Comino’s blue water hits fast. This is a private charter (up to 6 people) where your captain steers the boat between the best swim spots, with snorkeling gear waiting onboard. I like that the price is for the whole boat, so the trip stays sensible for small groups. I also love the stop style: brief anchor time in the clearest water, not a rushed “look and move on” schedule.

One thing to weigh: there’s a one-time fuel cost of €79 paid to the skipper after the tour, plus you’re on a ~3-hour clock, so you won’t get long beach time at every single stop.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

• Whole-boat pricing for up to 6 means you’re not paying per person just to be on the water
• Anchor in the bluest parts at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon for cleaner swims and better photos
• Mask and snorkel provided onboard, so you can get in the water without last-minute shopping
• A small-boat experience that can reach spots where bigger boats often can’t comfortably go
• Comino + Gozo in half a morning/afternoon, with short sightseeing cruises plus swim breaks
• Movie-coast stops and 17th-century tower views turn the sightseeing into something fun

Why This Private Charter Beats the Usual Comino Day

If you’ve ever tried to enjoy the Blue Lagoon while the beach crowd is doing its thing, you already know the problem. The water can be stunning, but the experience often feels crowded and chaotic once you’re out there. This charter is built around a different idea: your captain brings the boat to the right water, anchors where it’s clearest, and gives you time to swim and snorkel without fighting for space.

The value is in the control. With a private group, you’re not stuck with a rigid pace. Your skipper can adjust the day to what you actually want—more swimming, more caves, more quiet bays, or a bit of everything. And because it’s priced per boat (not per seat), it tends to pencil out well when you have a few people traveling together.

You’ll also appreciate that the tour isn’t “just sailing from point A to point B.” It’s a sequence of places that each do something different: turquoise swim time, cave-and-cove cruising, and then a taste of Gozo’s coast and harbors.

Starting at Cirkewwa: The Easy, Maritime Part

Your day usually begins at Cirkewwa, meeting at the port by the kiosk/café in the area. The exact meeting point is listed as Cirkewwa cafe (X8QH+3W6). It’s a straightforward setup: get there, meet your skipper, and you’re on the water quickly.

From there, the drop-off is flexible. Depending on what you choose, you might return to your starting point for a round trip, or you might be dropped off at Gozo Marina or Cirkewwa Marina. If you’re pairing this with other plans on the islands, this is genuinely helpful—you’re not locked into only one end point.

A small practical detail: if you have a preference for pickup and drop-off, confirm it clearly when you book. The tour data makes it clear your skipper can work with the route, but you’ll get the smoothest day if your preferred start/end is known upfront.

Blue Lagoon Anchors: The Part Everyone Talks About

This is the headline stop, and for good reason. Blue Lagoon is the famous patch of water between Comino and Cominotto, framed by pale sand on both sides. The key difference here is not just that you visit it—it’s how you use it.

Instead of positioning you for a crowded beach scene, your private boat typically anchors in the bluest parts of the lagoon. That means when you swim, the water often feels clearer and more “pool-like,” and you get better freedom for snorkeling and floating.

You’ll also have snorkeling equipment provided onboard (mask and snorkel). The stop is short—about 30 minutes—but in a private charter, short can be perfect. You’re not waiting around in transit. You’re getting straight to water time.

A possible drawback: Blue Lagoon is not a hidden secret. So if you’re someone who wants quiet solitude the whole time, you’ll still feel some island buzz. The best workaround is the boat approach itself—anchoring smartly and keeping your swim window efficient.

Santa Marija Bay and the “Real Comino” Feel

After the Blue Lagoon hit, Santa Marija Bay gives you a calmer rhythm. This is a secluded horseshoe-shaped beach in northern Comino with white sand and tamarisk trees along the back. There’s also a smaller nearby area called Little Santa Marija, close to the main beach.

Where it gets especially interesting for you is the snorkeling vibe. Little Santa Marija is described as having a healthy sea bed and marine life—ideal if you like looking for fish rather than just floating. Parrotfish are specifically mentioned, which is a nice detail because it suggests more than just generic “you’ll probably see something.”

The tour also rolls Santa Marija into a cave-and-cove style boat experience nearby, so you get both: a sheltered beach feel and a bit of adventure around the edges.

Consideration: the stop is brief (around 10 minutes). If you want to fully explore both Little Santa Marija and the surrounding caves on foot, this charter won’t replace a longer beach day. But for swimming, snorkeling, and snapping photos from the boat, it’s a strong stop.

Cominotto Beach: Movie-Coast + Swim-Through Cave

Cominotto is one of those places that feels made for a boat. You can only reach it by private boat, and the water around it is the whole point.

This stop is especially memorable if you like cinematic “wait, I’ve seen that” moments. Cominotto is associated with film locations including Troy (with Brad Pitt) and Swept Away (Madonna), among others. You’re not just hearing trivia—you’re seeing the same dramatic coastlines from the water.

The tour notes a swim-through cave of about 50 meters that connects to the other side. That’s exactly the kind of thing that works well in a private charter. Your time is limited, but your boat access makes the experience possible in the first place.

Possible drawback: caves and caves-adjacent swims depend a lot on conditions. If the water or wind isn’t cooperating, your skipper may adjust the exact approach. That’s normal at sea—so I’d keep your expectations flexible and focus on enjoying what you can safely access.

Crystal Lagoon: Caves, Secret Sand Pockets, and Snorkel Time

Crystal Lagoon is the next big water-and-cave stop. The defining details are turquoise water plus a coast dotted with caves—some with sandy spots inside.

What makes this different is that your boat is described as built to enter some caves. That means you can see the “inside” world rather than only peering at it from outside. Your skipper also provides information about Malta and its islands as you go.

This is also where you get another scheduled snorkeling moment (about 20 minutes), and snorkeling equipment is included. If you want one stop that feels like a mix of sightseeing and underwater time, Crystal Lagoon is often the best candidate.

There’s also a movie connection here, including Count of Monte Cristo and Troy. The skipper can share those fun facts as you pass by.

A practical note: This stop can feel like “one of the most scenic,” but the best experience still comes down to water clarity and how you time your swim. Since it’s anchored in a reserve area, your skipper will try for the right moments.

Saint Mary’s Tower and the Monte Cristo Angle

While cruising, you’ll view Saint Mary’s Tower, a 17th-century structure on high cliffs. The tour describes it as part of a defensive chain—warning or fortification meant for threats like invasions or pirates/smugglers.

There’s also a pop-culture layer: the tower was chosen to represent Château d’If in the 2002 Count of Monte Cristo movie.

This is a quick stop (around 5 minutes), but it’s one of those “you notice it because it looks like a story” places. If you like your sightseeing with a little context, this is a good one to pay attention to.

Gozo by Boat: Halfa Rock, Hidden Bays, and Real Coast Vibes

Your charter doesn’t stop with Comino. It also includes a cruise on the south coast of Gozo, which is a smart move if you only have a few hours total.

You’ll cruise past or near Halfa Rock, a small island with history and sheer cliffs on most sides. The Gozo side includes a secluded bay accessible by boat, and the tour also notes salt pans harvested the same way for generations—exactly the kind of working landscape detail that gives “on the water” days meaning.

There are also specifics for marine life: octopus and sargo bream are mentioned as known around areas near the hidden bay.

From a rider’s perspective, this matters because it shifts the day from “pretty water” to “islands with character.” You’re still in turquoise zones, but you’re also seeing how Gozo lives and works along its coasts.

Hondoq Bay and Bemberin Gorge: Small Inlet, Big Views

On Gozo’s south side, Hondoq Bay gives you more turquoise water, plus the highlight nearby: Bemberin Gorge, a hidden inlet accessed by boat.

The description is specific about what you’ll see inside—caves and air pockets, with crystal-clear water. It also notes vantage points for cliff-jump style spots.

This is the kind of place that’s hard to appreciate from shore. Boat access turns it into a “close-up moment,” like you’re inside the island rather than just beside it.

Consideration: this part depends on water and weather too. In calmer conditions, gorge cruising feels smooth and visual. If conditions are choppy, expect a more active ride on the open stretches.

Mġarr Harbour: Serene Gozo Harbor Life

Then you get a quieter change of pace: Mġarr Harbour. The tour describes it as simple but beautiful, with a serene scene that attracts photographers and artists. Even though it’s picturesque, it’s not staged—there’s port activity with fishing boats, yachts, and fishermen mending nets.

You’ll also spot Fort Chambré (called Forth Chambre in the tour description), built by the Knights of St John, plus an adjacent small Gothic Chapel filled with little details dedicated to Lourdes. A statue sits in the cliff underneath it.

This isn’t a long cultural museum stop—it’s a visual moment from the water that helps Gozo feel real. If you’re pairing this charter with time onshore afterward, this harbor view is a great “anchor” (pun intended) for where to spend your next hours.

Qala Coast and the Small-Stop Ending Back at Mellieha

Later, you’ll cruise past Qala on Gozo’s southeast side, known for a lovely coast, caves along the way, some pebbly beaches, and a fortification further east.

Then you return—dropping you back near Cirkewwa port by the kiosk/café, with options for Cirkewwa Marina or Gozo Marina depending on your chosen end plan.

With a ~3-hour total duration, the big win is that you can cover multiple “types of beauty” in one go: classic lagoon water, cave scenery, and Gozo’s working harbor and coast.

How the Timing Works (and How to Plan Your Snacks)

Because the charter is around three hours, stops are typically anchor-and-water breaks plus brief cruising lookouts. In other words, you don’t need to plan a strict timeline for every minute, but you should plan your expectations.

Here’s what I recommend for your comfort and sanity:

• Bring your own snacks and drinks. Reviews mention packing snacks and drinks, and that a cooler may be available onboard with ice.
• Wear swim gear you can get on fast. You’ll likely want to be ready for water moments as soon as the boat stops.
• Bring a plan for photos: you’ll have plenty of scenery, but you’ll also spend time actively swimming and snorkeling, so don’t overpack with gear you won’t use.

Also, consider the sea mood. One review notes choppy waves handled well, and the overall impression is that skippers can work with conditions and still hit the best spots. Still, if you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll want to be prepared before boarding.

Value and the €79 Fuel Cost: What You’re Really Paying For

The headline price is about $337.55 per group for up to 6 people, making it a whole-boat deal. On paper, that can sound “expensive,” but it often turns into a bargain when you compare it to paying per person for a crowded tour. You’re buying time on the water plus access to stops that are difficult to reach otherwise.

Your extra out-of-pocket item is a one-time €79 fuel cost paid to the skipper after the tour. That’s the main cost “gotcha” to know upfront. If you budget for it, the rest of the inclusions feel more straightforward.

What’s included (based on the tour info) is practical and meaningful:

• marina costs
• snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel)
• anchoring/fees in Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Crystal Lagoon National Reserve

And admission is included for key water stops, including Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Crystal Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon again depending on the route flow.

When you put it together, you’re not just paying for a ride—you’re paying for the boat to operate in the right zones so your swim time is the real product.

Captain Fit: Friendly, Accommodating, and Built for Caves

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience. The skippers are repeatedly described as friendly and accommodating, and many reviewers highlight how skilled they were navigating boats into caves and lagoons for safe picture and swim moments.

Some names you may see in captain rosters include Owen, Noel, Pedro, Ginger, Joe, Addin, Isaac, Chris, Dani, Mahmoud, Upie, Justin, and Jimmy. You can’t guarantee a specific person, but it’s a good sign that the operation attracts skippers who handle both the “fun” side and the safety side well.

From your perspective, that matters because cave and lagoon driving isn’t a casual skill. When it goes well, it feels effortless—your job is just to enjoy the water and point out what you want more of.

Should You Book This Malta, Comino, and Gozo Private Charter?

Book it if you want small-boat freedom, like swimming in calm, clear water, and you’d rather spend your hours enjoying the sea than watching it from shore. It’s also a great pick for families and mixed groups because it’s private and flexible, and snorkeling gear is included.

Skip it (or at least think twice) if you’re mainly craving long beach time on foot. This charter is built for anchor swims, cave cruising, and fast scenic hits within about three hours. If you want an all-day “lie on the sand” experience, you’ll likely want a longer plan.

If your goal is the classic Comino water plus Gozo’s coast in one smooth session, this is a strong match.

FAQ

How long is the Malta Private Charter from Mellieha?

It’s listed at about 3 hours.

What’s the price, and is it per person?

The price is about $337.55 per group (up to 6 people). It’s for the whole boat, not per person.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Mask and snorkel are included as part of the snorkeling equipment onboard.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. There is a one-time extra fuel cost of €79 paid to the skipper after the tour.

Where do we meet, and can we choose drop-off points?

You meet at Cirkewwa port next to the kiosk/café in the area. Pickup/drop-off can be arranged between Cirkewwa Marina and Gozo Marina, and the trip can be a round trip back to your starting point or a one-way drop.

Which stops are included during the charter?

Stops include water time at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, plus time by Santa Marija Bay and Cominotto areas, with additional cruising and viewpoints around Gozo including Hondoq Bay and Mġarr Harbour.

What should I bring?

Bring your own snacks and drinks, and you may find items like a cooler onboard based on guest comments. Also plan for swim time and bring what you need to stay comfortable on the boat.

What if the weather is bad?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.