REVIEW · BLUE LAGOON TOURS

Private Boat Charter: Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crysral Lagoon

5.0 · 114 reviews 2 hours (approx.) Operated by Ozzi Cruises · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this charter is the freedom to leave the packed boats behind and get close to Comino’s caves and swimming bays. You have the boat to yourselves, with time for a swim at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon instead of following a fixed group schedule. I especially like the personal service from captains such as Jolene and Alfred, plus the chance to adjust the plan when the sea or your group’s mood changes.

I also like the boat’s small-group feel and the included Maltese wine, which turns a simple boat ride into a pleasant outing. The main catch is time: two hours passes quickly, and transport or the exact meeting point needs careful checking before you go.

Key points at a glance

  • Private boat for up to six: Your group gets the whole boat, with no strangers setting the pace.
  • Two lagoons in one short trip: You get roughly 30 minutes at Blue Lagoon and 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.
  • Caves are part of the attraction: The captain can take you near and into sea caves around Crystal Lagoon, conditions allowing.
  • Swimming and snorkeling are optional: You can get in the water, stay aboard, or ask for more sightseeing.
  • A flexible crew matters: Captains including Jolene, Alfred, Fabio, and Roderic have adjusted routes for weather, timing, and group preferences.
  • Check the practical details: The listed fare is $240.66 for up to six, but meeting points, transfers, and the amount of wine provided should be confirmed.

Why a private boat makes sense at Blue Lagoon

Private Boat Charter: Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crysral Lagoon - Why a private boat makes sense at Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is Comino’s famous calling card, with clear turquoise water and dramatic pale rock around the bay. It is also the place where crowd levels matter most. A private charter cannot make the lagoon empty, but it lets you anchor away from the busiest boat traffic and enjoy the water with only your own group aboard.

The planned stop is about 30 minutes. That is enough for a quick swim and a look around, but not enough for a slow beach-style afternoon. You should arrive ready to get in the water rather than spend half the stop changing clothes, taking photos, and deciding what to do.

This is where the private format earns its price. On a shared catamaran or cruise boat, you follow the operator’s timetable and share the swimming area with a large group. Here, you can ask the captain to give you a quieter anchorage when conditions allow. The boat still operates in a popular part of Malta, so do not expect complete solitude, especially at the busiest times of day.

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Crystal Lagoon is the stronger swimming stop

Private Boat Charter: Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crysral Lagoon - Crystal Lagoon is the stronger swimming stop

Crystal Lagoon offers the trip’s best mix of clear water, rock walls, and caves. The boat anchors for around 30 minutes, giving you time to snorkel, swim, or simply sit on deck and watch the water. Several outings have included snorkels, swim noodles, floats, and drinking water aboard, though I would confirm exactly what is supplied for your booking.

The lagoon is especially good for confident swimmers who want to explore around the rocks. You can also ask the captain to keep the plan relaxed if some members of your group are less comfortable in open water. The boat’s small size makes it easier to offer that kind of personal attention.

Water temperature deserves a practical warning. In spring, even on a sunny day, the sea may feel cold. A 30-minute swim can be plenty, particularly after windy weather. Bring a towel, dry clothing, and a light layer for the ride back. If you prefer not to swim, the crew can use the time for more views and cave sightseeing instead.

Sea caves from a much better angle

The L-Ghar ta’ Bla Saqaf stop is a sightseeing run around the caves of Crystal Lagoon. This is not a land visit. You remain on the boat and see the openings, rock shapes, and clear water from sea level, with the captain handling the close approach.

That boat-level view is one of the charter’s most appealing features. A smaller vessel can get closer to rugged shore sections than large excursion boats, although access always depends on wind, waves, and the captain’s judgment. On calm water, you may pass into or close to caves, and some outings have included swimming through cave openings.

Do not treat this as a guaranteed cave adventure in every kind of weather. Choppy water can make narrow passages unsafe or uncomfortable. The crew has changed routes to avoid rough seas, which is the right call. You may see fewer caves on a windy day, but you will be in safer and calmer water.

The amount of commentary can vary. Captains have explained local sights and shared stories about the islands, while some passengers wanted more detail at certain stops. If you enjoy learning as you go, ask questions. A private boat gives you a better chance to shape the conversation than a large group cruise.

Seeing Gozo’s southern coast at Hondoq Bay

The final listed stop is Hondoq Bay, used for sightseeing around the southern part of Gozo. This section gives the trip a wider view. Instead of spending the full charter in one swimming spot, you get a look at Gozo’s shoreline, coves, and rocky coast from the water.

Hondoq Bay is also useful as a change of pace after swimming and cave viewing. You can stay aboard, take photographs, and let the captain point out coastal features. The planned time is about 30 minutes, so think of this as a scenic coastal run rather than a long shore visit.

The itinerary adds up to about two hours: 30 minutes at Blue Lagoon, 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, 30 minutes around the caves, and 30 minutes near Hondoq Bay. In practice, travel between stops takes part of the total time. If you want extended swimming, ask whether a longer charter is available. A three-hour version has also been taken by some groups, with longer lagoon stops.

The captains are central to the experience

A private charter is only as good as its skipper. The people connected with this operation include Jolene, Alfred, Fabio, Roderic, and other captains, so you may not receive a specific person unless that is arranged in advance.

Jolene has been especially involved in pre-trip communication, giving clear meeting instructions and keeping in touch through WhatsApp. She is also a Gozo local, which can add useful context to the coast and help tailor the route. Alfred has been praised for careful boat handling near caves and rocky shore, while Fabio and Roderic have also led well-received outings.

The useful point is not a single captain’s personality. It is the crew’s reported willingness to adjust the day. If you do not want to swim, say so. If children need a slower pace, mention it. If the sea turns rough, expect the route to change. That flexibility is the reason to book a private boat rather than a standard sightseeing run.

You can also ask about cliff jumping, but only do this if the captain approves the location and conditions. It should never be treated as an automatic part of the trip.

What the $240.66 group price really means

At $240.66 for up to six people, the charter works out to about $40 per person if you fill every seat. That is a reasonable comparison with shared cruises, especially if your group values privacy, a quieter boat, and control over the route.

For two people, the same fare becomes about $120 each. That is a much larger spend, so the value depends on what you want. If your priority is simply reaching Blue Lagoon, a shared boat may cost less. If you want cave access, a private setting, and the ability to skip swimming or change the order of stops, the extra cost is easier to justify.

The fare includes a bottle of local Maltese wine according to the experience details. There has been some variation in how much was served, with one account describing only a couple of glasses rather than a full bottle. I would treat the wine as a pleasant extra, not the reason to book.

Some outings also had a fridge for personal drinks, music, water, and flotation equipment. Since these details may vary by boat and departure, ask what will be aboard before you arrive. Do not assume the charter is a fully catered party boat.

Timing, meeting points, and getting to the harbor

The experience is listed in Gozo, and the exact meeting arrangement matters. One practical complication is that different departures may use different harbors or meeting points. Cirkewwa is at the northern tip of Malta and can be expensive or awkward to reach for a group of six, especially when ride-hailing prices rise with demand.

Some bookings have included a driver who shared a location and helped the group find the pickup point. Other arrangements have not included pickup. Since the standard details do not promise transport, confirm the meeting place, transfer options, and any extra cost before paying.

If you are driving, allow time to park. Parking areas can fill, and arriving at the last minute adds needless stress to a short charter. Public transport is nearby, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but you should tell the operator about mobility or swimming concerns before departure.

The activity is offered in English, and confirmation arrives when you book. Because the tour depends on the sea, keep some flexibility in your Malta schedule. Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, while cancellations made at least 24 hours before the start time qualify for a full refund.

Who will get the most from this boat trip

I would recommend this charter to a family or group of friends who can fill most of the six seats. The private boat gives children more attention, lets nervous swimmers stay close to the captain, and avoids the noise and crowding of a large cruise.

It also suits couples or small groups who care more about privacy than the lowest possible fare. You can listen to music, bring drinks if permitted, and enjoy the coast without strangers competing for deck space.

Strong swimmers and snorkelers will get the most from Crystal Lagoon and the caves. Still, you do not need to enter the water to enjoy the outing. The captain can spend more time on coastal views when swimming is not suitable.

This is less ideal if you want a full-day Gozo tour, long time on land, or a structured historical program. The emphasis is on water, scenery, caves, and swimming. Two hours is a taste of the coast, not a complete visit to Gozo.

Small details that improve the day

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. With only short stops, you will waste time if you need to return to a hotel between the boat and the water.

Bring sun protection and a dry layer. The boat may feel warm in the sun and cool when moving, especially after a swim. Waterproof storage for phones is sensible, since the best views are close to the water.

If your group includes non-swimmers, tell the captain before leaving. Floats and noodles have been available on some outings, but you should confirm what is provided. A short swim stop can feel rushed for someone who needs extra time to enter and exit the water.

I would also agree on priorities at the start. Do you want more caves, more swimming, or more sightseeing? A good captain can shape the route, but two hours cannot provide long stops everywhere.

Should you book the Ozzi Cruises charter?

I would book it if you have four to six people, want a private boat, and care about getting close to the caves and lagoons without joining a packed cruise. The crew’s flexibility, especially from captains such as Jolene and Alfred, is the strongest reason to choose it.

I would pause if you are traveling as only one or two people, need guaranteed hotel pickup, or expect a full bottle of wine, drinks, and equipment without checking first. Confirm the harbor, total duration, swimming gear, water, and wine before departure.

For the right group, this is a smart short outing: clear water, Gozo’s rocky coast, Comino’s famous lagoons, and a captain who can adapt the plan. Just keep your expectations tied to the two-hour schedule and the weather.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The experience lasts approximately two hours. The listed plan allows about 30 minutes at Blue Lagoon, 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, 30 minutes viewing the caves, and 30 minutes sightseeing near Hondoq Bay.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to six people. Only your group participates in the activity.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes the private boat charter and a bottle of local Maltese wine. Details such as water, snorkeling equipment, floats, and the exact amount of wine served should be confirmed before departure.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes. You have opportunities to swim and snorkel at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. You can also ask for sightseeing instead if you do not want to enter the water.

Will the boat enter the sea caves?

The plan includes sightseeing around the caves of Crystal Lagoon, and the boat may approach or enter suitable caves when sea conditions allow. Rough water can change this part of the route.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is not clearly guaranteed in the standard experience details. Some outings have included a driver, while other arrangements have required passengers to reach the meeting point themselves. Confirm this directly before booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund.

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