Cirkewwa/Mgarr: Blue and Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Charter

The best part of this private 22-foot charter is simple: you can see Comino’s famous lagoons without being tied to a packed boat schedule. Your captain can pause at swimming spots, caves, and quieter corners, then let you decide how much time to spend in the water. I like the freedom, and I like that snorkel gear, pool noodles, shade, and a freshwater shower are already on board.

The small-group setup works especially well for couples, families, and friends who want their own space. I also appreciate the local wine, Bluetooth speaker, and cooler, small touches that make two hours feel relaxed rather than rushed. The catch is that two hours passes quickly, and the extra €50 fuel charge, payable in cash, changes the final price.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to six people: You get the boat and captain to yourself rather than sharing the ride with a large public group.
• Two famous lagoons included: The route visits both the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, with time to swim and snorkel.
• Captains add local color: Jolene, Alfred, Roderick, Joe, Emmy, and other local skippers have guided this trip, with several praised for friendly service and useful local stories.
• Good onboard comforts: Expect shade, a cushioned lounger, snorkel masks, pool noodles, a cooler, Bluetooth audio, and a freshwater rinse.
• Watch the real cost: The listed price is $175 per group of up to six, but a €50 fuel fee is due in cash at the end.
• Choose your departure point carefully: You can start at Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo, and the meeting details differ.

Why a private boat makes Comino easier

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous sights, and that fame has a downside. The water can be wonderfully clear, but the area can also feel busy, especially during the main summer hours. A private charter gives you a more personal way to see it, with a captain who can adjust the pace and stop at other parts of the coast.

This is not a full-day cruise. It is a compact coastal outing built around swimming, short scenic stops, and time on the water. That makes it easy to fit into a Malta or Gozo itinerary, but you should have realistic expectations. You will not see every bay and cave in the islands in two hours.

The boat takes up to six people. For a couple, the price per person is higher than a public boat. For five or six people, the group rate becomes much more attractive. At $175 per group, six people pay less than $30 each before the fuel fee, while two people pay considerably more. The value comes from privacy and flexibility, not from the lowest possible fare.

Cirkewwa or Mgarr: picking the right starting point

You can board from either side of the channel. From Malta, the meeting point is behind the kiosk in the parking area beside the Gozo passenger terminal at Cirkewwa. From Gozo, look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal in Mgarr.

Choose the correct departure point while booking. This matters because Cirkewwa and Mgarr are on different islands, and arriving at the wrong port could turn a simple meeting into a stressful scramble. If you want a time not shown online, such as 9:00 or 11:30 in the morning, contact Ozzi One Cruises to ask about availability.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the waterfront, so allow time for the ferry or your local transport. The boat charter itself includes port fees and safety equipment.

Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave from the water

The trip begins with a look at coastal sights such as Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave. These stops are part of the pleasure of taking a small boat: you see the rock formations from sea level, where the coastline feels more dramatic than it does from shore.

Popeye’s Cave is especially suited to a boat visit because the view changes as you approach the opening. Your captain can point out features and explain local stories, then continue toward the lagoons. The exact order and length of each stop can vary, since the captain may adapt the route to your interests and the conditions on the day.

This is where a local skipper adds real value. Captains including Jolene, Alfred, Roderick, Joe, and Emmy have been singled out for friendly conversation and local information. Jolene has also been noted as a female skipper who creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere. You can request an all-female captain and crew, though you should ask the operator about availability before booking.

Crystal Lagoon: the better place for a swim

The Crystal Lagoon is often the quieter and more natural-feeling swimming stop of the two. Its clear water and rocky edges make it a good place to use the supplied snorkel mask, look beneath the surface, or simply float with a pool noodle.

The boat gives you a useful advantage here. You do not have to search for a public beach space or carry beach gear across a crowded shore. You can step into the water from the boat, swim for a while, then climb back aboard and rinse off with the freshwater shower.

Bring a towel and sunscreen. The boat has shade, but you will still be exposed to strong Mediterranean sun when swimming or sitting forward. The cushioned bow lounger is suited to sunbathing, while the shaded stern is the better choice if you want a break from the heat.

Blue Lagoon: famous water, busy setting

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and its bright water is the reason many people book this outing. You can swim, snorkel, and take photos from the boat while your captain shows you the area around Comino.

The key benefit of a private charter is not that it makes the Blue Lagoon empty. It does not. Instead, it gives you more control over when you visit and how long you stay. A late afternoon departure, such as the 4:00 option chosen by one couple, can offer a calmer feel than the busiest part of the day. Availability depends on the schedule, so ask before assuming a particular time can be arranged.

Several captains have taken groups to less crowded swimming spots near the main attractions. That flexibility is valuable if you want the Blue Lagoon for the view but prefer to swim somewhere quieter. You can tell the captain if you want more time in the water, more cave stops, or a slower ride along the coast.

What the boat feels like for two hours

The 22-foot boat is small enough to feel personal but has several features that make the ride comfortable. You can sit at the bow, stretch out on the cushioned lounger, or move to the shaded stern. Safety equipment is included, and the boat has an onboard freshwater shower for rinsing off salt water.

The cooler is useful if you bring your own drinks or food. A bottle of water and local wine are provided, with wine available only to people aged 18 and over. Food is not included, so bring snacks if you need more than a drink during the trip.

You can connect to the Bluetooth speaker and play your own music. That detail has been a hit with couples and groups who want a private soundtrack, though you should still keep the volume at a level that lets you hear the captain and enjoy the surroundings.

The boat carries snorkel masks and pool noodles. These are practical inclusions, especially if you do not want to pack bulky swimming equipment. The supplied mask is described as snorkeling gear rather than a full set of fins, so bring your own equipment only if you prefer a particular fit or setup.

The captain matters more than the boat

On a short charter, your relationship with the skipper shapes the whole outing. A good captain does more than steer between the lagoons. The best captains explain what you are seeing, watch the swimming conditions, answer questions, and adjust the route to suit your group.

Jolene has been praised for being patient, warm, and reassuring, making her a strong choice if this is your first boat trip. Alfred has provided commentary on Malta’s history and culture while finding preferred anchorages. Roderick has been described as engaging with families, including a group ranging from age nine to 80.

Joe and Emmy have also been praised for friendly service and useful information about the coast. Captains can change, so you should not book on the assumption that one particular person will be working unless the operator confirms it.

If you have a preferred style, say so at booking. You can explain that you want extra swimming time, cave stops, a quieter route, or more coastal commentary. The private format makes those requests more realistic than they would be on a fixed public cruise.

How much time do you really get?

Two hours is enough for a taste of Comino’s coast, two swimming stops, and several photo opportunities. It is also short enough to fit before or after other plans in Malta or Gozo.

Still, you need to budget your time carefully. Boarding, moving between sights, swimming, snorkeling, and returning to port all happen within the same two-hour window. If you spend a long time at the first lagoon, you may have less time at the second.

Some people finish wishing they had booked longer. If your main goal is a relaxed day on the water, ask Ozzi One Cruises if a longer charter is possible. If you want a focused outing with the two lagoons and a few coastal sights, two hours should work well.

Price, fuel fee, and overall value

The advertised rate is $175 for a private group of up to six. You also pay a €50 fuel fee in cash at the end of the tour. Because the price is per boat rather than per person, the numbers make the most sense for a full group.

For six people, the base cost is about $29 per person, before the fuel charge. For two people, it is about $87.50 per person before fuel. That is more than a public boat ride, but you are paying for privacy, a smaller vessel, flexible swimming time, and a captain focused only on your group.

The package includes port fees, safety equipment, a snorkel mask, shade, pool noodles, a cooler, Bluetooth audio, freshwater shower access, one bottle of water, and local wine for adults. Those inclusions reduce the need to rent or arrange extras, but food remains your responsibility.

Bring cash for the fuel charge and any other personal spending. Also bring a towel, sunscreen, and motion sickness prevention if you are prone to seasickness. A small boat gives you a closer view of the coast, but it can also feel more active on the water than a large ferry.

Who should book this charter?

I would choose this trip for a group of friends, a family, or a couple who values privacy more than the lowest price. It also suits people who want to swim and snorkel without spending a full day at sea.

Families may appreciate the pool noodles, shaded seating, and the ability to set the pace. The boat has worked for a wide age range, but you should still consider each person’s comfort with boarding a small boat and swimming from it.

This is also a good option for a first boat outing. Captains such as Jolene have been praised for keeping new boat users calm and comfortable. If you are sensitive to motion, take sensible precautions and ask about conditions before setting out.

The charter is not suitable for wheelchair users. Mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and bikes are not allowed. Weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, and explosive substances are also prohibited.

Practical booking advice for Malta and Gozo

Confirm whether you are booking from Cirkewwa or Mgarr. Check the meeting instructions again on the day, and arrive with enough time to find the correct waterfront spot.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes if swimming is a priority. Pack a towel, sunscreen, cash, and any snacks you want. The provided cooler can keep your own drinks cold, but food is not supplied.

Ask about a specific captain, an all-female crew, or an unusual departure time before you pay. The operator may be able to arrange requests, but they are not guaranteed. The English-language tour is private, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Blue and Crystal Lagoon charter?

Book it if you want to see Comino from a small boat, swim at both lagoons, and avoid being tied to a large group’s timetable. The strongest reasons are the private setting, the friendly local captains, and the ability to spend more time at the spots that interest you.

Think twice if you are watching every euro, dislike small boats, or want a long day at sea. The €50 cash fuel fee is easy to overlook, and two hours may feel brief once you add boarding and return time.

For a group of four to six, I think the value is strong. For two people, it is a more expensive choice, but the privacy, personal captain, included gear, and flexible route can justify the difference. Choose the right port, bring cash and sun protection, and tell the captain what you want from the outing. That is how to get the most from this compact trip along Malta, Comino, and Gozo.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The charter lasts two hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private charter is for a group of up to six people.

Where does the boat depart?

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

Is fuel included in the price?

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

What equipment and drinks are included?

The boat includes a snorkeling mask, pool noodles, shade, safety equipment, a freshwater shower, a cooler, Bluetooth speaker, one bottle of water, and local wine for people aged 18 and over.

Is the charter suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.