Malta: Private Boat Charter to Blue-Lagoon, Gozo & Comino

REVIEW · GOZO

Malta: Private Boat Charter to Blue-Lagoon, Gozo & Comino

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  • 4 hours
  • From $423
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Operated by Outdoor Explorers Malta Gozo Comino Boat trips · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Blue Lagoon looks best when you escape the crowd rush. This private speedboat charter is built for Comino’s clear water and Gozo’s south coast with stops you can actually enjoy at your own pace. My favorite part is the focus on swimming and snorkeling from the boat, plus the onboard comfort (shade and an ice cooler) that makes the day feel easy.

I also love how the route mixes famous icons with quieter reaches. You’ll see the Blue Lagoon area and then keep moving to Cominotto, Crystal Lagoon, Lover’s Cave, Popeye Caves, and Gozo spots like Mgarr Harbour and Santa Marija Bay. One thing to factor in: fuel isn’t included, with an added €99 fuel fee.

Key highlights to know before you go

Malta: Private Boat Charter to Blue-Lagoon, Gozo & Comino - Key highlights to know before you go

  • Blue Lagoon, but on your terms: fewer crowds with a private charter setup
  • Snorkel-ready itinerary: mask and snorkel gear included for reef and cave swims
  • Shade and cooler onboard: comfort for a 4-hour saltwater day
  • Caves, bays, and photo stops: Lover’s Cave, Popeye Caves, and Santa Marija Caves on the route
  • Skipper-driven customization: guides adjust pace and swim time to your group
  • Family-friendly swim options: Santa Marija Bay’s shallow feel makes it a good match for kids

Why a private speedboat feels worth it in Comino and Gozo

Malta: Private Boat Charter to Blue-Lagoon, Gozo & Comino - Why a private speedboat feels worth it in Comino and Gozo
Malta’s Comino is famous for a reason. The water can look almost painted—bright, clear, and hard to believe is real. But the downside is also real: when you’re in a big group, you spend time waiting, lining up, and rushing between stops.

This charter sidesteps that. You’re on a private speedboat with a personal skipper, so the day runs like you’re organizing it, not like you’re queued for it. That matters around places like Blue Lagoon, where timing can make all the difference. Instead of treating it like a checklist, you get boat time, swim time, and then more boat time to reach other coves that don’t get the same attention.

Another thing I like: the charter is set up for water time, not just sightseeing. Mask and snorkel are included, and you’ll have multiple chances to swim and snorkel throughout the trip—Comino for the bright water and caves, then Gozo for additional bays and sea cave areas. Add shade on board and a cooler with ice flakes, and it turns into a day where you can actually last the whole 4 hours without cooking in the sun.

The best proof is in how skippers handle the day. People consistently praise guides by name—Jimmy, Justin, Upie, Angul, Joe, Casper, Joseph—especially for being friendly, flexible, and focused on the right stops for the group. Justin, for example, is described as learning names quickly and adjusting the route based on what the group wants, including time to jump in and time to explore caves.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Gozo

The 4-hour route: how you actually use your time

Malta: Private Boat Charter to Blue-Lagoon, Gozo & Comino - The 4-hour route: how you actually use your time
This is a compact tour, but it doesn’t feel like a rushed hit-and-run. The pacing makes sense: you spend the early part of the day on Comino, then shift to Gozo for a second wave of bays and caves.

You’ll start with speedboat travel from your chosen side (meeting point can vary), then get your first Comino time quickly. Early in the experience, the plan is built around iconic Comino water and viewpoints (with photo stops and short guided moments along the way). The itinerary continues with multiple water-focused stops—places where you can go in from the boat, snorkel, and then move on.

Later, the tour transitions to Gozo. This is where the day gains variety. You begin at Mgarr Harbour, then work through south-coast viewpoints, bays, and cave areas. The final segment is still about water time, with stops at Santa Marija Bay and nearby cave points like Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock—big, scenic “look at that” moments—before heading back toward your drop-off.

If you like a plan but hate feeling boxed in, this route fits. You’ll get structure: named stops, short guided segments, and anchor points for swimming and snorkeling. But you can still expect your skipper to steer the day toward your group’s comfort level—whether that’s more time in the water or more time exploring the caves and viewpoints.

Comino highlights: Blue Lagoon, Cominotto, Crystal Lagoon, and the cave stops

Malta: Private Boat Charter to Blue-Lagoon, Gozo & Comino - Comino highlights: Blue Lagoon, Cominotto, Crystal Lagoon, and the cave stops
Comino is where the water steals the show. And the charter doesn’t just point at one famous spot. It layers in several Comino zones that each feel slightly different.

Blue Lagoon: You’ll spend time in the Blue Lagoon area with a mix of photo moments, boat cruising, and swimming or snorkeling options. The big advantage of doing this privately is that you can enjoy the water without the constant churn you get on shared trips.

Cominotto Island and Beach: This is one of the “quiet access only by private boat” style stops. It’s a good fit if your group wants snorkeling without fighting for space. You’ll also get cruising and sightseeing time around the area.

Crystal Lagoon: This is described as a top spot for cliff-jump-style fun (for those who want it) plus snorkeling. Even if you don’t jump, the water clarity and the fish visibility are a big reason people aim here.

Lover’s Cave: This cave leads to a hidden beach with white sand. It’s a great stop for photos, and it adds a more “secret place” feel compared to the open-sky views elsewhere on the route.

Popeye Caves: These caves have a natural arch similar in spirit to the famous Blue Grotto. Expect it to be a photo-and-cruise moment, plus a guided look from the boat.

Santa Marija Caves (Comino-side): The experience highlights these as some of the biggest sea caves in Malta. Even when you’re not going deep into every nook (the tour is boat-based), the cave area still delivers that wow factor.

Santa Marija Bay: This is the laid-back swim break. It’s specifically described as secluded with nice shallow waters, which is a strong match for families with kids who want calmer water time.

Elephant Rock: A natural wonder shaped by time, used as a sightseeing pass-by stop—short, scenic, and memorable.

Between these stops, the charter keeps the day varied: you’re not just repeating the same kind of view every 20 minutes. You’re shifting from open water to coves to caves, which is exactly what makes a 4-hour boat trip feel like more than a simple outing.

Gozo south coast: Mgarr Harbour, bays, and sea caves

Once the tour moves to Gozo, the feel changes. You go from the “bright and famous” Comino water to a Gozo mix of harbors, shorelines, and sea cave formations.

You’ll start at Mgarr Harbour, a lively and scenic port area that gives the day a grounded “you’re here” moment before heading into the more watery highlights.

Next, the route includes cave and gorge zones like Minka Cave & Tac-Cawl Island, and then Hondoq Bay & Bemberrine Gorge. In summer, these areas are described as places you can jump in for a swim or snorkel in some of the bluest water around.

Then you’ll reach Zriezaq Beach & Halfa Island, described as a historic area with clear blue water and a snorkeling-friendly setup. Mud exfoliation is also specifically mentioned here, which makes this stop more than just a pretty swim.

As you continue, you’ll find more viewpoints and photo stops around Gozo—like Ras il-Qala, Iz-Zewwieqa Bay, and Għemieri Window—followed by bay and cave time that anchors the end of the tour.

Santa Marija Bay (Gozo) and Santa Maria Caves are major payoffs. Santa Marija Bay is described as secluded, with white sand and shallow water. Santa Maria Caves are called out as significant sea caves in the region, so you get the sense of arriving at a place that’s both scenic and geologically impressive. The day also includes Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija as a photo stop and sightseeing pass.

Finally, you get a pass-by of Elephant Rock again on the broader route logic, plus a last stretch of cruising and scenic views before returning to your selected drop-off.

Onboard comfort and what’s actually included

Malta: Private Boat Charter to Blue-Lagoon, Gozo & Comino - Onboard comfort and what’s actually included
A private boat sounds fancy, but what you care about is the practical stuff—because you’ll feel it once you’re out in the sun.

Included in the price:

  • Private speedboat cruise
  • Personal skipper
  • Marina permits
  • Mask and snorkel
  • An ice cooler with ice flakes

Also noted: shade is available onboard, which matters in Malta’s sun when you’re in and out of the water.

What to bring:

  • Sunglasses
  • Towel
  • Food and drinks
  • Sunscreen

You’re allowed to bring your own drinks and food onboard. That’s a big deal if your group wants to snack on your own schedule rather than trying to find a place ashore in between stops.

What costs extra:

  • Fuel isn’t included, with an added €99 fuel fee.

So how does this price stack up? At $423 per group up to 6 for 4 hours, it’s not “cheap” in the normal sense. But it can be great value if you’re splitting the boat cost across friends or family and want to control the day. You’re paying for a private setup, a skipper, and the ability to spend meaningful time at the water without the mass-boat squeeze.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Gozo

Skippers make or break the day: Jimmy, Justin, and others

Malta: Private Boat Charter to Blue-Lagoon, Gozo & Comino - Skippers make or break the day: Jimmy, Justin, and others
Private tours can be great—or they can be just expensive boats. Here, the human factor is clearly part of the package.

Skippers are repeatedly described as:

  • Friendly and easy to get along with
  • Knowledgeable about the right spots for swimming and caves
  • Willing to adjust timing to match the group
  • Helpful with getting in and out of the boat, including for family members who need a bit of extra care

Specific names come up often: Jimmy is praised for going out of his way for a perfect day. Justin is praised for learning names quickly and tailoring the route, including finding cliff-jump-style spots and snorkel points. Upie is mentioned for catering to needs, finding good swimming and snorkeling locations, and helping the group make the day match their energy. Angul is praised for being especially helpful with getting a mum safely in and out.

One memorable detail tied to family travel: a skipper described as using a moment spotted in a cave—plastic debris—as a teaching opportunity for kids, including letting them help collect it using an onboard net. That’s the kind of small, real-world touch that makes a private charter feel like someone actually cares.

Who this charter fits best (and who might want a different plan)

Malta: Private Boat Charter to Blue-Lagoon, Gozo & Comino - Who this charter fits best (and who might want a different plan)
This is a solid match for:

  • Couples who want quiet water time without big-boat crowds
  • Groups of friends (up to 6) who want to split the private cost
  • Families with kids who benefit from multiple swim chances and calmer-water options like Santa Marija Bay
  • Anyone who cares more about water time than a long lecture of monuments

It may be less ideal if:

  • Your group wants a purely land-based sightseeing day (this is water-first)
  • You need wheelchair access. The tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

If you’re traveling in Malta and want one activity that feels like it belongs to Malta specifically—the sea, the caves, the blue water—this charter is one of the easiest “yes” choices.

Practical tips for your day on the water

Malta: Private Boat Charter to Blue-Lagoon, Gozo & Comino - Practical tips for your day on the water
You’ll have the best experience if you plan like you’re going to be in and out of the water a lot.

  • Wear sunscreen early and reapply. The sun hits hard, and you’ll be on a boat under open skies.
  • Bring a towel you’ll actually use. You’ll go from boat to swim and back again more than once.
  • Pack water and snacks. Food and drinks are allowed onboard, and having your own makes the day smoother.
  • Bring sunglasses and keep them handy. You’ll want them once the light hits the water.
  • If your group includes kids, set expectations early: expect short guided moments plus longer swim and snorkeling windows.

Also, think about what kind of “extra” your group wants. Some people will prioritize cave time and photo stops, while others will want maximum swim time. The charter is built for flexibility, so tell your skipper what matters most before you’re underway.

Should you book this private boat charter to Blue Lagoon, Gozo & Comino?

Malta: Private Boat Charter to Blue-Lagoon, Gozo & Comino - Should you book this private boat charter to Blue Lagoon, Gozo & Comino?
If your goal is Blue Lagoon water without the crowds and you want a day that’s built around swimming, snorkeling, and cave scenery, I think this is a strong booking.

It’s especially worth it if:

  • You’re traveling with up to 6 people and can split the group cost
  • You want a skipper who adjusts the day instead of sticking to a rigid timeline
  • You care about comfort (shade and an ice cooler) and getting multiple water stops in one outing

The main things to weigh are the fuel add-on (€99) and the reality that this is not a wheelchair-friendly experience. If those fit your plan, you’ll likely love how the day flows—from Comino’s famous blue water into Gozo’s sea caves and bays.

If Malta is on your list and you only pick one water-based experience, this is the kind of trip that makes the photo look real—and the time feel worth it.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

It’s listed at $423 per group up to 6.

What areas are included in the route?

You’ll visit the Blue Lagoon and Comino, include Cominotto and Crystal Lagoon areas, and then continue to Gozo for south-coast sights and bays.

Is snorkel gear included?

Yes. Mask and snorkel are included.

Is shade available onboard?

Yes. Shade and sun protection are available onboard.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You’re allowed to bring your own drinks and food onboard.

What extra fee should I expect?

Fuel is not included in the price, and there is a €99 fuel fee.

Where do we meet and where can we be dropped off?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. There are drop-off locations including Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal and Blue Lagoon Comino and Gozo Boat Trips.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

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