There is something deeply satisfying about fishing from a boat in Malta. The island sits at the intersection of the western and eastern Mediterranean, on the edge of waters that drop sharply from the continental shelf into open ocean depths, and the result is an unusually rich marine environment within easy reach of shore. Within an hour of departure you can be over deep water where yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and Atlantic bluefin pass through on seasonal migrations; closer in, the rocky reefs and sea caves produce sea bream, grouper, and amberjack throughout the year. You do not need to be an angler to enjoy a Malta fishing trip — what you need is a few hours, a willing crew, and an appetite for the particular kind of patience and sudden excitement that fishing from the sea delivers unlike anything else.
Fishing Trip vs Fishing Charter: Understanding the Difference
This distinction matters and it is worth being clear about it before you book. A fishing trip is an activity experience — a few hours out on the water, learning basic techniques, using the equipment provided, enjoying the boat and the scenery as much as the fishing itself. It is genuinely suitable for beginners, families with children, and anyone who is curious about fishing but has never done it. The emphasis is on fun and participation rather than maximising catch.
A fishing charter is a serious, angler-focused outing tailored to people who fish regularly and have specific objectives — targeting particular species, using particular techniques (trolling, bottom fishing, jigging, live bait), and expecting a skipper and crew with advanced technical knowledge. Charter crews treat fishing as the primary mission and structure the entire day around it. Most first-time visitors book a fishing trip and have a wonderful time; experienced anglers who want dedicated technical support should look for operators who specifically offer fishing charters with tournament-grade equipment. Both options are available in the fleet below — filter by activity type when searching.
Why Malta is Outstanding for a Fishing Trip
Malta’s geographic position makes it one of the most productive fishing locations in the central Mediterranean. The Maltese continental shelf drops sharply, meaning deep-water pelagic species are accessible without long offshore passages. Exceptional visibility and water quality support healthy fish populations year-round. Mild winters mean boat fishing is possible in every month of the year, though summer and autumn offer the widest species variety. Rocky reefs, sea caves, open ocean, and submarine cliffs create habitat for a wide range of species at different depths.
What to Expect on a Malta Fishing Trip
No experience required. A good fishing trip captain expects to teach, not just to transport. The crew will show you how to set up tackle, explain the technique in use, help you handle the rod, and assist with landing anything you hook. Children from around age six upward can participate fully and often catch more than the adults. All rods, reels, lines, hooks, weights, bait, and lures are provided — you do not need to bring any fishing equipment. The tackle is matched to the target species and fishing technique for the day.
Half-day morning trips typically run four hours from a 06:00 or 07:00 departure and suit first-timers, families, and beginners. Half-day afternoon trips depart around midday for a relaxed introduction. Full-day trips run seven to eight hours for serious fishing with multiple species and offshore access. Overnight or dawn trips of ten to twelve hours are aimed at advanced anglers targeting bluefin tuna. Morning departures are strongly recommended for the best fishing conditions — sea temperatures, fish activity, and wind conditions are all typically more favourable in the early hours.
The majority of Malta’s fishing boats depart from Marsaxlokk, the traditional fishing village on Malta’s southeastern coast. The natural deep-water harbour has been a working fishing port since ancient times, the colourful luzzus bobbing in the bay are one of Malta’s most iconic images, and the local knowledge that comes with a Marsaxlokk-based skipper is simply not matched elsewhere on the island. Some operators also depart from Valletta, Marsaskala, and St Paul’s Bay.
Species You Can Catch on a Fishing Trip in Malta
Pelagic species shift with the season. Yellowfin tuna is the most sought-after — powerful, fast, and extraordinary on the line; best June to October. Atlantic bluefin tuna is rare but present on migration, the trophy target for serious anglers from May to July. Mahi-mahi (dorado) bring brilliant colours and spectacular jumps from July to October. Swordfish are primarily targeted on overnight deep-dropping trips. Little tunny (false albacore) is abundant year-round and ideal for beginners learning to troll.
On the reef and bottom, grouper (cernu) is Malta’s most prized reef fish — slow fishing but rewarding, available year-round in deeper water. Sea bream (awwi / pagell) is excellent eating and relatively easy to catch on bottom fishing. Amberjack is fast and strong, a serious fight on lighter tackle from May to October. Dentex, a premium eating fish popular with Maltese anglers, is best in winter and spring.
Catch and Cook
Several Malta fishing trip operators offer a catch-and-cook arrangement where your fresh catch is prepared and cooked for you — either on the boat (on vessels with a grill or cooker) or at a partnering restaurant in Marsaxlokk on return. This is one of the most enjoyable ways to end a fishing trip: the fish you caught in the morning on your plate by lunchtime. Confirm catch-and-cook availability with your chosen operator at the time of booking — not all operators offer this, and it typically requires advance arrangement. Supplement is usually €15–€25 per person.
Pricing Guide
Shared fishing trips of four hours start from around €65 per person. Private half-day fishing trips for up to 4 guests start from €220, with up to 6 guests from €280. A full-day private charter for up to 6 runs from €500, while a serious fishing charter (trolling, jigging) for up to 4 starts at €600. Overnight tuna charters of ten to twelve hours start from €800. Prices include all tackle, bait, and fishing equipment; fuel, harbour fees, and basic refreshments are generally included in private charter rates.
What’s Included
Standard inclusions across most Malta fishing trips: rods, reels, lines, hooks, weights, and lures; bait (live, dead, or artificial depending on technique); skipper and experienced fishing crew; basic instruction for first-timers; fuel and harbour fees; safety equipment (life jackets, first aid); chilled water and basic refreshments on most operators. Not typically included: personal food and snacks beyond water, catch-and-cook preparation (additional charge), premium tackle upgrades, and fishing licences for non-EU visitors — check current requirements with your operator.
Ready to Book?
Browse Malta fishing trips and charters by departure point, group size, and trip duration. Half-day morning trips from Marsaxlokk are the most popular starting point — check availability for your dates and submit an enquiry directly through the listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to book a fishing trip in Malta?
Shared half-day fishing trips start from €65 per person for four hours. A private half-day for up to 4 guests is around €220, and €280 for up to 6. Full-day private charters run from €500, with serious angler-focused charters from €600 and overnight tuna trips from €800. All tackle, bait, and equipment are included.
What’s included on a fishing trip in Malta?
Rods, reels, lines, hooks, weights, bait, and lures are all provided. You also get the skipper and experienced crew, basic instruction for first-timers, fuel and harbour fees, life jackets and safety equipment, and chilled water with basic refreshments on most operators. Lunch on full-day trips and catch-and-cook preparation are usually additional.
Where do fishing trips in Malta depart from?
Marsaxlokk on Malta’s southeastern coast is the main departure hub — the traditional fishing village has been a working port since ancient times and the local skippers’ knowledge is unmatched. Some operators also depart from Valletta, Marsaskala, and St Paul’s Bay. Pickup details are confirmed with the operator at booking.
When is the best time of year for fishing in Malta?
Every month offers good fishing in Malta, but June through October is the peak season for variety and the most exciting species. July, August, and September are best for pelagic species like tuna, mahi-mahi, and amberjack. Winter and spring (November–April) are excellent for grouper, dentex, and bottom fishing, with quieter water. Year-round fishing is one of Malta’s underrated advantages.