REVIEW · MALTA
Full Day Private Boat Charters Malta: Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo
Book on Viator →Operated by SunReel Malta Private Boat Trips & Charters · Bookable on Viator
Comino’s water looks unreal from the sea. I love how a smaller private boat gets you into the best lagoons with more room to swim, and I also love that you’ve got proper onboard convenience like a toilet and shower (no scrambling before or after). The main thing to factor in is weather: this is a good-weather day, and the route can shift if conditions aren’t right.
You’re out for about 7 hours, with a mix of longer swim time and shorter stops for views and photo breaks. Since your group is private (not a mixed crowd), the day feels like your pace, not a factory schedule.
The boat holds up to 22 people, but your booking is for your own group, so you’ll usually feel like you’re in control of the space. It’s offered in English, with a mobile ticket, and the company lists service animals as allowed.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately
- Why a Private Boat Charter Changes the Whole Day
- What’s Included Onboard (And What That Means for Your Comfort)
- What You Should Bring
- Cirkewwa: Your Starting Point for Comino and More
- Crystal Lagoon: Where Your Swim Time Actually Counts
- Comino Stop: Quick Coves, Caves, and Coastline Views
- Blue Lagoon for a Full Hour: The One You’ll Remember
- Hondoq Bay in Gozo: Views Next to Halfa Rock
- San Blas Bay: Red-Gold Sand and an Unhurried Feel
- Ramla Bay: Gozo’s Iconic Red Sand and Dunes
- San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Caves: Comino’s Coast, Up Close
- How the 7-Hour Plan Really Works (Timing and Weather)
- Value Check: What You’re Really Paying For at $744.95
- Who This Charter Fits Best
- Practical Tips to Get the Most From Every Stop
- Should You Book This Private Boat Charter?
- FAQ
- How many people are on this private boat charter?
- How long is the charter?
- What stops are included in the day?
- Is the tour in English?
- What’s included onboard?
- What should I bring?
- Do I need to worry about weather?
- What happens if the tour is cancelled due to poor weather?
- Can the route be customized?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- Are service animals allowed?
Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately

- Private group, not a public cruise with only your party on board
- Real time in the water, including 50 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and 1 hour at the Blue Lagoon
- Comfort on board, with a toilet and shower plus a sun-protected area or bow sundeck
- Water gear included, including SUP and snorkelling equipment, plus life jackets and safety gear
- One day, two islands, pairing Comino’s caves and bays with Gozo’s red-sand beaches
Why a Private Boat Charter Changes the Whole Day
On a big cruise, you’re often stuck orbiting the same few spots while everyone waits their turn. With this charter, you’re paying for access—access to the water, to calmer coves, and to the moments that usually get cut short on standard tours.
The day is built around Comino and Gozo, and the schedule gives you multiple chances to get in the water instead of one quick stop. That matters because the “best” lagoon isn’t just about the color—it’s about whether you can actually swim, snorkel, and take a few minutes for photos without a timer glaring at you.
You also get a quieter vibe. Even though the boat’s capacity is 22, your experience is private, so there’s no awkward mix of strangers trying to angle their bodies for the best view. If you’re traveling as a family, a friends group, or a couple who hates waiting, this setup fits.
Other Blue Lagoon and Comino tours we've reviewed in Malta
What’s Included Onboard (And What That Means for Your Comfort)

This charter is refreshingly practical about what you’ll need at sea. You get life jackets and safety equipment, plus toilet and shower facilities onboard. That sounds boring until you’re wet, salty, and suddenly grateful there’s somewhere to rinse and reset.
The included extras help you enjoy the ride too:
- An ice box with ice for food and drinks
- A Bluetooth sound system and USB charging point
- A sun-protected area and/or bow sundeck
- SUP and snorkelling equipment
Then there are the logistical inclusions that remove headaches: all port fees and fuel are covered. Translation: you’re not mentally adding costs while you’re already trying to relax.
What You Should Bring
Swimwear, towels, and sun cream aren’t included, so come prepared. If you want food, the setup is designed so you can bring your own preferred snacks or meals—just remember you’re also responsible for keeping it chilled (that’s where the ice box helps).
If you have water shoes, bring them. Some rocky shorelines can be easier to handle with grip, and even where you’re just stepping in and out, it makes the whole thing less annoying.
Cirkewwa: Your Starting Point for Comino and More

The day begins at Cirkewwa. You’ll head out past the harbor, and in a short time the focus shifts from mainland routines to island coastlines.
This stop is listed as about 20 minutes, so think of it as a launch-and-organize moment. Use it to get your swim gear ready, charge devices if needed (there’s USB onboard), and do a quick check that you’re set for what’s coming next.
Because this is a private charter, the pace feels less pressured here. You don’t have to sprint to catch a bus transfer or line up with everyone in the same funnel.
Crystal Lagoon: Where Your Swim Time Actually Counts
Next up is Crystal Lagoon, with about 50 minutes there and the admission included. This is the stop most people picture when they imagine Comino: clear turquoise water and a setting that’s built for swimming.
You’ll have enough time to do more than one thing. The plan includes time for swimming, snorkelling, and even cliff jumping. If you like to do a quick loop—float, snorkel a bit, then come back for a photo—50 minutes gives you that rhythm.
Potential drawback: you’re still at sea, so bring patience. If wind is up or the water is choppy, your ideal snorkel route might be different than what you expected. But that’s true of any lagoon day. The upside is that your time here is long enough to adjust without feeling cheated.
Other Gozo Island tours we've reviewed in Malta
Comino Stop: Quick Coves, Caves, and Coastline Views
After Crystal Lagoon, you get another Comino-focused break: Comino itself, about 30 minutes with admission listed as free for this stop.
This isn’t a long beach day. It’s more of a “see what you came for” stop—coastal views, caves, and that feel of being surrounded by blue water and rocky edges.
This is also a useful mental reset. Between swim stops, a shorter stop keeps the day moving while still giving you variety. If you get seasick easily, shorter on/off segments can help you manage your comfort.
Blue Lagoon for a Full Hour: The One You’ll Remember

Then you reach the big one: the Blue Lagoon, between Comino and Cominotto. You’ll have about 1 hour here, with admission included.
A lot of boat days sell Blue Lagoon as a quick splash. This one gives you time to actually enjoy it. One hour is long enough to settle in, swim calmly, and try a snorkel session without feeling like you’re constantly watching the clock.
This lagoon is known for its clear water and marine life. What I like about having that extra hour is that it turns the stop from a photo mission into a real swim. You can do your first look, then spend the next chunk of time enjoying the water itself.
If you’re picky about crowd chaos, a private charter helps. You’ll still share the general area with boats, but you’re not trapped in the same cramped routine as bigger groups.
Hondoq Bay in Gozo: Views Next to Halfa Rock
After Comino, the day swings to Gozo, starting with Hondoq Bay (about 45 minutes). Admission is listed as included for this stop, and it’s tied to the area of Qala, near Halfa Rock.
This is a great contrast to Comino’s focus on bright water. Hondoq Bay is more about the overall look of the coast—the rocky elements, the bay shape, and the way the scenery changes as you shift your angle.
With 45 minutes, it’s enough time to get a view, stretch a bit, and enjoy a slower pace. If you want a longer land break, note that this schedule keeps stops fairly specific, so it’s best suited if you’re okay with moving throughout the day.
San Blas Bay: Red-Gold Sand and an Unhurried Feel
Next is San Blas Bay, another 1 hour stop with admission included. This beach is described as having golden red sand and clear water, and it’s positioned as a quieter spot away from crowds.
I like this kind of mid-to-late-day bay stop because it gives your body a change of pace. After time in the water and between island transfers, a beach hour is where you can fully reset: towel time, sun time, and a calm moment to snack.
Keep your expectations realistic. San Blas is still a famous bay, just quieter than some of the big-name hotspots. If your goal is solitude, go early during your scheduled window and claim your spot before everyone else has the same idea.
Ramla Bay: Gozo’s Iconic Red Sand and Dunes
Then you reach Ramla Bay, about 35 minutes with admission included. This is Gozo’s most famous red-sandy beach, and it’s also known for sand dunes and a unique habitat.
This is one of those stops where the short time works in your favor. A 35-minute window keeps you from dragging the day. You get the main view, you can walk a bit along the shoreline, and you’re still fresh for the final stretch.
The dunes and red sand make it a natural photo backdrop. Just don’t try to do everything here: pick your viewpoint, enjoy the color, then move on when the hour is up.
San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Caves: Comino’s Coast, Up Close
Back in Comino territory, the day includes San Niklaw Bay (about 1 hour, admission included). It’s described as an unspoiled paradise and a quieter escape from everyday routine.
From a practical standpoint, this is where you slow down again. After Gozo’s beach stops, San Niklaw is a chance to get back to that Comino feeling—water, cliffs, and a sense of being away from the rush.
Then comes Santa Marija Caves, about 45 minutes with admission included. The caves are beneath Comino’s rugged cliffs, and the stop also includes a viewpoint while passing Elephant Head Rock.
This is a great pairing because you’re not just looking at water—you’re seeing a coast shaped by erosion and rock formations. It also suits photography. Caves and cliffside rock shapes give you texture that plain beach stops don’t.
One caution: cave and cliff areas can be uneven. Take your time on your footing, and don’t rush because you feel like you’re on a timeline.
How the 7-Hour Plan Really Works (Timing and Weather)
The day is listed as about 7 hours, but the key is that it’s not rigid in the face of bad conditions. The operator notes that the experience requires good weather, and if conditions are unfit, the itinerary can be adapted.
That usually matters more than people expect. Lagoon days can change quickly—wind can alter comfort and safety, and the “best route” can become the “safest route.” The local tour guide is meant to explain changes before the tour starts.
My advice: treat this as a weather-sensitive day. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you’ll enjoy it more. Bring a light layer even if it’s warm; sea wind can cool you off fast.
Also, do your planning with the stop durations in mind. You won’t have a full day to wander each bay on foot. This is a boat-first itinerary where every stop has a purpose: swim, snorkel, view, or cave time.
Value Check: What You’re Really Paying For at $744.95
This charter is priced at $744.95 per group, up to 15 people. That’s for a private experience, not a shared public cruise.
If your group fills the capacity of 15, that’s roughly $50 per person for a full day—often less per hour than many “top destination” activities once you include boat time, gear, and included expenses. And unlike typical day tours, a lot of the friction costs here are already wrapped in: fuel and port fees, plus safety equipment, SUP, and snorkelling gear.
You’re also paying for time. Crystal Lagoon gives you 50 minutes, Blue Lagoon gives you 1 hour, and you’re not forced into short, rushed visits. The private setup also means you control your own flow—when you swim, where you cluster onboard, and how long you linger at a lookout.
What’s not included is mostly personal stuff: swimwear, towels, and sun cream. Food is not provided, but you can bring what you like, and the ice box helps you keep it usable.
If you like clear, predictable value—this is the kind of booking where you can look at what’s included and feel confident it won’t turn into a string of add-ons.
Who This Charter Fits Best
This tour is a strong match if you want:
- More water time and less queue time
- A private day for your group (up to 15)
- Included gear like SUP and snorkelling equipment
- A route that mixes Comino’s lagoons and caves with Gozo’s beaches
It also makes sense if you hate the “sit and wait” feeling. Because this is a private charter, the day is built for movement—short stops for views, longer stops for water.
If you’re traveling as a small family, it can work well because the charter is designed for groups, and there’s onboard comfort like a toilet and shower. If you’re a couple, the private nature makes it feel more special without needing to dress up the day into something complicated.
Practical Tips to Get the Most From Every Stop
This charter runs on swim-and-view momentum. To enjoy it fully, I’d plan your priorities up front:
- Decide which water time is most important to you: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, or both.
- Bring your own swim essentials since towels and sun cream aren’t included.
- Use the included gear early, especially snorkelling equipment and SUP.
- Pack snacks and drinks you actually want, then use the ice box so everything stays cool.
- Keep your phone and camera protected for cave and rocky stops.
Also, give yourself permission to do less. You’ll be tempted to maximize everything because there are so many beautiful places. But the best days on charter boats usually come when you pick two or three “musts,” then let the rest be bonus.
Should You Book This Private Boat Charter?
Book it if you want a private, boat-first day built around Comino’s lagoons, Gozo’s red-sand beaches, and cave scenery—without the feeling of being herded. The included safety gear, onboard toilet and shower, and water equipment add real comfort for the price.
Consider skipping or waiting for a better day if you know you’re sensitive to wind and water conditions. Since the operator requires good weather and may adjust the route, this is not the kind of experience you want to force on a day when your schedule can’t flex.
One more helpful nudge: this experience is consistently rated 5/5 and recommended by everyone who provided feedback. That kind of agreement usually means you’re buying something people feel they truly got value from.
FAQ
How many people are on this private boat charter?
The tour is private, so only your group participates. The group size is up to 15, and the boat capacity is listed as 22 passengers.
How long is the charter?
The duration is listed as about 7 hours.
What stops are included in the day?
You’ll visit Cirkewwa, Crystal Lagoon, Comino, the Blue Lagoon, Hondoq Bay (Gozo), San Blas Bay, Ramla Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Santa Marija Caves. Elephant Head Rock is also seen on the way.
Is the tour in English?
Yes, the experience is offered in English.
What’s included onboard?
Included items are life jackets and safety equipment, toilet and shower facilities, an ice box with ice for food and drinks, a Bluetooth sound system and USB charging point, sun protected area and/or bow sundeck, SUP and snorkelling equipment, and all port fees plus fuel.
What should I bring?
You should bring swimwear, towels, and sun cream. If you want food, the tour doesn’t provide it, but you can bring your preferred food.
Do I need to worry about weather?
Yes. The experience requires good weather. If conditions are unfit, the itinerary can be adapted for safety, and the local tour guide provides details before the tour starts.
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to poor weather?
If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can the route be customized?
Yes, the private boat tour can be customised if you prefer to visit other attractions along the route.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are allowed.































