Cirkewwa/Mgarr: Blue and Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Charter

Comino’s famous lagoons are best enjoyed from a small boat, not from the edge of a packed public excursion. This private 22-foot charter gives your group its own captain, room to stretch out, and time to stop for swimming at the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and selected caves.

I like the choice of seating, from a cushioned bow lounger in the sun to shaded seats at the stern. I also like the easygoing extras: snorkel gear, pool noodles, a freshwater shower, Bluetooth music, a cooler, and a bottle of local wine for adults.

The main catch is the short two-hour schedule and the extra EUR 50 fuel fee, payable in cash at the end. You will see a lot in two hours, but this is a focused coastal outing rather than a full-day cruise.

Key points to know

• Private boat for up to six: You get a more personal outing than a large shared charter, with space to set the pace around the lagoons.
• Two swimming stops: The route includes the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, with snorkel masks and pool noodles supplied.
• Local captains: Jolene, Alfred, Roderick, Joe, and other captains have been praised for friendly commentary and flexible stops.
• Useful onboard comforts: Expect shade, cushioned seating, a freshwater shower, safety equipment, a cooler, and a Bluetooth speaker.
• Easy starting points: Meet at Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo, but select the correct port when booking.
• Budget for fuel: The advertised price is $175 per group of up to six, plus a EUR 50 fuel charge in cash.

A small boat makes Comino feel more personal

The big appeal here is control. A public boat may carry many people and follow a fixed route. On this private charter, your group of up to six shares the boat with the captain, so you can spend more of your time swimming, listening to local stories, or simply sitting quietly on the water.

The boat is 22 feet long. That is small enough to reach narrow coastal spots and caves, yet large enough to offer a bow area, cushioned lounging space, and shaded seating at the stern. You are not booking a luxury yacht, but you are getting a practical little boat set up for a relaxed two-hour trip.

I particularly like this format for couples, families, and small groups of friends who want the sea to be the main event. It also works well for mixed-age groups. One family ranging from age nine to 80 found the two-hour length comfortable, with enough time for caves, lagoon stops, swimming, and conversation.

The boat’s size has a tradeoff. It will not offer the wide deck or many facilities of a larger vessel, and the sea can feel more noticeable on a small craft. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring prevention as advised. Pack sunscreen and a towel, and keep cash available for the fuel fee.

Starting from Cirkewwa or Mgarr

You can begin from Cirkewwa on Malta or Mgarr on Gozo. This matters because these are different islands and different meeting points, so check your selection carefully before confirming the booking.

From the Malta side, meet behind the kiosk in the parking area beside the Gozo passenger terminal. From Gozo, go to Mgarr and look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal. The pickup is waterside, not a hotel transfer, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The two departure points make the charter useful as part of a wider Malta or Gozo day. If you are staying on Gozo, Mgarr is the natural choice. If you are based on Malta or already near the Gozo ferry terminal, Cirkewwa may be simpler.

Starting times depend on availability. The advertised schedule may not include every option, but times such as 9:00 or 11:30 in the morning can sometimes be arranged by contacting the operator. A late afternoon departure can also be appealing. One group chose 4:00 p.m. and found the lagoons less crowded than earlier in the day.

Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave come first

The opening section takes you along the coast toward sights such as Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave. These stops give you a quick introduction to the rock formations and sea caves around Malta, Comino, and Gozo.

Popeye’s Cave is a photo-friendly coastal feature, while Monte Cristo adds another local point of interest before the swimming stops. Your captain provides the context as you travel, with captains including Alfred, Jolene, Roderick, Joe, and Emmy praised for sharing stories about the islands and pointing out places that larger boats may pass.

The value of having a local captain is not just the commentary. A captain who knows the coast can adjust the route around your interests and the conditions on the day. One outing included extra time at caves because the group wanted more swimming. Another captain found preferred anchorages rather than simply stopping at the most obvious points.

Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray. The boat gives you moving views of the coast that you cannot get from a road or beach. Captains may also take photos for you, which is useful when everyone in the group wants to be in the picture.

Swimming at Crystal Lagoon

The Crystal Lagoon is usually the first major water stop. Its clear water and rocky surroundings make it a strong place for swimming and snorkeling, especially if you prefer a smaller setting before seeing the Blue Lagoon.

Snorkel masks are included, and the boat carries pool noodles and other floatation aids. You can look below the surface, float without much effort, or simply climb back aboard and dry off under the sun or shade. The water may feel cool outside the height of summer. A spring outing found the water chilly, though the group still snorkeled in a cave and at the Blue Lagoon.

The Crystal Lagoon stop also shows why a private boat can be worth the added cost. Your captain can choose where to anchor and how long to keep you in the water within the two-hour schedule. You are not tied to a large group’s timetable, though you should still be clear with the captain about how much swimming you want.

There are no meals included, so do not expect a catered boat trip. Bring food if you need it, along with any drinks you want to add. The onboard ice cooler keeps them chilled.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but timing matters

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and the water is every bit as striking as its reputation suggests. From the boat, you get the best part of the experience without needing to find a place to sit along the busy shore.

The lagoon can be crowded, particularly during the main summer hours. A private charter cannot remove the crowds from Comino, but it can help you approach the water from a better position and spend time away from the thickest concentration of people. Captains have taken groups to quieter coves and less-used spots around Comino when conditions allowed.

This is where the two-hour limit becomes important. You will usually need to divide your time among the caves, Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, photos, and the return journey. If swimming at both lagoons is your priority, tell the captain early so the route reflects that.

I would choose an earlier or later departure if you have flexibility. Morning light can be lovely for photographs, while a late afternoon start may bring a calmer feel around the Blue Lagoon. Exact conditions and crowd levels vary, so do not treat any time slot as a guarantee of solitude.

Snorkeling, shade, and a freshwater rinse

The equipment is simple but useful. Snorkel masks let you look beneath the surface, while pool noodles make it easier to float during a relaxed swim. Safety equipment is supplied, and the captain remains responsible for the boat and route.

After swimming, the freshwater shower is a welcome feature. It lets you rinse off salt before sitting back down, which is especially helpful if you plan to continue sightseeing afterward. Bring your own towel, since one is not listed among the inclusions.

The seating setup gives you choices. Sit at the bow for open views and sun, stretch out on the cushioned lounger, or use the shaded stern when the heat becomes too much. Malta’s sun is strong, even when a sea breeze makes the temperature feel mild, so sunscreen and water are essential.

The boat includes a bottle of water and local wine for those aged 18 and over. The wine is a pleasant touch for a slow ride between stops, but remember that this is a short boat trip with swimming involved. Drink responsibly and do not count on food being provided.

Your captain shapes the experience

The captain is the key part of this charter. Jolene has been especially praised for her calm manner, warm service, and ability to make first-time boat users feel comfortable. She is also described as the only female skipper on Gozo, and the operator may be able to arrange an all-female captain and crew if you request it.

Alfred has provided local commentary, helped groups find preferred anchorages, and supported plans for future diving outings. Roderick has taken families to caves and both lagoons while keeping the mood relaxed. Joe and Emmy have also been singled out for friendly service and useful information about the coast.

You should not expect a formal lecture. The style is more conversational, with time to ask questions while the boat moves between stops. That suits this outing. You get local stories and background without giving up the freedom to listen to your own music or enjoy the sea in peace.

The Bluetooth speaker lets you play your own playlist, a small feature that changes the mood of the trip. Keep the volume reasonable so you can still hear the captain and enjoy the coastline.

What $175 really buys you

The listed price is $175 per group of up to six, rather than $175 per person. For a full group, that is strong value for a private boat, particularly when compared with paying individual fares for several people on a larger excursion.

You also need to add the EUR 50 fuel fee, paid in cash at the end. That changes the final calculation, so include it before comparing this charter with public boats. The total is most attractive when six people share the cost. For two people, the private setting is a luxury rather than a bargain.

The included items add practical value: port fees, safety equipment, shade, snorkel gear, pool noodles, the freshwater shower, a cooler, Bluetooth audio, water, and local wine. Food is not included, and hotel transfers are not included either.

For me, the strongest value is not the equipment. It is the time saved and the freedom to avoid a fixed group schedule. You can ask for more swimming, spend longer near a cave, or choose a quieter anchorage when possible. That flexibility is what separates this from a basic transport trip.

Who should book it

I would choose this charter for a small group that cares more about personal space than the lowest possible price. Couples can enjoy the private setting, families can keep the pace manageable, and friends can combine swimming with music and a drink on board.

It is also a good choice for first-time boat users. The boat is small, the captain stays close to the group, and the freshwater shower and shaded seating make the outing less rough around the edges. If you want an all-female crew, ask about that before booking.

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 tour is conducted in English.

You should also think carefully about the two-hour duration. It is enough for a compact route with two lagoon stops, cave views, and some swimming. It is not enough for a long, slow exploration of every bay around Comino and Gozo. If you want more time on the water, ask the operator if a longer option is available.

Booking details worth getting right

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The most important booking detail is choosing Cirkewwa or Mgarr correctly.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, cash, and motion sickness prevention. You can bring your own drinks for the cooler, but food is your responsibility. Confirm the meeting instructions before departure, particularly if you are coming from the ferry terminal and have limited time.

The tour is a private group activity with an English-speaking live guide. The operator is Ozzi One Cruises, and the captain assigned to your trip may be Jolene, Alfred, Roderick, Joe, Emmy, or another member of the team.

Should you book this Blue Lagoon charter?

Book it if you want to swim at the Blue and Crystal Lagoons without spending the day on a crowded public boat. The private format, local captain, flexible stops, onboard shade, and included swimming gear make this a well-rounded two-hour outing.

Skip it if your main goal is the absolute lowest price, a full-day cruise, or step-free access. Also factor in the EUR 50 cash fuel charge. For six people, the price works well. For a couple, you are paying for privacy and control.

My practical pick is a morning or late afternoon departure, with enough time reserved for both lagoons. Tell the captain that swimming is your priority, bring sunscreen and cash, and let the small boat do what it does best: get you close to Comino’s best water without making you follow someone else’s timetable.

FAQ

Where does the boat charter depart?

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

How long is the boat trip?

The private charter lasts two hours. Check availability for the departure times offered when you book.

How many people can join the private boat?

The 22-foot boat accommodates a private group of up to six people.

Does the charter visit both the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?

Yes. The route includes stops at both the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, along with coastal sights such as Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkeling mask is included, along with pool noodles for floating.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The charter includes time to swim at the lagoons and other selected spots, depending on the route and conditions.

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes. The boat has shaded seating at the stern, as well as open seating and a cushioned lounger at the bow.

Are drinks included?

A bottle of water and local wine are included. The wine is available for people aged 18 and over. You may also bring your own drinks for the onboard cooler.

Is the fuel charge included in the advertised price?

No. There is a EUR 50 fuel fee, payable in cash at the end of the tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must travel to the selected meeting point at Cirkewwa or Mgarr.

Is the tour accessible to wheelchair users?

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