Private Boat Charter – Comino/Parts of Gozo

What makes this charter so appealing is simple, you get the boat to yourself and you move around Comino and parts of Gozo on a schedule that fits your group, not a crowd. It is one of the easiest ways to experience the island’s famous sea spots without turning the day into a long checklist. Comino is the star, and the scenery is the whole point.

I especially like two things. First, you get a true private boat experience for your group up to 8, so you can linger at swims and photo moments. Second, the trip is built around practical swim stops with snorkelling equipment and a cooler with ice.

One consideration: it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. Even with a friendly skipper like Fendi, if you are sensitive to boat motion, this may not feel relaxing.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Cirkewwa is your launch point, with meeting options near the Kiosk in Cirkewwa, Marfa Jetty, or Mgarr harbour in Gozo
• Swim-first route design, meaning the best water stops get time set aside, not squeezed in
• Blue Lagoon timing, about an hour for photos and sea time, plus the area’s quick access from nearby Comino viewpoints
• Comino Caves and rock formations, famous features the skipper can show you, weather permitting
• Gebla Tal-Halfa is a standout, a deserted small islet and limestone rock in the south-east area
• Mgarr Ix-Xini is a practical snorkel spot, known for swimming and snorkelling in a once-secluded setting

A Private 2-Hour Boat Around Comino and Gozo, With Real Swim Stops

This is a short trip that makes you feel like you did a lot. You charter a boat exclusively for your group, then spend your time where most people actually want to be, in the water and along the coast. If you are the type who hates rushed tours and long lines of people waiting to do the same thing, you will enjoy the calmer pace.

The route focuses on Comino, plus parts of Gozo, so you get that signature Comino sea scenery without feeling boxed into one beach. The highlights hint at what matters most: crystal lagoon areas, the Blue Lagoon, Comino Caves, Gebla Tal-Halfa, and Mgarr Ix-Xini.

Even better, the charter is flexible in the real-world sense. You can communicate with the captain where you would like to visit, and if weather allows, he can accommodate. That is how you avoid wasting time on spots that do not fit your group’s energy.

Starting at Cirkewwa: Where Your Trip Starts to Feel Easy

Your meeting point is near the Kiosk in Cirkewwa, or Marfa Jetty, with an alternative in Mgarr harbour in Gozo depending on how the day is arranged. The base is Cirkewwa, which is convenient because it is a common departure area for Comino trips.

Plan to show up with the basics ready. The activity requires you to bring your own swimwear and towel, plus things like a camera and beachwear. Since transport to and from the harbour is not included, you will want to factor in how you will reach Cirkewwa or the other meeting areas.

One small practical note: boats are subject to availability. That usually means the operator will try to match you with the right vessel for your time slot, but it also means the day is not “guaranteed in a perfectly identical way” like you would expect from a theme park. The good news is the core experience stays the same, boat charter, swim stops, and time on the water.

Comino Photo Stop: Use It to Set Expectations

You will have a Comino photo stop early in the experience. The point of this is not to cram facts into your brain. It is more like a quick “orientation moment” so you know what you are looking at when you later see the lagoon and the cave and rock areas from the water.

Comino is tiny, but it has a lot of coastline character. From the boat, you start noticing the shapes and the way the shoreline drops into clear water. That visual context makes later swims feel more intentional. You are not just jumping in randomly, you are arriving at a spot you can actually picture from a few minutes earlier.

If you want photos, this is also when the light and angles can work in your favor. Even if you do not care about Instagram shots, a few photos early help you remember what you saw, and it can guide your own choice of where you want to swim next.

Blue Lagoon Time: Snorkelling Gear and a Proper Hour on the Water

The Blue Lagoon stop is where most people’s mental map of Comino starts to become real. You get about one hour here, plus time to take photos and get into the water.

This is also one of those spots where being on a boat charter matters. Public beach crowds can be unpredictable. Here, the vibe is “arrive and enjoy,” especially because the charter includes snorkelling equipment and keeps things simple with a cooler and ice.

One useful detail: the Blue Lagoon area is described as roughly a fifteen-minute boat ride across the water from Mġa. Even if you do not focus on the travel math, it helps you understand the geography. You are not stuck “on one side of Comino.” You are seeing the sea connections between areas that feel like different worlds once you are floating and snorkeling.

What to watch for while you are there:

• If you are snorkeling, give yourself a few minutes to get used to the water movement and your breathing rhythm before you try to hunt for the best views.
• If you are not snorkeling, still plan to stand or float near the entry areas for the clear-water look. You can enjoy the lagoon without forcing the full snorkelling routine.

Comino Caves and Limestone Formations: The Fun Part You Do From the Boat

Comino Caves are one of the most popular underwater exploration areas in the Maltese islands. Even if you are mainly there to swim rather than do anything technical, the caves and limestone formations are still what make the coastline feel special from the boat.

In practice, this stop is about scenery and access. From the deck, you get the big picture. You can see the rock shapes, the openings, and where the sea light hits. Then, when you do swim, you understand why people talk about the caves so much.

A skipper can also matter here, because it is not just “go to place X.” Reviews highlight skippers showing caves and rock formations, and moving you to swimming and snorkeling spots that fit the conditions of the day. In other words, you are not just following a rigid script.

If you are the type who likes to know what you are looking at, the inclusion of an English audio guide helps. You still keep your own pace, but you get enough context to make the visuals click. And yes, it sounds like a small add-on, but it can turn a pretty swim into a more memorable one.

Gebla Tal-Halfa: A Deserted Islet That Feels Like a Secret

Gebla Tal-Halfa is described as a deserted small islet and limestone rock in the south-east. That phrasing is important. This is not a “busy beach stop.” It is the kind of place that feels like you are catching a quiet corner of the island’s coastline.

On a private charter, deserted spots tend to work better than on crowded itineraries. There is less jostling, you can spend time watching the water and the rock contours, and you are not fighting for space near the shoreline.

Since weather can affect what is comfortable on the water, your captain’s choices here matter. The charter is designed to be flexible, so if you want to spend more time on quieter, photo-friendly scenery rather than nonstop swimming, this type of stop gives you that option.

If you want to make the most of it:

• Bring a camera you can use one-handed, you will want quick shots when the light hits the rock.
• Take a moment to look back from the water. From the sea, you often notice details you would never spot from land.

Mgarr Ix-Xini: Snorkelling Time in a Once-Secluded Spot

Mgarr Ix-Xini is singled out as a beautiful spot for swimming and snorkeling, once-secluded. That matters because “once-secluded” usually means it still feels calmer than some of the most famous names.

This is a strong late-day or mid-charter stop, because it is the kind of place you can enjoy in different modes. You can swim slowly and just watch the water clarity. You can snorkel if you brought your confidence that day. Or you can keep it simple and float with the sea doing most of the work.

The value of this stop is not only the water. It is the pacing. After the Blue Lagoon and cave scenery, Mgarr Ix-Xini gives you a different texture of the coastline. It feels more like a complete experience than a single highlight repeat.

Also, because snorkelling equipment is included, you do not need to deal with renting gear or negotiating logistics on the day. You can just decide what level of sea time your group wants and go with it.

Your Skipper and the Real Route Flexibility

This charter has fuel and skipper included, plus English support. Skippers are known for being friendly and accommodating, and that is a big deal for a two-hour outing. In a short timeframe, you want your time optimized, not spent waiting for a rigid plan to catch up to real conditions like wind, water clarity, or crowd energy.

One reason this works: you can communicate with the captain about where you would like to visit. Weather permitting, he can accommodate. That means you are not stuck with a one-size-fits-all route.

You may also have an English audio guide to support you while you are out on the water. It is a helpful layer for understanding what you see, especially if you prefer light interpretation over heavy lectures.

From the review details, names like Fendi and Atef come up as skippers who kept things lively and informative, including moving groups toward good swimming and snorkeling spots. That “show you the best parts” attitude is exactly what you want on a private charter, because you do not want to play sea explorer with no map.

What’s Included, What You Must Bring, and How to Pack Smart

Included with your charter:

• Use of snorkelling equipment
• Boat charter around Comino and parts of Gozo
• A cooler with ice
• Fuel and skipper

Not included:

• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Transport to and from the harbour

So yes, bring the normal sea-day kit. Swimwear and a towel are obvious, but do not skip the extras that make your life easier. A camera matters here, because the water and rock formations are the main attraction. Beachwear is useful if you want to stay comfortable between swims.

Practical packing tip: if you bring sunscreen, keep it accessible. You will likely spend time on deck before and between swim stops. Also, consider what you can carry without cluttering your hands. A small waterproof pouch for your phone or camera can help, but you will need to decide what level of risk you are comfortable with.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take that seriously. This is explicitly not suitable for people who get seasick easily. In your shoes, I would only book if you feel confident you can handle a boat, because there is no “swap in a gentler plan” option in the basic structure.

Price and Value for a Group Up to 8

The price is $259 per group up to 8 people for a duration of 2 hours. On paper, it can look like a lot until you break down what you are actually buying.

You are paying for:

• Privacy, meaning your group gets the boat exclusively
• Time on the water in multiple high-interest areas
• Included snorkelling gear
• A cooler with ice
• Skipper service and fuel

For a group, this is a pretty strong value. Eight people sharing the cost turns it into a manageable per-person outing compared to paying for multiple individual experiences or paying for small group tours where schedules can feel rigid.

For two people, it is still a solid “day break” if you want a high-impact sea outing without a full day commitment. Two hours gives you enough time to enjoy the water stops and still feel like you ended the trip while you still want more.

Just keep your planning realistic. It is a short charter, so you will not cover everything at a deep pace. The experience is about quality time at key spots, not about checking every single inlet.

Should You Book This Private Boat Charter?

Book it if you want the simplest possible route to Comino’s famous water, with a private boat pacing and built-in swim stops. It is a great choice for couples, small families, and friend groups who would rather spend time in the water than on logistics. The included snorkelling equipment and cooler with ice make it easier to enjoy without additional purchases.

Skip or think twice if anyone in your group is prone to seasickness. Also, if you need guaranteed dock-to-dock certainty with no flexibility, remember boats are subject to availability and weather can shape what the captain can do.

If you are looking for a memorable Malta outing that feels genuinely personal, this is one of the best ways to do it in just two hours.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The charter duration is 2 hours.

What is the price, and how many people can book?

It costs $259 per group for up to 8 people.

What meeting point should I use?

You meet the captain near the Kiosk in Cirkewwa, or Marfa Jetty, or Mgarr harbour in Gozo.

What is included in the price?

The charter includes use of snorkelling equipment, the boat charter around Comino and parts of Gozo, a cooler with ice, and fuel and skipper.

Do I need to bring swimwear and a towel?

Yes. Swimwear and a towel are not included, and you should bring them along.

Can I ask the captain to change where we go?

Yes. Since it is private, you can communicate with the captain where you would like to visit, and he may accommodate weather permitting.

Is this suitable if someone gets seasick?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.