Sunset/Sunrise Trip – Trips in Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon

The best part of this trip is the freedom to see Comino from the water, where caves, quiet bays, beaches, and swimming spots replace the usual crowded daytime view. You can choose a sunrise outing, a sunset cruise, or a shorter private run built around swimming and snorkelling.

I like the small private format, which gives your group control over the pace. I also like the useful extras: an ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, sun canopy, WiFi, and snorkelling masks. The main catch is cost clarity: the advertised $68 price is per boat, but a professional skipper and fuel are each listed separately at €44.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to six: The rate applies to the whole boat, not each person, so the value improves when you fill the available places.
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: You can see these famous waters from the sea and request time for a swim or snorkel.
• Sunrise or sunset timing: Cooler hours make the trip more comfortable and give the coastline a softer, more atmospheric look.
• A flexible route around Comino and Gozo: The skipper may adjust the course for sea conditions, tides, shallow water, or your group’s wishes.
• Mario may be your skipper: He has been specifically praised for taking groups to prime local spots and making swim stops.
• Useful onboard comforts: Expect seating, a sun deck, canopy shade, safety equipment, a cooler, Bluetooth speaker, WiFi, and masks with snorkels.

Why a private boat changes the Comino experience

Comino is small, but the experience of seeing it from the sea can feel much bigger than a simple walk across the island. From the boat, you can look into caves, pass rocky inlets, and reach coves that are difficult to visit from shore.

The private setup matters most if your group has different ideas about the day. You might want to swim, while someone else prefers to sit in the sun and take photos. One person may want music and a slow cruise, while another wants to stop at every good snorkelling spot. Here, those choices can be discussed with the skipper instead of fixed by a large group schedule.

The advertised outing can last from one to three hours, with the main description built around a three-hour private voyage. That gives you enough time for several stops, but not enough for a full tour of every corner of Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Think of it as a focused coastal trip, not an all-day island cruise.

A private boat also avoids the feel of a large sightseeing circuit. You will not be paying for a long commentary program or a packed deck. The appeal is simple: sea air, open views, a few well-chosen stops, and time arranged around your group.

Starting from Mgarr or Cirkewwa

You can meet the boat at one of two departure areas. From Gozo, the meeting point is near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal. From Malta, it is close to Cirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Arrive 30 minutes early. This matters because a late arrival does not extend the charter, and the trip is sold by time. The separate meeting points also make this outing practical for visitors staying on either Malta or Gozo, though you should select the correct location when booking.

The activity includes pickup, but the supplied information identifies the two boat departure areas rather than hotel pickup details. Check the exact meeting instructions before setting out, especially if you are crossing from one island to another.

The boat uses a separate entrance for a skip-the-line departure. That is a small practical benefit at a busy terminal, though it does not remove the need to arrive on time.

The private boat and what is included

The boat has comfortable seating and a sun deck, giving you two basic ways to enjoy the ride. Sit under the canopy when the sun is strong, or use the open deck when you want a clearer view and more sun.

The ice cooler is a particularly useful touch. Bring your own drinks or food and keep them cold, since meals and beverages are not included. The Bluetooth speaker is also handy for a private group, and one booking specifically praised it along with the boat and cooler. Use it with some thought near other boats and quiet coves, since the natural sound of the water is part of the appeal.

Safety equipment, port and marina fees, taxes, free WiFi, and lagoon permits are included. Masks and snorkels are supplied, so you do not need to buy basic equipment for a quick swim stop.

Food, drinks, party supplies, barbecue items, a barbecue, fishing gear, and a fishing cooler are not included. This is important if you are planning a celebration. The boat can support a relaxed private outing, but extras for a party or cookout need to be arranged separately, and some are specifically excluded.

Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon stops

The Blue Lagoon is the headline sight, and for good reason. Its clear, sheltered water is the classic Comino scene, but the private boat gives you a chance to enjoy the setting from offshore rather than simply joining the crowd on land.

Your skipper can stop for swimming or snorkelling if conditions allow. The supplied information also refers to the Crystal Lagoon, caves, and additional coastal spots, so the exact order is not fixed. That flexibility is useful because sea conditions can change, and the skipper has final say over the route.

Do not expect a completely empty Blue Lagoon. It is one of Malta’s best-known stops, and the trip does not promise that the area will be free of other boats. The advantage is that you can approach by water, spend the time your group wants, and then move on instead of remaining in one crowded place.

The Crystal Lagoon adds variety. Rather than seeing only the most famous inlet, you can request a quieter swim or snorkel setting. I would treat the names of the lagoons as possible highlights, not guaranteed stops in a fixed order, because the skipper may need to change the itinerary for tides, shallows, or weather.

Caves, beaches, and Comino’s quieter coast

The coastline around Comino is the heart of the trip. As the boat moves along the island, you can look for caves cut into the rock, small beaches, and sheltered bays. These places are best appreciated from the water, where the shape of the coast becomes the view.

You can ask for leisurely cruising if swimming is not your priority. That suits anyone who wants a calm hour on the sea, as well as groups with children or mixed comfort levels in the water. The boat has seating and a canopy, so you can enjoy the coast without spending every minute in the sun.

The word secluded should be understood sensibly. The itinerary aims for quieter coves and less crowded spots, but weather, tides, and other boats affect what is possible. Your skipper can alter the route, and that is a strength rather than a weakness. A rigid promise to visit every named site would be less useful than a safe route that fits the conditions.

The trip can also include the southern reaches of Gozo. This gives you a broader view of the islands, but the short duration means you should tell the skipper what matters most. If caves are your priority, say so. If you want a swim and a slow cruise, make that clear before departure.

Sunrise, sunset, and the best time to go

A sunrise trip offers a quiet start, with the first light over Comino and calm water if conditions cooperate. It suits early risers who want a peaceful outing and swimmers who prefer to avoid the hottest part of the day.

The sunset option is more relaxed for most holiday schedules. The boat leaves the strongest daytime heat behind, and the changing light can give the coast a softer, warmer look. You can spend the final part of the trip watching the sun lower over the Mediterranean rather than rushing back from a daytime activity.

The supplied details describe both sunrise and sunset possibilities, so check the available departure time when booking. Do not assume every date offers every time slot.

The cooler hours are also practical for sun-sensitive visitors. Still bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel. A canopy offers shade, but it does not replace sun protection, especially if you plan to use the open deck or swim.

Swimming and snorkelling without a fixed script

The supplied snorkelling equipment includes a mask and snorkel. That is enough for a basic look below the surface, and it saves you from packing bulky gear for a short boat trip.

The exact snorkelling locations depend on the skipper and conditions. You may stop at the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, a quiet bay, or another suitable area. The experience is not presented as a specialist guided marine tour, so you should see it as flexible recreational snorkelling rather than a structured lesson.

Swimming stops are optional. You can remain onboard, cruise past the coves, or sit in the sun while others enter the water. That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to book privately. A fixed group boat may move on before you are ready, while this format lets you discuss the pace.

Bring swimwear and a towel, even if you mainly want to cruise. Bring cash as well, since it is specifically recommended in the preparation notes. Food and drinks are not supplied, so plan for your own refreshments.

How much value do you get for the price?

The listed price is $68 per group of up to six people, not $68 per passenger. On that basis, the headline rate can be appealing for a full group, especially if you want a private boat rather than a shared excursion.

But you need to add the stated €44 professional skipper fee and €44 fuel charge. The skipper is required for the charter, and fuel is settled separately. Because the advertised amount is in dollars while the additional charges are in euros, confirm the final total and currency before paying.

For two people, the per-person cost will be much higher. For six, the cost spreads more comfortably, making the private format easier to justify. You are paying for control, privacy, and a boat arranged around your group, not only transport from one lagoon to another.

The included cooler, canopy, snorkelling masks, lagoon permits, marina fees, and WiFi add practical value. They reduce the number of small arrangements you need to make. Still, food, drinks, fishing gear, and barbecue supplies cost extra or are unavailable, so this is not an all-inclusive party charter.

The free cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your island plans are still shifting.

Who should book this charter?

I would choose this for a group of friends, a couple wanting privacy, or a family that wants a short sea outing without committing to a full day. It also suits people who have already seen Malta from land and now want a different view of Comino and Gozo.

It is a good match for groups that value choice. You can make swimming the main event, request caves and beaches, or simply cruise during the cooler hours. The boat’s seating, canopy, cooler, and speaker make it more comfortable than a bare-bones transfer.

You should think twice if you need guaranteed stops, a fully guided historical tour, or an activity accessible to wheelchair users. The charter is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the route may change for safety reasons.

A professional skipper is required, and the skipper has final authority to cancel, postpone, or modify the trip if the sea or weather is unsafe. That means a perfect plan on paper can change on the day. In Malta, that is the sensible arrangement for a small boat, not a flaw.

The skipper can make the difference

Mario is the skipper most clearly identified in the available feedback. His strengths were finding prime locations around the area, stopping for a swim, and creating a pleasant outing with a good boat and music.

You should not assume Mario will operate every departure, but his name is useful when you confirm your booking. If he is your skipper, tell him early what your group wants from the three hours. Clear requests can help shape the balance between caves, lagoons, snorkelling, sun, and cruising.

The tour is guided in English or Maltese. It is a private group experience, so you can ask questions and discuss changes directly rather than trying to catch a guide’s attention across a crowded boat.

My verdict: book it for flexibility, not certainty

I would book this trip if you have up to six people, want a private boat, and care more about time on the water than a fixed checklist of sights. The chance to combine Comino, the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, caves, beaches, and swimming in one short outing is strong value when the boat is full.

Confirm the final price first, including the €44 skipper fee and €44 fuel charge. Then arrive early, pack swimwear and sun protection, and accept that weather may change the route.

Book it for the private pace, the scenic coastline, and the chance to let your skipper find the best practical stops. Skip it if you want a guaranteed itinerary, a fully supplied meal, or wheelchair access.

FAQ

How long does the private boat trip last?

The activity is listed as lasting from one to three hours, with the main experience described as a three-hour private voyage. Check available departure times when booking.

How many people can share one boat?

The listed rate covers a private group of up to six people. The price is charged per boat, not per passenger.

Are the skipper and fuel included in the listed price?

No. A professional skipper is required, and the supplied information lists the skipper at €44 and fuel consumption at €44 separately.

Where does the boat depart?

From Gozo, the departure area is near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal. From Malta, it is near Cirkewwa Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Are snorkelling masks and snorkels provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment consisting of a mask and snorkel is included.

Can I choose between sunrise and sunset?

The experience is offered as a sunset or sunrise trip. Available starting times depend on the date, so check the schedule before booking.

Can the itinerary change after booking?

Yes. The skipper can change the route, stops, departure or disembarkation location, postpone the trip, or cancel it because of weather, sea conditions, tides, shallow water, or other legitimate safety reasons.