Malta’s Splendour Excursion – Trips in Blue Grotto & Comino

Five hours covers a lot of blue water. This private charter links Comino, Gozo, Malta, and the Blue Grotto in one flexible outing, with time for swimming, snorkelling, caves, and quiet coves. I especially like the private boat for up to six people and the freedom to shape the route with your skipper.

I also like the mix of famous sights and less crowded bays. Skippers such as Mario and Harry have earned praise for being friendly, funny, and flexible. The main drawback is cost: the advertised $235 price is per boat, but the professional skipper and fuel are listed separately at €99 each, so you should confirm the full total before booking.

Quick take: what makes this charter special

• A private boat for up to six: You avoid being packed onto a large group cruise and can discuss where to stop.
• Comino’s caves and coves: Roofless Cave, Pigeon Rock, Cominotto Island, and the Crystal Lagoon add variety beyond the famous Blue Lagoon.
• Flexible swimming time: You can swim from the boat, snorkel with the supplied mask and snorkel, or spend longer in a bay you like.
• A broad island route: The trip reaches Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour, Hondoq Bay, Crow Rock, Tal-Ħalfa Beaches, Mdina, and the Blue Grotto.
• Strong skipper service: Mario, Harry, and Joe are singled out for warmth, local knowledge, humour, and careful attention to safety.
• Good sunset potential: A later departure can bring you back toward harbour with sunset views, especially in October.

What the five-hour route really covers

This is not a slow, single-bay boat outing. The plan attempts to show you several of Malta’s headline coastal sights in half a day, while leaving room for swimming and personal choices.

That makes the charter useful if you have limited time in Malta or Gozo. You can see the Blue Lagoon and Blue Grotto, but also visit smaller places that large sightseeing boats may pass quickly. The tradeoff is simple: five hours gives you a strong overview, not a full exploration of every stop.

Your skipper has the final say on the route. Weather, tides, shallow water, and sea conditions can force changes, so treat the published path as a guide rather than a guarantee. That flexibility is sensible on the water, but it means you should not book this expecting every named location to receive the same amount of time.

Setting out from Malta or Gozo

You can join at one of two departure areas. In Gozo, meet close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal. In Malta, the meeting point is near Cirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Arrive about 30 minutes early. This matters because a private charter cannot simply add extra time if you arrive late. Traffic or delays around the ferry terminals can eat into your five hours, so build in a cushion.

The boat includes comfortable seating, a sun deck, a canopy for shade, an ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, and free WiFi. Safety equipment and marina fees are covered. The setup sounds best for a relaxed small group, though one party of four found the boat only just large enough. For six adults, ask about the exact boat before paying if personal space matters to you.

Comino and the famous Blue Lagoon

Comino is the heart of the outing. Its coast is cut with small caves, rocky shelves, and sheltered swimming places. Instead of spending the whole visit in one famous spot, you can ask to see several parts of the island.

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. Its clear water and pale rock make it one of Malta’s most recognizable swimming locations. From a private boat, you can take a swim directly from the stern, snorkel nearby, or go ashore for a short walk along the coast.

The word famous also tells you something important: this is not always a peaceful place. The private charter gets you away from the fixed schedule of a big boat, but it cannot make the Blue Lagoon empty. If calm water and fewer people matter more to you than the name of the stop, tell the skipper early that you would like time in quieter coves.

The tour includes lagoon permits and basic snorkelling equipment, specifically a mask and snorkel. Bring your own equipment if fit or comfort is important. One group had a minor problem with its snorkelling gear, although the guide worked to fix it.

Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto, and the smaller coastal stops

Crystal Lagoon is another major swimming area and is especially appealing if you want clear water and time in the sea rather than a quick photo stop. The name is fitting, but conditions can vary with wind, light, and water movement.

The route can also include Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Pigeon Rock. These stops help show why a small private boat is useful. You can look closely at the rock formations, hear local stories from the skipper, and adjust the pace instead of following a rigid group timetable.

I would ask the skipper which cave is best for the current sea conditions. A cave that looks inviting from the deck may not be suitable for entering at every tide or in every swell. The skipper can also decide when it is safer to keep the boat outside and view the rock formations from the water.

For active swimmers, there may be chances to jump from suitable rocky spots. Treat cliff jumping as optional, not as a promised part of the trip. You need to follow the skipper’s instructions and use good judgment. The tour is just as worthwhile if you spend your time swimming, snorkelling, or enjoying the view from the deck.

Crossing to Gozo and Mgarr Harbour

The boat crosses toward Gozo, the northern island of the Maltese archipelago, and reaches Mgarr Harbour. This adds an appealing change of scenery without requiring a separate full-day visit to Gozo.

You also pass or visit coastal spots including Hondoq Bay, Crow Rock, and Tal-Ħalfa Beaches. These places give the route a more local, open-water feel compared with the highly recognizable Blue Lagoon. The exact time at each depends on your group’s wishes and the conditions at sea.

This section is valuable for people who want more than a checklist of famous names. You can ask for a balance of swimming, quiet bays, and coastal views. One group specifically requested more private bays, and skipper Harry adjusted the outing to suit them.

The route is not a substitute for a dedicated Gozo land tour. You reach Mgarr Harbour and see selected coastal areas, but the five-hour schedule cannot cover the island’s inland towns and countryside in depth.

The Mdina stop and Malta’s Blue Grotto

After the northern islands, the route returns toward Malta and includes roughly 30 minutes to explore Mdina, the old capital. Mdina is known for its high bastions, narrow streets, horse-drawn carriages, and stories of myths and old Malta.

Thirty minutes is enough to get a taste, not enough for a full city visit. You can stretch your legs, take in the stone architecture, and enjoy the atmosphere before returning to the boat. If Mdina is a major priority for you, plan a separate visit on another day rather than expecting this short stop to cover it fully.

The final coastal highlight is the Blue Grotto in southern Malta. This area includes a group of six caves, natural arches, and very clear water. Sunlight can reflect off the rock and water in striking ways, making the timing of your visit matter.

A later departure may give you sunset views on the return journey. An October group traveling from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. especially enjoyed the light over the water. If you want that possibility, ask about departure times when you check availability, since the skipper may adjust timing to suit sea conditions and the day’s schedule.

Why the skipper can make or break the day

On a private charter, the skipper is more than a boat driver. This person controls the pace, explains the coast, answers questions, and decides when conditions are safe.

Mario receives especially warm praise for considerate service, local information, and a good sense of humour. Harry is noted for following requests and finding quieter bays. Joe is described as calm, attentive, safety-minded, and willing to help with practical needs, including lending a raincoat during wet weather.

That personal service is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing over a cheaper shared cruise. You can ask questions about Malta, Gozo, food, drinks, and local life rather than simply listening to a fixed script. The tour is offered in Maltese and English.

The skipper can also change the itinerary, route, or departure and landing point if weather, tides, shallow water, or other legitimate concerns require it. That is a useful safety rule, though it may disappoint you if a particular cave or beach is the main reason you booked.

Price, group size, and real value

The listed price is $235 per group of up to six, not $235 per person. At the headline rate, that works out to about $39 per person for six people, before the separate skipper and fuel charges. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher.

The professional skipper is listed at €99 and fuel at €99, both outside the base price. Food, drinks, barbecue supplies, the barbecue itself, fishing equipment, and a fishing cooler are also not included. Ask for the complete price in your booking currency so the final amount does not surprise you.

What do you get for the money? You get exclusive use of the boat, a private group, seating, a sun canopy, cooler, WiFi, music connection, safety equipment, snorkelling gear, port and marina fees, taxes, and lagoon permits.

That package has real value for a family or group of friends that wants privacy and control. It is less compelling for a solo visitor or couple who mainly want a short ride to the Blue Lagoon. Shared boats cost less, but they usually offer less control over stops and timing.

A group of four described the boat as adequate but slightly small. That is worth keeping in mind. The experience is about being on the water, not spreading out like you would on a large yacht.

Swimming, sun, and what to pack

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and cash. The boat has an ice cooler, but food and drinks are not included, so plan your supplies in advance. Party food, party beverages, and barbecue items are also separate.

The sun deck is useful between swims, while the canopy provides shade when you have had enough sun. Malta’s bright light can make the water look spectacular, but it can also wear you out during five hours outside.

Sea conditions deserve attention. One person specifically advised against the tour if you are sensitive to seasickness. If that applies to you, consider taking appropriate precautions and choosing a calmer day if possible. The skipper may alter or cancel the charter because of weather and sea conditions.

The activity suits people who are happy moving between swimming, sightseeing, and sitting on a boat. It is not ideal if you want a fully predictable route, long land visits, or a completely still ride.

Who should book this private cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to a group of friends or family members who can share the cost and want a personal day on the water. Six people can make the base price more reasonable, though you should confirm that the boat feels comfortable for your group.

It also suits active couples who care about swimming and snorkelling more than formal sightseeing. You can use the private format to ask for quieter bays, spend longer in the water, or change the balance between caves and beaches.

This is a good choice for a first look at Malta’s northern coast if your schedule is tight. In five hours, you can reach Comino, Gozo, Mdina, and the Blue Grotto, with several swimming possibilities along the way.

I would think twice if your budget is tight, if you dislike boats, or if seasickness is a serious concern. You should also choose another plan if Mdina or Gozo deserves a full day of walking and cultural sightseeing.

The overall rating is 4.9 from 32 ratings, with 95 percent giving the transport a perfect score. The strongest pattern is clear: people value the skipper’s attitude and the freedom to shape the day. That matters more here than a long list of onboard extras.

Should you book Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

Book it if you want a private, flexible water day and can split the cost among several people. The combination of Comino’s caves, Blue Lagoon swimming, Gozo’s coast, Mdina, and the Blue Grotto packs a lot into five hours.

Before booking, confirm the final price including the €99 skipper charge and €99 fuel charge. Arrive 30 minutes early, bring your own snacks and drinks, and tell the skipper whether you prefer quiet bays, snorkelling, caves, or a sunset return.

For the right group, this is a lively and personal way to see Malta from the water. For a budget-conscious couple or anyone who wants a calm, fixed itinerary, a shared cruise or land-based day may make more sense.

FAQ

How long is Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

The private boat charter lasts five hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price applies to one private group of up to six people.

Where can I meet the boat?

You can meet in Gozo near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal, or in Malta near Cirkewwa Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Is a professional skipper included in the listed price?

No. The professional skipper is listed separately at €99.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel consumption is listed separately at €99.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. The charter includes a mask and snorkel. Food, drinks, fishing equipment, and barbecue supplies are not included.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The skipper may change the route, stops, departure point, or disembarkation point because of weather, tides, shallow water, or other legitimate reasons.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan those separately.