Reviewed · BLUE LAGOON SWIM STOPS

Tour in Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozoand Blue Lagoon

5.0 · 127 reviews 3 hours (approx.) From $349 Bookable on Viator
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Comino’s blue water is a full-body experience. This private charter turns the usual crowded lagoon run into a group-only day with multiple swim and cave stops, plus easy pickup options from Malta or Gozo.

I like the way you get to anchor in the bluest parts of the Blue Lagoon and spend real time swimming and snorkeling, not just posing for photos.

One watch-out: you’ll pay extra for the Blue Lagoon ticket and there’s also a fuel fee for the boat.

Key points before you go

Tour in Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozoand Blue Lagoon - Key points before you go

  • Private group charter (up to 8): you move at your pace, and you do not get herded.
  • Crystal-clear swim stops in Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija, and Cominotto.
  • Caves and coastline cruising: the itinerary includes natural sea caves and close coastal passes.
  • Snorkel gear included: masks and snorkels are provided, and snorkeling is scheduled based on conditions.
  • Skippers make the day: many guides are praised for calm handling, great stories, and family-friendly pacing.
  • Extra costs to plan for: Blue Lagoon ticket is not included, and fuel is not included.

Private Comino and Gozo Boat Charter, What Makes It Special

Tour in Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozoand Blue Lagoon - Private Comino and Gozo Boat Charter, What Makes It Special
If you only have a few hours and want the “wow” part of Malta fast, this is a strong choice. You’re not stuck on a large speedboat zigzagging between stops, you’re on a private boat focused on swimming, anchoring, and exploring coves.

Two things set this type of charter apart. First, you get more control over when and where you swim, including anchoring in the bluest areas of Comino’s lagoons. Second, the schedule is built around water time, caves, and viewpoints, so your trip feels like an experience, not a checklist.

The main consideration is straightforward: your total cost is not only the headline price. Blue Lagoon has an extra ticket fee, and fuel is paid separately, so you’ll want to budget before you arrive.

The 3-Hour Route That Hits Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Gozo

Tour in Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozoand Blue Lagoon - The 3-Hour Route That Hits Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Gozo
Think of this as a compact “Greatest Hits of Comino and Gozo by boat” ride. You cruise, you anchor, and you get multiple chances to swim and snorkel, with short scenic stops along the way.

Because the itinerary is time-tight, the payoff depends on weather and sea conditions. When it’s working, you’ll feel like you’re bouncing between different shades of turquoise, with cave time mixed in. When it’s not ideal, you might notice fewer swim moments or shorter stays, since the tour is explicitly weather-dependent.

Pickup is flexible. You can meet at Cirkewwa port (Malta) or Mġarr Harbour (Gozo). In many cases it can work as a round trip, or you can arrange a drop-off at the starting point, or even a different island location if you tell them in advance.

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon Swim Time (and the Extra Ticket You Must Budget)

The Blue Lagoon is the big draw. It’s a bright blue stretch of water between Comino and Cominotto, with white sandy beaches on either side. The key detail is access: you really do need a boat to get into the best water and beaches.

On this charter, you anchor in the bluest parts, and your stop is geared toward swimming and snorkeling. It feels like swimming in a pool because the water is so clear and the color is that intense. It is photogenic, and it’s exactly the kind of place where being private helps, because you are not spending your time in a crowd.

Cost consideration: the Blue Lagoon admission ticket is not included. The info you’re given is EUR 79 per booking, and the stop is listed around 30 minutes. If you hate surprise add-ons, plan for this ticket before you go.

Santa Marija Bay and Cominotto: Quiet Sand, Caves, and Movie-Spot Views

Tour in Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozoand Blue Lagoon - Santa Marija Bay and Cominotto: Quiet Sand, Caves, and Movie-Spot Views
After Blue Lagoon, the vibe shifts toward more secluded water. Santa Marija Bay sits on Comino’s north side and forms a horseshoe shape, with white sand and tamarisk trees behind it. There’s also a smaller nearby bay called Little Santa Marija, which is described as having a healthier sea bed and marine life, making it a strong snorkeling area.

What you’ll appreciate here is the contrast. Blue Lagoon is famous and lively, but Santa Marija is the calmer option on the same island. It’s also mentioned as a good family beach, with room for play and a nearby “food stretch of sand” where you can relax.

This stop also connects to caves. Santa Marija caves are nearby, and you explore caves and coves during the boat time, with crystal water around you.

Then comes Cominotto Beach, which is reached by boat and anchors you into another famous stretch of blue. Here you also get the movie-fan angle. This area has been used for films including Troy and The Count of Monte Cristo (and others). If you like a setting with cinematic history, this is where it pays off.

Cominotto also has a swim-through cave idea, described as about 50 meters to the other side of the island. That’s a neat detail because it changes the snorkel feel from “look at the fish” to “move through the water feature” when conditions are right.

Cominotto related time note: you’re listed around 10 minutes at Cominotto Beach, and then a separate quick pass at the Cominotto Reef (about 5 minutes). The reef is marked by a cardinal mark and is known for groupers and octopus.

Crystal Lagoon: Caves, Secret Sand, and Snorkel Setup You Can Actually Use

Tour in Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozoand Blue Lagoon - Crystal Lagoon: Caves, Secret Sand, and Snorkel Setup You Can Actually Use
If Blue Lagoon is the celebrity, Crystal Lagoon is the experience you remember for the water texture. The lagoon is described as turquoise with caves along the coast, and some caves have secret sandy beaches inside them.

This charter uses a boat that can enter some of the caves, so your snorkeling and exploring is not limited to looking at cave mouths from the deck. You can get in, swim, and explore those bluest-in-the-world spots where the water turns almost glassy.

A big practical plus: snorkel equipment is provided free of charge, and the snorkeling stop is scheduled based on the season and what you prefer. That means you’re not locked into one “mandatory snorkel” format. If you want to swim, you can. If you want to snorkel, you can.

Admission for this lagoon area is listed as free, and the stop is shown around 15 minutes. Since you have limited time overall, you’ll want to arrive at each stop ready to act, towel and sunscreen planned, so you do not waste your best minutes.

Gozo by Boat: Hondoq Bay, Bemberin Gorge, Qala, and Mġarr Harbour

Tour in Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozoand Blue Lagoon - Gozo by Boat: Hondoq Bay, Bemberin Gorge, Qala, and Mġarr Harbour
The Gozo part of the itinerary adds variety. You shift from Comino’s island-lagoon feel to more rugged coastline views, caves, and small harbor moments.

At Hondoq Bay (south Gozo), the water is described as turquoise and clear. The standout nearby feature is Bemberin Gorge, an inlet only accessible by boat. Inside the gorge, the water is crystal clear, and there are caves and air pockets, with vantage points for cliff diving.

Even if you are not cliff diving, this stop is valuable because it creates a “choose your adventure” mood. You can watch from viewpoints, snorkel if the conditions suit, or just enjoy the way the gorge walls frame the water.

Next is Qala, on Gozo’s southeast coast. You cruise past a coast with caves and pebbly beaches, plus a fortification at the eastern point. This is more of a scenic cruising and brief look stop than a full “hang out on shore” moment, which makes sense in a 3-hour plan.

Then you hit Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s simple working harbor scene. It’s described as serene and photogenic, full of colorful fishing boats and yachts, with fishermen mending nets on jetties. There are also specific landmarks: Fort St John dominates the harbor, and next to it is a Gothic chapel dedicated to Lourdes, with a statue positioned underneath on the cliff. Even with limited time, this kind of harbor stop breaks up the day nicely after lots of open water anchoring.

Halfa Rock, Salt Pans, and a Hidden Bay Feeling

Tour in Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozoand Blue Lagoon - Halfa Rock, Salt Pans, and a Hidden Bay Feeling
The south coast cruising on Gozo is where the scenery gets “bigger than the postcards.” You pass Halfa Rock, described as a small island with history and sheer cliffs on most sides.

On the Gozo side, there’s a secluded bay accessed by boat. You can see salt pans that have been harvested the same way for generations, which adds a sense of continuity beyond the tourist beach stops.

This is also where the itinerary notes wildlife interest. The hidden bay is said to be well known for octopus and sargo bream. So if you enjoy snorkel moments with a bit more chance for sea life, this is the kind of stop that can deliver.

Skippers, Sea Handling, and the Family-Friendly Pace

Tour in Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozoand Blue Lagoon - Skippers, Sea Handling, and the Family-Friendly Pace
A private charter lives or dies on the skipper. The reviews attached to this kind of tour strongly point to friendly, calm service, with guides named across different trips including Zlatko, Justin, Ginger, Noel, Mario, Upie, Buffon, Pedro, Jo, and Casper.

What I’d take from that, as practical guidance for you, is the value of someone who can balance comfort and timing. Several skippers are praised for handling currents and getting people safely in and out of caves. That matters because cave entrances and anchor points can be rougher than open water spots.

Family proof shows up too. There are mentions of teenagers enjoying the ride, small children having fun, and skippers making space for the kid-friendly rhythm. One helpful detail that came up is the idea of bringing your own drinks and snacks for an easy onboard picnic, plus the reminder to expect hot sun, so sunscreen and towels matter.

Price and Extras: Is It Worth $349.51 Per Group?

The base price is listed as $349.51 per group (up to 8) for about 3 hours. When you divide that across eight people, it can look very reasonable compared to paying for multiple crowded tours.

But do the full math. Two extra items appear in the tour info:

  • Fuel fee not included: 79 euro
  • Blue Lagoon ticket not included: EUR 79 per booking for about 30 minutes (per booking, not per person)

That means the experience can be cheaper or costlier depending on group size and how the booking is counted for the lagoon ticket. If you’re traveling as a couple or small family, the Blue Lagoon ticket may feel like a bigger percentage of your total. If you’re a group closer to eight, the per-person impact softens.

Still, the core value is not just time on water. It is the ability to go where the boat can anchor, explore caves, and swim in clear spots without sharing your best minutes with dozens of strangers. In places like Comino and Gozo, that privacy is often what turns a “good tour” into a “best day.”

What to Bring for a Smooth Day on the Water

You will have more fun if you pack like you’re going swimming multiple times, not just once.

Bring:

  • Sunscreen and a hat, Malta sun is strong
  • Towels for after each swim
  • Your own food and drinks if you want a picnic style break, since many people plan onboard snacks
  • Swimwear you’re happy to rinse, because you might rinse off in stages as you move between stops

Also note what is provided: mask and snorkel gear is included, and there’s an ice box with ice or a refrigerator. That makes it easier to keep drinks cool and to bring simple snacks without hauling a big cooler.

If you get motion sensitive, choose seats and ask the skipper for the smoothest angle during the ride. Some skippers are praised for slow, comfortable driving, especially for families with kids, and you should be able to request comfort adjustments.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is a great fit for:

  • Families who want a short, active water day without a long bus-and-wait routine
  • Groups of friends up to eight who want private access to lagoons and caves
  • Snorkelers who want a real schedule, with gear provided, and multiple swim chances
  • Movie buffs who like finding the real-world setting where scenes were filmed

It may be less ideal if:

  • You dislike optional add-ons, since you’ll likely pay extra for Blue Lagoon and fuel
  • You want a long shore day. This tour is built around boat time and anchoring, not walking tours
  • You have very limited mobility needs. The data says most travelers can participate, but the activity is still centered on being on a boat and swimming spots

Should You Book This Malta Boat Charter to Comino and Gozo?

I’d book it if your priority is water time plus privacy, and you’re okay planning for the Blue Lagoon ticket and fuel. The mix of Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija caves, and Gozo coastline stops is exactly the kind of itinerary that makes a short stay feel longer.

If you’re traveling with friends or family and can fill close to the eight-person group size, the value story gets better fast. If you’re traveling as a smaller group, still consider it, just do the budget math first so the extra costs do not surprise you.

Finally, pick a time when the weather is good and you’ll get the best return on your hours. This charter runs on sea conditions, and that is part of the charm. When it works, the clear water, caves, and lagoon swimming feel like Malta at its most memorable.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Malta boat charter?

The tour is listed as about 3 hours.

How much does it cost and how many people can be in the group?

The price is $349.51 per group, up to 8 people.

What is included on the boat?

The tour includes mask and snorkel, plus an ice box with ice or a refrigerator.

What are the extra costs that are not included?

Fuel for the boat is not included (79 euro). The Blue Lagoon ticket fee is also not included (EUR 79 per booking).

Where do pickups happen?

Pickup is available at Cirkewwa port (Malta) or at Mgarr Harbour (Gozo). It can be a round trip, or drop you off at the starting point, or potentially drop you on the other island location if arranged in advance.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

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