How It Works
Find your boat, book in minutes, sail off. Here’s how chartering with Rent A Boat works.
In four steps
- Find a boat — browse hundreds of vessels across Malta and Gozo, filter by date, group size, boat type or marina.
- Send a request — pick your dates, choose any extras, and send your request to the boat owner.
- Confirm with a deposit — once the owner accepts, pay a 15% deposit to secure your booking.
- Settle the balance — the owner issues the rest of the invoice through the platform on their payment terms. Then arrive at the marina, hop on board, and enjoy the day.
What’s included
- Direct chat with the boat owner before and after booking.
- Transparent pricing — extras like fuel, cleaning or a skipper, where applicable, are listed on the boat’s page.
- Secure online payment.
- Help from our team if anything comes up before, during or after your charter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boating licence to rent?
Only if you plan to skipper the boat yourself. Most of our boats come with the option of a professional captain — look for “with skipper” on the boat’s page, or message the owner before booking if you’re not sure. If you do hold your own licence and want to skipper, mention it in your booking request so the owner can confirm you’re a match for the boat.
What if I need to cancel?
Each boat owner sets their own cancellation policy, and it’s shown clearly on the boat’s page before you book. Some are flexible (full refund up to a certain point), others are stricter, especially for peak-season dates. Always check the policy on the boat you’re booking so you know exactly where you stand if plans change.
Will I be asked for a security deposit?
Some owners require a refundable security deposit, which is collected together with the final invoice. As long as the boat comes back in the same condition you took it out in, the deposit is returned to you after your charter. If something is damaged, the owner submits photos and a description, we’ll review the case as mediator, and any agreed costs are deducted before the remainder is refunded.
Is VAT included in the price I see?
Yes — every price shown on a boat’s page already includes VAT where applicable, so there are no surprise add-ons at checkout. Optional extras like fuel, a skipper or special catering, when offered, are listed separately and shown clearly before you confirm your booking.
Can I leave a review after my charter?
Yes, and we’d love you to. A few days after your charter you’ll get a friendly email reminder inviting you to share your experience on the boat’s page. Honest reviews — the great, the good and the not-so-good — help future guests choose well and help boat owners keep raising the bar.
Who do I contact if something goes wrong?
First, message the boat owner directly through the platform — usually they can sort things out fastest. If you can’t reach them, or if it’s something more serious, our team is on standby at [email protected] and we’ll step in to help.