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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about booking, payments, and what to expect

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Mon 4 May 2026 by [email protected]

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email us at [email protected] or use the contact form — we’re happy to help.

Finding & Booking a Boat

How does it work? How do I rent a boat?

Browse our boats by type, date, or activity. When you find one you like, check the listing for what’s included, group size, captain options, pickup point, and the owner’s terms. From the listing you can either click Book Now to reserve instantly (where supported), or message the owner first if you have questions.

To confirm a booking you pay a small booking fee online via Stripe or PayPal. The remainder of the charter price is paid directly to the boat owner — usually on the day, or by bank transfer beforehand if the owner prefers.

What’s the difference between Instant Book and Request to Book?

With Instant Book, the boat is yours as soon as you complete the online booking — no owner approval needed. With Request to Book, the owner reviews your request first and either confirms it, declines, or asks a question. Each listing shows which mode applies.

How long does it take for an owner to confirm a booking?

Owners are notified by email and through our messaging system as soon as you send a request, and most reply within a few hours. If you don’t hear back quickly, send a follow-up message or email [email protected] and we’ll chase the owner for you.

Can I message the owner before I book?

Yes — every listing has a Contact Owner option. Use it to ask about availability, what’s included, group size, pickup logistics, or anything specific to your trip. Owners reply through our internal messaging system and you’ll get a notification by email.

Can I add multiple boats to a wishlist before deciding?

Yes. Tap the heart icon on any listing to add it to your Wishlist (top-right header). From there you can compare your shortlist or message multiple owners side-by-side — useful when you’re narrowing down a choice for a group or a specific date.

Pricing, Payments & What’s Included

What’s included in the rental price?

This depends entirely on the boat — every listing is run by the boat owner, not by Rent A Boat. Some prices include fuel, a captain, water toys, food and drinks; others charge for these separately. Always check the listing description and the owner’s terms, and message the owner if anything is unclear before booking.

What payment methods do you accept?

Online at the time of booking we accept all major credit/debit cards via Stripe and payments through PayPal. The remainder of the charter price (paid directly to the owner) can be cash on the day, bank transfer in advance, or whatever method the owner specifies — check the listing or ask the owner.

Is my payment secure?

Yes. Card and PayPal payments are processed by Stripe and PayPal respectively — both PCI-DSS compliant payment providers trusted by millions of businesses worldwide. Rent A Boat never sees or stores your card details.

How does payment actually work?

When you book, the small online payment goes to Rent A Boat to confirm your reservation — this covers our commission as a marketplace. The remaining charter cost is paid directly to the boat owner, either on the day of your trip or by bank transfer beforehand, depending on the owner’s preference. Each listing or owner message will tell you the accepted methods.

Are there any extra fees on top of the price shown?

No. The price shown on the listing is the price you pay. Rent A Boat doesn’t add booking fees on top — owners price their boats directly and we keep the experience simple.

What currency are prices shown in?

All prices are in Euros (€), Malta’s national currency. Your bank or card provider may apply their own conversion rate if your account is in a different currency.

On the Day of Your Charter

Where do I meet the boat owner or captain?

Pickup location varies by boat. Most owners depart from a Maltese marina or a specific quay; the exact spot will be in your booking confirmation. If it’s not clear, message the owner before the trip.

Is there a captain on board, or can I drive myself?

It depends on the boat. Some are bareboat (you drive — usually requires a nautical licence), others come with a captain or skipper, and some let you choose. Check the listing and message the owner if you’re not sure. See our Nautical Licenses page for more on when a licence is required.

Can I bring food and drinks? Is there a fridge on board?

Most owners are happy for guests to bring food and drinks. Onboard amenities (fridge, ice box, BBQ, sunbed cushions) vary by boat — listings usually mention what’s included, and if not, ask the owner.

What should I bring with me?

Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, and a windbreaker or light jacket for cooler evenings. Anything boat-specific (e.g. shoes that don’t mark the deck) the owner will tell you. Your booking confirmation has the owner’s contact details — don’t hesitate to ask.

How long is a “full-day” or “half-day” rental?

That’s set by the boat owner and shown on each listing. Typically a full day is around 8 hours and a half day around 4 hours, but it varies — always check before booking.

Weather, Cancellations & Refunds

What happens if the weather is bad on the day?

Boat owners watch conditions closely and will reach out if they need to postpone or cancel for safety reasons. The cancellation/rescheduling policy depends on the owner — most are flexible about weather-driven changes since safety comes first. Check the listing or ask the owner before booking if it’s a concern.

Can I cancel my booking? Will I get a refund?

Cancellation terms for the charter itself are set by the boat owner — some allow free cancellation up to a certain point before the trip, others don’t. The online booking fee paid to Rent A Boat is generally non-refundable since it confirms your reservation, but we look at every cancellation case-by-case. Email [email protected] and we’ll help.

Can I reschedule to a different date?

Many owners are happy to move your booking to a new date if their calendar allows — just message them to arrange it. You don’t usually need to cancel and rebook.

Is Malta good for boating year-round?

Malta has around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and the Mediterranean stays warm enough to swim from late May to October. Peak charter season is June–September. Spring (April–May) and autumn (October) are quieter and great value when the weather cooperates. Winter charters are mostly for fishing or sheltered cruising.

What if the boat owner cancels on me?

If an owner cancels (mechanical issue, weather, double booking), they’ll usually offer a refund of any payments made directly to them, and we’ll refund the booking fee paid to us or help you find a replacement boat. Email us straight away at [email protected] and we’ll sort it out.

Safety, Licences, Kids & Accessibility

Do I need a nautical licence to rent a boat?

It depends on the boat. In Malta, motorboats above a certain engine power require a nautical licence to operate. Many smaller boats can be rented without a licence, and most listings either come with a captain or offer one as an option. See our Nautical Licenses page and the boat listing for specifics, or message the owner.

Are children allowed on board?

Most boats welcome children, but it’s up to the owner — they’ll tell you the minimum age, supervision requirements, and whether children’s lifejackets are provided. Check the listing or ask before booking.

How many people can the boat carry?

Each listing shows the maximum number of guests the boat is licensed for. This is set by the boat’s certification and the owner’s policy — please don’t try to fit more people than the listing allows.

Are life jackets and safety equipment provided?

Maltese maritime regulations require all licensed charter boats to carry safety equipment (life jackets, flares, fire extinguisher, first aid kit). If you have specific needs — children’s lifejackets, an accessible safety briefing, or a particular medical consideration — confirm with the owner before booking.

Can the boat accommodate guests with reduced mobility?

It depends entirely on the boat — boarding methods, deck layouts, and onboard facilities vary widely. Message the owner with your specific requirements before booking and they’ll tell you what’s possible.

For Boat Owners

How do I list my boat on Rent A Boat?

Get in touch via [email protected] or our contact page and we’ll guide you through registration. We’d love to have your boat on the platform.

What does it cost to list a boat?

Listing is free. There are no monthly subscription fees and no listing fees — you only pay when bookings come through the platform. We charge a small commission only on confirmed bookings; contact us for current rates.

How and when do I get paid?

Boat owners collect the bulk of the charter payment directly from renters — on the day, by bank transfer in advance, or whatever method you prefer. Rent A Boat charges its commission to the renter at the time of booking, so you keep your owner–renter relationship straightforward and run payment terms the way you already do.

Can I sync my calendar with other booking platforms?

Yes — every owner gets a personal iCal feed from their dashboard, so bookings made on Rent A Boat appear on your other calendar systems and vice versa. This helps avoid double bookings if you list on multiple platforms.

Still have questions?

We’re happy to help. Email us at [email protected] or use the contact form.

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