Few places beat Malta’s blue-water days. This private charter by SunReel turns Comino, Blue Lagoon, and Gozo into a flexible, captain-led day on the water, with a setup built for easy swimming and calm views. I especially like that you get personal attention from captains such as Adin and Mario, and you can run your own vibe with the onboard Bluetooth music. One thing to watch: the trip is not for people with mobility impairments, and fuel is paid to the captain.

You also have a real choice in how the day feels. You can tailor the stops and time in each place based on the weather, plus you’ll have snorkelling gear, floaties, and a bathing ladder ready. Just note that durations vary and not every route feels identical, so check availability for what length and timing you want.

Key things to know before you book

• Private, up to 8 people: You share the boat with your group, not a long lineup of strangers.
• Pickup from Cirkewwa or Mġarr Harbour: Choose Malta side or Gozo side for a smoother start.
• Crystal-clear swimming stops: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and multiple bays and caves come with snorkel gear.
• Music and comfort on board: Bluetooth stereo, USB charging, shaded area, and a freshwater shower.
• Captain flexibility: You can choose swim spots and how long you stay, then let the skipper adapt to sea conditions.
• Fuel not included: Everything else is handled, but you’ll want to factor fuel into the total cost.

Why a private boat day is worth it in Malta

Malta is great from shore. It is even better from water, where Comino’s coves and Gozo’s coastline look like they were designed for postcards. The big win here is the privacy: it is just you and the captain on board, so the day moves at your pace.

I like how this kind of charter keeps you out of the stress loop. Instead of rushing between crowded viewing points, you can plan your swims, photos, and lounging with real breathing room. And because the skipper has local know-how, the route can adapt if the sea is calmer in one direction than another.

The one downside is straightforward. This trip is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so you’ll want a different option if anyone in your group needs step-free access.

Getting on the water: Cirkewwa or Mġarr Harbour pickup

Your start depends on which option you pick. You can begin from Ċirkewwa (Malta) or Mġarr Harbour (Gozo), and your return drop-off can be at Cirkewwa Cafe or at the Fisheries Office.

I recommend choosing the pickup that matches your base. If you are staying in Malta, starting from Cirkewwa usually keeps the first part simple. If you are already on Gozo, starting from Mġarr Harbour saves you time and transport.

You also get a live tour guide in English, Maltese, and Italian. That matters if you want names, context, and practical tips about where to swim and what to watch for along the way. On top of that, there’s a note about express elevators to help you skip the line through elevators at the relevant stage.

Crystal Lagoon: the first hour that sets the tone

The itinerary begins with a main stop at Crystal Lagoon, with time for photos, cruising, sightseeing, and swimming and snorkelling. Expect about an hour here, though the exact flow can shift depending on your selected duration and how your captain manages the day.

This is the moment most people remember because the water looks impossibly clear once you are actually in it. If your goal is photos, you’ll get the chance to pull out your camera during photo stops. If your goal is water time, the boat setup is ready: snorkelling gear is included, and there are floaties and swimming noodles for easier entry.

One practical thought. If you want a calmer start, aim to hop in early during your window, before more boat traffic builds around the area.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: swim, snorkel, and keep it flexible

Next up is the Blue Lagoon area, also built into the schedule with about an hour. This is the classic Comino stop, and you’ll have time for sightseeing from the boat, swimming, and snorkelling.

What makes it work better on a private charter is the flexibility. You can choose which locations to visit and for how long, instead of getting locked into a fixed clock with everyone else. In past experiences, captains like Mario were praised for being friendly and fun, including letting people play their own music while you cruise.

A quick note on snorkeling comfort. Even if you are not an experienced swimmer, the inclusion of floaties, swimming noodles, and a bath ladder helps you get in and out without drama. You’ll still want to bring your own towel, sunscreen, and swimwear.

San Niklaw Bay: a calmer-feeling contrast

After Blue Lagoon comes San Niklaw Bay, again with time for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkelling, plus photo moments. This stop is listed for about an hour as well.

I like this part of the day because it often feels like a change of pace from the most famous names. You get more variety in shoreline and water texture, which is what makes a private route so satisfying. If you want a day that mixes iconic sights with quieter-water moments, this is one of the stops that helps you get it.

If the sea is a bit rough that day, this is where the captain’s judgement matters. The schedule is designed so the skipper can lean into the calmer spots and keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Santa Maria Caves: caves from the boat, swims when conditions match

Santa Maria Caves are next, with cruising, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkelling time. The caves add a different kind of scenery because you are looking at Malta from the waterline, where rock formations and hidden-looking pockets make the coastline feel more dramatic.

Here’s what I’d watch for. If you are sensitive to water movement, ask your captain what the conditions look like before you commit to snorkelling. The itinerary includes a mix of boat cruising and planned swim windows, so you can still enjoy the views even if you decide to take it easy that particular hour.

This is also a good place for photo stops. Even when you just take a few shots, you’ll walk away with pictures that look like you spent the whole day exploring, not just cruising.

Ħalfa Rock and Daħlet Qorrot Beach: more coastline, more time to linger

The later part of the route includes Ħalfa Rock and then Daħlet Qorrot Beach. Both appear with time for photo stops, cruising, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkelling, with about an hour allocated to each.

These are the stops that work best if you love open-water views and want the day to feel like a full loop, not a one-stop highlight. Ħalfa Rock gives you a high-impact viewpoint from the boat, while Daħlet Qorrot Beach brings you back to a classic shoreline vibe for swimming and relaxing.

If you choose a shorter overall duration, you might not hit every stop for the full hour. That’s not a problem. The format is designed so the route can fit your time and preferences, and you can still get the water time that matters most.

On-board comfort that makes swimming days easier

This is where the tour earns its good value. A private boat can be stressful if the setup is basic. Here, the boat includes the gear and comforts that help you focus on the water instead of logistics.

You’ll have:

• Snorkelling gear
• Floaties and swimming noodles
• Paddle boards
• An ice box with ice for your food and drinks
• A freshwater shower
• A shaded area plus bow sundeck
• A Bluetooth audio system with USB charging
• An easy-access bathing ladder

The freshwater shower is one of those details you do not appreciate until you need it. After saltwater time, it makes the next step of your Malta or Gozo day much nicer. Same for the bathing ladder. It lowers the barrier for quick entry and exit, especially if you are not using flippers or you are just trying to get a few minutes in the water.

Also, bring your own towel and sun protection. SunReel provides the boat and water gear, but you still need swimwear, sunscreen, and your camera.

Captain-led fun: music, local pointers, and smart timing

This trip is guided by the captain, with local knowledge that helps you get the right places under the right conditions. In real experiences, Adin and Sam and Owen came up for their friendly, attentive style. People also liked how the captain stayed informative about each location while keeping the mood light.

I’d treat that as a promise of how the day will feel. You get both structure and freedom. The captain can suggest the order and timing, but you still get to make choices about where you want more time.

And yes, music is part of the fun. The Bluetooth stereo and USB charging mean you can keep your playlist going while the boat cruises between stops. If your group is the type that needs a soundtrack to vacation, this setup makes a difference.

Price and value: $239 per group up to 8

At $239 per group for up to 8 people, the pricing can work surprisingly well if you fill the boat. A private day like this can often cost far more when you add in gear, port fees, and the ability to linger in the water. Here, port fees are included, snorkelling equipment is included, and the boat includes basic comfort items like the shower and shaded space.

Fuel is the one extra cost to plan for, since it is paid to the captain. That means your true total will vary depending on the day and route, so ask your captain for clarity if you need a firm number before booking.

If you are traveling as a small group of friends or a family cohort that can split the cost, this is the best way to turn a day of swimming into a day that feels like it belongs to your schedule. If you are traveling solo or as a couple and you do not want to pay private rates, you might compare against shared tours that cost less per person. But if you want the privacy and the gear, this price point is one of the reasons people book.

Who should book this private Comino and Gozo boat trip

This fits best when you want flexibility, water time, and a private atmosphere. If your group includes people with different swimming comfort levels, the floaties, noodles, ladder access, and snorkel gear help everyone participate in a way that feels safe and low-pressure.

It also works nicely for pet lovers. The trip is fully pet friendly, so you can bring your furry companion along for the sea day, as long as you follow the rules on board.

It might not fit if anyone in your group has mobility challenges, since the activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. And if you are traveling with unaccompanied minors, this one is also not for that setup.

Should you book SunReel’s private boat to Comino, Blue Lagoon, and Gozo?

Book it if your priority is a private, captain-led day with real swim and snorkel time, plus onboard comforts that make the day smoother. I also think it is a strong choice if you care about music, group flexibility, and not feeling rushed between stops.

Skip it if mobility access is a concern, or if you want a strictly fixed itinerary with no room to tailor swim time. Since fuel is not included, also make sure you’re comfortable with that extra cost on your final bill.

If you want a Malta day that feels like it was designed around you, this is the kind of trip that delivers. You’ll leave with photos, sore shoulders from sun, and that clear-water feeling that is hard to match on land.

FAQ

How many people can be on the private boat?

The tour is priced per group up to 8 people, since it is a private charter with only you and the captain on board.

Where can I be picked up and dropped off?

You can choose a pickup point at Ċirkewwa (Malta) or Mġarr Harbour (Gozo). Drop-off options listed are Cirkewwa cafe (shown twice) and the Fisheries Office.

What snorkeling gear and water accessories are included?

Snorkelling gear is included. You also get floaties and swimming noodles, plus paddle boards, to help with comfortable swimming and time in the water.

Can I bring food and drinks on board?

Yes. You can bring your preferred food and drinks, and there is an ice box with ice included to help keep things cool.

Is a freshwater shower available on the boat?

Yes. A freshwater shower is included, along with an easy-access bathing ladder for getting in and out of the water.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel consumption is not included and is paid to the captain.

Is this trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.