Malta’s blue water looks unreal from a boat. This private 3-hour charter takes you around Comino and into Gozo for pool-clear swimming at places you only reach by sea.

I really like two things: the way the boat anchors in the bluest pockets so you actually get time in the water, and how the skipper turns the trip into a mix of caves, film locations, and local stories. On trips run by captains like Justin and Noel, the vibe is relaxed, but the route is still tightly planned for maximum time at the good spots.

One possible catch: you should budget for extra costs (Blue Lagoon’s ticket and fuel), and the whole plan depends on decent weather.

Key highlights I’d bet on

• Blue Lagoon anchor time in the clearest stretches between Comino and Cominotto, with a separate EUR 79 ticket
• Crystal Lagoon snorkel stops with provided snorkel equipment and cave-friendly access for the boat
• Cominotto’s swim-through cave (about 50 meters) plus movie-bay scenery
• Santa Marija Bay snorkeling with a main horseshoe beach and the smaller Little Santa Marija area known for marine life
• Gozo’s Bemberin Gorge viewpoints near Hondoq Bay, where cliff-jump chances come with stunning clear-water cave angles
• Pickup from Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr Harbour (Gozo) and a private setup for groups up to 8

Private Charter From Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour (Up to 8 People)

This is a private boat trip capped at up to 8 people, so you’re not stuck playing “find your group” on a crowded day. You can also pick where you start from: Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr Harbour (Gozo), with the option to be dropped off somewhere other than the start point if you arrange it in advance.

In practical terms, that small group size matters on the water. The skipper can tailor the timing—more swimming if you’re in a swim mood, more cave cruising if your crew wants photos and views.

The tour runs about 3 hours, so it’s not for folks who want long beach bumming. It’s for people who want sea time with short, well-chosen stops.

Blue Lagoon + Santa Marija: Where the Water Turns Pool-Blue

The standout anchor is the Blue Lagoon, between Comino and Cominotto. This spot is photogenic because the water shifts into that bright, clean blue you don’t really see from shore—and yes, you’re swimming in it like you’re in a pool. Since the only real way to get there is by boat, the charter format is the point, not a bonus.

Important budgeting note: Blue Lagoon has an extra EUR 79 per booking ticket, and that time is about 30 minutes at anchor. You’ll want to plan your swim fast and smart: towel dry on the boat, rinse gear quickly if you can, then hop back in.

After Blue Lagoon, the route hits Santa Marija Bay on Comino’s north side. It’s a horseshoe-shaped beach with white sand and tamarisk trees behind it, plus a smaller nearby bay called Little Santa Marija. Little Santa Marija is the snorkeling favorite here because the seabed and marine life are healthy—parrotfish show up, which is always a good sign for underwater viewing.

Santa Marija Bay includes admission in the trip, and it’s also where you get extra cave and cove time nearby. If you like beaches that feel calmer than the most famous spots, this stop is the one that usually scratches that itch.

Crystal Lagoon Caves and Cominotto’s Movie-Bay Corners

Next up is Crystal Lagoon, a turquoise stretch with caves along the coast. This is where the boat’s design matters: it can enter some caves, so you’re not just looking at them from outside. You get a short scheduled snorkel window too, with equipment provided, and the stop length can shift based on season and what your group wants.

Crystal Lagoon is also tied to movies—Popeye, Count of Monte Cristo, Troy, and more—so if you’re a film-watcher, it helps to come with a curious brain. The skipper shares historical and fun facts as you cruise, and that makes the scenery click faster.

Then comes Cominotto Beach, another spot you can’t really access without a boat. Cominotto is famous for movie filming too, including Troy with Brad Pitt and the Madonna film Swept Away. You also get a swim-through cave on this bay system—about 50 meters—so you’re not only swimming in clear water; you’re swimming through a passage.

If you want the “adventure from start to finish” feel, Cominotto is where the trip turns from pretty to memorable.

Right near that area, the charter also cruises close to Cominotto Reef. It’s marked by a cardinal mark and is known for groupers and octopus, which is exactly the kind of underwater payoff that makes snorkel time worth it.

North Malta Stops and Saint Mary’s Tower Above the Cliffs

Not every highlight is about swimming. On this charter, you also cruise past a 17th-century defensive structure: Saint Mary’s Tower. It sits over the cliffs and once formed part of a chain of warning towers for invasion threats and pirate or smuggler activity.

There’s also a pop-culture link: the tower was used to represent Château d’If in the 2002 Count of Monte Cristo. Even if you’re not a cinema buff, you’ll probably enjoy the moment of looking up at the tower while you’re still surrounded by lagoon-blue water.

This part of the trip works well as a photo break and a chance to just sit back while the skipper pilots the route.

Gozo Highlights: Hondoq Bay, Qala Caves, and Mġarr Harbour

The Gozo side of the day adds a different flavor: less of the “brightest lagoon postcard” feeling and more of “real coastlines, caves, and sea-life vibes.”

At Hondoq Bay in southern Gozo, you get turquoise water and a nearby boat-access-only inlet called Bemberin Gorge. The gorge is known for caves and air pockets, plus viewpoint angles that are ideal for cliff-jump enthusiasts (if conditions and comfort allow). The water here is crystal clear, so even short stops can feel like more.

Then you cruise by Qala, in southeast Gozo, where caves and small pebble beaches break up the coast. There’s also a fortification at the far eastern point of Gozo, which gives you another “you’re really on the island” feeling rather than just lagoon hopping.

Finally, there’s Mġarr Harbour, a scene that’s simple in a good way. You see colorful fishing boats, yachts, and people working on nets, and the harbor has that lived-in Gozo personality. Over it all is the Fort built by the Knights of St John, plus a small Gothic chapel dedicated to Lourdes and a statue near the cliff below it.

Why Fast Powerboats Matter for 3 Hours

A big reason this charter works is the boat type. This isn’t a slow-sail-only plan. The route is built for faster powerboats, which means you can reach multiple coves and caves and still have swim time—without turning the day into one long transit line.

In a 3-hour window, speed is value. You’re spending time in the water and near the caves, not just waiting for the next stop.

That fast approach also helps with cave exploring. Some cave areas are shallow or require the right route, and getting close is what makes photos and snorkel moments feel real.

Price and What You’ll Pay Extra

The headline price is $349.51 per group (up to 8 people) for about 3 hours. That’s not cheap on paper, but private boat pricing only looks shocking until you count what you’re getting: multiple anchor stops, cave access, and snorkeling equipment included.

What’s included:

• Mask and snorkel
• An ice box with ice or a refrigerator (handy if you bring drinks/snacks)

What costs extra:

• Blue Lagoon ticket: EUR 79 per booking (not included)
• Fuel for the boat: EUR 79 (not included)

So your real “all-in” day depends on how much you’re planning to do at Blue Lagoon and whether you’re buying any add-ons. If you’re a group of 6–8 and you’re set on swimming at the famous lagoons, this tends to feel like good value because you’re paying for a private experience rather than a seat on a busy cruise.

Also keep weather in mind. This trip requires decent conditions, and the day is built around time on the water.

What to Pack for a 3-Hour Swim-and-Caves Day

Bring the practical stuff, and you’ll enjoy it more:

• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Your own beverages or snacks if you want a picnic vibe (the ice box makes that easier)
• Swimwear and something you can rinse off

Even though snorkel equipment is provided, your comfort matters. If you’re picky about fit, it’s worth checking with the staff on what’s available before you plan to rely on just one setup.

And if cliff-jump is on your radar, bring a mindset of short, careful actions rather than big bravado. The best part is usually the view right after.

Should You Book This Malta Boat Charter?

Book it if you want:

• Private lagoon time without crowds
• A fast, water-focused route that hits Comino and Gozo in one go
• Cave cruising plus real snorkel opportunities in clear water
• A day that works for families and mixed ages, since the format is flexible and group-controlled

Consider skipping or adjusting if:

• You hate extra add-on costs and want every fee included up front (Blue Lagoon ticket and fuel are both separate)
• Your idea of a perfect day is long beach hours instead of short anchor swims

If you’re choosing one day to “do Comino right,” this is the style that usually makes the biggest impression: boat-first access, anchored swimming in the bluest pockets, and cave-and-movie scenery you can’t really recreate on foot.

FAQ

How long is the Malta boat charter to Comino and Gozo?

It runs about 3 hours (approx.).

What’s the price for this private tour?

The price is $349.51 per group for up to 8 people.

Where can pickup happen?

You can be picked up at Cirkewwa port (Malta) or at Mgarr Harbour (Gozo).

Is the tour in English?

Yes. It’s offered in English (also in Italian).

Is the Blue Lagoon ticket included?

No. The Blue Lagoon ticket fee is EUR 79 per booking and is not included.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel for the boat is not included and is EUR 79.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Mask and snorkel are included, and the tour includes a snorkel stop scheduled depending on the season and your preferences.

Does the charter include an ice box?

Yes. There’s an ice box with ice or a refrigerator onboard.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

The tour includes an ice box, and it’s set up to make it easy to bring items for your group to enjoy during the ride.

Is this tour only for my group?

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