REVIEW · MGARR
Party Prowl: Crystal Lagoon, Gozo, Santa Maria Caves, Malta
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by I ♡ Comino Boat Charters · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Four hours of Malta sea time can change everything. This private boat charter is the easy way to get to Comino’s top waters without playing crowd-control, and I love the chance to swim and snorkel in the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon with space to breathe. The trade-off: there’s no onboard toilet, and if the weather turns, your day can get shorter or choppier.
I also like the control you get. You bring the vibe (through the Bluetooth speaker and your music), then the skipper steers you toward caves, coves, and beaches that fit the conditions. One more consideration is simple: food and drinks are not included, so if you’re picturing a full party setup, you’ll want to plan ahead.
In This Review
- Key things that make this boat party worth your time
- Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, minus the line-and-people stress
- The 4-hour loop: how the timing actually feels on the water
- Santa Maria Caves and the Comino cave-and-cove vibe
- Your music and onboard setup: party-friendly, not party-chaos
- Snorkeling equipment included: what you’re getting and how to use it
- Value check: what you’re paying for, and what costs extra
- Meeting points in Gozo vs. Malta: pick the plan that saves you time
- Weather and comfort: the stuff that can make or break the day
- Drinks and food expectations: avoid the party-picture mismatch
- Getting the best day out of a private boat charter
- So, should you book this Comino boat party?
- FAQ
- How many people is the boat party for?
- Where do we meet for the charter?
- How long is the experience?
- What’s included with the charter?
- What extra costs should I plan for?
- Is food and drink included?
- Is there a toilet onboard?
- What should I bring?
- What if the weather is bad?
Key things that make this boat party worth your time

- Comino lagoons on your own schedule: Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon with time to swim, float, and snorkel.
- Caves and coastline time: The route focuses on hidden coves and rock formations, not just one postcard stop.
- Your music, your party pace: Bluetooth speaker plus a relaxed onboard layout (sun deck + shaded canopy).
- Snorkeling gear is included: Mask and snorkel are provided, so you can pack lighter.
- Private-group comfort: Price is per boat (up to 6), which changes the math vs. per-person trips.
Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, minus the line-and-people stress

If you’ve only seen the Blue Lagoon from photos, you already know the color. What’s different on a private charter is how you experience it: you’re not squeezed into a tight window with dozens of other boats rotating in and out. Instead, you can enjoy the water at a pace that makes sense—swim, hop off the boat, snorkel, then take a break when you want shade.
The charter also specifically calls out Crystal Lagoon, which usually gets less attention than the Blue Lagoon. That’s a plus for you. You’re not just repeating the same scene; you’re moving along Comino’s watery scenery and giving yourself more chances to find the best spots for calm water and clear views.
And because this is a private boat format, the “party” part doesn’t have to mean loud chaos. You can keep it chill: music on, drinks if you brought them, and a lot of time spent looking at the coastline and caves as you float.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mgarr.
The 4-hour loop: how the timing actually feels on the water

A 4-hour charter sounds short until you’re on Malta’s channels and Comino waters. In that time, you’ll be balancing three things:
- travel time between scenic areas,
- time in the water (swimming and snorkeling),
- and time to enjoy the views from the boat.
That balance is exactly why this kind of charter works. You get a full “day highlight” without spending your whole day managing logistics on land. You also get flexibility: the skipper has authority to adjust the itinerary based on weather, tides, shallows, and sea conditions. In practical terms, that means you might not follow a rigid script—but you should still come home with enough water time to feel like you did Comino properly.
One thing I’d plan around: if conditions are wet and cold, you can lose comfort fast. A past booking ended early because it was too cold and wet, so bring sensible layers if you’re going in a shoulder season or when the wind kicks up.
Santa Maria Caves and the Comino cave-and-cove vibe

This experience is built around water travel along the Maltese/Comino coast with lots of “look, then stop” moments—hidden caves, rock formations, and secluded swimming pockets.
The title includes Santa Maria Caves, so you should expect at least some time connected to cave scenery around Malta’s coastal region. Even when you’re not snorkeling, caves and rocky coves change the whole mood of the trip. They turn it from beach-hopping into a slower, more scenic route where the coastline is the main event.
What to keep in mind: caves and rocks are great for photos, but they don’t all equal calm water. When the sea is a little rough, you’ll still see a lot, but snorkeling comfort can drop. Also, on a moving boat, hearing instructions isn’t always perfect—so if you want clear guidance, try to position yourself where you can hear the skipper when the boat is underway.
Your music and onboard setup: party-friendly, not party-chaos
This is where the experience can surprise you—in a good way. The boat includes a Bluetooth speaker, and the setup supports the idea of playing your own playlist while you lounge. That matters because Comino’s beauty can turn into a quiet “floating and watching” day if you don’t add any energy.
At the same time, it’s not marketed as a nightclub. The included features point more toward comfort and hanging out: comfortable seating areas, a sun deck for sunbathing, and a canopy for shadow. Add the free Wi‑Fi, and you’ve got enough modern convenience to keep the vibe easy—without needing to be on your phone constantly.
A practical note for your expectations: even if you book a party-style charter, the trip info lists food and drink as not included. If the visuals you’re picturing include a full onboard meal setup, you’ll want to clarify what’s possible before you arrive.
Snorkeling equipment included: what you’re getting and how to use it

You get basic snorkeling gear included: a mask and snorkel. That’s a real value add because it means you don’t have to rent or carry extra equipment.
In terms of how you’ll use it, the trip is designed for swimming in clear water and stopping at lagoons and quieter areas. The goal is not just a quick snorkel and back; it’s time to actually enjoy it. If you’re new to snorkeling, focus on staying calm, breathing steadily, and keeping your swim pace slow. If you’re more experienced, you’ll likely enjoy the changing scenery along the coastline and cave areas.
Still, be honest with yourself about conditions. Clear water is what makes these spots special, but winds and waves can affect visibility and comfort. If you’re sensitive to cold or get motion sickness, plan for that upfront.
Value check: what you’re paying for, and what costs extra
The headline price is $233 per group up to 6, and it’s priced per boat, not per passenger. That pricing is why private works here. If you’re traveling with a small group—friends, family, or a mix of ages—it can feel much closer to a shared activity cost than a per-person luxury charter.
What’s included is meaningful for snorkeling and a comfortable day:
- private boat
- canopy for shadow
- sun deck and seating areas
- safety equipment
- port/marina fees and taxes
- ice cooler
- Bluetooth speaker and free Wi‑Fi
- snorkeling mask and snorkel
- lagoon permits
What’s not included (and what you should budget for) is also clear:
- professional skipper fee (€98)
- fuel consumption (€98)
- food and drink
- any party food items or beverages
So is it good value? For a 4-hour private cruise that hits Comino’s signature lagoons and includes snorkeling gear, yes—especially if you’re going as a group. The value drops if you expected an all-in package with meals and drinks, because those are separate. The smartest move is to decide early: are you bringing your own refreshments, or do you want to keep it simple with snacks?
Meeting points in Gozo vs. Malta: pick the plan that saves you time

You don’t want a scenic day to start with a stressful transfer. This charter runs from two designated meeting points:
- Gozo (Mgarr): near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal.
- Malta (Cirkewwa): near Cirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.
Choosing which side to depart from can save you time and reduce hassle. If you’re already based near one of these areas, it’s usually worth matching your hotel location to the closest meeting point.
The day-of tip that matters: arrive 30 minutes early. That’s not just “nice.” The operator specifically suggests it to handle potential traffic or delays. And you should know that being late won’t extend your charter time.
Weather and comfort: the stuff that can make or break the day

Malta can be beautiful even when the wind is doing its thing. But the sea can turn on you, and this charter is honest about that. The skipper can cancel, postpone, change, or modify the charter based on weather and sea conditions. They can also alter routes and disembark locations due to tides, shallows, or other legitimate reasons.
On the comfort side, plan for:
- sun and splash (sunglasses and sunscreen help)
- cold/wet wind (bring a towel and consider a light layer)
- bathroom expectations
One important heads-up from past experience: there is no toilet onboard. If you’re thinking “we’ll just handle it on the boat,” adjust that plan. Shore stops are possible, but I’d treat restroom access as something you should expect to vary with the route and conditions.
Drinks and food expectations: avoid the party-picture mismatch

This is the area most likely to surprise you.
The trip details list food and drink as not included, including no onboard BBQ items or BBQ beverages. Yet some bookings have reported that they were told close to the trip date they could bring their own food and drink. That suggests there may be flexibility, but it isn’t something I’d assume automatically.
So here’s what I recommend:
- If you want snacks, bring them.
- If you want drinks, bring them (and keep it responsible and legal for the boat setup).
- If you’re imagining a catered or BBQ-style situation, confirm what’s possible before you show up.
Also: bring cash, because the “know before you go” list includes it. That’s usually a sign there can be small extras or on-the-day needs.
Getting the best day out of a private boat charter
You’ll get more out of this experience with a few small choices.
Pack smart: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses. Then add a warm layer if you’re going when the air is likely to feel chilly. Boats move, wind hits, and Comino can feel different from the shore.
Set expectations: the experience is built around swimming, snorkeling, caves/coves, and a relaxed onboard party vibe—not a hotel-style full-service meal.
Use the private format: decide what matters most to your group. If you want more water time, you’ll tend to prioritize lagoons. If you want cave scenery and photos, you’ll focus on the coastline stops. A good skipper will balance both, but you should still steer the vibe with your group preferences.
So, should you book this Comino boat party?
If your group wants private boat time on Comino with snorkeling gear included, plus a relaxed party atmosphere with your music, this is a strong choice. It’s especially good for small groups (up to 6) because the cost is per boat, not per person.
You might want to think twice if:
- you need onboard bathroom access,
- you’re expecting a full food/drink package or onboard BBQ,
- or you’re traveling during a season when you’re likely to get cold wind and rain.
If you’re flexible on the day (and you plan your comfort items), you’ll likely come away with the real payoff: Comino’s legendary water without feeling like you’re part of a timetable.
FAQ
How many people is the boat party for?
The price is per boat for a private group, up to 6 people.
Where do we meet for the charter?
There are two meeting points: Gozo at Mgarr Harbour Terminal near Sicilia Bella Restaurant, and Malta at Cirkewwa near the Cirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.
How long is the experience?
The duration is 4 hours.
What’s included with the charter?
Included items include the exclusive private boat, seating areas, sun deck, canopy for shadow, safety equipment, port and marina fees, taxes, ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, free Wi‑Fi, snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel), and lagoon permits.
What extra costs should I plan for?
A professional skipper fee (€98) and fuel consumption (€98) are not included in the base price.
Is food and drink included?
No. Food and drink are listed as not included, along with party food items and party beverages. You may need to plan your own snacks or refreshments.
Is there a toilet onboard?
The tour details don’t list an onboard toilet, and one booking specifically noted there is no toilet onboard.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.
What if the weather is bad?
The skipper has the authority to cancel, postpone, change, or modify the charter based on weather and sea conditions, including adjusting the route and where you get on/off the boat.















