From Sliema: Private Comino and Gozo Boat Charter

Malta’s sister islands are stunning, but doing them on a private charter changes the whole day. You’ll cruise from Sliema with a skipper, hit Comino’s famous water and caves, then swing by Gozo for bay time and port vibes. The best part is the flexibility, you can work with your captain to spend longer where you actually want to be.

I especially like two things here. First, the water stops, Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon both get you that unreal light-blue look without feeling rushed. Second, you’re not sharing the experience with strangers. With a group up to 16, you can bring your own snacks, play music via Bluetooth, and keep the day feeling like it’s yours.

One possible drawback to plan for: it’s not a full floating restaurant. There’s no bar on board, and food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring a picnic or plan a meal stop in Gozo.

Key things I’d watch for before you book

• Private, flexible itinerary: Your captain can adjust the day plan based on what you want to prioritize.
• Comino caves via powerboat access: Cave time is built into the route, not something you tack on later.
• Snorkeling gear included: You’ll have what you need to get in the water comfortably.
• Comfort features matter: Toilet facilities, canopy shade, and sunbathing space keep the day practical.
• Music from your phone: Bluetooth connection means you can set the mood.
• No onboard drinks: If you want beverages, plan to bring them or grab dinner in Gozo.

Why a private Comino and Gozo charter is worth it

If you’ve ever done Malta by group tour, you know the usual rhythm. Everyone piles in, everyone gets the same stops, and you spend more time coordinating schedules than enjoying the sea. A private boat charter flips that. You meet at Sliema Ferries 4, step aboard, and your skipper works with you to shape the day.

This matters most on Comino. It’s small, the anchor points can feel crowded on big trips, and the best swimming spots depend on weather and your timing. On a private day, you can linger near the places that look best to you, then move when you’re ready.

I also appreciate that this is designed for comfort, not just sightseeing. The boat has a canopy for shade, a sunbathing area, a fridge, and toilet facilities. That means fewer compromises. You can stay out longer without turning the trip into a sprint.

The 7-hour flow: how the day typically moves

The trip runs about 7 hours, which is long enough to feel like a real island day, but not so long that everyone gets tired of boat life. Your skipper will take you between Malta’s island neighbors, usually starting from Sliema and working through Comino, then into Gozo.

The route includes the kind of mix that makes the day fun:

• calm scenic water time
• swimming and snorkeling opportunities
• cave visiting by powerboat
• Gozo viewpoints and a port stop where you can eat

And there’s a big practical advantage: the itinerary is described as flexible. You can follow the captain’s suggested day plan, or you can nudge the order and timing so the day matches your group. If your top priority is snorkeling, you’ll want to ask early for where you’ll get the best water time. If your priority is sea time plus photos, you’ll do better by planning more time around the lagoons.

Crystal Lagoon: the kind of water that makes the boat worth it

Crystal Lagoon is one of those stops where you’ll immediately understand why it’s on every Malta coastal list. The sea around Comino is known for that intense light reflection, and this route is built around giving you time to enjoy it.

What I’d do when you arrive is simple. Don’t rush straight to the photo. First, look for an easy entry, then spend a few minutes taking in the color from the boat. The water tone shifts a lot depending on angle and light, and it’s usually at its best right when you first reach the area.

Since snorkeling gear is included, you can switch from lounging to exploring without switching gear or time. If you want to keep it low effort, you can just float, breathe, and enjoy the clarity. If you like a bit more action, you can use the gear to check out what’s beneath you while staying close to the boat.

A small consideration: lagoons are popular. Even on a private charter, you’ll still be sharing the area with nature and other boats sometimes, so your best move is to ask your skipper what spot they recommend for calmer water and easier entry.

Blue Lagoon time: swimming, music, and a slower pace

After Crystal Lagoon, the day typically shifts into another Comino highlight: the Blue Lagoon. This is the place people picture when they think of turquoise Mediterranean water, and you’ll likely feel that excitement when you see it from the boat.

This portion of the trip is where you get to relax. You can listen to your own playlist through Bluetooth, sit under the canopy when the sun gets strong, then move between resting and swimming. The boat setup makes it easy to stay comfortable for stretches of time rather than feeling like you’re always on the move.

If your group includes people with different energy levels, Blue Lagoon is a good equalizer. Someone can snorkel or swim while someone else watches from the shade or the sunbathing area. That flexibility is a major reason this format works for groups up to 16.

Comino caves by powerboat: short, scenic, and practical

Caves in Comino are built into the experience, and you’ll be visiting them from powerboats. That’s a key detail. Instead of spending time hiking or only viewing caves from a distance, you get close enough to see what’s going on along the coast.

You also get cave entry included, so you’re not dealing with add-on fees or last-minute logistics. In practice, this means your skipper can focus on timing and positioning rather than stopping for you to sort out tickets.

A practical tip for your comfort: wear swim-friendly clothing and expect you’ll spend part of the time near water spray. Even when the day is calm, you’re on a boat, so you’ll benefit from having a plan for wet hair, sunscreen, and secure items.

Also, if your group wants more cave time, speak up early. The trip is designed to let you adjust the balance between lagoons and caves. If caves are your top priority, you’ll likely want to protect time for them rather than letting the day drift too long at the first water stop.

Gozo essentials: St. Nicholas Bay, Hondoq ir-Rummien, and Mgarr

When the route moves into Gozo, it adds a different mood. Comino is all about the sea look and swim time. Gozo feels more like island character, with bays, coastlines, and a place to eat.

The route you’ll follow can include:

• St. Nicholas Bay
• Hondoq ir-Rummien
• Mgarr Port in Gozo

Here’s what those stops mean for your day.

St. Nicholas Bay

This is typically a scenic, coast-facing stop. You’re there for viewpoints and sea time rather than a strict itinerary activity. If your group enjoys photos, this is where you’ll have good chances to frame the coastline and still keep things relaxed.

Hondoq ir-Rummien

This stop is often about getting close to Gozo’s shoreline scenery. It’s a chance to break up the swim-focused rhythm and give your group a different kind of view.

Mgarr Port and dinner option

Mgarr Port is also where a meal becomes realistic. Since food and drinks aren’t included, you’ve got options. You can bring a picnic for the day, or you can stop for dinner in Mgarr Harbor in Gozo.

I like having that choice. Some groups want to stay in picnic mode and keep moving. Others prefer a proper sit-down meal after hours on the water. This charter is flexible enough to support both approaches.

The boat setup: shade, toilet, fridge, and real comfort

Small comfort details add up on a full day. Here, they’re not afterthoughts. You’ll have:

• a fridge on board
• toilet facilities
• a canopy for shade
• a sunbathing area
• Bluetooth so you can connect your own music

From an enjoyment standpoint, the fridge is bigger than it sounds. It lets you keep drinks and food at a better temperature. The canopy and sun area also mean you can pick your mood instead of always chasing the shade.

From a group dynamic standpoint, the toilet and practical layout reduce the “when do we stop?” stress. For a 7-hour cruise, that matters more than you might expect.

One more nice detail that people highlight in this experience: having music and a cooler or speaker-style setup makes the boat feel like a moving hangout, not a chore.

Captain-led flexibility: how to get the best day

The biggest strength of this charter is that your skipper works with you. The itinerary is described as flexible, meaning you can follow a suggested day plan or create your own sequence that matches your priorities.

If you want an easy approach, do this:

• Decide what matters most: lagoons, caves, or Gozo.
• Share it early with your skipper.
• Ask for a plan that protects time for your top two priorities.

People also mention skippers like Tony for being friendly and accommodating, and Marc for being patient and helpful. That tracks with the overall design of the trip. A private charter works when the captain actually listens and adjusts, and here the experience is built for that kind of hands-on guidance.

Price and value for a group up to 16

At $1,001 per group (up to 16) for a 7-hour private charter, the price can feel high if you’re thinking solo. But if you’re splitting among a group, it can start to look very reasonable.

Here’s how I’d think about value:

• You’re paying for privacy and control, not just transport.
• You’re getting structured access to highlights like Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, cave visiting, and snorkeling gear.
• You’re also getting real boat comfort features included, like toilet facilities and a fridge.

Food and drinks not being included is the main cost you’ll need to manage yourself. But you’re not forced into a rigid menu. Bring what you like, then decide whether you want dinner in Mgarr Harbor in Gozo.

For big groups, this is also one of the few ways to keep everyone together without compromise. A group up to 16 can spread out, rotate between shade and sun, and still keep the day feeling personal.

Who this charter suits best

This is a great fit if you:

• want a private day on the sea, not a packed group schedule
• care about swimming time and water color, especially around Comino
• want the option to snorkel with gear provided
• have a group with mixed interests, some people want to swim while others want to lounge
• prefer bringing your own food and building your own vibe on board

It’s also a smart choice for birthdays, friend groups, or multi-generation days where everyone’s energy levels vary.

If you’re the kind of traveler who only wants very quick photo stops and minimal time on the water, you might find a full 7 hours on a boat too much. But if you’re excited by the sea and want to slow down, this style matches that perfectly.

Quick practical tips so your day runs smoothly

A few things I’d plan before you head out:

• Bring your own food and drinks, since there’s no bar on board.
• Pack a small bag for swim essentials, sunscreen, and anything you want to keep dry.
• If music matters to your group, plan to charge your device since you’ll use Bluetooth.
• Bring swim-friendly shoes or footwear if your group wants extra comfort near entry areas.
• Talk to your skipper early about how much time you want for lagoons versus caves.

These are small steps, but they keep you from wasting time once you’re out there.

Should you book this private Comino and Gozo charter?

I’d book it if you want the islands with breathing room. The combination of Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Comino caves access, and Gozo bay and port stops works well when you can control timing. Add in comfort features like toilet facilities, shade, and a fridge, plus included snorkeling gear and cave entry, and you get a day that feels like a proper charter experience rather than a rushed highlight parade.

Skip it if you’re only interested in a short sightseeing hit, or if you’d rather not handle food and drinks yourself. Since food and drinks are not included and there’s no onboard bar, you’ll get more from the trip if you’re comfortable planning a picnic or choosing dinner in Gozo.

FAQ

What is the starting location for this charter?

You board the boat at Sliema Ferries 4.

How long is the private charter?

The duration is 7 hours.

Is this trip private?

Yes, it’s a private group charter.

What places does the skipper visit?

The route can include Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, St. Nicholas Bay, Hondoq ir-Rummien, and Mgarr Port in Gozo, plus Comino caves.

What snorkeling is included?

The charter includes snorkeling gear.

Is cave entry included?

Yes, cave entry is included.

Is food and drinks included on board?

No, food and drinks are not included. There is also no bar on board.

Can I bring my own music?

Yes, you can connect your own music via Bluetooth.

What’s included in the price?

Included: full-day private boat charter, skipper, fuel, snorkeling gear, and cave entry.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.