REVIEW · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Full-Day Private Izola Boat Tour
The best part of the Izola charter is the freedom to make the Maltese sea your day plan. From Il-Gżira, skipper Mark Galea takes care of the boat while you choose the pace: swim, look for marine life with the provided masks, stretch out on deck, or simply enjoy the ride toward Comino and nearby bays.
I like the private setting, since you are not sharing the boat with a crowd, and I like the useful comforts: snacks, water, USB charging, Bluetooth music, and a restroom. The main consideration is the price, $722, which makes far more sense for a group than for one or two people, and the route depends on weather.
In This Review
- Key points to know
- Setting Out From Il-Gżira on the Izola
- A Flexible Route Around Comino, Gozo, and Malta
- What Your Time on the Water Looks Like
- A Private Boat Makes the Price Easier to Judge
- Onboard Details That Improve a Long Day
- Swimming, Marine Life, or Simply Resting
- Weather and Cancellation Rules Matter
- Who Will Get the Most From the Izola
- Should You Book the Full-Day Izola Charter?
- FAQ
- Where does the Izola boat tour start?
- How long does the boat tour last?
- Is this a private tour?
- Which places can the boat visit?
- What is provided on the boat?
- What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
Key points to know
- Private Izola charter: Only your group takes part, giving you more control over the day.
- Malta, Comino, and Gozo: The route can include bays, caves, and other coastal spots between the islands.
- Flexible timing: Choose an outing of about four to eight hours, depending on the booking.
- Onboard comforts: Expect water, snacks, a restroom, USB charging points, and Bluetooth music.
- Water equipment included: Floaties and masks are provided for time in the sea.
- Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.
Setting Out From Il-Gżira on the Izola

You meet the boat at 29 Triq Il-Forti Manoel in Il-Gżira, Malta. The activity also ends back at this meeting point, which keeps the day simple. Pickup is offered, but the listed starting point gives you a clear place to begin and makes this easier to organize than a charter with several possible harbors.
The Izola is a private boat, so the day feels more like hiring your own floating base than joining a fixed sightseeing cruise. That difference matters. You do not have to fit into a stranger’s schedule, wait for a large group to finish swimming, or accept every stop chosen by a captain for people you have never met.
Mark Galea is your skipper and remains available throughout the ride. His role is practical: he handles the boat and helps with the day’s logistics while you enjoy the water. One particularly useful detail is that the boat is described as new and very clean, an important point when you are spending several hours onboard.
A few more Malta trips to weigh up
- From Malta: Full-Day Gozo UTV Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride
★ 4.6 · 4,408 reviews - Malta: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch
★ 4.4 · 2,688 reviews - From Malta: Full-Day Gozo Quad Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride
★ 4.8 · 1,419 reviews
A Flexible Route Around Comino, Gozo, and Malta

The route is not presented as a rigid list of fixed stops. Weather conditions help decide which bays, caves, and coastal places between Malta, Comino, and Gozo are suitable on the day. Comino is the named stop, with about one hour allocated there, but the actual pattern can change.
That flexibility is useful in Malta, where wind and sea conditions can affect what is comfortable and safe. It also means you should not book this expecting a guaranteed checklist of exact coves. You are paying for private time on the water and a skipper-led route, not a tightly scripted land excursion.
Comino is the natural focus. The island is known for its clear water and sheltered coastal areas, making it a good place to spend time swimming or looking below the surface with the supplied masks. The boat may also reach caves and other bays in the area, depending on conditions.
The drawback is that the description does not name every possible bay or cave. If one particular location is the reason you want to book, ask about the likely route before paying. The captain’s ability to adjust the plan is a benefit, but it also means the experience can vary from one day to another.
What Your Time on the Water Looks Like

The charter lasts approximately four to eight hours. That is a wide range, so check the exact option when booking. A four-hour outing gives you a focused taste of the coast, while a longer day allows more time to stop, swim, relax, and move between areas without rushing.
I like this setup for people who do not want every minute scheduled. You can use the boat as a moving viewpoint, then pause when a bay looks inviting. You can also decide that your group would rather spend more time resting than trying to visit as many places as possible.
Provided floaties make the water time easier for people who prefer to relax on the surface rather than swim continuously. Masks are available for looking at marine life. The information does not specify fins, towels, or other personal equipment, so you should confirm what you need to bring before departure.
The boat also has simple comforts that become more valuable as the hours pass. Water and snacks help you avoid having to plan every refreshment. USB points let you keep a phone charged for photos or music, and the onboard restroom means you are not dependent on reaching shore.
A Private Boat Makes the Price Easier to Judge

The listed price is $722. That is a serious outlay, but it covers a private boat rather than a seat for one person on a shared cruise. The value improves as your group grows because the cost can be divided among the people joining you.
For a couple, the same price feels much harder to justify unless privacy and flexibility are central to the holiday. For a family or group of friends, the calculation is different. You are buying several hours of shared time, a skipper, the boat, equipment for the water, refreshments, and the ability to shape the day around your group.
A private charter is also valuable if your group has mixed interests. Some people can swim while others stay aboard. One person can play music, another can use the floaties, and nobody has to apologize for wanting a quiet hour instead of another stop.
Still, do not confuse flexibility with unlimited choice. The weather controls the route, and the length of the charter depends on the option you select. The price is best for a group that will use the boat for much of the day, not for people seeking the cheapest way to see Comino.
Same islands, a completely different day out:
- Malta: Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour
★ 4.5 · 15,672 reviews - Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Seacaves Tour
★ 4.6 · 5,673 reviews - Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran
★ 4.7 · 5,496 reviews - Malta: Gozo, Comino, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, & Caves Cruise
★ 4.6 · 5,092 reviews
Onboard Details That Improve a Long Day
Small features often determine if a boat trip feels comfortable or tiring. The Izola includes water and snacks, so you have basic refreshments without needing to arrange them separately. The exact snacks are not specified, so bring any special food you require.
Bluetooth music gives your group control over the soundtrack. That can be a pleasant touch on a private boat, especially when you want a relaxed pause between swims. Be considerate of the volume, since the point of a private charter is to suit your group rather than turn the trip into a noisy party.
USB charging points are useful in a very practical way. Sea days can drain a phone quickly through photos, maps, and music. A charged phone also gives you a better chance of keeping in touch, though you should still protect it from splashes around the water.
The restroom is another feature worth noting. On a short cruise, you might not care. On an eight-hour outing, it can make the difference between settling in for the day and constantly thinking about when you will reach shore.
Swimming, Marine Life, or Simply Resting
You can use the tour actively or lazily. The masks and floaties support time in the water, while the private format lets you decide how long to stay out. If your group includes strong swimmers and people who prefer not to swim, this arrangement avoids the pressure of making everyone follow one plan.
Looking for marine life can add purpose to a swim, but the experience does not promise specific animals or underwater sights. Treat it as a chance to explore the water rather than a wildlife encounter with guaranteed results.
The boat is also suited to doing very little. That may sound obvious, but it is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private charter. You can sit back, listen to your own music, watch the coast pass, and enjoy a slower day without a guide filling every pause with commentary.
Because the route changes with conditions, it is wise to keep expectations broad. You might find calm bays and interesting coastal features, but exact water conditions and stops cannot be assured in advance.
Weather and Cancellation Rules Matter
Good weather is required for this activity. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That protection is helpful, but the standard cancellation policy is strict: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons once booked.
Plan carefully before committing. If your schedule is uncertain, the lack of ordinary cancellation flexibility is a real drawback. If bad weather causes the operator to cancel, you have the stated choice of another date or a full refund. Those are different situations, so read the terms closely.
Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. That means you should avoid treating the reservation as fully settled until confirmation arrives, particularly if you are coordinating transport, accommodation, or a special celebration.
The meeting point is near public transportation, and pickup is offered. The supplied information does not give the pickup area, cost, or schedule, so ask for those details if you do not plan to make your own way to Il-Gżira.
Who Will Get the Most From the Izola

This tour fits a group that wants control, privacy, and several hours on the sea. Families can use the boat at their own pace. Friends can combine swimming, music, snacks, and rest. Couples may enjoy it too, but the fixed $722 price is easier to defend when shared among more people.
It also suits anyone who dislikes crowded excursions. You have your own group, your own music, and a skipper focused on your outing. The new, clean boat and onboard restroom add comfort for a longer charter.
It is less suitable if you want a low-cost introduction to Comino, a guaranteed route, or a fully guided cultural tour. This is a water day, not a walking tour of Malta’s towns and sights. Its appeal comes from freedom and time at sea.
Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Since the data does not provide detailed accessibility information for boarding or moving around the boat, ask specific questions if anyone in your group has mobility needs.
Should You Book the Full-Day Izola Charter?
Book it if you have a group ready to share the cost and you want a private day built around the water rather than a fixed sightseeing schedule. The combination of Mark Galea as skipper, a clean new boat, swimming equipment, refreshments, music, charging, and a restroom gives the charter practical value beyond simply getting from one island to another.
Think twice if you are traveling alone, watching every dollar, or need a guaranteed list of exact bays and caves. The strongest reasons to choose the Izola are privacy and flexibility. If those matter more to you than a bargain price, this can be a very enjoyable way to spend four to eight hours around Malta, Comino, and Gozo.
FAQ
Where does the Izola boat tour start?
The tour starts at 29 Triq Il-Forti Manoel in Il-Gżira, Malta. The activity also ends back at the meeting point.
How long does the boat tour last?
The experience lasts approximately four to eight hours. Check the selected booking option for the exact duration.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Only your group takes part in the activity, with skipper Mark Galea operating and assisting throughout the boat ride.
Which places can the boat visit?
The route can include locations between Malta, Comino, and Gozo. Depending on weather conditions, you may visit different bays, caves, and other coastal locations. Comino is listed as a stop with about one hour allocated.
What is provided on the boat?
The boat provides snacks, water, floaties, and masks for exploring marine life. It also has Bluetooth music, USB charging points, and an onboard restroom.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The normal cancellation policy does not allow refunds or changes for other reasons.
Just added around Malta
- Malta: 5 hr Vintage Bus Tour – Mdina & Blue Grotto inc. food★ 5.0 · 22 reviews
- Wakeboarding Adventure in Malta: Learn to Ride★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- World War II Malta Full-Day Walking Tour★ 4.3 · 18 reviews
- Valletta Street Food & History Tour With Private Transfers★ 4.5 · 15 reviews
- Victoria, Gozo: Sunset Walking Food and Drink Tour★ 5.0 · 6 reviews
- Valletta & Mdina: Private Tour★ 4.5 · 16 reviews
- Valletta: Private Maltese Cuisine Walking Tour★ 4.8 · 8 reviews
- Valletta: Private Massage from a world renowned masseuse★ 4.6 · 9 reviews
Cruises & Boat Tours, compared.

Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran
Read our review →
Gozo, Comino, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, & Caves Cruise
Read our review →
Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise
Read our review →
Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves Cruise
Read our review →
Boat Trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Caves
Read our review →
The Three Fortified Cities Tour including Boat Trip
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in


