Comino and Gozo look different from a private deck. This charter on MV INGE lll is built for day-long island hopping at your pace, with time for swimming stops, cave views, and a lot of time on the water instead of in transit. You can start in the morning from Cirkewwa or Mgarr, or go for the sunset dinner style outing that runs later into the evening.

I love the mix of classic comfort and real convenience. The boat’s rustic mahogany interior and teak decking feel like something special, while the included snorkel kit, shower, sundeck, and bathing platform mean you can get in and out of the water without turning your day into a logistics project. The second big win for me is how much the crew focuses on making the water time count, with Captain Joseph known for finding good spots to jump in and for sharing smart local pointers.

One drawback to consider is weather. This experience requires good weather, and if conditions are poor they’ll offer a different date or a full refund, so it helps to book with a little flexibility if you can.

Key things to know before you go

• Captain Joseph and the crew’s spot-finding: expect practical guidance on where to swim and what to look for along the coast and grottos
• A 43-foot motor cruiser feel: rustic mahogany interior, teak deck, shaded lounging plus a sundeck for photos
• Snorkel and water toys included: masks and snorkels, swimming aids, kayak, SUP, and paddle board
• Two distinct island flavors: Comino for classic coves and caves, Gozo for boat-access-only bays
• Music that matches your mood: Bluetooth, AUX, and USB for your own playlist onboard

MV INGE lll: A private cruiser that feels like a small escape

This charter is built around your boat time, and the boat itself does a lot of the work. MV INGE lll is a 43-foot (13m) motor cruiser, built in Venice, Italy by C. Rio boat builders, and it shows in the details. The rustic mahogany interior and teak decking give it a classy, sturdy vibe that feels more like a private hideaway than a crowded tour boat.

The setup matters because you are not just sitting for views. You have space to move, lie down, and take photos without feeling cramped. There’s a shaded area plus a sundeck, and you’ll use the bathing platform when you want an easy step into the water. Two rest rooms, along with a fresh water shower, are a big quality-of-life feature when you’re out for a few hours and the sea is part of the fun.

Capacity is another practical point. The vessel is licensed and insured for up to 35 people, but your private charter is described as maximum around 20 to 25 persons depending on your booking size. You also see group pricing up to 15, so if you’re traveling as a larger bunch, it’s worth confirming how your group fits comfortably.

Where you start, and how the day is shaped by your departure time

Your start point depends on the route you choose. You depart from Cirkewwa in Malta or from Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. That flexibility can save time and help you match the trip to where you are staying.

Timing changes the whole experience. Morning or midday cruises are typically set for 9am or 10am starts, and the day turns into a relaxed loop around Comino and nearby spots, then often onward to Gozo depending on your chosen window. If you want the evening atmosphere, the sunset cruise runs from 5pm until 9pm.

Also, plan for the reality of the sea. This charter requires good weather. That doesn’t mean you should panic about forecasts, but it does mean you should avoid booking this as your only “must do” if your travel days are tight and changeable.

Comino by sea: Blue Lagoon vibes, cave views, and postcard rock names

If your idea of Comino is “swim, snorkel, and stare at the water,” this is exactly how the day works. Your first island time focuses on Comino’s coast and the iconic swimming areas, with stops built for getting in the water more than just looking at it.

Expect the classic Comino loop: swimming around places like the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, plus stops at St Nicholas Bay and St Mary Bay. These are the areas where the water tends to look dramatic, and because this is a private charter, you’re not stuck watching everyone else’s schedule. You can linger, swim again, and take breaks on deck without feeling rushed.

You’ll also get the added bonus of sightseeing from the water. The route includes Comino caves and land marks you don’t really get the same way from shore, including Elephant rock, St Mary Battery, and St Mary Tower. Watching these from the boat gives you the scale and angles that make photos look better, and it also helps you understand why Comino is so famous for boat-based exploration.

One practical consideration: Comino is popular, and the sea day can feel “busy” even on a private charter if you’re in the same swim windows as other boats. The upside is the crew can steer you toward the best moments for swimming and visibility, so you’re spending your time where conditions are best.

Gozo by boat: bays you only reach one way

After Comino, the trip shifts to the Island of Gozo. Here the vibe is more about hidden coastal spots and swimming areas that are hard to reach any other way. You’ll have time to enjoy various spots around Gozo for swimming and snorkeling, including places only accessible by boat.

This is where Gozo feels different from Malta, and it helps that you’re arriving by sea. You get views of the coastline that you simply do not get from a road, and you get to choose how you spend your minutes once you’re there. The boat stops are designed around time in the water, and that’s the core value of this style of charter.

If you’re the type who likes to trade a strict plan for flexibility, Gozo is a good match. You can enjoy the scenic coast, then go back to swimming when you feel like it. If your group is split between snorkelers and people who prefer relaxing onboard, this part of the day can satisfy both.

Included water time: masks, snorkels, swimming aids, and the “toys” factor

A big part of the value here is what comes with the boat. You get free masks and snorkels, plus swimming aids. That’s helpful if you don’t want to pack your own gear, or if you’d rather spend energy on the water than on remembering whether your snorkel is the right size.

The water toys are also a real deal. You have access to a kayak, SUP, and paddle board, plus the basics like bottled water and a large cooler with ice flakes and ice cubes. There’s something satisfying about having gear ready to go, rather than asking where to rent it or whether it’s available at the dock.

Comfort also counts. The boat includes a fresh water shower for rinsing off, and there’s shaded space plus a sundeck for downtime. Add onboard music with Bluetooth, AUX, and USB, and you’ve got a “your playlist, your pace” setup.

Small tip that saves hassle: if you plan to use SUP or the paddle board, bring water-friendly shoes. The data doesn’t say what the boat provides for footwear, so you’ll feel better if you’re prepared for the deck and platform surface when you step on and off.

Price and value: $1,137.10 per group can be a bargain if you fill the boat

The price is $1,137.10 per group, up to 15 people. That’s not a cheap ticket if you’re traveling solo, but it changes fast when you’re splitting it among a group. Also, the private charter format means you’re effectively buying space, time, and flexibility.

Here’s the value logic I use when I’m deciding if a charter is worth it:

• If your group is around the top end of the group size, you’re paying for a full experience that would cost much more if everyone needed separate tickets, rentals, and transfers.
• If you want a relaxed day with fewer constraints, the charter format often beats “mass tour” options, even when the headline price looks high.
• If you care about swimming time and want gear included, you’re saving money versus arranging snorkel rentals elsewhere.

One nuance is the maximum persons noted for the charter experience. The boat is licensed for up to 35, but the private experience is described with maximum around 20 to 25. If you’re booking as a larger party, confirm how that plays out for comfort and how they manage space on board.

Good news for decision-making: with private charters, you don’t pay extra for the skipper and crew, and the fuel is included too. That means fewer surprise add-ons and less time worrying about what’s covered.

The crew’s role: timing, local picks, and Captain Joseph

This is not just a boat rental. The experience is built around the skipper and crew. The quality shows in how they handle real-life timing.

I like the way the team works with schedule changes. For example, there’s an account of the crew helping when a cruise ship changed docking times and shortened the day. That kind of flexibility matters, because island hopping can get tight when multiple schedules collide.

Captain Joseph is also called out as both skilled and welcoming, with a talent for finding strong swimming spots and setting you up to see grottos and coastlines from the best angles. That’s important because Comino and Gozo can look good from anywhere, but the best water time comes from picking the right spot at the right moment.

There’s also mention of restaurant recommendations on Gozo from the crew. Even if you’re mainly focused on the boat, that’s the kind of local guidance that makes your next step easier when you’re off the water.

Who should book this private charter, and who should think twice

This charter is ideal if you want water time to be the main event. If your group values swimming, snorkeling, and scenic coastline views from the boat, you’ll likely love the format. It also fits special occasions: the experience is positioned for full day cruises, sunset outings, private functions, special events, and boat party type days.

I’d especially recommend it for:

• Families and mixed-age groups who want freedom to pause, swim, and relax without a strict group schedule
• Friends traveling together who can split the group cost
• People who want included gear like masks, snorkels, and SUP without planning rentals

You might think twice if you’re looking for a heavily guided walking tour on land, or if you want fixed viewpoints on a tight timetable regardless of sea conditions. This is a sea day first, and the day adjusts to the water.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The experience runs about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the cruise style and timing you choose.

Where do we meet for the boat charter?

You depart from Cirkewwa in Malta or from Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What times are available for cruises?

Morning or afternoon cruises typically start at 9am or 10am. The sunset cruise runs from 5pm until 9pm.

What is included onboard?

You get free masks and snorkels, swimming aids, kayak, SUP, and paddle board. Bottled water plus a cooler with ice is included, along with fuel, skipper, and crew. There is shaded area, sundeck, bathing platform, two rest rooms, and a fresh water shower. Music is available via Bluetooth, AUX, and USB.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included. You are welcome to bring your own food and snacks onboard.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If canceled less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book Seabreeze Cruises?

If you want a private Malta day built around swimming, snorkel time, and realistic comfort onboard, I’d book this. The included gear, onboard facilities like showers and rest rooms, and the added space for relaxing make it feel like real value when you’re traveling with a group.

Book especially if you’re aiming for Comino’s famous swim areas and you’d like Gozo’s coastline from the water too. Just keep your schedule flexible enough for the weather, and you’ll be set up for a calm, custom-feeling sea day with Captain Joseph running the show.