Small-boat access makes Malta feel personal. This full-day charter is all about hopping between Malta’s most famous water spots, with time built in for swimming, snorkeling, and just staring at the views.

I love the private group setup, and I love the Crystal Lagoon swim window, because the water is clear and calm enough to actually enjoy. The one thing to think about is weather: this day is designed for good conditions, and if conditions get rough the route may change for safety.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private charter, not a big-boat day: only your group is on board.
• Multiple Comino and Gozo bays: short hops mean you see a lot without long ferry-style downtime.
• Water gear included: snorkeling equipment and a SUP board are on board.
• Onboard comfort counts: there’s a toilet and shower, plus an ice box for food and drinks.
• Bring your swim stuff: swimwear, towels, and sun cream are not included.

Small Groups, Fast Access: The Value of a Private Charter

This charter makes the biggest difference early: instead of sharing a boat with a crowd, you get a private ride for your group. That matters when you’re trying to find the best angles for swimming and snorkeling, or when you want the freedom to linger at a bay instead of being herded along like a schedule on wheels.

The day runs for about 7 hours, but it doesn’t feel like one long transit day. You’re continually moving between bays around Comino and Gozo, so the trip stays lively and your “best water” time is spread across several stops rather than being locked into just one.

And yes, the price can look high at first glance. But at $744.95 per group for up to 15 people, the math works best when you’re traveling with friends or family. You’re essentially paying for a private boat experience with included fuel, port fees, and safety equipment, which are costs that add up fast on smaller islands.

Price and Value: What $744.95 Means for Up to 15

The headline number is $744.95 per group, with capacity for your group up to 15. The boat’s capacity is 22 passengers, so even if your group is smaller than 15, you still get that calmer private feel and a less crowded deck.

Value comes from what’s already bundled in. This tour includes fuel and all port fees, which are easy to overlook when you compare charter prices. You also get practical extras like a Bluetooth sound system, USB charging, a sun-protected area, and onboard toilet and shower facilities.

If you’re comparing this to “big boat” tours, the main difference is control. With a private boat, you’re not waiting in a line of swimmers, and you’re not competing with dozens of people for a good spot in the shallows. For me, that’s the real reason this kind of trip can feel worth it, even when the per-person cost looks steep on paper.

Onboard Comfort and Included Gear That Saves You Packing

On a day focused on water, you’ll appreciate the basics being handled for you. Life jackets and safety equipment are included, and there are toilet and shower facilities onboard, which is genuinely useful when you’re bouncing between bays and you don’t want to end the day feeling sticky.

Food and drink is another quiet win. There’s an ice box onboard with ice, so you can keep items chilled during the day. The charter also has a Bluetooth sound system and USB charging point, which is handy if you want to keep your own music going without bringing extra gadgets.

Gear is included too. You get snorkeling equipment and a stand up paddle board (SUP). That means you don’t have to rent gear separately or scramble to bring it. If you’re the type who likes to snorkel but doesn’t want the hassle of planning gear rental, this package style makes the day smoother.

What you should bring is your comfort setup. Swimwear, towels, and sun cream are not included, so plan on packing those. Also, while food isn’t listed as included, the setup allows you to bring your preferred food.

Your 7-Hour Route: How the Comino and Gozo Stops Fit Together

This itinerary is structured around short, high-value water moments. Most stops are around 30 to 60 minutes, which is perfect for a swim session, a quick snorkel, and photos without feeling stuck on a mooring for hours.

There are two “systems” to how the day works. First, you start at Cirkewwa and work your way into Comino for the clearest water highlights. Then you shift to Gozo for bay hopping that feels a bit more varied in scenery and shoreline.

Also keep in mind the practical reality: you’re on the water for the whole day. Even with stops that are timed well, you will spend time traveling between locations. So if you’re prone to motion sickness, plan accordingly before you go.

And because this is weather-dependent, the provider notes the itinerary can be adapted if conditions are not fit. You’ll get details of any changes before the tour starts, which is the right approach when seas are choppy.

Cirkewwa to Crystal Lagoon: Your First Real Swim Time

You start with a stop at Cirkewwa, around 20 minutes. This is essentially your launch sequence, the point where the harbor disappears behind you and the day starts to feel like a true boat outing rather than a land-based tour.

Then comes Crystal Lagoon, your first major water stop at about 50 minutes. Crystal Lagoon is known for clear turquoise water and picturesque surroundings, and you’re given time to swim and snorkel. The itinerary also mentions exploring caves in the area and cliff diving, which you can treat as optional depending on your comfort level and what you actually want to do that day.

My practical take: don’t try to do everything in one stop. Use the time for the thing you care about most. If you want calmer snorkeling, spend more time in the shallow swim areas first, then decide if you want to try any more adventurous options later.

You’ll also want to remember that water time adds up fast. A 50-minute stop sounds like plenty until you’re in the water, rinsing off with the onboard shower, and taking photos. Go in with a small plan, even if it’s just swim first, then snorkel, then a quick look around.

Comino and Blue Lagoon: One Hour of Clear Water Time

After Crystal Lagoon, you get a Comino stop for about 30 minutes. This portion is built around coastal views, caves, and the blue-water scenery that pulls people here in the first place. It’s a good stretch to take in the coastline without forcing a full schedule of activities.

Then comes Blue Lagoon at about 1 hour, one of the biggest anchors of the whole day. It’s between Comino and Cominotto, and the point here is simple: crystal-clear waters that are ideal for swimming and relaxing. The day’s description also points to marine life below the surface, so if you’re even a little interested in snorkeling, this is the time to make it happen.

This is where I think the private boat style shines. Blue Lagoon is popular, and when you’re on a private charter you can often settle into the water without the constant pressure of a large group schedule. You’re more likely to have a “float, snorkel, float again” rhythm, which is what most people actually want from a day like this.

One more tip: treat the hour as an energy investment. If you spend the entire Crystal Lagoon time in the water already, you might feel drained by the Blue Lagoon stop. If you’re pacing yourself, the Blue Lagoon hour can feel like a peak moment rather than just another swim.

Gozo Bays in a Row: Hondoq Bay, San Blas, and Ramla

Once you’re in Gozo, the scenery gets a slightly different vibe, more village-side feel and more beach variety. Hondoq Bay is first, about 45 minutes. It’s described as near Qala in Gozo, and the route highlights Halfa Rock nearby. Even if you don’t plan an overcomplicated shore exploration, the setting makes for great photo stops and relaxing water time.

Next is San Blas Bay for about 1 hour. The description calls it a serene escape, with golden red sand and crystal-clear waters, plus a peaceful atmosphere. In practice, this kind of bay stop is where you slow down. It’s a good place to do an easy swim, test snorkeling equipment, and just watch the water color shift as the wind changes.

Then you hit Ramla Bay at about 35 minutes. Ramla is described as the most famous red sandy beach in Gozo, and it’s also known for unique habitat and sand dunes. You might not have time for a long walk, but you can still enjoy the distinctive color and the dune look from the water and around the shoreline.

My advice here is to decide what you want to get from Gozo. If you want beaches and scenery more than extended swimming, you’ll feel happy with the timing. If you’re a “one more swim” person, prioritize one or two bays for longer water time so you don’t burn the whole day chasing every stop equally.

San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Caves, Plus Elephant Head Rock

Comino returns for San Niklaw Bay at about 1 hour. This stop is presented as an unspoiled paradise and a quieter escape from everyday life. If you like bays where you can spread out a bit and enjoy the water without a nonstop rush of activity, this timing can feel right.

After that, you get Santa Maria Caves for about 45 minutes. The caves are described as hidden treasure beneath Comino’s rugged cliffs, and the day’s route also includes seeing Elephant Head Rock on the way. Even if you’re not a hardcore photographer, cave-and-rock scenery tends to create instant “pause the phone, look with your eyes” moments.

How to make this stop work for you: plan for a mix of viewing and light activity. The caves are part of the draw, but you also want time to reposition, take photos, and use the water time when it’s easiest. The schedule is tight enough that you can’t treat it like a separate half-day hiking trip, but it’s long enough for a meaningful look.

If you love nature visuals and rock formations, this section is likely to be one of your favorite parts of the day, simply because it feels more like sightseeing by sea rather than only swimming.

Custom Changes, Sound System, and the Little Details You’ll Notice

This is a private charter, and the provider notes the route can be customized to your liking, if you prefer to visit other attractions along the route. That’s not just a sales line. When you’re dealing with favorites, different comfort levels with swimming, or a family that wants shorter or longer breaks, being able to shift priorities makes the day feel personal.

Onboard, the Bluetooth sound system and USB charging point are easy comforts that can make the day feel more like your space. If your group likes music, you can bring your vibe and keep it low-key enough to respect the calm of the bays.

The sun-protected area and bow sundeck also matter. On a day that’s largely water-based, you can still overheat if you stay in direct sun for too long. Having shaded seating or a protected zone gives you the option to rest without fully abandoning the view.

Finally, the ice box with ice plus onboard showers and toilet mean you’re not stuck making the day hard on yourself. You can focus on the water, rather than constantly managing logistics.

Who Should Book This Charter (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

I think this charter fits best if you want a private day on the water and you care about swimming and snorkeling time in multiple locations. It’s also ideal when your group wants variety, because you’re not locked into one single bay for the entire day.

If you’re traveling with a group of up to 15, the per-group pricing becomes much more realistic. It’s also a good fit for people who dislike crowd logistics and want to move between spots with less friction.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. If you’re planning this for kids, teens, or older adults, the included life jackets and onboard facilities are useful, but you’ll still want to consider comfort with boat time since the day is continuous on the water.

The main reason not to book is if you’re expecting long shore time at every destination. Stops are timed, and the day is designed for water moments, not extended walks. Also, if you’re flexible only with very predictable schedules, remember weather can trigger itinerary changes for safety.

Should You Book This Malta Blue Lagoon Private Charter?

If your dream day includes Comino and Gozo, clear-water swims, snorkeling gear, and a private setup for your group, I’d say this is a strong choice. The included fuel, port fees, safety equipment, and practical onboard comforts push it toward good value, especially when you’re splitting the group cost.

Book it if you want multiple highlights in one day and you like the idea of smaller-boat access to calmer water areas. It also makes sense if your group wants flexibility, since the route can be customized.

Skip or rethink if you need guaranteed weather-dependent performance, or if you want long beach stays and lots of on-land exploring. This day is built around the sea, and that’s the point.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The duration is listed as 7 hours (approx.).

How many people can be on the private boat?

It is a private tour for your group only. The group size is up to 15, and the boat capacity is 22 passengers.

What is included in the price?

Included items are life jackets and safety equipment, toilet and shower facilities onboard, an ice box with ice for food and drinks, Bluetooth sound system and USB charging point, sun protected area or bow sundeck, SUP and snorkeling equipment, and all port fees plus fuel.

What should I bring with me?

Swimwear, towels, and sun cream are not included. You can bring your preferred food.

Is the itinerary flexible if we want to change stops?

Yes, the private boat tour can be customized to your liking if you prefer to visit other attractions along your route.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid is not refunded.