Private Boat Charter: Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crysral Lagoon

Skip the crowded boats and take the water your way. This private charter from Ozzi Cruises gives your group a boat, captain, and flexible route around Comino and Gozo, with time for swimming, snorkeling, cave viewing, and a glass of local Maltese wine. I especially like the small-group setting and the chance to get close to sea caves that larger boats may pass by. I also like that captains such as Jolene, Alfred, Fabio, and Roderic adjust the trip to weather and your interests.

The main catch is the short two-hour duration. That gives you a fast taste of the coast, but not much room for a leisurely swim, long sightseeing stops, and a full tour of every area. You should also confirm the meeting point and what is included before setting out, since pickup arrangements and refreshments have varied between bookings.

At a glance: what makes this charter useful

• A genuinely private boat: Only your group participates, with space for up to six people.
• Blue Lagoon away from the thickest crowds: The boat anchors away from the busiest swimming area when conditions allow.
• Crystal Lagoon cave access: The smaller boat can get close to caves and rocky shorelines that are harder to reach from big cruise boats.
• A captain who can adapt: Captains have changed the route for wind, choppy water, sightseeing preferences, and families with children.
• Maltese wine included: A bottle of local wine or sparkling wine is offered, though one booking reported receiving only a couple of glasses.
• Strong overall record: The experience holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 114 ratings, with 99 percent recommending it.

Why a private boat makes a difference around Comino

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is famous for clear, bright water. It is also famous for crowds. Shared catamarans and larger sightseeing boats can make the main swimming area feel more like a marina than a quiet island cove.

A private charter changes the rhythm. You are not tied to a fixed group schedule, and you do not need to spend the whole trip beside dozens of other people. Your captain can look for a calmer corner, pause for photographs, or spend more time near caves if swimming is not your priority.

That flexibility has real value for a group of friends or a family. You can swim, snorkel, sit back with a drink, or ask for more sightseeing without negotiating with a boatload of strangers. The trade-off is that two hours passes quickly. This is a compact coastal outing, not a full-day cruise.

The boat is priced at $240.66 for up to six people. At full capacity, that works out to about $40.11 per person, which is a strong price for a private experience. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, but you are paying for privacy, a dedicated captain, and control over the route rather than just a seat on a boat.

Blue Lagoon: turquoise water with a quieter angle

The first planned stop is Blue Lagoon, where the boat anchors for about 30 minutes. The stated aim is to place you away from the thickest crowds and let you swim in the clear water.

This is the stop most people picture when they think of Comino. The water is striking, and the view from the boat gives you a better sense of the pale rock, narrow channels, and bright sea color than a visit spent entirely on shore. If you want to jump in, this is a good time to use the provided snorkeling gear or swim noodles.

Keep your expectations sensible. Away from the busiest section does not mean you will have the lagoon to yourself. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, and conditions, boat traffic, and wind affect where the captain can anchor. The private format improves your odds of a more relaxed stop, but it cannot remove the popularity of the place.

The half-hour timing is enough for a refreshing swim. It may feel tight if everyone in your group wants to snorkel, take photographs, and climb back aboard at different times. If swimming is your main goal, tell the captain at the start so the route can be shaped around it.

Crystal Lagoon: swimming beside caves

Crystal Lagoon receives another 30-minute stop. Its clear water and rocky edges make it especially appealing for snorkeling and swimming near the caves.

This is where the smaller boat has an advantage. Captains Alfred and Jolene were praised for maneuvering close to rugged shorelines and taking groups inside or near sea caves. The experience can feel more personal than simply viewing the coast from a large vessel.

The snorkeling itself appears best for clear water, open swimming, and seeing fish, rather than for coral gardens. One account described the snorkeling as pleasant but noted that there were not many fish or much coral. That is useful to know if you are expecting a major reef experience. Bring your enthusiasm for the water, but not a specialist snorkeler’s expectations.

Water temperature also matters. A family booking in the second half of April found the sea cold, especially after windy days. The group managed it by staying active, but after about 30 minutes they needed to get out and warm up. The boat provides water, snorkels, and swim noodles in some accounts, but it is still wise to confirm exactly what will be aboard for your departure.

L-Ghar ta’ Bla Saqaf and the Crystal Lagoon caves

The third 30-minute section is sightseeing around L-Ghar ta’ Bla Saqaf, described as a tour of the Crystal Lagoon caves. This is less about a long stop and more about seeing the coastline from close range.

Cave viewing is one of the strongest reasons to choose this charter. A small boat can approach openings, rocky walls, and narrow sections that larger boats may not reach. Captains have also offered groups the chance to swim through caves, depending on conditions and comfort.

You do not have to swim to enjoy this part. One group specifically chose more sightseeing after deciding not to enter the water, and the captain adjusted the route. That makes the charter suitable for mixed groups, including people who want photographs and scenery while others swim.

The amount of explanation may depend on your captain. Alfred, Roderic, and Jolene were praised for sharing local information and stories, while one person felt the descriptions could have been fuller. If you want more than a scenic ride, ask questions. A private boat is a good setting for that conversation.

Hondoq Bay and the south coast of Gozo

The final planned stop is Hondoq Bay, with sightseeing along Gozo’s southern side. This section gives you a change from Comino’s famous lagoons and puts more attention on Gozo’s coastline.

Hondoq Bay is not presented as another long swimming stop. Think of it as a coastal viewing segment, useful for seeing the southern part of Gozo from the water. The contrast is part of the appeal: Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon provide the bright swimming water, while the Gozo section adds cliffs, rock formations, and a broader look at the island.

Because each listed section takes about 30 minutes, the route is neatly divided into four parts. In practice, weather and your group’s choices may alter that balance. Choppy water has caused captains to avoid rougher stretches, and some groups have received extra cave or sightseeing time instead of swimming.

Captains, communication, and personal service

The strongest part of this experience is the human service. Jolene has been praised for clear meeting instructions, quick communication, and frequent updates through WhatsApp. She is also described as a Gozo local and part of the family-run business.

Alfred, also called Captain Fredo in one account, received high marks for safe handling, cave maneuvering, and choosing quieter swimming spots. Fabio was praised for a caring, professional approach, while Roderic was credited with sharing information about the coast. The captain you receive may not be the person you hoped for, but the overall pattern points to an attentive crew.

Captains have adapted the trip for several situations:

• Rough water and windy weather
• Groups that preferred sightseeing over swimming
• Families with children
• Visitors who wanted cliff jumping or cave swimming
• Groups hoping to avoid crowded party boats

That does not mean every request can be granted. Sea conditions control the route, and cliff jumping should never be treated as guaranteed. Still, the private format gives you a better chance to discuss your preferences before the boat leaves.

A driver pickup was arranged for some bookings, while another booking specifically noted that pickup was not offered and that the boat departed from Cirkewwa Harbour. Other departure references included Marsa and Siren Quay. Since these details are not consistent, confirm the exact meeting place, transport arrangements, and parking before booking. This may affect the real cost more than expected, especially for a group of six trying to reach the northern end of Malta.

What is included, and what should you clarify?

The charter includes a private boat for your group, a captain, swimming and snorkeling opportunities, and a bottle of local Maltese wine according to the tour details. Accounts also describe water, snorkels, swim noodles, a fridge for personal drinks, and music aboard the boat.

There is one important qualification. One booking reported that no water was included and that the wine amounted to a couple of glasses rather than a full bottle. That conflicts with the stated details, so I would confirm the refreshment arrangement before departure. If you want to bring drinks, ask if the boat’s fridge can be used.

The boat has been described as a good size for six people. It is not a floating resort, and the experience centers on time outdoors, swimming, and viewing the coast. You will remain aboard except when you choose to swim or snorkel.

Weather, safety, and comfort on the water

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but you should still plan some flexibility into your day.

Wind can make a major difference around Gozo and Comino. One group enjoyed the trip despite choppy water because the captain took steps to avoid rough seas. The route may change, and swimming time may be reduced if conditions are unsafe.

Captains have been praised for safety, including helping an injured participant and supplying floats for people who are less confident in the water or tire easily. You should still be comfortable getting on and off a boat and swimming if you plan to use the water stops. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

The boat trip is not ideal for someone who wants a long, dry sightseeing tour with extensive commentary. It is best suited to people who like being on the water and are happy for the day’s shape to depend partly on wind and sea conditions.

Is two hours long enough?

Two hours can feel like a quick holiday reset. You get four distinct coastal areas, a chance to swim, and the pleasure of having your own captain. Several people described the short outing as one of the best parts of their Malta visit.

Still, the clock matters. If the boat spends 30 minutes at Blue Lagoon and 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, the remaining hour includes the cave sightseeing and Gozo coast. Boarding time, movement between sites, and changing into or out of swim gear all reduce the time you spend in the water.

A longer three-hour option has also been booked by some groups. That extra hour makes more sense for a family of six, anyone hoping to swim at both lagoons, or anyone who wants unhurried photographs and cave viewing. If only a two-hour option is available, decide ahead of time what matters most.

Who should book this private charter?

I would choose this trip for a group of up to six that values privacy more than the lowest possible price. It is particularly good for families, couples splitting the cost, friends who want music and drinks aboard, and mixed groups where some people swim while others prefer sightseeing.

It also suits anyone who dislikes crowded catamarans and fixed routes. The ability to ask for quieter spots, more caves, or less swimming is the heart of the experience.

I would think twice if you want a guaranteed full bottle of wine, a confirmed hotel pickup, or a long snorkeling session with abundant sea life. Those details need checking, and the two-hour format may feel rushed.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a private and flexible way to see Comino and Gozo from the water. The price is reasonable for six people, the cave access is a real advantage, and the captains have shown care with families, changing weather, and different comfort levels.

Before paying, confirm the departure point, pickup, duration, refreshments, and equipment. If you can choose three hours instead of two, I would favor the longer option for a family or any group that wants serious swim time. For a short, scenic taste of Malta’s best-known lagoons without being packed onto a large boat, this is a strong choice.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and all times follow Malta’s local time.

FAQ

How much does the private boat charter cost?

The listed price is $240.66 per group, with up to six people included. At full capacity, that is about $40.11 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours. A three-hour version has also been booked by some groups, so confirm the duration of your selected option.

Is the boat private?

Yes. Only your group participates, with a maximum group size of six people.

Which places does the boat visit?

The planned route includes Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, L-Ghar ta’ Bla Saqaf and its caves, and Hondoq Bay with sightseeing along southern Gozo.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The boat stops at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkels, swim noodles, and water have been available on some departures, but you should confirm what is included for your booking.

Is wine included?

The tour details include a bottle of local Maltese wine. One booking reported receiving only a couple of glasses, so confirm the refreshment arrangement before departure.

Where does the boat leave from?

Departure details have varied. References include Marsa, Cirkewwa Harbour, and Siren Quay. Confirm the exact meeting point and ask whether pickup is included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund.