private charter (10–20 persons): €600–1,200 full day
• Luxury yacht with crew: from €1,500/day
Prices usually include fuel, snorkelling equipment and sometimes food/drinks. Always confirm what's included.

Most Malta boat charters include: the vessel and skipper (for crewed charters), fuel (always confirm this), snorkelling equipment, life jackets, a cooler/ice, and usually a standard route. Premium charters may include food, drinks, kayaks and paddleboards. Half-day and full-day trips usually include one or two swimming stops — often the Blue Lagoon, Comino, or St Thomas Bay.

A crewed charter (most common in Malta) includes a professional skipper and sometimes additional crew. No licence is needed and it's ideal for those without experience. A bareboat charter is self-drive — you captain the boat yourself and need a valid boating licence. Bareboats are available in Malta for smaller powerboats (30hp and under without licence, larger with ICC or equivalent).

Absolutely — it's one of the most stunning spots in the Mediterranean. The crystal-clear turquoise water is famous worldwide. The downside is that it gets extremely crowded in July and August. For the best experience, try to arrive before 10am or after 4pm when day-trip boats thin out. Consider also exploring Comino's caves and cliffs on the south side — equally beautiful and far less visited.

Browse listings on boat.mt marketplace or contact local brokers. When buying a used boat in Malta, always: check the vessel's registration (LY1 or LY2 documents from Transport Malta), verify there's no outstanding finance, inspect the hull, engine and bilge in person, and check the engine hours. For larger vessels, consider hiring a marine surveyor before purchase.

Boat registration in Malta is handled by Transport Malta. For pleasure craft, you need to complete a registration application, provide proof of ownership (bill of sale), pay the registration fee, and arrange a technical inspection for new registrations. Malta offers two types of small vessel registration: LY1 (Maltese flag) and LY2 (commercial small vessel). Malta is a popular flag state for yachts due to its EU membership and favourable VAT arrangements.

Yes. Malta has several marinas with permanent and transit berths: Grand Harbour Marina (superyachts, top facilities), Msida Marina (popular with local pleasure craft), Portomaso Marina (St Julian's, luxury), Ta'Xbiex Marina, and Mġarr Marina in Gozo. There are also Aquaculture mooring areas and traditional 'dgħajsa' moorings in creek areas. Waiting lists for permanent berths can be long — contact marinas directly.

For small powerboats and beginners, conditions up to Force 3 (7–10 knots, 13–19 km/h) are comfortable. Experienced operators in well-equipped boats can handle up to Force 5 (17–21 knots) in open water. Force 6 and above (22+ knots) is considered inadvisable for most pleasure craft. The Grigal (NE wind) is Malta's most dangerous wind — it builds quickly and creates rough, steep seas on the north and east coasts. Check our Beaufort Scale Guide for full details.

The Grigal (pronounced 'gree-jal') is a north-easterly wind that can strike Malta suddenly, particularly in winter and spring. It's the most feared wind for Malta boaters because it arrives quickly, can reach gale force, and creates particularly rough seas on the exposed north and east coasts. The name comes from the Greek 'Gregale'. Always check the forecast before heading to northern or eastern anchorages.

Maltese law requires all vessels to carry: sufficient life jackets for all persons on board, fire extinguisher(s), flares (for vessels going offshore), a bilge pump, anchor with appropriate rode, navigation lights (for use after dark), and a means of sounding a horn/whistle. VHF radio is strongly recommended and required for certain categories of vessel. Regular inspections are required for commercially operated vessels.