Malta: Private Boat Charter to Blue-Lagoon, Gozo & Comino

The best part of this private boat charter is control. Instead of following a large boat’s fixed schedule, you can ask your skipper to linger at a swimming spot, visit a cave, or move on when the children have had enough. The route packs Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo’s southern coast into four hours.

I like two things right away: the boat comes with shade, comfortable seating, snorkeling gear, and an ice cooler, and the skippers make the day personal. Justin, Upie, Jimmy, Joe, and others are praised for adjusting the route, helping families, and finding quieter places to swim. The main consideration is cost: the $423 group price covers up to six people, but fuel adds €99, and four hours can feel short for such a full route.

Key points at a glance

• A private route around three islands: See Comino, Cominotto, and southern Gozo without sharing the boat with a large excursion group.
• Swimming from the boat: The Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, and Ras il-Qala are built into the day for swimming and snorkeling.
• Caves are a major part of the outing: Santa Maria Caves, Lover’s Cave, Popeye Caves, Alex’s Cave, and other sea caves appear along the route.
• Your skipper can shape the stops: The day can focus more on swimming, snorkeling, caves, cliff jumping, or quiet sightseeing.
• Good equipment for a half-day at sea: Masks, snorkels, shade, seating, and an ice cooler are included.
• Budget for the fuel charge: The advertised group price does not include the separate €99 fuel fee.

Why a private boat makes sense at Comino

Malta’s Blue Lagoon is famous for clear, bright water. It is also one of the busiest places in the islands during the warmer months. A private speedboat does not make the lagoon empty, but it gives you a better way to handle the crowds. You can swim from the boat, see the lagoon from the water, or go ashore at Blue Lagoon Beach if that suits your group.

I see the real value in the flexibility. On a standard group boat, everyone usually moves together. Here, you can tell the skipper what matters most. A family may want shallow water and an easy beach stop. A group of friends may prefer snorkeling, cave visits, and cliff jumps. Couples may want more time floating in a quiet cove.

This is still a four-hour outing, not a full-day island cruise. The long list of stops describes the coastal route, but many are brief passes or photo stops. You will not get a long visit at every cave, beach, bay, and island on the list. The skipper has to keep the boat moving to cover both Comino and Gozo.

Boarding at Cirkewwa or the Blue Lagoon

There are two possible starting points: Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal or the Blue Lagoon area. Your exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check it carefully before setting out. This matters because Cirkewwa and the Blue Lagoon are not interchangeable pickup points.

Once aboard, the private speedboat heads toward Lantern Point and the Comino coast. The boat ride itself is part of the experience, with open views of the water, cliffs, small islands, and rocky shoreline. You get a personal skipper rather than a large tour crew, and the boat has shaded seating for breaks from the sun.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, food, and drinks. You are allowed to bring your own refreshments, and the onboard cooler is supplied with ice flakes. Fuel is not included, so add the €99 charge when comparing the total cost with other boat trips.

Comino’s coves, caves, and clear water

The first major section circles Comino and nearby Cominotto. The skipper may stop for photos, explain the coastline, and let you swim or snorkel from the boat. Comino’s appeal is not only the Blue Lagoon. Its rocky coast is lined with small inlets, arches, caves, and water that is often clear enough for viewing marine life.

Crystal Lagoon is one of the most useful stops for active groups. It is known for clear water, snorkeling, and places where people can jump from the rocks. That does not mean you should jump wherever you like. Listen to the skipper, check the water, and choose only the spots approved for your group.

Lover’s Cave offers a different mood. The cave leads toward a small beach with pale sand, giving you a short break from the open water. Popeye Caves have a natural arch that makes a good photo stop. Alex’s Cave is another brief coastal visit, and the route also passes Pigeon Island, a small rock surrounded by clear sea.

Cominotto Beach is especially appealing because access is by private boat. It offers a quieter-feeling stop than the main Blue Lagoon area, although the amount of time available depends on sea conditions and your chosen priorities. Cominotto Reef adds another place for photos, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing.

The Blue Lagoon without making it the whole day

The Blue Lagoon usually gets the headline, and it deserves some time. The water is exceptionally clear, and the boat can stop nearby for swimming and snorkeling. You may also go ashore at the Blue Lagoon Beach, but a private charter lets you avoid treating the beach as your only option.

The practical advantage is that you can enjoy the water without committing the entire outing to the busiest point. If the lagoon is crowded, your skipper can keep the boat moving around Comino and stop at another cove. That flexibility is one reason this trip makes more sense for a small group than for someone simply seeking the lowest-cost way to reach the Blue Lagoon.

The itinerary allows about 40 minutes around the Blue Lagoon. That is enough for a proper swim and some snorkeling, but it will pass quickly if you also want to walk ashore, take photos, and explore the water. Agree on priorities early in the trip.

South Gozo by boat, from Mgarr Harbour to Ras il-Qala

After Comino, the speedboat heads toward Gozo. The route includes views of Mgarr Harbour, Gozo’s welcoming port, before continuing along the coast toward Iz-Zewwieqa Bay and Hondoq Bay. These are mainly scenic coastal stops, so think of them as part of the voyage rather than long shore visits.

Hondoq Bay and Bemberrine Gorge offer another chance to swim or snorkel in clear water. Ras il-Qala allows roughly 15 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing. That is a useful stop for a group that wants time in the water but does not need a long beach visit.

The Gozo section adds variety. Comino supplies the famous lagoon and caves, while Gozo gives you a wider stretch of coast, bays, gorges, and quieter-looking water. You will not tour Gozo by road on this experience. You see it from the boat, which is the point of this charter.

Santa Marija Bay and the cave passage

Santa Marija Bay is described as a secluded white-sand beach with shallow water. That makes it one of the better stops for families with children, especially if they prefer an easier swim rather than a rocky entry. The listed stop is about 10 minutes, so do not expect a long beach afternoon.

The boat then returns to the Comino side, passing Għemieri Window and entering the Santa Maria Caves. These are among Malta’s larger sea caves, and the route allows around 10 minutes for photos, views, and marine-life watching.

Elephant Rock is a natural formation shaped into a recognizable profile. It is a pass-by stop rather than a place to get out, but it gives you one of the route’s most memorable coastal photo subjects. The Santa Marija Battery follows as another scenic point before the boat returns to the chosen drop-off location.

What the four-hour schedule really means

The stop list is long because it combines active stops with short passages. Several locations receive only two to five minutes, while others are simply viewed from the water. This is good news if you want a broad look at Comino and Gozo, but less ideal if you want to explore one beach at leisure.

I would decide on your top three priorities before boarding. For example:

• Blue Lagoon swimming
• One cave section
• A quieter snorkeling stop

Or:

• Cominotto Beach
• Cliff jumping
• Santa Marija Bay for the family

Tell the skipper at the beginning. The operator says longer trips and larger boats can be arranged, and the route can be adjusted when requested before the outing. A longer charter is worth considering if you want both islands without rushing.

The order of stops can change with weather. That is sensible in Malta, where wind and choppy water can affect comfort and safety. One group still had a memorable outing in choppy seas, but the skipper’s judgment matters more than a fixed promise to visit every named location.

The skipper can make or break the day

The human side of this trip receives the strongest praise. Justin is repeatedly singled out for friendly service, clear explanations, and a relaxed way of letting groups choose how long to stay. He also helped a family with children, turned a bit of floating plastic into a short lesson, and arranged help at a Gozo restaurant for a birthday celebration.

Upie is praised for finding good cliff-jumping and snorkeling locations and for tailoring stops to the group. Jimmy is described as going out of his way to make the day work well. Joe is noted for explaining the sites and keeping the outing easygoing. Casper is praised for finding fish and handling rougher water calmly.

These details matter because a private charter is not self-guided. Your skipper controls the route, timing, and boat handling. The best experience comes from explaining what your group wants: calm swimming, active water time, family-friendly bays, photographs, or caves.

Communication before departure also appears to be a strength. The operator has confirmed bookings promptly and helped with local suggestions, including taxi contacts and restaurant advice. Those extras are not the main product, but they can make the morning easier.

Boat comfort, snorkeling gear, and family use

The boat is described as new, spacious, and comfortable for small groups. The listed price is for up to six people, making it a natural fit for a family or group of friends. Larger groups may be possible with a different boat, but you should arrange that in advance.

Shade is available, which is important during a four-hour outing. Malta’s sun can be strong even when the breeze makes the air feel mild. The cooler is useful for water, fruit, and simple packed food, and you can bring your own drinks and snacks.

Masks and snorkels are included, so you do not need to rent basic equipment separately. Still, bring your own towel and sunscreen. The trip involves boarding a speedboat, swimming from the boat, and moving around a marine setting, so it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Families have used the charter with children as young as five, as well as groups spanning from young children to older adults. That does not guarantee the same fit for every family. Children need to be comfortable around water and able to follow the skipper’s instructions, particularly at rocky coves and jumping spots.

Is $423 plus fuel good value?

At $423 per group of up to six, the base cost works out to about $70.50 per person if you fill all six places. Add the €99 fuel fee, and the final per-person cost rises, depending on the exchange rate. For a couple, the same charter is much harder to justify financially. For six people, it becomes a sensible upgrade over a crowded shared boat.

The value comes from privacy and control, not from the number of minutes spent at each site. You are paying for a skipper, a private speedboat, marina permits, snorkeling gear, and a cooler. You also avoid sharing your swim stops with a full boat of strangers.

Compare the complete price, including fuel, with other private charters. Also consider the time saved if you care about seeing several coastal sights in one morning. If your only goal is to stand at the Blue Lagoon for a short swim, a cheaper shared option may be enough. If you want caves, Gozo, swimming, and flexibility, the charter earns its price more easily.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later terms make planning less risky. Starting times depend on availability, and weather can affect the plan, so keep some flexibility in your Malta schedule.

Who should book this charter?

I would choose this for a family, a small group of friends, or a couple willing to pay for privacy. It suits people who want to swim and snorkel but also care about caves, rock formations, and a scenic ride around the islands.

It is particularly useful for mixed groups. One person can swim, another can take photos, and someone else can simply sit in the shade. A skipper can adjust the pace instead of forcing everyone through the same fixed program.

I would hesitate if you dislike boats, want a long beach stay, use a wheelchair, or have only a small budget for two people. Four hours also may not be enough if your ideal day includes every cave, beach, and bay at a leisurely pace.

Should you book it?

Book this private Malta boat charter if your priority is a personal route around the Blue Lagoon, Comino, and southern Gozo. The strong points are the flexible skipper, private setting, useful onboard equipment, and mix of swimming, snorkeling, caves, and coastal views.

Before paying, confirm the pickup point, the €99 fuel charge, and your top stops. If you have six people to share the cost and want more than a quick Blue Lagoon visit, this is a good-value way to spend half a day on Malta’s water.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The standard tour lasts four hours.

How many people does the listed price cover?

The $423 price covers a private group of up to six people.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. A separate €99 fuel fee is not included.

Where does the tour start?

The available starting points are Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal and the Blue Lagoon area. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route covers Comino, Cominotto, and Gozo, including the southern Gozo coast.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are offered at several points, including the Blue Lagoon, Cominotto, Crystal Lagoon, Ras il-Qala, and Santa Marija Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. You may bring your own food and drinks onboard, and an ice cooler with ice flakes is provided.

Is shade available on the boat?

Yes. Shade and sun protection are available onboard.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.