Full Day Private Boat Charters Malta: Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo

Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon is only part of the story here. This private charter also reaches smaller coves, sea caves, red-sand beaches, and swimming spots around Gozo that large boats may not visit as easily. The boat leaves from Cirkewwa and keeps your day on the water, with about seven hours for swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, beach views, and cave watching.

I like the private-group format, since you can spend longer at a favorite bay instead of following a fixed crowd schedule. I also like the practical setup: shade, an ice box, toilet and shower facilities, charging points, snorkeling gear, and a stand-up paddleboard are all included. The main drawback is the price, $744.95 per group, which is a serious outlay for a small party, though it becomes far better value when shared by a larger group.

Key points to know before booking

• The route covers both Comino and Gozo, with stops at the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Ramla Bay, San Blas Bay, and more.
• Your group has the boat to itself, with a listed capacity of 22 and pricing for up to 15 people.
• Swimming time is the main event, with snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard supplied.
• The boat has useful comforts, including shade, an ice box with ice, a toilet, a shower, Bluetooth audio, and USB charging.
• The route can be changed, subject to the skipper’s advice and weather conditions.
• Bad-weather protection is clear, with a new date or full refund offered if the trip is canceled for that reason.

Why a private boat changes the Comino day

The Maltese islands are at their best from the water. Comino’s cliffs, narrow inlets, and pale rock formations make sense as a boat route, not just as a series of beach stops. On a private charter, you are not tied to one public ferry departure or one large boat’s timetable.

That matters most at the swimming spots. You can get into the water at Crystal Lagoon, move on to Blue Lagoon, and later pause at San Niklaw Bay or the Santa Marija Caves. If your group cares more about swimming than sightseeing, you can ask to linger. If the sea conditions change, the local skipper can adapt the plan.

The current rating is 5 out of 5 from 18 reviews, with all reviewers recommending the experience. The strongest practical point is simple: a smaller private boat can reach coves and swimming areas that feel less restricted than the busiest large-boat excursions. That does not mean every stop will be quiet, especially around Blue Lagoon, but you have more control over where and when you spend your time.

Leaving Cirkewwa for Comino

The trip begins at Cirkewwa, the northern point of Malta and a natural gateway toward Comino and Gozo. The first 20 minutes are listed as travel time, giving you a chance to settle in, stow your belongings, and get ready for the first swim.

This opening stretch is not a major sightseeing stop, but it sets the rhythm for the day. You are moving between islands by boat, with the coast and open water around you rather than a road transfer between attractions. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes if possible, since the first substantial stop is Crystal Lagoon.

Crystal Lagoon: 50 minutes for swimming and caves

Crystal Lagoon is one of the strongest early stops. The water is known for its clear turquoise color, and the cove gives you several ways to use your 50 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, explore the nearby caves, or jump from suitable rock ledges if conditions allow and you are comfortable doing so.

The supplied snorkeling equipment makes this stop more convenient. You do not need to arrange a separate rental for basic water exploration, and the included safety equipment means the boat is prepared for a proper swimming day rather than only a coastal cruise.

Fifty minutes is enough for a good swim, but it is not unlimited. If your group wants long periods in the water, this is one place where the private format helps, since you can ask about adjusting the schedule. Still, the total day includes many stops, so you should not expect every cove to receive a full hour.

Coastal Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat spends about 30 minutes around Comino. This section is about the island’s rocky coast, sea caves, and blue water. It gives you a moving view of Comino rather than asking you to spend the entire day on one beach.

The main event follows at Blue Lagoon, where you have about an hour. The lagoon sits between Comino and Cominotto and is the most famous swimming area on this route. Its clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with the sea floor visible in good conditions.

Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is also the stop most likely to feel busy. The private charter gives you your own boat, not exclusive use of the lagoon. That distinction matters. You can choose your timing more freely, but you cannot remove the other boats and swimmers from Malta’s best-known swimming spot.

Use the hour well. Swim, snorkel, and take in the view, but keep your belongings secure on the boat. Sun cream, towels, and swimwear are not supplied, and you should bring all three. The boat provides an ice box with ice, so you can also bring preferred food and drinks rather than relying on a beach kiosk or a fixed onboard menu.

Gozo’s Hondoq Bay and Halfa Rock

The route then reaches Hondoq Bay in Gozo, near the village of Qala. The listed 45-minute stop includes views of Halfa Rock, a notable rock formation beside the bay. This part of the trip changes the mood from Comino’s famous lagoon to a Gozo cove with a more local, open-air feel.

Hondoq is useful as a mid-day stop because it breaks up the repeated pattern of swimming and cave viewing. You can look toward the shoreline, take photographs, and use the water if conditions are right. Admission is included, and the stop does not require an additional ticket.

The tour information does not include a meal, so plan your food before departure. You are allowed to bring what you prefer, and the ice box gives you a practical way to keep drinks and food cool.

San Blas Bay and Gozo’s red sand

San Blas Bay gets about an hour, making it one of the longer beach stops. The beach is known for golden-red sand and clear water, with a quieter feel than Malta’s most famous bathing areas. If you prefer a calm beach pause to another quick swim, this is likely to be one of the more appealing parts of the route.

The attraction here is not a packed list of sights. It is the chance to slow down for a while. You can swim, sit near the water, or take in the surrounding views. The word hidden is often overused for Maltese beaches, and San Blas should not be treated as a guarantee of solitude, but its position on this route gives you a good reason to visit by boat.

Ramla Bay follows for about 35 minutes. This is Gozo’s best-known red-sand beach, with sand dunes and a distinct natural setting. The shorter stop means you may have to choose between a quick swim, photographs, and a walk along the shore.

Ramla is especially useful for anyone who wants to see a different side of Gozo. It is not just another pale-water cove. The red sand gives the bay a clear visual identity, and the dunes add variety after the rocky shores of Comino.

San Niklaw Bay: a quieter Comino pause

San Niklaw Bay receives about an hour. The stop is described as an unspoiled part of Comino, and it offers another chance to swim away from the most recognizable Blue Lagoon setting.

This is where a private boat can feel most worthwhile. Large excursions tend to focus on headline sights, while a private route can include a less prominent bay where your group has more room to set its own pace. You still depend on sea and weather conditions, but the schedule is not as rigid as a standard shared trip.

Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you have one, and keep cameras and loose items secure when moving between the boat, the water, and the shore. The charter provides safety equipment, but personal protection from the sun is your responsibility.

Santa Marija Caves and Elephant Head Rock

The final major stop is Santa Marija Caves, with about 45 minutes around the rugged cliffs of Comino. The caves are natural formations shaped into the rock, and they are best appreciated from the water, where you can see the openings, shadows, and changing color along the cliffs.

The boat also passes Elephant Head Rock, a distinctive formation known for its elephant-like profile. This is a good photography moment, though the exact view will depend on the boat’s position and the sea conditions.

Santa Marija is a strong finish because it brings together the main themes of the charter: rock, water, caves, and short stretches of open coast. You may be able to use the snorkeling gear here, but the stop is also worthwhile as a sightseeing run through a more dramatic section of Comino.

What is included, and what you still need to bring

The equipment list is better than what you get on a basic transfer boat. You have life jackets and other safety equipment, snorkeling gear, a stand-up paddleboard, an ice box with ice, a sun-protected area, and a bow sundeck.

There is also a toilet and shower onboard. Those are small details until you spend several hours in swimwear with salt water and no easy place to change. Bluetooth audio and a USB charging point add comfort for a full day, especially if you use your phone for photos.

You need to bring swimwear, towels, and sun cream. You can bring your own food and drinks, which is important because no meal is included in the price. A hat and a dry bag are also sensible personal additions, though they are not listed as included equipment.

The boat has capacity for 22 people, while the advertised private booking price covers a group of up to 15. If you have more than 15 people, confirm the arrangement before booking rather than assuming the larger boat capacity automatically changes the price or booking terms.

Is $744.95 good value?

At $744.95 per group, the price looks high if only two or three people are sharing it. For a group of 10 to 15, the calculation changes considerably. At 15 people, the cost works out to roughly $50 per person before any food or personal expenses.

Fuel and port fees are included, so you are not faced with the usual surprise of extra boat charges later. Safety gear, snorkeling equipment, the paddleboard, ice, and onboard facilities also reduce the number of add-ons you need to arrange.

The real value is control. You are paying for a private boat, a long route across Malta, Comino, and Gozo, and the ability to customize the stops. If your priority is the absolute lowest-cost way to see Blue Lagoon, a shared boat will likely be cheaper. If you want a full water day with family or friends and care about avoiding a rigid group schedule, the private price is easier to justify.

The experience is also better suited to groups with similar interests. If half your party wants to swim all day and the other half wants to see beaches and caves, the skipper can help balance the route. If nobody in your group likes being on a boat for several hours, the private setting will not solve that basic issue.

Weather, flexibility, and practical limits

The itinerary can be changed to suit your preferences, and the local guide provides details before departure if poor weather affects the plan. This is important in Malta, where wind and sea conditions can determine which coves are safe and comfortable.

If the operator cancels because of bad weather, you are offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour is near public transportation, but the supplied information does not specify a hotel pickup service, so do not assume transport from your accommodation is included.

Who should book this private Malta charter?

I would choose this trip for a family group, a group of friends, or anyone celebrating a special day who wants the boat to themselves. It also suits people who would rather spend time swimming and exploring coves than touring inland attractions.

The route works well for strong swimmers and casual swimmers because you can use the boat’s facilities, stay in the protected area, or focus on coastal views. Still, the day is built around water access. Pack properly and be honest about how comfortable your group is with repeated swims, sun, and boat movement.

I would think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple and do not have other people to share the cost. I would also reconsider if your main aim is a detailed visit to Gozo’s towns, churches, or museums. This is a sea-and-cove tour, not an inland Gozo sightseeing day.

Should you book it?

Book this private Malta boat charter if you want Blue Lagoon plus the less obvious parts of Comino and Gozo, and if you can fill enough seats to make the group price sensible. The combination of Crystal Lagoon, San Blas Bay, Ramla Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Santa Marija Caves gives you much more variety than a short Blue Lagoon visit.

The best reason to book is flexibility. You get a private boat, useful onboard facilities, included fuel and port fees, and a route that can be adjusted for weather and preference. Skip it if you want the cheapest possible water excursion or if your group would rather spend the day exploring Gozo by land.

FAQ

How long does the private boat charter last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

How many people can join the private booking?

The price is listed for a group of up to 15 people. The boat itself has a capacity of 22 passengers.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Cirkewwa, Crystal Lagoon, Comino, Blue Lagoon, Hondoq Bay, San Blas Bay, Ramla Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Santa Marija Caves. The boat also passes Elephant Head Rock.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a stand-up paddleboard, life jackets, and other safety equipment are included.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your preferred food and drinks. An ice box with ice is provided onboard.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The itinerary may be adapted for safety and comfort. If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.