Comino’s caves look unreal from a private boat. This 5-hour charter is built for groups who want Comino’s coastline and quiet water without the usual crowd chaos, plus a few classic highlights on the Gozo and Malta side.

I love the feeling of having your own pace on the water, and I love how the route mixes swimming stops with caves and viewpoints so the time never drags.

One consideration: the skipper can change the itinerary for weather and sea conditions, and there are extra add-ons like skipper and fuel that are not included in the base price.

Key things that make this charter worth it

• Private boat time (price per boat, not per passenger): up to 6 people sharing your own space on the water
• Blue Lagoon / Crystal Lagoon water breaks: swim and snorkel from the boat when conditions are right
• Comino cave-hopping on a single run: Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Pigeon Rock show up along the way
• A Gozo island loop: Mgarr Harbour plus Hondoq Bay, Crow Rock, and Tal-Ħalfa Beaches
• A quick Mdina touch (about 30 minutes): enough time to feel the old capital’s vibe before heading back
• Blue Grotto viewpoints and six caves: dramatic natural arches with some of the clearest water in the islands

Why Comino and Gozo feel better from the water

Malta can be surprisingly intense on land in peak hours. From the moment you leave the marina, the day becomes calmer and more focused: you’re traveling by water, not waiting for buses, and you’re aiming straight at the best-looking coastlines.

This charter is short on purpose: 5 hours is just enough to hit the big-name spots and still spend real time floating, swimming, and snorkeling. You’re not spending half the day in transit. You’re spending it on the water.

And because it’s private, you control the vibe. If you want more time at a quiet bay versus snapping photos at every stop, that’s part of the point of a tailor-made charter.

The 5-hour rhythm: what you actually get to see

The whole experience is designed around a clear sequence of water highlights, with a land moment in Mdina and a grotto stop at the end. Expect a day that alternates between “stop and enjoy” and “move to the next viewpoint,” rather than one long, single-location beach day.

That timing matters. Blue Lagoon-style water quality changes through the day, and cave access depends on what the sea is doing. A skipper who can adjust the route based on conditions helps you get closer to that best version of the day.

Comino’s caves and coves: where the day turns scenic

Comino is the star, and it’s not just for photos. The coastline is full of coves and cave-like shapes that look different depending on the angle of the sun and the way the boat drifts in. That’s exactly what you want: you’re arriving by boat, so you’re not limited to the same handful of shoreline viewpoints.

Along the way, you pass or visit places like Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Pigeon Rock. Even if you’ve seen pictures, it’s the motion that changes everything. You get to see how the coast wraps around small inlets instead of looking at it flat from one spot.

A practical upside: if your group includes different comfort levels—some want to snorkel, some want to just float—this setup gives everyone a job. One person can handle the snorkeling gear while the rest relax under the canopy and sun deck.

Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: swim and snorkel from the boat

The charter’s water breaks are the main event. You’ll reach the Blue Lagoon / Crystal Lagoon area where you can take a refreshing dip right from the boat, and you can also snorkel using provided gear.

This is where you’ll feel the value of a private charter. In busy times, famous swimming areas can feel crowded fast on land. On a boat, you get the same water access with more control over timing and positioning—so you can spend time in the water rather than fighting for it.

Snorkel notes: you get a mask and snorkel included, but fit still matters. One booking described a minor issue with snorkeling equipment and said the guide worked hard to sort it. The key takeaway for you: if something feels off—fogging, straps pinching—say something early so you can enjoy the water without wasting time.

Cliff-jumps and “try it if you want” moments

The day includes options for more adventurous swimmers, including cliff-jump-style fun when conditions allow. You don’t have to do it. Just know the charter has that kind of built-in flexibility, which is why it often feels more like an experience than a sightseeing bus tour.

If you’re on the fence, watch first. Then decide based on your comfort level and the sea state. The skipper’s call matters here, since water conditions can change quickly.

Gozo side loop: Mgarr Harbour and the bays

After Comino time, the charter crosses the Channel to Gozo, Malta’s northern island. You’ll go through the area of Mgarr Harbour, and then the route includes scenic stretches like Hondoq Bay, Crow Rock, and Tal-Ħalfa Beaches.

This part of the day is valuable because it widens the Malta picture. Comino can feel like its own world, but Gozo adds different coast shapes and a different pace. You get more variety in one short outing without extending the full day into an all-day slog.

Also, Gozo is a good place to enjoy views even if you’re not the snorkeler type. Being on the boat means you can take in the coastline while others are in the water.

Mdina’s 30-minute stop: small window, big atmosphere

Back on Malta, you get a stop at Mdina, the old walled capital. Your time is short—about 30 minutes—but that’s intentional. It’s long enough to walk, spot the stonework and ramparts, and feel the atmosphere of a place that’s built for wandering.

Think of it like a taste, not a full day. If you want museums, long meals, or guided interior time, you’ll likely need a separate visit. But if you’re the type who likes to mix in one “land moment” during a waters-day, Mdina fits nicely.

You’ll also notice how the old capital contrasts with the morning’s boat day. This is a good reminder that Malta is more than sea and sun.

Blue Grotto: six caves and the right kind of drama

The last main highlight is the Blue Grotto, in the southern reaches of Mdina’s area. The grotto is described as a network of six caves, with some of the clearest water you can find around the islands.

Even if you don’t spend the whole time staring at water depth, it’s the look that gets you: natural arches, caves, and that bright blue tone that shows up when the light hits just right. If you like “brief, high-impact stops,” this is one of those.

You should also know there’s a “worth it even if you’re tired” factor here. The day has water time, so your brain sometimes slows down. The Blue Grotto tends to snap attention back quickly because it’s visual and distinct.

How the private format changes the value (and the feel)

You’re paying $235 per group up to 6, and the price applies per boat, not per passenger. That matters because it shifts the math: if you’re traveling as a couple, it can feel premium. If you’re with a small group, it can feel like a straightforward way to buy yourself time and privacy.

From a value perspective, the included items are the kind that usually add up when you piece them together yourself:

• Snorkeling equipment (mask & snorkel)
• Safety equipment
• Port and marina fees and taxes
• Ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, free WiFi
• Canopy for shadow
• Lagoon permits

None of that turns into “wow” the way the views do, but it does reduce hassle. You show up, gear is available, and you spend less time hunting for rentals, tickets, and small add-ons.

Private boat comfort is a real factor too. At least one group noted the boat size felt “just enough,” and that space can depend on the vessel and the number of people aboard. If your group is active—snorkelers, sun-worshippers, photographers—you’ll want to communicate expectations with your skipper ahead of time during the customizing stage.

What to expect from the skipper and guide dynamic

The charter includes a live tour guide in English and Maltese, and you’re navigating multiple coastal areas in a short window—so the skipper’s judgment is not a small detail. One booking praised a guide named Mario for being considerate and accommodating, while another described Harry as following their wishes to find more private bays. Another highlighted Joe as professional and attentive, including helping with comfort when weather turned rainy (even lending a raincoat).

The consistent theme is this: the best version of the trip happens when you treat it like a conversation. Tell the skipper what your group wants most—snorkeling time, quieter coves, cave views, or a calmer pace—and be ready to adjust if sea conditions require changes.

One practical caution: the skipper has authority to alter routes, departure or disembarkation locations, and even adjust timing for the best experience and safety. That’s not a problem—it’s part of how you avoid getting stuck with a bad sea-state plan.

Price and the add-ons you should budget for

The headline cost is $235 per group (up to 6), for a 5-hour private boat charter. But the day can have extra expenses, and it’s smart to plan for them.

Not included:

• Professional skipper: €99
• Fuel consumption: €99
• Food and drinks (including BBQ items)

So what you’re really buying is the boat-and-experience core, plus the flexibility to make it yours. If you want to eat on the water, you’ll need to bring along your own plan since food and drink aren’t included.

A simple way to budget: look at the base price as “the private boat fee,” then add the skipper and fuel line items when you’re estimating what your real total will be.

Tips so you don’t waste time on day-of details

This is one of those trips where being ready makes the day smoother.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Why cash? Some parts of Malta and some stops may ask for it, and it’s also handy for quick purchases if your group decides last minute to grab something to eat or drink.

Timing:

• Arrive about 30 minutes early so traffic or terminal chaos doesn’t eat into your charter.
• If you’re late, your charter may not be extended, since departure needs to be on time.

Sea-sickness note (important): one booking flat-out warned that you shouldn’t go if you’re sensitive to sea sickness. If you know you react to boat movement, consider that seriously before booking. For some people, it’s fine; for others, it’s miserable.

Who should book this charter

This trip is a great match for you if:

• You want Comino and Blue Grotto without spending an entire day in transit
• You care about private time on the water and quick access to swimming and snorkeling
• You like variety: caves, swim stops, Gozo scenery, and a short Mdina walk

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re very sensitive to sea motion
• You want long, slow land exploration of Mdina (you’ll only have about 30 minutes)
• You want a tour that includes food and drinks (those are not included)

Should you book Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

If you’re choosing between a big-group boat tour and a small-group private charter, I’d lean toward this for one reason: 5 hours is tight, and privacy helps you use that time well. You’re getting Comino’s cave coastline, Blue Lagoon-style swimming, a Gozo loop, a Mdina taste, and a Blue Grotto finale—all in one run.

Book it if your ideal day looks like water first, photos second, and a few smart stops that keep moving. Skip it (or think hard) if sea sickness is a known issue for you, or if you need a longer inland schedule.

If you tell the skipper what you want most—quiet bays vs snorkeling time vs cave views—and you show up early with swim gear and sunscreen, this is the kind of Malta day that feels custom, not canned.

FAQ

How long is Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

The experience lasts 5 hours.

What is the price and group size?

It costs $235 per group, up to 6 people, and the rate is per boat.

Where do we meet for the boat in Gozo?

You meet at Mgarr Harbour Terminal in the Mgarr departure area near the Sicilia Bella Restaurant.

Where do we meet for the boat in Malta?

You meet at Cirkewwa’s departure area near the Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.

What’s included in the boat charter?

Included are the private boat, comfortable seating and sun deck, safety equipment, port and marina fees, taxes, canopy shade, ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, free WiFi, snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel), and lagoon permits.

What’s not included?

Not included are the professional skipper (€99), fuel consumption (€99), and food and drink.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Does the itinerary ever change?

Yes. The skipper can cancel, postpone, change, or modify the charter based on weather and sea conditions, and may adjust routes and departure or disembarkation locations when needed.

You Might Also Enjoy

Valletta: Guided Walking Tour with Optional Cathedral TourMalta: Family of Monsters Chocolate Making ClassMalta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat TourMosta, Crafts Village, Mdina & Valletta Full-Day inc Platter