Malta’s Splendour Excursion – Trips in Blue Grotto & Comino

Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are the stars here, but the real pleasure is having a private boat that can slip away from the busiest water. In five hours, you can see caves, small islands, swimming bays, Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour, and the Blue Grotto without being tied to a large group’s schedule.

I like the freedom to ask for quieter coves, and I like the personal service from skippers such as Mario and Harry, who are known for answering questions and adjusting the route. The main catch is cost: the advertised $235 covers the boat for up to six, but the skipper and fuel add €198, before food or drinks.

Key points to know before you book

• The boat is private for up to six people, so the value improves sharply when you fill the boat with family or friends.
• The route can change to suit you, with time for swimming, snorkeling, caves, beaches, or quieter bays.
• The Blue Lagoon may be crowded, but your skipper can take you to less busy spots around Comino.
• Skipper and fuel charges are extra, adding €198 to the listed price before refreshments or optional equipment.
• The five-hour route covers a lot, from Comino and Gozo to Mdina and the Blue Grotto, though weather can alter the plan.
• Late afternoon departures can be memorable, with a sunset return reported as a highlight in October.

A private boat changes the feel of Comino

Comino is famous for its clear water, pale rock, small beaches, and Blue Lagoon. It is also one of Malta’s busiest day-trip areas. A private charter does not make the island empty, but it gives you a useful advantage: you can spend less time beside the crowds and more time in a cove that suits your group.

The boat has comfortable seating, a sun deck, a canopy for shade, an ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, WiFi, and basic snorkeling equipment. That setup is practical rather than lavish. You have room to sit, stretch out, and keep drinks cool, while the canopy gives you a break from the strong Maltese sun.

The boat is designed for a maximum of six people. That is an intimate size, but one person noted that it felt only just large enough for four. If your group has six adults and everyone wants plenty of deck space, ask about the boat size before paying. For four or fewer people, the arrangement should feel more relaxed.

Your skipper speaks Maltese and English. Mario has been praised for being considerate, informative, and good company, while Harry is known for following requests for quieter bays and keeping the mood light. The service matters here because the skipper controls the pace, chooses safe swimming spots, and explains what you are seeing.

The Blue Lagoon, with a better chance of finding your own water

The Blue Lagoon is the stop most people expect. Its pale, shallow water and bright color make it an obvious place for a swim. You can get into the sea directly from the boat or walk along the shore, depending on the conditions and your preference.

The practical point is that the lagoon is not a private hideaway. It is a famous stop, and its popularity can be very noticeable. The private format helps because you are not forced to remain there for a fixed block of time. If the lagoon feels too busy, you can ask to move on, or use it for a quick swim before heading toward quieter water.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There is no mention of food or drink being included, so pack what you need or confirm arrangements before departure. Cash is also recommended.

Swimming from the boat is one of the most appealing parts of this trip, but you should be comfortable around open water and follow the skipper’s safety instructions. Safety equipment is provided, and the skipper has final say when weather, tides, shallows, or sea conditions affect the plan.

Comino’s caves, Crystal Lagoon, and small islands

The coastline around Comino is the strongest part of the route for anyone who likes natural scenery. The boat passes caves, rock arches, coves, and small outcrops that are hard to appreciate from land.

Crystal Lagoon is singled out as a favorite swimming spot. It is known for clear water and a more sheltered feel than the main Blue Lagoon area. You may have time to swim or snorkel here, though the exact length of each stop depends on your wishes and the sea.

The route can include Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Pigeon Rock. These names may mean more to you after seeing them from the water than they do on a map. That is part of the value of a small charter: the skipper can point out the shape of a rock, the opening of a cave, or a good place to stop for photographs.

Snorkeling equipment, specifically a mask and snorkel, is included. One person had a problem with the equipment, although the guide tried to fix it. I would treat the supplied gear as a convenience, not a guarantee of a perfect fit. If snorkeling is the main reason you are booking, bring your own mask if you have one.

Cliff jumping is also possible for the more adventurous, but this is not an activity to attempt casually. Only use spots approved by the skipper, and remember that water depth, rocks, and sea conditions can change.

Crossing to Gozo through Mgarr Harbour

The boat then heads toward Gozo, Malta’s northern island, crossing the channel to Mgarr Harbour. The harbor gives you a different view of the islands, with boats, waterfront buildings, and a working port setting.

The route may continue to Hondoq Bay, Crow Rock, and Tal-Ħalfa Beaches. These stops add variety after Comino’s caves and lagoons. You are not simply repeating the same swim stop several times. Instead, the trip mixes rock formations, bays, beaches, and open views.

This part of the charter is especially useful if your time in Malta is short. You can see a slice of Gozo from the water without organizing a separate full-day visit. The tradeoff is simple: you will not have time to explore Gozo inland, visit its villages, or tour its historic sites. Think of this as a coastal introduction, not a full Gozo tour.

If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. One person directly advised against the experience for anyone sensitive to motion on the water. The boat is comfortable, but it is still a boat, and five hours at sea can feel long if you are unwell.

A quick stop at Mdina adds history to a sea day

The stated route includes a stop at Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital, for about 30 minutes. Mdina is known for its quiet lanes, high bastions, myths, horse-drawn carriages, and old stone streets. It offers a sharp change from swimming and open water.

Thirty minutes is enough to get a feel for the place, take a few photographs, and walk a short distance. It is not enough for a serious visit. You will need to keep an eye on the clock, especially if you stop to admire a view or browse.

This stop also makes the itinerary unusually ambitious. The trip aims to combine Comino, Gozo, Mdina, and the Blue Grotto in five hours. That can work as a highlights tour, but weather, traffic around the meeting point, sea conditions, and your time in the water may force changes.

The skipper has authority to change the route, departure point, or timing for safety and practical reasons. I would book this with the right expectation: you are buying a flexible overview of Malta’s coastal sights, not a carefully measured visit to every location.

Blue Grotto brings the trip to a dramatic finish

The Blue Grotto lies on Malta’s southern coast and consists of six caves. From the water, you can see natural arches, rock walls, and the strong blue tones created by sunlight passing through the clear sea.

It is one of Malta’s best-known views, but the boat perspective gives it a special advantage. You can look back at the arches from sea level rather than only from the roadside viewpoint above. The final stop can feel particularly striking when the light is low.

The Blue Grotto is not a guaranteed swimming stop in the same way as Crystal Lagoon. Its main appeal here is the scenery and the chance to see the caves by boat. Your skipper will decide what is safe and practical on the day.

A late afternoon departure can work well if you want changing light and a possible sunset on the return. An October group taking a 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. trip especially enjoyed the view on the way back. Sunset timing will vary by season, so do not book a late start solely for that reason unless you confirm the schedule.

What the price really means for six people

The listed price is $235 per group of up to six, not $235 per person. That makes the charter look attractive for a full group. Split between six, the base price is about $39 per person.

You must then account for the €99 professional skipper fee and €99 fuel consumption charge. Those costs bring the known total to $235 plus €198, before food, drinks, or optional extras. Currency conversion will change the final amount in your own currency, so check the booking total carefully.

For six people, the private format can offer good value compared with buying six seats on separate excursions, especially if you care about controlling the route. For two people, the cost per person rises quickly. You are paying for privacy, flexibility, and a dedicated boat rather than simply transport to the Blue Lagoon.

Food and beverages are not included. Party food, party drinks, barbecue supplies, a barbecue, fishing equipment, and a fishing cooler all cost extra or are unavailable unless arranged separately. The included ice cooler is useful, but it does not mean refreshments are provided.

The boat also includes lagoon permits, marina and port fees, taxes, safety equipment, shade, WiFi, and Bluetooth audio. Those inclusions reduce surprise costs, but the skipper and fuel charges remain important when comparing this charter with other options.

Meeting points, timing, and what to pack

Pickup is available from two designated points. In Gozo, meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant in the departure area at Mgarr Harbour Terminal. In Malta, the Cirkewwa departure area is close to the Cirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Arrive 30 minutes early. This is not wasted time. Cirkewwa and Mgarr are transport hubs, and a late arrival can delay the whole group. The charter will not be extended if you arrive late.

Pack sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Add a dry bag if you have one, since the supplied information does not promise waterproof storage. If you plan to listen to music through the Bluetooth speaker, bring a charged phone.

The charter offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability. The operator may adjust your chosen time to match sea conditions and your needs.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would choose this trip for a group of friends, a family, or a small celebration that wants a private day on the water. It suits people who want swimming and snorkeling but also care about caves, coastal views, and a few cultural sights.

It is a strong choice if you have limited time and want to combine several Malta highlights. The route can show you Comino, a part of Gozo, Mdina, and the Blue Grotto in one outing.

It is less suitable if you want a full visit to Mdina or Gozo. Thirty minutes in Mdina is a taste, and the Gozo portion is coastal. It is also not ideal if you dislike boats, struggle with seasickness, or need a guaranteed itinerary that will not change.

Families should note that the experience includes swimming and snorkeling, but no specific children’s program is described. The skipper controls the route and safety decisions, so talk through your group’s needs before departure.

Should you book Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

Book it if you can fill most of the six seats and want a private, flexible way to see Comino’s water and caves. The strongest reasons are the ability to seek quieter bays, the friendly personal approach of skippers such as Mario and Harry, and the mix of swimming, scenery, Gozo, Mdina, and the Blue Grotto.

Think twice if you are traveling as a couple and watching every euro. Once the skipper and fuel charges are added, the private boat premium is real. Also, keep your expectations flexible: the skipper may alter the route or timing for safety, and five hours can only provide a quick look at several major places.

For the best chance of a memorable outing, arrive early, bring your own snorkeling mask if you rely on a precise fit, carry water and snacks, and tell the skipper what matters most. If you prefer quiet coves to famous stops, say so at the start. That personal choice is the central reason to book this charter.

FAQ

How long is Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

The private boat charter lasts five hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to six people. The rate applies to the boat, not to each passenger.

What locations are included in the route?

The route can include Comino, the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, Pigeon Rock, Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour, Hondoq Bay, Crow Rock, Tal-Ħalfa Beaches, Mdina, and the Blue Grotto.

Are the skipper and fuel included in the listed price?

No. The professional skipper costs €99, and fuel consumption costs €99. Food, drinks, barbecue items, fishing equipment, and related extras are also not included.

Where are the meeting points?

In Gozo, meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal. In Malta, meet near the Cirkewwa Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Snorkeling equipment consisting of a mask and snorkel is provided, along with safety equipment.