Reviewed · SKIPPERED BOAT CHARTERS
Private 8 Hours Boat Charter Trip in Malta
A private boat day beats the crowds. This 8-hour Malta charter gives you structured swim time at Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, plus a quick beach break on Gozo, all with a crew focused on your comfort. It’s designed for groups up to 12, so you are not lining up, funneling through, or fighting for space.
I especially like the practical mix of included extras: unlimited water and soft drinks and snorkeling equipment, plus a stand-up board if you want something more active than floating. I also like the human side of it, based on what people report about the captain and crew, including names like Captain Ryan and crews such as Kelo and Ibrahim, who keep you informed and adjust the day when conditions change.
One possible drawback: food and alcohol cost extra (€30 per person for food and €40 per person for alcohol), so your final bill depends on what you choose to eat and drink. If you are traveling on a tight budget, plan ahead.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you charter in Malta
- Why this private charter feels different from big-group cruises
- Kanpai CharterOffice meet-up and the 9:00 am start you should plan for
- Blue Lagoon for a real 2-hour swim break at Comino
- Crystal Lagoon’s calm water and a second swim chance
- Gozo in 1 hour: beaches that fit a fast stop
- What’s included on board: snorkeling, stand-up board, and BBQ time
- Crew professionalism, crowd control, and weather-driven changes
- Price math: what $842.88 per group really means for value
- What to budget and bring for an easy, no-stress day
- Should you book this private 8-hour Malta boat charter?
- FAQ
- How long is the private boat charter in Malta?
- How many people are included in a group?
- What time does the boat tour start?
- Where do we meet for the charter?
- What stops are included during the 8 hours?
- Are admission tickets included for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?
- What is included in the price?
- What is not included?
- Is there an age limit for alcohol?
- What happens if weather is poor?
Key things to know before you charter in Malta

- Private group up to 12: Only your group is on board with the crew.
- Comino swim schedule: Two 2-hour stops on Comino, Blue Lagoon then Crystal Lagoon.
- Gozo time is short but flexible: 1 hour for a beach break on Gozo (admission free).
- Snorkel kit is included: Bring your own comfort gear if you want it, but the core snorkeling equipment comes with the boat.
- Drinks are on you, not separate: Unlimited water and soft drinks are included, while food and alcohol are extra.
Why this private charter feels different from big-group cruises

This is a classic “spend the day on the water” setup, but with private-group perks. You get an 8-hour outing with a set rhythm, two Comino swim stops, then a short Gozo break, so the day feels full without being frantic. And because it is private, your crew can treat your group like a unit instead of managing a busload.
The standout value is that the charter includes the stuff that usually makes swim days expensive or annoying. Snorkeling equipment and unlimited water and soft drinks are built in, which means you can show up, get in the water, and not start making little purchases every time you want to do something. Add the onboard BBQ option, and you have a built-in way to turn the boat time into a proper meal day.
There is also a comfort factor that shows up in the reports: captains and deckhands who communicate well, keep you informed on where you are going, and help you time swims around conditions. If you care about avoiding crowds and want a more personal pace, this format fits that mindset.
More Boat Charters in Malta:
Kanpai CharterOffice meet-up and the 9:00 am start you should plan for

The meeting point is Kanpai CharterOffice 1, Crown Marina Apts, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1027, Malta. The start time is 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.
That morning start matters. It usually means you are not spending your whole day waiting for waves, lines, or slowdowns, and it gives you daylight time for your two Comino stops and then Gozo. Since the itinerary includes travel time, you should expect the full 8 hours to be active, not just sitting at anchor.
One more practical note: you will get a mobile ticket, and confirmation is typically received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. If you like having plans locked in, that helps. Also, it is listed as near public transportation, so you likely do not need a complicated private transfer to get to the marina.
Blue Lagoon for a real 2-hour swim break at Comino
Blue Lagoon is the name people know for a reason: that combination of calm water and bright clarity makes it easy to relax and actually enjoy swimming. In this charter, it is not just a quick pass. You get about 2 hours at Blue Lagoon, and an admission ticket is included.
How to make that time count:
- Spend the first chunk picking your swimming spots. If the water is gentle, you can move slowly and still feel like you explored.
- Use the included snorkeling equipment if you want something beyond floating. Even if you are not a strong swimmer, you can still treat it like a guided-style experience where the sea does the work for you.
- If the group includes kids or non-snorkelers, this stop usually works because you can find places to float without needing to swim for long distances.
A small consideration: because this is outdoors, conditions matter. The overall experience requires good weather, so the crew may adjust the day if seas are rough. That is normal on a charter, and the better crews plan for it.
Crystal Lagoon’s calm water and a second swim chance
After Blue Lagoon, you head to Crystal Lagoon, still on Comino, with another 2-hour stop and admission included. If Blue Lagoon is where many people start, Crystal Lagoon often feels like the more relaxed chapter of the day, with a different shoreline setting and plenty of room to stretch out.
This is where you can think strategically. Two long stops mean you are not forced to cram snorkeling, swimming, and photos into one hour. You can treat Crystal Lagoon like a reset: fewer rush decisions, more time to enjoy the water texture, and more flexibility if someone in your group wants to stay in longer or just watch.
The practical advantage of a second swim stop is also about energy. By the time you reach Crystal Lagoon, you know what pace works for your group. If you went hard on the first swim, you can go lighter now. If you skipped snorkeling earlier, you still have time to try it here with the included gear.
Gozo in 1 hour: beaches that fit a fast stop
The Gozo portion is shorter, about 1 hour, and admission is free. Still, it can be a satisfying break because Gozo’s coastline is famous for beaches and swim coves, and you get a real change of scenery from Comino.
In that hour, you want to be honest about what your group can handle. One hour is plenty for a short walk, a quick dip, or beach time that does not feel like a chore. If you have younger kids, older adults, or anyone who gets motion sickness, a beach stop can be a welcome reset between longer sea swims.
The key is to prioritize the type of beach you want:
- Golden-sand style bays are often easier for casual lounging.
- More secluded-feeling coves can be gorgeous, but they usually come with more walking, depending on where the crew sets you up.
Since this is a private charter, the crew can often help align the stop with your group’s needs, especially if weather or water conditions shift.
More Boat Trips in Malta:
- Malta: Gozo, Comino, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, & Caves Cruise★ 4.6 · 5,092 reviews
- From Malta: Full-Day Gozo UTV Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride★ 4.6 · 4,408 reviews
- From Sliema: Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise★ 4.5 · 3,792 reviews
- From Sliema: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise★ 4.5 · 3,461 reviews
- Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves Cruise★ 4.7 · 2,882 reviews
What’s included on board: snorkeling, stand-up board, and BBQ time
This charter is built around “you can do stuff” inclusions. You get:
- Unlimited water and soft drinks
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Stand-up board
- Fuel and skipper
- Use of BBQ
Those inclusions are the difference between a pricey day and a good one. Drinks being unlimited matters more than it sounds when you are in and out of the sun and water. Snorkeling gear being included is also huge, because you avoid last-minute rental searches and you arrive ready.
About the BBQ: the BBQ is included, but the food is not. Food is €30 per person, and alcohol is €40 per person. So you should decide early whether you want to pay for onboard food or bring your own lunch. Some groups report using the boat’s kitchen setup to keep their lunch chilled and use plates and cutlery, which suggests there is practical room for meal plans.
The stand-up board is a fun bonus if your group likes activity, but it also means you will want to read the water conditions and match your skill level. If anyone in your group is unsure, it can be safer to keep it as a “try for a few minutes” thing rather than a must-do.
Crew professionalism, crowd control, and weather-driven changes
The best charters run on crew confidence. People describe the captain and deckhand as professional, friendly, and strong at communication, with a focus on keeping you informed about where you are and what to expect. Some groups also mention route tweaks that help you find calmer spots away from heavy crowds, which is exactly what you hope for when you book private.
Another practical factor: weather and sea state. The experience requires good weather, and on a boat day, that is not just legal language. Some groups report that when conditions made a normal plan harder, the crew arranged a vehicle transfer back to the starting point. That is the kind of problem-solving you want on a charter, because it prevents your day from turning into logistics stress.
You might also see small variations in the final scenic moments depending on the day’s conditions. For example, some groups talk about additional cave time or other picturesque bays near the end of the route. The consistent parts are Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and the Gozo beach window. The flexible parts are what sits around those anchors.
Price math: what $842.88 per group really means for value

The price is $842.88 per group, for up to 12 people, for about 8 hours. That means your per-person cost depends heavily on how full your group is.
- If you fill all 12 spots, you are looking at roughly $70 per person before any extra food or alcohol.
- If you book as a smaller group, your per-person cost climbs, but you still gain something you cannot buy on a standard tour: control over your pace, less crowd time, and a crew who can focus on your group.
Now add the value of what is included. Snorkeling gear, unlimited soft drinks, a stand-up board, fuel, skipper, and BBQ access are not small items. Food and alcohol are extra, but you get the option to pay for onboard meals or plan a simple food strategy around your group.
This is why the charter tends to be strongest for:
- friends traveling together
- families with kids who want fewer crowds and more flexibility
- groups celebrating something who want a day that feels special without spending yacht-money
What to budget and bring for an easy, no-stress day
Start with what is not included. Food costs €30 per person, and alcohol costs €40 per person. You can also expect to handle your own personal items, like swimwear and sunscreen, because those are not listed as included.
For a smoother day on the water, I recommend bringing:
- swimwear plus a dry layer for after swimming
- sunscreen and a hat (the Maltese sun does not bargain)
- a waterproof phone pouch if you want pictures without drama
You should also plan around the day’s rhythm. With two 2-hour swim stops, you will likely want to eat and hydrate without turning the whole boat time into a “when do we stop for snacks?” meeting. Since water and soft drinks are included, you can keep that simple.
One more thing: the charter is private. So if you have strong preferences, say them early. If your group wants more snorkeling time, more rest time, or a different pace for Gozo, this format is better suited than a set group tour.
Should you book this private 8-hour Malta boat charter?
Book it if you want a crowd-light Malta sea day with real swim time and included snorkeling gear. The combo of Blue Lagoon plus Crystal Lagoon gives you two chances to enjoy Comino’s water without burning the day on one rushed stop. The Gozo break adds variety, and the private setup makes the pacing work for families and mixed-age groups.
Skip it or rethink the plan if you are only trying to minimize total cost. Food and alcohol add up fast, and if you do not plan your meals, you can end up paying extra on top of the group price. Also, your day depends on weather, so have a flexible mindset.
If your ideal Malta memory is simple, water-focused, and guided by a crew that keeps things comfortable, this charter is a solid match.
FAQ
How long is the private boat charter in Malta?
The charter runs for about 8 hours, and the duration includes travel time.
How many people are included in a group?
The charter is priced per group for up to 12 people, and it is a private experience for your group only.
What time does the boat tour start?
The start time is 9:00 am.
Where do we meet for the charter?
Meet at Kanpai CharterOffice 1, Crown Marina Apts, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1027, Malta.
What stops are included during the 8 hours?
You visit Blue Lagoon (about 2 hours), Crystal Lagoon (about 2 hours), and Gozo (about 1 hour).
Are admission tickets included for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?
Yes. Admission tickets are included for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. Gozo admission is free.
What is included in the price?
Included are unlimited water and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, a stand-up board, fuel and skipper, and use of BBQ.
What is not included?
Food is not included (€30 per person) and alcohol is not included (€40 per person).
Is there an age limit for alcohol?
Yes, the minimum age requirement for alcohol consumption is 18.
What happens if weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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