Outdoor Explorers Malta

Where It Operates

Outdoor Explorers Malta is a family-owned company that runs its own private boat charters with its own skippers. The About page says it operates "from the crystal waters of northern Malta (Ċirkewwa/Marfa) and Gozo (Mġarr Harbour)," which it describes as "just 5 to 10 minutes away from Comino's Blue Lagoon." Trips cover the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, the caves of Comino and the Gozo coastline. For guests staying elsewhere in Malta, the page suggests a taxi (Bolt, Uber or eCabs) or public buses, Bus 41/42 from Valletta and Bus 222 from Sliema and St. Julian's, to the northern docks. Prices on the site are in euros.

The About page says the business started in 2016 with Segway tours, coasteering, snorkel tours, "DWS" and guided hikes. Founder Sam, who grew up in Gozo and worked water sports at Ramla Bay from age 15, then bought a first 22-foot powerboat with his brother and "focused 100% on private charters." His wife Janet handles most messages and bookings, and the page says Sam is usually at the dock "in his signature orange shirt."

The Boat Charters

Every boat trip is exclusive. The FAQ says "all our tours are 100% private boat tours, meaning the boat is reserved exclusively for you and your group," and the route can be customized, combining the Blue Lagoon, Comino and parts of the Gozo coastline. The homepage lists Gozo stops such as Mgarr ix-Xini, San Blas Bay, Hondoq Bay, Ramla Bay, Dahlet Qorrot, Marsalforn and the Blue Hole by the Azure Window ruins. It also offers sunset cruises for couples and proposals, and a jet ski and boat combination to Comino with "no jet ski license required." The homepage notes that from 2025 the number of visitors to the Blue Lagoon is capped.

The fleet is named on the About page: Marinello Eden 22, Eden 26, Gaia 22, Gaia 26 and Mingolla 25 powerboats with Bimini shade, 200HP to 300HP outboards, bow jump platforms, fresh-water deck showers, Bluetooth sound and coolers with ice. For hen parties, weddings or corporate groups the company runs "spacious 40ft cabin cruisers hosting groups up to 25 guests." Charters are sold in 3-hour, 4-hour, 6-hour and 8-hour lengths, and the About page says fuel, a licensed skipper, snorkel masks, floaties, the ice box, permits and taxes "are always included."

The skipper crew is introduced by name, including Danang, Justin (Sam's cousin, who worked on Comino), Joe, a "mid-60s veteran skipper," Francesco and Upi, each "certified to command vessels up to 500 tons" or holding "a 500-ton master license," and Jimmy, "a certified rescue diver." Laura is introduced as "our standout female skipper," and Lee as a British expat "who has lived in Malta for over 20 years." When booking direct, the About page adds, guests can choose their exact boat rather than "taking a chance on a generic agent assignment." The FAQ says every skipper speaks English fluently and some also speak Italian, French, Japanese, Spanish or Bahasa, on request.

Snorkeling Tours and Team Building

A separate guided Snorkeling Tour takes place in a sheltered bay in Gozo or Comino, chosen by the guide on the day, "most likely in the afternoon." The page says it suits "everyone, BEGINNERS included," with no need to be a strong swimmer. The session starts with an introduction to local marine life using the company's fish identification book, followed by a safety briefing and snorkel technique. It includes fins, mask and snorkel, an English-speaking local guide, an introduction to freediving and free underwater photos sent by WhatsApp or social media. Guests agree a meeting point or pay "an extra 5 euro p/p" for pickup in Gozo. The page says bookings are confirmed within 48 hours, and advises a towel, sunscreen and shoes that are not flip-flops.

Team building is offered on Gozo and Comino, with activities such as treasure hunts, quad bike tours, boat charters, beach games, raft building, stand-up paddle and kayaking, designed "in collaboration with a qualified outdoor trainers team." The treasure hunt FAQ suggests teams of 4 to 6 and notes the clues are written in English.

Booking, Payment and Cancellation

Booking works through the Book Now button or directly on WhatsApp, and the FAQ recommends booking ahead in summer while accepting last-minute requests when boats are free. The About page offers a €20 early bird discount on 3-hour to 8-hour charters booked 14 or more days ahead, and the homepage was running a 5% code, BOAT25, ending 25 September.

The cancellation terms are stated twice. The FAQ says a private charter can be cancelled "up to 48 hours before the scheduled departure" for "a full refund with no cancellation fee," and that if the boat cannot run for bad weather or unsafe seas, guests can reschedule or take a full refund. On payment, the FAQ answers "Do you accept credit cards?" with "No, but there is an ATM machine at the start point of each tour," while the snorkel page says a deposit is paid by PayPal or bank transfer before the tour.

On board, all charters are BYO: guests bring their own food and drinks, responsible drinking is allowed, and cans or plastic bottles are preferred to glass. Snorkel gear is included, towels are not, and life vests are provided for anyone who needs or wants one. Public car parks sit near the departure points in Ċirkewwa and Mġarr.

What the Site Leaves Open and Who It Suits

Charter prices are not listed on the homepage, About page or FAQ, so the cost has to be requested or checked at booking, and the FAQ answers the capacity question only with "we have various boats." The payment rules are slightly mixed between the no-cards FAQ and the PayPal deposit on the snorkel page. Accessibility is not addressed beyond the About page's welcome to families "with toddlers or grandparents."

Outdoor Explorers Malta suits couples, families and small groups who want a boat and skipper to themselves for a few hours around Comino and the Blue Lagoon without joining a crowded tour boat, and groups up to 25 who need the larger cruisers. The named crew, stated inclusions and clear 48-hour cancellation rule make it easy to know what is being booked.