Blue Lagoon, on a boat you control. This private boat trip crams Comino, Gozo, Blue Lagoon, and the Blue Grotto into one easy 5-hour outing.

I love two things most: the tailor-made route that lets your skipper aim for calmer coves, and the on-board comfort (shade, seating, an ice cooler) that keeps the day from feeling like a rushed boat sprint.

One thing to think about up front is cost. The listed base price is per boat up to 6, but the professional skipper and fuel are extra, so the math only feels great if you’re actually filling the group.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Private boat charter for up to 6 so you can move on your own rhythm
• Comino caves and landmarks like Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Pigeon Rock
• Blue Lagoon swim time with snorkeling gear included (mask and snorkel)
• Gozo add-on via Mgarr Harbour, Hondoq Bay, Crow Rock, and Tal-Ħalfa Beaches
• Mdina quick stop plus Blue Grotto for the cliffs, arches, and cave views

The Value of a Private 5-Hour Comino and Gozo Boat Charter

If you’re short on time in Malta, this is the kind of plan that makes sense. In about 5 hours, you get sea time, snorkeling gear, cave viewpoints, and two land stops that are quick but meaningful: Mdina and the Blue Grotto area.

The big value for me is control. On a private boat, the skipper isn’t forced to keep you in a strict group schedule. Your route is described as tailor-made, which matters in Comino, where weather, wind, tides, and how busy the water is can change moment to moment. The itinerary also includes a good mix: boat views for the dramatic scenery, plus actual water time for swimming and snorkeling.

Second, the comfort setup is real. You’re not just hopping on a basic ride. You get comfortable seating, a sun deck, a canopy for shadow, and a free Bluetooth speaker setup so your soundtrack does not come from your phone speaker on max volume. There’s also an ice cooler, which is a small detail that pays off fast once you’re out on the water.

What You Actually Get for $235 (Per Boat) and What’s Extra

The headline price is $235 per group up to 6. That pricing structure is important. This rate applies per boat, not per passenger, so it’s designed to work best for families or small friend groups. If you’re traveling solo, it can feel like a “premium with no sharing benefit.” If you have even a few people, it becomes a very different story.

Then there are two line-item extras that you should plan for:

• Professional Skipper: €99
• Fuel Consumption: €99

Food and drink are also not included. That part is common for boat charters, but it changes what “worth it” means for you. If you bring snacks and plan to buy drinks elsewhere, the trip is easier to budget. If you want a full meal, you’ll have to fill in that gap yourself.

Why this can still be good value: you’re paying for (1) a private boat, (2) access through port and marina fees and taxes (included), (3) snorkeling equipment, and (4) time-efficient coverage of Comino plus Gozo plus Malta viewpoints.

The Real Route: How 5 Hours Lets You See a Lot Without Feeling Panicked

This charter is built around a simple rhythm. You start by heading out from the meeting point, you spend time in and around Comino for caves and swimming, then you shift to Gozo for the northern and western coastline views. After that, you return to Malta for Mdina and finish with the Blue Grotto cave network area.

Timing is tight, but it’s not the “hit every spot at full sprint” kind of tight. Your schedule is described as “the perfect timeframe of 5 hours,” with stops designed to fit sighting time and water time. Still, you’ll want to treat this as a real outing. The operator recommends arriving 30 minutes early, and they note that being late will not extend the charter.

Also note the skipper has authority to adjust based on weather and sea conditions. That’s not a scare tactic. It’s how you end up with a safer and more enjoyable water experience when conditions change.

Your Boarding Setup: Shade, Safety, and Snorkel Gear

When you’re on the water, small things matter. Here’s what’s included that changes your comfort:

• Safety equipment on board
• Snorkeling equipment: mask and snorkel
• Canopy for shadow plus seating areas
• Bluetooth speaker and free WiFi
• Sun deck area
• Ice cooler
• Lagoon permits

If you’re thinking about the snorkeling part, you should know it’s set up for a quick, practical swim session. There’s no mention of fancy instruction or long guided dives. The gear is there so you can focus on getting in the water, taking in the visibility, and enjoying the coves you’re stopping at.

One real-world detail from experience: if snorkeling equipment is not working smoothly, ask right away. There was an equipment hiccup handled on the spot by the guide, and the day still stayed fun. Bring a relaxed mindset, and be willing to do a quick fit check before you start.

Comino First: Caves, Coves, and Cominotto Island

Comino is the centerpiece of this trip. The route is designed to move along the coastline so you’re not stuck watching land disappear into the horizon. Instead, you keep encountering points of interest: caves, rock formations, and beaches where the skipper can choose the best moments to stop.

A few specific named stops/areas you can expect around Comino include:

• Cominotto Island
• Roofless Cave
• Pigeon Rock
• Plus the broader Comino caves and coves along the way

What I like about Comino in a private format is that you can linger where it feels right. Some places look incredible from the boat but are not always ideal for water time due to wind or tide. With this charter, your skipper has the flexibility to shift focus toward what’s working that day.

You also get narrated context along the voyage, delivered by the live guide in Maltese and English. That helps you connect the shapes you see to stories about the islands. Even if you don’t want a lecture, it gives your eyes something to lock onto.

Blue Lagoon Time: The Swim Session You’ll Remember

The Blue Lagoon and nearby swimming areas are the main reason most people do this trip. The plan is to reach the calm, clear-water spots where you can either go for a swim directly from the boat or choose a slower option, like enjoying the view and taking your time along the coastline.

There’s also mention of Crystal Lagoon as a beloved swimming spot for clients. In practical terms, that means this part of the itinerary is meant to feel like a break from scenery spotting and turn into actual water time.

Here’s the useful way to think about it:

• If you love being in the water, you’ll have plenty to do.
• If you prefer staying mostly on board, the boat still gives you great views while others snorkel or swim.

If you’re sensitive to sea sickness, take that seriously. One of the experiences shared a clear warning based on personal comfort. This is water time, so if your body does not like boat movement, don’t force it.

How Snorkeling Feels Here: Simple Gear, Real Visibility

You get mask and snorkel included, which keeps snorkeling accessible. The main value is that you’re snorkeling where the route takes you, not just in a random spot that might be convenient for a tour bus schedule.

For many people, Comino is the dream setting: clear water, visible rock formations, and the feeling that you’re swimming in a coastal postcard. This charter leans into that by pairing the named cave/rock areas with the lagoon swim stops.

If your snorkeling setup feels off, don’t wrestle with it quietly. Ask the skipper or guide. One group had an issue with the snorkeling equipment and it was resolved. That sort of quick fix can make the difference between a good swim and an annoying half hour.

Adding Gozo: Mgarr Harbour, Hondoq Bay, and Tal-Ħalfa Beaches

After Comino, you cross toward Gozo, described as the northernmost part of the Maltese archipelago. The route goes through the channel and includes Mgarr Harbour.

From there, you’ll pass by or visit areas such as:

• Hondoq Bay
• Crow Rock
• Tal-Ħalfa Beaches

This part works because it gives variety. Comino can feel like a single focused water-world. Gozo brings more coastline and different coastal shapes, so you’re not repeating the same view for the whole trip.

Also, it’s not just boat watching. The timing and stop pattern are designed to keep the day moving while still letting you enjoy the water and scenery without it turning into a long ferry trip plus transfers.

Mdina, 30 Minutes: The Quick Taste of Malta’s Old Town Style

On the way back, there’s a stop at Mdina with about 30 minutes to explore.

That’s not enough time for deep museum browsing. It is enough time to do what Mdina does best: slow down, walk a few streets, and soak in the atmosphere. The details included are specific: Mdina is described as the ancient capital city, with myths, horse-drawn carriages, and tall bastions.

What you should do with your time:

• Walk a small loop to get views off the walls
• Snap a few photos quickly
• Don’t plan “one more street” too far from the return point

Because the charter is time-bound, Mdina here is best treated like a palate cleanser, not a full day assignment.

The Blue Grotto Finish: Natural Arches and Cave Views

The trip ends at the Blue Grotto area, in Malta’s southern reaches. This is about the cave network and the views from the outside, with natural arches and clear-water colors.

The Blue Grotto is described as a network of six caves, and it’s specifically noted for some of the clearest waters found in the Maltese Islands.

This stop is a smart closer. You get watery drama without needing to spend the whole time in transit. If you’re the type who likes the “wow moment” at the end of the day, the Blue Grotto portion does that.

Choosing Your Timing: Short Trips That Still Let You Catch Sunset

One subtle advantage is the way many people experience this charter as a day-ending treat. Some outings are noted as featuring a sunset view on the boat when the timing stretches into evening hours.

Even if you don’t plan your travel around sunset, it’s worth checking the start time options. A later departure often turns the ride back toward the harbor into part of the attraction. And on a private boat, that matters more because the vibe feels less like a bus schedule and more like your own plan.

What Makes the Guides Matter (Mario, Harry, Joe)

The experience is strongly connected to the skipper or guide, and the names matter because they show up repeatedly in positive notes: Mario, Harry, and Joe.

People praised guides for being:

• Accommodating and attentive
• Flexible with the itinerary, especially when aiming for private bays
• Friendly with a sense of humor
• Careful about safety

There was also a very practical detail from Joe’s experience: he lent his own raincoat to help keep someone dry. That’s the kind of small kindness that makes a trip feel cared for, not just operated.

Who This Trip Fits Best

This charter is a good fit if you want:

• A private boat experience without losing half a day to planning
• Comino and Gozo in one shot, plus Mdina and Blue Grotto
• Snorkeling gear included and water time built in
• A small group setup (it’s for up to 6)

It’s especially appealing for couples or small friend groups. With a private boat up to 6, the cost is easier to justify when you can share the boat rate.

It might not be the best choice if:

• You get sea sick easily
• You want a long, slow land-day in Mdina (this stop is brief)
• You expect food and drinks to be handled for you (it’s not included)

Should You Book Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

Book it if you want the most efficient “Malta water highlights” day possible. The mix of Comino caves and coves, Blue Lagoon swim time, a Gozo coastline change, and a finishing stop at the Blue Grotto gives you a full picture even if you only have a short window.

Skip it (or rethink) if you dislike boat motion or you need a food plan built in. Since skipper and fuel are extra and meals are not included, you’ll want to prepare your own snacks or budget for stops on your own.

If you’re traveling in a group of up to 6, this is one of those trips that can feel like a steal compared to the cost of cobbling together separate day tours. Just arrive on time, bring the water basics, and let the skipper steer you toward the best conditions of the day.

FAQ

How long is Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

The duration is 5 hours.

What does the price include, and is it per person?

The price is $235 per group up to 6, and it applies per boat, not per passenger.

Where do we meet the boat for Malta and for Gozo?

For Gozo, meet at the Mgarr departure area close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal. For Malta, meet at Cirkewwa, close to Cirkewwa’s Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.

What’s included in the charter?

Included items are the exclusive private boat, comfortable seating and sun deck areas, safety equipment, port and marina fees, taxes, canopy for shadow, ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, free WiFi, snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel), and lagoon permits.

What’s not included?

Not included are the professional skipper (€99), fuel consumption (€99), food and drink, party food or beverages, BBQ items or beverages, and fishing equipment or a fishing cooler.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

What if weather or sea conditions change?

The skipper can cancel, postpone, change, or modify the private boat charter based on weather and sea conditions, and they may adjust the route or departure and disembarkation locations as needed.