BBQ Bay Cruises: Elephant Rock, Blue Lagoon, Gozo & Comino

Comino looks better from your own boat. I like the way this private charter keeps things flexible, and I also love that you get snorkeling equipment included. The possible catch is that the skipper fee and fuel are listed as extra, and the BBQ food and drinks are not included in the package price.

What makes this feel special is the mix of places plus control. You cruise Malta and Gozo waters, then focus on Comino and the Blue Lagoon for swims and snorkel time, with a skipper adjusting the stops around tides and weather. If seas are rough, the skipper can change or even modify the plan to keep things safe and comfortable.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private boat for up to 6 with a plan you can shape
• Comino caves and coves chosen for conditions like tides and shallows
• Blue Lagoon swim time aimed at calmer, crowd-free moments
• Snorkeling gear included (mask and snorkel)
• Comfort perks on board like a sun deck, canopy shade, and an ice cooler
• Music and internet with a Bluetooth speaker and free Wi-Fi

Private boat rule: why this charter feels like real Malta water time

If you have ever done Malta by tour bus, you already know the problem. Most trips move fast, stack people together, and give you only a glimpse of the best parts.

This format flips that. You book a private boat, and the whole 3-hour window is about your group. That matters in Comino and the Blue Lagoon, where timing can mean the difference between a peaceful swim and a crowded scene.

The ride is built around the island chain. You are cruising around Malta, Comino, and Gozo, with time focused on the famous areas like the Blue Lagoon plus nearby sea landmarks such as Elephant Rock.

You can also tailor the day. The skipper guides you toward the best spots based on tidal patterns and weather conditions, so you are not just following a rigid checklist.

One more practical perk: there is mention of a separate entrance to skip the line. That will not change the water, but it can cut down stress before departure.

Getting to the water: Cirkewwa (Malta) and Mgarr (Gozo)

This charter can start from either side of the channel, depending on which meeting point fits your plan. From Malta, the departure area is at Cirkewwa, near the Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal. From Gozo, it is at Mgarr, by Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

Because the boat is private, showing up matters more than on a big-group tour. The guidance is to arrive 30 minutes before the charter starts, to handle traffic and timing at the terminal.

Also, the price applies per boat, not per passenger. So if you are a solo traveler or a duo, it might feel pricey unless you split the cost with your people.

Comino: caves, hidden coves, and snorkel-ready water

Comino is where this trip earns its keep. The whole idea is to experience Comino’s unspoiled allure from the water, not from a busy viewpoint.

You should expect the skipper to hunt for the conditions that make short stops worthwhile. The plan can include secluded snorkelling spots, hidden coves, caves, and pristine beaches, depending on sea state and tides.

That tide-driven approach is not just a nice theory. In shallow and cave-adjacent areas, water depth and timing can affect whether a stop is comfortable and safe. So when the skipper steers you toward the best spots for the day, you are really buying reliability.

Snorkeling: gear is included, use it smart

You get snorkel gear on board, specifically a mask and snorkel. That is one less thing to pack, and it also means you can start snorkeling as soon as you hit a good spot.

Still, bring what makes snorkeling enjoyable. A towel, sunscreen, and swimwear are a must. Sunglasses help too, because you will likely spend a lot of time looking out over sunlit water.

If you want the most from Comino’s underwater scenery, plan for frequent short swims rather than one long effort. You are on a 3-hour charter, so keep moving, rotate between shaded comfort and water time, and you will cover more good spots.

Blue Lagoon swim time: turquoise water and calmer moments

The Blue Lagoon is the headline, and this charter treats it as the main event. The focus is on the lagoon’s tranquil waters, so you can swim and enjoy the view without feeling like you are fighting the crowd.

The idea here is simple: you get time in the water, then you recover on the boat. You will have places to sit, plus a sun deck for getting your back to the sun.

Shade is also built in. A canopy helps when the midday sun gets intense, especially in summer when Malta feels like it runs on bright light.

What makes Blue Lagoon time better on a private boat

On a group tour, you often end up as one more body in a timetable. On a private charter, you can shift the rhythm.

For example, you can linger if the water feels good, or you can move on quickly if conditions are not right. The skipper has authority to modify routes and stops if weather, tides, shallows, or other legitimate factors require changes. That is not a buzzkill, it is the difference between an average swim and a smooth experience.

Elephant Rock and Gozo waters: the in-between magic

Your route includes Elephant Rock plus the waters of Gozo. Even when you are not stopping everywhere, cruising those coasts from the deck gives you a perspective you simply cannot get on land.

What you get is a mix of sea landmarks and calmer backwater moments. The trip does not read like one straight line between big attractions. It is more like moving from one scenic water mood to the next.

Gozo shows up in two ways. First, it is part of the route itself, so you will spend time cruising around that side. Second, it can be your departure point if you start from Mgarr.

If you are using Gozo as a base, this is a handy way to add Comino and the Blue Lagoon without backtracking from Malta for every water stop.

A note on expectations

Because the plan can shift with conditions, you should not assume you will see every landmark from the same exact angle. The skipper may alter the itinerary to keep the day enjoyable and safe.

The upside is that this flexibility can also protect your swim time. If certain areas are too shallow or exposed at a given moment, you are less likely to waste the best part of your 3 hours.

BBQ on board: what’s included, what to confirm

The title and vibe point toward BBQ, and the overall pitch talks about a barbeque feast. But the details you should pay attention to are in the included and not included lists.

On the included side, you have the boat, safety gear, canopy, an ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, and snorkeling equipment. On the not included side, food and drink are listed as not included, along with BBQ food items and BBQ beverages. Barbeque cooking setup and fishing gear also fall outside what is listed as included.

So here is the practical advice. If BBQ is a must, treat that part as something you either plan to bring, arrange, or pay for separately. Before you go, confirm how the BBQ works in your specific booking, since the package price structure separates boat time from food and drink.

The ice cooler is still useful even without BBQ. You can keep water, juice, or whatever you bring cold during the ride.

And if you plan on eating, do it strategically. Eat after your swim window rather than right before, especially if you tend to feel a little off when you are moving on water.

On-board comfort: canopy, seating, Wi-Fi, and music

This is one of the most livable charter setups for a 3-hour outing.

You have comfortable seating areas plus a sun deck. You also get a canopy for shadow, which can be a lifesaver when you hit the strong Malta sun.

Safety equipment is included, which is exactly what you want to see for any time on open water.

For the fun side, there is a Bluetooth speaker and free Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is not the reason to come to Malta, but it helps with navigation, trip timing, and sharing photos while everything is still fresh.

You also get a port and marina package included, plus taxes and lagoon permits. That means a chunk of the behind-the-scenes costs are already accounted for, instead of showing up later in surprises.

Skipper and fuel fees: the real cost math for a 3-hour private boat

Let’s talk numbers in a way that helps you decide.

The price listed is $223 per group up to 6, and the duration is 3 hours. That is the boat-time base.

However, a professional skipper fee (€75) and fuel consumption (€75) are listed as not included. So your realistic total will depend on those add-ons and whether you also choose to bring or purchase food and drinks.

Value check by group size

If you fill the boat with 6 people, the base price can feel like a bargain compared with piecemeal tours. You are basically paying for exclusivity, plus included gear and permits.

If you are traveling with only 2 or 3, the base still makes sense if you really want privacy and custom stops, but you should expect the per-person value to drop. Private boat days are rarely cheap solo, because you are not sharing fixed costs.

Why that trade-off can still be worth it

Comino and the Blue Lagoon are the kind of places where timing and access matter. Private time lets you float longer in the right spot, move when conditions shift, and use the day in a way that matches your pace.

If you want a slow swim day and you do not care about organized groups, the pricing can feel fair.

Weather flexibility: how the skipper protects your day

Here is the truth about small-boat life. Weather and sea conditions can change quickly, and the operator spells that out clearly.

Your skipper can cancel, postpone, change, or modify the charter based on weather and sea conditions. They can also alter the itinerary, routes, and departure or disembarkation points if needed due to weather, tides, shallows, or other legitimate reasons.

That flexibility can be a drawback if you want everything locked in. But it also reduces risk. And because the whole trip is designed around sea access, adjusting the plan can actually protect the best moments.

Quick prep tips

Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Bring a towel. Swimwear is obvious, but you will be glad you have it ready.

Also, bring cash. The tour info explicitly lists cash as something to bring, so do not show up empty-handed.

If you get motion sick, bring your preferred remedy. The charter is short, but Malta sun plus water movement can still affect some people.

Who should book this charter, and who should skip

This charter is a good fit if you want privacy, control, and water time that feels personal.

I think it works especially well for:

• Small groups who can share the boat cost up to 6
• People who care about snorkel-ready stops and want gear included
• Travelers who prefer a tailored route instead of a fixed schedule
• Anyone who wants Comino and the Blue Lagoon without turning it into a stressful hop-on hop-off day

You might want to think twice if:

• You want BBQ food and drinks included in the package price
• You need a perfectly fixed itinerary regardless of wind, tides, and sea state
• You are expecting a long trip, since this is a 3-hour window

Should you book BBQ Bay Cruises for Comino, Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Elephant Rock?

If your priority is exclusive boat time, snorkel gear on board, and Comino plus the Blue Lagoon in a single short outing, this is a strong option. The included extras like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth music, canopy shade, and the ice cooler make it feel more like a day on the water than a rushed transfer.

My biggest booking advice is simple: treat the BBQ like a plan that depends on food and drink arrangements. Food, drink, and BBQ items are listed as not included, so confirm what happens for your specific booking.

If you like the idea of a skipper adjusting stops around tides and weather, and you are traveling with enough people to make the per-person cost reasonable, this is the kind of Malta outing you will remember for the feeling of open water time.

FAQ

How long is the BBQ Bay Cruises charter?

The duration is 3 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What is the price for the cruise?

The price is listed as $223 per group up to 6 people.

Is the skipper included in the price?

No. A professional skipper fee of €75 is listed as not included.

Are fuel costs included?

No. Fuel consumption of €75 is listed as not included.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment, including a mask and snorkel, is included.

What does the package include on board besides the boat?

Included items list comfortable seating areas, a sun deck, a canopy for shadow, safety equipment, an ice cooler, a Bluetooth speaker, free Wi-Fi, port and marina fees, taxes, and lagoon permits.

Where are the pickup meeting points?

In Malta, the meeting point is Cirkewwa near the Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal. In Gozo, it is Mgarr, close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

What should I bring?

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

Can the itinerary change during the trip?

Yes. The skipper can cancel, postpone, change, or modify the charter based on weather and sea conditions. The skipper can also alter routes and departure or disembarkation locations if needed due to weather, tides, shallows, or other legitimate reasons.

Is BBQ food and drink included?

Food and drink are listed as not included, and BBQ food items and BBQ beverages are also listed as not included.