Cirkewwa/Mgarr: Blue and Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Charter

A private boat is one of the smartest ways to see Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon without being packed onto a large excursion boat. This two-hour trip uses a 22-foot boat for up to six people, giving you room to swim, listen to your own music, and pause at coves selected by your captain.

I like the flexible feel of the trip, especially the chance to spend real time in the water rather than simply pass the lagoons for a photograph. I also like the small touches: snorkel gear, pool noodles, a freshwater shower, a cooler, local wine, and a Bluetooth speaker are all included.

The main caution is time. Two hours passes quickly, and the $175 group price becomes $225 after the required $50 fuel fee, paid in cash. That is good value for a small group, but less so if you are traveling alone or mainly want a short sightseeing ride.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to six: You get the entire 22-foot boat, not a seat on a crowded public cruise.
• Two swimming stops: The route includes Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, with snorkel masks and pool noodles available.
• Several captains: Jolene, Alfred, Roderick, Emmy, and Joe have all led trips, with a friendly and personal style.
• Flexible atmosphere: Play your own music, relax in the shade, sunbathe at the bow, or ask to spend more time swimming.
• Extra cost to plan for: The $175 booking price does not include the $50 fuel fee, which is due in cash at the end.
• Best for small groups: Couples, families, and friends who value privacy will get the most from this charter.

Why a private boat makes the Blue Lagoon easier

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is Malta’s famous swimming stop, known for clear, bright water and dramatic rock around the shore. Its beauty is real, but the area can feel crowded, particularly during the middle of the day in summer.

A private boat changes the experience. You can see the lagoon from the water, swim from the boat, and move on when the area feels too busy. You are not tied to a large group’s fixed routine or waiting for dozens of people to board before leaving.

That privacy is the main reason to book this trip. The boat holds up to six people, so the per-person price can be reasonable for a family or group of friends. At the full capacity, the $175 base price works out to less than $30 per person before fuel. With the $50 fuel charge added, the total is $225, or $37.50 per person for six.

For two people, the price is much steeper. Still, a couple who wants a relaxed afternoon, swimming time, and a captain focused only on them may find the cost worthwhile. You are paying for space, control over the pace, and a quieter setting, not just transportation to the lagoon.

Cirkewwa and Mgarr pickup points

You can start from Cirkewwa in northern Malta or Mgarr on Gozo. Choose carefully when booking, since these are different meeting points.

From Malta, meet behind the kiosk in the parking area beside the Gozo passenger terminal at Cirkewwa. From Gozo, go to Mgarr and look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal.

The arrangement is handy if you are already near either ferry terminal. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to make your own way to the selected starting point. Bring cash for the fuel charge, sunscreen, a towel, and motion sickness medication if you need it.

The operator can sometimes arrange a different departure time, such as 9:00 or 11:30 in the morning. You need to ask about this before booking rather than assume every time is available.

What the 22-foot boat feels like

This is a small boat with several ways to sit. At the front, you can relax in the bow area or stretch out on a cushioned lounger. The stern has shade and seated space, which matters when the sun is strong or you want a break from swimming.

The boat has safety equipment, and the captain handles the route and boat operation. It also has a freshwater shower, so you can rinse off salt water before returning to shore. A cooler is provided for drinks, and you can bring your own refreshments.

You also receive a bottle of water and local wine for passengers aged 18 and over. Food is not included, so eat beforehand or bring suitable snacks if you want something during the trip. The cooler gives you a practical place to keep drinks cold.

The Bluetooth speaker is a nice bonus for a private group. You can play your own music, although the boat is still a sightseeing trip first. Keep the volume at a level that lets you hear the captain, especially near rocks and swimming areas.

Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave from the water

The route begins with coastal sights before the swimming stops. Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave are among the named highlights.

Seeing these places from a boat gives you a different angle than a road trip or a walk along the shore. You can photograph the rock formations and coastal details without needing to reach them on foot. Popeye’s Cave is particularly suited to a boat view, with the captain able to point out the feature and explain the local setting.

The exact order and amount of time at each point can vary. That is part of the appeal of a private trip. If your group is more interested in photographs and caves, tell the captain. If swimming matters most, ask for more water time.

Captains Alfred, Jolene, Roderick, Emmy, and Joe have each been praised for friendly conversation and local information. Alfred has been singled out for stories about Malta’s history and culture, while Jolene is known for a calm, personal approach and for finding quieter places around Comino. Roderick has led family groups to caves and both lagoons, and Emmy has provided relaxed commentary during afternoon trips.

Those details matter because a small boat can feel very different depending on the captain. You are not simply following a recorded route. You can ask questions, request a slower pace, and shape the outing around your group.

Crystal Lagoon is the better swimming pause

Crystal Lagoon usually feels more enclosed and dramatic than Blue Lagoon, with clear water and rocky edges around the boat. The captain can stop here for swimming and snorkeling, allowing you to enter the water directly from the boat.

The included mask lets you look below the surface without arranging separate rental equipment. Pool noodles are also available if you prefer to float and relax rather than swim hard.

The lagoon is a strong choice for anyone who wants actual water time. Families can use the noodles, confident swimmers can snorkel, and people who prefer not to leave the boat can remain in the shaded seating area.

Remember that sea conditions and the season affect comfort. One April trip had chilly water, which is not surprising outside the warmer months. Bring a towel and consider the time of year before booking if swimming is your main reason for going.

Blue Lagoon brings the classic Comino view

Blue Lagoon is the star of the route. The water is strikingly clear, and the contrast between the pale rock and blue-green sea makes it the obvious place for photographs.

The drawback is popularity. Large numbers of people can gather here, especially in summer. A private boat does not make the lagoon empty, but it gives you more options. Your captain can approach by boat, choose a better time of day, or move to another swimming spot if the main area is too crowded.

An afternoon departure can work well. One 4:00 p.m. trip was praised for finding the lagoons less busy than earlier in the day. This is not a guarantee, but it is a useful tip if you want softer light and a calmer feel.

You should also keep your expectations sensible. A two-hour charter cannot provide a long stop at every cave, bay, and lagoon. The strength of the trip is a compact taste of the coast with enough time to swim at two attractive locations.

Swimming, snorkeling, and comfort on board

The equipment is simple but useful. Snorkel masks let you explore around the boat, while pool noodles provide an easy way to float. Life jackets and other safety equipment are carried on board.

Some groups spent much of the trip swimming, while others focused on caves, photos, and conversation. The captain can adapt the balance to your interests, within the limits of a two-hour route.

The boat has shade, but you should still use sunscreen and bring a towel. Malta’s sun can feel strong even during a short outing. A freshwater shower is especially welcome after snorkeling, and the cooler keeps your own drinks cold.

If you are prone to motion sickness, bring your usual prevention. A small boat gives you a closer view of the sea, but it also responds more directly to waves than a larger vessel.

Who will enjoy this charter most

This trip suits a family that wants to swim together without managing a large group. One family ranging from age nine to eighty found the two-hour length manageable, with enough time for caves, lagoons, and a few laughs along the way.

It also works well for couples. You have the bow, shaded stern, music system, and a bottle of wine without sharing the space with strangers. The 4:00 p.m. departure can be appealing if you want a more relaxed late-day outing.

Friends will get the best financial value when six people share the boat. The group can bring drinks, choose music, and decide how much time to spend snorkeling. The charter also suits first-time boat users because the captain stays with you and can make the outing feel calm and unhurried.

This is not a good choice for wheelchair users. Mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, bikes, and electric wheelchairs are not accepted. Weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, and explosive substances are also prohibited.

What the price really includes

The base price is $175 for the group, up to six people. Included are the two-hour charter, captain, port fees, safety equipment, shade, snorkel mask, freshwater shower, pool noodles, cooler with ice, Bluetooth speaker, water, and local wine for adults.

The separate $50 fuel fee is important. It is due in cash at the end, so do not arrive with only a card or assume the advertised price covers every cost.

Food is not included, but you can bring your own drinks and keep them in the cooler. This helps control the cost, especially for a family. The bottle of local wine is a pleasant extra, but it should not be the reason you book. The real value is the private boat and the ability to use your time as you like.

At six people, the total is sensible for a private outing. At two people, compare it with a shared boat if price is your main concern. The charter makes most sense when privacy, swimming time, and personal attention matter more than getting the lowest possible fare.

Booking tips for a smoother trip

Pick the correct departure point, Cirkewwa or Mgarr, when you book. Then confirm the meeting instructions and arrive with sunscreen, a towel, cash, and motion sickness prevention if needed.

You can request a different time slot by contacting the operator. You can also ask about an all-female captain and crew. Jolene has led many of the highly praised trips and is the only female skipper on Gozo mentioned in the available information, but you should request her or another specific captain rather than assume who will be assigned.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The live guiding is in English, and the group is private.

Should you book this Comino boat trip?

Book it if you are a small group that wants to swim at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon without joining a crowded public cruise. The strongest reasons are the private setting, friendly local captains, useful equipment, and freedom to play your own music or spend more time in the water.

Think twice if you are traveling alone, need wheelchair access, dislike small boats, or want a full-day coastal tour. Two hours is enough for a focused visit, not an all-day exploration.

For a family, couple, or group of friends already near Cirkewwa or Mgarr, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see Comino from the water. Just budget for the $50 fuel fee, bring cash, and treat the two hours as a short, well-planned swim and sightseeing outing.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

You can start from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo. At Cirkewwa, meet behind the kiosk in the parking area beside the Gozo passenger terminal. At Mgarr, look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal.

How long is the private boat charter?

The charter lasts two hours. Different departure times may be available by request, including times such as 9:00 or 11:30 in the morning.

How many people can join the boat?

The private boat accepts up to six people per group.

What is included in the price?

The trip includes the two-hour charter, snorkel mask, freshwater shower, shade, pool noodles, water, local wine for adults aged 18 and over, cooler with ice, Bluetooth speaker, port fees, and safety equipment.

Is fuel included?

No. A $50 fuel fee is due in cash at the end of the tour.

Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The route includes swimming stops at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, and snorkel masks and pool noodles are provided.

Is food provided?

No. Food is not included, but you can bring your own drinks and keep them in the provided cooler.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users and does not accept mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, bikes, or electric wheelchairs.