Eight hours, three water stops, zero crowds. A private boat day like this in Malta is built for clear views, easy swimming, and a calmer pace than the usual tour lines. You’ll spend time at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon on Comino, then head over to Gozo for beaches and photo time.

I especially like that this is truly private for your group (up to 12), so the captain can set the rhythm. In reviews, crew members such as Ryan, Kelo, and Ibrahim are described as professional and friendly, and that matters when you’re on the water all day.

One thing to think about: your money for onboard extras adds up fast. The price covers the boat, fuel, skipper, snorkeling gear, drinks, and BBQ use, but food (€30 per person) and alcohol (€40 per person) are not included (and alcohol has an age minimum).

Key points to know before you go

• A private charter for up to 12 people means fewer bottlenecks and more say in how long you stay in each cove.
• Two Comino lagoon stops (2 hours each) are the main event, with included admission and time to swim and snorkel.
• Snorkeling equipment + stand-up board are included, so you can get in the water without extra rental hassles.
• BBQ use is included, which is handy if you’re bringing lunch and want a simple onboard setup.
• The captain can adjust for conditions, including changes in timing or routes when seas or weather aren’t ideal.
• Budget for food and alcohol separately, since they’re priced per person.

Why a private charter is the Malta water day you actually want

Malta by boat is one of those experiences where the difference between crowded and uncrowded is night and day. With a private 8-hour charter, you’re not fighting for space at the rail, and you’re not squeezed into someone else’s schedule. The result is a day that feels more like a planned outing and less like a checklist.

This charter is built around the best-known water playgrounds: Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, plus time on Gozo. That mix is smart. You get that postcard swim time at Comino, then you shift gears to a different island feel with Gozo’s beaches and coastline.

Getting to the boat: Ta’ Xbiex pickup and your 9:00 AM start

The meeting point is Kanpai CharterOffice 1, Crown Marina Apts, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1027, Malta. Start time is 9:00 AM, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

This matters more than it sounds. A morning departure gives you water-time before the day gets heavier, and it helps you finish in time to still enjoy the rest of your Malta itinerary. Also, you’ll use a mobile ticket, which is a small but real convenience when you’re hopping between stops.

If you’re planning ahead, note that bookings often happen around a few weeks in advance on average. That’s a good sign for two reasons: it’s popular, and it usually means choosing your dates earlier is a safer bet.

Blue Lagoon Comino: 2 hours of shallow, turquoise swimming time

Blue Lagoon is the obvious headline stop, and it’s a strong one because the water is known for being crystal-clear and easy for a first swim. You get about 2 hours here, and admission is included.

What you should expect:

• Time to swim right off the boat in calmer water areas.
• A chance to use the included snorkeling equipment if you want to look at what’s under the surface.
• Plenty of time to switch between relaxing and getting in the water again.

Practical note: two hours is a sweet spot. It’s enough time to enjoy the swim without feeling rushed, but it’s not so long that the sun and wind take over your mood.

The one possible drawback is also simple: Blue Lagoon is famous, so even on a private charter, you’ll want to be ready to enjoy the moment without expecting total emptiness. The upside of private is that you control where you spend that time, and you’re not stuck in a rigid crowd flow.

Crystal Lagoon Comino: 2 hours in a quieter, rocky shoreline setting

Next up is Crystal Lagoon, also on Comino, with about 2 hours and admission included. This stop tends to feel more serene, with the lagoon tucked around rocky coastline and natural scenery.

Why this stop works well on the same day as Blue Lagoon:

• You get variety without changing islands twice.
• You can compare water and shoreline mood—more open and bright at Blue Lagoon, and a calmer, sheltered feel at Crystal Lagoon.
• Snorkeling lovers have a second window to hop in, dry off, and try again.

If you’re the type who loves photos, this is where you’ll likely spend some time just watching the light shift on the water. And if you’re more practical, it’s still a great swim stop because you have time to do the basics properly—get your gear on, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy.

Gozo in 1 hour: what you can realistically do on a fast island taste

Then you’ll head to Gozo for about 1 hour. Admission is free for this stop. One hour isn’t enough to do a full island tour, but it is enough for a taste: shoreline views, a short beach walk, and a quick swim if conditions allow.

Gozo is known for beaches ranging from popular spots like Ramla Bay to quieter coves such as San Blas Bay. With a private charter, the captain’s plan matters here. You’ll get the time the way it makes sense for your group and the day’s conditions.

The tradeoff is clear: if you want to do Gozo at a slower pace—meal, museums, villages—this won’t replace a full-day Gozo trip. But if you want a coastal hit plus island contrast, this quick stop is a good fit.

Onboard setup: drinks, snorkeling gear, stand-up board, and BBQ use

The included onboard comforts are exactly what you need for a long day on open water:

• Unlimited water & soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Stand-up board (SUP)
• Fuel & skipper
• Use of BBQ

That combination helps you avoid the two common charter frustrations: first, bringing too much gear; second, paying extra just to feel comfortable. With snorkeling equipment included, you can go from “let’s try it” to actually doing it without last-minute rentals.

A BBQ onboard can be a great option if you’re planning a simple lunch setup. One review mentioned a boat setup with a kitchen area, plus plates and cutlery for bringing lunch. Another group stored their own food and drinks in a fridge. I can’t promise every sailing has the exact same arrangement, but it’s a promising sign that bringing your own lunch is realistic on this charter style.

Price and value: $842.88 for up to 12 people

The listed price is $842.88 per group (up to 12 people) for about 8 hours. That’s the kind of pricing that can feel high or brilliant depending on your group size.

Here’s the honest math:

• If you fill it with 12 people, you’re around $70 per person
• If you go as 6 people, you’re around $141 per person
• If it’s just 4 people, it’s around $211 per person

So when is this good value? When you actually have a full group. Reviews included small groups (like four people plus captain and skipper) and larger friend or family groups (like 8 people with kids, and parties of 11 adults plus a child). Larger groups turn the price into a “wow, this is worth it” day.

Also, remember that food and alcohol are extra:

• Food: €30 per person
• Alcohol: €40 per person
• Alcohol consumption has an age minimum of 18

This is why I like to plan the day like this: use the included drinks to keep things easy, then decide whether to buy the onboard food package or bring your own and use the BBQ setup (if available on your boat).

Weather, sea conditions, and how your day stays flexible

This charter needs good weather. That’s not a marketing line; it’s simply how sea days work. When conditions are rough, the captain has to protect comfort and safety, and you might see changes in timing or where you spend more time.

That flexibility shows up in reviews: one group described an adjustment to the plan due to sea conditions, plus a vehicle transfer back to the starting point later in the day. Another review praised the crew for shifting the route to keep the group comfortable.

My advice: pack your patience with your sunscreen. If the day adjusts, it usually isn’t random—it’s the captain making sure you still get a great mix of swimming, views, and a smooth return.

Best for: families, birthdays, and groups who want a calmer day

This is one of those Malta experiences that fits more than just couples. Private charters are especially good if:

• You’re traveling with kids and want fewer crowds and fewer “hurry, hurry” moments.
• You’re celebrating something and want a shared day with real views.
• You have a mix of ages and need a crew that can keep the pacing comfortable.

In reviews, there are multiple mentions of crew accommodating families, including a group with a young toddler. People also highlighted how the captain kept the group informed and made everyone feel at ease.

It’s also a strong option for friend groups who want to compare: one person snorkeling, another doing SUP, everyone else enjoying the boat vibe.

Small tips that make the biggest difference

If you want your day to feel effortless, here are a few practical moves that match how this charter is set up:

• Bring your own swimwear + a dry layer for later. Even on a sunny day, it can feel cooler once the wind picks up.
• If you care about photos, keep a small dry bag for your phone/camera. You’ll want shots at the lagoon stops.
• Plan for extra costs: decide in advance whether you want the food (€30 pp) option or plan your own lunch.
• If you’re interested in something specific like fishing, you can ask the captain. One review described a request being handled with no trouble.

And yes: you’ll almost certainly leave with the feeling that Comino looks better from the water than from the shore.

Should you book this 8-hour Malta boat charter?

I think you should book it if you want a private day that focuses on the best swimming areas without the stress of crowded tours. The included snorkeling gear, unlimited drinks, SUP, and BBQ use make it easier to turn “we’re on vacation” into “we’re actually doing fun stuff.”

Skip it (or at least think twice) if:

• You’re traveling solo or as a small group and won’t come close to filling the charter.
• You hate budgeting for extras like food and alcohol.
• You expect a full, slow Gozo day. One hour is a taste, not an island experience.

If your group can fill a good chunk of the boat, this charter is a standout way to experience Comino’s famous water and add Gozo’s coastline without changing hotels, schedules, or transportation plans.

FAQ

How many people are on this private boat charter?

The price is per group for up to 12 people, and it’s private, meaning only your group participates.

How long is the Malta private boat charter?

The trip is about 8 hours, and that duration includes travel time.

What stops are included during the 8 hours?

You’ll visit Blue Lagoon for about 2 hours, Crystal Lagoon for about 2 hours, and Gozo for about 1 hour.

What’s included in the price?

Included features are unlimited water and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, a stand-up board, fuel and the skipper, and use of the BBQ. Admission tickets are included for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

Is food or alcohol included?

Food is not included and costs €30 per person. Alcohol is not included and costs €40 per person, and there is a minimum age of 18 for alcohol consumption.

What happens if weather is poor?

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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