Malta’s lagoons look best from the water. This private boat charter sends you from Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr (Gozo) out toward Comino, with stops near Popeye’s Cave and Monte Cristo, then swim time at both the Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. You stay in control of the pace, with a local captain steering you to the good angles of the coast.

I especially like two things here. First, the vibe is relaxed, not rushed, and you get to float, sunbathe, and pause for photos whenever you want. Second, the boat is set up for easy water time, with snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and a freshwater shower to rinse off after you swim.

One thing to plan for: there’s a 50 EUR fuel fee due in cash at the end of the tour. It is common for private charters, but it can surprise you if you only look at the upfront group price.

Key Highlights You Should Care About

• Private boat for up to 6 people, so you control the pace and avoid the cattle-car feeling.
• Two lagoon swims (Crystal Lagoon, then Blue Lagoon), not just a quick stop-and-go.
• Snorkel gear plus pool noodles, making it simple for both confident swimmers and first-timers.
• Bluetooth music and a cooler on board, so you can bring your own vibe (and drinks).
• Freshwater shower after the swim, which is a small thing that makes a big difference.

Cirkewwa or Mgarr: Getting on the Water Fast

This charter is built for the short window you have in the Comino area. In a single 2-hour slot, you cover the main “see it from the sea” hits without needing a full day commitment.

If you’re starting in Malta, you meet at the waterside behind the kiosk in the parking area near the Gozo passenger terminal, by Cirkewwa. If you’re starting in Gozo, you go to Mgarr and look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal. It is not hotel pickup, so you’ll want to arrive early enough to get oriented and calm your nerves.

Why I think this matters: Comino days can turn chaotic fast, especially if you’re trying to coordinate bus transfers, ferry lines, and crowd timing. Here, you focus on one task, get to the meeting point, then step aboard.

Inside the 22-Foot Charter Boat: Shade, Space, and Music

The boat is a comfortable 22-foot private charter designed for relaxing while you’re moving and while you’re stopped. You can hang out at the bow if you want open-air views, then switch to shaded seating near the stern when the sun decides to work overtime.

There’s a cushioned lounger, and the setup makes it easy to keep your stuff organized while you move between swim and boat time. You’ll also have a cooler on board for drinks, plus a freshwater shower once you’re done in the water.

A detail that earns real points: the charter has a Bluetooth speaker system. In real terms, it means you can play your own playlist instead of listening to whatever someone’s phone is blasting at max volume. Several guides were described as welcoming about music, which keeps the tone friendly and personal.

Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave: Captain-Driven Sight Stops

Before the lagoon swims, you head out for coastal highlights, including Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave. The exact order and timing can shift with the day, but the point stays the same: you’re not only arriving at Instagram water, you’re learning how the coastline fits together.

What you get from a local captain is the difference between seeing landmarks and actually understanding what you’re looking at. Reviews mention captains like Alfred and Jolene sharing Malta’s culture and history during the ride, while also keeping things easy, not like a lecture.

I also like that your stops tend to be about viewpoints and moments. You’re not trapped at one spot like a museum stop. Instead, you glide, look around, then move on to the swimming portion.

One practical note: if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring prevention. The water can be calm, but you’re still out on open sea, and that small prep can keep the whole day pleasant.

Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon: Two Swim Sessions, Not One

This is the heart of the trip, and it’s set up well. You stop at the Crystal Lagoon and then the Blue Lagoon, giving you time to swim and snorkel rather than squeezing everything into one chaotic halt.

You get snorkel masks included, plus pool noodles for extra float. That combination is great for mixed groups, because not everyone has to snorkel the whole time. Even if you just want to drift, look down, and watch fish pass by, the gear helps you do it comfortably.

Timing can matter for crowd levels, and a couple of reviews specifically called out that later starts like 4 pm can feel calmer in the lagoons. If you want that softer, quieter atmosphere, choose a departure time that avoids the busiest mid-day rush.

Water comfort is another consideration. One review noted that the water felt chilly, which is normal for this region depending on season. If you’re visiting when nights cool off or you’re sensitive to cold water, consider it part of the planning, not a surprise.

Drinks and Photos: The Small Things That Make It Feel Special

This is not a BYO-only situation. You’ll have a bottle of water and local wine on board for those 18+. You also get an ice cooler, so keeping drinks cool is actually built in, not an afterthought.

You can bring your own drinks too, and the cooler makes it easy to do that. Reviews also mention people getting extra treats like prosecco, which suggests the day can be as simple or as celebratory as you want.

The captain may also help with photos. Several reviews specifically said they took cute pictures while stopping near sights and during the lagoon time. That is a small kindness, because it means you’re not spending the entire trip waving your phone at someone else’s face.

And yes, the trip is private, which changes everything about photos. You can pick your moment, not wait in line, and you don’t have to negotiate for space with strangers every time you want a new angle.

Price and Value: $175 Per Group, Plus One Cash Fee

The listed price is $175 per group up to 6 for the 2-hour charter. That matters because you should think in group math, not per-person math.

If you book with a full group of 6, the effective cost drops a lot, and the experience starts to feel like a smart splurge rather than an outlier. If you only book as 2 people, the cost per person is higher, but you still get privacy, lounge space, snorkel access, and captain-led route choices.

One extra cost is clearly stated: a 50 EUR fuel fee due in cash at the end of the tour. That means the real total depends on your group and how you budget. If you’re planning with a tight food and transport budget, treat that 50 EUR like a must-pay line item.

Where the value gets real is in the structure. You’re paying for a boat, captain time, and the convenience of two lagoon swims with gear included, all in 2 hours. For many people, that is exactly the right length in Malta and Gozo, when you want to see the big highlights without losing the whole day to transit.

What to Bring (and What to Skip)

This is an easy charter if you pack smart.

Bring: a towel, sunscreen, and cash for the fuel fee. Also bring motion sickness prevention if you tend to get queasy on boats, because being uncomfortable turns a beautiful day into a miserable one.

You’ll want to keep an eye on what is allowed. Weapons or sharp objects are not allowed. Mobility scooters and non-folding wheelchairs are also not allowed, and the tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users. If anyone in your group needs accessibility support, plan a different kind of day.

Also, this isn’t a bring-your-bike kind of activity. Bikes and firework or explosive substances are not allowed. In other words, keep it simple: swim stuff, sun protection, and a relaxed mindset.

Who This Charter Is Best For in Gozo and Malta

This charter fits best when you want a personal Malta and Gozo day. It is ideal for couples who want time for the lagoons without competing for space. It also works well for families and friends because the boat is private and the pace can adjust to the group.

If you’re new to lagoon swimming or snorkeling, you’ll likely appreciate having both masks and pool noodles on board. You can try snorkeling without feeling locked in, and you can spend more time just floating and looking.

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves information during a ride, you’ll probably enjoy the captain commentary. Several guides, including Jolene, were praised for being warm, professional, and calm, especially for first-timers.

And if you love getting away from crowds, the private setup helps a lot. Reviews repeatedly mention quieter coves and time to swim without the rushing feeling of larger boats.

Should You Book This Blue and Crystal Lagoon Charter?

If you want the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon experience but with a calmer, more controlled day, I think this is a strong choice. The combo of snorkel gear, drinks, a comfortable 22-foot boat, and captain-led route decisions makes it feel efficient without feeling skimpy.

Book it if: you’re traveling with up to 6 people, you like privacy, and you care about having real swim time at both lagoons. This is also a good pick if you want to avoid wasting hours coordinating ferries and waiting around.

Consider skipping or comparing if: you’re on a very tight budget and don’t want the extra 50 EUR fuel fee due in cash. Also, if accessibility is a concern, this tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

Bottom line: for a 2-hour window, this is one of the more sensible ways to experience Comino’s famous water without turning your day into a logistics puzzle.