Cirkewwa/Mgarr: Blue and Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Charter

The best lagoon trips keep things personal. This two-hour private charter from Cirkewwa or Mgarr takes you around Comino and Gozo on a compact 22-foot boat, with time for swimming, snorkeling, caves, and quiet coves. I especially like the private setting and the captain’s freedom to adjust the route. The main catch is the €50 fuel fee, paid in cash at the end.

You get cushioned seating, shade, a freshwater shower, snorkeling gear, pool noodles, a cooler, Bluetooth music, water, and local wine for adults. Captains such as Jolene, Alfred, Roderick, Emmy, and Joe have earned praise for their friendly approach and local stories. Two hours can pass quickly, especially if you want long swim stops.

Key points at a glance

• Two famous lagoons in one short trip: Stop at both the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, with time to swim and snorkel.
• A private 22-foot boat: Your group of up to six has the boat to itself, rather than sharing space with a large public cruise.
• Caves and coastal sights: See Monte Cristo, Popeye’s Cave, and other rocky inlets around Comino and Gozo.
• A flexible captain-led route: The captain can adjust stops around your interests and sea conditions.
• Useful extras included: Snorkels, pool noodles, shade, a freshwater shower, cooler, Bluetooth speaker, water, and wine for those aged 18 and over.
• Budget carefully: The advertised price is $175 per group, plus a €50 fuel fee in cash.

Setting out from Cirkewwa or Mgarr

You can begin from either end of the Gozo Channel route. From Malta, meet behind the kiosk in the parking area beside the Gozo passenger terminal at Cirkewwa. From Gozo, meet in Mgarr beneath the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal.

This is a waterside meeting point, not a hotel pickup. You need to choose the correct starting point when booking, since Cirkewwa and Mgarr are not interchangeable meeting locations. I would allow extra time to find the terminal area, especially if you are arriving by bus or connecting with the ferry.

The boat is a 22-foot private charter. That size matters. It is large enough for six people, safety equipment, shade, seating, and a small lounging area, but it still feels close to the water. You can sit at the bow, stretch out on a cushioned lounger, or stay at the shaded stern.

A smaller boat also gives the captain more freedom than a big sightseeing vessel. The exact route can change based on your interests and conditions, but the main focus is the coast around Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and the Crystal Lagoon.

Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave from the water

The first part of the outing is about seeing Malta and Comino from the sea. Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave are included among the coastal sights, giving you a taste of the cliffs, openings, and rocky shoreline before the swimming stops begin.

Popeye’s Cave is best appreciated from the water. Instead of simply passing the coast at a distance, you can look into the cave area and take photographs from the boat. Monte Cristo adds another scenic point along the route.

Your captain provides commentary about the islands, local stories, and the coast. Alfred has been praised for explaining Malta’s culture and history, while Emmy was noted for answering questions in a relaxed way. This is not a formal lecture, and that is part of the charm. You can ask questions as you go, or simply enjoy the ride with your group.

Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray. The boat offers a good viewing platform, though the sun can be strong and the water can be lively. A dry bag is not listed as included, so I would bring your own way to protect valuables.

Swimming at the Crystal Lagoon

The Crystal Lagoon is one of the main reasons to book this trip. Its clear water and rocky surroundings make it a strong place for a swim and a look beneath the surface.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring a mask unless you prefer using your own. Pool noodles are also available. They are useful if you want to float without working hard, and they make the swim more relaxing for people who are less confident in open water.

The private format improves this stop. You do not have to match the pace of a large group. You can swim, use the snorkel, take photographs, or remain on board while others go into the water. Captains have been praised for finding quieter swimming spots away from the busiest areas.

Still, you should keep your expectations sensible. The charter lasts only two hours, and sea conditions, traffic around the lagoons, and the captain’s judgment all affect how long you remain at each stop. You are not guaranteed a long, private stretch of lagoon all to yourself.

The Blue Lagoon without the big-boat routine

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s most famous stop, known for its bright blue water and dramatic setting. It is also the place most likely to feel crowded, especially during the summer middle of the day.

A private charter does not make the Blue Lagoon empty, but it changes how you visit it. You arrive by boat, swim from the boat, and avoid spending your whole visit on a packed public vessel or searching for a place along the shore. Some departures may find calmer periods, and one late afternoon outing was especially appreciated because the lagoon was less busy.

Timing is worth thinking about. An early or late departure may offer a quieter feel than the busiest hours, but exact conditions vary. The operator can sometimes arrange other start times, such as 9:00 or 11:30 in the morning, if you contact them about availability.

You may swim in the lagoon, snorkel, float with a noodle, or stay aboard with a glass of water or wine. The captain can also point out areas that larger commercial boats do not reach. That local knowledge is one of the strongest reasons to choose the private option.

What the boat feels like for two hours

The boat is set up for simple comfort rather than luxury. There is shade at the stern, a cushioned lounging area, and space at the bow for sitting in the sun. You can move around during the ride, though six adults will make the boat feel more full than a couple or group of three.

A freshwater shower lets you rinse off salt water after swimming. That is a small feature, but it is useful if you have plans after the charter or dislike sitting in sticky seawater.

The cooler gives you somewhere to keep drinks cold. A bottle of water and local wine are provided, with wine reserved for people aged 18 and over. You can also bring your own drinks, and the cooler is available for them. Food is not included, so eat beforehand or bring suitable snacks if needed.

Music is another personal touch. The Bluetooth speaker lets you play your own playlist, which can make the boat feel more like a private outing than a standard guided cruise. Keep the volume respectful, since the sea and the captain’s commentary are part of the setting too.

Captains make the difference

The route is important, but the captain shapes the mood. Jolene has been praised for being warm, patient, calm, and well informed about Comino. She has also been described as the only female skipper on Gozo, and you can ask the operator about the possibility of booking an all-female captain and crew.

Alfred has received praise for his commentary and for locating preferred anchorages. Roderick was appreciated by a family ranging from age nine to 80, which suggests the trip can work across generations when the group’s needs are explained clearly. Emmy was noted for his relaxed manner, while Joe was described as friendly and accommodating.

These details matter because a small boat leaves little distance between you and the captain. A friendly guide can make the two hours feel easy and social. A poor match would be more noticeable than it would be on a large cruise, so tell the operator what you want: more swimming, more sightseeing, cave stops, local stories, or a gentler pace.

The captain also decides where and when to stop. The final route is not a fixed checklist, and that flexibility is a benefit, not a flaw, as long as you understand that the sea has the final say.

Is $175 a good deal for your group?

The price is $175 for up to six people, making the base cost about $29 per person if you fill every seat. You must then add the €50 fuel fee in cash at the end. That puts the real cost above the headline price, so include the fuel charge when comparing this with public boat trips.

For six people, the value is strong. You receive a private boat, a captain, port fees, safety equipment, snorkeling masks, shade, a freshwater shower, pool noodles, a cooler, Bluetooth music, water, and local wine. You also avoid sharing the boat with strangers and gain more say over the pace.

For two people, the per-person cost is much higher. I would still consider it worthwhile if privacy, flexible stops, and swimming from the boat matter to you. If you mainly want a quick look at the lagoons and do not care about group size, a public excursion may cost less.

The trip is also a good value for families and small groups. A family of five, including children and an older adult, found the two-hour format comfortable and unrushed. The shorter duration works well if you have other plans on Malta or Gozo.

Who should book this charter?

I would choose this outing for a couple, family, or group of friends that wants a private sea trip rather than a fixed public cruise. It suits people who want to swim and snorkel but also care about seeing caves and coastal sights.

It is particularly useful for:

• Small groups of up to six people
• Families with mixed ages
• Couples seeking a more private outing
• Swimmers who want easy access to clear water
• Visitors who prefer local stories over a recorded tour
• People who want to play their own music and bring drinks

The charter is not suitable for wheelchair users. Mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, bikes, electric wheelchairs, weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, and explosives are not allowed.

You should also think about motion sickness. The operator specifically recommends bringing motion sickness prevention, along with a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Even a short boat ride can feel rough if the sea is unsettled, so prepare before you leave the terminal.

Practical timing and booking advice

The standard duration is two hours. Check available starting times, and contact the operator if you want a different slot. The activity is conducted in English and is offered as a private group charter.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the outing for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

The fuel fee is the detail most likely to surprise you. Bring €50 in cash and pay it at the end. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and food is not included either.

Pack light. You need a towel and sunscreen, but bulky items make a small boat less comfortable. Keep phones, wallets, and cameras secure around the swimming area. Safety equipment is provided, and the boat has a freshwater shower for rinsing off afterward.

Two hours can feel short

The strongest praise for this outing centers on the captain, the private boat, and the amount of swimming possible. People have enjoyed stopping at two lagoons, visiting caves, playing personal music, using the cooler, and receiving a bottle of local wine.

The main limitation is time. Two hours is enough for a focused route around Comino, but not enough for a leisurely tour of every bay around Gozo and Malta. If you want long swimming sessions, extensive snorkeling, or a slower cruise with many photo stops, you may wish for a longer charter.

Water temperature can also vary sharply by season. An April outing found the water chilly, though the boat and route remained enjoyable. Summer is the obvious choice for warm swimming, but it also brings heavier demand around the Blue Lagoon.

Should you book the Blue and Crystal Lagoon charter?

Book it if you value privacy, swimming time, and a captain who can adapt the outing to your group. The private boat is especially good value for five or six people, and the included gear means you can arrive without much equipment.

For a couple, the cost deserves more thought, but the personal space and flexible route may justify it. I would choose an early or late departure if available, ask about your preferred captain or an all-female crew, and bring cash for the €50 fuel fee.

Skip it if you want a full-day cruise, hotel transport, a wheelchair-accessible boat, or the lowest possible per-person price. For everyone else, this is a focused and friendly way to reach Comino’s famous lagoons without spending the whole outing on a crowded public boat.

FAQ

Where does the boat charter start?

You can start from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo. At Cirkewwa, meet behind the kiosk in the parking area beside the Gozo passenger terminal. In Mgarr, look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal.

How long is the boat trip?

The charter lasts two hours.

How many people can join?

The private boat can accommodate a group of up to six people.

What sights are included?

The route can include Monte Cristo, Popeye’s Cave, the Crystal Lagoon, and the Blue Lagoon. The captain may adjust the exact route and stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkeling mask is included, along with pool noodles and safety equipment.

Are drinks included?

You receive a bottle of water and local wine for people aged 18 and over. You may also bring your own drinks and store them in the provided cooler.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included in the charter.

Is there an extra fuel charge?

Yes. A €50 fuel fee is due in cash at the end of the tour.

Can I choose a different departure time?

You can check the available starting times. For a different time, such as 9:00 or 11:30 in the morning, contact the activity provider to ask about availability.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.