Cirkewwa/Mgarr: Blue and Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Charter

Comino turns into a postcard when you own the boat. This private 22-foot charter from Cirkewwa or Mgarr is built for relaxed exploring, with a local captain like Jolene and Alfred sharing real stories as you cruise.

I especially like the way you get time at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon plus included snorkel gear, not just a quick photo stop. Add in chilled drinks in the cooler, a Bluetooth speaker for your playlist, and onboard touches like shade and loungers.

One thing to plan for: there’s a 50 EUR fuel fee paid in cash at the end, and food is not included. If you’re hungry, you’ll want to eat before you board.

Quick take: what makes this charter worth it

• Private pace on a 22-foot boat, perfect for families, couples, and small groups
• Blue Lagoon + Crystal Lagoon stops with included snorkel mask gear
• Local captains such as Jolene, Alfred, Roderick, and Emmy, who set the tone onboard
• Onboard comfort: shade, cushioned lounger seating, Bluetooth speaker, and a cooler
• Practical swim setup, including a freshwater shower after time in the water
• Photo-friendly routing near landmarks like Popeye’s Cave and views toward Monte Cristo

Private Boat Charter Basics, Cirkewwa to Mgarr in 2 Hours

This is a short, high-impact way to see the coast highlights around Malta, Gozo, and Comino without spending your day stuck in bus schedules or waiting your turn near the water.

The tour is 2 hours total, for up to 6 people per group, and you meet at the water at either Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr (Gozo). You ride a 22-foot private boat, which is the sweet spot for Comino: small enough to get to the nicer swim angles, big enough to feel comfortable when you’re not constantly standing around.

If you’re thinking, I want the Comino lagoons but I do not want the chaos, this is the logic. Private means you can move at your captain’s pace, choose swimming time that works for your group, and skip the constant jostling that comes with big public boats.

Finding the Boat, Cirkewwa vs Mgarr Meeting Points

This trip starts with a simple but important detail: pick the right starting point when you book.

If you’re starting in Malta from Cirkewwa, you meet behind the kiosk in the parking area next to the Gozo passenger terminal. If you’re starting in Gozo from Mgarr, you come to Mgarr and look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal.

It sounds small, but it can save you stress. Comino day trips run on tight timings, and you do not want to arrive late because you guessed wrong on where the operator expects you.

Onboard Comfort That Actually Matters on a Lagoons Tour

A lot of boat trips promise comfort, then deliver “stand here and hope.” This one focuses on what you feel during those 2 hours.

On board, you get:

• Cushioned lounger seating where you can relax at the bow
• Shade at the stern, which helps when the sun is strong between lagoon stops
• A cooler for your drinks, plus a bottle of water and local wine for those aged 18+
• A Bluetooth speaker, so you can play your own music

You also get snorkel masks and pool noodles, which is great if half your group is all-in on snorkeling while the other half just wants to float and swim in. The boat also includes safety equipment, and there’s an onboard freshwater shower for rinsing off after swimming.

If you hate the moment you have to jump from hot deck air into chilly water, you’ll appreciate the fact that the boat is set up for it: you’re not scrambling for gear, and you can change your plan quickly once you see the conditions.

Captain Choice: Stories, Style, and Better Spots Around Comino

This is one of the strongest parts of the experience: the captain.

The tour runs with a local captain who shares information about Malta, Gozo, and the places you pass. People highlight that captains like Jolene and Alfred keep things relaxed, and they also tailor the day to what you care about, whether that means more time swimming or extra time around caves.

You might notice a recurring theme in the feedback: the best memories come from the combination of route choice and pacing. Private charters allow the captain to find calmer anchorages, take breaks when the conditions are right, and avoid feeling rushed between stops.

In a short 2-hour window, that matters. A public boat might herd you in and out. A private captain can treat your day like your day.

Popeye’s Cave and Monte Cristo Views: More Than Just Passing By

Even though the clock is tight, the route includes iconic sights.

You’ll head toward Popeye’s Cave and Monte Cristo (typically as a photo and viewpoint moment before you move on to swimming areas). These stops are valuable because they give you context. You’re not just swimming in pretty water, you’re seeing why people talk about this stretch of coastline in the first place.

Photo tips, based on what the boat format allows:

• If you want pictures without fighting for angles, stand near the right side for views as the captain slows.
• Ask the captain to time the stop for the best light. Captains who know the coast tend to have opinions about when the coast looks best.

One drawback to know: with only 2 hours, you are not getting a long, land-based walk-through at every landmark. Plan for this as a boat-and-water experience first, with landmarks as highlights along the way.

Crystal Lagoon: Snorkeling Time, Calm Water, and Float-Friendly Setup

The first real swim focus for many groups is the Crystal Lagoon.

This is where the included snorkeling mask gear does its job. You get enough time to actually put your face in the water, not just test it for five seconds. If snorkeling is new to you, you’re still covered because you can switch to pool noodles and enjoy the water without pressure.

What makes Crystal Lagoon special in practice is the combination of visibility and the way the boat experience changes it. From the water, you see the shoreline and depth in a way you cannot from the beach.

A good plan for snorkeling time:

• Spend the first few minutes getting comfortable with breathing and buoyancy.
• Save a second snorkel round if you want to take more time looking around once you relax.

If you’re sensitive to cool water, you might feel it more here than in warmer months. The good news is you can control your exposure by alternating between floating and short snorkel bursts.

Blue Lagoon: How Private Pace Improves the Crowd Story

Then you move to the Blue Lagoon, the one everyone has on their Malta bucket list.

The practical win with a private boat is you’re not stuck dealing with the churn of big day-tour groups. People specifically praise that private charters help you reach spots and anchorages that feel quieter, with clear water and time to swim without the constant hurry.

Timing can also make a difference. Some groups report choosing later starts so the lagoons felt less crowded. You cannot control the day’s crowd levels completely, but with a captain who knows the coast and your group’s own pace, the experience often feels more balanced.

Swim advice:

• Bring your towel so you can dry off between swims quickly.
• If you want to snorkel longer, plan to rinse off and warm up on deck afterward, since wind and spray can cool you down.

Drinks, Wine, and What You Can Bring on Board

This charter is a good middle ground between a “bare bones” boat and a full food-and-cocktail party.

You get a cooler plus water and local wine onboard. You can bring your own drinks too, which is useful if you want something specific or you’re traveling as a group with mixed tastes.

Food is not included, so think about your timing:

• Eat beforehand so you are not hungry while you’re trying to enjoy water time.
• If you snack easily, consider bringing something small, but check what your operator allows since the tour rules provided focus on safety and forbidden items.

If wine is not your thing, you can treat it like a nice bonus, and focus on the water, photos, and onboard comfort.

What to Bring, and the Small Things That Prevent Headaches

For this kind of lagoon day, the list is simple, and it is worth sticking to it.

Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash (you’ll need it for the 50 EUR fuel fee paid at the end)
• Motion sickness prevention if you tend to feel it on boats

Also, think about what your group needs for comfort. Even on a private charter, you’re spending time sunbathing and swimming, so dry off fast, protect your skin, and keep your essentials close.

Not allowed items include weapons or sharp objects, and there are restrictions on mobility devices and bikes. If you’re traveling with special equipment, it’s worth checking before you show up at the dock.

Price and Value: $175 Per Group, Plus the Fuel Fee Reality

The price is $175 per group up to 6, for a 2-hour private charter. That works out best when you have a small group that can share the cost.

But here’s the part that affects true value: there is a 50 EUR fuel fee due in cash at the end of the tour. There is also no food included.

So how do you decide if it’s worth it?

• If you’re traveling as a couple or small family, private often feels worth it because the day feels personal, not crowded.
• If you’re comparing against public boats, the time and comfort usually tip the decision, because you get real swim time and a captain who can slow down when the conditions are right.
• If you need a long, all-day schedule with meals, you may find this too short. It is designed to deliver lagoon time efficiently.

In short, it is value when your goal is clear: get on the water, swim at the lagoons, and have a captain guide you without rushing.

Who This Works Best For (And Who Should Rethink It)

This charter fits best if you want:

• A private group experience
• Comino lagoon time without the stress of crowds
• Included swim gear and a comfortable boat setup
• A local captain with a story-driven approach

People describe it as a standout highlight even for first-time boat riders, and it is a friendly option for different ages because the itinerary is simple, the swim time is adjustable, and you have pool noodles for non-swimmers.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users. Also, mobility scooters and certain wheelchairs are not allowed, based on the tour rules provided. If accessibility is a priority, you should look for an operator that explicitly supports your device.

Should You Book This Blue and Crystal Lagoon Private Charter?

I’d book it if your priority is time in the water, a relaxed pace, and a private boat that lets you enjoy Comino without spending your day in the crowd flow.

I’d think twice if:

• You need a full meal included, because food is not part of the package.
• You dislike paying extra fees at the end, because the 50 EUR fuel fee is due in cash.
• You need wheelchair accessibility, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

One smart move: when you book, double-check you selected Cirkewwa or Mgarr correctly. Then bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash, and you’ll be ready for a smooth 2 hours on Malta’s and Gozo’s coast.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

It lasts 2 hours.

What is the group size for the private charter?

The boat charter is for a private group, up to 6 people.

Where do we meet for the tour in Malta?

If you start in Malta, you meet behind the kiosk in the parking area next to the Gozo passenger terminal.

Where do we meet for the tour in Gozo?

If you start in Gozo, you come to Mgarr and look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal.

What lagoon stops are included?

The charter includes stops at the Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon, plus viewpoints around Popeye’s Cave and Monte Cristo.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included, and pool noodles are also provided.

Is wine included?

Yes, a bottle of local wine is included for those aged 18+.

Do we pay a fuel fee?

Yes, there is a 50 EUR fuel fee due in cash at the end of the tour.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, cash, and motion sickness prevention if you need it.

Is the boat charter accessible for wheelchair users?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Is there any cancellation or flexibility option?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.