Reviewed · MALTA BOAT CHARTERS & SAILING
Private 8 Hours Boat Charter Trip in Malta
Eight hours on a private charter feels unreal. You’ll get Blue Lagoon swim time plus a second Comino stop at Crystal Lagoon, and it’s all paced to reduce the big-crowd vibe; a key trade-off is that Gozo is only 1 hour, so you’ll need to pick what matters most on land.
I like that the boat day is practical, not just scenic: you’ll have unlimited water and soft drinks and access to the BBQ setup, and the crew focuses on keeping you informed. One more thing to note: this trip really depends on conditions at sea, so plan to be flexible if the route needs adjustment.
In This Review
- Quick highlights for your Malta charter day
- Why this private charter works so well in Malta
- Getting started at Kanpai CharterOffice (and what to expect)
- Blue Lagoon: the 2-hour swim stop that sets the tone
- Crystal Lagoon on Comino: second swim, different mood
- Island of Gozo in 1 hour: what you can realistically do
- What’s included onboard (and how that affects your budget)
- Crew-led route flexibility that makes the day feel personal
- Space, comfort, and who this is best for
- Price and value: $842.88 per group, and how to think about it
- Practical tips so your day runs smoothly
- Should you book this Malta private boat charter?
- FAQ
- What time does the private boat charter start?
- How long is the experience?
- What stops are included during the 8-hour trip?
- Are entrance tickets included for the lagoons?
- What is included and what is not?
- Is alcohol available, and is there an age requirement?
- Is this a private tour?
- What happens if weather is poor?
Quick highlights for your Malta charter day

- Private boat time for your group (up to 12), so you can move at your pace
- Comino combo: Blue Lagoon (about 2 hours) plus Crystal Lagoon (about 2 hours)
- Snorkeling gear and stand-up board included, no extra rental hunt
- Unlimited soft drinks onboard and BBQ use available
- Crew flexibility, including practical changes when weather or sea conditions shift
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Why this private charter works so well in Malta

Malta is famous for its sea, but many day trips feel like a timed cattle run: arrive, queue, swim for ten minutes, repeat. This format is different because you’re on a private 8-hour boat charter, with fuel and skipper included, and the day is built around fewer, longer stops.
The real payoff is that you get multiple swim locations in one go. You’re not just chasing one photo spot; you’ll hit Blue Lagoon for that classic turquoise water and then switch gears to Crystal Lagoon for a calmer, more relaxed feeling.
The crew also plays a big role in the day’s comfort. In past trips, captains like Ryan, Kelo, and Ibrahim have been described as professional and good hosts, with clear updates and a hands-on approach that makes you feel safe and taken care of.
Getting started at Kanpai CharterOffice (and what to expect)

You’ll meet at Kanpai CharterOffice 1, Crown Marina Apts, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1027. The start time is 9:00 am, and the 8 hours include travel time, so don’t plan a tight dinner reservation right after.
You’ll get a mobile ticket, and confirmation typically arrives within 48 hours of booking (as long as space is available). It’s also described as near public transportation, which helps if you’re staying in another part of the island and don’t want a car day just for a boat departure.
If you’re traveling as a mixed group, note this is a private activity: it’s just your group plus the captain and skipper. Based on how people describe the boat and space, it’s a good option when you want everyone together rather than separating by tour groups.
Blue Lagoon: the 2-hour swim stop that sets the tone
Your first major stop is Blue Lagoon on Comino, with admission included and about 2 hours on the water. This is the part of Malta most people picture: clear, bright water and an easy place to swim because the shallower areas make it more comfortable to float, wade, and snorkel.
What I like about giving Blue Lagoon a full 2 hours is that you’re not stuck rushing. You can do a calm first swim, come back on board to cool down, then head out again when your timing feels right.
A practical note: even with a private charter, Blue Lagoon is still a popular place. So you’ll want to be ready for the water to look even better than expected once you’re there, but don’t assume every second will be silent and still. Bring a towel, keep your phone protected from splashes, and use that first swim window to get your bearings.
More Maltese Islands boat trips and cruises off the harbour quays
Crystal Lagoon on Comino: second swim, different mood
Next up is Crystal Lagoon, also on Comino. You’ll have about 2 hours here and admission is included. The vibe is less about one famous shoreline and more about a quieter, more secluded-feeling lagoon framed by rocky, rugged surroundings.
This second stop is valuable because it breaks up the day. You’re not just repeating the same swim spot; you’re getting another chance to enjoy Comino’s water with a different setup, and that makes the charter feel like more than a one-location tour.
If you’re snorkeling, this is where you’ll likely want to spend your best effort. The day includes snorkeling equipment, so you can grab gear quickly and focus on enjoying the water rather than figuring out rentals, fit, or timing.
If you’re the type who likes variety, you’ll appreciate this structure: swim, relax, swim again. It’s a simple plan, but it works.
Island of Gozo in 1 hour: what you can realistically do
The last stop is Gozo, with about 1 hour on the island. Admission is listed as free, and this is the time you’ll trade pure sea time for a quick hit of Gozo’s beaches.
You’ll likely be drawn to famous stretches like Ramla Bay with its golden sand, or something more secluded like San Blas Bay, depending on where the crew can take you comfortably. There’s also an emphasis on hidden coves and smaller beach pockets, which is where short land time can feel more valuable than trying to cram in a whole sightseeing circuit.
Here’s the honest consideration: 1 hour is short. You’ll come away with beach memories, but you won’t get a deep island tour. If your top priority is scenery plus easy swimming, Gozo is still worth the stop. If you’re hoping for museums, long hikes, or a full bus-style tour, you’ll want to pair this with another half-day plan on land.
What’s included onboard (and how that affects your budget)

This charter is designed so you can control your costs and keep the day moving smoothly. Here’s what’s included:
- Unlimited water and soft drinks
- Snorkeling equipment
- Stand-up board
- Fuel & skipper
- BBQ use
Not included:
- Food: €30 per person
- Alcohol: €40 per person (minimum alcohol age is 18)
Value-wise, the budget impact comes from how it avoids small add-ons. You’re not paying separately for fuel, a guide/skipper fee, or basic water-time gear like snorkeling equipment and a stand-up board.
Food and alcohol are where your spending choices matter most. If you’re traveling with kids or you’d rather keep the day simple, consider bringing your own lunch and snacks (some past groups have used the boat kitchen setup and fridge for storage). If you want the crew to handle meal service, the listed onboard food option is there at €30 per person.
Also, unlimited soft drinks sounds small until you’re actually on the water for hours. It keeps everyone comfortable and reduces the “how much do we have left” anxiety.
Crew-led route flexibility that makes the day feel personal
A private charter lives or dies by how the crew handles real conditions. Seas can change, comfort levels vary by group, and sometimes docking or timing isn’t perfect. This operator’s style, based on how the crew has been praised, is to keep the day running well.
People have credited captains such as Ryan, Kelo, and Ibrahim for being professional, friendly, and good at communicating where you’re going and why. When sea conditions were rough on one trip, a vehicle transfer back to the starting point was arranged, which is the kind of practical fix that saves your day from turning into a headache.
The same flexibility shows up in what you can request. One group noted they asked to fish and it was handled without trouble. Another described exploring caves near a stop, which adds that sense of discovery beyond just swimming and posing.
If you’re traveling with a toddler or a group that needs gentle pacing, that adaptability matters even more. The best charter days are the ones where the crew adjusts so you all enjoy the time, not just the most mobile person.
Space, comfort, and who this is best for
This is a private group experience, listed as up to 12 people (with the captain and skipper on board as part of the crew). That size is big enough for families or friend groups, but not so large that you feel separated from your group.
Based on descriptions of space on board, it’s a good fit if you want:
- a family day at sea without the stress of sharing the boat with strangers
- a friends’ celebration, including milestone events
- a group that wants swim time but also wants it organized and safe
It’s also a smart choice if you’re balancing ages and comfort levels. One of the practical benefits of a charter is that your crew can steer the day toward what feels good, whether that means extra time in calmer water or prioritizing easier stops.
Price and value: $842.88 per group, and how to think about it
The price is $842.88 per group for up to 12 people, and it’s booked on average about 20 days in advance.
The simplest way to judge value is to break it down per person:
- At 12 people, that’s roughly $70 per person
- At 8 people, it’s roughly $105 per person
- At 4 people, it’s roughly $211 per person
Now compare that to what you usually pay for day trips where you share boats with other groups. In those cases, you might save money, but you lose control over pacing, swim quality, and how much time you actually get in the water.
Here, the “value levers” are clear:
- snorkeling equipment and stand-up board included
- fuel and skipper included
- Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon admission included
- unlimited soft drinks included
- BBQ use available
So the charter makes the most sense when you can fill more seats, but it can still be worth it for smaller groups if you really want a calmer, more customized day and you don’t want to manage gear rentals or strict bus schedules.
Practical tips so your day runs smoothly
A few smart moves can make the difference between great and merely good:
- Plan your swim time around how your group feels, not only the clock.
- If you’re bringing lunch, use the onboard kitchen/fridge setup when available, so you’re not spending the day hungry.
- Bring basic beach essentials: towels, water-friendly footwear if you like it, and a dry bag for your phone.
- If you’re booking for a celebration, tell the crew early so they can help coordinate the tone of the day.
Also, because this experience requires good weather, be ready for the crew to adjust the route if conditions shift. That flexibility is part of what keeps the day enjoyable.
Should you book this Malta private boat charter?
I’d book it if you want a structured but flexible sea day that hits Comino’s top swim areas and still gets you a taste of Gozo. It’s especially strong for groups who care about space, dislike crowds, and want snorkeling gear without extra planning.
I wouldn’t book it if you’re chasing a full island itinerary. With only 1 hour in Gozo, it’s a beach-and-water hit, not a sightseeing marathon.
If the idea of waking up for a 9:00 am start and spending the day on calm-blue water sounds like your kind of travel, this is a strong pick.
FAQ
What time does the private boat charter start?
The trip starts at 9:00 am. The total experience time is about 8 hours, including travel time.
How long is the experience?
It runs for approximately 8 hours in total, and that includes travel time.
What stops are included during the 8-hour trip?
You’ll visit Blue Lagoon (about 2 hours), Crystal Lagoon (about 2 hours), and the Island of Gozo (about 1 hour).
Are entrance tickets included for the lagoons?
Admission is included for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. Gozo is listed as admission free for this activity.
What is included and what is not?
Included are unlimited water and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, a stand-up board, fuel and skipper, and use of BBQ. Food costs €30 per person and alcohol costs €40 per person.
Is alcohol available, and is there an age requirement?
Alcohol can be purchased for €40 per person, and the minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private charter, so only your group participates (up to 12 people).
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. You also have free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
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