REVIEW · BLUE LAGOON TOURS
Sunset Private Boat Trip, Charter Malta Gozo Comino Blue lagoon
The best part of this trip is simple: you get the boat to yourself, with room for up to seven people and a captain who can shape the outing around your group. Instead of following a fixed crowd through Malta’s busiest waters, you can spend more time swimming, snorkeling, or watching the sun sink over the Mediterranean.
I like the small-group feel and the chance to see Comino and Gozo from the water. I also like the human touch reported by guests, from Josef sharing Gozo tips to Casper picking up floating debris rather than passing it by. The main catch is the extra €79 fuel charge, payable after the trip, so the advertised price is not the complete cost.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you book
- Why a private sunset boat makes sense in Malta
- Starting at Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal
- Blue Lagoon: famous, photogenic, and often busy
- Hondoq Bay and the Gozo side of the water
- Crystal Lagoon and the caves
- Comino, Santa Marija Bay, and the final light
- What the three hours feel like
- The captains can shape the experience
- What is included, and what is not
- Who should book this cruise
- Booking, weather, and cancellation details
- Should you book the Sunset Private Boat Trip?
- FAQ
- Where does the boat trip start?
- Where does the activity end?
- How long does the private cruise last?
- How many people can join the private boat?
- Is fuel included in the price?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- Which places are included on the route?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key points to know before you book

- Private boat for up to seven: Your group does not share the vessel with strangers.
- Sunset timing matters: Clouds or rough conditions can affect the sunset and the comfort of the ride.
- Swimming and snorkeling are central: A mask and snorkel are supplied, with stops at clear-water sites.
- Cirkewwa is the starting point: You meet at Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal and return there.
- The route is flexible: You can ask for more time at swimming spots, caves, or beach areas.
- Budget for the fuel charge: An additional €79 is payable after the cruise.
Why a private sunset boat makes sense in Malta

Malta’s most famous swimming spots can feel crowded during the day. A private charter gives you a quieter way to approach them, and the late timing can soften the hard midday glare on the water. You still visit well-known places, but you see them from a boat rather than from a packed shore or a large sightseeing vessel.
The group limit is seven. That is large enough for a family or a group of friends, but small enough for everyone to hear the captain and move around without feeling lost in a crowd. You can sit back, swim when the boat anchors, or ask questions as the route unfolds.
This is not presented as a luxury yacht experience. One guest described the boat as simple rather than five-star, but clean, comfortable, and well suited to a fun afternoon on the water. That is the right expectation. You are paying for privacy, access, and a personal captain, not polished onboard dining or resort-style service.
The price is $310.35 per group, before the €79 fuel charge. Split among seven people, the base price works out to about $44.34 each, before fuel. For a full group, that can be good value compared with paying separately for a shared cruise, especially if privacy matters. For only two people, the total cost is harder to justify unless you place a high value on having the boat and schedule to yourselves.
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Starting at Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal
The meeting point is Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal on Triq Il-Marfa in Mellieħa. This is at Malta’s northern tip, so plan your journey carefully. The activity ends at the same meeting point, which keeps the arrangement straightforward once you arrive.
Communication before departure is useful here. One guest found that arranging the meeting details over WhatsApp made it easier to locate the boat. For a last-minute booking within 48 hours, you are asked to contact the operator through WhatsApp, rather than relying only on the normal booking process.
The cruise lasts about three hours, although one outing ran closer to four hours. Treat the timing as approximate, particularly if you spend extra time swimming or the captain adjusts the route. You should arrive ready to leave on time, with your swimwear already accessible and anything you want to keep cool stored securely. A guest praised Frank for carrying a large cooler with ice for food and drinks brought aboard, but this should not be treated as a guaranteed feature for every departure.
Blue Lagoon: famous, photogenic, and often busy

Blue Lagoon is listed more than once in the route, which reflects its importance to a Comino boat trip. The water is the star here, with the pale sea making a strong contrast against the rocky coast. From a boat, you can appreciate the color and shape of the inlet without being limited to one small patch of shore.
The drawback is its fame. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known sights, so it may not feel private even when your boat is private. Your captain can help you make better use of the visit by choosing when to anchor and how long to stay, but the captain cannot remove every other boat from the bay.
Swimming here is likely to be one of the main reasons to book. Bring a towel, sun protection, and a change of clothes. Snorkel and mask are included, so you do not need to arrange that equipment separately.
Hondoq Bay and the Gozo side of the water

Hondoq Bay brings a different feel from Blue Lagoon. It is associated with Gozo and gives the route a chance to move beyond Comino’s most famous stop. You can ask to spend time in the water here, or simply use the stop as a slower part of the cruise.
This is where the private format earns its keep. On a shared boat, you usually follow the group schedule. Here, you can tell the captain if your group prefers another swim, a shorter stop, or more time taking in the coast. The exact order can change, and the listed route includes Blue Lagoon again after Hondoq Bay.
One captain, Josef, was especially praised for being professional and easy company, while another guest appreciated receiving tips for a later visit to Gozo. Captains named in guest accounts also include Joseph, Frank, Casper, and Sakru. Your assigned skipper may be different, but the experience clearly depends a great deal on the person at the helm.
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Crystal Lagoon and the caves
Crystal Lagoon is one of the strongest swimming stops on this route. The name points to the clear water, but the setting matters just as much: rocky walls, open sea, and a boat-based view that gives you access to places difficult to reach on foot.
Frank’s outing included several caves and a stop near Crystal Cave. The water there was used for swimming and the scenery made it one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Caves are also where a small boat has a practical advantage, since your captain can bring you closer to coastal formations than a large vessel may manage.
Conditions always matter. The boat trip requires good weather, and rough seas can change how comfortable the ride feels. One group was concerned about rough water and appreciated honest advice from the captain that the conditions were safe. That is useful reassurance, but you should still expect the sea to affect the day. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider bringing your usual remedy.
Comino, Santa Marija Bay, and the final light
The route continues around Comino and includes Santa Marija Bay. This gives you a chance to see a quieter side of the island after the better-known lagoon stops. The appeal is less about checking off a single sight and more about seeing the coast from changing angles as the afternoon fades.
The sunset is the natural finale. In clear conditions, the sun drops toward the Mediterranean and the sky takes on warm evening colors. One outing was clouded over, so the sunset itself could not be seen, but the cruise remained enjoyable. That is an important point: book this for the whole coastal experience, not only for a guaranteed sunset photograph.
Your captain may also make a short stop in Gozo if the timing and route allow. Frank took one group for a quick drink at a popular pub during the outing, which added a local, informal touch. This is not a standard promise in the supplied details, so think of it as a possible personal adjustment rather than part of the fixed package.
What the three hours feel like
The rhythm is flexible. You may begin with a lagoon stop, move toward Hondoq Bay, pause at Crystal Lagoon, then circle parts of Comino and Gozo before settling into a sunset position. The published order lists Blue Lagoon, Hondoq Bay, Blue Lagoon again, Crystal Lagoon, Comino, Gozo, and Santa Marija Bay, but the captain can tailor the outing to your group.
That flexibility works best when you know what you want. Tell the captain if swimming is your priority, if you want to see caves, or if you would rather spend the last part of the trip sitting quietly for the sunset. You can also ask for extra time at a beach or swimming area, within the limits of the weather and the available time.
The supplied mask and snorkel make the water stops easy to enjoy. Still, this is a boat charter, not a guided marine biology excursion. The emphasis is on access, time in the sea, and a friendly skipper rather than formal commentary at every point.
The captains can shape the experience
The strongest personal details come from the skippers. Casper was described as funny, a good captain, and attentive to the environment after collecting debris from the water. Frank was praised for his experience, clean boat, useful cooler, and willingness to make a quick Gozo stop.
Josef and Joseph were also described as professional, friendly hosts. One French-speaking guest particularly valued Joseph’s stories about Malta, the islands, and local history, along with a thoughtful birthday gesture. Sakru was named as a skipper who helped make a private Comino and Blue Lagoon trip special.
You cannot choose a specific captain from the information provided, so do not book on the assumption that one named skipper will definitely be assigned. You can, however, see why the captain matters. A good skipper makes the route feel personal, keeps an eye on conditions, and helps you understand when to swim, when to move on, and where to pause.
What is included, and what is not
The supplied snorkeling equipment includes a mask and snorkel. The boat and captain are part of the private charter, and the activity returns to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal.
Fuel is not included. The separate charge is €79 per booking, payable after the tour. This is the most important cost detail to understand before you reserve. The fuel fee applies to the booking rather than to each person, which makes the total easier to manage for a full group but adds a noticeable amount for a couple.
Food and drinks are not listed as included. A cooler with ice was available on one trip, and you may be able to bring your own refreshments, but confirm this directly if it matters to you. Do not assume that meals, drinks, towels, or extra equipment are supplied.
Who should book this cruise
I would choose this for a group of friends, a family, or a couple celebrating something who want privacy and control over the pace. It is especially well suited to people who care more about swimming, caves, and time on the sea than a formal sightseeing script.
It also works for anyone who dislikes large party boats. The smaller setting means you are not packed in with a mass of other people, and you can talk directly with the captain. That does not mean total solitude at Blue Lagoon, but it does make the ride itself more relaxed.
You may want another option if you need a luxury boat, a fully fixed schedule, or a guaranteed sunset. You should also think carefully if you dislike rough water, since the activity depends on suitable weather and sea conditions. Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the details do not specify special onboard facilities, so ask the operator about any particular mobility needs.
Booking, weather, and cancellation details
Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour is offered in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.
Good weather is required. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Last-minute bookings inside 48 hours should be handled through WhatsApp.
Should you book the Sunset Private Boat Trip?
Book it if your ideal Malta afternoon means clear water, a few good swim stops, caves, and a captain who can adjust the plan for your group. The private setup, personal attention, and access to Comino, Gozo, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Marija Bay make the price reasonable when divided among several people.
Before paying, remember two things: the €79 fuel charge is extra, and the sunset depends on the weather. If you understand those limits and prefer a simple, friendly boat to a crowded sightseeing vessel, this is a strong choice for a flexible evening around Malta’s northern coast.
FAQ
Where does the boat trip start?
The trip starts at Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, Triq Il-Marfa, in Il-Mellieħa, Malta.
Where does the activity end?
The boat returns to the same meeting point at Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal.
How long does the private cruise last?
The planned duration is approximately three hours. One reported outing lasted about four hours, so the timing can vary.
How many people can join the private boat?
The booking covers one private group of up to seven people.
Is fuel included in the price?
No. An additional €79 fuel charge is payable after the tour.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. A snorkel and mask are included.
Which places are included on the route?
The listed stops include Blue Lagoon, Hondoq Bay, Crystal Lagoon, Comino, Gozo, and Santa Marija Bay. The route can be adjusted to suit your group and conditions.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.
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