Reviewed · BLUE LAGOON
Family Private Boat Trip, Blue Lagoon, Malta, Comino & Gozo
This is interesting because you get the water for yourselves. A family private charter around Malta means you can anchor where it feels right, then swim, snorkel, and relax without squeezing in with party boats. The route also targets the big-name places, Blue Lagoon and Comino, but on your own schedule.
I love the practical family setup, with shaded areas and kid-friendly comfort built into the day. I also like that snorkeling equipment is included, so you are not hunting for gear at the last minute. One drawback to plan for is the fuel cost, a separate €99 fuel excess fee per booking.
Key Things I’d Pay Attention To

- Private boat for up to 8 people, so you control the pace and stop times
- Shaded, kid-friendly comfort, which matters a lot in the Med sun
- Snorkeling equipment included, ready when the water calls
- A stop-heavy route, with places like Cominotto, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves
- Fuel fee not included, €99 per booking, so budget accordingly
A Family Private Boat Day That Feels Like You Found the Key

Malta can be a traffic jam on the water in the busy season. This trip is a smart workaround. Instead of joining the crowd, you’re on a private boat charter that’s designed to be calm, family-friendly, and paced for real humans, including little ones who need breaks.
You also get a lot of route variety for a half-day. The plan hits several bays and lagoons, then works its way toward St. Paul’s Islands and back through the Comino area. Translation: you get more than one “pretty stop,” and you are not stuck with only one swim spot.
The best part is that the day is built around your comfort. You can stay on deck, go for a swim, or do snorkeling when it fits the group. For families, that control is worth real money.
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Price, Fuel Fee, and Whether This Fits Your Group Size
The headline price is $444.32 per group for up to 8 people, for about 4 hours. That can be good value if you actually fill the boat. If you are coming as a full family or a mixed group of adults plus kids, splitting it makes the cost feel far less painful than it first appears.
There is one extra line item you should not forget: a €99 fuel excess fee per booking. It is not included in the base price. So your true budget is the total base cost plus that fuel fee.
What this means for value: if you want a private experience and you care about having enough time at each stop, this format can be a great deal. If you are traveling as a pair and you do not mind crowds, the math gets less friendly.
From Cirkewwa to the Water: The Quick Logistics You Should Know

You start near Cirkewwa, at the Cirkewwa cafeX8QH+3W6 area in Mellieħa. The trip ends back at the same meeting point. That round-trip convenience matters because you are not coordinating another ride when you are done.
Also, the day is listed as English-language and you get a mobile ticket. Confirmation happens at booking time.
One small practical tip: plan to show up a bit early. With a private charter, you want the timing to work smoothly for your family, especially if someone needs a bathroom stop or sunscreen first.
The Route at a Glance: Why This Itinerary Feels Balanced
You visit a long list of anchor points, and that is the point. Instead of doing one big stop and rushing away, this plan spreads time across several spots. The names you will recognize include Blue Lagoon, Comino, Cominotto, Crystal Lagoon, Coral Lagoon, St. Paul’s Islands, and Santa Maria Caves.
Because the boat is private, you get flexibility to spend more time where it’s working for your group. That includes moving to a quieter spot to avoid more crowded conditions, which can be a lifesaver when you have a child who does not do well with chaos.
Here is what the flow means in real family terms: calmer starts, a main “wow” zone, more variety for second wind, then scenic returns.
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Hondoq Bay: The First Anchor for Settling In

Hondoq Bay is your first stop. Think of this as the warm-up. You get to ease into the day, check that everyone is comfy on board, and decide how you want to use the water time early on.
For families, the first stop is where you set the rhythm. If your kids need a slower pace, this gives you space to settle before you head toward the more famous lagoon areas later.
Blue Lagoon: The Big Name Part, Without the Stress
Next is the Blue Lagoon, the highlight most people came for. Here, you can expect the kind of swim-and-snorkel opportunity the day is built around. The water is described as crystal-clear, and that clarity is exactly what makes snorkeling so satisfying.
The advantage of doing this on a private charter is timing. You are not stuck watching your moment shrink while other boats take up the best spots. The skipper can also help your family aim for a quieter area if the conditions or crowd level feel busy.
Potential drawback: Blue Lagoon tends to be popular. Even with a private boat, you should be ready for that area to feel like “the main event.” If your group prefers very quiet water, you will probably enjoy the later, more spread-out stops just as much.
Comino and Cominotto: When the Day Gets More Relaxed

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the route moves through Comino and Cominotto. This is where you get that “we’re out here on our own” feeling.
Comino and Cominotto are also a nice match for mixed-age groups. Older kids and adults can focus on swimming and exploring. Parents can keep it casual, staying in the shade and letting the day unfold at a family pace.
Cominotto Reef and Crystal Lagoon Stops: More Swim Chances, Less Rush
The route includes Cominotto Reef followed by two Crystal Lagoon stops. It is a lot of lagoon time, and that’s great if you want repeated opportunities to swim when the mood hits.
Two Crystal Lagoon stops also suggest a practical approach. If you do one swim, everyone refuels, then you get another chance later to take advantage of the conditions. That matters with kids, because energy is rarely constant.
One thing to consider: with many stops packed into a single half-day, you will want sunscreen, water, and hats ready from the start so you are not losing momentum between anchors.
Coral Lagoon and St. Paul’s Islands: Variety Beyond the Usual Picture
Next you hit Coral Lagoon, then continue to St. Paul’s Islands and St. Paul’s Bay. This part of the day adds a shift from lagoon-only scenery to more coastal variety.
For snorkeling-focused families, islands and coastal areas can keep things interesting. For families who just want a relaxing ride with scenery, it also breaks up the monotony of only one type of coastline.
Because the trip is private, you can spend more time where your family is enjoying itself most. If kids are having fun in the water, you are not forced to drag them away for a photo that lasts two seconds.
L-Ghar ta’ Bla Saqaf and the Comino Islet Pause: Quiet Side Stops That Add Up
You also visit L-Ghar ta’ Bla Saqaf, plus an islet in Comino. These are the kinds of stops that can feel “smaller” on a map but become memorable because they are calmer and less rushed.
This is also where a good skipper really helps. In one recent charter experience, the skipper (Justin, for that trip) helped the family get the most out of the day by paying attention to child needs and finding quieter spots when possible. You should expect a similar mindset: listen, adjust, and give your group time to enjoy each stop.
Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Santa Maria Caves: The Scenic Finish
Toward the later part of the route, you move through Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Santa Maria Caves, then end near Taht Il-Mazz.
With this many named coastal spots, the day feels like it has an arc. You build from familiar highlights into more varied coastline. And by the time you reach the caves area and the final bays, you have likely used up the first wave of swimming energy and are ready for a more relaxed, watch-the-light-on-the-water pace.
Small reality check: caves and rocky areas mean you may want to wear water shoes, depending on your comfort level. The trip includes snorkeling equipment, but it does not mention footwear, so you’ll be better prepared if you bring your own.
Snorkeling Equipment Included: Why That Matters for Families
Snorkeling equipment is included on this charter. That is not a small detail. It saves time and reduces stress when you have kids who might not want to stop for gear rental.
The day is built around snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. So if you or your kids are curious about what’s beneath the surface, you can get to the fun faster.
Practical tip: snorkeling success is often about comfort and confidence, not just water clarity. Choose shorter sessions if you are traveling with little ones, and focus on staying relaxed.
On-Board Comfort and Safety: Shaded Time Is Family Time
The experience emphasizes safety and comfort, and the boat is described as having kid-friendly features and shaded areas. That matters because even the most perfect swim stops are less fun if you are overheating.
A shady break also helps keep everyone from turning into a cranky version of themselves. Your schedule can shift: swim, shade, snacks, then swim again.
You also have a service animal allowed note, and the trip is listed as near public transportation. So if you are traveling without a car, this is not a total headache.
What to Bring for a 4-Hour Sea Day
The trip includes snorkeling equipment, but you should plan for the rest. I’d bring:
- Sunscreen and a hat (the shady areas are great, but you still need protection)
- Water shoes if you prefer traction in rocky entry zones
- Towels or a way to stay dry on the return
- A refillable water bottle for kids
- A dry bag for phones and anything you do not want to get damp
Also, come ready to do a bit of switching between deck time and water time. That is how you make the most of a schedule with many anchor stops.
Who This Works Best For (and Who Might Skip It)
This is best for families who want:
- A private boat experience with only your group
- A day paced for kids, including shade and comfort
- Snorkeling gear included, so you can focus on the water
It is also a strong fit if you hate the stress of crowds. The whole pitch is about avoiding that party-boat feeling by anchoring away from the busiest areas when possible.
A possible mismatch: if you are traveling solo or as a couple and you do not care about privacy, the cost per person might feel less compelling. Another consideration is weather, since the experience notes good weather is required.
Should You Book This Family Private Boat Trip?
I’d book it if your priority is a family-friendly private sea day with snorkeling equipment included and enough time at multiple stops that your group can actually enjoy it. The route hits the big names, but the private format helps you dodge some of the pressure that comes with popular places.
I would hesitate if you are budget-tight and you are not likely to fill all 8 spots. And because the experience requires good weather, be realistic about planning around conditions.
If your family wants Malta’s lagoons and clear water without the crowd stress, this is a strong bet.
FAQ
How many people are included in this private boat trip?
This is a private tour for your group only, with capacity for up to 8 people.
How long does the boat trip last?
The duration is about 4 hours.
What snorkeling gear is included?
Snorkeling equipment is included.
What extra fee should I expect that is not included in the price?
There is a €99 fuel excess fee per booking that is not included in the base price.
Where do we meet, and is the ending location the same?
The meeting point is Cirkewwa cafeX8QH+3W6 in Mellieħa, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, it is offered in English.
Do I get a mobile ticket?
Yes, a mobile ticket is provided.
What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
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