Private boat Charters around Malta, Gozo & Comino

A private boat charter around Malta is interesting because you skip the crowds and build your day around swimming stops. You also get a classic-feeling boat, MV INGE III, with teak decking and a rustic mahogany interior. I especially like the plan to hit Comino’s lagoons and coves, plus the way the captain steers the group toward good jumps and views.

Two things I really like here: the included water toys and snorkeling kit, and the fact that you’re not stuck with a set schedule that ignores sea conditions. One drawback to plan for is that this is weather-dependent, so you’ll want flexible timing and a backup mindset if conditions are rough.

Key highlights at a glance

• A 43-foot Venice-built motor cruiser with teak and mahogany, plus a sundeck and bathing platform
• Private for your group only, with fuel and crew included
• Comino lagoons and caves time with stops at places like Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and St Mary spots
• Gozo swimming from boat-only access at coves you cannot reach on foot
• Extras included like masks and snorkels, swimming aids, kayak, SUP, and paddle board
• Captain Joseph adds local momentum by finding strong swimming spots and helping with timing

MV INGE III, built for comfort and big water views

What makes this charter feel different is the boat itself. MV INGE III is a 43-foot (13m) motor cruiser pleasure boat built in Venice, Italy by C. Rio boat builders. Onboard, the vibe is classic and sturdy, with teak decking and a rustic mahogany interior, which just makes the whole day feel more like a yacht outing than a basic transfer.

You’ll also appreciate the practical layout. There’s a shaded area when the sun is doing its job, a sundeck for photos, and a bathing platform that makes it easier to get in and out of the water. Fresh water showers help after swimming, and there are 2 rest rooms on board, which matters more than you think once you’re out on the water for a few hours.

Capacity is something to confirm when you book. The pricing info mentions up to 15 people per group, but the operator also states a maximum of 20 to 25 persons. To avoid surprises, I recommend you ask for the exact headcount limit for your specific date.

How the timing and route work: Malta, Comino, and Gozo in one plan

This is a private tour/activity, meaning it’s only your group on the boat. You choose your start time, and the operator runs morning or afternoon departures, usually 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM, plus a sunset cruise from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Departure points depend on which part of the island you want to start from:

• From Cirkewwa in Malta (common for Comino routes)
• From Mgarr Harbour in Gozo (if you want to start your day already on Gozo)

The ride length is listed as about 2 to 4 hours. That range is useful because it can match your energy level. If you’re in “swim and snorkel, then head in” mode, shorter works. If you want more looping around bays and a more relaxed pace, longer slots can feel better.

The route style is also flexible in a way that matters. The plan focuses on cruising around Comino and stopping for swimming at major lagoon areas, then shifting toward Gozo for additional swim spots. In plain terms: you’re not just being transported to one photo stop. You’re given time to actually enjoy the water.

Comino stop: Blue Lagoon vibes, cave spotting, and smart snorkeling time

Comino is where most people’s eyes go first, and for good reason. This charter schedules a Comino segment of about 2 hours, and the focus is on swimming and snorkeling in calm, clear water. You’ll cruise around the island’s corners, with time to stop at Blue Lagoon and other swim areas such as Crystal Lagoon, plus St Nicholas Bay and St Mary Bay.

Here’s what I like about this setup. The water isn’t just something you look at from the boat. You get a real chance to put your face in the water, float around, and swim a bit. That’s the difference between seeing a coastline and actually experiencing the place.

The captain also points out landmarks and caves from the water. You can expect views and observations of Comino caves, plus sights such as Elephant Rock, St Mary Battery, and St Mary Tower. Seeing those features while anchored or drifting in the area makes them feel more real, and it’s easier to photograph without needing to coordinate with shore crowds.

One note for your planning: you’ll be in and out of the water. Bring what keeps you comfortable, like swimwear you don’t mind getting sandy-wet, and sunscreen that won’t sting your eyes when you reapply after a swim. Also, if your group loves snorkel time, arrive ready, because the best swimming windows can go quickly when weather is good.

Gozo stop: swimming where only boats can take you

After Comino, the plan includes a Gozo segment, also about 2 hours. This part of the day is less about big famous landmarks you’ll walk to, and more about hidden beauty that is easiest to reach by sea.

The goal here is simple: you get swimming and snorkeling at spots that are only accessible by boat. That matters because the best water experiences on Gozo often happen in coves where the shoreline access is limited or awkward. From the water, you get a wider view of the coastline, with angles you just can’t get from a roadside viewpoint.

You’ll also notice the day is framed by bays rather than checklists. The operator mentions stops at several bays in Gozo, and the route typically stays centered on the kind of places where you can float, swim, and take photos without needing to rush.

If you like to eat well on vacation, there’s an extra benefit. The captain is known for good on-the-ground recommendations for where to eat after the cruise on Gozo. It’s not a complicated fix, but it helps you turn the boat time into a full day that feels complete.

What’s truly included onboard (and why it matters)

This is one of those deals where the inclusions change how your day feels. You’re not worrying about renting gear, tracking down water toys, or buying ice and bottled water in a hurry.

Included on board:

• Masks and snorkels
• Swimming aids
• Kayak
• SUP (stand-up paddle board)
• Paddle board
• Bottled water plus a large cooler with ice cubes and ice flakes
• Fuel, skipper, and crew included
• Music with Bluetooth, AUX, and USB
• Shaded area, sundeck, bathing platform
• 2 rest rooms
• Fresh water shower

For you, the value is in the freedom. If you want a snorkel session, you can do it right away without extra stops. If your group wants to try a board for an hour, you can swap activities during the cruise without burning time. Even the music inputs matter, because it lets you keep a relaxed mood instead of sitting in silence.

The one thing not included is lunch. The operator explicitly says you can bring your own food and snacks, and you’re welcome to bring drinks onboard too. For practical planning, I’d treat this as a pack-your-own picnic style day. It keeps your food budget under control and lets you eat on your timing.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is listed at $1,137.10 per group, with pricing shown for up to 15. Bookings are often made around 42 days in advance on average, so if you have a specific date in mind, I’d move sooner rather than later.

Here’s how I think about value for this charter. You’re paying for:

• A private boat (not sharing with strangers)
• Fuel plus skipper and crew
• Snorkel gear and multiple water toys
• Water, ice, and core onboard comfort (rest rooms and showers)

If you do the rough math for up to 15 people, the per-person cost can look surprisingly reasonable for a private, all-in style experience, especially since the inclusions cover the stuff that usually adds up on vacation. If your group ends up closer to the stated maximum of 20 to 25, the per-person value can get even better, but you’ll want confirmation of the exact limit for your booking.

The key consideration is your group size. For small groups, it can be pricier than a shared boat tour, but it’s often worth it for the freedom to customize your swimming pace. For larger groups, this can feel like a straightforward way to buy everyone time in the water without turning it into a logistics day.

Captain Joseph and the small choices that shape the day

The best thing about this experience is how the cruise gets better when the captain is steering in real time. In particular, the captain, Joseph, is described as both a skilled host and a navigator who knows where the water feels best for jumps and snorkeling.

What that means in practice for you:

• You’re more likely to end up at stops that feel like they were chosen for swimming quality, not just proximity.
• Timing adjustments can be handled when real-world schedules shift, like changes around docking time.
• You get guidance during the trip, including suggestions for what to do next on Gozo if you want to keep the day flowing.

Also pay attention to the vibe onboard. The boat is kept clean and comfortable enough for staying out on the water for hours. That sounds basic, but it affects everything, from how quickly people relax to how good your photos look when you’ve got a calm, tidy setting around you.

Should you book this private Malta boat charter?

Book it if you want private time, real snorkeling access around Comino and Gozo, and inclusions that let you show up and play without hunting down rentals. It’s a strong fit for groups who like to swim, like flexible pacing, and care about having rest rooms, showers, and water onboard.

Think twice if your schedule is extremely tight and you cannot adjust for weather. Also, if your group doesn’t plan to swim or use the water toys, you may find a simpler boat option more efficient.

If you do book, my advice is to message the operator about your exact group count and confirm the maximum capacity for your date. Then pack a simple lunch for the time you want, and plan to spend your energy on the water, not on logistics.

FAQ

How much is a private charter?

The price is listed as $1,137.10 per group. The pricing info notes up to 15 people per group, and the operator also states a maximum of 20 to 25 persons, so confirm the exact capacity for your booking.

How long is the cruise, and what start times are available?

Most cruises run about 2 to 4 hours. Morning or afternoon starts are typically around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM, and the sunset cruise runs 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Where do you depart from for Malta and for Gozo?

You depart from Cirkewwa in Malta or from Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, depending on the cruise you choose.

What snorkeling and water activities are included?

Included items cover masks and snorkels, swimming aids, kayak, SUP, and paddle board. Bottled water with a cooler and ice are also included.

Is lunch included, and can I bring food or drinks?

Lunch is not included. You are welcome to bring your own food, snacks, and drinks onboard.

Do you use a mobile ticket, and where does the trip end?

You receive a mobile ticket. The experience ends back at the meeting point.

What if the weather is bad, and can I cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.