Crystal water plus private boat time. I like how this half-day charter gets you out to Comino’s caves and lagoon stops without the crush of the big tour boats, with swim-and-snorkel stops built in. It’s also a true private boat experience, so your group can set a more relaxed pace while you cruise the Maltese coastline.

Two things I particularly enjoy are the onboard comfort details (like showers, an ice cooler, and easy-to-use snorkel gear) and the option to eat a proper Maltese platter while you’re still out on the water. One thing to think about first: four hours is a tight window, so you’ll want to decide in advance whether you’re prioritizing swimming a lot, snorkeling, or just cruising and taking photos.

Quick hits before you go

• Private pace, smaller boat feel: Fewer people in your space, more control over how long you linger at each stop.
• Comino-focused sights: Expect cave scenery plus time at lagoons like the Blue Lagoon area and other sheltered bays.
• Swim setup included: Life jackets, side ladder, snorkelling masks, fins, and noodles are part of the package.
• Onboard comfort touches: Bluetooth sound system, fresh water showers, and an ice cooler make the day easier.
• Optional Maltese platter on the water: ftira, bigilla, stuffed olives, and more, served with a drink if you choose the food option.
• A small fee can pop up: Fuel consumption is due in cash onboard (€89), so plan for it.

Why a private Comino boat beats the big tour scene

If you’ve ever done a day around Malta on a large boat, you know the rhythm: everyone funnels into the same swims, you wait your turn, then you queue again. This trip is built for the opposite mood. You charter your own boat for a group of up to 7, which changes the whole feel of the day. You spend time with your people, not with strangers.

I also like that the experience is built around water time. It’s not just sightseeing from the deck. You get swim and snorkel stops at lagoon spots and bays around Comino and nearby areas, with the boat anchored so you can get in when conditions allow. That matters because the best part of Comino is the way the water looks and feels when you’re actually floating in it.

The flip side is that it’s still a half-day. You can absolutely have a memorable Malta sea day, but you won’t have the time to treat it like a full beach vacation. Think of this as a focused water-and-scenery burst.

Price, what it includes, and the small fees to plan for

The headline price is $397 per group for up to 7 people, and the trip runs about 4 hours (exact start times depend on availability). That’s worth running the numbers because you’re not paying per person for a crowded seat. You’re paying for a private charter, and for many groups, the math works out especially well once you factor in what’s already included.

What’s included that adds real value:

• Qualified skipper
• Snorkelling masks, fins, and swimming noodles
• Side ladder and life jackets
• Bluetooth sound system
• Fresh water showers
• Ice cooler with ice
• Lagoons and beach swim and snorkel stops
• Optional food option: Maltese authentic platter with a drink

What you should budget for beyond the ticket:

• Extra drinks are available for purchase
• Fuel consumption fee is €89 cash onboard

That €89 isn’t hidden, but it’s the kind of detail that can ruin a smooth start if you show up without cash. Bring a small stack of euros so you can handle it the moment you’re onboard.

Meeting Sea Life Cruises: finding the right boat in Cirkewwa

You’ll start at Sea Life Cruises. The key detail: look for the white and brown boat on the dock behind the Cirkewwa cafe. When you arrive, give yourself a little buffer so you can locate it without rushing.

At the end, you return to the same meeting point. This is helpful for planning the rest of your day, especially if you’re pairing the cruise with dinner plans back in Malta.

Your 4-hour route: Malta islands cruising with cave-and-lagoon time

The day starts with you meeting the skipper, then heading out by boat. The itinerary is designed around short cruising segments between stops (so you get momentum, not long waiting). From there, the emphasis shifts to Comino’s dramatic rock formations and caves, then to lagoon areas known for their clear water.

Even with a private charter, your skipper isn’t just driving from one scenic postcard to the next. They’re making route choices based on weather, tides, and shallows, and they have the right to adjust embarkation and disembarkation points if conditions require it. That’s normal for sea days in the Channel between islands, and it’s actually part of why a skilled skipper matters.

Practically, here’s how to think about the time:

• You’ll spend meaningful moments anchored at the water’s edge for swimming and snorkeling.
• You’ll also get enough cruising time to enjoy Malta’s coastlines from the water, not just from a fixed shoreline viewpoint.
• You’ll return to Cirkewwa after the 4 hours, so plan your swim energy accordingly.

If you love swimming, this format is great. If you want long beach time with zero movement, it might feel too short.

Comino caves and Blue Lagoon area swim stops: the water moment

Comino is the reason many people book. This cruise is specifically built around that island’s signature look: cave-like formations and rocky edges, plus calm-water conditions at lagoon spots.

On paper, the named areas include places like:

• Comino’s caves and rock formations
• Blue Lagoon
• Crystal Lagoon
• St. Maria & St. Nikolaus Bay

Here’s what that means for you on the day:

• You’re not limited to one single swim location. You can compare how the water looks and feels as the boat moves between coves and bays.
• If you brought a snorkel mindset, the included masks and fins help you get in quickly and spend more time actually exploring the water.

One important rule to know before you step off at Comino’s Blue Lagoon: a free QR code is required to step foot onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon as of May 1, 2025. Check your voucher and have it ready. If you miss this step, you could find yourself stuck without the beach access you expected.

Also, the skipper can change the route if conditions demand it. That doesn’t mean the day is ruined; it means you’re prioritizing safe, swimmable conditions over a rigid itinerary.

Snorkel comfort and onboard add-ons you’ll appreciate in real life

A lot of boat trips say they have snorkelling gear. This one actually includes the basics you need to make it usable: snorkelling masks, swimming fins, and swimming noodles. That’s a big deal because the “best” snorkel moments don’t last long, and you don’t want to waste time figuring out gear at the dock.

Then there are the small comfort items that separate a relaxing sea day from an annoying one:

• Fresh water showers: You’re not stuck rinsing off in the sink-like way. You can actually rinse after your swim.
• Side ladder: Getting in and out is easier when you can use a ladder rather than awkward climbs.
• Life jackets: Included, so you’re not hunting for rentals.
• Ice cooler with ice: Useful if you brought drinks or chose to keep water cold during the day.
• Bluetooth sound system: If your group likes music, it’s built into the experience.

From a safety-and-comfort angle, reviews specifically mention that the skipper prioritizes safety and comfort, and that they’re attentive to conditions. That aligns with the included life jackets and the way the boat is set up for anchored swim stops.

The optional Maltese platter: what you get and why it’s worth considering

If you don’t want to pack a full lunch, the optional Maltese authentic platter with a drink is one of the smarter add-ons on this kind of trip. You’ll get a selection that includes:

• Bigilla dip
• White beans
• Stuffed olives
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Water biscuits
• The iconic Maltese traditional ftira
• Assorted local dips and Maltese cheeselets
• A refreshing pasta salad

Why I think this is a good choice: it’s not just bread and snacks. It’s a spread of flavors that work well in the sea-day context, and you get it without having to step off the boat and hunt for food. You also don’t need fancy utensils. It’s meant for people eating casually while the boat is at anchor.

That said, you’re still allowed to bring your own food and drinks, and many groups do. If your crew has preferences (or kids who get picky about unfamiliar snacks), bringing backup snacks is a simple way to keep everyone happy.

Who this private cruise suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a private group cruise for up to 7 people, so it fits groups of friends, couples, and families that want a calmer pace than big-tour boats. The water-focused stops also make it a natural pick for anyone who plans to swim.

It is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• People with motion sickness
• People over 70 years

If you’re on the fence, consider how your group handles boats and getting in and out of the water. Even with a side ladder and life jackets, sea days can mean uneven movement and a bit of effort. If that’s a concern, you’ll probably be happier choosing a shore-based day.

For families: this kind of charter can feel like a floating living room. You can keep your own group together, choose how long you stay at swim spots, and take breaks whenever you need them. Just note that children and infants count in the total number of participants, so plan headcount carefully.

Weather and tides: what happens when the sea changes the plan

A boat cruise lives and dies by conditions. Here, the skipper has the right to cancel or change the itinerary, routes, and embarkation/disembarkation points due to weather, tides, shallows, or other legitimate factors.

In real life, that’s a good thing. It signals that they’re watching the sea instead of forcing the same plan no matter what. One review also described a situation where wind made returning the original way tricky, and the provider arranged a taxi back to the hotel. That’s not something I’d count on as a guarantee, but it does suggest the team takes care of people when conditions go sideways.

Your best move is simple:

• Wear what you can handle if the boat rocks.
• Pack sunscreen and swim-ready clothes.
• Bring cash for the onboard fuel fee, so you’re not scrambling if there’s a late adjustment.

Should you book this private cruise from Sea Life Cruises?

Book it if you want:

• A private boat charter with a small group feel
• A day centered on Comino caves and lagoon swim time
• The convenience of included snorkel gear, showers, and swim setup
• The option to eat an actual Maltese platter on the water

Consider skipping or switching plans if:

• Four hours feels too short for how you vacation (this is a focused half-day, not an all-day beach hang)
• Your group includes anyone for whom the trip isn’t suitable (mobility issues, motion sickness, back problems, pregnancy, or age limits)
• You don’t want to deal with the practical rule of a QR code for Comino’s Blue Lagoon access

If your goal is a relaxed, water-first day in the Malta island chain, this is one of the more straightforward ways to do it without getting packed onto a large boat.

FAQ

Where does this private boat cruise start?

The meeting point is Sea Life Cruises in Cirkewwa. You should look for the white and brown boat on the dock behind the Cirkewwa cafe.

How long is the Malta private boat cruise?

The duration is 4 hours. Start times vary based on availability.

How many people can be on the private boat?

It’s a private group charter for up to 7 people per group.

Is snorkelling gear included?

Yes. The cruise includes snorkelling masks, swimming fins, and swimming noodles, plus life jackets and a side ladder for getting in and out.

What about food on board?

You can bring your own food and drinks. There is also an optional Maltese platter with a drink. If you choose it, the platter includes items like bigilla dip, white beans, stuffed olives, sun-dried tomatoes, water biscuits, ftira, local dips, Maltese cheeselets, and pasta salad.

Do I need cash during the trip?

Yes. Fuel consumption is €89 in cash only onboard.

Is access to Comino’s Blue Lagoon restricted?

Yes. As of May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code to step foot onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon. See your voucher for details.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues or motion sickness?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, motion sickness, and also not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and people over 70.

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