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Exploring the Maltese Seas: Weather Considerations for the Best Boat Tours

Updated: 2 days ago



One of Malta's main attractions is taking the boat tours around the Maltese Islands. Boat tours offer a fantastic way to explore the stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and nearby islands of Gozo, Comino and St Paul's Islands. Mermaid Cruises operates daily tours, that provide unique experiences, from sightseeing to swimming and entering caves. Here’s what you can expect when embarking on a boat tour in Malta, especially with companies like Mermaid Cruises Malta:



What You See:

  1. Blue Lagoon (Comino):

    • One of the most famous attractions, the Blue Lagoon on Comino, is known for its shimmering turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

  2. Gozo:

    • The island of Gozo is known for its dramatic cliffs, historic landmarks, and peaceful countryside. Boat tours often include stops at Mgarr Harbour and views of the island’s rugged coastline.

  3. Sea Caves and Grottoes:

    • Along the coast of Malta and its islands, you’ll find stunning sea caves, like the Crystal Lagoon and Santa Maria Caves, perfect for exploration and diving into the clear waters.

  4. St. Paul’s Islands:

    • Historically significant, this spot is believed to be where St. Paul was shipwrecked, offering a mix of culture and scenery. Its a secluded island no habitants here or buildings, only the ruins of a church and the statue of St Paul, but a stunning location for a swim.

    Historical Sights:

    • Malta's coastline is dotted with historical landmarks such as watchtowers and fortifications, especially in the Grand Harbour.



What to Do:

  • Swimming and Snorkeling:

    • Boat tours often include stops at beautiful locations like the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim in pristine waters or snorkel to see vibrant marine life.

  • Exploring Hidden Caves:

    • Some tours take you to secluded sea caves that can only be accessed by boat, offering an adventure and a chance to explore Malta’s natural beauty.

  • Diving:

    • If you’re a certified diver, some tours offer stops at dive sites around Gozo and Comino, where you can explore underwater caves and wrecks.

  • Sightseeing and Photography:

    • Malta’s coastline and islands offer endless opportunities for photography, from breathtaking cliffs to hidden coves and vibrant underwater scenes.

  • Enjoying the Sun:

    • With Malta’s typically sunny weather, boat tours provide a great way to relax and sunbathe while cruising around the islands.


Mermaid Cruises is a boat tour company that offers a variety of tours around Malta, Gozo, and Comino. They are known for their friendly crew and flexible itineraries, allowing passengers to experience Malta’s stunning coastal attractions. Here are some of the highlights of booking with Mermaid Cruises:

  • Comfortable Boats: Top deck for lounging and sunbathing, bottom deck shaded from the sun, equipped with a bar and restroom for a comfortable day out.

  • Blue Lagoon Excursions: They offer tours specifically tailored to experience the beauty of the Blue Lagoon and surrounding areas.

  • Family-Friendly Options: Suitable for families, with safe swimming areas and onboard facilities.

  • Snorkeling Equipment: Some tours provide snorkeling gear to make the most of Malta’s crystal-clear waters. These are available to rent from the captain with a cash deposit.

If you're visiting Malta, a boat tour, especially with a company like Mermaid Cruises, is one of the best ways to see the islands and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Mediterranean!


But what's the weather like in Malta?

Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it a year-round destination with warm, sunny summers and mild winters. Each month brings its own character, impacting both tourism and the operation of boat tours. Seasonal work on boats, especially smaller vessels, is influenced by weather conditions. Smaller boats offer a more personal experience but may be more affected by rough seas than larger vessels, though all are equipped with safety gear for emergencies.

Here’s an overview of Malta’s weather throughout the year and how it impacts seasonal boat work:



January & February

  • Weather: These are the coldest months in Malta, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Rain and windy conditions are common, with occasional storms.

  • Sea Conditions: The sea can be quite rough, with high waves and strong winds, making it more challenging for smaller boats to operate. However, larger vessels chance it and continue running.

  • Boat Work: This is a quieter period for seasonal boat work. Some boat tours may still run, but many operators prefer to perform maintenance during this off-peak season.

March & April

  • Weather: Temperatures start to rise in spring, averaging 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F), and rainfall decreases. By April, Malta enjoys sunnier days, but windy conditions can still be present so tours can be weather dependent.

  • Sea Conditions: Conditions are improving, though occasional strong winds can still disrupt smaller boats.

  • Boat Work: The boat season begins to pick up in April, with more regular tours. Smaller boats start operating more frequently, especially toward the end of April when the weather stabilizes.



May

  • Weather: This is the start of the warmer season, with average temperatures between 16°C and 24°C (61°F to 75°F). Rain is minimal, and the days are sunny.

  • Sea Conditions: The sea becomes calmer, perfect for smaller boat tours, as waves are generally mild, and the weather is ideal for being out on the water.

  • Boat Work: May marks the beginning of the high season for boat tours. Both small and large vessels are actively offering tours to Gozo, Comino, and other destinations.

June

  • Weather: Summer is in full swing, with temperatures averaging 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). There is very little rainfall, and the skies are clear and sunny.

  • Sea Conditions: The sea is generally calm, making it the perfect time for all types of boats to operate. Calm waters make it a prime month for smaller boats to give that more personal experience.

  • Boat Work: June is a busy time for boat tours, with many tourists looking for water-based activities. The demand for boat crew increases, and seasonal work is plentiful.

July & August

  • Weather: These are the hottest months, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F). It’s sunny almost every day, with virtually no rain.

  • Sea Conditions: The sea is warm and calm, making it an ideal time for boat tours. Smaller boats thrive in these conditions.

  • Boat Work: This is the peak season for boat tours in Malta. There is a high demand for staff on boats, and smaller vessels are booked for personalized, intimate experiences. You’ll find everything from snorkeling tours to full-day cruises.



September

  • Weather: The weather remains warm, with average temperatures between 22°C and 30°C (72°F to 86°F). September is still a great month for outdoor activities, though occasional rain showers may start toward the end of the month, its super brief and doesn't effect the tour.

  • Sea Conditions: The sea remains relatively calm, but there can be some windier days as autumn approaches which are always communicated in advance.

  • Boat Work: Boat tours are still in high demand, and the season remains busy for boat operators. Smaller boats continue to thrive, offering unique tours, although some may start to cut back toward the end of the month.

October

  • Weather: Temperatures begin to cool, ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). Rainfall increases slightly, but there are still plenty of sunny days.

  • Sea Conditions: The sea is generally calm but can get choppy on stormy days. Smaller boats may need to cancel or adjust tours when the weather turns rough.

  • Boat Work: The tourist season is winding down, but there’s still demand for boat tours. Seasonal work decreases slightly, though many boat operators continue running tours until late October.

November

  • Weather: Temperatures drop to around 14°C to 20°C (57°F to 68°F), and rain becomes more frequent. The weather is cooler, though there are still many pleasant days.

  • Sea Conditions: The sea becomes rougher, with occasional storms making it more difficult for smaller boats to operate.

  • Boat Work: The boat tour season slows down significantly. Larger vessels may still operate, but many smaller boat operators stop for the season or shift to occasional tours on calmer days.

December

  • Weather: December is cooler, with temperatures between 11°C and 17°C (52°F to 63°F). Rain is frequent, and the days are shorter.

  • Sea Conditions: The sea can be quite rough, particularly during storms, making it hard for smaller boats to operate safely who often pack it in for the year and start with the boat maintenance for the next season.

  • Boat Work: Seasonal boat work is minimal, with most operators pausing tours for the winter. Some larger vessels may offer special holiday or sightseeing tours, but the demand is low.

  • Boat Safety & Smaller Vessels

  • Safety Gear: All boats, regardless of size, are equipped with safety gear such as life jackets, emergency rafts, and communication systems.

  • Unique Experience: Smaller boats provide a unique opportunity to access hidden coves, sea caves, and less crowded areas around Malta. Their size allows for a more flexible and customized tour, giving passengers a memorable and personal adventure.

Overall, Malta’s weather makes it a great destination for boat tours nearly all year, though the most active months are from May to October but April and November when scheduled can be awesome days at sea too.




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