Charter terms & conditions

These terms apply to every charter booked through iBoat Malta. By paying a deposit, the Client accepts them in full.

Last updated 1 October 2026

1. Our role and definitions

iBoat Malta acts as a charter broker and booking agent. We match the Client with a suitable yacht, take the booking and collect payments on behalf of the Operator. The yacht, skipper and crew are provided by an independent Operator, not by iBoat Malta.

1. iBoat Malta ("we", "us") means IBOAT MALTA, 74 Indri Vella Street, Pembroke PBK 1314, Malta (VAT no. MT 23053034), [email protected], +356 7783 6902.
2. Client ("you") means the person who makes the booking. The Client is responsible for every guest in their group.
3. Operator means the owner, licensed operator or charter company that provides the yacht, skipper and crew.
4. Skipper means the licensed master in command of the yacht on the day.
5. Charter means the use of the yacht for the date, times and route shown on the booking confirmation.
6. Booking confirmation means the invoice or receipt we send once the deposit is received. It shows the yacht, date, times, pick-up point, price, deposit and balance.

The contract for the use of the yacht is between the Client and the Operator. iBoat Malta arranges it and acts on the Client's behalf in all communication with the Operator.

2. Booking and confirmation

A booking is confirmed only once we receive the deposit and send the booking confirmation. Until then, the date is not held.

1. Quotes are valid for 48 hours and are subject to availability, since the Operator may also take bookings from other sources.
2. The Client must give accurate details: date, number of guests (including children), pick-up point and any special requests.
3. The booking confirmation is the reference for the charter. Please check it and tell us of any mistake within 24 hours.
4. If the booked yacht becomes unavailable for reasons other than weather (breakdown, damage, Operator cancellation), we will offer a yacht of similar size and standard. If the Client does not accept it, the deposit is refunded in full.
5. Changes to the date, yacht or number of guests after confirmation depend on the Operator's availability and may change the price.

3. Prices, deposit and payment

Prices are per yacht, not per person, and include VAT unless the quote says otherwise.

Included as standard: the yacht, a licensed skipper, fuel for the agreed route and duration, free water and soft drinks, safety equipment, and the Operator's insurance.

Not included unless stated on the booking confirmation: food and alcohol (charters are on a bring-your-own food and drinks basis), restaurant bills, catering, extra crew such as a hostess, extra hours, fuel for route changes the Client requests, and mooring fees in a marina other than the departure point.

1. A deposit, usually 20% to 30% of the charter price, confirms the booking. It is paid to iBoat Malta by bank transfer or card.
2. The remaining balance is paid before boarding, in cash or as agreed, either to the skipper or to iBoat Malta. The yacht may not depart until it is paid in full.
3. For charters of more than one day, or bookings made through companies, the full amount may be due before the charter date. This is stated on the booking confirmation.
4. Bank charges and card fees are paid by the Client.
5. Extras agreed on the day (extra hours, catering, route changes) are paid to the skipper before the end of the charter.

4. Cancellations, changes and weather

The deposit is non-refundable if the Client cancels, but it is fully refunded or moved to a new date if the charter is cancelled for bad weather.

Weather decisions. The skipper and Operator decide whether it is safe to sail, based on the forecast and conditions at sea. Their decision is final. We will tell the Client as early as possible, normally the evening before or on the morning of the charter.

Itinerary. The route is a plan, not a guarantee. The skipper may change it for weather, sea state, safety, port rules or overcrowding in a bay, without this counting as a cancellation.

5. On board

The skipper is in command of the yacht at all times, and every guest must follow the skipper's instructions.

1. Guest numbers. The number of guests may not exceed the yacht's licensed capacity shown on the booking confirmation. Extra guests may be refused boarding, with no refund.
2. Timing. Guests should arrive at the pick-up point 15 minutes early. Late arrival does not extend the charter, and the yacht returns at the agreed time.
3. Children. Children must wear life jackets at all times on deck and in the water, and must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
4. Swimming and water activities. Guests swim and use water toys at their own risk, only when the skipper says it is safe.
5. Alcohol and conduct. Alcohol must be drunk responsibly. Anyone under 17 may not be served alcohol. The skipper may end the charter early, with no refund, if a guest's behaviour puts people or the yacht at risk.
6. Prohibited. Illegal drugs, weapons, glass on deck where the Operator does not allow it, smoking below deck, and red wine or dark drinks on light upholstery where the Operator asks.
7. Food and drinks. Charters are on a bring-your-own basis unless catering is booked. Please take your rubbish back to shore.
8. Damage and loss. The Client is responsible for damage to the yacht or its equipment caused by guests, beyond normal wear. The cost is charged at the Operator's repair price. Lost personal items are the guests' own responsibility.
9. Cleaning. Excessive mess, such as glitter, confetti or spilled food, may be charged a cleaning fee by the Operator.

6. Liability, insurance and legal

The Operator is responsible for the yacht, its crew, its licences and its insurance. iBoat Malta is responsible only for arranging the booking with care.

1. Operator's duties. The Operator must provide a seaworthy yacht, licensed as a commercial charter vessel in Malta, with a qualified skipper, the required safety equipment and valid insurance.
2. iBoat Malta's liability. As broker, we are not liable for the acts or omissions of the Operator, skipper or crew, or for injury, loss or damage that happens during the charter. Our liability is limited to the amount the Client paid to iBoat Malta for that booking. Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or injury caused by our own negligence, or anything else the law does not allow us to exclude.
3. Personal insurance. Guests should have their own travel and personal accident insurance. Personal belongings are not covered by the Operator's insurance.
4. Health. Guests must tell us before the charter about any medical condition, pregnancy or reduced mobility that may affect their safety on board.
5. Force majeure. Neither iBoat Malta nor the Operator is responsible for failure to provide the charter because of events outside their control, such as storms, port closures, strikes, government orders or epidemics. In that case the deposit is refunded or moved to a new date.
6. Complaints. Please raise any problem with the skipper on the day so it can be fixed. Written complaints go to [email protected] within 7 days of the charter, and we will pass them to the Operator and reply within 14 days.
7. Personal data. We use the Client's details only to arrange the charter and share them only with the Operator and skipper for that purpose, in line with GDPR.
8. Photos. We may share photos taken on board on social media only with the Client's consent.
9. Governing law. These terms are governed by the laws of Malta, and the courts of Malta have jurisdiction over any dispute.

Questions about these terms? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp +356 7783 6902.