REVIEW · PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS
Private 8 Hours Boat Charter Trip in Malta
Eight hours on a private Maltese boat sounds perfect, and it is mostly built around the clear-water Comino stops that many people only see from shore. I love that this is a true private group charter, so your captain can set the pace and you can spend the time actually in the water.
The crew can be genuinely warm and efficient, and on one trip the hosting was led by captains Ryan, Kelo, and Ibrahim, depending on the day and staff. One possible drawback to plan for is that food and alcohol cost extra once you are on board, even though drinks are included.
In This Review
- Key moments that make this charter worth it
- Entering the day: private boat charter comfort in Malta
- Price and value check for $842.88 per group
- The plan on the water: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, then Gozo
- Stop 1, Blue Lagoon for 2 hours: swim time that actually feels worth it
- Stop 2, Crystal Lagoon for 2 hours: a quieter Comino rhythm
- Gozo for 1 hour: beach time without turning it into a marathon
- What’s included on board, and how to use it
- Food and alcohol costs: the part people forget to budget
- Snorkeling, stand-up boarding, and why the gear inclusion matters
- Crew quality: where the day turns from good to great
- Group size realities: best for families and celebrations
- Getting to the meeting point in Ta’ Xbiex and starting on time
- Weather dependence: how to think about the Malta sea day
- How to pack so the day feels easy
- Should you book this Malta private 8-hour charter?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How many people can be on this private boat charter?
- How long is the charter, and does it include travel time?
- What time does the trip start?
- Where do we meet for the boat charter?
- Is the admission ticket included for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?
- Is food included in the price?
- Is alcohol included?
- What water and activities are included on board?
- What stops are included during the day?
- When will I receive confirmation after booking?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key moments that make this charter worth it
- Two big Comino swims: Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, each with admission included and time to snorkel.
- A private-group feel: up to 12 people, so you are not sharing the day with strangers.
- Snorkeling kit plus a stand-up board: included so you can jump into the water without extra rentals.
- Gozo on the clock: a full hour there, which is enough to get to a beach mood without rushing.
- Captain-led routing: the crew adapts to conditions and comfort for the group size.
- Budget-friendly for groups: $842.88 per group can work out well if you fill the boat.
Entering the day: private boat charter comfort in Malta

A Malta boat day can be chaotic, loud, and crowded, especially around the Comino hotspots. This one is different because it stays private, with a skipper and a boat set aside just for your group (up to 12). That alone changes how the day feels, you spend more time enjoying, less time waiting.
Your start is 9:00 am from Kanpai CharterOffice 1 at Crown Marina Apts in Ta’ Xbiex Seafront. From there, you spend about 8 hours total including travel time, and you come back to the same meeting point when the day ends.
This is the kind of trip that works best when you treat it like a sea day, not a checklist. The captain’s job is to get you to the water, keep things safe, and give you a good flow between swims.
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Price and value check for $842.88 per group

The price is $842.88 per group, and your group size can go up to 12 people. If you fill it, the math becomes far more reasonable, because you are splitting the charter cost across more seats. If you book with only a few people, it is still a great experience, but you are paying more per person.
What helps the value is what you get without extra add-ons:
- unlimited water and soft drinks
- snorkeling equipment
- a stand-up board
- fuel and skipper
- BBQ use
Then there is the biggest practical value point: you are paying for access and time at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and admission is included for both stops. Those admissions, plus the boat time and guide time, matter.
What does not help value is food and alcohol, because they are extra. The good news is you can usually control your day by packing smart and choosing what you want to spend on.
The plan on the water: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, then Gozo

This charter is built around Comino first, then Gozo. You get two distinct swim sessions on Comino, with about 2 hours at Blue Lagoon and about 2 hours at Crystal Lagoon.
That structure matters because it gives you options. If you want a calmer feel, you can treat Blue Lagoon as your first swim and then use Crystal Lagoon as your second pass for a different coastline mood. If the sea feels choppy, your captain can decide where to keep it comfortable and which pockets to use for snorkeling.
Finally, you get about 1 hour on Gozo. It is shorter than the Comino stops, but it is long enough to get that Gozo coastline feeling and still head back before the day gets too stretched.
Stop 1, Blue Lagoon for 2 hours: swim time that actually feels worth it

Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason. The water color is the star, and the shallows make it the kind of place where you can actually relax instead of fighting the waves.
You get about 2 hours here, with admission ticket included. That timing is ideal if you want to do a proper swim, not just dip your feet. It is also enough time to snorkel with the provided equipment and then re-board, dry off, and reset.
One practical tip: start your swim early in your time window. Even on a private charter, the water can get busy in the general area, so getting in when you arrive gives you the best mix of calm water and clear visibility.
A few more Malta options worth comparing
- Sliema: Cruise to Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon
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Stop 2, Crystal Lagoon for 2 hours: a quieter Comino rhythm

Crystal Lagoon is the follow-up that keeps the day interesting. Instead of doing the same kind of stop twice, you get another lagoon environment on Comino, with about 2 hours there and admission ticket included.
This is the stop that tends to feel more about atmosphere. Think rocky edges, shoreline variety, and the kind of water where snorkeling can feel like a back-and-forth game, swim, rest, then swim again.
If you like simple “sea day” routines, this stop is built for you. You have time to snorkel, hop in again after a break, and enjoy the view without feeling you must rush for photos.
Gozo for 1 hour: beach time without turning it into a marathon
Gozo is a great contrast to Comino. You trade the focus on small-lagoon swimming for a more beach and coastline vibe.
You get about 1 hour on Gozo, and admission is free for this stop. That shorter time works well if you want one real taste of Gozo, like dipping into a bay or enjoying a coastal stretch, without needing a full land tour.
Because your time is limited, ask your captain to help you pick the most comfortable option for your group. With kids or anyone who just wants an easy swim, the best choice is usually the one that is quickest to access and safest in the conditions.
One thing to know: conditions can change. On at least one trip, the crew adjusted the plan due to sea conditions and even arranged a vehicle transfer back to the starting point. That is not something you should assume every day, but it shows the crew is thinking about comfort, not just sticking to a script.
What’s included on board, and how to use it
Here is the core list of what comes with the charter:
- unlimited water and soft drinks
- snorkeling equipment
- stand-up board
- fuel and skipper
- BBQ use
- admission tickets for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon
- Gozo stop with free admission
In real terms, this means you can plan your day with less guesswork. You do not need to rent snorkeling gear or figure out drink logistics. You can also plan a more relaxed lunch setup because BBQ use is included.
If you want lunch on board, plan how you will handle it. Some groups bring their own food and store it on the boat with refrigeration, which can be handy if you want your own menu and timing. If you are bringing your own items, keep them easy to access and safe for a moving boat.
Food and alcohol costs: the part people forget to budget
Food and alcohol are not included. The costs listed are:
- Food: €30 per person
- Alcohol: €40 per person
That matters because a charter day can tempt you to say yes to everything once you are out there. If you want to keep the day’s spending predictable, decide in advance whether you will pay for on-board food or bring your own.
Also note the age rule: alcohol consumption has a minimum age requirement of 18. If you have a mixed-age group, plan the day like a family charter, meaning everyone is on board for the fun part, and alcohol can be optional rather than central.
Snorkeling, stand-up boarding, and why the gear inclusion matters
Snorkeling is only fun if it is easy. This charter includes snorkeling equipment, which removes a huge friction point. You do not need to bring your own mask and fins or waste time hunting rentals in Malta.
The stand-up board inclusion is another small but meaningful upgrade. Not everyone will use it, but when sea conditions cooperate, it can add variety beyond swimming and snorkeling.
If you are not confident in snorkeling, you still get value. The equipment makes it possible to try without hesitation, and your captain can help with timing and safe spots.
Crew quality: where the day turns from good to great
A boat charter lives or dies by the crew, and this one is backed by consistent praise for professionalism and warmth.
In different group experiences, captains and deck staff like Ryan, Kelo, and Ibrahim are described as professional, friendly, and good at keeping people informed. That is exactly what you want on a day on open water. You want clear guidance, relaxed vibes, and someone handling the details so you can focus on the scenery.
There is also a theme of comfort and accommodation. One group described the crew as making the day work well for adults and kids, and another group got help adjusting the trip to weather and what felt most comfortable for a larger party.
If you care about a smooth flow, this is the part that justifies paying for a private charter. It is not just the boat, it is the experience being managed well.
Group size realities: best for families and celebrations
With a cap of up to 12 people, this charter sits in a sweet spot. It is large enough for groups to feel social, but small enough to keep it personal.
It is especially good if you are:
- celebrating a birthday
- traveling with a family that includes kids
- coming with a friend group that wants a shared sea day
- planning something romantic that still feels active
A birthday trip was specifically called out as fantastic, and one family group of 8 adults and kids liked having enough space on board. If you are traveling with small kids, having the crew attentive and the schedule flexible is a big deal.
Getting to the meeting point in Ta’ Xbiex and starting on time
You meet at Kanpai CharterOffice 1, Crown Marina Apts, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1027, Malta. The location is near public transportation, which helps if you are not renting a car.
Plan to arrive a bit early. Private charters run smoother when everyone is on board and ready for a 9:00 am start.
Also consider the whole day rhythm. Since the total duration includes travel time, it is smart to treat this like a full-day plan. Build light meals around it and be ready for a sea-based schedule.
Weather dependence: how to think about the Malta sea day
This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
That is not a small detail, it is the heart of planning a boat day. When conditions are right, you get calm, clear water, and snorkeling feels effortless. When conditions are rough, even the best crew has to prioritize safety and comfort.
If your Malta trip has flexibility, aim to book this day when the forecast looks best. If you have no flexibility, the value is still there, but the risk is that weather may change your plans.
How to pack so the day feels easy
You are on the water for most of the day, with two major swim stops plus Gozo time. Pack like you are doing an active beach day:
- swimwear and a quick-dry layer
- a towel you do not mind getting sandy
- sunscreen
- water-friendly shoes if you prefer them
Because water and soft drinks are included, you can travel light on that front. For food, decide early whether you plan to use the €30 per person option or bring your own setup. If you bring your own food, store items carefully and keep them easy to share when the BBQ use is available.
If you want to fish, bring up the request with the crew. One group said it was no trouble, but you should treat that as a “ask and see” situation rather than a promise.
Should you book this Malta private 8-hour charter?
I think it is a smart booking if you want a Malta sea day that feels personal, not crowded. The two Comino swim stops, Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, give you a lot of time in the water, and the included snorkeling equipment means you can get started quickly. Add unlimited soft drinks, BBQ use, and a private group setup, and you get real value for a shared experience.
Book it if:
- you want Comino water time without the hassle of planning your own boat trip
- you care about a crew that communicates well and adapts to conditions
- you are traveling with a group that can fill enough seats to make the per-person cost reasonable
- you want Gozo for a taste, without committing to a full day on land
Skip or reconsider if:
- you do not want to pay extra for food and alcohol
- your schedule is tight and you cannot handle weather-related changes
- you only want a quick swim and prefer shorter tours
FAQ
FAQ
How many people can be on this private boat charter?
It is a private tour for your group only, with a maximum group size of up to 12.
How long is the charter, and does it include travel time?
The duration is about 8 hours, and it includes travel time.
What time does the trip start?
The start time is 9:00 am.
Where do we meet for the boat charter?
You meet at Kanpai CharterOffice 1, Crown Marina Apts, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1027, Malta.
Is the admission ticket included for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?
Yes. Admission tickets are included for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.
Is food included in the price?
No. Food costs €30 per person.
Is alcohol included?
No. Alcohol costs €40 per person, and the minimum age requirement for alcohol consumption is 18.
What water and activities are included on board?
Unlimited water and soft drinks are included. Snorkeling equipment, a stand-up board, fuel, and skipper are also included, and BBQ use is available.
What stops are included during the day?
You spend time at Blue Lagoon (2 hours), Crystal Lagoon (2 hours), and Gozo (1 hour).
When will I receive confirmation after booking?
Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
What happens if 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.
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