Reviewed · BLUE LAGOON SWIM STOPS
Full Day Private Boat Charters Malta: Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo
Blue water in Malta, minus the crowds. This full-day private boat charter from Cirkewwa sets you on a smart route through Comino and Gozo, with the bonus of a private group up to 15, so the day feels flexible instead of rushed.
I especially like that you do not have to plan for basics. The boat includes a toilet and shower, an ice box for your drinks, and plenty of gear like snorkeling equipment and a SUP. The main drawback is that the schedule depends on sea conditions, and if weather turns, the itinerary can be adapted for safety.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel on the Water
- Private Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozo, What Makes It Work
- Boat Comfort and Inclusions, The Stuff That Saves Your Day
- Your Route on Malta Time, Cirkewwa Through Comino and Gozo
- Stop 1: Cirkewwa (About 20 minutes, admission free)
- Stop 2: Crystal Lagoon (About 50 minutes, admission included)
- Stop 3: Comino (About 30 minutes, admission free)
- Stop 4: Blue Lagoon (About 1 hour, admission included)
- Stop 5: Hondoq Bay in Gozo (About 45 minutes, admission included)
- Stop 6: San Blas Bay (About 1 hour, admission included)
- Stop 7: Ramla Bay (About 35 minutes, admission included)
- Stop 8: San Niklaw Bay in Comino (About 1 hour, admission included)
- Stop 9: Santa Marija Caves, with Elephant Head Rock sighting (About 45 minutes, admission included)
- How to Enjoy Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon Without Wasting Your Hour
- Gozo Beach Time, Ramla and San Blas at a Human Pace
- What’s Included in Your Bag, Not Just in Your Budget
- Value Check, Is $744.95 a Good Deal?
- When to Book, and When to Be Flexible
- Who This Private Charter Suits Best
- Should You Book This Comino and Gozo Private Boat Trip?
- FAQ
- Is this a private boat tour?
- How many people can be on the boat?
- What is included for swimming and water activities?
- Is food or drink included?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- Is the tour offered in English, and how do I get my ticket?
Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel on the Water

- Private charter for up to 15 people, with a boat capacity of 22, so you get breathing room.
- Real time in Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, not just a quick photo stop.
- SUP and snorkeling equipment included, plus life jackets for everyone.
- Onboard toilet and shower, plus a Bluetooth sound system and USB charging.
- Gozo red-sand beaches like Ramla Bay, mixed with Comino coves and cave areas.
- Weather-aware route changes, so you still get a fun day even when conditions shift.
Private Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozo, What Makes It Work

This is one of those rare Malta days that feels like you’re not borrowing someone else’s itinerary. You’re in a private boat charter, so you’re not stuck waiting behind a chain of larger-group departures. The route is built around the water, but it is paced so you get time to swim, float, and enjoy the views without sprinting every hour.
The big win here is that this is a smaller group experience. Even though the boat can hold up to 22, your booking is for your party only, up to 15. That matters in places like Comino, where crowded boats can turn swimming areas into a human traffic jam. With this kind of setup, you’re more likely to have space to move and enjoy the water.
The other practical win is the planning support baked into the day. You’re not hunting for gear, and you’re not stuck improvising shade or drink storage. If you like your travel day to run like a well-thought-out plan, this fits.
More swim stops at the Blue Lagoon:
Boat Comfort and Inclusions, The Stuff That Saves Your Day

The included setup is geared toward a long day at sea, about 7 hours. I like that you get the real conveniences, not just a boat and a promise.
Onboard, you have:
- Life jackets and safety equipment for everyone
- Toilet and shower facilities, which is a big deal after swimming
- Ice box with ice for food and drinks you bring
- Bluetooth sound system and USB charging
- Sun protected area and/or bow sundeck, so you can choose shade or sun
- SUP and snorkeling equipment
- All port fees and fuel included
What you need to bring is straightforward: swimwear, towels, and sun cream are not included. Also, the tour does not provide food, but you can bring your preferred food. That means you can pack snacks that you actually like, and keep it simple with picnic-style stops during the day.
One more point I appreciate: you can customize the private route. If you want to swap in another attraction along the route instead of strictly following the listed order, that flexibility is part of the value.
Your Route on Malta Time, Cirkewwa Through Comino and Gozo

The itinerary is built to hit the classic water spots plus Gozo’s quieter beach moments. There are nine stops, with a mix of included admission and free stops. If you’re the type who wants to see a lot, this layout works. If you hate constantly getting on and off a boat, you’ll still be okay, because most stops are long enough to actually enjoy the water rather than just drift for five minutes.
Stop 1: Cirkewwa (About 20 minutes, admission free)
Cirkewwa is your jump-off point. This early stop is more about setting the rhythm for the day. You get time to get oriented, and then the real moving happens toward Comino.
A quick practical note: because this is the start of the day, it’s smart to have your swimwear ready and your essentials packed where you can grab them fast. Early chaos later on equals wet socks and bad moods.
Stop 2: Crystal Lagoon (About 50 minutes, admission included)
This is where the water earns its reputation. Crystal Lagoon is described as turquoise and clear, and the time here is built for doing more than looking. You’ll have time to swim and snorkel, and there’s also an opportunity for cliff jumping from the area.
The best way to use this time is to think in rounds. Do a first swim, then snorkel for a bit, then decide if you want to repeat. With equipment provided, you can move quickly without waiting on shared gear.
Downside? This is a popular type of spot, so expect that it will be busy at certain times of day. The benefit is that you have a private-charter style pacing, so you are not stuck with a fixed group shuffle.
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Stop 3: Comino (About 30 minutes, admission free)
This is a shorter stop focused on coastal views and caves in the Comino area. Even with less time here, it helps break up the day. It’s the kind of segment that adds variety, because you’re not only swimming, you’re also getting that perspective from the water.
Use the time for photos and a slow look around. If you have the energy, this is also a good moment to just enjoy how the coastline looks from a boat, not from a viewpoint trail.
Stop 4: Blue Lagoon (About 1 hour, admission included)
The Blue Lagoon is the headline, and the time is generous enough to matter. You’re between Comino and Cominotto, and this is described as ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Because snorkeling equipment is included, you can mix it up. Some people will want to float and sunbathe. Others will want to get in and explore what they can see under the surface. Since you’re on a private boat, you can choose your pace without feeling like you’re being herded.
Potential drawback: because the Blue Lagoon is well known, it can feel crowded depending on conditions and timing. If you’re sensitive to boat traffic, aim to get into the water early within your hour, then take a break once things settle.
Stop 5: Hondoq Bay in Gozo (About 45 minutes, admission included)
Gozo enters with a change of scenery. Hondoq Bay is described as next to Halfa Rock. This is one of those stops that balances views with time to enjoy the shoreline area from the boat.
Forty-five minutes sounds short until you’re actually there. It’s enough to swim, take in the coastline, and get your next photo batch before moving on.
Stop 6: San Blas Bay (About 1 hour, admission included)
San Blas Bay is described as having golden red sand and clear water. The emphasis here is calm and peaceful, like a slower break away from the more famous concentrations.
This is the stop where I’d plan for a slower pace. If you want to rinse off, stretch out, and just enjoy the water without constantly thinking about the next departure time, this is a good slot.
Stop 7: Ramla Bay (About 35 minutes, admission included)
Ramla Bay is the most famous red sandy beach in Gozo, and it is also known for sand dunes and a unique habitat.
Because time here is the shortest beach stop, keep your plan simple. Swim if you want, take photos, and then decide if you want to take a moment on the sand. With only 35 minutes, you do not want to spend the whole time overthinking footwear, towels, and where to store things.
Stop 8: San Niklaw Bay in Comino (About 1 hour, admission included)
Back to Comino for another hour. San Niklaw Bay is described as an unspoiled, less busy-feeling paradise-style spot, and the long enough stay helps it feel like more than a pit stop.
This is also a nice option if you want another round of swimming after Gozo. It keeps the water theme going without repeating the same exact spot.
Stop 9: Santa Marija Caves, with Elephant Head Rock sighting (About 45 minutes, admission included)
Santa Marija Caves are tucked beneath Comino’s rugged cliffs. You also pass Elephant Head Rock on the way.
This final stretch is great for people who like nature and photo moments. Even if you are not the biggest cave fan, caves and cliff formations add texture to the day. They also give you a change from pure beach time before you head back.
Practical tip: if you’re a photographer, this is your moment to slow down. Cavern-like areas and cliff shapes tend to look better when you take time instead of snapping everything while rushing.
How to Enjoy Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon Without Wasting Your Hour
The water stops are where the day lives or dies. The difference between a fun swim day and a tiring one is how you manage entry, gear, and your own energy.
Here’s how I’d plan it:
- Use the first part of each lagoon hour for swimming and snorkel while your energy is high.
- Set up snorkeling early so you are not scrambling when other people are already getting into the water.
- Switch to “float mode” halfway through if you feel your legs getting tired. You are on vacation, not training for a triathlon.
- Keep your phone and small items protected. You have a private setup, but salt air still does salt-air things.
Also, consider timing. The itinerary gives you about one hour at Blue Lagoon and about 50 minutes at Crystal Lagoon. That is enough time for a real swim session, but it’s not enough time to act like you have all day. Plan one or two activities per stop, not five.
Gozo Beach Time, Ramla and San Blas at a Human Pace

Gozo is often the highlight for people who like beauty plus a little calm. Here you get both sides of the island vibe. Ramla Bay brings the well-known red sand scene. San Blas Bay leans quieter and more relaxed.
If you’re traveling with different types of people, this helps. Some love the famous beach moment. Others want the less busy feel. The mix keeps everyone happy.
One practical benefit of private cruising between these beaches is that you are not juggling transport schedules or parking. The boat moves you, you swim, and you move again. It turns your day into one continuous flow.
What’s Included in Your Bag, Not Just in Your Budget
Budget planning for a boat day can get tricky fast, especially if you assume you’ll have to rent gear or buy supplies on arrival. This tour saves you money in specific areas:
- Snorkeling equipment and SUP gear are included
- Port fees and fuel are included
- Basic onboard comforts like toilet and shower are included
- Life jackets are included, so you do not have to source them
What you still pay for is mostly what you control anyway: towels, sun cream, and swimwear.
If you’re the kind of traveler who hates buying last-minute travel-sized sunscreen at inflated prices, this is a good reminder to pack yours. It’s small, but it matters. Same for towels.
Value Check, Is $744.95 a Good Deal?
The price is $744.95 per group, up to 15 people, for roughly 7 hours. That is how you should think about value: you are paying for the group experience and the boat time, not per-seat nickel-and-dime pricing.
If you fill the group close to 15, the effective cost comes out to about $50 per person. If you have a smaller party, the per-person cost rises, but you still benefit from the private boat, included gear, and onboard facilities.
What makes this feel like good value is the bundle effect. You get:
- a private group experience
- access to top water stops
- equipment like snorkeling and SUP
- onboard comfort items that other charters often charge extra for
For many groups, that combination is what makes the day feel worth it.
One more thing: this tour is commonly booked around 62 days in advance. If your dates are firm, don’t wait. Popular Malta charter days can fill up.
When to Book, and When to Be Flexible
This experience requires good weather. If conditions are not suitable, the itinerary can be adapted before the tour starts, and you’ll get details from the local team.
If weather is on the edge, I’d still consider booking, because the day is designed to adjust. But if you are traveling on a tight schedule and you cannot shift anything, choose dates with more stable forecasts.
Also, this is offered in English, and you get a mobile ticket. That makes the day easier to manage, especially if you are bouncing between Malta and Gozo locations.
Who This Private Charter Suits Best
This tour is especially good for:
- couples or small friend groups who want private access to Blue Lagoon-style swimming areas
- mixed groups where some people want beaches and others want cave scenery
- people who care about included comfort like toilet and shower
- anyone who wants gear provided, especially if you do not travel with snorkel equipment or a SUP
It may be less ideal for people who dislike water activities. The day is water-focused, even when the stop is about caves or beaches.
The pace works for most travelers. Service animals are allowed too, if that’s important for your group.
Should You Book This Comino and Gozo Private Boat Trip?
If your dream Malta day includes clear water, red-sand Gozo beaches, and a private group experience, I think this is a strong choice. The reasons are simple: you get real time in the best lagoon-style spots, plus practical comforts that keep the day from turning into a soggy, gear-hauling exercise.
Book it if you:
- want private access without big-boat crowds
- like the idea of snorkeling and SUP without renting gear
- can bring swimwear, towels, and sun cream so you are ready on arrival
Consider another option if:
- you are extremely weather-locked and cannot adjust plans if conditions change
- you only want brief water time and prefer land-based sightseeing
If you do book, pack smart, plan to use the first part of each water stop well, and let the day run. This is the kind of charter where the value is in how smoothly everything fits together.
FAQ
Is this a private boat tour?
Yes. It is listed as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.
How many people can be on the boat?
The tour is priced for up to 15 people per group, and the boat capacity is 22 passengers.
What is included for swimming and water activities?
Life jackets and safety equipment are included. You also get snorkeling equipment and a Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP). Toilet and shower facilities are onboard as well.
Is food or drink included?
An ice box with ice for food and drinks is included, but food is not included. You can bring your preferred food.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If conditions are unfit, the itinerary will be adapted to ensure safety. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is the tour offered in English, and how do I get my ticket?
The tour is offered in English. You also receive a mobile ticket.
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