Private boat Charters around Malta, Gozo & Comino

Malta looks best from the water. This private charter takes you around Comino and Gozo aboard the handsome MV INGE III, a 43-foot Venetian motor cruiser with teak decks and a rustic mahogany cabin. I like the freedom to choose swimming stops, and I like having the boat to yourself rather than sharing a crowded ferry. The main consideration is price: at $1,137.10 per group, it makes the most sense for a larger party.

Captain Joseph gets especially strong praise for finding attractive coves and making the day feel personal. I also like that masks, snorkels, a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, swimming aids, water, fuel, and crew are included. Still, lunch is not provided, and the exact route and duration should be confirmed before booking.

Key points to know before booking

• A private 43-foot cruiser: The MV INGE III has teak decking, a mahogany interior, shaded seating, a sundeck, a bathing platform, two restrooms, and a fresh-water shower.
• Comino’s main swimming spots: The route can include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, St Mary Bay, St Nicholas Bay, and several caves.
• Gozo by boat: You can reach swimming and snorkeling places that are accessible only from the sea.
• Good equipment included: Masks, snorkels, swimming aids, a kayak, SUP, paddleboard, bottled water, and a cooler with ice are supplied.
• Private timing: Morning and afternoon cruises normally begin at 9 or 10 a.m., while sunset trips run from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Best value for groups: The listed price covers a group of up to 15, although the boat is licensed for more, so confirm the final capacity and rate for your party.

Why a private boat makes sense around Malta

Malta’s most famous water stops can feel very busy from land. A private boat changes the rhythm. You can spend more time at a cove that suits your group, move on when the water gets crowded, or pause for photographs along the coast.

This is not simply transport from one harbor to another. The boat is the experience. You have a shaded area when the sun gets strong, a sundeck for views, a bathing platform for easy entry into the sea, and a cabin with two restrooms. Those details matter on a warm day, especially when your group includes people who do not want to spend every minute in the water.

The MV INGE III adds some character, too. Built in Venice by C. Rio boat builders, it has a 43-foot hull, teak decking, and a traditional mahogany interior. It is a more distinctive setting than a basic open motorboat. Music can be played through Bluetooth, AUX, or USB, so your group can set the mood for a swim, a sunset cruise, or a private celebration.

The charter is listed at $1,137.10 per group of up to 15. That is a serious price for a short outing, but the calculation changes when you fill the boat. Split among 15 people, it works out to about $76 per person before any food or drinks. For a couple or small family, it is harder to justify. For a reunion, birthday, boat party, or group staying in Malta together, the private setup can be good value.

One point needs clarification. The boat is licensed and insured for up to 35 people, while the experience information says the usual maximum is 20 or 25 and the price is for up to 15. Ask Seabreeze Cruises to confirm the allowed number and any extra charge before you pay.

Starting from Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour

You can depart from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. That gives you useful flexibility. Cirkewwa is a practical start for people based on Malta, while Mgarr suits a group already staying on Gozo or combining the charter with time on that island.

The available operating hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for daytime trips and 5 to 9 p.m. for sunset cruises. The stated normal start times are 9 or 10 a.m. for a morning or afternoon cruise, so confirm your exact departure time and meeting point after booking.

The cruise lasts approximately two to four hours. The listed route describes two hours around Comino and two hours around Gozo, but that should not be read as a guaranteed four-hour itinerary for every booking. Your duration may depend on the option selected, weather, departure point, and the route agreed with the crew.

That flexibility is useful, but it also means you should not arrive with an assumed schedule. If you have a cruise ship departure, a ferry connection, or dinner plans, tell the operator in advance. The crew has already shown flexibility when changing cruise-ship docking times affected a booking, which is encouraging, though you should still allow a safe time cushion.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon and quieter coves

Comino is the natural centerpiece of this charter. The island is small, rugged, and known for clear water, sea caves, and sheltered bays. From the boat, you can see more of it than you would by simply walking to the Blue Lagoon and claiming a small patch of shore.

The route may include:

• Blue Lagoon
• Crystal Lagoon
• St Mary Bay
• St Nicholas Bay
• Comino’s caves
• Elephant Rock
• St Mary Battery
• St Mary Tower

Blue Lagoon is the famous stop, and you will likely want time for a swim. Its bright water and dramatic setting make it an obvious place for photographs, but fame brings crowds. A private charter gives you a better chance to choose your timing and move elsewhere if the area does not feel relaxed enough.

Crystal Lagoon offers another swimming option, with cliffs and clear water around the boat. St Mary Bay and St Nicholas Bay add variety, and the crew can point out sections of the coast that are difficult to reach on foot. The exact order of stops is not fixed in the information provided, so ask what conditions are expected on the day.

The caves are best appreciated from the sea. Rather than treating them as a quick checklist, keep your camera ready and listen for the captain’s suggestions about where to look. Elephant Rock and the historic-looking St Mary Battery and St Mary Tower give the cruise a little more shape between swims.

The equipment makes Comino more than a sightseeing ride. Free masks and snorkels let you look below the surface, while swimming aids help less confident swimmers. You also have a kayak and paddleboard available, although you should confirm how many pieces of equipment can be used at once if your group is large.

Bring sun protection and a towel, since the boat’s shade will not cover everyone at all times. You are welcome to bring your own snacks, food, and drinks, which is important because lunch is not included.

Gozo’s coast, coves, and sea-only access

The Gozo portion focuses on coastal places where the boat can take you directly into the water. The appeal here is less about one famous sight and more about the chance to stop at swimming and snorkeling spots that cannot be reached by road.

This is where a private captain can add real value. Joseph is praised for choosing attractive swimming areas and for offering useful suggestions around Gozo, including a restaurant recommendation. That does not mean the restaurant is included or guaranteed as part of your trip. It means you can ask the crew for a practical suggestion if you plan to eat after the cruise.

Gozo’s coast gives you a change from Comino’s best-known stops. You might spend time swimming from the bathing platform, use the paddleboard, or take the kayak closer to the shoreline. The boat also gives you a steady base for your belongings, which is easier than carrying everything between several beach stops.

Do not expect a formal guided tour of every Gozo sight. The focus is swimming, snorkeling, coastal viewing, and access to places reached only by boat. If your priority is inland Gozo, village streets, churches, or museums, this charter will not replace a land tour.

The route is also weather dependent. Wind and sea conditions can affect which coves are comfortable or safe. A good captain will adjust the plan, but the most photogenic stop on your wish list may not be possible on the day.

What life aboard the MV INGE III feels like

The boat’s layout gives this outing a more comfortable feel than a quick transfer. You have a shaded area, open sundeck, bathing platform, accommodation space, two restrooms, and a fresh-water shower. That mix is valuable because a four-hour outing can feel long if you have nowhere to sit, change, or rinse off.

The mahogany interior and teak deck are also part of the charm. The boat has a classic look without giving up practical features. It should photograph well, and one strong point from the available feedback is how clean and attractive the boat is for taking pictures.

Water is complimentary, and the large cooler comes with ice flakes and ice cubes. That saves you from having to carry a full supply of cold drinks, though you should still bring anything your group wants beyond bottled water. Since lunch is excluded, pack sandwiches, fruit, and easy snacks if you want a meal on board.

Music is available through Bluetooth, AUX, and USB. This works well for a private celebration, but keep the volume sensible near other boats and quiet coves. The boat is yours, not the entire bay.

Fuel, skipper, and crew are included in the price. That is important when comparing this with a bare boat rental, where fuel and a captain may be added later. Here, you can focus on the route and the swimming rather than handling the boat yourself.

Morning, afternoon, or sunset?

A morning departure at 9 or 10 a.m. is likely the best fit if swimming and snorkeling are your priorities. You have more daylight for several stops, and the trip can be planned around the most attractive water conditions available.

An afternoon outing can work well for a slower group. You can spend part of the day elsewhere and then board for coastal views, a swim, and time on the water. Confirm the exact duration, since the general operating window runs to 4 p.m. while the stated normal start times also refer to morning and afternoon cruises.

The sunset option runs from 5 to 9 p.m. This is a different experience from the daytime charter. You may get warm evening light over the coast, time for a special meal you bring yourself, and a more relaxed setting for a birthday or private occasion. The supplied information calls it a Sunset Dinner Cruise, but lunch is not included, so clarify whether dinner is something you provide or whether a separate arrangement is available.

A sunset booking also gives you less time for extensive snorkeling. Choose it for atmosphere and a special occasion, not if your main goal is to visit every bay and cave.

Service, flexibility, and the small risks

The experience has a strong overall score of 4.6 from 33 ratings, with 91 percent recommending it. The most consistent praise centers on the crew, the boat, and the captain’s ability to find good swimming locations.

Joseph is singled out as a skilled captain and friendly host. That matters because the success of a private charter depends heavily on the person controlling the route. A captain who listens to your group can make the difference between a rushed checklist and a pleasant day on the water.

Communication before departure also receives praise. Questions were answered online, the crew was punctual at meeting points, and the skipper offered useful advice. That is reassuring when you need to coordinate a group, especially one arriving from a cruise ship with a shifting schedule.

The possible weak point is not a clear service failure. It is the lack of a single fixed route and the conflicting capacity details. You should confirm the exact boat capacity, departure harbor, start time, total hours, and planned stops before the trip. Those questions are especially important when the price is being split among a large group.

Weather is another practical risk. The charter requires good conditions. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If you cancel, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

The activity allows service animals, is near public transportation, and is suitable for most participants. The supplied information does not give detailed access specifications for boarding or restroom use, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator directly.

Who will get the most from this charter?

I would recommend it most strongly to groups of friends, families, couples celebrating something special, and people who want control over their day at sea. The private format is also useful if your group has mixed interests. Some can snorkel, others can sit in the shade, and nobody has to follow a stranger’s preferred pace.

It is a good choice for photographers because the boat is attractive, the route includes caves and coastal landmarks, and the crew can position you near swimming areas. It also works for people who want a private soundtrack, their own food, and a more personal setting.

I would be less enthusiastic for solo visitors or a couple on a tight budget. The group price is built for sharing. If you only want a short ride to Blue Lagoon, a regular shared boat may cost less, though it will not offer the same control or comfort.

You should also look elsewhere if you want an intensive history tour, an inland visit to Gozo, or a meal included in the price. This is primarily a private sea day with swimming, snorkeling, and coastal sightseeing.

Should you book the Seabreeze Cruises charter?

Book it if you can fill much of the group capacity and value privacy, flexible stops, and time in the water. The included gear, cooler, fuel, skipper, crew, shade, restrooms, and shower make the price easier to defend for a full group.

Before paying, get the exact duration and route in writing. Also confirm whether your booking is capped at 15, 20, or 25 people, since the published figures differ from the boat’s higher licensed capacity. Pack lunch and drinks, ask about your preferred departure harbor, and keep your schedule flexible in case wind changes the plan.

For the right group, this is a comfortable way to see Comino and Gozo without treating the coast like a rushed photo stop. For a small party, the cost may outweigh the advantages.

FAQ

Where does the private boat charter depart?

You can depart from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. Confirm the exact meeting point when arranging your booking.

How long does the charter last?

The experience lasts approximately two to four hours. Morning and afternoon cruises normally start at 9 or 10 a.m., while the sunset cruise runs from 5 to 9 p.m.

What places can the boat visit around Comino?

The route can include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, St Mary Bay, St Nicholas Bay, Comino’s caves, Elephant Rock, St Mary Battery, and St Mary Tower.

Does the charter visit Gozo?

Yes. The Gozo portion focuses on coastal beauty, swimming areas, and snorkeling spots that are accessible only by boat.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The charter is private, and only your group participates.

How many people can join?

The listed price covers a group of up to 15 people. The boat is licensed for up to 35, while the usual maximum is also described as 20 or 25. Confirm the permitted number and price for your group before booking.

What equipment is included?

Masks, snorkels, swimming aids, a kayak, SUP, paddleboard, bottled water, and a large cooler with ice are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you may bring your own food, snacks, and drinks on board.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. For your own cancellation, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.