Three hours, and you own the bluest water. This private Malta charter zips you from Mellieħa’s Cirkewwa area to Blue Lagoon–style swimming, plus quieter Comino coves and Gozo coast views with a captain at the helm.

I especially like that the price covers the whole boat (up to 6 people), so it can feel like smart spending when you travel with friends or family. I also love the built-in “water time” rhythm: anchored in the brightest spots, with snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) provided.

One thing to plan for: there’s a one-time €79 fuel surcharge paid to the skipper, and the whole outing depends on good weather.

Key things you’ll remember most

• Whole-boat pricing (up to 6): split it and it can work out better than you’d expect.
• Captain-led anchoring: the stops focus on water clarity and access to caves.
• Snorkel-ready by default: mask and snorkel are included on board.
• Comino variety in one loop: Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija bays, and Cominotto spots.
• Gozo coast time without the crowd crush: harbors, bays, and viewpoints from the water.

A Private Boat Around Comino and Gozo: What the 3 Hours Really Means

This is the kind of trip where you don’t have to fight for space. You get a boat to your group, then you spend your time where most people only pass by from shore: inside lagoons, by coves, and near caves where the sea color does the talking.

The route is packed with classic Comino names—Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija, and Cominotto—but the real advantage is how you use them. You’re not stuck waiting in lines or doing awkward hop-on hop-off transitions. The captain can time your stops for a calmer feel, then you can swim and snorkel when you’re ready.

If you want a “best of Malta water” day without turning it into a full-day logistics puzzle, this fits. But it’s still only about 3 hours, so go with the right mindset: this is a concentrated burst of sea time, not a leisurely all-day coast cruise.

Meeting in Cirkewwa and How the Drop-Off Works

You meet at Cirkewwa port, right by the area’s main kiosk/café. The exact pin you may see is labeled as a café in the Cirkewwa area (plus the map marker shown in the details). It’s an easy pick-up spot because it’s basically the obvious landmark people gather around.

Pickup and drop-off flexibility is a big deal here. You can be dropped back at your start point for a round trip, or you can choose to be dropped on Gozo or Malta Island. Depending on how your day is planned, the operator says you can also be dropped at either Cirkewwa Marina or Gozo Marina.

This matters if you’re combining it with other activities. You might do this first, then take a taxi or ferry-style plan after. Or you could start here and end on Gozo so the rest of the day has a different vibe.

Blue Lagoon Swim Time: Anchored for the Color, Not the Crowds

The Blue Lagoon stop is the headline, and the timing is short on purpose—around 30 minutes. You’re anchored in the clearest-looking parts of the lagoon, the kind of water that looks like it belongs in a postcard but somehow still feels real once you’re floating there.

This is where a private charter changes the experience. You’re not just staring at the water from a shoreline. You’re out on it, with time for a swim and snorkeling, and the captain anchors where the blues look strongest.

The lagoon is between Comino and Cominotto, with white sandy beaches on either side. One practical note: because it’s popular, even on a boat you can feel the day’s busyness. The best strategy is to keep your eyes on the water and follow the captain’s lead once you’re there—your “anchor choice” is the difference-maker.

Santa Marija Bay and Cominotto: Secluded Water With Film-Scene Energy

After Blue Lagoon, the trip moves into a more tucked-away feel. Santa Marija Bay on Comino is described as a horseshoe-shaped beach with white sand and tamarisk trees lining the back. There’s also a smaller nearby bay called Little Santa Marija, where the sea bed and marine life are said to be great for snorkeling.

What I like about this stop is that it’s not just scenery. It’s built for people who want to get in the water more than once. The description also includes that nearby Santa Marija caves are explored during the boat time, so you get water time plus cave-and-coast sightseeing without switching plans.

Then you get Cominotto Beach. The key detail: it’s only reachable by boat. The stop is brief (around 10 minutes), which means it’s best for quick swims, photos, and that “I can’t believe we’re here” feeling.

Cominotto also has a film-history reputation, with mentions like Troy (Brad Pitt) and Madonna’s Swept Away among others. And there’s an interesting physical feature: a swim-through cave of about 50 meters to the other side of the island.

Practical consideration: with short stops, you’ll get more out of this if you’re ready to move quickly—snorkel on, swim a bit, then reset for pictures. If you want a slow wander on land, this isn’t that kind of day. It’s a sea-first day.

Crystal Lagoon and Cave Entry: Snorkel Paradise With Short Stops

Crystal Lagoon is where the trip leans into “explore the water, not the shore.” The water is described as turquoise, and the coast has caves, including some with a sandy area inside. The boat is built to enter some of those caves, which is the difference between just seeing shapes from the outside and actually feeling like you’re inside the scenery.

You’ll get about 20 minutes here, and this is the stop that includes a dedicated snorkel stop (timing depends on season and what your group prefers). Snorkeling equipment—mask and snorkel—is provided free of charge, so you don’t need to arrive with gear.

A detail I like: the captain gives information and fun facts about the islands during the ride. Crystal Lagoon is also mentioned for film use, including Popeye, Count of Monte Cristo, Troy, and more. Even if you’re not into movies, it helps because it turns the coast cruising into a story you can follow while you swim.

There’s also another Crystal Lagoon-related stop later in the day (around 15 minutes), so you’re not just rushing past it once. That gives you a second chance to enjoy the water clarity and cave visuals depending on how you feel after the first swim.

Saint Mary’s Tower: The 17th-Century Stop With Movie Tie-In

Between the big swimming locations, you’ll cruise past It-Torri ta’ Santa Marija (Saint Mary’s Tower). The tower dates back to the 17th century and is described as still in good condition. It was part of a system of defensive towers used for warning and fortification—including watching for invasion, pirates, or smugglers.

This is a brief look (around 5 minutes), but it’s a smart add-on. It gives the day some variety beyond water color and cave shapes. You get a “why this exists” moment while you’re cruising, and then you can get back to being on the water.

There’s also a film reference: the tower was chosen to represent Château d’If in the 2002 Count of Monte Cristo movie. If you’ve seen that film, you’ll probably spot the connection immediately. If you haven’t, it still works as a quick history snapshot that doesn’t slow the day down.

Gozo From the Water: Halfa Rock, Salt Pans, and Inlet Caves

Once you swing toward Gozo, the experience changes from lagoons to a more varied coast. The plan includes cruising the south coast of Gozo, including Halfa rock, a small island with history. The description points out sheer cliffs on most sides and a secluded bay on the Gozo side that’s accessed only by boat.

You’ll also see salt pans that have been harvested the same way for generations. That’s one of those details that reads like a throwaway line until you’re actually looking at them from the sea. It gives you a sense of how people used this coastline long before tourism turned it into a swim destination.

This part of the route also references wildlife: the hidden bay area is said to be known for octopus and sargo bream. You’re not guaranteed wildlife sightings, but it helps explain why the waters here are famous enough that people come expecting an ocean that feels alive.

Hondoq Bay, Bemberin Gorge, and the Cliff-Diving Viewpoints

In south Gozo you’ll reach Hondoq ir-Rumien Bay. The water is described as turquoise, but the main reason this stop exists is nearby Bemberin gorge—an inlet accessed only by boat.

The description says it has caves and air pockets, and that the water inside is crystal clear. There are also vantage points for cliff diving. Even if you’re not jumping (most people won’t), it’s still worth experiencing because it’s a different kind of geology than the Comino lagoons.

Stop length here is short (around 10 minutes), which keeps the day moving. The best use of this time is to get a few photos from the right angle, then focus on how the light changes in the inlet water.

Mgarr Harbour and Qala: A Gozo Snapshot You Can Feel

The day also includes time near Mġarr Harbour on Gozo. This part is almost calming compared to the swim stops. It’s described as simple and scenic, with colorful fishing boats and yachts. The harbor feels like a working place, not a stage set.

A standout detail: Forth Chambre dominates the harbor, and it’s linked to the Knights of St John—specifically the fort there. Next to it there’s a small Gothic chapel with details dedicated to Lourdes, plus a statue in a cliff area underneath.

Later you’ll pass Qala, in the southeast part of Gozo. It’s described as having a lovely coast with numerous caves along the way, pebbly beaches, and a fortification at the eastern point. Think of this as the route’s “final coast scan.” You’re not stopping for a long walk, but you’re seeing how Gozo’s shore bends and changes.

Boat Comfort, What to Pack, and How to Keep It Smooth

The “feel” of the tour depends a lot on how your captain runs the day. In the experience details you’ve got here, guides and captains listed by name include people like Owen, Noel, Pedro, Ginger, Joe, Addin, Isaac, and Chris. That’s a useful hint: this company clearly assigns captains who are comfortable with mixing calm sightseeing with getting you into the best water.

What I’d plan around based on the details given: bring your own snacks and drinks, and expect a cooler setup may be available depending on the boat. One review specifically suggested packing snacks and drinks and noted a cooler is available. Another guest asked for water, so I’d treat water as something you should bring with you.

Packing list for a 3-hour water day:

• swimwear and a quick-dry layer
• towel (often helpful since it’s not stated as included)
• sunglasses and reef-friendly sunscreen
• a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
• snacks/drinks you’ll actually want

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is a short trip, but it’s still on the sea. Choppy water happens sometimes, and the best move is simple: eat lightly, keep your eyes on the horizon, and wear what helps you stay comfortable.

Price and Value: How $337.55 Works for a Private Boat

The big value argument is straightforward: $337.55 per group up to 6. That means you’re not paying per head. If you have a group of four, five, or six, the math often looks a lot healthier than typical private tours.

Yes, there’s a €79 fuel surcharge paid to the skipper in cash. That’s the one extra line item you should budget for, and it’s worth planning around before you get to the boat. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, that surcharge plus the whole-boat baseline can feel steep compared with shared boat options.

What helps justify the cost is what’s included:

• marina costs are included
• snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel) is included
• anchoring fees for Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Crystal Lagoon National Reserve are included

So you’re not paying little extras at each step. You’re paying for the boat plus the time in the best-access water zones. That’s the real “value.”

One more practical reality: this kind of trip is weather-dependent. If you’re booking close to your travel dates, consider having a backup day in mind. The trip runs only if conditions allow.

Who This Charter Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is ideal if you want:

• a private water-focused day with a captain
• multiple swim stops with snorkel gear included
• a route that mixes Comino highlights with Gozo scenery without extra land travel time
• a group size up to six where you can split the whole-boat price

It’s not the right choice if you want:

• long beach time on land
• a slow-paced guided tour with lots of walking stops
• a day that’s mostly about towns and cafés

If you’re celebrating something, it also works well because the trip is custom in feel. One of the strong notes from the experience detail is that captains are flexible with preferences—like where you spend more time depending on whether you want swimming, snorkeling, or less time in the busiest spots.

Should You Book This Private Charter?

If you’re excited about swimming and snorkeling more than sightseeing on foot, I’d book this. The value comes from doing the classic Comino water stops from the water, plus getting in cave-and-lagoon moments you can’t really replicate from shore.

If you’re traveling as a small group, do the math with the €79 fuel surcharge. But if you’re splitting the boat cost with friends or family, this is the kind of half-day trip that can become the highlight of your Malta time—because you’re not just viewing the blue. You’re in it.

FAQ

How many people is this private charter for?

The charter is priced per group and fits up to 6 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 3 hours.

Where do we meet, and is pickup/drop-off flexible?

You meet at Cirkewwa port, right by the kiosk/café in the area. You can also be picked up or dropped off at Cirkewwa Marina or Gozo Marina, depending on your preference. The trip can be a round trip back to where you started, or it can drop you off on Gozo or Malta Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Mask and snorkel are included on board.

What fees are included, and what costs extra?

Marina costs and anchoring fees for Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Crystal Lagoon National Reserve are included. Fuel is not included and there is a one-time €79 fuel cost paid to the skipper after the tour.

Which places do you stop for swimming or snorkeling?

You stop at Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, and Crystal Lagoon includes a scheduled snorkel stop (timing depends on season and your preferences). You also visit areas like Santa Marija Bay and Cominotto as part of the boat time around Comino.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

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