Comino and Gozo feel like your own route. This private charter from Sliema lets you spend time on the water around Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, with a skipper who can shape the day around your group. I especially like the mix of major sights and freedom—if you want more swimming time at one stop, you can usually work that in.

The biggest practical downside is simple: there’s no bar on board, so you’ll want to bring drinks you’ll actually want to sip. If you’re good with packing a cooler and listening to your own music through Bluetooth, this setup is hard to beat.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private charter from Sliema with an English-speaking skipper for a more tailored day
• Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon as your anchor stops for sea time and photos
• Flexible itinerary so you can follow your captain’s plan or adjust on the fly
• Comino caves via powerboat + cave entry built into the experience
• Comfort touches like shade canopy, sunbathing area, fridge, toilet, and Bluetooth music

Why this private charter from Sliema is such a smart way to do Comino + Gozo

Doing Comino and Gozo together is a classic Malta move, but the usual options can feel rushed or crowded. A private boat charter flips that. You’re not waiting on a group schedule, and you’re not stuck with someone else’s idea of the perfect pace.

What really sells this for me is the value of the format: you’re booking a full-day private experience for one group (up to 16 people). Fuel, your skipper, snorkeling gear, and cave entry are included, so you’re paying for time on the sea—not for add-ons that quietly pile up.

And because this is a captain-guided day, you’re not just passively sightseeing. You get a real partner on the water, including English communication, so questions like where to swim and when to move on aren’t left hanging.

The 7-hour flow: how your captain shapes the day

The trip is listed as 7 hours, with starting times based on availability. Once you’re on board, the day isn’t fixed in stone. Your skipper can follow the suggested program, or you can work together to spend more time at the places your group cares about most.

That flexibility matters because Comino and Gozo don’t “feel” the same way. Comino is about turquoise water, short stops, and quick jumps from the boat. Gozo shifts the mood toward bays, ports, and longer sightseeing windows. If your group loves swimming, you’ll want the day to reflect that. If your group is more into scenery and photo stops, you can steer more time toward those moments.

You’ll also want to think about how you want your day paced: frequent short halts tend to make the day feel packed, while fewer stops can make it feel more relaxed. A private setup lets you choose the balance—within reason—because you’re not managing a big shared departure.

Crystal Lagoon in Comino: the stop to plan around

Crystal Lagoon is one of the big reasons people book this route, and for good reason. The emphasis is on that sea-glass look—bright, clean water that makes even a simple swim feel special. In a private charter setting, you’re not squeezed into a narrow window with a crowd.

Here’s what you can do with this stop that’s actually useful: treat it as your main swim and snorkeling block. Since snorkeling gear is included, you don’t have to spend the day hunting for rentals or worrying whether you’ll get basic mask-and-fins-quality gear.

Also, because you’re on a boat with shade and a fridge, you can make this stop feel like a beach day without the logistics of packing everything for shore. You’ll have somewhere to take a break when the sun gets sharp, and the boat is set up for comfort while you wait for your group to rotate in and out of the water.

One small caution: if you’re determined to maximize water time, keep an eye on how long it takes your group to resurface, regroup, and get back aboard. Even on private charters, it’s still one schedule—yours.

Blue Lagoon time: more sea, less hassle

Blue Lagoon is the other headline stop, and it’s a great contrast to Crystal Lagoon. This is where the experience shifts more toward classic lagoon floating and soaking in that open-sky feel. The boat setup makes it easy: you can stay on board between swim moments and then jump in when you want.

A practical advantage here is that you’re doing the lagoon portion from a boat, not by trekking over to a crowded area and trying to find space to relax. That changes your whole day. You can keep the mood light—music on, sunbathing on the deck, swim breaks when you feel like it.

If you’re planning photos, aim for a few different angles rather than just one “perfect” moment. The lagoon look changes fast based on sun and wind, and being on the water means you’re not stuck with only one viewpoint.

And yes, some charters include extras like a jump-rock moment. It’s not something you should count on every single time, but the setup is clearly designed for that kind of playful stop.

Comino caves: cave entry plus powerboat views

Comino caves are built into the experience in two ways: you’ll visit the caves from powerboats, and cave entry is included. That combination matters because it’s not only about cruising past scenery. You get the chance to experience the caves more directly.

What you should know practically: cave areas often change how you move, where you stand, and how long you’ll want to spend. If your group tends to run on fast-tap energy, you can move through efficiently and then get back to sea time. If your group likes slower pacing, the included cave entry gives you a meaningful break from pure swimming without turning the day into a long land tour.

Because the itinerary is flexible, you can also decide how much time you want to spend on caves versus water. If caves are a top priority for you, make sure you don’t let the day become one long swim session where the caves get squeezed.

Also, if you’re bringing a camera or phone, keep it secure for the boat segments. Powerboat time can mean splash and spray, so a simple waterproof pouch or careful placement saves headaches.

Gozo’s St. Nicholas Bay and Hondoq ir-Rummien: scenic coastline breaks

After the Comino portion, the day shifts toward Gozo. St. Nicholas Bay and Hondoq ir-Rummien are both on the route, and these stops give you that “island coastline” perspective that you don’t really get from just standing on land.

The best way to think about these locations is as anchors for views and shoreline atmosphere. Even when you’re mostly seeing them from the water, they break up the day so it doesn’t feel like you’re only doing lagoon-to-lagoon swim hops. Plus, they’re the kinds of places where your skipper’s local sense of timing can help you spend time where the conditions feel right.

Since your captain can adjust the day plan to fit what you want, you can ask for extra time at the stop that your group cares about most. If you’re more into photos and relaxed boat time, pick that. If you want another swim chance, steer the conversation there.

Mgarr Port in Gozo: where dinner becomes possible

Mgarr Port in Gozo is a key stop, and it’s also where dinner becomes realistic. You can bring your own food and drinks on board, or you can stop for dinner in Mgarr Harbor in Gozo.

For value, this is one of the smartest parts of the day. Food on the islands can vary a lot in cost and style, so having the option to stop for dinner gives you flexibility. If you prefer simplicity, pack snacks and drinks and keep moving. If your group wants a proper sit-down meal, you can aim for that during the Gozo portion.

Also, this is where your boat setup starts to feel less like “just transportation” and more like a floating base. You’ve got a fridge on board for keeping your own food and drinks cold, plus toilet facilities for comfort.

What to bring: drinks, snacks, Bluetooth music, and sun protection

This is a comfort-focused charter. The boat includes a fridge, toilet facilities, a canopy for shade, and a sunbathing area. Music is also part of the plan: you can connect your own music via Bluetooth.

Here’s the most important practical note: there’s no bar on board. That means you’re responsible for your own drinks. If your group likes soda, water, beer, or something stronger, pack it. And don’t forget simple basics like napkins and a reusable container for anything messy.

Food is similarly on you. You can bring your own and snack between swims, or you can plan for dinner in Gozo. I like the bring-your-own approach for groups because it keeps the day smooth and avoids decision fatigue.

Sun protection is another must. Even with shade available, you’ll want sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the brighter hours. The canopy helps, but it won’t replace full sun care if you’re out on deck.

Finally, if you care about music: bring your phone charged and ready. Bluetooth connection works best when your device is nearby, so keep it within reach for quick pairing.

Snorkeling gear and cave entry: how to get the most from included extras

Snorkeling gear is included, so you can treat snorkeling as part of the day rather than an optional add-on. That’s a real cost-saver, and it also reduces friction. You don’t waste time figuring out where to rent gear or worrying if it’ll be the right size.

This is especially helpful because the route includes multiple water-focused segments. If you only snorkel once, you’ll likely still have fun. If your group enjoys it, you’ll get more value out of having gear ready whenever you stop.

Cave entry is also included, which saves you time and money compared to piecing together separate tickets. It also makes the caves feel like a full activity instead of a quick sight-from-the-boat moment.

One tip that’s practical: if your group is splitting time between swimming and staying on board, set a simple meeting plan—like when everyone should be back for the next move. It prevents those slow regrouping moments that steal daylight from everyone’s fun.

Price and value: $965 per group up to 16

The price is listed at $965 per group, up to 16 people, for the full-day charter. On paper, that’s not cheap. In practice, it can be very fair—because you’re essentially paying for privacy plus a captain plus fuel, snorkeling gear, and cave entry.

Here’s the value math in plain terms: the larger your group is (up to 16), the lower the per-person cost becomes, and the more sense the private format makes. With a full boat, you’re paying for convenience and control, not just for sightseeing.

If you’re traveling as a smaller group, the cost per person rises. Still, it may be worth it if you really care about customizing the itinerary, bringing your own food and drinks, and keeping the day stress-free.

My advice for deciding: ask yourself what you’d otherwise spend to get a similar day. When you factor in private transport, paid entry, and gear, plus the time you gain by moving directly between Comino and Gozo, the charter starts looking like a smart way to buy back your vacation energy.

Comfort and captain style: why the skipper matters more than you think

On a private charter, the skipper’s role isn’t just driving the boat. It’s also timing, pacing, and how smoothly the day runs when conditions change. Your itinerary is flexible, and that flexibility works best when your captain is good at reading the day.

Names that have come up with this kind of trip include skippers Marc and Tony—both known for being patient and accommodating with groups. That matters when you have a mix of energy levels on board, like people who want extra swim time and people who just want to relax and take photos.

English communication is listed, which helps a lot. You can ask direct questions without having to guess what the skipper is saying, and you can coordinate quickly if your group wants a tweak.

Even the boat details support a more relaxed experience: toilet facilities, shade, and a fridge mean you’re not dealing with the “we’re stuck on the water, so tough it out” feeling.

Who this private Comino and Gozo charter fits best

This works best for groups who want control. If you’re traveling with friends and you like the idea of doing things your own way—music on, food packed, and time allocated where you care most—this format matches that mindset.

It’s also a good fit if you want both Comino and Gozo but you don’t want the hassle of coordinating separate tours. The day is designed to cover the main highlights while still leaving room to adjust.

If you’re the type who prefers structured land schedules, this might feel too flexible. That’s not a negative, just a mismatch. The experience is built for people who enjoy a captain-led day on the water.

Should you book this Sliema charter?

I’d book it if your priority is time on the sea with privacy, included snorkeling gear, and a day that can bend around your group. The combination of Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Comino caves (with cave entry), and Gozo stops like St. Nicholas Bay and Hondoq ir-Rummien gives you a packed-but-not-rushed feel—especially compared to rigid shared tours.

Book it sooner if your group can fill a good chunk of the 16-person capacity, since the per-person value improves with size. And pack smart: bring your own drinks and food, because there’s no bar, and plan for sun and water with the gear you’ll actually want.

FAQ

Is this experience private?

Yes. It’s a private group boat charter, with your skipper included.

Where do we meet and where does the trip end?

You board at Sliema Ferries 4. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the charter?

The duration is 7 hours.

What are the main places you visit?

The itinerary includes Comino and Gozo stops such as Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, St. Nicholas Bay, Hondoq ir-Rummien, and Mgarr Port in Gozo.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Is cave entry included?

Yes. Cave entry is included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. There is also no bar on board, so you should bring your own.

What boat amenities are provided?

The boat includes a fridge, toilet facilities, a canopy for shade, a sunbathing area, and Bluetooth music connection.