Tour in Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozoand Blue Lagoon

Blue water is only the beginning. This private three-hour boat charter links Comino, Gozo, and Malta’s best swimming coves, with a skipper who can adjust the route to your group. I like the freedom to stop for swimming and snorkeling, and I like that a group of up to eight can share the boat instead of joining a crowded excursion. The main drawback is the extra fuel charge, plus possible fees connected with the Blue Lagoon, so the final cost needs checking before you sail.

The route packs a lot into three hours. You may cruise through caves, pause at Crystal Lagoon, pass old watchtowers, and reach quiet corners of Gozo’s south coast. Skippers such as Justin, Noel, Mario, Jo, and Ginger have earned strong praise for friendly service and calm handling, but boat size and comfort can vary.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to eight people: Your group has the skipper and boat to itself, with no unrelated passengers.
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon stops: Both are used for swimming and snorkeling, though timing and sea conditions affect the final route.
• Caves are a major part of the trip: The boat can enter some caves and reach coves that are difficult to access from land.
• You can shape the outing: Skippers ask what you want to see, with options for swimming, snorkeling, cave visits, and a calmer cruise.
• Pickup is available at two ports: Meet at Cirkewwa in Malta or Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, with possible drop-off at a different island if arranged ahead.
• Bring your own picnic supplies: A cooler with ice or a refrigerator is provided, but food and drinks are not listed as included.

What this private Malta charter is really like

This is not a formal sightseeing cruise with a fixed script and a large boat. It is a compact, private outing built around water access. You spend much of the time moving along the coast, then stop where the conditions and your interests make sense.

That private setup matters most around Comino. The Blue Lagoon is Malta’s best-known swimming spot and can be very busy. A private skipper cannot remove the crowds from the island, but the boat can anchor in a good patch of water and let you avoid spending the whole visit on the beach.

The boat also lets you reach places that land-based visitors cannot easily see. Cominotto, small caves near Santa Marija Bay, Crystal Lagoon, and the rocky south coast of Gozo all make more sense from the water.

The pace is fairly quick for a three-hour outing. The stated sightseeing stops add up to about 75 minutes, leaving the rest for cruising, swimming, snorkeling, cave access, and moving between islands. You should think of this as a concentrated coastal sampler, not a full day on Gozo.

Blue Lagoon: famous for good reason

The Blue Lagoon lies between Comino and Cominotto. Its clear water and pale sand make it one of Malta’s most photogenic places, and the view from the boat is especially good.

The usual plan includes a swim and possibly snorkeling. The water can look like a giant outdoor pool, with visibility that makes even a short stop rewarding. If you want photographs, this is likely to be the most obvious place to take them.

The catch is popularity. The Blue Lagoon is not a quiet secret, and the shoreline can feel crowded during busy periods. A private boat is useful because you can anchor away from the main beach and spend your time in the water rather than searching for a patch of sand.

The Blue Lagoon portion is listed as about 30 minutes. That is enough for a swim, but not enough for a leisurely beach afternoon. A separate Blue Lagoon charge of €79 per booking appears in the tour information, while fuel is also listed as an extra €79. Because these charges are presented separately and the wording is not perfectly clear, ask the operator to confirm the full price before booking.

Santa Marija Bay and the caves of Comino

Santa Marija Bay gives you a quieter contrast to the Blue Lagoon. This horseshoe-shaped beach has white sand and tamarisk trees behind it, with a smaller nearby inlet called Little Santa Marija.

The smaller bay is especially appealing for snorkeling. The seabed supports marine life, including parrotfish, and the setting is more relaxed for families who want room for sandcastles or beach games. The stop itself is listed at roughly 10 minutes, so your main experience will probably be from the boat rather than onshore.

Near the bay, the skipper can show you Santa Marija’s caves and coves. This is one of the most useful parts of having a private powerboat. Instead of simply looking at the coast from a distance, you may move close to the rock and enter some of the openings, depending on boat size and sea conditions.

You can also see Comino’s only police station and the medieval chapel farther inland. Saint Mary’s Tower rises above the cliffs nearby. Built in the 17th century, it formed part of a defensive chain used to warn of pirates, smugglers, or invasion. The tower also appeared as the prison Château d’If in the 2002 film The Count of Monte Cristo.

Cominotto Beach and its famous film locations

Cominotto Beach sits beside the Blue Lagoon but feels more remote because it is reachable only by boat. The charter can anchor in the clear water off the beach, giving you another place to swim.

The setting has attracted film crews, including productions of Troy, Swept Away, and The Count of Monte Cristo. That may interest film fans, but the real reason to stop is the water and the unusual access.

A swim-through cave runs about 50 meters to the other side of the island. The tour information presents this as an adventurous option, but you should follow the skipper’s instructions and consider the conditions before attempting it. The stop is listed at around 10 minutes, so do not count on a long beach visit here.

The boat’s ability to enter shallow areas is an advantage, but it also explains why this is not a large sailing vessel. A powerboat is better suited to quick crossings, caves, reefs, and narrow coves. One piece of feedback criticized the boat for being smaller and less comfortable than expected, while another praised the easygoing feel of a modest boat. Set your expectations accordingly: this is about access and flexibility, not luxury yacht space.

Crystal Lagoon: the best all-around water stop

Crystal Lagoon is likely the strongest part of the route for swimming and snorkeling. Turquoise water runs along a rocky coast marked by caves, some with small sandy interiors. The boat can enter selected caves, allowing you to look into places that are hard to reach by land.

Snorkeling equipment is provided at no extra charge. The lagoon is known for clear water and marine life, and the reef area is a good place to look below the surface. The itinerary lists about 15 minutes here, but the skipper may adjust the timing based on the season, sea conditions, and what your group wants.

The short listed time should not be read too literally. Boat tours often fold the water stop into the wider cruising plan, and the route can change during the day. Still, if snorkeling is your main goal, say so before departure and again when you meet the skipper.

Crystal Lagoon also has film connections, including Popeye, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Troy. The film stories add a little color to the ride, especially when the skipper explains what you are seeing. Several skippers have been praised for sharing useful facts about Malta and its islands without turning the trip into a lecture.

The Gozo coast, from Hondoq Bay to Mġarr

After Comino, the boat can continue along Gozo’s southern and southeastern coast. Hondoq Bay has turquoise water and access to a smaller inlet called Bemberin Gorge. The gorge includes caves and air pockets, with several points suitable for cliff jumping.

That last activity needs care. The tour presents it as an opportunity, not a promise, and you should only attempt it if the skipper confirms that the spot is safe for the conditions. The water may look inviting, but rock, currents, and changing sea conditions matter.

Qala brings more coastal views, caves, pebbly beaches, and a fortification at Gozo’s eastern end. These five-minute route notes are brief because the boat is primarily cruising past the coast rather than stopping for a land visit.

Mġarr Harbour is a pleasant change of mood. Fishing boats, yachts, and working fishermen give the port a more everyday feel than the famous lagoons. Fort Chambray overlooks the harbor, and a small Gothic chapel dedicated to Lourdes sits nearby, with a statue placed in the cliff below.

If you are picked up at Mġarr, this harbor may be your starting point instead. The operator can also arrange a one-way finish on Gozo or Malta instead of returning you to the original meeting point, but you need to request that in advance.

The wider Gozo route and Halfa Rock

The Gozo section can include Halfa Rock, a small island off the southern coast. Sheer cliffs surround much of it, while a secluded bay on the Gozo side can only be reached by boat.

You may also see traditional salt pans, where salt has been collected in the same manner for generations. The nearby water is noted for octopus and sargo bream, so this stretch offers a glimpse of Gozo beyond the standard harbor-and-beach view.

Paradise Bay may also appear in the route. It is a small sandy beach in northern Malta, near one of the possible starting points, and it is popular with divers. The supplied itinerary does not give it a set stop time, so treat it as a possible sight rather than a guaranteed landing.

The exact balance between Comino and Gozo depends on weather, timing, and your priorities. If you want the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and several caves, there may be little time for a long run along Gozo. If Gozo’s coast matters more, tell the operator before the boat leaves.

Skippers make or break a short trip

A three-hour charter depends heavily on the person at the helm. The strongest feedback centers on skippers who are friendly, flexible, and attentive to families.

Justin is praised for entertaining teenagers, making families feel welcome, and handling the sea well. Noel has been singled out for adjusting the ride to suit children, asking what the group wanted to see, and even arranging ice cream from a passing boat. Mario is associated with a slower, relaxed cruise and good swimming spots.

Other named skippers include Ginger, Jo, Pedro, Josef, Upie, Buffon, and Casper. Jo is praised for fitting a lot into three hours while allowing enough time at each stop. Upie received credit for calm driving in rough water, while Josef was noted for making a real effort to meet the group’s needs.

The tone is generally informal rather than polished. That will suit you if you want a relaxed boat ride, local stories, and a route shaped around your group. If you expect a large, luxurious vessel with formal service, this may not be the right match.

Price, comfort, and what to bring

The advertised price is $349.51 per group of up to eight. Split evenly, that is about $44 per person before extra charges if your group fills all eight places. For a private boat, that can be fair value, especially for a family or group of friends that would otherwise pay individual fares on a shared cruise.

For two or three people, the same price feels much less economical. You are paying for privacy, flexibility, and direct access to the coves, not simply for transport.

Fuel is listed as an additional €79. Another line lists a Blue Lagoon ticket fee of €79 per booking, described as not included. Ask exactly which charges apply to your reservation, since the final amount could be higher than the headline price.

Bring sunscreen, towels, and drinks. The boat includes a mask and snorkel, plus an ice box with ice or a refrigerator. You can bring your own food and beverages, which makes an onboard picnic easy and keeps costs down.

The boat is described in some feedback as comfortable and spacious for a family of six or eight, while another person found the boat smaller than expected. That difference may reflect the particular vessel assigned. If comfort is important, ask for the boat dimensions or a current photo before paying.

Who should book this charter?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups that want control over the day. Children have enjoyed the ride, and skippers have adjusted speed to keep younger passengers comfortable. The private format also means you do not need to match the pace of strangers.

It suits swimmers and snorkelers better than sightseers who want long stops on land. You will see towers, beaches, harbors, and film locations, but most of the experience happens from the boat or in the water.

This is also a good choice for a cruise passenger arriving in Valletta, though Cirkewwa is about 45 minutes across Malta by road. A taxi can be arranged ahead at a set price, which may be worth considering if your ship schedule is tight.

The tour operates in English and Italian, although the booking details emphasize English. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Since the trip depends on good weather, keep some flexibility in your Malta plans.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if you want to swim in the Blue Lagoon, enter coastal caves, and see Comino and Gozo from the water without sharing the boat with unrelated passengers. The best value comes when six to eight people split the cost, bring their own picnic, and tell the skipper exactly what they want.

Skip it if you want a full Gozo land tour, a large luxury yacht, or a guaranteed long stay at every listed stop. The route is ambitious for three hours, and the final order can change.

For most small groups, I think the private format is worth considering. You get the famous blue water, quieter coves, useful local stories, and the chance to make the outing your own. Just confirm the boat, fuel charge, Blue Lagoon fee, pickup point, and preferred route before departure. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead, while cancellations inside that window are not refunded. Bad weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The private charter is for up to eight people from your group.

Where can I meet the boat?

Pickup is available at Cirkewwa Port in Malta or Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.

Can I finish on a different island?

Yes. The operator can drop you on Gozo or Malta instead of returning you to the starting point, but you must request this in advance.

Is the Blue Lagoon included in the price?

The tour information lists a €79 Blue Lagoon fee per booking and says admission is not included. Confirm the exact charge when booking.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel is listed as an additional €79.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are included.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own food and beverages, and the boat has an ice box with ice or a refrigerator.

Is the trip available in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English and Italian, with English listed in the main booking details.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The trip requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.