Malta’s Splendour Excursion – Trips in Blue Grotto & Comino

A private boat day through Comino and Gozo is interesting because it mixes quiet coves, snorkel time, and a little time on land, all in a tight 5-hour window. You get the kind of pace that fits Malta even when your calendar is packed.

I especially like the chance to spend time at the Blue Lagoon area from the water, not from a crowded beach. I also like the way the trip can be tailored by the skipper, with stops at Comino caves and Gozo bays like Mgarr Harbour and Hondoq Bay. One possible drawback is that the trip depends on sea conditions, and if you get sea sick easily, you may want to think twice.

Quick hits

• Private boat for your group (priced per boat, up to 6 passengers)
• Snorkeling gear included (mask and snorkel, plus safety equipment)
• Comino caves and small islets on a route like Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Pigeon Rock
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon swimming directly from the boat
• Gozo by sea plus a Mdina taste (around 30 minutes)
• Blue Grotto cave network with views of natural arches and six caves to explore by boat route

What you get for your money on this private Comino and Gozo charter

This is built for people who want Malta’s water views without lining up for everything. You’re paying for a private boat experience, so your time is not shared the way it is on big group tours. The payoff is simple: more control over where you pause, where you swim, and how long you stay at each spot.

The core rhythm is water time first, then a quick land stop. You’ll spend hours cruising Comino and the Blue Lagoon area, then head to Gozo for coastline highlights, and finish with Mdina and the Blue Grotto caves.

Here’s the honest part about value: the published price is $235 per group up to 6, but there are additional costs not included. The professional skipper is listed separately at €99, and fuel consumption is also listed separately at €99. Still, the overall structure can feel good value if you split the boat cost with your group and you care about having the boat to yourselves.

Meeting points in Cirkewwa and Mgarr Harbour, and why timing matters

Your starting point depends on whether you’re meeting on Malta or Gozo. If you start from Malta, you meet at Cirkewwa, near the Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal. If you start from Gozo, you meet at Mgarr Harbour Terminal in the Mgarr departure area, close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant.

Plan to arrive early. The trip notes suggest showing up 30 minutes before the charter starts to handle traffic or any small delays at the marina. Once the boat leaves, you do not get extra time for being late, so early arrival is the easiest way to keep the day smooth.

A nice touch is that there’s a skip-the-line style setup via a separate entrance, which helps you settle in faster and get onto the water.

Inside the boat experience: what’s included on board

This charter is set up like a comfortable small-boat day, not a cramped hurry-up-and-go situation. Included are comfortable seating areas, a sun deck, and a canopy for shadow. There’s also safety equipment onboard, which matters because your itinerary includes swimming time, snorkel time, and possibly cliff entry depending on conditions.

On the entertainment side, there’s a Bluetooth speaker and free WiFi. The day is also practical: an ice cooler is included, which can be handy if your group brings drinks or snacks for your own plan.

For water time, you get snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel). One booking note did mention a minor issue with snorkeling equipment during the day, and the guide worked to resolve it, which is reassuring. Still, I’d treat it as a “check it early” kind of day, so you’re ready when the first clear-water stop happens.

Comino caves and coves: how to get the most out of the first stretch

Comino is the star for most people on this route. You’ll navigate the coastline with stops near caves, coves, and small points that look best when the light hits the water just right. The itinerary specifically mentions places like Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Pigeon Rock, and you’ll also explore Comino’s cave system on the boat route.

What I like about this is the way Comino works with short stops. You don’t need to do a long hike to get the feel of the island. Instead, you move between water spots, and the boat becomes your viewpoint.

One practical consideration: because this is a private charter with a limited time window, you’ll want to decide what matters most early on. If your priority is swimming and snorkeling, you’ll want to be ready with your gear when the water is calmest. If your priority is photos of caves and arches, stay comfortable and take advantage of the boat’s sun deck and shaded areas.

Your skipper also narrates along the way, covering the island’s story as you pass key points. In real life, that kind of running commentary turns “we stopped at a cave” into “I know what I’m looking at.”

Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: swimming from the boat, not from a crowd

The Blue Lagoon stops are the big headline, and the way this charter positions you is part of why it works. You can take a refreshing dip directly from the boat, and you can also swim or snorkel depending on your comfort.

The day also mentions the Crystal Lagoon as a favorite swimming spot for guests. Even with mixed weather, you still usually get the benefit of being able to choose your own time in the water. If the water looks glassy, you can stay longer. If the wind picks up, you can move on with less stress.

There’s also the option for more adventurous fun like cliff diving, but only if conditions and your comfort allow. A charter like this is better than a fixed schedule tour for that reason. You’re not forced into one single activity.

One extra tip based on how the day plays: be ready for the “best light” moments. This route is timed for those sun-reflection views across the water, and the boat perspective makes those brief changes in color pretty dramatic.

Gozo by boat: Mdina energy later, bays first

Once you cross toward Gozo, the itinerary shifts from caves and tiny coves to more open-bay viewpoints. You’ll pass through the Channel and then explore Mgarr Harbour, which sets the tone for the island. From there, the route includes scenic areas like Hondoq Bay, Crow Rock, and Tal-Ħalfa Beaches.

This is a good mix if you want contrast. Comino feels small and cave-based. Gozo feels wider and more varied, with bays you can see clearly from the water. And because it’s a boat route, you get the coast in layers, not just from one stretch of shore.

As for guide style, several captains are named in the experience notes. Mario, Harry, and Joe all come up, and the common thread is personality plus practical sailing. One skipper was described as funny and adaptive with the itinerary, and another was described as professional and attentive about safety.

If you like asking questions while you travel, this is a great kind of day for that. A good skipper can point out what you’re seeing and also suggest sensible places for food and drinks once you’re on land, even if meals themselves are not included in the charter.

The Mdina taste: about 30 minutes in Malta’s old capital

The itinerary includes a stop at Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital, with about 30 minutes to explore. That short window is intentional. It gives you the atmosphere without turning the day into a full-day walking tour.

What you can expect in that limited time is a quick hit of the old-city feel. Mdina is described as a place with myths, horse-drawn carriages, and towering bastions. In practice, 30 minutes is just enough to walk a small loop, grab a couple of photos, and look for a view point before you head back toward the water.

Practical tip: wear shoes you can walk in quickly. Even on a short stop, Mdina’s streets can slow you down if you’re in sandals or flip-flops.

Blue Grotto caves: natural arches and the clearest-water feeling

The day finishes with the Blue Grotto, accessed from the southern reaches of Mdina for the best viewpoint over the area. The description focuses on natural arches and bright blue water, and it notes that the Blue Grotto is a network of six caves.

The key value here is timing and perspective. You’re already in the right mindset after hours on the water, and the boat route gives you a clear sense of how the caves relate to the surrounding cliffs. The notes also say the waters here are among the clearest in the Maltese islands, which is the kind of thing you notice fast when the sun is doing its job.

Just remember: cave areas are the kind of place where conditions can change. The skipper has authority to adjust routes or locations if needed for weather, tides, shallows, or other legitimate reasons. That’s not a gimmick. It’s how you keep the day enjoyable and safe.

On-the-water practicalities: what to bring and how to avoid common mistakes

Bring the basics, because your time is split between open deck sailing and water stops. The list is straightforward: sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Cash matters because food and drink are not included. So if you want a snack or a cold drink on the Mdina stop or during your day, you should have some money ready for where you end up. If your plan is to bring your own items, the boat does include an ice cooler, which can help keep things manageable.

Also, consider motion sensitivity. One booking note specifically warns that you should not go if you’re sensitive to sea sickness. If you tend to get woozy on boats, think about that early and plan accordingly.

A small comfort detail: the charter includes a canopy for shadow, but weather can still shift. If it looks like rain, bring something light for warmth. In one story from the experience notes, skipper Joe even lent his own raincoat to help keep the group dry, but you should not rely on that happening for every charter.

Skipper control, customization, and why that flexibility is the point

This isn’t a rigid script where you do the same exact sequence as everyone else. The trip is described as tailor-made, and the skipper has the authority to cancel, postpone, change, or modify the private charter based on weather and sea conditions. That same authority applies to altering routes and departure or disembarkation locations when needed.

Why you should care: a charter like this lives or dies based on water conditions. If the wind changes or tides make a specific coves location less safe, a smart skipper adjusts the plan quickly, so you still get the best possible experience in the time you have.

You also get customization in how long you stay. One review-style detail in the notes says you can decide where you want to go and how long to stay, which matches the private-group setup. That’s where you get real value. You’re not forced to rush through the places that click for your group.

Price and real value: splitting the boat cost, plus the add-ons

Let’s talk numbers in a way that helps you decide. The price is listed as $235 per group up to 6 for a 5-hour private boat charter. But professional skipper (€99) and fuel consumption (€99) are listed as not included.

So the true cost depends on those add-ons and how you split it. If you have a full group of six, the per-person cost is lower than if you book solo or as a couple. And because this is a private boat, you’re paying for exclusivity plus time on water at multiple highlights.

Is it more expensive than a shared tour? Usually yes. But the “worth it” argument is pretty consistent in how the day is described: the boat is for your group, you get calmer swimming and snorkel opportunities, and you can get a personalized feel from skippers like Mario, Harry, and Joe.

If you’re the kind of traveler who values privacy, flexible stops, and the chance to swim from the boat at Blue Lagoon, this can pencil out well.

Who this private Comino and Gozo boat trip suits best

This charter fits best if you want an efficient island combo. You get Comino’s caves and coves, Blue Lagoon swimming, Gozo’s coastline points, a short Mdina walk, and the Blue Grotto cave finish.

It’s also a good match for groups that enjoy being in the water more than touring on foot. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the schedule is structured around sea time.

It may be less ideal if:

• You dislike boats or are prone to sea sickness
• You need a lot of time for shopping or long walks in Mdina
• You expect meals to be part of the deal (food and drink are not included)

Should you book Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

I’d book this if you want privacy, high-value water stops, and a “best of Comino plus Gozo highlights” day that doesn’t swallow your whole trip. The ability to adjust the plan with skipper decisions, plus the chance to swim and snorkel right from the boat, is exactly the kind of comfort you want in Malta.

I would hesitate if you’re very sea-sick sensitive or you want a fully inclusive package with meals and drinks handled for you. In that case, you may find other tour styles easier.

If you go, plan smart: arrive early, bring swim essentials, check your snorkel setup early, and focus on the water time. Then you’ll feel why people love the day so much, especially the Blue Lagoon and the Blue Grotto cave views.

FAQ

How long is Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

The trip duration is 5 hours.

What’s the price for the private boat?

It’s $235 per group up to 6, with additional charges listed for a professional skipper (€99) and fuel consumption (€99).

Where do I meet if I’m starting from Malta?

You meet at Cirkewwa, near the Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Where do I meet if I’m starting from Gozo?

You meet at Mgarr Harbour Terminal in Mgarr’s departure area, close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant.

What’s included in the boat charter?

Included are an exclusive private boat, comfortable seating and a sun deck, a canopy for shadow, safety equipment, port and marina fees, taxes, an ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, free WiFi, snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel), and lagoon permits.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included.

Is there snorkeling equipment on board?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, mask and snorkel, is included.

What is the cancellation policy?

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