Malta: Private Boat Trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon & Gozo

The best Malta days happen offshore. This private SunReel charter gives you your own boat and captain, with time for swimming, snorkeling, caves, viewpoints, and quiet bays around Comino and Gozo. I especially like the freedom to choose your stops and the useful onboard extras, including snorkel gear, paddle boards, floaties, a freshwater shower, and an ice box.

I also like that you can begin at either Ċirkewwa in Malta or Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The main consideration is fuel: it is not included in the advertised group price and must be paid separately to the captain. You should ask about the expected fuel cost before setting off.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to eight people: You share the boat only with your own group and the captain, rather than following a large set party.
• Flexible route: You can choose preferred swimming spots, or let the captain plan around the sea and weather.
• Two pickup choices: Start from Ċirkewwa in Malta or Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.
• Strong water-sports setup: Snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, swimming noodles, floaties, and a bathing ladder are included.
• Comfort on board: You get shaded seating, a bow sun deck, freshwater shower, USB charging, Bluetooth audio, and an ice box.
• Fuel costs extra: The group price is attractive, but fuel consumption is paid separately to the captain.

Why this private charter works so well

The biggest advantage is control. A shared boat often means fixed stops and fixed timing. Here, you can spend longer at a favorite bay, skip a crowded spot, or ask for a slower ride past the coast. The trip lasts from three to seven hours, so you can choose a short outing or make a larger part of the day out of it.

That flexibility matters around Comino. The Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are famous for clear water, but conditions and crowd levels can change. A private captain can adjust the route instead of treating the schedule like a commandment carved in stone.

The service is also personal. The supplied guide languages are English, Maltese, and Italian. The named captains and guides praised for this experience include Adin, Mario, Sam, and Owen. Adin is described as attentive and informative, while Mario brought a relaxed sense of humor and let the group choose its music. Those details tell you what kind of outing this is meant to be: friendly, informal, and shaped around your group.

The current rating is 4.8 from seven reviews, with particular praise for the captains, clear water, good viewpoints, and fair price. One useful detail is that groups appreciated being able to choose both where they stopped and how long they stayed. That is the real value here, not simply the boat itself.

Starting at Ċirkewwa or Mġarr Harbour

You choose your starting point when booking. Ċirkewwa is at the northern tip of Malta, while Mġarr Harbour is Gozo’s main port. Picking the port closest to where you are staying can save you a long transfer across the island.

The boat trip ends at three listed drop-off points: Cirkewwa Cafe, another Cirkewwa Cafe listing, or the Fisheries Office. Since the supplied information lists these destinations in a slightly confusing way, confirm your exact return point with SunReel before the trip.

Your captain is the key to the day. You can arrive with a rough plan, such as Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves, or simply explain that you want calm swimming water and good views. The route can then respond to weather and sea conditions.

This is also where the private format earns its keep. If one person in your group wants to snorkel and another prefers to sit under shade, you have more room to manage the day without holding up a large group.

Crystal Lagoon: an early swim stop

Crystal Lagoon is usually one of the main reasons people book a Comino boat outing. The stop allows for photographs, swimming, snorkeling, and views from the water. The name is well deserved in the basic sense: the appeal is the clear, bright water and the chance to see the rocky coast from a boat.

Plan to use this stop actively. The included snorkeling equipment means you do not need to bring your own mask and gear. Floaties and swimming noodles are also provided, which helps if you want to relax in the water rather than swim hard.

There is a practical limit to keep in mind. Crystal Lagoon is a natural setting, not a fully serviced beach club. Bring your own food, drinks, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The ice box keeps your supplies cool, but you need to pack them yourself.

Blue Lagoon: Malta’s famous water

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and the boat gives you a useful way to see it. You get a photo stop, sightseeing, guided commentary, swimming, and a scenic approach from the sea. The view from the boat lets you appreciate the color of the water and the pale rock around the inlet without treating the shore as the only attraction.

The Blue Lagoon can be the busiest part of a Comino outing. A private boat does not make the lagoon empty, and you should not expect complete solitude. Its advantage is that you can decide how much time to spend there and then move to another bay if the mood changes.

I would use the Blue Lagoon as one piece of the day rather than the entire plan. Take your photographs, swim if conditions suit you, and listen to the captain’s advice about the next stop. The clearest water is not always at the most famous location.

The captain also provides local information during the route. That helps turn a simple boat ride into a guided look at Malta, Comino, and Gozo, with panoramic coastal views along the way.

San Niklaw Bay and Santa Maria Caves

San Niklaw Bay is another listed stop for swimming, snorkeling, photographs, and coastal views. Its importance is variety. After the name-brand Blue Lagoon, you get another place to spend time in the water without making the whole experience feel like a single-stop excursion.

Santa Maria Caves add a different texture to the route. Here you can expect a boat visit, photographs, swimming, snorkeling, and views of the rock formations. Caves are best appreciated from the water, where your captain can position the boat for a closer look.

The caves may appeal most to you if you enjoy scenery as much as swimming. If your group includes strong swimmers, snorkelers, or keen photographers, this is a good part of the route to discuss in advance. The exact order and length of stops can change, so your captain can work with the conditions of the day.

Do not assume every stop will suit every person equally. A rocky coastal setting can be less convenient than a beach, and the experience is centered on getting into the water from the boat. The easy-access bathing ladder helps, but the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Ħalfa Rock and Gozo’s Daħlet Qorrot Beach

Ħalfa Rock brings another photo and swimming stop, with snorkeling and views along the coast. Like the other bays and rock sites, it gives you a chance to slow down and enjoy the water rather than rush from one famous point to the next.

Daħlet Qorrot Beach is the listed Gozo stop. The visit includes sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and scenic views from the boat. Its presence makes the trip feel broader than a Comino-only cruise, especially if you begin or end at Mġarr Harbour.

The Gozo portion is useful for groups who want a mix of islands in one outing. You see Malta’s northern coast, Comino’s lagoons and caves, and a Gozo shoreline, all without arranging separate boat trips.

The tradeoff is time. A three-hour charter cannot give every listed location a full hour. The six main stops are each described with roughly one hour of activity, but the total duration is three to seven hours and the route is customizable. If you want the full collection of stops, choose the longer option and confirm the plan with the captain.

What is included on the boat

SunReel has assembled the sort of equipment that makes a swim charter easier. You receive safety equipment, snorkeling gear, floaties, swimming noodles, and a bathing ladder. You also get a shaded area and bow sun deck, so you can switch between sun and shelter.

The freshwater shower is a particularly useful touch after saltwater swimming. An ice box with ice gives you a place for food and drinks, while USB charging helps keep your phone ready for photos. The Bluetooth audio system lets your group choose the soundtrack, which became part of the fun for one group sailing with Mario.

You supply your own towels, sunscreen, swimwear, food, and drinks. Pack more water than you think you need, especially if you take the longer charter. Sun protection matters because the open bow and clear water can make the day feel cooler than it really is.

Pets are welcome. That makes this an appealing option for people who do not want to leave a dog behind, although you should still check practical arrangements with the provider before booking.

Price, fuel, and the value for a group

The advertised rate is $239 for a private group of up to eight people. At full capacity, that works out to just under $30 per person before fuel. Even with a smaller group, the price can make sense if you value privacy, flexible timing, and the ability to bring your own food and drinks.

The price is not all-inclusive. Fuel consumption is paid separately to the captain, so this is the first cost you should clarify. Port fees are included, as are the listed safety and recreational facilities. You are not paying extra for snorkel equipment, floaties, the shower, or the ice box.

Compare this with what you actually want from a boat day. If you simply need a quick transfer across the water, a private charter may be more than necessary. If you are splitting the cost among family or friends and want a flexible half-day on the water, the numbers become much more favorable.

The strongest value comes from groups of five to eight. A couple may still appreciate the privacy, but the per-person cost will be higher. Budget-conscious groups specifically liked the price, and I can see why once the boat is shared across a full party.

Timing, safety, and practical limits

You can book a three to seven-hour experience, with start times based on availability. The longer option gives you room for more swimming and more coastal stops. The shorter option suits you if you are fitting the charter around another part of a Malta or Gozo holiday.

Safety equipment is provided, and the captain controls the route according to weather and sea conditions. That is important on an open-water trip. You should follow the captain’s advice about where and when to swim, even if you had your heart set on a particular bay.

The tour is private, but it is not designed for unaccompanied minors. Weapons and sharp objects are not allowed. People with mobility impairments may find the boat unsuitable, despite the bathing ladder and onboard shower.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Who should book this Malta boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to a group of friends, a family, or a couple who values personal space. It is a good fit if you want swimming and snorkeling, but also care about music, snacks, views, and a relaxed pace.

It works especially well for:

• Groups of up to eight splitting the cost
• People who want to choose their own swim stops
• Families who prefer a private setting
• Snorkelers who want gear supplied
• Pet owners looking for a boat option
• Anyone choosing between a Malta or Gozo departure point

I would be more cautious if you dislike open-water boarding, need step-free access, or want a quiet beach day on land. The boat has a bathing ladder, but this remains a sea-based activity with rocky stops and swimming from the vessel.

Should you book SunReel?

Book this trip if you want the Blue Lagoon and Comino without surrendering the whole day to a fixed group schedule. The captains are praised for being friendly, attentive, funny, and informative, and the setup covers the essentials for a comfortable swim outing.

Before paying, confirm three things: your exact pickup and drop-off point, the fuel estimate, and the stops possible within your chosen duration. If those details suit your group, the $239 private rate offers good value, especially with six to eight people aboard. You get clear water, strong coastal views, useful gear, and the freedom to make the day your own.

FAQ

How much does the private boat trip cost?

The advertised price is $239 for a private group of up to eight people. Fuel consumption is not included and must be paid separately to the captain.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts between three and seven hours. Available starting times depend on the date you choose.

Where can I start the boat trip?

You can choose pickup from Ċirkewwa in Malta or Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.

Which locations can the boat visit?

The route can include Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, San Niklaw Bay, Santa Maria Caves, Ħalfa Rock, and Daħlet Qorrot Beach. The exact route can be tailored to your wishes and the weather and sea conditions.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The charter is for your private group and the captain only, with space for up to eight people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, floaties, swimming noodles, and other safety equipment are provided.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, camera, food and drinks, sunscreen, and beachwear. You may use the onboard ice box for your food and drinks.

Are pets allowed on the boat?

Yes. The boat is pet friendly, so your pet may join you. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and the experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.