Malta Private Charter from Mellieha: Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon

A private boat charter in Malta is interesting because you get to set the pace, not the crowd. You hire a captain for a tight loop that hits Blue Lagoon and Comino’s caves, then continues toward Gozo, with lots of time to actually get in the water.

Two things I really like are the snorkeling setup (mask and snorkel provided on board) and the fact that the price is for the whole boat, up to 6 people. One possible drawback to plan for: there’s a one-time 79 euro fuel cost, paid to the skipper after the tour.

Key things to know before you go

It’s priced per group, not per person (up to 6), which can make the math work well if you travel with friends or family.

You’ll swim in multiple Comino and Gozo spots instead of one long stop.

Snorkel gear is provided, and a snorkel stop is scheduled depending on the season and what your group wants.

You can choose where you get dropped off, either back to Mellieha or on Gozo or Malta.

Expect a captain-led day, with skippers known for adjusting to comfort and sea conditions.

Good weather matters, since the tour runs on the water.

From Cirkewwa to Comino and Gozo in about 3 hours

This is a private charter, meaning it’s just your group on the boat. The whole experience runs about 3 hours, so it’s built for people who want the highlights and the swim time without turning the day into a full-day production.

You meet at Cirkewwa port, right next to the kiosk or café at the meeting point marked as Cirkewwa cafe (Cirkewwa, Malta). Pickup is offered, and they can also coordinate starting from Cirkewwa Marina or Gozo Marina, depending on how you want the day to flow.

The route is designed as a loop that can be round trip back to your starting point, or you can be dropped at Gozo or Malta Island instead. That flexibility is handy if you are already moving around the islands that day, or if you want to keep your afternoon open for a land plan.

One detail I’d take seriously: the tour needs good weather. If conditions are poor, they may cancel and offer another date or a full refund, so don’t stack tight commitments right after your scheduled time.

Blue Lagoon, anchored where the water looks unreal

The Blue Lagoon stop is the star. It’s the bright, clear patch of water between Comino and Cominotto, with sandy edges on both sides. Since you can only reach the lagoon by boat, a private charter gives you a straightforward advantage: you don’t waste time fighting crowds on shore.

With a private boat, the captain anchors in the bluest areas, where the water can look like you’re swimming in a pool. Your time here is about 30 minutes, and this stop includes admission fees.

What to expect in practice: you’re not just looking. You’re anchored, then you swim and snorkel right off the boat. The “photo-friendly” part is real too, but I mostly care about the water clarity, because that’s what makes snorkeling enjoyable rather than just sightseeing.

If you want to maximize this stop, decide before you arrive: are you primarily there for snorkeling, or for floating and swimming? Either works, but your priorities help the captain fine-tune the timing.

Santa Marija Bay: more quiet Comino swimming and real snorkel life

After Blue Lagoon, the route shifts to a more secluded vibe. Santa Marija Bay on Comino is a horseshoe-shaped beach with white sand backed by tamarisk trees. There’s also a nearby smaller area called Little Santa Marija, and this is where snorkeling can be especially rewarding because the sea bed tends to support marine life.

This stop is around 10 minutes, and admission is included. You also get the nearby Santa Marija caves as part of the boat time, so the “swim plus cave views” combo is built in.

A practical point: since Santa Marija is described as more private than other parts of Comino, it’s a good fit if you want your photos and your swim without feeling like you’re sharing limited space with the whole island.

Also, this is the type of place where families tend to have an easier time. Sandcastles, quick beach games, and a calm-feeling bay all work well here.

Cominotto Beach and the 50-meter swim-through cave

Next up is Cominotto Beach, which is reachable only by boat. The appeal here is the sense of adventure. You’ll anchor in the blue waters near the bay, and the location is known for famous movie scenes. The detail that matters for your time on the water: there’s a swim-through cave measuring about 50 meters, which can be an unforgettable snorkeling or swimming moment if conditions are right.

This stop is short, about 10 minutes, and the admission ticket is listed as free. Don’t plan on doing a long full “cave session” here unless your skipper builds in extra time, since the itinerary is moving.

If you’re considering this as your group’s “one big active thing,” I’d tell the captain you want to focus here. Private charters are at their best when you and the skipper align on priorities early.

Crystal Lagoon: cave access and a snorkel-paradise stop

Crystal Lagoon is a lagoon with turquoise water and caves along the coast, including some that can feature secret sandy spots inside them. The boat is built to be able to enter some of the caves, which means you may not just see caves from outside, you can actually move through them.

Your time at Crystal Lagoon is about 20 minutes, and admission is included. This is also where snorkeling fits in as the “planned stop,” with snorkel equipment provided. The schedule can adjust based on the season and what your group prefers.

Movie trivia is part of the fun. Crystal Lagoon has been used in films like Troy, and Count of Monte Cristo (among others), and captains can share stories while you’re floating. That kind of commentary is optional in my mind, but it adds a lot when you’re sitting still in clear water and you want context beyond what you can see.

One more practical upside: this stop tends to deliver that “look down, see forever” feeling that makes snorkeling worth the effort. If you’re even a casual snorkeler, this is the place you’re trying to hit.

Saint Mary’s Tower and the cliffside story you can spot from the water

You’ll also cruise past It-Torri ta’ Santa Marija, a tower dating back to the 17th century. It’s described as part of a defensive system of towers used to warn of invasion or piracy and smuggling activity.

From the boat, this is a quick look, about 5 minutes, with admission marked as free. Even in a short window, I find these towers useful because they break up the day’s water focus with something human. You get a better feel for why these islands were so strategically watched.

There’s also a pop-culture tie-in: the tower was used to represent the prison setting from Count of Monte Cristo (2002). So if your group likes film locations, this is a quick win.

Gozo by boat: Halfa Rock, inlets, and the view from Mġarr Harbour

The Gozo portion is designed as coast cruising plus a few strong anchors. You head to the south coast of Gozo, including Halfa Rock, and you’ll see the salt pans harvested in traditional ways. There’s also mention of a secluded bay only accessible by boat, linked to marine life like octopus and sargo bream.

From there, you’ll spend time around Hondoq Bay in the south of Gozo. The water here is turquoise, but the real “wow” is Bemberin Gorge, an inlet reached only by boat. This is where you can find caves and air pockets, with clear water and cliff points that can work well for cliff diving if you’re into that and conditions are safe.

Next is Mġarr Harbour, which is described as simple, scenic, and full of life in the sense that there are fishing boats, yachts, and fishermen working on nets. This stop is about 8 minutes, and it’s a nice shift from open water swimming to a “watch the island from your seat” moment.

Nearby is Fort Chambray (often referred to as the fort dominating the harbor). There’s also a Gothic chapel dedicated to Lourdes, plus a statue near the cliff. Even though the stop is brief, it gives your day a balanced rhythm.

Finally, there’s time around Qala, in southeast Gozo. You get a short stop, about 5 minutes, with caves along the way and a fortification toward the eastern point of Gozo.

Price and logistics, plus how to think about value for your group

The price is $337.55 per group, up to 6 people, for about 3 hours. That means your cost per person depends heavily on your group size, not on how hungry everyone is for the Blue Lagoon.

This charter tends to be good value if you travel as a small group that will fill most of the boat. If you book as just two people, you’ll still get the private experience, but you’ll feel the cost more. In that case, I’d compare it against shared group boat tours and be honest about how much “private time” matters to you.

What’s included matters too. You get marina costs included, plus snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel). Anchoring fees for Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Crystal Lagoon National Reserve are included as well, which is exactly the kind of thing that can add up if you DIY it.

Not included: there’s a one-time 79 euro fuel cost you pay to the skipper after the tour. One small caution: bring cash or be ready for the payment method they use on the day. A couple of people have flagged that as the only sting in the pricing.

So for budgeting, I treat the total as your base group price plus that 79 euro fuel amount.

The captain factor: what makes this feel smooth on the water

This is where the experience can feel more like a tailored day than a scheduled product. The pattern from recent skippers is friendly, calm guidance and real flexibility.

You’ll see different captain names attached to the same style of service, including Owen, Noel, Pedro, Ginger, Joe, Addin, Isaac, Chris, Jimmy, Justin, Dani, Mahmoud, Casper, Upie, and Men. I’m not saying your skipper will be any of these people, but the common thread is that captains adjust to what your group wants, whether that means longer swim time, focusing on caves, or shifting the plan when the water gets choppy.

Practical tip: before the first stop, tell your captain what your group prefers.

• If you snorkel, say so and ask for the best water when you’re anchored.
• If you just want swimming and photos, ask for a pace that protects your comfort.
• If you want to avoid the busiest shore areas, ask to anchor in less crowded sections when possible.

In private charters, that conversation is what turns a nice boat day into a memorable one.

Who should book this Mellieha private charter

Book this if you fit one of these profiles:

• You want private, captain-led swimming stops around Comino and Gozo.
• You care about clear water and snorkeling, with gear provided.
• You are traveling with up to 6 people and can spread the group cost.
• You want the highlights, but still want time to relax without feeling rushed.

You might reconsider if:

• You hate the idea of paying an extra fuel surcharge on the day.
• Your group needs lots of shore time, because this is built for boat time and short anchor windows.
• Weather is unpredictable on your dates, since the tour requires good conditions.

Should you book it?

My take: if you can fill most of the boat, this is a strong value way to see Malta from the water and get real swim time in the Comino and Gozo highlights. The included snorkeling gear and the way the route uses short anchor stops make it feel efficient, not frantic.

If you’re going with just two people, you can still do it, but go in with eyes open about the cost plus the 79 euro fuel fee. For groups of 4 to 6, the private payoff tends to be much clearer.

FAQ

How long is the private charter?

It runs about 3 hours.

How much does it cost, and how many people can go?

The price is $337.55 per group for up to 6 people. It’s a private charter, so only your group participates.

Where do we meet in Mellieha or Cirkewwa?

You meet at Cirkewwa port, next to the kiosk or café in the area. The meeting point is listed as Cirkewwa cafe (Cirkewwa, Malta, Cirkewwa cafeX8QH+3W6).

What stops are included during the trip?

You’ll have stops or cruising time around Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Cominotto Beach, Crystal Lagoon, It-Torri ta’ Santa Marija, and parts of Gozo including areas like Hondoq Bay, Mġarr Harbour, and Qala.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Mask and snorkel are included, and a snorkel stop is scheduled depending on the season and what your group prefers.

What extra cost should we expect besides the main price?

There is a one-time 79 euro fuel cost paid to the skipper after the tour.

Can you drop us off in a different place?

Yes. You can do a round trip back to your starting point, or you can be dropped off on either Gozo or Malta Island, depending on your preference. Pickup can also be arranged from Cirkewwa Marina or Gozo Marina.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.