Cirkewwa/Mgarr: Blue and Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Charter

Two hours can transform your Malta day. This private boat trip from Cirkewwa or Mgarr gives you a relaxed way to see Comino’s famous lagoons, sea caves, and coastal sights without being packed onto a large public boat. I especially like the small private group of up to six and the freedom to swim, snorkel, play your own music, or simply sit in the shade. The main catch is the extra EUR 50 fuel fee, paid in cash at the end.

The 22-foot boat has cushioned seating, a bow area for sun, shade at the stern, a freshwater shower, snorkel gear, pool noodles, a cooler, and complimentary water and local wine for adults. Captains including Jolene, Alfred, Roderick, Joe, Emmy, and Roderick have been praised for friendly service and useful local stories. Two hours is enough for a lively coastal sampler, but anyone wanting a long swim session or a slower cruise may wish they had booked more time.

Key points to know before booking

• The route starts at Cirkewwa or Mgarr: Choose your pickup point carefully when booking. Malta departures meet behind the kiosk by the Gozo passenger terminal, while Gozo departures meet beneath the blue umbrella opposite the passenger terminal in Mgarr.

• You get the boat to yourself: The private setup gives your group more control over swimming, music, photo stops, and the pace of the outing.

• The two lagoons are the main event: Crystal Lagoon offers a quieter swimming setting, while Blue Lagoon is the famous turquoise-water stop and often the busier one.

• A 22-foot boat keeps the experience personal: You are close to the water, with a sunbed-style bow, shaded stern seating, and simple comforts rather than the feel of a large cruise vessel.

• The true cost is $175 plus fuel: The advertised rate covers up to six people, but there is a EUR 50 cash fuel charge. Split among six, the base price is good value. For two people, it becomes a much bigger splurge.

• Jolene is an option worth asking about: The operator can check the possibility of an all-female captain and crew, and Jolene has received especially warm praise for her calm manner and local knowledge.

Setting out from Cirkewwa or Mgarr

The trip begins at the waterside in Cirkewwa on Malta or Mgarr on Gozo. These are practical departure points because they sit beside the Gozo passenger ferry route, but you need to arrive at the correct meeting place.

From Malta, meet behind the kiosk in the parking area next to the Gozo passenger terminal. From Gozo, go to Mgarr and look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal. Confirm your starting point carefully, since Cirkewwa and Mgarr are different sides of the channel.

The boat is a 22-foot private charter. That size matters. You are not climbing aboard a floating bus with a large crowd, and your captain can respond to what your group wants to do. You can settle at the bow, use the cushioned lounger, or sit under shade at the stern.

There is safety equipment on board, along with a freshwater shower for rinsing off salt after swimming. You also get a cooler with ice, a Bluetooth speaker, and room for your own drinks. A bottle of water and local wine are included, with wine reserved for those aged 18 and over.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Motion sickness prevention is sensible if you are prone to seasickness. Food is not included, so eat before setting off or bring suitable provisions, keeping in mind that the boat has a cooler rather than a full kitchen.

Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave from the water

Early in the trip, the captain points out coastal sights such as Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave. Seeing these places from the sea gives you a different angle from a land visit, with the boat carrying you close to cliffs, openings, and rocky shoreline.

These stops are part sightseeing and part orientation. They help you understand how tightly packed Malta, Gozo, and Comino are around this channel, where the coast quickly changes from ferry routes and harbors to clear water and limestone formations.

The exact amount of time spent at each sight depends on conditions and your captain’s judgment. That is one benefit of a private charter, since the outing can be adjusted around your interests. Beth, for example, appreciated being taken to extra caves for swimming, while other groups focused on the two lagoons.

You should not expect a formal, lengthy lecture at every stop. The appeal is a friendly captain sharing stories as you move along. Alfred has been praised for explaining Malta’s culture and history, while Jolene, Roderick, Joe, and Emmy have also been singled out for making the ride personal and easygoing.

Crystal Lagoon: the better place for a swim

Crystal Lagoon is usually the quieter and more sheltered-feeling of the two headline stops. The water is clear, and the setting works well for swimming and snorkeling. The supplied masks let you look below the surface without arranging separate equipment.

You can also use the pool noodles if you prefer floating to swimming. That small detail is useful for mixed groups, especially when one person wants to snorkel while another simply wants to bob in the water.

The lagoon is not only a photo stop. The captains are willing to anchor at swimming spots and give you time in the water, which makes the private format more valuable than a simple sightseeing cruise. Several outings included two swimming stops, with time to explore caves as well as the lagoons.

Water temperature depends on the season. An April group found the water chilly, though still suitable for snorkeling, so spring visitors should pack realistically. Summer offers the most comfortable conditions for long swims, but it also brings more demand and busier water around the main sights.

Blue Lagoon: famous, beautiful, and often crowded

Blue Lagoon is Comino’s headline attraction. Its bright turquoise water is the image most people have in mind when they picture a Malta boat trip, and seeing it from a small private boat gives you a better chance to appreciate the color and surrounding rock.

The drawback is its popularity. Blue Lagoon can be crowded, especially during the middle of the day in summer. A private boat does not make the entire area empty, but it gives your captain more choice about where to anchor and when to visit.

Several groups found late afternoon particularly rewarding. One 4 p.m. outing had fewer people around the lagoon, leaving more room to swim and enjoy the setting. If your schedule allows, ask about later departures rather than automatically choosing the first available time.

Do not assume that every minute will be spent at Blue Lagoon itself. The captain may balance the famous stop with Crystal Lagoon, caves, and quieter swimming areas. That mix is a strength. You get the picture-postcard location without reducing the whole trip to one crowded bay.

Snorkeling, swimming, and time on the boat

The activity is as much about being on the water as it is about reaching named sights. Snorkel masks are included, and the lagoons and cave areas give you places to look below the surface. Pool noodles add an easy option for relaxing without committing to a full swim.

The boat’s layout helps during the time between stops. Sun lovers can use the bow, while the shaded stern is better for cooling down or escaping the strongest midday light. The freshwater shower lets you rinse after swimming, though you should still bring a towel.

Your own music can play through the Bluetooth speaker. This makes the outing feel less like a fixed excursion and more like a private coastal ride. Keep the volume at a level that lets you hear the captain and respect other boats nearby.

The included wine is a pleasant touch, especially for couples or small groups. Sophie enjoyed the local wine and the captain’s willingness to take photos, while other groups appreciated chilled drinks and the cooler. Still, wine is not a substitute for water, food, or sun protection. Bring enough water for your group, even though one bottle is provided.

Why a private charter can be worth the price

The listed price is $175 for the group, up to six people, for two hours. The separate EUR 50 fuel charge must be paid in cash at the end, so budget for that from the start. Food is extra, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

For six people, the base rate works out to about $29 per person, before the fuel charge. Add the fuel fee and the cost per person remains reasonable for a private boat. For four people, the calculation is still fairly attractive. For two people, the price is more of a special-occasion purchase.

The real value comes from control. On a shared boat, you generally follow a fixed route and timetable. Here, your group can ask for more swimming, extra cave time, quieter anchorages, or fewer photo stops. You also avoid spending the entire trip surrounded by strangers.

That privacy is especially useful for families, couples, and small groups with different energy levels. A nine-year-old and an 80-year-old shared one charter successfully, with the captain keeping the pace comfortable and the route varied.

The limitation is duration. Two hours passes quickly once you include boarding, moving between sights, swimming, snorkeling, and returning to port. Ann, who enjoyed the experience, wished she had booked a longer period. If you want an unhurried afternoon at sea, ask the operator about other time options.

Captains, service, and the personal touch

The captain can make or break a short boat ride, and this operator’s strongest feature is its personal service. Jolene has been praised for being warm, patient, calm, and attentive, including by people taking this kind of trip for the first time.

Alfred has provided commentary on Malta’s culture and history while also finding preferred anchorages. Roderick has been praised by families for taking them to caves and lagoons without rushing. Emmy has been described as relaxed and well informed, while Joe helped make one group’s Blue Lagoon trip feel welcoming from the moment they boarded.

You can ask about captains when booking, but availability is not guaranteed. You can also contact the operator about the possibility of an all-female captain and crew. Jolene has been identified as the only female skipper on Gozo in one account, making this a useful request for anyone who prefers that arrangement.

Communication before departure has also been a strong point. Confirmation of the meeting place and booking details can be sent before the trip, which matters when you are crossing between Malta and Gozo and do not want to hunt for a boat at the last minute.

Best departure time and seasonal advice

Morning departures offer a fresh start and plenty of daylight. They can suit families and anyone who wants to continue sightseeing afterward. A late afternoon departure may be better if you want softer light and a quieter feel around Blue Lagoon.

The timing options can vary. If the listed times do not suit you, such as 9 a.m. or 11:30 a.m., contact the operator to ask about availability. Do not wait until the day of the trip to sort this out.

Summer is the natural season for swimming, but it also brings the most crowds. Spring can offer a calmer outing, though the water may feel cold. The trip runs in conditions suitable for the operator’s schedule, but you should still bring motion sickness protection if needed.

Strong sun is the main practical concern. There is shade on board, but the boat remains exposed to the elements. Apply sunscreen before boarding, bring a hat if useful, and keep valuables protected from splashes.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this charter for a group of up to six that values privacy, swimming, and flexibility more than a low-cost sightseeing ride. It suits couples who want a relaxed outing, families who need a manageable pace, and friends who want their own music and drinks on board.

It is also a good choice if the Blue Lagoon is high on your list but you do not want to spend the whole visit in the middle of a large group. The captain can show you Comino’s caves and coastal sights while still allowing time for the main lagoon stops.

This is less suitable for anyone using a wheelchair, mobility scooter, non-folding wheelchair, bike, or electric wheelchair. Weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, and explosive substances are not allowed.

The trip may also disappoint you if you want a full-day cruise, a meal included, or guaranteed solitude at Blue Lagoon. The boat is private, but the lagoon itself remains a popular public attraction.

Practical booking notes and final verdict

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Select Cirkewwa or Mgarr correctly, confirm the meeting point, and have EUR 50 in cash ready for fuel.

I would book this if you want a compact, personal way to see Comino’s best-known water spots. The boat equipment is useful, the captains add local context, and the ability to choose your swimming pace is worth paying for.

I would skip it if your budget is tight for a small group, if two hours feels too short, or if you prefer a fixed public boat route. For everyone else, this is a strong value when shared among four to six people, particularly with a late afternoon departure and a captain such as Jolene or Alfred available.

FAQ

Where does the private boat charter depart from?

You can start from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo. From Cirkewwa, meet behind the kiosk in the parking area beside the Gozo passenger terminal. From Mgarr, look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal.

How long is the boat trip?

The charter lasts two hours. Different starting times may be available, and you can contact the activity provider about options such as 9 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.

What is included on the boat?

The charter includes snorkeling masks, a freshwater shower, shade, pool noodles, one bottle of water, local wine for people aged 18 and over, an ice cooler, a Bluetooth speaker, port fees, and safety equipment.

Is fuel included in the advertised price?

No. There is a EUR 50 fuel fee, payable in cash at the end of the tour. Food, hotel pickup, and hotel drop-off are also not included.

Can I swim and snorkel during the charter?

Yes. The route includes stops at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, and snorkeling masks are provided. The boat may also stop at caves and other swimming spots depending on the route and your group’s interests.

Is the charter suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, bikes, or electric wheelchairs.