REVIEW · BLUE LAGOON CRUISES
Full Day Private Boat Charters Malta: Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo
Blue water is easier when the boat is small. This full-day private charter is built for getting you into the right coves around Comino and Gozo, then giving you real time in the water at spots like Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon.
I especially like the private boat setup for a calmer day and easier access to lagoon areas, and I like that the charter includes snorkeling gear and a SUP, so you are not scrambling to rent or improvise. One thing to consider is the weather, because the route can shift to keep you safe and comfortable.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you sail
- Why a private boat day around Comino and Gozo feels different
- Boat comfort that matters on a 7-hour water day
- From Cirkewwa to Comino, the day starts fast
- Crystal Lagoon: swimming, snorkeling, and cave time
- Comino viewpoint stop: caves and coastal scenery
- Blue Lagoon for one hour: how to time it right
- Gozo switch: Hondoq Bay and San Blas Bay
- Ramla Bay and San Niklaw: red sand mood and quieter coves
- Santa Marija Caves and Elephant Head Rock on the route
- Price and value: what you are paying for at $744.95 per group
- Weather, timing, and what to bring so the day stays fun
- Who this charter suits best
- Should you book this Malta private boat charter?
- FAQ
- Is this tour private?
- How many people can be on the boat?
- How long is the full day charter?
- What stops are included in the route?
- What water activities and equipment are included?
- Is food or drinks included?
- What should I bring since it is not included?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key points to know before you sail

- Private charter for your group: up to 15 people, and the boat capacity is 22.
- You get serious water time: multiple swim stops with included snorkeling gear and SUP.
- Onboard comfort is real: toilet and shower onboard, plus a sun-protected area or bow sundeck.
- Sound and charging: Bluetooth sound system and a USB charging point.
- Fuel and port fees included: price covers what you typically hate estimating.
- Route can adapt: itinerary changes if conditions are unfit for the planned route.
Why a private boat day around Comino and Gozo feels different
A lot of Malta boat trips feel crowded before you even hit the first cove. Here, you are on a private charter, so your day runs on your group pace instead of herding everyone like luggage. That alone makes the lagoons feel less chaotic and more like a place you can actually enjoy.
I also like how the route is designed to bounce between islands rather than doing one long, monotonous stretch. You start from Cirkewwa, then work your way through Comino’s water spots, before shifting attention to Gozo’s bays with their red sand and varied shorelines. You spend the day in the kind of scenery that makes you stop taking photos and just look.
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Boat comfort that matters on a 7-hour water day

When a boat trip is only a couple hours, “basic onboard” is fine. When it is about seven hours, comfort becomes part of the experience, not an afterthought. This charter gives you toilet and shower facilities onboard, plus an ice box with ice for your food and drinks.
You also get a Bluetooth sound system and a USB charging point. That means you can bring your own music and keep your phone powered, without switching to airplane mode the moment you hit open water.
And if the sun turns bossy, there is a sun-protected area and/or a bow sundeck, depending on what you feel like using. It is a small detail, but it helps you avoid that classic “either too hot in the shade or too hot in the sun” problem.
From Cirkewwa to Comino, the day starts fast

The first meaningful port moment is Cirkewwa. You move out from there and reach Comino quickly, which is important because the later stops are time-boxed. This is not a “hang around the dock and dream” kind of day.
At the start, you get about 20 minutes at Cirkewwa, with admission ticket marked as free. The useful takeaway is that you should treat this as the setup phase. You will want your swimwear ready, your towel plan sorted, and your sunscreen strategy handled early, since the day will move on without pausing for indecision.
Crystal Lagoon: swimming, snorkeling, and cave time

Crystal Lagoon is where your water day turns into a full-on swim block. You get about 50 minutes here, and the plan includes time to swim and snorkel, plus the chance for cliff jumping and exploring nearby caves.
That combination is the real value. Swimming scratches the “look at those colors” itch, snorkel time lets you actually see marine life, and the caves and cliff jumping options are what make the stop feel like more than just floating. If your group has mixed comfort levels in the water, you can still keep everyone happy because not everyone has to do the same thing at the same moment.
The admission ticket is included, and that matters, because it reduces decision fatigue during the day. You spend your time on the water instead of figuring out costs and logistics.
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Comino viewpoint stop: caves and coastal scenery
After Crystal Lagoon, the itinerary includes Comino with about 30 minutes. This is described as coastal views, caves, and blue waters, which signals a more scenic stop than a “max activity” stop.
This segment can be great if you like photos, but also if you want a breather. After the intensity of the lagoon stop, a shorter, scenery-focused pause helps reset your energy and keeps the day from feeling like one nonstop rush.
As always on a multi-stop itinerary, the tradeoff is time. Thirty minutes is enough to take in the view, but not enough to make it a long, slow, wandering moment. If you are the type who wants to linger, I would plan to prioritize what matters most at the water-heavy stops.
Blue Lagoon for one hour: how to time it right
The highlight in the name is the Blue Lagoon, between Comino and Cominotto. You get about one hour here, and the admission ticket is included.
One hour sounds short until you remember what this place is. The Blue Lagoon is about color, swimming, and that classic “I cannot believe this is real” feeling. With included snorkel equipment, you can mix in a quick underwater look without turning the stop into a logistics circus.
My practical advice: don’t treat this like a lunch stop. Treat it like a swim window. Get in, get your bearings, snorkel or SUP if that is your thing, then come up and enjoy the surface views. If you wait too long, the water time vanishes and you end up staring at your photos like they can refill your energy.
Gozo switch: Hondoq Bay and San Blas Bay
The day then shifts to Gozo with Hondoq Bay. This stop is about 45 minutes and includes admission ticket costs. The description also mentions Halfa Rock in Qala and notes it sits next to Hondoq Bay, so you can expect scenery that is both shoreline and landmark driven.
Why that matters: Gozo feels different from Comino. The bays have their own character, and the mix of cliffs and shoreline gives you more variety than the flatter “float and admire” feeling some lagoon stops can create.
Next comes San Blas Bay with about one hour. It is described as golden red sand, clear waters, and a calmer vibe away from crowds. That sounds like exactly the reset you want after more famous Comino spots.
San Blas is the kind of beach stop where you might do less snorkel and more relaxing. If your group has different interests, this stop is a good place to split the day gently, one person snorkeling while another person just soaks up the beach atmosphere.
Ramla Bay and San Niklaw: red sand mood and quieter coves
Ramla Bay is next, about 35 minutes, and it is called the most famous red sandy beach in Gozo. It is also noted for a unique habitat and sand dunes. Even without deep interpretive details provided, the practical result is that the setting is distinctive. You are not just visiting another beach, you are visiting a specific type of coastline.
Then you have San Niklaw Bay on Comino, about one hour. This is described as an unspoiled-feeling paradise and an escape from the everyday. You can treat this as your quieter water stretch, especially after more “known” places.
Here’s the tradeoff I would watch: by the time you reach these bays, people’s energy levels vary. One hour is a good balance, but you still want to plan your priorities early in the day so you do not spend the later stops exhausted and foggy.
Santa Marija Caves and Elephant Head Rock on the route
The day finishes with Santa Maria Caves on Comino, around 45 minutes, with admission ticket included. The caves are described as a natural wonder beneath the rugged cliffs, and there is also a note that you can see Elephant Head Rock on the way.
This is a nice way to end because you shift from “swim and beach” to “scenery and exploration.” Even if you do not go super far into caves (your exact experience can depend on conditions), the route passing the cliffs and landmark shapes is part of why people remember the day.
And if you enjoy photography, cave and cliff scenery can beat yet another shoreline portrait because the textures are stronger. If you are not a photo person, it is still a satisfying change of pace before heading back.
Price and value: what you are paying for at $744.95 per group
At $744.95 per group for up to 15 people, this is not priced like a bargain bus ride. But it also is not priced like a luxury superyacht where you pay for nothing but style.
You are paying for a private day with real inclusions. Fuel and port fees are included, which removes a common hidden cost headache. You also get snorkeling equipment and a SUP, plus life jackets and safety equipment. Add onboard toilet and shower facilities, and you are not stuck with the usual “sailboat, but make it uncomfortable” vibe.
For larger groups, private pricing starts to feel more sensible quickly, because the per-person cost drops as the group fills. If you have a group of friends or a family unit that wants the day to run smoothly with less waiting around, this is where you start seeing the value.
One more practical value point: the smaller private format helps you get into the right lagoons. That is exactly the kind of difference that turns a good day into a great one, and it is also the reason people talk about the experience being much better than larger boats.
Weather, timing, and what to bring so the day stays fun
This charter requires good weather, and if conditions are unfit, the itinerary is adapted to keep things pleasurable and safe. The guidance will be explained before the tour starts, so you are not left guessing mid-day.
That means you should approach the day with flexible expectations. On the day where weather is perfect, everything flows like the plan. On a choppier day, the order and specific stops may shift, but the goal stays the same: water time plus scenery without unnecessary risk.
As for what you bring, the essentials not included are swimwear, towels, and sun cream. Also, the charter notes you can bring your preferred food, so plan for snacks and drinks in a way that matches your group’s routine.
If you want a simple approach: pack for comfort in and out of the water, plan to reapply sun cream when you come out, and keep your towel and swimwear accessible. When you are switching bays all day, the last thing you want is to unpack a backpack to find the one item you need.
Who this charter suits best
This is a strong fit if you want a Malta sea day that feels personal. It is also a good choice for groups who care about water access and want more than basic views.
I think it is especially appealing if:
- your group wants to spend time in lagoons and bays rather than sit on a large boat watching other people swim
- you want included gear like snorkeling equipment and a SUP
- you value onboard comfort, especially toilet and shower facilities on a long day
- you prefer fewer compromises and a schedule that matches your group
It may be less ideal if you hate boat days, or if you are expecting long, slow shore time at each beach. This itinerary is built for movement and water blocks, with most stops timed to around 30 to 60 minutes.
Should you book this Malta private boat charter?
Book it if you want a small private-group experience with included snorkeling gear and a day designed around Comino and Gozo’s best water moments. The combination of water time, onboard comfort, and a route that works through multiple bays is exactly why people rate this so highly.
Hold off if you know your group gets sea-sick easily or you are traveling at a time when weather can be unpredictable for you. Even with itinerary changes, you still need decent conditions for this kind of day.
If you are trying to choose between a larger boat tour and a private charter, I would lean private for this route. The access to lagoons and time in the water are the deciding factors, and that is the heart of the experience.
FAQ
Is this tour private?
Yes. It is a private tour or activity, and only your group will participate.
How many people can be on the boat?
The boat capacity is 22 passengers, and the charter price is per group up to 15.
How long is the full day charter?
The duration is about 7 hours.
What stops are included in the route?
The route includes Cirkewwa, Crystal Lagoon, Comino, Blue Lagoon, Hondoq Bay, San Blas Bay, Ramla Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Santa Maria Caves, with Elephant Head Rock also visible along the way.
What water activities and equipment are included?
Life jackets and safety equipment are included, along with snorkeling equipment and a stand up paddle board (SUP).
Is food or drinks included?
An ice box with ice is included for food and drinks, and you can bring your preferred food. Drinks and food are not listed as included.
What should I bring since it is not included?
Swimwear, towels, and sun cream are not included.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The itinerary can also be adapted if conditions are unfit, with details shared before the tour starts.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free. If you cancel up to 24 hours in advance, you receive a full refund. Within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.
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