Sunset/Sunrise Trip – Trips in Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon

Catch Comino after the crowds. This private boat trip lets you reach Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, caves, coves, and beaches at your own pace. I like the private boat for up to six people and the freedom to choose swimming, snorkeling, cruising, or sunset viewing. The main catch is that the advertised price does not include the professional skipper or fuel, each listed at €44.

The trip is especially appealing in the cooler light of early morning or late afternoon, when the islands feel calmer and the sea air does the heavy lifting. I also like the useful onboard extras, including a sun deck, canopy, ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, WiFi, and snorkeling masks. Just remember that sea conditions can change the route, timing, or even the departure.

Key Points Before You Book

• Private boat for up to six: The price applies to the whole boat, not each passenger, making this most attractive for couples, families, or a small group sharing the cost.
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: You can stop for swimming and snorkeling, or simply cruise past the water and coastline.
• Sunrise or sunset timing: Early and late departures avoid much of the daytime heat and offer the best light for the coast.
• Mario may be your skipper: He has been praised for taking guests to prime spots, helping create a relaxed trip with music, swimming, and sun.
• Extra costs matter: Add €44 for the professional skipper and €44 for fuel, plus anything you bring for food and drinks.
• Weather controls the plan: The skipper can change the route, departure point, timing, or cancel if the sea is unsafe.

Why a Private Boat Changes the Comino Experience

Comino is small, but its best places are spread along a coast that is easiest to appreciate from the water. A private charter gives you a front-row view of the island without tying you to a large group schedule or a fixed list of stops.

That matters most at Blue Lagoon. The famous water can be busy during the day, and a private trip at sunrise or sunset offers a quieter setting than the usual peak-hour visit. It will not make the lagoon a secret place, but it can change the mood completely.

You also get more control than on a standard boat excursion. If your group prefers swimming, you can spend more time in the water. If one person wants to stay dry, the boat’s seating and sun deck make it easy to relax while others snorkel.

The boat is private for up to six people. That is a small enough group for direct conversation with the skipper and quick decisions about stops. It also means the value depends on how many people share the cost. For one or two passengers, the total can feel less attractive once the skipper and fuel charges are added.

Starting at Mgarr or Cirkewwa

You can meet the boat at one of two departure areas. From Gozo, the meeting point is in Mgarr Harbour, close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the terminal. From Malta, the departure area is near Cirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Check your meeting point carefully before setting out. The two locations are on different islands, and arriving at the wrong terminal would be a poor start to a short charter. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure, since a late arrival does not extend your time on the water.

The trip includes pickup from the designated meeting point, but the supplied details do not describe a wider hotel transfer service. I would treat pickup as meeting-point assistance rather than assume a vehicle will collect you from your accommodation.

The boat operates with a live guide in English or Maltese. A Maltese-licensed professional skipper is required, and that service costs €44 separately. Fuel is also listed separately at €44. Ask for the full amount before departure so the final price is clear.

The Blue Lagoon Stop

Blue Lagoon is the main draw, and it is easy to understand why. The water is suited to a quick swim, a mask-and-snorkel stop, or a slow look at the coast from the boat.

The charter includes snorkeling equipment consisting of a mask and snorkel. That saves you from packing those basics, though you should still bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The information provided does not promise fins or other specialist equipment, so bring your own if you prefer a particular fit.

A private boat is useful here because you can choose how active the stop becomes. You might swim and snorkel for a while, then return to the boat for shade and a drink from your own cooler. Or you can skip the water and enjoy the view from the sun deck.

The lagoon is not only about getting into the water. The approach by sea gives you a different perspective on Comino’s rocky shoreline and pale beaches. At sunset, the changing light can make the return journey as appealing as the stop itself.

Keep expectations sensible. A sunset departure may offer softer light and less heat, but visibility for snorkeling can vary with the time of day and sea conditions. Your skipper has the final say on safe swimming areas.

Crystal Lagoon, Caves, and Smaller Bays

Crystal Lagoon adds another setting to the route. The supplied details describe it as one of the places you may visit for swimming, snorkeling, or scenic cruising, along with caves and other coastal sites.

Caves are best appreciated from the water. You can see openings in the rock, pass along the shoreline, and reach corners that are not practical to visit on foot. The exact route is not fixed, so the skipper may choose different coves or cave areas depending on tides, shallows, and weather.

That flexibility is one of the charter’s strengths. A private trip does not need to force every group into the same stop. If your party wants photographs and a calm cruise, the boat can focus on the views. If everyone wants a swim, the skipper can look for a suitable spot.

The tradeoff is that you are not buying a guaranteed sequence of named stops. The route can change for legitimate safety reasons, and the skipper may adjust the departure or disembarkation point. On a boat trip, that is sensible rather than disappointing, but it is worth knowing before you book.

The Gozo Coast and Secluded Beaches

The route can include the southern reaches of Gozo as well as Comino. From the boat, you can enjoy coastal scenery, beaches, and quiet bays without committing to a long land excursion.

This is a good choice if you want to see several sides of the islands in a short time. A three-hour charter gives you enough room for a combination of cruising and water stops, while a shorter one to three-hour booking can suit a tight schedule.

The supplied information does not name every beach or bay visited. That means you should think of this as a flexible coastal outing rather than a guaranteed beach-hopping checklist. Ask the skipper what is realistic for your chosen departure time and sea conditions.

I like that the experience leaves room for unplanned pauses. A small cove can be more rewarding than rushing through a long list of famous places. You get time to notice the shape of the coast, the caves, and the calm water instead of treating the sea like a road between attractions.

Sunrise and Sunset: Choose Your Light

The sunrise option is aimed at quiet water and the first light over Comino. It suits early risers who want a peaceful start, and it can be a strong choice for anyone trying to avoid the heat of the middle of the day.

The sunset option offers a different mood. The charter takes place as the Mediterranean light turns warmer, and the end of the trip can include views of the coast under a fiery evening sky. The boat’s Bluetooth speaker adds a simple way to set the mood, though music is best kept at a level that does not drown out conversation or the sound of the sea.

Timing is not entirely rigid. The skipper may adjust your chosen time to account for conditions and the needs of the trip. Check the available start times when booking, particularly if you are planning around dinner, a ferry, or another activity.

A sunrise trip requires more than enthusiasm. You will need to be ready at the meeting point early, and the information provided does not include breakfast. A sunset trip may be easier for most schedules, but you should bring your own food and drinks if you want refreshments onboard.

What You Get on the Boat

The boat comes with several practical features that make a short charter more comfortable:

• Comfortable seating areas
• A sun deck
• A canopy for shade
• Safety equipment
• An ice cooler
• A Bluetooth speaker
• Free WiFi
• A mask and snorkel
• Lagoon permits
• Port and marina fees
• Taxes

The canopy matters in Malta, even outside the hottest part of the day. The sun deck is useful for relaxing and enjoying the open view, while shaded seating gives you a break from direct sun.

The ice cooler is provided, but food and drinks are not. Party food, party beverages, barbecue supplies, a barbecue, fishing equipment, and a fishing cooler all cost extra or are not included. Bring only what you need for your group, and confirm what storage is available if you plan a meal.

Safety equipment is included, but this is still a sea outing. Listen to the skipper, especially near caves, shallow water, and changing conditions. The boat’s WiFi is a handy extra, but do not expect it to replace your phone’s usual connection in every location.

The Real Price for a Group of Six

The headline price is $68 per group of up to six, not $68 per person. That structure can be excellent value for a full group. Split among six people, the base cost is modest for a private boat and a flexible route around Comino, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon.

The calculation changes once you add the required professional skipper at €44 and fuel at €44. Those charges bring the known total to the advertised base price plus €88, before food and drinks. Currency conversion can also affect what you pay, so check the booking total rather than relying on a rough mental calculation.

For six people, the extra fees are spread across the group. For a couple, they make the charter a more expensive experience, though you are paying for privacy and control rather than a shared boat seat.

The value is strongest if your group would otherwise book several separate activities. Three hours can combine sightseeing, a swim, snorkeling, and sunset or sunrise views. If you mainly want a quick look at Blue Lagoon, a shared boat may cost less, but it will not offer the same control over stops.

How Long Should You Book?

The advertised duration ranges from one to three hours, with the bespoke voyage described as three hours. A one-hour trip is better for a brief cruise or a quick water stop. It will leave little time for several locations.

Two hours can work for a focused route around one main lagoon and nearby coastline. You will need to keep the plan simple, especially if your group wants time to swim and dry off.

Three hours is the sensible choice if you want to combine Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, caves, coastal cruising, and a swim. Even then, the skipper will need to balance travel time with stops, so do not expect a long visit at every location.

Tell the operator what matters most before setting out. If everyone wants snorkeling, say so. If your priority is sunset views, avoid filling the trip with too many water stops.

Who Will Enjoy This Charter Most?

This experience suits a small group that values privacy and flexibility. It is a good fit for couples, families, and friends who want to choose their own pace rather than follow a large excursion’s schedule.

It also works well for mixed groups. Swimmers can use the lagoon stops, while non-swimmers can stay onboard, use the shaded seating, and watch the coast from the boat.

The trip is less suitable if you need wheelchair access, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users. It may also disappoint anyone looking for a fixed itinerary with guaranteed times at every named location.

You should be comfortable with the possibility of changes. Weather, tides, shallows, and sea conditions can affect the route, and the skipper can cancel or postpone the charter when necessary. That is an important safety rule, not a minor footnote.

Small Details That Improve the Day

Arrive 30 minutes early. A short private charter loses value quickly if your group is still finding the meeting point when the boat should be leaving.

Bring cash, even though the boat includes several paid features. You will also want swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Food and drinks are not supplied, so pack refreshments if you want them.

Do not count on a late arrival being forgiven with extra time. The charter ends at its scheduled time, and the operator does not extend it for late guests.

If Mario is your skipper, you may be in for a particularly relaxed outing. He has been praised for taking people to prime locations, stopping for a swim, and making good use of the boat’s music and cooler. Skipper assignments can vary, so do not book on the assumption that he is guaranteed unless the operator confirms it.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta schedule is still changing.

Should You Book This Private Comino Boat Trip?

Book it if you have a group of up to six, want a private boat, and care more about flexible time on the water than a fixed sightseeing route. The strongest reasons are the small group, the choice of sunrise or sunset, the lagoon permits, and the ability to mix snorkeling with quiet cruising.

Before paying, make sure you understand the extra €44 skipper charge and €44 fuel charge. I would also confirm the meeting point, the expected duration, the likely route, and whether your preferred time is available.

For a full group, the cost can be very reasonable. For two people, it is a special-occasion splurge. Either way, this is a practical way to see Comino and nearby Gozo from the sea, with enough flexibility to make the trip fit your group rather than the other way around.

FAQ

How much does the private boat charter cost?

The listed price is $68 per group of up to six people. A professional skipper costs €44 separately, and fuel consumption costs another €44.

How many people can join the boat?

The private boat is priced for a group of up to six people. The rate applies to the boat, not to each passenger.

How long does the trip last?

The available duration ranges from one to three hours. The described bespoke voyage lasts three hours, but you should check available times when booking.

Where does the boat depart?

From Gozo, the meeting area is in Mgarr Harbour near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal. From Malta, it is near Cirkewwa Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Are snorkeling equipment and lagoon permits included?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are included, along with lagoon permits. Fins and other specialist equipment are not specified as included.

Can the itinerary change because of weather?

Yes. The skipper can change the route, timing, departure or disembarkation point, postpone the trip, or cancel it because of weather, sea conditions, tides, shallows, or other valid safety reasons.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own if you want refreshments onboard.