Malta’s Splendour Excursion – Trips in Blue Grotto & Comino

A private boat day in Malta feels different. You get Comino and the Blue Lagoon with short waits, easy swimming, and plenty of cave time plus a realistic hit list of Gozo and Mdina in one 5-hour window. I especially like the feel of doing this on your own schedule, with a skipper who keeps the day moving without turning it into a checklist.

One thing to plan for: the skipper can shift the route or timing for weather, sea conditions, tides, or shallows, so the day is flexible, not rigid. Also, if you get sea sick easily, this kind of open-water day might be a tough match.

Key highlights

• Private boat format for up to 6 people, so you are not packed in with strangers
• Comino cave and cove stops, including Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Pigeon Rock
• Blue Lagoon time for swimming from the boat and optional snorkeling with included gear
• Gozo sightseeing from the water, via Mgarr Harbour, Hondoq Bay, Crow Rock, and Tal-Ħalfa Beaches
• Mdina quick visit (about 30 minutes), enough time to see the bastions and carriage vibe
• Blue Grotto view of six caves, with the kind of bright water Malta is known for

A private 5-hour boat route across Comino and Gozo

This is a private boat charter built for a full slice of Malta, without the “half the day is just getting there” problem. You are on the water for about 5 hours, moving between islands and finishing with sights on Malta proper.

What makes this work well for you is the pacing. You get a tight route that covers Comino, then Gozo, then a quick stop at Mdina, and finally the Blue Grotto. It is not a slow island-hopping cruise. It is more like a curated water tour that still leaves room for real breaks to swim and snorkel.

The experience runs with a live Maltese and English guide, plus an onboard skipper. If you are looking for a simple “see the highlights fast” day, this delivers. If you want a long beach day with zero movement, this likely will not be your best fit.

Picking your departure: Cirkewwa to Comino or Mgarr to Gozo

Your day starts depending on where you board.

• If you start from Malta, the meeting point is Cirkewwa, near the Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.
• If you start from Gozo, the meeting point is in Mgarr, near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

Why this matters: the departure point can help you catch the water in the mood you want. Morning light tends to make the caves and rock details look crisp. Later departures can give you better odds for a sunset-style return view, which is a major part of why people remember this kind of day.

Either way, you are told to arrive about 30 minutes early. Since your charter will not extend for lateness, arriving early is how you keep the whole day relaxed.

Comino first: caves, coves, and the Blue Lagoon swim

Most people’s favorite part of Malta at sea comes down to Comino, and this charter makes Comino the center of the trip. On the route you will pass and visit areas tied to caves, hidden coves, and pristine beaches.

The itinerary highlights you can expect include Comino itself, then stops around points like Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Pigeon Rock. These are exactly the kind of landmarks you want from a boat because the views from the water show the island’s shape in a way you never get from shore.

Then comes the Blue Lagoon time. You can do it your way:

• take a refreshing swim directly from the boat
• or hang near the waterline and just enjoy the views

The key here is fewer crowds. When you are on your own boat, you can spend your swim window where the water feels best, instead of being stuck where everyone lands at the same time.

Snorkeling gear, crystal-clear water, and optional cliff jumps

Snorkeling is built in with mask and snorkel included. You also have the freedom to mix it up: swim, snorkel briefly, then float and watch the coastline.

This matters because Malta’s famous water is clear, but clarity is only half the story. What you really want is a spot that lets you see what’s under the surface without feeling rushed. This charter’s cave-and-cove route naturally creates more chances for that, compared to a single fixed swim beach.

You can also choose a higher-adrenaline option: the day mentions cliff-jumping opportunities for those who want it. If that is not your thing, no stress. The rest of the itinerary gives you plenty of time to just swim and relax on the boat’s sun deck.

One more practical note from real-world experience: snorkeling gear can be finicky. If something is off with the equipment, you should expect the skipper and guide to try to get you sorted quickly so you still get your water time.

Gozo from the water: Mgarr Harbour, Hondoq Bay, and Tal-Ħalfa

After Comino, you cross toward Gozo, the northernmost island in the Maltese archipelago. You travel through the channel and head to Mgarr Harbour, which is one of Gozo’s main gateways.

From there, the water-based route typically includes scenic stops such as:

• Hondoq Bay
• Crow Rock
• Tal-Ħalfa Beaches

Why you should care about these names: they are the kinds of coastal areas that look better when you are moving past them slowly, rather than arriving for a single stop. From a boat you get the shape of each bay, the contrast between rock and water, and a better sense of Gozo’s shoreline rhythm.

This is also where the “private boat” advantage can feel real. If you want a quieter stretch and more private bays, the charter format allows for that kind of tailoring, while still staying within a 5-hour plan.

Mdina in about 30 minutes: bastions, myths, and horse-drawn carriages

Then you switch gears back to Malta with a stop in Mdina, the ancient capital. You get about 30 minutes in the old city.

That’s short, but Mdina is compact. You can still get the essentials: the walled feel, the towering bastions, and the classic atmosphere people come for. The day’s description also points to the city’s legends and the sight of horse-drawn carriages, which is part of why Mdina feels like it belongs in a movie.

What to do with your time:

• pick one main viewpoint area and soak it in
• walk the perimeter feeling first, then circle back if you want photos
• do not try to cover the whole city like it is a full-day visit

If Mdina is your top priority, you might wish you had longer. But as a stop that adds character between island swims, it does its job well.

The Blue Grotto’s six caves: natural arches and bright water

The final big sight on the Malta side is the Blue Grotto, in the southern reaches of Mdina. This is described as having a network of six caves, with some of the clearest water found across the Maltese islands.

From a visitor perspective, the Blue Grotto is one of those places where the value is in the visuals: natural arches, caves, and light patterns. Even with a shorter visit window in a half-day itinerary, you should come away with strong “I get why this is famous” energy.

There is also a practical perk: the experience notes you can skip the line through a separate entrance. That matters because waiting outside in the heat is exactly what you want to avoid on a summer Malta day.

Price, value, and what costs extra

Pricing is $235 per group up to 6 for the charter boat day. That base price is per boat, not per person, which is a big deal if you are traveling with family or friends.

What is not included:

• Professional Skipper (€99)
• Fuel consumption (€99)
• Food and drinks

So how do you judge value? In simple terms, you are paying for:

• time on a private boat (not a shared speedboat crowd)
• snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel)
• safety equipment
• marina and port fees, plus taxes
• permits for the lagoon area
• extras on board like an ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, and free WiFi
• a canopy for shadow and comfortable seating areas

Those inclusions reduce the guesswork and add up. If you were to hire a private boat yourself and buy all the small extras, the total often balloons. Here, you have a clear structure: you handle your own meal and drinks, you expect a skipper and fuel add-on, and you get a packaged day around Comino and the Blue Grotto.

Who should book this charter, and who should reconsider

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a private boat experience without committing to a full-day cruise
• care more about water time, caves, and swim stops than museums
• like the idea of a custom-feeling route with a skipper who can shift for conditions
• want an efficient way to combine Comino, Gozo highlights, and Mdina

It might be a weak fit if:

• you are very sensitive to sea sickness
• you want a long, calm beach day with no movement at all
• you expect food included, since you will need to plan that separately

Also, because this is a private group with a smaller boat setup, your space needs depend on your party size. Even if it is priced for up to 6, it can feel cozy. If you prefer lots of personal space on the deck, aim for a smaller group.

Practical tips for a smooth Comino and Blue Grotto day

Here’s how you keep the day easy from the start.

What to bring:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• cash

Why cash is mentioned: it is often the simplest way to handle small purchases on the ground. Also, you are told that food and drink are not included, so you may want flexibility.

Boat comfort tips:

• Use the canopy for shadow when the sun gets intense.
• Plan your snorkeling with your timing. You do not need to spend the whole day in the water, but doing one good snorkeling window is usually the payoff.
• Keep your phone protected if you are moving around. With caves and rock stops, you will be shifting positions more than you think.

Health and safety note:

• The skipper holds authority to cancel, postpone, change, or modify the charter due to weather and sea conditions. That is normal for the area, and it is better than pretending conditions never matter.

Should you book this Malta’s Splendour excursion?

If your goal is a half-day that gives you Comino caves, Blue Lagoon swimming, Gozo coast views, a quick taste of Mdina, and the Blue Grotto’s six-cave scene, then yes, this is the kind of booking I’d recommend. The biggest win is the private boat format, because it makes the water time feel personal, not crowded.

I’d hesitate only if sea conditions usually make you feel sick, or if you want food and drink handled for you. For everyone else, $235 per group up to 6 can feel like real value, especially once you factor in included snorkeling gear, lagoon permits, safety equipment, and the kind of visual route that is hard to recreate on your own.

FAQ

How long is Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

The tour lasts 5 hours.

What is the price, and how many people is it for?

The price is $235 per group, for up to 6 people (the rate applies per boat).

Where do we meet if we are starting from Malta?

From Malta, you meet at Cirkewwa, close to the Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Where do we meet if we are starting from Gozo?

From Gozo, the meeting point is at Mgarr Harbour Terminal, close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

You get snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel) included.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks Maltese and English.

Can the skipper change the route because of weather or sea conditions?

Yes. The skipper can cancel, postpone, change, or modify the private boat charter based on weather and sea conditions, and may adjust the itinerary for tides, shallows, or other legitimate reasons.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring with me?

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