From Sliema: Private Comino and Gozo Boat Charter

This is interesting because you are not stuck on a set schedule with strangers. You and your group get a skipper who can shape the day around your pace, your swim plans, and what the sea is doing that hour. I like that the day centers on the famous water at Comino, especially Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, not just quick photo stops. I also like that you get actual time on the water with snorkeling gear and a comfortable setup for hours, not a rushed sightseeing loop. One possible drawback: because it is a private charter and you bring your own food and drinks, you will want to plan ahead for snacks, water, and shade.

I also like the way Comino and Gozo fit together. Comino gives you the clear-water swims, and Gozo gives you coastline variety and a real port stop for a meal option. Your skipper can swap time between spots based on wind, crowding, and how long you want to linger at the water.

If you want a day that feels both relaxed and customizable, this is a strong choice. If you are hoping for an onboard bar, though, plan differently. There is no bar on board, so bring what you want to sip.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Crystal Lagoon plus Blue Lagoon time on Comino, with the kind of water you can actually see down into
• Snorkeling gear included, so you are not showing up empty-handed
• Comino caves visit by powerboat, plus cave entry included
• Flexible itinerary with your skipper, so you can linger or move on
• Private group up to 16 with Bluetooth music from your own device
• Comfort perks onboard like a fridge, toilet facilities, canopy shade, and a sunbathing area

Why This Private Route From Sliema Makes Sense

Sliema is a great launch point. You get easy access to the boat without needing a complicated logistics puzzle. From there, you head out to the sister islands, Comino and Gozo, for a day that can feel like two trips in one.

The big win here is control. On a private charter, you are not asking permission to slow down. If you want a long swim, you can ask for it. If you want to beat the mid-day crowd at a lagoon, your skipper can often work the timing. Your day still has anchors, like Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and key bays on Gozo. But the exact flow is flexible, and you are working with a skipper to build your best version of the day.

You also get a crew style that matters. One group outing had a skipper named Tony, described as very friendly and accommodating. Another mentioned Marc as patient. That matters because the day includes multiple water moments, snorkeling stops, and cave entry. A good skipper keeps it smooth, not stressful.

Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon: The Heart of the Day

Comino’s water is what you came for. Expect Crystal Lagoon to deliver that clear, glassy feel where the sea looks bright even when you are not. This is the place for slow swimming, drifting with the waves, and getting the best views from the boat.

Blue Lagoon is the other anchor. If Crystal Lagoon is about clarity and gentle exploration, Blue Lagoon tends to be the classic “time to swim” spot. It is also where you may spend more time if conditions are good. The charter setup helps here: you are not transferring between buses, and you do not have to pack up every time you move.

A small consideration: these areas depend on conditions. Wind and sea state can affect how long you will want to float and how easy snorkeling feels. Since the itinerary is flexible, your skipper can shift time between lagoons, or adjust based on what the water is doing.

Comino Caves by Powerboat, Plus Snorkeling Gear

One of the more memorable parts of Comino trips is the cave area. This charter includes cave entry, and you visit the caves using powerboats. That means you get the cave experience without turning the day into a full-on hike-and-climb project.

What I like about this approach is that it stays light on logistics. You are already on the water. So you are not losing hours to getting in and out of transport. You can do cave viewing, then return to swimming and snorkeling while the day is still new.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you can focus on being in the water, not shopping for gear last-minute. The practical move: rinse your mask and snorkel gear in the water when you finish, then pack it so it does not turn your bag into a damp sponge for the rest of the day.

If you want to do photos and snorkeling, do photos first. Clarity is often best early, and it is easier to switch from camera mode to water mode before you get tired.

Gozo Stops That Break Up the Swim Time

Comino is the star for the sea. Gozo is the change of pace. This charter typically includes a set of Gozo bays and a port stop, and your skipper decides how long you spend at each.

St. Nicholas Bay

St. Nicholas Bay is one of those places that works well from the boat. You get coastlines and vantage points without needing to plan a big walking route. It is a good stop if you want scenic sightlines, a photo moment, and time to reset after swimming.

Hondoq ir-Rummien

Hondoq ir-Rummien is another classic Gozo coastline stop. It brings a different look than Comino’s lagoon feel. Expect the coast to feel more rugged and dramatic, and the views to be better if you stay a bit longer rather than rushing out for one quick shot.

One review-style detail that stands out: a group enjoyed a jump rock moment during their day. That sort of spontaneous water fun is exactly why a private charter can feel freer than a fixed tour. If your skipper offers a safe jump option based on conditions, it can turn a swim stop into a standout memory.

Mgarr Port in Gozo

Mgarr Port is where the day can shift into “food and hanging out” mode. There is an option to stop for dinner in Mgarr Harbor in Gozo, which is a real advantage when you are not bringing a packed meal you want to eat right there on the water.

Keep in mind you bring your own food and drinks for the boat itself. So think of Mgarr Port as your chance to refresh with a proper meal if you want it, rather than relying on onboard service.

Also, Gozo timing is easier when you are not tied to a strict schedule. If you love a place, you can ask for more time. If you are ready to move on, you can keep the day flowing.

The Boat Setup: Comfortable for a Real 7 Hours

The charter boat is set up for day-long comfort. You get a canopy for shade and a sunbathing area. That sounds simple, but in Malta’s summer sun, shade is quality-of-life. When your skin is tired of direct sun, you want a real place to cool down that is not just “stand somewhere darker.”

There is also a fridge on board. That is a big deal if you are bringing drinks and snacks. A cooler drink after a long swim beats warm water every time.

You also have toilet facilities, which makes the day easier to enjoy. When you do not have to think about timing every time nature calls, you spend more brainpower on the views and less on logistics.

Music is handled in a surprisingly modern way: you can connect your own music via Bluetooth. It helps the day feel like your group’s soundtrack, not a generic tour playlist.

One more practical note: there is no bar on board. If you like cocktails, wine, or even just a cold beer, bring it. And check what you can safely store and drink during the day.

Your Skipper and the Flexibility Advantage

This charter is built around a simple idea: work with your captain to create your own itinerary. The planned list of spots gives structure, but the time allocation can flex. That flexibility is what turns a popular island-hopping day into a day that fits you.

Here is how that plays out in real life:

• If you want a longer lagoon swim, you ask early, before everyone’s energy drops.
• If the caves or snorkeling conditions do not feel right, you can shift time to bays instead.
• If you want more scenic cruising time, you can request it, since the boat is already moving between stops.

Having a patient, accommodating skipper helps. A group mentioned Tony in particular as friendly and accommodating. Another mentioned Marc as patient. That kind of attitude matters because private days still involve small decisions: when to stop, where to snorkel safely, how long to wait for a perfect moment, and when to move to the next site.

Also, there is no mention of strict driver commentary or formal guiding. The skipper’s job is the boat, the route, and keeping you safe while you enjoy the water. If you want more history talk, you might do that on shore at short breaks. But for many people, the value is the time in the sea.

Price and Value: When $965 Per Group Really Works

The price is listed at $965 per group up to 16 for a full-day charter lasting about 7 hours. That is not cheap on a per-person basis if you go with just a couple of people. But the math changes fast once you fill a larger group.

• If you fill all 16 spots, it works out to about $60 per person.
• If you go with a smaller group, it becomes more expensive per person, but you still gain the private flexibility you cannot get on shared tours.

For me, value comes from what you are buying: private access to Comino and Gozo, time at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, snorkeling gear included, and cave entry included. You also get a boat that has shade, a fridge, toilet facilities, and Bluetooth audio. Those are the practical pieces that let you actually enjoy 7 hours instead of just surviving them.

So this is best value when you travel with friends, a family group, or a small group of coworkers who can split the cost. If you are traveling solo or as a couple, you might still love it, but it is usually a “treat yourself” purchase rather than a budget-friendly one.

What to Bring (Because the Boat Runs Like a Self-Serve Day)

You will be bringing your own food and drinks. The upside is freedom. The downside is you need to plan like a host, not like a passenger.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel, plus a dry layer for the ride back
• Sunscreen and a hat, even if you plan to use the canopy
• Your preferred snacks and drinks for the boat
• Snorkel items if you have preferences, since you are getting snorkeling gear but personal comfort can vary
• A waterproof phone option if you use photos in the water

If you want to play music, bring your device and ensure it connects via Bluetooth.

Food strategy tip: pack easy-to-eat items that do not fall apart in a bag. Think sandwiches, fruit, and snackable stuff. Then plan your heavier meal either as a dinner stop in Mgarr Harbor in Gozo or as a pre-planned picnic moment before you get too salty and tired.

Who This Tour Fits Best

I think this charter fits best if you fall into one of these groups:

• Friends or family traveling together who want a shared day without dealing with bus schedules
• People who care more about swimming and scenery time than structured lectures
• Travelers who want Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon but also want the option to customize stops
• Anyone who values a comfortable boat setup for a full 7 hours, including toilet facilities and shade

It is less ideal if you want lots of formal guidance. This is a skipper-run day with navigation and safe stops, and you steer the itinerary through requests. If you want history details at every stop, you may want to add that with separate shore time.

Should You Book This Private Comino and Gozo Charter?

If your goal is a flexible, water-first day and you are traveling with enough people to split the cost, I would book it. The combination of Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Comino cave entry, and snorkeling gear hits the sweet spot for most sea lovers. You also get comfort features that make the day feel civilized, not cramped.

I would think twice if you are going as a very small group and you are counting pennies. In that case, compare the per-person value of shared tours, then decide based on how much you care about privacy and custom timing.

One final check before you commit: plan to bring drinks since there is no bar on board, and plan your food so the day stays easy. Once you do that, this charter is exactly the kind of Malta outing that feels like your own private day at sea.

FAQ

How long is the private charter?

It lasts about 7 hours. Exact starting times vary, so you should check availability for the schedule.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You board at Sliema Ferries 4.

Do we go back to the same meeting point?

Yes, the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is this a private group experience?

Yes, it is listed as a private group charter.

What is included in the price?

The full-day private boat charter includes a skipper, fuel, snorkeling gear, and cave entry.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and you should bring your own. You can also stop for dinner in Mgarr Harbor in Gozo.

Is there a bar on board?

No, there is no bar on board.

Can we use our own music on the boat?

Yes. The boat allows you to connect your own music via Bluetooth.