From Sliema: Private Comino and Gozo Boat Charter

Crystal-blue water waits just off Sliema. I love the private boat charter setup because your skipper can shape the day to your group, and I love the chance to hit Comino highlights like the Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon with provided snorkeling time and gear. The main thing to plan for is that you cannot rely on onboard refreshment, since there is no bar and food and drinks are on you.

Instead of a rigid group schedule, you get a captain who works with real conditions, your timing, and your interests. That flexibility is the real value here, especially if you want a longer stop in one bay or want a calm plan for sun, swimming, and photos. Just remember the day still packs multiple places, so you will want to come ready with sunscreen, swimsuits, and a simple game plan.

Key things that make this charter special

• Private skipper control so you can spend more time where you care most
• Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon for that famous light-on-water look
• Comino caves access by powerboat, with cave entry included
• Snorkeling gear provided for Comino waters without extra hassle
• Bluetooth music onboard plus a fridge and shade for comfort
• Gozo add-ons like St. Nicholas Bay, Hondoq ir-Rummien, and Mgarr Port

Why a private Comino and Gozo charter works from Sliema

Sliema is a smart launch point because it puts you close to two of Malta’s most popular island days: Comino for water color and Gozo for a slower, more scenic pace. This charter is built for people who do not want to spend their day queueing or rushing between stops that feel too short.

The big win is the format: you board at Sliema Ferries 4, cruise out, and spend the full day with a skipper who can adjust. That matters because Comino and Gozo can feel crowded on classic spots, and water conditions can change. A private setup lets your day flex, even if the overall route includes the key sites.

Boat comfort and the onboard setup you will actually use

This is not just a “get on a boat and hope” situation. The charter boat is fully equipped with the basics that keep a 7-hour day comfortable.

Here is what stands out for practical comfort:

• A canopy for shade and a sunbathing area, so you can switch between cool-down and tanning without hunting for a spot
• A fridge onboard, which makes a big difference if you bring drinks and snacks
• Toilet facilities, so you do not turn every stop into a bathroom dash
• Bluetooth music, so you can bring your own playlist without needing to shout over the wind

Also, you are not buying drinks onboard. There is no bar, so pack your own water, soft drinks, beer, or whatever your group enjoys. The boat can handle it since there is a fridge, which is a nice touch for value.

Crystal Lagoon on Comino: the stop that sets the tone

Crystal Lagoon is the kind of place that makes you understand why people talk about Malta’s water so much. Expect that bright, clear look where the sea turns a pale blue near shallow areas and deepens as you move away from shore.

What I like about this stop on a private charter is timing. When you are not stuck in a set itinerary, you can linger long enough to swim, take photos, and still have energy left for the rest of the day. If the light is good, you can also do a slow cruise approach before you jump in.

A practical tip: bring a towel or quick-dry layer. Even with snorkeling gear available, you will likely spend time in and out of the water, then need something comfortable for the return cruise. And since you are sunbathing between stops, sunscreen is not optional.

Blue Lagoon time on your terms, not a rushed schedule

The Blue Lagoon is the headline, but the real experience is how you use your time there. On a private charter, you can handle it like a day at the beach, not a stopwatch event.

A few ways to make Blue Lagoon more enjoyable:

• Swim first while the water is calm, then settle in for photos
• If your group loves hanging out, ask your skipper for extra time rather than treating it as a quick dip
• Plan a second round if you are hoping for another angle as the sun shifts

One thing to know: the day includes multiple places, so it is smart to decide what matters most to your group. If you want a long Blue Lagoon session, you can ask for it, and your skipper will build the plan around your preferences.

If you are lucky with conditions, you may also see marine life. I have seen this day described with sightings of dolphins, which is exactly the kind of bonus moment a private cruise can produce because your captain can adjust where it is safe and sensible.

Comino caves by powerboat: short, scenic, and included

Comino caves are not just “look from the shore” sightseeing. The charter includes cave entry and uses powerboats to reach cave areas.

Why that matters: cave routes are narrow and best viewed from the water at the right speed and angle. On a private boat, you spend less time coordinating with strangers, and more time getting to the actual spots that make caves interesting.

You will likely hear people talk about the cave experience as something visual first, then optional to explore more once you are there. For your planning, treat caves as part of the sightseeing rhythm of the day: you cruise in, enjoy the views, then transition to open-water swimming when you are ready.

If you care about comfort, bring a light layer for after. Cave areas can feel cooler in shade, and once you are back on deck, it is easy to cool down and then warm back up.

Gozo highlights: St. Nicholas Bay, Hondoq ir-Rummien, and Mgarr Port

Gozo adds variety. Comino is all about water color and caves. Gozo brings bays, coastlines, and a port stop where you can recharge and, if you choose, plan a dinner.

From the onboard plan, you can expect these Gozo stops in the mix:

• St. Nicholas Bay
• Hondoq ir-Rummien
• Mgarr Port in Gozo

Here is how each stop can feel on the water:

• St. Nicholas Bay is a classic bay moment, good for taking photos and enjoying the coastline from the sea.
• Hondoq ir-Rummien can feel more dramatic and coastal, which makes it a satisfying contrast after Comino’s bright water.
• Mgarr Port is useful because it gives you a more grounded place to reset. This is also where you can stop for dinner in the harbor area if you want.

You also get real value from having a captain who knows how to sequence the day. If your group wants more time for swimming in Gozo or you want to focus on the scenic stops, your skipper can work with that.

And if your group has a playful side, keep an eye out for the chance to do a jump rock. One day on this route was described with a jump rock moment, and that kind of spontaneous fun is exactly what a private charter can allow when conditions are right.

Snorkeling gear and what it means for your day

Snorkeling gear is included, which is great because it removes a small but annoying purchase decision. You can focus on the fun part: getting in the water at the right moments and enjoying Comino’s underwater views.

Because the charter schedule is flexible, you can time snorkeling around the day’s flow. You do not need to force it into a single preset slot. If you want more water time, ask your skipper for a plan that gives you that chance.

Practical packing advice, based on how this day is structured:

• Bring your own towel and a dry change of clothes if you can
• Wear water-friendly footwear if you think you will walk around any harbor areas
• Sunscreen and sunglasses matter, since you will be on the water for hours
• If you plan to bring snacks, keep them simple and easy to eat without making a mess

Music, food, and the group vibe on a private charter

This is one of those tours where group energy matters. You can connect your own music via Bluetooth, and having that control over the vibe is a big part of the appeal.

One group used the setup with 14 friends and kept the day flexible, with their own food and drinks onboard. Another group of 11 also highlighted comfort, great locations, and a friendly, accommodating skipper.

Skipper quality matters too. Two names that came up are Marc and Tony. The useful takeaway is not the names, it is the effect: you want a skipper who is patient with your group, explains timing, and can adjust the plan without turning the day into stress.

Food is on you. The boat includes a fridge, which makes your own snacks more practical. And if your group wants a break from packing everything, Mgarr Port in Gozo is a natural place to stop for dinner.

Price and value: what $965 per group really buys

At $965 per group (up to 16), the price looks high if you compare it to a standard bus tour. But with a private boat charter, you are not paying per person in the typical sense. You are paying for an entire day of vessel, fuel, and a skipper dedicated to your group.

So the value depends on how you fill the boat:

• If you have a group near the top end, the cost per person drops fast.
• If you are a small group, it is still a strong option when you want privacy and control over time and stops.

For me, the value equation is simple: you are buying flexibility, time in key water locations, included snorkeling gear, and cave entry. You are also buying a day that can be tailored, which is hard to replicate on fixed itineraries.

Just be honest about your own expectations. You will cover multiple highlights in one day, which is great, but it also means you need to manage your energy. If your ideal day is slow and unstructured with one beach only, you might find a single-island private day more relaxing.

Who this charter suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This charter is ideal if you want:

• A private group experience with a skipper who can adjust
• Time for Comino water highlights plus Gozo coastline variety
• A day built around swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing with onboard comfort
• The ability to bring your own food and drinks without fuss

It can be a stretch if you want a very calm, low-activity day. Even with flexibility, the route includes multiple stops like Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Comino caves, and Gozo sites such as St. Nicholas Bay and Hondoq ir-Rummien.

If you are traveling with kids or anyone who gets tired in moving boats, this is where your skipper and your own planning matter. You can ask for slower pacing, more shade time under the canopy, and extra breaks between swims.

A practical way to plan your day on this charter

To make the most of 7 hours, think in phases:

1. Start strong: hit one of the main water stops early so you get peak energy and photos before fatigue.
2. Middle rhythm: caves and snorkeling work best as an alternating sequence, swim when you want, then cruise when you want shade.
3. End with sanity: use the Gozo port time to reset, grab dinner if you want, and avoid sprinting for last-minute sightseeing.

Bring a small bag with essentials. You will thank yourself later. Also, decide early how your group feels about music. Bluetooth is there for a reason, and it helps if you set expectations like volume and song selection before you are out of the harbor.

Should you book this private charter from Sliema?

Book it if you want a Malta sister-islands day with real flexibility, included snorkeling gear, and serious time at Comino’s signature water spots. It is especially worth it when you can share the boat cost with a larger group, since the private format is the whole point.

Skip or consider an alternative if you want a super slow itinerary with just one stop. This route is designed to fit key highlights, including Comino caves and Gozo bays, into one full day.

If you do book, my best advice is simple: tell your skipper what matters most to your group, bring your own drinks since there is no bar, and pack sun protection. With that, you get a day that feels like Malta’s best waters, with control in your hands.

FAQ

Where do I board this boat charter?

You start by boarding at Sliema Ferries 4, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the private charter?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

What stops are included on the day?

The planned route includes Comino and Gozo highlights such as Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, St. Nicholas Bay, Hondoq ir-Rummien, and Mgarr Port in Gozo. The itinerary is flexible with your skipper.

What snorkeling and cave access is included?

Snorkeling gear is included, and cave entry is included for the Comino caves experience.

Do I need to bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. Food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own on board, and you can also stop for dinner in Mgarr Harbor in Gozo.

Is there a bar on the boat?

No, there is no bar on board. If you want drinks, bring your own.

What languages are available?

The driver and skipper are listed as English.

If you want, tell me your group size and what you care about most (more swimming, caves, or extra Gozo time), and I will suggest a sensible “ask your skipper” plan for your 7 hours.