Cirkewwa/Mgarr: Blue and Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Charter

Comino’s famous lagoons look best from a small boat, not from the shore packed with day-trippers. This private charter takes up to six people around the coast from Cirkewwa or Mgarr, with stops for swimming at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

I like the freedom to choose your pace, and I like the small touches: local wine, a cooler, pool noodles, snorkel gear, and a Bluetooth speaker. Captains such as Jolene, Alfred, and Roderick are praised for friendly local stories and for finding quieter swimming spots. The main catch is the short two-hour limit, plus a separate EUR 50 fuel fee paid in cash.

Key points to know before you book

• A genuinely private boat: The 22-foot boat is reserved for your group of up to six, so you are not sharing the ride with a large crowd.
• Two lagoon swims: You get time at both the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, with masks, noodles, and a freshwater shower provided.
• Flexible local guiding: Captains such as Jolene, Alfred, Joe, Roderick, and Emmy can adjust the outing around swimming, caves, and sightseeing.
• Useful onboard comforts: There is shade, cushioned seating, a cooler, Bluetooth music, safety gear, water, and local wine for adults.
• Easy access from two islands: Start at Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo, but select the correct departure point when booking.
• Watch the final cost: The advertised price is $175 per group, and you must add the EUR 50 fuel charge paid in cash.

Why a private boat makes sense around Comino

The appeal is simple: you get the sea without the fixed rhythm of a large public boat. A private group can sit at the bow, stretch out on the cushioned lounger, or stay under the shaded stern. That matters on a sunny Maltese day, when comfort and space can make the difference between a pleasant outing and two hours of squeezing around other people.

The boat is 22 feet long, which is small enough to reach attractive corners of the coast but large enough for a relaxed ride for six people. This is not a luxury yacht, and you should not expect a full day at sea. It is a practical little charter built around swimming, short sightseeing stops, and personal service.

The private setup is also useful for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel, less confident swimmers can use pool noodles, and anyone who wants a quiet ride can remain on deck. Families, couples, and small groups of friends all get more say in how the two hours are used.

The price is $175 per group, not per person, for up to six people. For six, that works out to less than $30 each before fuel. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, but you are paying for privacy rather than a seat on a crowded boat. Add the EUR 50 fuel fee, paid in cash at the end, when comparing this with other cruises.

Finding the boat at Cirkewwa or Mgarr

You can begin on either side of the Gozo Channel crossing. From Malta, meet behind the kiosk in the parking area beside the Gozo passenger terminal at Cirkewwa. From Gozo, go to Mgarr and look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal.

This meeting detail is worth saving before you leave your hotel. Cirkewwa and Mgarr are busy ferry areas, and the correct starting point affects the whole plan. Select the right harbor when booking, then allow enough time to reach the waterside meeting point.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The operator does include port fees, so the extra charge to plan for is the EUR 50 fuel fee. If you need a departure time different from the listed options, such as 9:00 or 11:30 in the morning, contact the operator to ask about availability.

The guide speaks English. You can also ask about an all-female captain and crew, subject to availability. Jolene is particularly noted in the supplied information as a female skipper, while Alfred, Joe, Roderick, and Emmy have also led outings.

Leaving the harbor on a 22-foot boat

Once aboard, you have a few ways to settle in. The bow gives you the most open view and a good place to feel the movement of the boat. The cushioned lounger suits sunbathing, while the shaded stern is the better choice if you want cover from the strong Mediterranean sun.

The crew provides a bottle of water and local wine for those aged 18 and over. There is also an ice cooler for drinks you bring yourself, although food is not included. Put sunscreen, towels, and any snacks you want on your own packing list.

A Bluetooth speaker lets you play your own music. That small feature came up often in the experience details and makes the boat feel more personal, especially for a private group. Keep the volume sensible so you can still hear the captain’s commentary and enjoy the sound of the water.

Safety equipment is provided. The boat also has a freshwater shower, useful after saltwater swimming, and pool noodles for a relaxed float. These are simple features, but they reduce the need to carry extra equipment from Malta or Gozo.

Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave from the water

Early in the route, the captain takes you past coastal sights such as Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave. Seeing these places from the water gives you a different angle from a land visit, with the boat able to pause for photographs and short explanations.

The value here is not a long stop at each site. The two-hour charter has to cover the coast and both lagoons, so these are sightseeing moments rather than extended visits. Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray and keep one hand free when moving around the boat.

Your captain provides local stories and information about Malta, Gozo, Comino, and the places along the route. Alfred is praised for explaining the history and culture of the area, while other captains are described as friendly and easy to talk with. If you have a particular interest in caves, swimming, or coastal views, tell the captain early.

The route can change with the conditions and your group’s interests. That flexibility is one of the main reasons to choose a private charter. You may get more time in the water, pause at a cave, or spend less time at a sight you have already seen from land.

Swimming at the Crystal Lagoon

The Crystal Lagoon is usually the quieter-feeling swimming stop of the two, though conditions and boat traffic vary. The water is clear, and the rocky setting gives you plenty to look at from the boat and in the water.

Snorkel masks are included, so you can look below the surface without renting gear on shore. The experience details also mention pool noodles, which are useful if you want to float rather than swim continuously. You should bring your own towel and sunscreen, and consider motion sickness prevention if boat travel tends to bother you.

Swimming time is not just a quick photo stop. The captain can anchor or position the boat so you have time to get in, snorkel, and climb back aboard without being rushed. Still, remember that the entire charter lasts two hours. If your group wants long swimming sessions at both lagoons, the schedule will feel tight.

The water can be chilly outside the main summer season. An April outing, for example, may offer clear conditions but cooler water. If swimming is your main goal, summer gives you the best chance of spending more time comfortably in the sea.

The Blue Lagoon without a full-size boat

The Blue Lagoon is the star of the trip, famous for its bright water and dramatic setting. It is also the place most likely to feel crowded, especially in the busy summer months. A private boat does not remove all other boats from the lagoon, but it gives you a better chance to approach at a useful time and then move away if the area feels too busy.

Several departure times may be available. An afternoon start, including a 4:00 pm outing, can work well because the lagoon may be less hectic later in the day. You should not treat that as a guarantee, since conditions change, but timing is worth discussing when you book.

The captain can take you to another swimming spot if the main lagoon is too crowded or if your group prefers a quieter cove. That is a major difference from a fixed public cruise. You are not locked into one beach stop or one timetable.

At the Blue Lagoon, you can swim, snorkel, use the noodles, or stay aboard for the view. The boat’s freshwater shower lets you rinse off afterward. For many people, the best part is not simply seeing the bright water, but having enough control over the stop to enjoy it at your own pace.

What the captain adds to the experience

The captain is more than a driver. Local commentary gives the coastline context, and a good skipper can read what your group wants from the two hours. Jolene is known for a calm, patient approach and for finding less crowded places. Alfred is praised for stories about Maltese culture and history. Roderick is associated with cave stops and a relaxed family-friendly style.

Joe and Emmy are also named as captains who have led this charter. The style can vary from one captain to another, which is normal for a small operator, but the consistent strength is personal attention. You can ask questions, request more swimming time, or explain that you would rather focus on caves and photographs.

The operator may be able to arrange an all-female captain and crew if you ask in advance. That is not guaranteed, so make the request before finalizing your plans.

Is two hours enough?

Two hours is enough for a focused taste of the coast. You can see Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave, visit the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, swim, take photographs, and return to the harbor without giving up half a day.

It is not enough for a slow coastal cruise with long stops everywhere. If your group wants to linger in several caves, snorkel at length, and explore both lagoons without watching the clock, ask about a longer charter. One useful clue is that some people wish they had booked more time.

For a first introduction to Comino, the two-hour format is efficient. It also fits neatly around a ferry crossing or another Gozo activity. Couples often choose it for a short private outing, while families appreciate that younger and older members do not need to spend a full day at sea.

Who should book this charter?

I would choose this for a group of up to six that values privacy, swimming, and a flexible route. It suits couples who want a quieter boat ride, families with children, and friends who would rather play their own music than follow a large group schedule.

It is also a good choice if you want local guidance without committing to a full sightseeing day. The captain can explain what you are seeing, then give you space to enjoy the water.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users. Non-folding wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, bikes, weapons, fireworks, explosives, and sharp objects are not allowed. Bring a towel, sunscreen, cash for fuel, and motion sickness prevention if needed.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the start time and meeting point carefully before booking.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if the idea of two lagoons, caves, and swimming from your own small boat sounds better than a fixed group cruise. The combination of private space, useful equipment, local wine, music, and a captain who can adjust the route gives the outing real value, especially when six people share the cost.

Think twice if you want a full-day boat adventure or dislike paying an extra EUR 50 fuel fee in cash. For everyone else, this is a focused and flexible way to see Comino from the water, with enough time for the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon without turning the day into a major production.

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 beside the Gozo passenger terminal. At Mgarr, look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal.

How many people can join the private boat?

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

How long does the charter last?

The boat charter lasts two hours. Check availability for the exact starting times, and contact the operator if you need a different time slot.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The charter includes stops at the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, along with snorkeling masks and pool noodles. You can also rinse off with the onboard freshwater shower.

What is included with the boat?

The charter includes safety equipment, shade, a freshwater shower, snorkeling masks, pool noodles, an ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, port fees, one bottle of water, and local wine for those aged 18 or over.

Is there an extra fuel charge?

Yes. A EUR 50 fuel fee is due in cash at the end of the tour. Food, hotel pickup, and hotel drop-off are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Motion sickness prevention is also recommended if you are sensitive to boat movement. Wheelchair users cannot take part.