Turquoise water, no crowds, and your own captain. This private boat charter on MV INGE III turns Comino and Gozo into a custom swim day, with standout stops like the Blue Lagoon and the coves around St Mary and St Nicholas bays. One thing to keep in mind: it’s weather-dependent, and lunch isn’t included—so plan on snacks if you’ll want food onboard.

I like the fact that the boat feels both classic and comfortable. MV INGE III is a 43-foot motor cruiser built in Venice by C. Rio, with rustic mahogany inside and teak decking outside, plus a shaded area, sundeck, a bathing platform, and even two rest rooms with a fresh water shower. If you end up with Captain Joseph, you’ll get practical guidance on where to jump in and how to work the best spots for the coastline and grottos.

Timing is flexible, which I appreciate in Malta. You can go in the morning/afternoon (typically 9am or 10am), or choose the sunset cruise that runs 5pm to 9pm for a slower, golden-hour style outing. Just remember the total trip window is usually about 2 to 4 hours, so this works best if you want a concentrated “hit the best-water spots” day—not a full-day wandering schedule.

Key things to know before you go

• Private only for your group: no mixed crowds, and you set the pace.
• Comino highlights in one run: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, St Mary Bay, St Nicholas Bay, plus Comino caves and viewpoints.
• Gozo by boat: you get access to swimming and snorkeling spots that are only reached from the water.
• Snorkel and paddle gear included: masks and snorkels, swimming aids, kayak, and SUP/paddle board.
• Comfort on a 43-foot cruiser: shaded seating, sundeck, bathing platform, two rest rooms, and a fresh water shower.
• Captain Joseph’s spot-finding: known for steering toward great turquoise-water jump points and grottos.

MV INGE III: the 43-foot mahogany cruiser that makes this feel “special”

If you’ve done enough boat trips, you can tell fast when one is built for comfort, not just transport. MV INGE III is a 43-foot (13m) motor cruiser pleasure boat, built in Venice, Italy by C. Rio boat builders. The rustic mahogany interior and teak decking give it a classic look, and that matters more than you’d think. When the boat is pleasant to hang out on, your time between swim stops feels like part of the day—not downtime.

The other reason the boat works: it’s set up for people to enjoy the water without constantly moving around. You’ve got a sundeck and shaded area, a bathing platform for getting in and out, and onboard conveniences like two rest rooms and a fresh water shower. Add music options (Bluetooth, AUX, USB) and it’s easy to keep the mood your group wants.

Capacity-wise, the boat is licensed and fully insured for up to 35 persons. The booking information also points to a practical maximum around 20/25 passengers for the charter experience, while pricing is listed per group up to 15. In other words: confirm the exact headcount for your dates so you feel good about comfort and space.

Pick your route: Cirkewwa vs Mgarr, plus morning and sunset timings

This charter gives you two natural starting points—Cirkewwa in Malta and Mgarr Harbour in Gozo—so you can choose the direction that best fits your day. If you’re building a Malta itinerary around Comino, Cirkewwa is the obvious start. If you’re already spending time on Gozo, beginning from Mgarr Harbour can be a smoother fit.

Most trips run about 2 to 4 hours, and they’re typically scheduled around the core swim window:

• Morning/afternoon cruises often start at 9am or 10am
• The sunset cruise runs 5pm until 9pm

Why you should care about timing: Comino’s water is the star, but the “best-feel” time depends on how you want your day to move. A morning start often gives you more daylight for snorkeling and photos. The sunset option is slower and more scenic, which can be great if you’re celebrating something or you just want the coastline without feeling rushed.

And yes, your cruise can be adjusted to real-world timing issues. One of the most appreciated strengths in the experience is how flexible the crew is when schedules change due to port docking timing.

Comino in two hours: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and cave-and-rock viewing

Comino is the part of this itinerary most people picture first. This is where the charter is at its most “Malta by water,” mixing swimming with sightseeing from the sea. You’ll typically get around 2 hours for the Comino portion, and the plan is built around hopping between the best water zones.

Here’s what you can expect to experience at Comino:

• Stops for swimming and snorkeling around Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon
• Time at bays including St Mary Bay and St Nicholas Bay
• Viewing Comino’s caves and shoreline features from the boat
• Sightseeing key land markers such as Elephant rock, St Mary Battery, and St Mary Tower

What makes these specific stops worthwhile is the variety. Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are the famous water areas, but the real value is how you can switch from one swimming spot to another without having to manage transport between them. You also get the sightseeing element—caves and named points like Elephant rock and the St Mary Battery/Tower combo—so the scenery feels purposeful, not random.

A practical note: Comino is ideal for snorkelers, and the charter includes gear (masks and snorkels) plus swimming aids. That means you can go straight to the water without hunting for rentals on arrival.

Potential drawback? Two hours goes quickly once you’re in the water and taking photos. If you want longer snorkeling sessions in a single spot, you may find yourself wishing for more time. The flip side is that multiple swim-ready areas keep the day from feeling repetitive.

Gozo’s bays: hidden water spots that only make sense from a boat

After Comino, the cruise shifts focus to the Island of Gozo. This portion is also about 2 hours, and it’s designed around Gozo’s coastline from the water—meaning you’re looking at the island in the way most visitors don’t.

The goal here is “hidden beauty,” with swimming and snorkeling spots that are only accessible by boat. That matters because Gozo’s best-feeling water moments often aren’t just a quick walk and then you’re there. From the boat, the crew can place you near coves and bays that feel tucked away, where you can get in and enjoy the water without a long trek.

Even better, this style of cruising naturally creates a “find the best moment” rhythm. Captain Joseph is specifically noted for steering toward great jump-in places, with attention to coastlines and grottos around Comino and Gozo. Translation: you don’t just get taken from A to B. You get help choosing the best water locations for the conditions and timing of the day.

One watch-out: like most island cruising, the best water time depends on weather and daylight. This charter requires good weather, and if conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s included onboard, and why it changes your total cost

This charter isn’t only about getting on a boat. It’s about what saves you money and effort during the trip.

Included items that genuinely help:

• Masks and snorkels plus swimming aids
• Kayak, SUP/paddle board (you can use them onboard)
• Bottled water with a large cooler, plus ice flakes and ice cubes
• Fuel, skipper, and crew are included
• Music via Bluetooth, AUX, or USB
• Shaded area, sundeck, bathing platform
• Two rest rooms and a fresh water shower

That package matters for value because it prevents the common “surprise add-ons” you get with some tours. You’re not scrambling for snorkeling rentals. You’re not paying for fuel or a guide separately. And if you want to spend part of the cruise paddling around the coastal area, the gear is already on the boat.

What’s not included is simpler: lunch. You’re welcome to bring your own food/snacks or drinks onboard, which is the easiest way to make the day feel complete without paying for an onboard meal.

Food, comfort, and keeping the day smooth

Since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want a simple strategy. If your cruise timing is long enough that you’ll be hungry, bring snacks you can eat onboard and water you know you like. The boat provides bottled water and an ice-cooled cooler, so you don’t have to think about hydration logistics.

Comfort is strong on this setup. Two rest rooms mean you’re not stuck waiting or improvising. The bathing platform makes it easier to get in and out of the water, and the fresh water shower is exactly what you want after time in salty sea water.

If your group includes non-swimmers, this charter still works. You can spend time on the sundeck, use shaded areas when you want a break, and enjoy the scenery while others snorkel. It’s not presented as a strict activity class—your group can split time between paddling, swimming, and sightseeing.

One consideration: because it’s weather-dependent, try not to schedule this as your only plan if your itinerary is extremely tight. The charter company offers a different date or a full refund in poor-weather cancellations, which helps you stay flexible.

Price per group: how $1,137.10 can work out in real terms

The listed price is $1,137.10 per group for up to 15 people, with private-only participation. That pricing structure is the key to understanding value.

If you spread the cost across:

• 15 people, it’s about $75.80 per person
• 10 people, it’s about $113.71 per person
• 8 people, it’s about $142.14 per person

So the best deal happens when you actually fill out your group size. That’s why this charter feels particularly strong for friend groups, families traveling together, and anyone celebrating a birthday or small event and wants a private, calm atmosphere.

Also, the included items help justify the package. Snorkel gear, swimming aids, and paddle equipment are part of the experience, and the fuel/crew cost is bundled in. The “math” gets even easier when you compare it to separate paid rentals and guided costs you’d otherwise add on.

Who should book this charter, and who might want a different option

This experience is a great fit if you want:

• A private boat charter (just your group)
• Comino’s most talked-about water areas—Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon—plus St Mary and St Nicholas bay time
• Gozo from the water, with access to coves and bays that are hard to reach on foot
• Snorkeling and water activities without extra rentals, because masks and snorkels and aids come with the charter
• A boat that’s comfortable enough to hang out on, with shaded seating, sundeck space, and onboard facilities

It may be less ideal if:

• Your group needs lunch provided as part of the package
• You can only handle very fixed timing (the charter needs good weather, and the overall time window is 2 to 4 hours unless you choose the sunset run)
• You’re expecting a full-day itinerary with lots of extended stays at one single stop

Should you book Seabreeze Cruises for Malta, Gozo, and Comino?

I’d book this if your priority is getting to the best swimming water in Comino and then seeing Gozo’s coastline from the sea, without crowds and without juggling rentals. The combination of included snorkeling gear, paddle options, music, and real comfort on MV INGE III makes it feel worth it—especially when you travel with a group and can share the per-group cost.

Two final decision tips:

1. Choose morning/afternoon if you want a more active swim plan and more daylight for photos.
2. Choose the sunset cruise if you want a more relaxed vibe, still with the same private-boat comfort and scenery.

If weather is uncertain in your travel window, remember the charter requires good weather—but it also offers a workable backup: another date or a full refund.

FAQ

Where do the private charters depart from?

Charters depart from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, depending on the option you choose.

How long is the cruise?

It’s typically 2 to 4 hours. Comino and Gozo portions are listed at about 2 hours each, and the sunset cruise runs 5pm to 9pm.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included for snorkeling and water activities?

The charter includes masks and snorkels, swimming aids, kayak, and SUP/paddle board, plus complimentary bottled water with ice.

What landmarks and bays are visited in Comino?

You’ll visit areas including the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, St Mary Bay, and St Nicholas Bay, plus Comino caves and viewpoints such as Elephant rock, St Mary Battery, and St Mary Tower.

Are there stops in Gozo for swimming and snorkeling?

Yes. The Gozo portion focuses on swimming and snorkeling at spots with various hidden beauty areas that are only accessible by boat.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and you’re welcome to bring your own food/snacks or drinks onboard.

Does the boat have onboard restrooms and shower?

Yes. There are 2 rest rooms and a fresh water shower.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.