A day on Malta’s water beats most land plans fast. This private charter is built for short rides between picture-perfect bays, with time to swim and snorkel in the good stuff. I like that it stays genuinely practical, with safety gear and onboard comforts included, not just scenery. One thing to keep in mind: it’s weather-dependent, so the route can shift if conditions are unfit.

Two things I’d bank on before booking: you get serious snorkeling and paddle time thanks to included gear and a SUP, and you’re not stuck on a huge public boat when lagoons get crowded. The other plus is your group size. Even though the boat can hold up to 22, your charter is set up as a private group (priced up to 15), which usually means more relaxed boarding and better chances to find your own swim spot. The main drawback for some people is simple—this is a lot of bays in one day, so if you want long, slow beach lounging, you may wish you had a dedicated half-day in just one place.

Key points to know before you go

• Private-group pace: many stops, but you’ll feel less rushed than big-boat tours.
• Included swim setup: snorkeling gear, a SUP, life jackets, and safety equipment are part of the deal.
• Onboard comfort: toilet and shower facilities, plus an ice box for drinks and food.
• Sound and charging: Bluetooth sound system and USB charging point make the boat ride nicer.
• Fuel and port fees included: fewer surprise add-ons.
• Route adapts for weather: you’ll get updates if conditions change before you sail.

Why this private Comino-and-Gozo boat day is a smart use of time

If your Malta trip is short, water time is the cheat code. Comino and Gozo are the kind of places that look best from the sea, and this charter is designed to hit the classic spots without you spending the day in transit. You’ll start at Cirkewwa and then work your way across Comino’s best-known water stops and into Gozo’s red-sand coastline.

I like the balance of active and relaxed. You’re not just riding past landmarks—you get real window-time to get in the water. At the same time, it’s not a hard-core day of constant tasks; you can swim, snorkel, and then cool down on the sun-protected area and/or bow sundeck.

One more practical point: because it’s private, you can better enjoy the “where should we swim next?” feeling. The schedule is guided, but your day can be customized to match what your group cares about, as long as it fits the route and weather.

Your boat setup: more comfort than you expect

This is a private boat charter, but it still feels like someone planned for the human parts of the day. You get life jackets and safety equipment, and there’s a toilet and shower onboard, which is a big deal when you’ve been swimming. The onboard ice box with ice helps if you bring food and drinks (and it keeps things from turning into a warm science experiment).

You’ll also have a Bluetooth sound system and a USB charging point. That’s small, but it changes the vibe from waiting to actively enjoying the ride.

For water time, you’re not left to guess. Snorkeling equipment and a Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) are included, so you can switch activities without paying for rentals. If you’re hoping for variety—float, snorkel, paddle—this kind of package makes it easy.

Starting at Cirkewwa: the launch point and first look

Your day kicks off at Cirkewwa. It’s not a long stop—about 20 minutes—and it functions more like a staging point as you head out toward Comino and the clear-water zone. Think of it as the moment where the day turns from planning into motion.

This is also where you’ll get your first sense of what kind of sea day you’re having. If the water is calm and visibility looks good, you’ll feel confident about the later swim and snorkel stops. If conditions feel rough, it’s a reminder to stay flexible—this tour can adapt if weather turns.

Also, some stops are marked as free admission and some are included. Cirkewwa is one of the free segments, which keeps the day simple—less ticket juggling, more time just getting out on the water.

Crystal Lagoon and Comino: swimming-ready water in the first half

The first meaningful water time is Crystal Lagoon with about 50 minutes on site. This is one of the main reasons people book—clear turquoise water with enough time to swim, snorkel, and explore the area’s caves. The description also points to cliff-side jumping, which is the kind of fun that’s only worth it if you feel comfortable with the height and you have the right water confidence.

You’ll want to treat this stop like a mini-adventure window. Gear up early so you don’t waste your best visibility time. If you’re bringing a GoPro-style setup, this is also a good candidate moment—water clarity matters.

After that, you get Comino time for about 30 minutes. It’s shorter, but it’s a good taste of the coastline and the mood of the island. The idea is to get the views and then move on while the day still has energy.

If you’re trying to be strategic: Crystal Lagoon is your best “water activities” stop early in the day, while Comino is more about coastal scenes and quick refresh time.

Blue Lagoon: the main event for most groups

Then comes the stop people talk about most: Blue Lagoon, between Comino and Cominotto. You’ll have about 1 hour here, and the time is set up for exactly what you want—swimming, relaxing, and noticing the underwater life if you snorkel.

This is also where your private-group setup pays off. In busy areas, you can end up fighting for space on the water. Here, your group’s experience is more about finding a good swim rhythm rather than squeezing in.

What to do with your hour? If you want the full payoff:

• Spend the first part getting settled and into the water
• Use the middle for snorkel time or paddle time
• Save the end for relaxing when you’re back on the boat

Also, since snorkeling equipment is included, you don’t have to decide last minute. Bring your own mask if you have a favorite fit, but you can also rely on the provided gear.

Gozo time: Hondoq Bay near Halfa Rock, then San Blas Beach

Once you finish the Comino side, the day turns toward Gozo. The first Gozo stop is Hondoq Bay, about 45 minutes. The area is connected with the nearby Halfa Rock, and the setting is all about classic Gozo coastline energy—rocky edges, sheltered water, and a sense of place that feels less like a theme park.

After Hondoq Bay, you’ll head to San Blas Bay for about 1 hour. This is described as a quieter escape, with golden red sand and crystal-clear water, set up for a calm beach break away from crowds. In practical terms, this is your “reset” stop. After swimming and snorkeling at the earlier lagoons, you can switch to sand-and-slow mode.

If your group splits into different preferences (some people want water action, others want a beach), this sequence is smart. Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon lean active. Hondoq Bay and San Blas give you both scenery and downshift time.

Ramla Bay and San Niklaw Bay: red sand and a slower shoreline

Next is Ramla Bay, about 35 minutes. It’s the most famous red sandy beach in Gozo, plus it’s known for sand dunes and a unique habitat. That means the setting isn’t just about photo ops—it’s also part of a living coastal ecosystem. The time here is shorter than San Blas, so it’s best treated as a quick beach experience: step out, enjoy the color and texture, take a few photos, and then decide whether you want to linger or move on.

Then you get San Niklaw Bay on Comino for about 1 hour. The way it’s described is all about an unspoiled, calmer feel and a more exclusive kind of escape from everyday life. For your group, this stop is often a good “second wind” moment, especially if earlier swim time left you happy but tired.

If you tend to get bored when a stop is similar to the last one, this helps: Ramla gives you beach-and-dunes energy. San Niklaw shifts you back to quieter coastal water time.

Santa Marija (Santa Maria) Caves and Elephant Head Rock views

The last big attraction stop is Santa Maria Caves under Comino’s rugged cliffs, with about 45 minutes there. This is one of those places where the value is in looking closely. Caves and cliff formations are hard to appreciate properly from a distance, but this kind of stop gives you time to see the structure and take in the way the coastline curves.

On the way, you’ll also see Elephant Head Rock. It’s the kind of natural rock formation that helps you understand the “shape” of Comino—why these areas look the way they do from the water.

This is also a smart stop to do if your group likes photos. Cavern-like settings and cliff backgrounds can look flat from shore, but from the sea they usually look more dimensional and dramatic.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is $744.95 per group for up to 15 people, and the duration is about 7 hours. That may sound steep at first glance—especially if you’re thinking in per-person terms—but the value becomes clearer when you remember what’s included and what you avoid.

You’re getting:

• Fuel and all port fees included
• Snorkeling equipment and a SUP included
• Life jackets and safety equipment
• Toilet and shower onboard
• Bluetooth sound system and USB charging
• Ice box with ice
• A sun-protected area and/or bow sundeck
• All the classic water stops and cave time, with tickets marked as free or included depending on the stop

So you’re not just paying for a route. You’re paying for a full day “floating base” where you don’t need to scramble for rentals or extra add-ons.

If you’re splitting the cost among 10–15 people, it can feel like a very efficient way to do Malta’s top sea highlights. If you’re traveling as a smaller group, it still can be worth it because you’re buying time saved and crowd-pressure avoided.

One more value note: this kind of charter also tends to be easier to enjoy if you’re the type who hates waiting around. With many bays in one day, it helps to have a boat that’s set up to handle the flow without turning it into a production.

Should you book this private boat charter?

I’d book it if you want your Malta day to be mostly water, with enough time in each place to actually enjoy it. It’s a great fit for couples, families, and mixed groups who want a mix of swimming, snorkeling, and beach downtime without juggling logistics. The onboard comfort items (toilet/shower, ice box) are the kind of details that make the day feel smoother than you expect.

I’d think twice if you know you want one single long beach day, because this plan packs a lot of stops into about 7 hours. Also, if you’re traveling at a time when weather is often unpredictable, remember the route can change to match conditions.

If your goal is Comino’s clear-water magic plus Gozo’s red-sand contrast, this charter is built exactly for that. With included gear and a private-group pace, it’s one of those days you can spend thinking less and enjoying more.

FAQ

What is the duration of the private boat charter?

The trip runs for about 7 hours.

How much does the charter cost?

It costs $744.95 per group, up to 15 people.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What language is the experience offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What swimming and snorkeling gear is included?

The charter includes snorkeling equipment and a Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP). Life jackets and safety equipment are also included.

Are there onboard facilities?

Yes. There is a toilet and shower onboard.

Is there an onboard audio option?

Yes. There’s a Bluetooth sound system, plus a USB charging point.

Are food and drinks provided?

An ice box with ice is included, but food is not listed as included. You can bring preferred food, and swimwear and towels are not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If unfit weather conditions happen, the itinerary can be adapted before the tour starts to keep the experience safe and enjoyable.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

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