Private Boat Charter – Comino/Parts of Gozo

Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon looks different from the deck of a boat than it does from shore. You can pause for a swim, move on when the crowds or current no longer suit you, and let the skipper shape the outing around your group. That freedom is the main reason to choose this private charter over a larger boat trip.

I like two things here: the boat is yours for up to eight people, and snorkeling equipment plus a cooler with ice are included. Past captains named Atef and Fendi earned praise for friendly service, good swimming spots, and showing caves and rock formations. The main catch is that two hours passes quickly, especially if you want both Comino and Gozo.

Key points to know before you book

• A private boat for up to eight: The $259 group price becomes good value when shared by a full party.
• Flexible route: You can tell the captain what you want to see, with the final route shaped by weather and boat availability.
• Blue Lagoon swim stop: You get time on the water rather than being tied to a shore-based visit.
• Caves and rock formations: Comino Caves and Gebla Tal-Halfa may add interest between swimming stops.
• Snorkeling gear and a cooler included: Bring your own towel, swimwear, beachwear, and sun protection.
• Three possible meeting areas: Meet near the kiosk at Cirkewwa, Marfa Jetty, or Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.

Why a private Comino charter makes sense

This outing is less about a fixed sightseeing script and more about controlling your time at sea. You can ask to spend longer swimming, look for caves, circle Comino, or continue toward Gozo if conditions allow. That matters in this part of Malta, where the best moment may be a quiet stretch of water rather than another stop on a schedule.

On a large boat, you usually accept the group’s pace. Here, you can stay in the water until you are ready to climb back aboard. If someone in your group wants to snorkel while another person prefers to sit in the sun, a private boat gives you room to handle both without holding up strangers.

The price is $259 per group of up to eight, not per person. A full group pays about $32 per person, which is a fair price for a private skipper, fuel, boat use, snorkeling equipment, and a cooler with ice. For two or three people, the cost per person is much higher, so this works best for families or friends sharing the boat.

The duration begins at two hours, with longer charters available. I would treat the two-hour version as a focused coastal outing rather than a full tour of every highlight listed. If your group wants Comino, several swim stops, caves, and part of Gozo without rushing, ask about adding time.

Setting off from Cirkewwa, Marfa, or Mgarr

The stated starting point is Cirkewwa Cafe, while the meeting instructions also allow the captain to meet you near the kiosk in Cirkewwa, Marfa Jetty, or Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. Confirm the exact place and time before setting off. These are not interchangeable if you are planning bus connections or arranging a taxi.

Cirkewwa is a practical launch point for Comino. From the water, the trip quickly becomes about open sea, limestone cliffs, inlets, and small rocky outcrops. You will want your camera ready, but keep it secure once the boat picks up speed.

The captain is English-speaking, and an English audio guide is listed as included. The most useful part of the experience, though, is the captain’s local judgment: which cove suits a swim, how long to stay, and which sights can be reached comfortably in the available time.

Past outings were led by captains including Atef and Fendi. Atef was praised for being helpful, informative, and good company, while Fendi took a group around Comino and along the Gozo coast, pointing out caves and rock formations. You cannot assume a particular captain will operate your trip, but these names give you an idea of the personal service this charter aims to provide.

Comino’s Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon

The route highlights both the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. They are the stops most people will have in mind when booking, and both are best appreciated from the water.

The Crystal Lagoon is known as a swimming and snorkeling area, with clear water enclosed by pale rock. The information provided places it roughly ten minutes on foot from a nearby point, but this boat trip avoids making you walk there from shore. Your captain can bring you close by water and decide how long the conditions suit a stop.

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s famous draw. It is also close to the island’s main landing areas, with the supplied details describing it as about a fifteen-minute boat ride across the water from Mgarr. From your private boat, you can take photographs, swim, and see the lagoon from a more open viewpoint instead of spending the whole visit on the busy shore.

The Blue Lagoon can be the busiest part of the day, so the private format is valuable even if the water itself is not quiet. You can choose to swim, take pictures, or move away sooner. Still, do not expect a private stretch of the lagoon simply because your boat is private. The charter gives you control over your boat, not ownership of the public water.

The itinerary lists a Blue Lagoon photo stop of one hour. Since the whole basic charter lasts two hours, that leaves limited time for the other sights. Use the booking conversation to make your priorities clear. If swimming at the Blue Lagoon matters most, say so. If you would rather see caves and Gozo’s coast, ask the captain to plan around that.

Caves, cliffs, and unusual rock formations

Comino Caves are among the area’s popular underwater and coastal sights. On this charter, you might see them from the boat and, weather permitting, stop nearby for swimming or snorkeling. The exact access and viewing time depend on sea conditions and the skipper’s judgment.

You may also pass Gebla Tal-Halfa, a small deserted islet and limestone rock on Comino’s southeastern side. It is not a major shore attraction, which is part of its appeal from the water. It gives the trip a sense of scale and shows how broken and rocky this coastline can be.

The captain may point out other rock formations along Comino and Gozo. Fendi was specifically praised for showing caves and formations, while Atef was praised for taking a group to the places they wanted to visit. Those details suggest that the skipper is not simply driving a set loop. You should use that flexibility by naming the sights and activities you care about at the start.

There is a practical limit. A two-hour boat ride cannot provide a long stop at every cave, islet, and lagoon. If your group wants time for photographs, snorkeling, and a full circuit of Comino, you may need to accept shorter stops or book more than two hours.

Along the Gozo coast to Mgarr Ix-Xini

The charter can include parts of Gozo, not only Comino. One possible highlight is Mgarr Ix-Xini, a sheltered spot known for swimming and snorkeling. It was once secluded, and its enclosed shape makes it a natural contrast to the more open water near the lagoons.

Reaching Gozo’s coast gives the outing more variety. Instead of spending the whole trip around one island, you get a look at another section of Malta’s coastline, with the boat providing a direct view of coves and rock walls. A past outing circled Comino and continued along Gozo, which is possible when the timing and weather work in your favor.

Do not treat every named location as guaranteed. The important information is that the route is adjustable, not that every charter visits every point. Tell the skipper whether you prefer a swim-heavy trip, a sightseeing circuit, or a mix of both. The weather can change the plan, and boats are subject to availability.

What the two hours feel like on the water

Two hours sounds generous until you count boarding, cruising, stopping, swimming, taking pictures, and moving between islands. The listed itinerary includes a Comino photo stop and a one-hour Blue Lagoon stop, so the schedule can feel brisk if you want to add Gozo.

I would plan one main goal and one secondary goal. For example, make the Blue Lagoon and swimming your priority, with caves as the extra. Or choose Comino’s caves and a Gozo swim, accepting that the Blue Lagoon may get only a short photo stop.

The private setting helps you make those choices without negotiating with a busload of people. You can sit on deck, photograph the coast, or use the snorkeling equipment during the swim stops. The cooler with ice is a useful touch, though the provided information does not state that food or drinks are supplied, so bring what you need.

Pack swimwear, a towel, camera, and beachwear. Suntan lotion is not included, and the activity information specifically lists it as something to bring. Sun protection matters on a boat because you may not notice how strong the sun feels while a breeze is moving across the deck.

Who will enjoy this most

This charter suits a group that values privacy and control more than a low per-person price. It is a strong option for a family, couples traveling together, or friends who want to swim without following a fixed group timetable.

It also suits people who want a relaxed outing rather than a full historical tour. The focus is coastal scenery, swimming, snorkeling, caves, and rock formations. The English audio guide is included, but the main experience comes from being on the water and talking with the skipper.

This is less suitable for anyone prone to seasickness. A private boat does not remove the movement of the sea, and there is no larger group around you to distract from it. If you know you are sensitive, consider that carefully before booking.

The trip also requires some flexibility. The captain can accommodate requests when weather permits, but no route is guaranteed. That is good news if you want a personal experience, but less good if you need every stop to happen in a precise order.

Practical value, cancellation, and timing

The charter offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when your Malta plans depend on weather, ferry timing, or a changing group schedule.

The basic duration is two hours, with starting times subject to availability. Since boats are also subject to availability, I would book early if your dates are fixed, then confirm the meeting point directly.

Transport to and from the harbour is not included. Plan your own way to Cirkewwa, Marfa Jetty, or Mgarr Harbour, and allow enough time to find the captain near the agreed kiosk or jetty. The supplied meeting details use several locations, so a clear confirmation is worth the small effort.

Should you book this private boat trip?

Book it if you can fill most of the eight places and want a flexible swim-and-sightseeing trip rather than a fixed group cruise. The strongest reasons are the private boat, friendly English-speaking skipper, included snorkeling equipment, and freedom to choose between Comino and Gozo when conditions allow.

I would choose the longer option if your list includes the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Comino Caves, Gebla Tal-Halfa, and Mgarr Ix-Xini. In two hours, you will need to make choices. For a short, personal outing with a good chance to swim and see the coast at your own pace, the two-hour charter is a sensible buy.

FAQ

How much does the private boat charter cost?

The price is $259 for a private group of up to eight people. Fuel, the skipper, boat charter, snorkeling equipment, and a cooler with ice are included.

Where do you meet the captain?

You meet near the kiosk in Cirkewwa, at Marfa Jetty, or at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. The listed starting location is Cirkewwa Cafe, so confirm the exact meeting point before the trip.

How long is the charter?

The standard duration is two hours. Longer charters may be available, and you should check availability for starting times.

Can the route be changed?

Yes. Since the boat is private, you can discuss the places you want to visit with the captain. The final route depends on weather and boat availability.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. You need to bring your own swimwear, towel, camera, beachwear, and suntan lotion.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.