Malta from a private boat changes everything. For me, the big draw here is simple: you get your own captain and crew on the MV INGE III, cruising the Comino-Gangway circuit on your schedule. It’s also a very “real” way to see Malta’s water spots—less ferry bustle, more quiet coves and photo angles.

I love the way Captain Joseph looks for the right water and timing, guiding you to standout swim areas around Comino’s coast and grottos. And I really like the onboard setup: masks, snorkels, swimming aids, plus kayak, SUP, and paddle board gear—so you’re not just watching the scenery from the deck.

One thing to consider: this is weather-dependent, and you’re not picking up lunch onboard. If you want a full day meal plan, you’ll need to bring your own snacks or food.

Key Things I’d Book This For

• Captain Joseph’s hands-on routing for good swimming spots around Comino and grottos
• Comino stop pattern built around Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and bays like St Nicholas and St Mary
• Gozo time for boat-only access coves, including areas only reachable by sea
• Full snorkel and water-toy package: masks, snorkels, swimming aids, plus kayak and boards
• A classic 43-ft motor cruiser with teak decking and a mahogany interior
• Sunset cruise window (5pm to 9pm) for a slower, evening pace

Why MV INGE III Makes This Feel Like Real Private Time

This charter isn’t a crowded tour bus that happens to float. You’re on a 43-foot motor cruiser built in Venice by C. Rio boat builders, with rustic mahogany inside and teak decking. That matters because your time on the water feels like a step up from a basic day boat—more comfortable for hanging out between swim stops and better for photos, too.

The MV INGE III is licensed and fully insured for groups up to 35 persons, but your booking is positioned as a private charter for your group. The operator notes a practical maximum of 20/25 persons, which lines up with the experience being sold as a true private outing rather than a shared boat squeeze.

If you’re the type who wants to pick your own rhythm—when to swim, when to slow down, when to take that extra set of pictures—this format fits well. And the fact that it’s a private charter means the crew can shift the day when the plan needs adjusting.

Comino First: Grottos, Blue Lagoon Swim Time, and Cave Spotting

Comino is the star for snorkelers, and the cruise is built around that. On the Comino side, you’ll typically get a couple of hours for swimming and exploring by boat: Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are the obvious headline areas, and the route also includes St Mary Bay and St Nicholas Bay.

What I like about this setup is that you’re not just anchoring in one place and hoping for the best. The boat journey gives you a moving viewpoint along the shoreline, so you can spot caves and rock formations as you go. The route also includes sightseeing of landmarks like Elephant rock, plus St Mary Battery and St Mary Tower.

What this means for you:

You’ll get a mix of “watching time” and “getting wet time.” If you want photos, the boat cruising between coves gives you better angles than staying put. If you want snorkeling, you have multiple chances during the Comino portion to find the right spot.

A possible drawback:

Comino is popular by nature. Even with a private charter, you’ll still be sharing the area with other boats in the wider region. Your best bet is to let the skipper call the timing and choose the most comfortable swimming spots.

Gozo by Sea: Hidden-Feeling Bays and Boat-Only Swim Access

After Comino, the plan shifts to the Island of Gozo for another chunk of time, again focused on swimming and snorkeling in spots that can be tough to reach any other way. The whole point of a boat charter here is access—there are coves and stretches of coast where you simply do not get the same experience if you’re only moving by land.

On this portion, you’re looking for quieter water moments and scenic coastline views. The cruise approach is to move around and pick sea-side swim locations that match the day’s conditions. When you’re on a private charter, you’re not stuck waiting in line at a crowded beach.

The value of this stop:

Gozo’s shoreline reads differently from the water. You get that “why is this place only reachable by boat?” feeling, and you can build your day around what you want most—snorkel time, paddle time, or just drifting and watching the coastline slide past.

One note to keep in mind:

This portion is still part of a short outing (usually a couple of hours). If you’re chasing long snorkel sessions, plan to use your gear right away so you don’t spend the first 30 minutes just settling in.

The MV INGE III Onboard Setup You’ll Actually Use

A boat can be pretty, but what matters is whether it makes the trip easy. Here, you get several practical comfort upgrades.

Snorkel and water gear is included. You’ll have masks and snorkels, plus swimming aids. You also get access to kayak, SUP, and a paddle board setup. That means you can do more than swim—if you’d rather paddle for a while, you can.

Refreshments and cooling are handled. Bottled water is included, and there’s a large cooler with ice flakes and ice cubes. This is one of those details that sounds small until you’re on a hot day and you’re glad you don’t have to track down drinks.

Comfort features on board are real. There’s a shaded area, a sundeck, a bathing platform for easier entry, two rest rooms, and fresh water shower access. After you’ve been in and out of the sea, a shower is one of the best “invisible value” items on any boat charter.

Music is built in. The boat supports bluetooth, AUX, and USB audio. In practice, that lets you bring a playlist and keep the day feeling like a private hangout rather than a silent sightseeing run.

Food isn’t included. If you want lunch or a meal-style snack break, bring it yourself. The operator explicitly welcomes your own food and drinks onboard.

Timing Choices: Morning Cruises, Afternoon Pace, and the Sunset Window

You can start in the morning, for an afternoon feel, or go full sunset. They typically start at 9am or 10am for morning/afternoon cruises, and the sunset cruise runs 5pm to 9pm.

The posted operating windows also reflect that split: daytime runs 10am–4pm and evening 5pm–9pm. So your best strategy is to choose based on your goal.

• Morning/late morning often works if you want calm water time and more daylight for swimming and photos.
• Sunset is ideal if you want the coast in softer light and a slower mood. It’s offered as a Sunset Dinner Cruise style outing, but you should still plan on providing your own food if you’re expecting a meal.

Departures:

You’ll leave from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, depending on the option you choose. And you’ll return to the meeting point at the end.

Good practical tip:

If you’re on a cruise ship schedule, build in a little flexibility. Even when docking times shift, the crew has experience adjusting timing.

Price: What $1,137.10 Per Group Really Buys You

The price is listed as $1,137.10 per group, with a maximum group size of up to 15 for that booking model. You’re not paying “per person” the way many shared tours do. You’re paying for a private boat, fuel, skipper, and crew—and a lot of gear.

Here’s why I think this can be good value:

• Fuel and crew are included. That’s a big chunk of the cost on any charter.
• Water gear is included. Masks, snorkels, swimming aids, kayak, SUP, and paddle board access aren’t nickel-and-dimed.
• You’re getting multiple destination types. You’re not only seeing one cove; the route is built around Comino’s classic swim areas plus Gozo’s sea-coast time depending on your schedule window.
• Onboard comforts are included. Rest rooms, shower, shaded areas, and a bathing platform make the charter feel functional, not just scenic.

How to judge value for your group:

If you’re traveling as a pair or small group, a private charter can feel steep. If you spread it across several people, it can start to look like a smart way to buy time—quiet water time, privacy, and the ability to focus on what you care about (swim spots, grotto views, paddle time).

Also note: this boat is described as one of a kind in Malta. That doesn’t automatically mean “worth it,” but it does suggest you’re not just booking another cookie-cutter rental.

Service That Smooths Out the Day (Punctual, Flexible, and Friendly)

This is the part I’d pay attention to, because a charter can go two ways: beautiful boat, stressful experience—or the reverse.

The crew approach here comes through strongly. I found the combination of punctual service and willingness to work with your day to be the difference-maker. In at least one case, ship docking changes forced schedule compression, and the team handled it by adjusting timing.

Captain Joseph is specifically mentioned as a skilled captain and host—good at finding the right places to jump into turquoise water and at sharing local knowledge about Gozo and the surrounding islands. That kind of guidance matters, because you get better odds of enjoying the swim time rather than just spending it on guesswork.

There’s also a practical detail: if you ask for dinner ideas, you can get recommendations for restaurants on Gozo. That’s useful if you’re planning the rest of your day after the boat ride ends.

What to Bring So Your Charter Feels Effortless

You can keep this simple, but a few items can make a big difference.

• Swimsuit and a second dry layer for after the shower
• Towel (optional, but you might find it useful)
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water shoes if you’re sensitive about entry points
• Your own snacks or food if you want more than bottled water
• A waterproof phone option for photos during swim stops

Since lunch isn’t included, decide ahead of time how you want to eat. Even a light picnic-style snack break works well when the boat provides cooler space and drinking water.

Who This Private Charter Is Best For

This is a great fit if you want:

• a private Malta water experience focused on swimming and sea views
• flexibility in timing and stop choices
• included snorkeling and paddle gear, so you can do more than look
• an easy day that ends back at the meeting point without extra logistics

It’s especially well-suited for groups who like planning around their own pace—families with older kids, friend groups, couples who want a special outing, and anyone who wants Gozo and Comino without the “share-everything” feeling.

If you’re expecting a long all-day itinerary with a full meal plan, you might find this better for a half-day rhythm or a packed evening plan with your own food.

Should You Book This Private Comino and Gozo Charter?

I’d book it if you value privacy and water time more than “touring” by checklist. This charter is designed for swimming stops, coastline views, and the kind of small-moment comfort you feel immediately—shaded areas, a sundeck, shower access, and the gear already there.

I’d skip it (or choose a different format) if you need an included lunch or if your schedule is so tight that you can’t handle weather changes. Since it requires good weather, you’ll want a plan B day in mind.

For most people deciding between shared tours and private boats, this is a strong choice because you’re paying for the captain, the boat, and the gear—then you’re free to spend your time doing what you came for: sea views, grotto cruising, and those swim breaks around Comino and Gozo.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

It’s listed as about 2 to 4 hours depending on your booking.

Where does the boat depart from?

It departs from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. It ends back at the meeting point.

What snorkeling and water gear is included?

You get masks and snorkels, swimming aids, a kayak, a SUP, and a paddle board, plus bottled water and a cooler with ice flakes and ice cubes.

What time does the sunset cruise run?

The sunset cruise runs from 5pm until 9pm.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks onboard.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

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