Tour in Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozoand Blue Lagoon

The best part of this Malta boat charter is its freedom to move beyond the crowded Blue Lagoon. You can swim in Crystal Lagoon, enter sea caves, snorkel over Cominotto Reef, and pause at coves around Comino and Gozo, all with only your own group aboard. I especially like the private format and the chance to tailor the route to your swimming interests.

I also like the practical touches: masks and snorkels are supplied, and the boat has an ice box or refrigerator for your drinks and food. The main drawback is that the boats are working powerboats rather than luxury yachts, and one mixed review found the boat smaller and less comfortable than expected. Confirm the boat type and extra charges before you pay.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours, eight people maximum: The price is $349.51 per group, not per person, so it can be good value for a full family or friend group.
• Blue Lagoon is only part of the route: The skipper can take you to Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Cominotto, Gozo, and sea caves.
• Private means flexible: You can ask for more swimming, more caves, a slower cruise, or a different drop-off point.
• Snorkeling gear is provided: Bring a towel, sunscreen, food, and drinks, then use the onboard cooler.
• Expect a powerboat, not a sailing yacht: The boat can reach shallow coves and caves, but comfort and size may vary.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the trip, with a new date or full refund offered.

Why a private boat works so well around Comino

Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not quiet. The narrow strip of water between Comino and Cominotto draws boats, swimmers, day visitors, and photographers. From land, you are tied to the busiest beach areas. On a private boat, you can anchor in the clearest section of the lagoon, swim straight from the boat, and leave when the crowds or conditions stop being pleasant.

That is the real value here. You are not simply paying to reach one famous patch of water. You are paying for a skipper who can string several good spots together in a short time.

The price is $349.51 for up to eight people, which works out well for a full group. For two people, it is a much more expensive outing than a shared boat. For a family of six or eight, it becomes a practical way to get a private half-day on the water without paying a full-day charter rate.

The published details also list €79 for fuel, and a €79 Blue Lagoon booking fee appears separately in the stop information. Since the wording is not perfectly clear, ask the operator to confirm the total price, fuel cost, and any lagoon charge before departure. That small bit of planning can prevent an unpleasant surprise.

Blue Lagoon swimming between Comino and Cominotto

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and it earns its fame. White sand, pale rock, and clear blue water create the classic Malta scene. The water can look almost like a swimming pool from the boat, especially on a calm day.

You may spend around 30 minutes here, usually swimming and snorkeling rather than walking the beach. That matters because the boat gives you access to the water, but not necessarily a long beach visit. If you want to sit on the sand, tell the skipper early and confirm how much time the group can spare.

The private boat can anchor in a particularly clear part of the lagoon instead of simply dropping you at the busiest landing point. That makes swimming more pleasant and gives you better photos, though the lagoon is still a popular place. Do not expect solitude in high season.

The water is the star, so pack a towel, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. The Maltese sun can feel strong even during a short outing. The onboard cooler is useful for drinks and snacks, but you should bring your own supplies.

Crystal Lagoon and Cominotto’s caves

Crystal Lagoon is the most adventurous part of the trip. Its turquoise water is ringed by rock and sea caves, including openings that the boat can enter. Some caves contain small sandy areas, and the skipper can point out the places used in films such as Popeye, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Troy.

The boat’s size is important here. A large vessel may offer more room, but it cannot reach every shallow inlet. The operators use powerboats suited to the caves and reefs, and one skipper explained that a sailboat would be too slow and too restricted for this route. That gives you more access, but it also means you should not picture a broad, luxurious vessel.

A short snorkeling stop is normally planned at Crystal Lagoon, depending on the season and what your group wants. Masks and snorkels are included. The clear water and marine life make this one of the better places to spend your swimming time, but the exact visibility and sea conditions will vary.

Cominotto Beach adds another appealing stop. It is accessible by private boat and is linked to a swim-through cave of roughly 50 meters to the other side of the island. Do not treat this as a guaranteed swim. The skipper will need to judge the current, sea state, and safety on the day.

Santa Marija Bay for a quieter pause

Santa Marija Bay is a useful contrast to the Blue Lagoon. The horseshoe-shaped beach is backed by tamarisk trees and has a calmer, more family-friendly feel. Nearby Little Santa Marija has a healthy seabed and fish, including parrotfish, making it a good place to ask about snorkeling.

The stop is listed at about 10 minutes, so think of it as a quick look, swim, or photo pause rather than a long beach afternoon. The area also has Comino’s small police station and a medieval chapel a short walk inland. If you want to see the chapel, ask whether the timing allows it, since most of this experience is spent on the water.

Santa Marija Caves are close by. The boat can cruise along the coast and explore the coves, giving you a feel for Comino that a simple Blue Lagoon transfer cannot provide. I like this combination of a beach, a little local history, and a cave stop, even if the short schedule means you cannot linger everywhere.

Cominotto Reef and the north coast

The cruise near Cominotto Reef is brief, but it adds interest for anyone who likes marine life. The reef is marked by a cardinal navigation buoy and is known for groupers and octopus. You may not see either one, but the area gives the skipper a chance to explain the sea conditions and underwater terrain.

The north coast also brings natural rock formations and more sea caves. These short cruising sections help connect the main swimming stops. They are not attractions where you get off the boat, so set your expectations accordingly. This is a sightseeing and swimming charter, not a guided walking tour.

Gozo’s south coast, Hondoq Bay, and Qala

The route can cross to Gozo, adding a second island without requiring you to arrange a separate ferry trip. At Hondoq Bay, you will see turquoise water and the entrance to Bemberin Gorge, a boat-access inlet with caves and air pockets.

The gorge has several spots suitable for cliff jumping, but treat that as an opportunity, not a promise or requirement. You should only jump if the skipper confirms the conditions and you are confident in your ability. People in your group who prefer not to jump can enjoy the view, swim, or remain on the boat.

Qala brings more coastal scenery, with caves, pebbly beaches, and a fortification toward Gozo’s eastern end. This section is short, about five minutes at the listed stop, so it is mainly a coastal cruise. The point is to show you more of Gozo from the water, not to provide time for a town visit.

Mġarr Harbour is a pleasant sight from the boat. Fishing boats, yachts, and working jetties give the harbor a human scale, while Fort Chambray and a small Gothic chapel rise above the water. If you are finishing in Gozo, this is also a logical place to be dropped off, provided you arrange it in advance.

Gozo’s cliffs, salt pans, and Ħalfa Rock

The longer Gozo section follows the south coast and includes Ħalfa Rock, a small island with steep sides and a sheltered bay on the Gozo side. The little beach is reachable only by boat and is known for octopus and sargo bream.

You may also see salt pans worked in the same traditional way for generations. From the water, the view gives you a different sense of Gozo than a road tour does. It is less about checking off a landmark and more about seeing the island’s edges, small inlets, and working coast.

This part of the route can be especially rewarding if you have already seen the Blue Lagoon on another trip. It offers more variety and a quieter sense of place. If your group mainly wants to swim, tell the skipper that before setting off so the time is used for water stops rather than extended cruising.

Paradise Bay and Saint Mary’s Tower

The itinerary also lists Paradise Bay, a small sandy beach in northern Malta near one of the starting areas. It is favored when winds come from the south and is also used by divers. The exact time here is not specified, so think of it as a possible coastal sight rather than a guaranteed extended stop.

Saint Mary’s Tower is easier to spot from the boat. Built in the 17th century, it formed part of a chain of defensive towers used to watch for invasion, pirates, and smugglers. The tower also represented the Château d’If in the 2002 film The Count of Monte Cristo.

These details are where a good skipper adds real value. Guides such as Justin, Noel, Mario, Jo, and others have been praised for explaining Malta and Gozo’s past while steering through the coves. Your assigned skipper may differ, but you can reasonably expect the tour to include local stories as well as scenery.

What the skippers and boats are like

The strongest part of this experience is the skipper service. Justin has been singled out for making families feel welcome, including teenagers and children. Noel has been praised for adjusting the ride to a family’s needs, even arranging an ice cream boat stop for children. Mario is associated with a slower, easygoing cruise, while Jo has been praised for giving useful island history without wasting the short schedule.

That range is worth noting. This is not a rigid sightseeing circuit. The skipper may ask what you want to see, how much swimming you prefer, and how comfortable your group is with rougher water. Some captains cruise slowly for children, while others make better use of the boat’s speed to reach more coves.

The boats are comfortable enough for the purpose, but do not assume luxury. One family found its boat smaller than expected, though the skipper still visited all the promised sites and took extra care with the children. Another complaint described the boat as less stable and comfortable than hoped. The powerboat design is useful for caves and shallow water, but it can feel more functional than plush.

If you are booking for eight adults, ask about seating and deck space. A boat that feels roomy for four may feel tight at full capacity. This is one of the most important questions to ask before confirming.

Pickup, drop-off, and the three-hour limit

Pickup is available at Cirkewwa Port in Malta or Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The trip ends back at the meeting point unless you arrange another drop-off in advance. The operator can also drop you on Malta or Gozo, which can save time if your wider itinerary is moving between the islands.

A three-hour tour goes quickly. The advertised route contains many stops, but several are only five or 10 minutes. You will see more places than you could reach independently, yet you will not have time for a long beach stay, a substantial meal, or a full visit to Gozo.

For cruise passengers docking in Valletta, the boat meeting point requires crossing Malta. One family arranged a taxi ahead of time at a fixed price and found the transfer punctual. Build in plenty of travel time, and do not assume the boat departure point is close to your cruise berth.

The activity is offered in English and Italian. Confirmation arrives at booking, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but the operator requires good weather. A cancellation caused by poor conditions brings either another date or a full refund.

Is this private Malta charter good value?

I think the value depends almost entirely on group size and priorities. For six to eight people who want swimming, caves, and a flexible route, $349.51 for the group is appealing, even before considering the time saved by avoiding several separate transfers.

For a couple, the same price is harder to justify unless privacy matters a great deal. A shared boat may cost less, but it will not offer the same control over swimming time, food stops, or the choice between Comino and Gozo.

The free snorkeling equipment and onboard cooler help. Bring your own food and drinks, as the setup suits a simple picnic on board. You should also bring towels and sunscreen, since these are not listed as included.

The extra €79 fuel charge needs clarification, as does the separate Blue Lagoon fee shown in the tour details. Ask for a written total. Once those costs are clear, compare the final amount with the size of your group and the convenience of a private boat.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, groups of friends, and cruise passengers who want a private half-day outdoors. Children have been welcomed on board, including a four-month-old baby, and skippers have adjusted speed and stops for young families.

It also suits swimmers and snorkelers who care more about clear water and caves than about spending hours on land. The private format is useful for a group with mixed interests. Some people can swim, others can photograph the coast, and the skipper can adjust the pace.

I would be more cautious if you want a luxury yacht, a long beach stay, or a detailed walking tour of Gozo. I would also ask extra questions if anyone in your group is prone to seasickness or needs a lot of space. The boat is built for access and efficiency, not for a long, plush cruise.

My verdict on the Comino and Gozo charter

Book this tour if you want to turn three hours into a fast, varied look at Malta’s best water. The Blue Lagoon is worth seeing, but the Crystal Lagoon caves, Santa Marija, Cominotto Reef, Hondoq Bay, and Gozo’s coast are what make the private charter more than a standard lagoon stop.

Before booking, confirm the exact boat, total cost including fuel, meeting point, and preferred drop-off. If those details suit your group, the private format offers strong value and far more freedom than a shared excursion. I would choose it for a family or group of friends who want swimming, caves, local stories, and a skipper willing to shape the outing around them.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The experience lasts approximately three hours. Several stops are brief, so the tour is designed to cover many coastal sights, caves, and swimming areas rather than provide long stays at each beach.

How many people can join the private charter?

The listed price covers a private group of up to eight people. Only your group participates in the activity.

Where can I meet the boat?

Pickup is available at Cirkewwa Port in Malta or Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. You can also ask about a different drop-off on Malta or Gozo, but you need to arrange this in advance.

Are snorkeling equipment and refreshments included?

A mask and snorkel are included, along with an ice box containing ice or a refrigerator. Food and drinks are not listed as included, so bring your own supplies if you want a picnic on board.

Is fuel included in the price?

Fuel is listed separately at €79. The tour details also show a €79 Blue Lagoon booking fee, so confirm the full cost and what each charge covers before booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.