Private 8 Hours Boat Charter Trip in Malta

REVIEW · PRIVATE BOAT TRIPS AND CHARTERS

Private 8 Hours Boat Charter Trip in Malta

★ 5.0 · 9 reviews 8 hours (approx.) From $842 Bookable on Viator
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Turquoise water and your own pace in Malta. This private 8-hour boat charter focuses on Comino’s best swimming areas, with Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon time plus a taste of Gozo.

I like that it is truly private, so the day feels geared to your group, not a cattle schedule. I also like the practical extras that turn the trip into more than sightseeing: unlimited water and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and even a stand-up board.

The main thing to think about is that this is priced for a group up to 12, so the per-person value drops if you do not fill the boat, and it depends on good weather.

Key takeaways before you book

Private 8 Hours Boat Charter Trip in Malta - Key takeaways before you book

  • Private time with a small group: up to 12 people, plus the skipper and crew in the mix.
  • Two Comino lagoon stops: 2 hours at Blue Lagoon and 2 hours at Crystal Lagoon for real swimming time.
  • Snorkel and stand-up board included: you can get on the water right away without extra rental hassle.
  • Fuel, skipper, and BBQ use are included: the boat day feels more complete, not just transport.
  • The crew adjusts to conditions: you may see route changes when the sea is choppy.

Other boats you can have to yourselves

Your 8-hour plan, from Blue Lagoon to Gozo

This charter is built around a simple idea: spend your daylight on the water, not stuck in transit. The day is about 8 hours total, and that includes travel time, so the actual lagoon and beach time is what you are paying for.

Your schedule runs in a smart order. You start with the famous Blue Lagoon (2 hours), then you head to Crystal Lagoon (2 hours). That gives you two different water moods on Comino before you get a shorter stop on Gozo (about 1 hour).

The best part is that this is private. If your group wants more swimming, you can often work with the crew on pacing. If you have kids, non-swimmers, or people who get tired in the sun, you are not forced into a rigid rhythm with strangers.

The morning setup at Kanpai CharterOffice in Ta’ Xbiex

Private 8 Hours Boat Charter Trip in Malta - The morning setup at Kanpai CharterOffice in Ta Xbiex
You meet at Kanpai CharterOffice 1, Crown Marina Apts, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1027, Malta. The start time is 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

This matters because a 9:00 am start lets you get to the lagoons earlier in the day, which usually helps with comfort. Also, the meeting point is described as being near public transportation, so you are not stuck trying to coordinate complicated rides just to get on the boat.

You get a mobile ticket, and you should receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Practically, that means you can plan your day without scrambling for paper tickets.

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon time for swimming and snorkeling

Private 8 Hours Boat Charter Trip in Malta - Stop 1: Blue Lagoon time for swimming and snorkeling
Blue Lagoon is the headline for a reason. Expect crystal-clear turquoise water and calm, shallow swimming conditions that make it easier to get in without a complicated skill check. The setting on Comino is also part of the appeal, with a “small island” feel and that bright Mediterranean light.

You get 2 hours here, which is long enough to do more than one quick dip. For me, the value is in having time to settle in, float, swim, and snorkel, instead of rushing to check a box.

There is also a real benefit to bringing your own rhythm. If you want to snorkel, you have the equipment available. If your group wants a slower swim, you can keep it relaxed and still have plenty of time left.

One consideration: lagoon days can get busy in general around Malta and Comino. Since this is private, you should feel less rushed, but you are still in a popular water spot. Think sunscreen, water shoes if you like them, and shade planning.

Stop 2: Crystal Lagoon’s calmer, Comino-style water

After Blue Lagoon, you go to Crystal Lagoon, also on Comino. This stop is described as a more secluded-feeling lagoon, surrounded by rocky cliffs and rugged scenery. In plain terms, it is the chance to trade a “famous” lagoon vibe for something that feels more quiet and tucked-in.

You get another 2 hours here, which is a big deal. Two hours at a lagoon means you can actually enjoy the water, not just look at it. Snorkeling works well if your group is into seeing underwater life, and the stand-up board is included too if conditions and your group’s comfort level match.

From the reviews, the crew’s approach is part of what makes this stop land well. Captains like Ryan, Kelo, and Ibrahim are described as professional hosts who keep people informed and help the day run smoothly. That usually translates to less stress when you are trying to manage swim time, kids, and gear.

As with Blue Lagoon, the main drawback is weather and sea conditions. If the day turns rough, expect adjustments.

Stop 3: Gozo in about one hour, a quick taste

Gozo is the short punch of the trip. You get about 1 hour there, and it is listed with admission ticket free.

In that hour, the goal is not a full sightseeing tour. It is a coastal taste: beach time, views, and the feeling of a different island pace. The trip description mentions well-known spots like Ramla Bay and also the idea of more secluded coves and bays such as San Blas Bay.

If you are the kind of traveler who loves beaches and wants a taste of Gozo without committing to a full day on land, this stop is a neat bonus. If you want deep Gozo sightseeing, you may wish you had more time, since one hour can disappear fast once people start swimming, walking, and taking photos.

Included on board: drinks, snorkeling gear, stand-up board, and BBQ use

Private 8 Hours Boat Charter Trip in Malta - Included on board: drinks, snorkeling gear, stand-up board, and BBQ use
What makes this charter feel like real value is that the essentials are covered. You get:

  • Unlimited water and soft drinks
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Stand-up board use
  • Fuel and skipper
  • BBQ use

In other words, you are not nickel-and-diming the day just to have fun on the water. You can plan around the included items and then choose what you want to pay extra for.

Food and alcohol are not included. The price list shows food at €30 per person and alcohol at €40 per person. If your group is price sensitive, bringing your own food and drinks can work, and one review specifically notes that the boat had a kitchen and they could store brought food in a fridge.

There is also a small but helpful detail: the boat can be family-friendly in practice. One review mentions a young toddler and how the crew was accommodating, which matters if you are worried about whether this kind of day works with small kids.

Crew and captain style: why it feels personal

This trip’s reputation is strongly tied to the crew. In reviews, captains and deckhands are described as professional, friendly, and focused on comfort. Ryan is mentioned more than once, and Kelo and Ibrahim are called out in separate notes, which hints at a consistent service culture rather than a one-off good day.

What I care about as a traveler is not just politeness. It is whether the crew helps your day run smoothly. Reviews describe captains keeping guests informed on sites, adjusting routes or timing based on weather, and making the boat feel like a welcoming space.

One review highlights a sea-condition workaround. If conditions made it hard later in the day, the crew arranged a vehicle transfer back to the starting point, which saved time and reduced hassle.

Another nice detail: one group requested to fish, and the crew handled it without turning the request into a big production. That kind of flexibility is what makes a private charter feel worth it.

If you like personal hosting, this is the style to choose.

Price and value for a private group up to 12

The price is $842.88 per group, for up to 12 people. That is the key number.

Here is how I think about value. If you fill the boat with 12 people, you are effectively around $70 per person. If you have 8 people, it is closer to $105 per person. Fewer people, higher per-person cost. That is not a flaw of the trip, it is just how private charters work.

Now the other side of the value equation: you are paying for your own time on the water, not sharing a boat with a bigger mix of people. You also get snorkeling equipment, stand-up board use, drinks, fuel, and skipper support included. Food and alcohol are optional extras, and if you want to bring your own, the boat’s kitchen setup can make that easier.

So the decision comes down to your group shape. If you can gather 8 to 12 people, this becomes a strong “value per hour” option. If you are just a couple, you can still enjoy it, but you should treat it like a splurge and accept that the per-person cost will be higher.

What to bring, and what to plan for on a boat day

Because this is a sea day, you will enjoy it more if you pack like you are living on the water for most of the day.

Bring:

  • Swimwear and a change of clothes
  • Sunscreen and hats, because you will be outside for hours
  • Towels if you like your own comfort
  • Any water shoes you prefer

Plan for food and drink. Unlimited water and soft drinks are included, but food is extra unless your group brings it. Alcohol is extra and has an 18-year minimum for consumption.

Also consider your group’s water comfort. Snorkeling gear is included, but snorkeling is still snorkeling, meaning you will want people who feel comfortable in open water if they want to do it.

A fun tip from the reviews is that dolphins were spotted on at least one trip. You might not see them, but keeping your eyes open adds to the day.

Weather and sea conditions, and how the day can change

This experience requires good weather. That is not just legal language. Lagoon time is all about visibility and comfortable water access.

If the sea gets rough or conditions change, expect some adjustment. One review describes an afternoon vehicle transfer back to the starting point due to sea conditions. That tells me the crew has a practical mindset, not a stubborn one.

If you book close to a day with uncertain forecasts, keep your expectations flexible. This is Malta in summer and shoulder seasons, and the water can feel calm or unpredictable depending on wind and swell.

The good news: because it is a private charter, the crew can often tailor pacing to your comfort level.

Who this charter fits best, and who might want a different option

I think this works best for groups who want a quieter, more personal Malta day on the water. That includes:

  • Families that want control and comfort rather than a crowded shared tour
  • Friends or couples who can fill enough seats to make the per-person price reasonable
  • Swimmers and snorkelers who want real time at Comino lagoons
  • Small groups celebrating something, since one review called it a birthday boat trip

It might be less ideal if you are seeking a heavy history tour. You are here for water time, swimming, snorkeling, views, and a quick taste of Gozo, not for long walking tours or museum stops.

Also, think about how many people you can bring. If you cannot fill the group size, you may still enjoy the experience, but you should be comfortable paying the higher per-person rate.

Should you book the Malta private 8-hour charter?

If you want a Malta day that feels like your own boat outing, with time for swimming at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, this is a strong choice. The combination of included snorkel gear, unlimited drinks, and BBQ use makes it feel more complete than many “transport plus a short stop” tours.

I would book if you can bring at least a mid-sized group so the per-person math works. I would also book if you care about crew quality, because reviews repeatedly point to professional captains like Ryan and deckhand support from people like Kelo and Ibrahim.

I would think twice if you are traveling solo or as a couple and the budget is tight, since the pricing is per group. And I would align expectations with the fact that it runs on good weather, because the lagoons are the whole point.

If those points fit your trip style, you are in the right place for a memorable day on the Maltese sea.

FAQ

How many people are on the private charter?

It is a private tour/activity, and the group size is up to 12 people (not including the captain and skipper).

Where do we meet, and what time does the trip start?

You meet at Kanpai CharterOffice 1, Crown Marina Apts, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1027, Malta. The start time is 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Which stops include admission tickets?

Blue Lagoon includes admission ticket, and Crystal Lagoon includes admission ticket. The Island of Gozo stop is listed as admission ticket free.

What is included in the price, and what costs extra?

Included items are unlimited water and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, stand-up board use, fuel and skipper, and BBQ use. Food costs €30 per person and alcohol costs €40 per person.

Do we need good weather for this trip?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.