Comino and Gozo, without the fixed ferry schedule. This 7-hour private charter from Sliema lets your English-speaking skipper build the day around Blue Lagoon swims and cave time, so the route fits your group.

I also like the boat comfort for a full day on the water, with a fridge, toilet facilities, shade canopy, and room to lounge. Plus, snorkeling gear and Comino cave access mean you can jump right into the clear-water stuff without hunting for extras.

One catch: there is no bar on board. If you want drinks, you will need to bring your own, along with any food you plan to snack on.

Key things I’d plan around

• Flexible itinerary with your skipper so you can spend more time where you actually want it
• Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon for those famous, bright-water swim moments
• Comino caves by powerboat, with cave entry included
• Gozo variety stops, including St Nicholas Bay, Hondoq ir-Rummien, and Mgarr Port
• Boat comfort for 7 hours, with a toilet, fridge, canopy shade, and sunbathing area
• Music via Bluetooth so your group sets the vibe

A private Comino and Gozo day that actually follows your mood

If you like the idea of Comino and Gozo but hate rigid timetables, this format makes sense. You start in Sliema, step aboard a private boat, and your skipper shapes the day based on what your group wants most. That flexibility is the big value play here.

This trip also has a nice mix of “see it” and “do it.” You get guided navigation to major spots around Comino and Gozo, and you also get snorkeling gear and cave time so you are not just staring out at sea. It’s a full water day, not a quick in-and-out photo run.

The boat is set up for staying out longer, too, with a fridge on board for cold drinks and basics, plus a toilet and a shaded canopy when the sun gets loud. For a 7-hour outing, that matters.

From Sliema to your first swim stop: making the day feel easy

The experience starts at Sliema Ferries 4, and you return there at the end. That simplicity is underrated. You do not have to figure out complicated island transfers while everyone is already excited and hungry.

A typical day will be paced around swimming, cave exploration, and cruising time. Your skipper takes you to standout areas around Comino and Gozo, and the schedule is flexible. Translation: if you want extra time at one anchorage or you want to swap priorities, you can talk it through with the captain while you are on the water.

For first-time Malta travelers, Comino can feel like the place you already picture from posters. For swimmers, it is also the place you can actually live in for a few hours. The private setup gives you time to do it at a pace that does not feel rushed.

Crystal Lagoon and the Comino water color: what you are really paying for

The highlight on the Comino side is the Crystal Lagoon area, paired with other famous water stops like the Blue Lagoon. These are not just scenic stops. They are swim-worthy zones with that bright, clear-water look that makes snorkeling and floating feel different from open ocean.

Why this is valuable: snorkeling gear is included, and the captain is already steering you to places where swimming will make sense. That saves you the hassle of trying to coordinate gear, permissions, and the best-time navigation on your own.

Practical note: bring your own towels and basic swim essentials. The tour includes snorkeling gear and cave entry, but it does not include food or drinks, and it does not list extras like towel service.

Also, plan for sun. You have a canopy for shade and a sunbathing area, but you will still want sunscreen and a hat. This is a Mediterranean sea day, and you will feel it.

Comino caves from powerboats: cave entry plus real views

One of the most “Malta-specific” parts is the Comino caves experience. You get cave entry included, and you approach the caves using powerboats, which helps you keep things moving without losing the feeling of being in and around the rock formations.

What makes this worthwhile is the combination of motion and access. You are not stuck waiting at a single viewpoint. Instead, you get to cruise and work in cave time as part of the same day that includes lagoon swims.

A quick reality check: cave exploration can be more time sensitive than swimming. If your group includes people who want to jump in the water immediately, you should tell your skipper your preferred balance early. The itinerary is flexible, so you can nudge it toward what your group enjoys most.

If your group is into photography, you will also find that the caves and surrounding coastline photograph well from the water angle. It is one of those moments where being on the boat is the point.

Blue Lagoon in context: why you might want more than one stop

The itinerary includes both Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and that is a clue about how this day is meant to feel. Rather than treating one place as the whole trip, it builds in multiple water moments around Comino.

Why that matters: water conditions can change, and sometimes one anchorage just feels better at a certain time of day. A private charter lets you respond to what you see, rather than forcing everyone to follow a fixed plan.

You can also think of it like this. Blue Lagoon is the name most people already know. Crystal Lagoon is what you get when you keep exploring the Comino coastline and take advantage of the clearer, bright-water swimming areas. Together, they turn a “one beach day” idea into a more varied sea day.

Gozo highlights: St Nicholas Bay, Hondoq ir-Rummien, and Mgarr Port

Gozo is where the day gets scenic and varied. Your skipper may take you to St Nicholas Bay and Hondoq ir-Rummien, then over to Mgarr Port.

These stops matter because they add coastline variety. Malta can feel like one long string of viewpoints, but on Gozo the coast shape changes, and the bays give you different angles and different swimming vibes. Even if you only spend short time at each area, the day feels like you are moving through distinct pockets of coastline.

Mgarr Port is especially useful for food planning. The trip includes the option to stop for dinner in Mgarr Harbor in Gozo. That is not the same as “food is included,” but it gives you a practical fallback if you do not want to lug a full picnic plan the whole day.

If you are bringing your own food, you can still use Mgarr Port as a convenient break point. You might also choose to skip dinner if you would rather keep your time focused on sea time.

Boat setup that matters: toilet, shade, Bluetooth, and a fridge

This is a private charter, so the boat matters. You get:

• a fridge on board
• toilet facilities
• a canopy for shade
• a sunbathing area
• Bluetooth music connection

That last part, Bluetooth, is a surprisingly good detail for group trips. Instead of trying to listen through phone speakers, you can actually set a soundtrack that matches the mood. It makes the cruising feel more like your own day on the water.

The shade canopy is also a big deal in Malta. You will use it more than you think. Even if you love sun, you will want breaks for sunscreen reapplication and the post-swim moment when everyone is cooling off.

And the toilet facilities help the day feel civilized. A 7-hour outing is long enough that you do not want to be thinking about bathroom logistics every time you start to enjoy the water.

Skipper style is part of the experience too. People have described skippers such as Marc as patient, and Tony as friendly and accommodating, especially with groups. That kind of calm presence makes it easier for you to steer the day your way.

Group size and how to make it feel private

The charter price is listed per group, up to 16 people. That is important for value. If you are traveling with friends or family, splitting the cost can make this far more attractive than you would expect compared to individual tickets.

But “private” also means you should think about group dynamics. For big groups, it helps if you agree early on the day’s priority order: swimming first, caves first, or Gozo sightseeing first. Your skipper can work around you, but it is easier when your group knows what it wants.

Also, consider how you want to spend time at each stop. Some groups love short cycles: swim, climb back aboard, move on. Other groups want longer hangs in the water. Because the itinerary is flexible, you can pick what feels right for your crew.

Price and value: is $965 per group good or just pricey

At $965 per group up to 16, you are paying for access to a private boat, a skipper, fuel, included snorkeling gear, and cave entry. You are also paying for the ability to customize the route and spend time where you want it.

Is it “worth it”? Usually, yes, if you can fill the group capacity. If you have only a couple of people, it can feel expensive because the cost is not per person. If you have a solid group, the value starts to make sense fast because everyone benefits from the boat setup.

Here is the practical way I think about it: you are not just buying transportation. You are buying a full-day package that includes fuel and key activities, and it removes the heavy lifting from you. The biggest things you still manage are the fun essentials: snacks, drinks, and sun protection.

Food, drinks, and the one decision that changes your comfort

There is no bar on board. That means if you want cold drinks, snacks, or anything more than water, you need to bring it yourself. This is one of those details that can make or break the comfort level of a long day.

You have a few easy approaches:

• Pack a simple picnic, including drinks, and keep it chilled with the fridge
• Bring snacks for between swims so nobody gets cranky on schedule
• If you want a more “Malta dinner” moment, plan for the stop in Mgarr Harbor in Gozo

Because food and drinks are not included, you should budget time for this decision before you arrive. It is usually better to underbuy slightly and then enjoy extra snacks later, rather than arrive with too little and spend the day wishing you had packed more.

Also remember, you will be in and out of the water. Choose foods that travel well and do not require complicated prep.

Timing tips for a 7-hour charter from Sliema

The duration is listed as 7 hours, and starting times can vary based on availability. That means your best move is to pick a time that fits your group’s energy.

If you are planning to snorkel and do cave time, you want enough daylight to enjoy both. Late starts might compress the day and make it harder to fit everything at a relaxed pace. Early starts can feel like you have more time for the “in-water” part of the day, not just cruising.

The good news is you are not trapped with one rigid plan. Talk to your skipper early about how much time you want for Comino caves versus lagoon swimming. The itinerary is flexible, so you can adjust as you go.

Should you book this private Comino and Gozo boat charter?

I think you should book if your group wants a true private sea day with real swimming time, Comino caves, and a chance to see key coastline spots in Gozo. It is especially good value when you can fill the group size and you want flexibility from a captain who can shape the day around you.

You should think twice if your group does not want the planning side of bringing food and drinks, because there is no bar on board. If you hate packing snacks, you may spend the day more focused on what you did not bring than on the water.

If you are the type who likes sun, snorkeling, and the freedom to decide where the time goes, this one fits well. Just pack well, communicate priorities with your skipper, and enjoy the fact that the day is built around your pace, not someone else’s schedule.

FAQ

Where do we meet the boat?

You board at Sliema Ferries 4, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the charter?

The duration is 7 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is this a private group?

Yes. It is a private group charter with up to 16 people.

What is included in the price?

Included: full-day private boat charter, skipper, fuel, snorkeling gear, and cave entry.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. There is no bar on board, so you should bring your own, or you can stop for dinner in Mgarr Harbor in Gozo.

Which stops are included in the experience?

Your skipper may take you to Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon on Comino, plus St Nicholas Bay and Hondoq ir-Rummien in Gozo, and Mgarr Port in Gozo.

What snorkeling and cave options do we get?

Snorkeling gear is provided, and cave entry is included. You also explore Comino caves from the powerboats.

What facilities are on the boat?

The boat includes toilet facilities, a fridge, a canopy for shade, and a sunbathing area. You can also connect your own music via Bluetooth.