Cirkewwa/Mgarr: Blue and Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Charter

The best part of this private Comino boat charter is control. Instead of joining a packed boat and following a fixed route, you have two hours with a local captain who can adjust the pace, linger at a swimming spot, or seek out a quieter cove. The 22-foot boat also gets you close to caves and coastal sights that larger boats cannot approach as easily.

I like the easy, friendly setup: snorkel gear and pool noodles are included, and you get shade, a freshwater shower, a cooler, Bluetooth music, water, and local wine for adults. I also like the choice of departure point, Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo. The main catch is time. Two hours passes quickly, and the extra 50 EUR fuel fee, payable in cash, makes the real cost higher than the advertised group price.

Key points at a glance

• Two lagoons in two hours: Swim and snorkel at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, with time for caves and scenic stops.
• A genuinely private boat: The 22-foot vessel holds your group of up to six, so the captain can shape the outing around your interests.
• Captains who add local color: Alfred, Jolene, Roderick, Joe, and Emmy have all led trips, with a friendly, personal approach.
• Comfort beyond the basics: Expect cushioned seating, stern shade, a sunbathing area, cooler, freshwater shower, and Bluetooth speaker.
• A useful late-afternoon option: A 4 pm departure can offer a calmer feel at the lagoons than the busiest part of the day.
• Budget carefully: The listed price is $175 per group, but there is also a 50 EUR fuel charge due in cash at the end.

Why a private boat makes sense around Comino

Malta’s Comino coast is famous for bright blue water, narrow caves, and small swimming coves. It is also famous for crowds, especially around the Blue Lagoon. A private charter changes the mood. You still see the same headline sights, but you are not tied to the schedule, seating plan, or swimming stop chosen for a large public boat.

I see the strongest value in this trip for a small group. At the maximum of six people, the listed $175 works out to about $29 per person before the fuel charge. Add the 50 EUR fuel fee and divide the total among six, and the cost remains reasonable for a private boat, captain, equipment, and flexible route. For one or two people, the price per person is much higher, so the economics favor families, couples traveling with friends, or a small group marking a special day.

The private format also matters if your group has mixed interests. One person can snorkel, another can stay in the shade, and the captain can balance swimming with sightseeing. You can play your own music through the Bluetooth system, bring additional drinks, and use the cooler rather than carrying everything loose around the boat.

Boarding at Cirkewwa or Mgarr

You can begin on either side of the channel. From Malta, meet behind the kiosk in the parking area next to the Gozo passenger terminal at Cirkewwa. From Gozo, go to Mgarr and look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal.

Choose the correct starting point when booking. Cirkewwa and Mgarr are close geographically, but they are on different islands and the meeting instructions are specific. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the waterside meeting point.

The boat is 22 feet long, a size that gives you a more personal ride but also means this is not a large, yacht-style vessel. You can stretch out at the bow, sit on the cushioned lounger, or use the shaded seating at the stern. Shade is provided, but I would still bring sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. Malta’s sun is strong even when the wind makes the boat ride feel cool.

The supplied safety equipment is included, as are port fees. Mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, bikes, electric wheelchairs, weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, and explosive substances are not allowed. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Cruising past Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave

The opening ride takes you along the coast toward Comino and Gozo. Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave are among the named sights, giving you a chance to take photographs before the main swimming stops.

These coastal features are best appreciated from the water. You can see the shape of the cliffs, the small openings in the rock, and the changing color of the sea without spending the whole outing on a crowded beach. Your captain can add stories about the islands, their past, and the places along the route. Alfred, Jolene, Roderick, Joe, and Emmy have all been praised for making the ride conversational and informative, but your captain is assigned by the operator and is not guaranteed unless arranged in advance.

The scenery is not the only reason to pay attention during this first stretch. The boat ride helps you understand how close Malta, Gozo, and Comino are, while also showing why a small craft is useful here. Larger boats can provide a fine view, but a private 22-foot boat feels better suited to looking into caves and pausing for photographs.

Swimming at Crystal Lagoon

Crystal Lagoon is usually the quieter-feeling counterpoint to the Blue Lagoon. The water is clear, and the surrounding rock makes a strong setting for swimming and snorkeling. The trip includes masks, so you do not need to rent basic equipment separately.

The captain chooses an anchorage based on conditions and the day’s route. Several trips have included two swimming stops, with time to use the snorkel masks or float with the pool noodles. If you are not a strong swimmer, the noodles offer a simple way to relax in the water, but you should still be comfortable entering the sea and follow the captain’s safety directions.

Crystal Lagoon is also where the private format earns its keep. The captain can give you time to swim rather than moving a large group through a strict timetable. Still, remember that the entire charter lasts only two hours. If you spend a long time at Crystal Lagoon, you may have less time at the Blue Lagoon or the caves.

Water temperature depends on the season. A spring trip can feel chilly, even on a warm day, while summer swimming is easier for most people. Bring a towel and consider motion sickness prevention if you are sensitive to boat movement. The open sea can be calm, but no short charter can guarantee perfectly still water.

Seeing the Blue Lagoon without a full-day commitment

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s star attraction, known for its pale, clear water and dramatic setting. It is also the place where the crowds can be most noticeable. A private boat lets you see the lagoon from the water and swim there without committing to a full-day public excursion.

The timing of your departure can shape the experience. A 4 pm start was especially useful for one group because the lagoon felt less busy later in the day. This is not a promise that the Blue Lagoon will be quiet, but it is a sensible option if you want to avoid the most intense daytime period.

The Blue Lagoon can be more about the setting than solitude. Even with a private boat, you are visiting one of Malta’s most popular coastal sights. The advantage is that your own group has a comfortable base on the water, with shade and seating, rather than needing to compete for a patch of shore.

Snorkel gear is included, and the water can offer a clear view of fish below the surface. You can also simply swim, float, take photos, or listen to music aboard. The captain may point out smaller coves and places less accessible to commercial boats, but the exact route depends on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment.

Caves, swimming time, and the value of flexibility

The most praised feature of this charter is not one single landmark. It is the freedom to shape the two hours. Captains have adjusted routes around swimming, caves, photographs, and the group’s general interests. One outing even fitted in extra time at caves, while another included snorkeling inside a cave.

That flexibility has practical value. If your group wants to swim more than sightsee, say so early. If you care most about photographs, ask the captain about the best stops. If someone in your group is new to this kind of boat activity, mention it at the start. Jolene was singled out for making a first-time passenger feel calm, while other captains were praised for their relaxed manner and friendly conversation.

The boat’s freshwater shower is a small but welcome feature. After snorkeling, you can rinse off salt water before sitting on the cushions or using your phone. Keep valuables in a secure, dry place, since the boat is still an open-water setting and spray is possible.

Bring your own drinks if you like, but use the provided cooler. One bottle of water and local wine are included, with wine reserved for those aged 18 and older. Food is not included, so eat beforehand or bring suitable provisions. The operator provides a bottle of wine, but you should not treat this as a full meal service.

Your captain shapes the experience

The captain is central to this outing. The boat itself is comfortable, but the trip succeeds when the person at the helm balances safety, local stories, and your preferences.

Jolene has been particularly popular with groups looking for a warm and reassuring guide. She has also been described as the only female skipper on Gozo, and the operator says you can ask about the possibility of an all-female captain and crew. Make that request before booking, since it depends on availability.

Alfred has provided commentary on Malta’s history and culture while finding preferred anchorages. Roderick has taken families to caves and both lagoons, while Emmy has been praised for answering questions and keeping the ride relaxed. Joe has also been described as friendly and accommodating.

These names are useful when you contact the operator, but they do not mean you will automatically receive a particular captain. The important point is the style of service: local explanation, a personal route, and a willingness to listen. The tour is conducted in English.

What the two-hour schedule really allows

Two hours is enough for a strong taste of the coast, but it is not a leisurely day on the water. You can expect a route that combines scenic cruising, at least the principal lagoon stops, and swimming or snorkeling. The balance depends on how long your group stays in the water and how far the captain needs to travel.

I would treat the outing as a focused coastal sampler. You get the famous lagoons, caves, and viewpoints without giving up an entire day. If you want long swims, repeated snorkeling, a relaxed lunch, and more distant coves, two hours may feel short. One group specifically wished it had booked a longer period.

Ask the operator about other start times if the listed options do not suit you. Times such as 9 am or 11:30 am may be possible by request. A morning departure can fit neatly into a sightseeing day, while late afternoon may offer a gentler atmosphere at the lagoons. The exact availability must be confirmed with the provider.

Price, fuel fee, and what is included

The advertised price is $175 for a private group of up to six. That covers the two-hour charter, captain, port fees, safety equipment, shade, snorkeling masks, pool noodles, freshwater shower, Bluetooth speaker, cooler, one bottle of water, and local wine for adults.

The important extra is the 50 EUR fuel fee, paid in cash at the end. Bring cash, and include this charge when comparing the trip with public boat excursions. Food is not included, and hotel transfers are not included either.

For a full group, the arrangement is good value because you are buying privacy rather than just a seat. You get flexibility, a captain focused on your party, and a boat that can pause at smaller sites. For a couple, the same price is harder to justify unless privacy, personal service, or a special occasion matters more than keeping the cost low.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your island plans are still moving around. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Those terms are useful, but I would still confirm the departure island and meeting point carefully before finalizing the booking.

Who should book this charter

I would choose this trip for:

• A small group of up to six that wants its own boat
• Families who prefer a relaxed pace and easy access to swimming
• Couples willing to pay more for privacy and a personal route
• Friends who want to play their own music and share drinks on board
• First-time boat passengers who would value a calm, attentive captain
• Snorkelers who want equipment provided and time at two lagoons
• Anyone hoping to reduce, though not eliminate, the crowds at the Blue Lagoon

I would think twice if you need wheelchair access, want a full-day outing, or dislike spending extra cash on fuel. You should also reconsider if you want a large vessel with extensive onboard facilities. This is a compact, open-water boat, not a floating restaurant or resort.

Practical tips for a smoother ride

Bring a towel, sunscreen, cash, and motion sickness prevention if you need it. Wear swim-friendly clothing and keep cameras and phones protected from spray.

Tell the captain your priorities as soon as you board. The route can adapt, but two hours does not allow unlimited stops. Decide in advance if your group cares most about swimming, snorkeling, caves, photographs, or simply cruising.

If you want Jolene or an all-female crew, contact Ozzi One Cruises before booking. Also ask about a nonstandard departure time if 9 am, 11:30 am, or another slot would work better for your day.

Most of all, select Cirkewwa or Mgarr correctly. The meeting points are clear once you are at the right terminal, but the wrong starting point can create an avoidable headache.

Should you book the Blue and Crystal Lagoon charter?

Book it if you want a private, flexible coastal outing and can share the cost with several people. The strongest reasons are the two lagoons, friendly local captains, comfortable small boat, included snorkeling gear, and the chance to spend more time swimming than you would on a tightly scheduled public trip.

Skip it if the added 50 EUR fuel charge strains your budget, if you need accessible facilities, or if two hours sounds too short. For a full group, I think the value is convincing. For two people, compare the total cost with a public excursion and decide how much privacy and control are worth to you.

FAQ

Where does the private boat charter depart from?

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

How long does the boat trip last?

The private charter lasts two hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

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

Are the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon included?

Yes. The route includes stops at both the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, with opportunities to swim and snorkel.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and pool noodles are included. The boat also carries safety equipment.

Is anything extra charged?

A 50 EUR fuel fee is due in cash at the end of the tour. Food, hotel pickup, and hotel drop-off are not included.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

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