Private boat Charters around Malta, Gozo & Comino

The best part of this charter is simple: you get the boat to yourself. Instead of following a fixed crowd, you can shape the outing around swimming, snorkeling, coastal views, or a sunset cruise. The classic 43-foot MV INGE III adds a touch of old-school style, with teak decking and a rustic mahogany interior built in Venice.

I especially like the chance to visit several parts of Comino in one outing, including the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, St Mary Bay, and St Nicholas Bay. I also like the practical setup: masks, snorkels, a kayak, SUP, paddle board, water, ice, and fuel are included.

The main consideration is price. At $1,137.10 per group of up to 15, this makes the most sense when shared by a larger family or group of friends. Lunch is not included, and popular swimming spots can be busy during the warmest part of the day.

Key points to know before booking

• Private use of the MV INGE III: Your group has the boat rather than sharing it with strangers.
• Comino is the main swimming stop: The route can include the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, St Mary Bay, and St Nicholas Bay.
• Gozo adds quieter coastal stops: Some swimming and snorkeling places are accessible only from the water.
• Joseph may captain your cruise: He is praised for finding attractive swimming spots and for adjusting the outing when plans change.
• Good onboard facilities: You get shaded seating, a sundeck, bathing platform, two restrooms, a freshwater shower, and music connections.
• Bring your own meal: Food is not included, but you may bring snacks, drinks, or a full picnic onboard.

Why a private charter changes the Comino experience

Comino is small, but its coast is packed with coves, rock formations, towers, batteries, and sea caves. A private boat gives you a better way to connect these places than a simple point-to-point transfer. You can spend more time in the water when conditions suit you, then move on when a bay feels too busy.

The boat is the 43-foot, 13-meter MV INGE III, built in Venice by C. Rio boat builders. Its teak deck and mahogany interior give it a traditional cruiser feel rather than the bare, functional look of a small transfer boat. That matters on a private charter because you are likely to spend as much time relaxing onboard as swimming.

The boat is licensed and insured for up to 35 people, while the private charter information gives a practical group limit of about 20 to 25 people. The listed booking price covers a group of up to 15. If your party is larger, confirm the permitted number before paying, since the different capacity figures refer to different operating limits.

You can depart from Cirkewwa in northern Malta or Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. Those two starting points make the charter useful for different itineraries. Cirkewwa works naturally if you are staying in Malta and want to reach Comino quickly. Mgarr is the sensible choice if you are already on Gozo.

Comino by boat, from Blue Lagoon to St Mary Bay

The Comino route is the clearest reason to book this outing. The island is known for bright water, rocky coves, and swimming spots that are easiest to reach from the sea. The cruise normally goes around the island, stopping at several locations rather than treating the Blue Lagoon as the only attraction.

The Blue Lagoon is the famous stop, with pale water and a dramatic setting between Comino and Cominotto. It is the place most people have in mind when they picture Comino. You can swim, use the boat’s water equipment, or stay on deck and take in the view.

The catch is popularity. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, especially in summer and during the middle of the day. A private skipper can help by suggesting a different stop or by shifting the timing, but no boat can make the lagoon empty during peak periods.

Crystal Lagoon offers another fine place to get in the water. It is enclosed by high rock and is known for clear water and sea caves nearby. This is a strong stop for snorkeling, though the boat’s crew will determine the safest and most useful place to anchor based on conditions.

St Mary Bay and St Nicholas Bay give the route more variety. They are useful alternatives if you want a calmer swim away from the main Blue Lagoon scene. You can also see Comino’s landmarks from the water, including Elephant Rock, St Mary Battery, and St Mary Tower.

The caves are an important part of the outing. You are not simply transported from one swimming area to another. The boat can pass along the island’s edges and show you openings, rock walls, and coastal formations that are difficult to appreciate from shore.

The listed Comino portion is two hours. That is enough for a taste of several locations, but it is not an all-day exploration of every bay. If swimming and snorkeling are your priority, tell the skipper early so the time is not swallowed by sightseeing alone.

Gozo’s coast and boat-only swimming stops

The Gozo option focuses on the island’s coastal side, with stops for swimming and snorkeling. Some of these places can only be reached by boat, which gives this part of the charter a different feel from a standard road tour of Gozo.

The route is not presented as a full land excursion. You should not expect time for villages, churches, museums, or inland sights. Instead, you get a water-level look at Gozo, with the boat moving between coves and stopping where conditions are suitable.

The listed Gozo portion is two hours. That is a useful length for a short private outing, particularly if you want to combine it with Comino. A longer cruise gives you more room for both islands, while a shorter booking may work better for a dedicated swim or a sunset ride.

The crew can also help with a meal stop at a Gozo restaurant, based on the route and timing. Since lunch is not included, this can be a helpful suggestion if you want to turn the charter into a longer day. Confirm the plan before departure rather than assuming a restaurant reservation is part of the package.

A Gozo cruise suits you if you care more about coves and open water than ticking off famous land sights. It is also a good choice for repeat visitors to Malta who have already toured Gozo by road and want to see a different side of the island.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the included water gear

The equipment makes this more than a sightseeing boat ride. Masks and snorkels are included, along with swimming aids, a kayak, SUP, and paddle board. You can choose a quiet swim, try a board, or paddle near the boat when conditions allow.

The boat has a bathing platform, which makes getting in and out of the water easier than climbing over a high side. A freshwater shower is available afterward, a small but valuable feature when you have salt on your skin and several hours still ahead.

Large coolers with ice flakes and ice cubes are complimentary. Bottled water is included as well. You can bring your own drinks and food, which keeps the day flexible and helps control the total cost of a private charter.

You will want to pack swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and any meal you need. Lunch is not included, and there is no reason to expect the crew to provide a full onboard meal. The boat has storage and cooling facilities, but you should still ask how much food and drink your group should bring.

What the MV INGE III is like onboard

The boat’s design is part of the appeal. The mahogany interior gives it a traditional, almost nautical-club atmosphere, while the teak deck provides an attractive place to sit and take photographs. It is a better fit for a group that wants comfort and character rather than a fast, stripped-down ride.

You get a shaded area for relief from the sun and a sundeck for open-air views. Those two spaces matter in Malta, where a long stretch of direct sun can wear you down even when the sea looks inviting.

Two restrooms are onboard, along with freshwater facilities. That is especially useful for families, mixed-age groups, and anyone planning more than a quick swim. Music is available through Bluetooth, AUX, and USB connections, so your group can set the mood without relying only on the crew’s choices.

The boat is licensed and fully insured. Skipper and crew are included, as are fuel costs. That gives you a clearer idea of the final price, since you are not adding a fuel surcharge or separate captain fee after booking.

Timing, departure points, and sunset options

Morning and afternoon cruises normally start at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m., while sunset cruises run from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. The opening hours shown for the experience are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday, during the stated operating period.

A morning departure is the best choice if you want more daylight for swimming and snorkeling. It also gives you a better chance to build a route around several stops. An afternoon trip can work well for a slower outing, particularly if you prefer a swim followed by coastal views and a later meal.

The sunset cruise has a different purpose. It runs for up to four hours and is suited to a special occasion, private party, or relaxed evening on the water. You should not book it expecting the same amount of swimming time as a morning cruise. The light and atmosphere become the main attraction.

The departure point matters. Cirkewwa is in Malta, while Mgarr Harbour is on Gozo. Arrange your day around the correct harbor, and allow enough time to reach it. The experience ends back at the same meeting point.

One practical strength is flexibility. The crew has adjusted timing when cruise ship docking times changed and the available day became shorter. That does not guarantee every last-minute change can be accommodated, but it suggests you should contact the operator promptly if your schedule shifts.

Is $1,137.10 good value for your group?

The price is charged per group, up to 15 people, not per seat. That makes the arithmetic important. For a full group of 15, the cost works out to about $76 per person. For six people, it is about $190 per person, before any food or drinks you bring.

That is a reasonable structure for a family reunion, birthday, wedding-related outing, or group of friends who want privacy. It is less attractive for a couple or small party, since you are paying for the whole boat rather than buying individual places.

Fuel, skipper, crew, water, ice, and water equipment are included. You also get restrooms, a freshwater shower, shaded space, and a bathing platform. Those inclusions reduce the number of extra costs and make the price easier to judge against a basic boat trip.

Lunch remains your responsibility. Bringing your own food is allowed, and that may be the best value approach. You can pack exactly what your group likes instead of paying for an unspecified meal or being tied to a fixed menu.

The strongest value comes from control. You choose a private outing, can request Comino, Gozo, or both, and can focus on swimming, sightseeing, or a sunset setting. If you only want a short transfer to the Blue Lagoon, this is more boat than you need.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

I would choose this for a group that values time together and wants a flexible day on the water. Families can use the shaded area, restrooms, swimming aids, and stable platform. Friends can bring food, connect music, and make the outing as active or easygoing as they like.

It also suits people who dislike fixed group tours. You are not sharing the boat with strangers, and the skipper can suggest different bays when conditions or crowds make one stop less appealing.

Snorkelers have plenty to work with, thanks to the included gear and the range of coves around Comino and Gozo. The cruise also suits photographers, with sea caves, Elephant Rock, St Mary Tower, and the old-style boat itself providing plenty to frame.

This is not the best match if you want a land-based tour of Gozo, a guaranteed quiet Blue Lagoon, or a meal included in the price. The advertised duration also varies from about two to four hours, so confirm the exact route and length you want.

Booking details and cancellation terms

A mobile ticket is provided. Confirmation is normally sent at booking, but reservations made within one day of departure are confirmed as soon as possible and depend on availability.

Service animals are allowed, and the departure points are near public transportation. Most people can participate, but you should ask the operator about any specific mobility or medical concern before booking.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and cancellations inside that period are not refunded. The cruise depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the MV INGE III charter?

Book it if you have a medium or large group and want private time around Comino and Gozo, with swimming gear, coolers, a shaded deck, and a skipper who can adjust the route. Joseph has received especially strong praise for choosing appealing swim stops, giving useful Gozo suggestions, and keeping the boat clean and well managed.

Before paying, confirm your preferred departure harbor, exact duration, group capacity, and whether you want Comino, Gozo, or both. Bring lunch and drinks, and consider an early start if the Blue Lagoon is central to your plans.

For a couple or very small party, the group price may be hard to justify. For 10 to 15 people, the numbers improve quickly, and this becomes a comfortable way to see several Maltese swimming spots without giving up control of your day.

FAQ

Where does the private boat charter depart from?

You can depart from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the charter last?

The experience lasts approximately 2 to 4 hours. Morning and afternoon cruises normally start at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. Sunset cruises run from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Is the boat private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

How many people can join?

The listed price is for a group of up to 15 people. The boat information also gives a practical operating capacity of about 20 to 25 people and states that the vessel is licensed and insured for up to 35 people. Confirm the appropriate limit for your booking.

Are snorkeling and paddle equipment included?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, swimming aids, a kayak, SUP, and paddle board are included.

Is food included?

No. Lunch is not included. You may bring your own food, snacks, and drinks onboard.

Can the charter visit both Comino and Gozo?

Yes, the route can include Comino and Gozo. Comino stops may include the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, St Mary Bay, and St Nicholas Bay, while Gozo offers swimming and snorkeling locations reached by boat.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.