Cirkewwa/Mgarr: Blue and Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Charter

A private boat day between Gozo and Comino is interesting for one big reason, you get the best water first, without lining up with the crowd. I like the 22-foot private charter setup, it feels quick and easy to settle in, and you’re not squeezed like you are on larger tours. I also love the mix of viewpoints and swim time, from Monte Cristo photos to real snorkeling stops in the lagoons.

One thing to consider: the trip is only 2 hours, so if you want long stretches of snorkel time plus extra beach wandering, you may feel a little time pressure.

Key highlights at a glance

• Cirkewwa to Mgarr starting points make it simple to match Malta or Gozo plans
• Local captains share island stories as you cruise past Comino’s most photographed spots
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon stops, with snorkel gear included
• Bluetooth music, cooler drinks, and onboard shade help the time feel relaxed
• Freshwater shower means you can rinse off right after swimming
• Small private group (up to 6) keeps the pace flexible

Why this Malta-to-Comino charter feels different than the big-boat days

Comino’s water is famous, but most boats spend time waiting their turn. This charter format cuts that problem down because you’re not competing for space. You still get the headline sights, like the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, but you also have the freedom to linger where the water looks best.

The small size matters. A 22-foot boat is roomy enough for everyone to find their spot, whether that’s lounging at the bow, using the cushioned lounger, or staying shaded near the stern. In a short 2-hour window, that comfort turns into real value, because you are not starting the trip tired and cramped.

The 22-foot boat comfort game plan (bow lounger to shaded stern)

Here’s what I like about how this boat is set up: it gives you options without making you move constantly. You can relax at the bow and enjoy the view as you move between stops. When the sun gets serious, you can shift to the shaded stern area and still feel part of the action.

On board, you’ve got practical extras that make a short charter work:

• Snorkel masks are included, so you’re not hunting for gear at the last minute
• Pool noodles are on hand for easy floating
• A cooler is provided for your drinks, and there’s a setup for sipping while you cruise
• There’s an onboard freshwater shower so you can rinse off after swimming

I also think the Bluetooth speaker system is a smart touch for this route. Comino can feel like a daydream, but music helps make it feel like your day, not someone else’s schedule.

Meeting points: Cirkewwa on Malta and Mgarr on Gozo, without the guesswork

This is one of the reasons the experience can fit neatly into your Malta itinerary. There’s no hotel pickup, so you simply go to the waterside starting point that matches your plan.

If you start on Malta (Cirkewwa): you meet behind the kiosk in the parking area next to the Gozo passenger terminal. If you’re starting on Gozo (Mgarr): come to Mgarr and look for the blue umbrella opposite from the Gozo passenger terminal.

Quick tip: when booking, double-check you picked the correct starting point. Cirkewwa and Mgarr are close in spirit but not interchangeable in real life, and you do not want to lose time walking up the wrong terminal.

Cruising the photo stops: Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave views

Before the lagoons, the route typically includes passing some of Comino’s most recognizable sights. Expect a chance to see areas linked with Popeye’s Cave and the viewpoint photo moments around Monte Cristo.

These stops matter even if you’re not doing a long shore visit. For most people, the value is perspective. From the water, you get angles that are hard to replicate from land, and you can snap photos while the captain is driving the boat smoothly into the right area.

Also, the captains tend to keep conversation going. Guests have specifically praised captains like Alfred and Jolene for sharing history and culture as you cruise, which helps the trip feel meaningful, not just scenic.

Crystal Lagoon: where the snorkeling gear gets used fast

The Crystal Lagoon stop is a key part of why this charter works well for a wide range of travelers. The water there is known for its clarity, and that clarity turns snorkeling into something you can actually enjoy, even if you are not an experienced swimmer.

Snorkel gear is included, plus you can use pool noodles if you want a more relaxed float. That flexibility is important. Some people want to focus on the water and fish spotting, while others just want to cool off and enjoy the sun.

What I’d watch for at Crystal Lagoon is how you manage your time underwater. With only 2 hours total, the best strategy is to snorkel early enough that you still have energy for the second lagoon stop. If you wait too long, the day can feel like it ends right when you finally get comfortable.

Blue Lagoon: best value comes from timing and the private pace

The Blue Lagoon is the main event. If you’ve ever seen photos and wondered what it’s like in real life, this is where you see it from the best angle, from the water.

The private format helps here. Large public boats can feel like a conveyor belt, with everyone rushing to get in the same narrow time window. On this charter, the captain can guide you to spots that are calmer, and you get time to swim and enjoy the water at your own pace.

One practical note: water temperature can surprise people, especially outside peak summer. If you’re going in a cooler month, bring that reality mentally and plan to warm up after the swim using the onboard shower.

Drinks, music, and the onboard “don’t think too hard” setup

This charter is not about fancy dining. It’s about comfort, small pleasures, and not having to organize everything yourself.

You get:

• A bottle of water
• Local wine for those aged 18+
• An ice cooler for your drinks
• A Bluetooth speaker system for music
• Shade on the boat

If you like control, this part is great. You can play your own tunes through the Bluetooth system, and you can bring your preferred drinks if you don’t want to rely only on what’s included.

And because food is not included, I suggest thinking like a “morning or afternoon swim” person. Eat before you go, or plan a meal after you return. That way, the 2 hours stays light and carefree.

Freshwater shower and rinse-down reality check

The onboard freshwater shower sounds like a small detail until you use it. After you swim, you do not want saltwater and sunscreen residue to follow you into the rest of your day.

Having freshwater on board helps you keep the trip feeling clean and comfortable. It also makes it easier to go straight back to sightseeing or dinner without doing a whole extra routine first.

Safety and comfort essentials you should actually use

This experience includes safety equipment, plus you’re traveling with a local captain. That said, your own comfort still matters.

Bring:

• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Also consider motion sickness prevention. Even calm water can feel choppy when the wind picks up, and many people find that meds or bracelets help more than they expect.

Not allowed items include weapons or sharp objects, and mobility scooters and wheelchairs (including non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs) are not accommodated. There’s also a no-bikes rule, plus no fireworks or explosive substances.

Price and value: $175 per group, plus the 50 EUR fuel fee

At $175 per group up to 6, this charter can be very good value for the exact kind of day you want in Malta. The key is what you’re paying for: time on the water with a private boat, snorkel gear, drinks (water and local wine for adults), and a guided route between major lagoon areas.

But be honest about the add-on. There’s a 50 EUR fuel fee due in cash at the end of the tour. That fee is not optional, so it should be part of your planning math.

How I’d think about it:

• If you’re traveling as a couple or a small group, splitting the boat cost makes the price feel fair fast.
• If you’re solo, it’s still a premium experience, but it can feel expensive compared with larger group charters.
• If you care about avoiding crowds and want flexibility, the private setup is where the money shows up.

Also, port fees are included, which saves you the hassle of extra small charges once you’re out on the water.

Who this charter suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a strong match if you want a short, high-payoff water day. It’s especially good for:

• Couples who want a romantic cruise without time wasted chasing schedules
• Families with kids who will enjoy swimming and using the included pool noodles
• Small groups who want personal music time through Bluetooth and shade when needed
• First-time snorkelers who want gear provided and time built into lagoon stops

It’s not a great fit if:

• You need wheelchair access, because wheelchair users are not suitable for this activity
• You want a full half-day with meals and beach time, because 2 hours is quick

Also, if you’re easily seasick, plan ahead. The itinerary is short enough that you might tolerate motion, but you still want to prepare.

Should you book this charter?

Book it if you want a private, comfortable way to see Comino’s two most famous waters, and you’d rather spend time swimming than waiting for the next boat line. The mix of snorkel gear, pool noodles, onboard shade, and the freshwater shower makes the experience feel complete for a 2-hour day.

Don’t book it if you need long beach time, wheelchair access, or onboard food. And if you are picky about water temperature, choose your season and set expectations accordingly.

If you do book, I’d do one small thing that pays off: eat before you go, bring a towel, and bring cash for the fuel fee. Then show up at the correct meeting point, Malta-side or Gozo-side, and let the captain handle the timing between Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon.