Private Boat Charter – Comino/Parts of Gozo

Comino looks unreal from a boat. This private charter is interesting because you control the pace and can angle your day toward Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and quiet corners of Gozo instead of being stuck in a crowd routine. You also get a friendly, English-speaking skipper who can help you plan stops around what you want to see.

I especially like the built-in swim time, because the route is designed around actual water moments, not just sightseeing. Snorkelling equipment is included, and you’ll have a cooler with ice to keep drinks handy between swims.

One possible drawback is motion, so if you are prone to seasickness, this isn’t the right pick. And since the boat goes out based on conditions and availability, weather can influence what you end up prioritizing.

Key things to know before you go

• Private boat charter for up to 8, so you’re not negotiating space in tight quarters
• Swim stops around Comino and Gozo, including Comino’s famous lagoon areas
• Snorkelling equipment plus a cooler with ice, so your water time is comfortable
• Comino Caves and rock formations stop you for photos and short pauses to explore the coastline feel
• Mgarr Ix-Xini is included as a swimming and snorkelling-friendly stop with a calmer vibe
• English-speaking skipper can accommodate your wishes where weather permits

Starting from Cirkewwa, and why a private skipper matters

Most days in this area revolve around Cirkewwa as the jumping-off point. Starting from Cirkewwa cafe keeps things simple, and it also means you can get out to Comino without spending your day on a complicated chain of transfers.

The private format is the real advantage. You’re not locked into a mass-group rhythm, so if you want more time floating and snorkelling near the calmer water, you can ask and adjust on the fly with your skipper. That’s the difference between seeing Malta water and actually using it.

Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon: the water stops that drive the whole day

If you picture Comino as clear, bright water and low-stress swimming, you’re picturing the right areas. The charter is designed around the Crystal Lagoon in Comino and a Blue Lagoon in Comino stop where you’ll have time to swim and snorkel. These are the kinds of places where even a short pause from the deck feels like the highlight.

Here’s how to make the most of it. Bring your towel and keep your swim gear ready because the best water time happens when you don’t have to hunt for stuff. Use your snorkel time smartly too, especially if the water is clear, because visibility is what makes Comino’s underwater look so good.

The Blue Lagoon photo stop is listed as 1 hour, which is enough to do one real swim, one snorkel pass, and still have a relaxed break. If conditions are lively, your skipper can help you choose the safest and most comfortable angles to get in.

Comino Caves and Gebla Tal-Halfa: what you see from the boat

Comino isn’t only about open water. The charter includes Comino Caves, one of the most popular underwater exploration areas around Malta, plus Gebla Tal-Halfa, a deserted small islet and limestone rock out on the south-east side. From the water, caves and rock faces create that dramatic, postcard texture you just can’t get from land.

A good boat route matters here. You want to be near these features long enough to see their shapes properly and to take photos that don’t look rushed. The private charter format gives you that small window of time, not just a fly-by.

Practical note: even if your main goal is swimming, don’t skip the cave and rock moments. They add variety, and they help you understand why Comino’s coastline looks the way it does, with limestone edges, cave openings, and natural formations that change as the boat moves.

Mgarr Ix-Xini in Gozo: calm swimming and easy snorkel time

The itinerary also swings toward Mgarr Ix-Xini, a beautiful spot for swimming and snorkelling and a once-secluded area on Gozo. This is a great contrast to Comino’s most famous water zones because the vibe can feel more laid-back, more about hanging out than about chasing the perfect photo.

For snorkelers, the value is simple: you get another chance at clear water and another chance to get used to local conditions before the end of the charter. For non-snorkelers, it’s still worth it because the stop is built for swimming, not just passing by.

If you want a trip that feels balanced, this is the ingredient. A day that only chases one famous lagoon can feel repetitive. Adding Mgarr Ix-Xini helps your day feel like you visited more than one “kind” of coastline.

The 2-hour flow: how the day typically feels

This is a 2-hour private charter. That sounds short, but it works well for Comino and parts of Gozo because the boat does the travel for you and you don’t lose half the day moving between points.

The day structure you can expect is straightforward. You start at Cirkewwa cafe, you move through Comino with a photo stop around Comino, you then go to Blue Lagoon for about 1 hour, and you return back to Cirkewwa cafe at the end.

Because it’s short, you’ll want to choose your priorities before you board. If your top goal is snorkelling time, plan for at least one full swim session. If your top goal is photos, bring a camera ready to go during the Comino and Blue Lagoon stops. If you’re a mixed group, you’ll still be able to satisfy everyone, but it helps to align expectations early.

What’s included (and what you should bring) for an easy sea day

Included items are simple and useful. You get snorkelling equipment, a cooler with ice, fuel, and the skipper. That means you can show up without extra gear shopping, and you can focus your packing energy on comfort.

What to bring is also clear. Pack swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and a camera. If you forget sunscreen, you’ll be the person trying to improvise on the day, and it’s not worth that hassle since suntan lotion isn’t included.

One small detail that matters: bring your towel and keep it accessible, because post-swim dry-down is what makes the return ride comfortable. Also, think about a lightweight cover-up for when you’re back on the deck between stops.

Price and value for a private charter up to 8

The price is listed at $259 per group up to 8 for a 2-hour charter. The value here comes from how private time works in Malta. When you split a boat cost across a small group, the per-person price can drop quickly compared with per-head tours, and you gain control of your pace.

You’re also paying for convenience. The skipper and fuel are included, and the charter is set up around the exact water spots that people come for: Comino’s lagoon areas plus Gozo’s Mgarr Ix-Xini. In a short timeframe, that efficiency matters.

If you’re traveling as a couple or small family, this can be a great way to get a “custom day” without paying for a half-day expedition. If you’re traveling solo, it can still be worth it if you want privacy, but the best value usually comes when the group size fills closer to the upper end.

Where you meet and how pickup planning works

Meeting points are flexible, which is helpful when you’re mixing lodging locations. You meet the captain near the kiosk in Cirkewwa, or near Marfa Jetty, or at Mgarr harbour in Gozo.

Plan to arrive with a little buffer so you’re not rushing. This is especially important if you’re changing into swim gear right after meeting. If you’re coordinating a small group, set one simple handoff point where everyone can gather.

The charter also includes an English audio guide and an English driver (spoken language is English). That said, on a boat charter, you’ll mostly rely on the skipper’s guidance for where to go next and where it’s easiest to get in and swim.

Flexing the route: communicating with your skipper

One of the most practical perks of a private charter is the ability to communicate. Since it’s private, you can tell the captain where you would like to go, and if weather permits, the skipper can try to accommodate your preferences.

This matters because sea conditions can change quickly. Even if you have a set list, knowing that the plan can bend a little helps you get a better day. You can also use this to balance the trip between swims and sightseeing moments based on how your group feels once you’re on the water.

Also, boats are subject to availability. That’s normal for popular coastal regions, so if you’re locking in dates, choose a couple of possible time windows and be ready to pivot.

Who this charter fits best, and who should skip it

This is a strong option for anyone who wants a private group experience on Malta’s water, without spending hours in transit. It’s particularly good for swimmers and snorkellers who want clear-water time at the right Comino and Gozo spots.

It’s also a good choice for groups that don’t agree on priorities. One person might want longer snorkel sessions. Another might want more photo and rock-formation time. In a private setup, you can usually find a compromise without losing the entire day.

If you’re prone to seasickness, skip this one. That’s explicitly noted as not suitable for people who tend to feel ill on boats. If you’re unsure, choose land-based alternatives or ask your provider for advice before you commit.

Should you book this private Comino and Gozo boat charter?

Book it if you want a short, focused Malta sea day that revolves around swim stops, clear-water time, and a private pace. I think it’s especially smart for couples, small families, and friend groups up to 8 because the included snorkelling gear and cooler with ice make the practical side easy.

I would not book it if you are easily motion sick or if you need a highly structured, fixed sightseeing script. Since the charter works around weather and accommodation, flexibility is part of the deal. If you go with a relaxed plan and clear swim priorities, you’ll likely feel like you used your time well.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The duration is 2 hours.

What is the group size?

The charter is listed for a private group up to 8 people.

Where do we meet the captain?

You meet near the kiosk in Cirkewwa or Marfa Jetty, or at Mgarr harbour in Gozo.

What areas does the charter cover?

It goes around Comino and parts of Gozo, with stops including Comino’s lagoon areas and swimming spots such as Mgarr Ix-Xini.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

Is there a cooler on board?

Yes. A cooler with ice is included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and beachwear.

Is this suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.