Cirkewwa/Mgarr: Blue and Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Charter

Two hours can reveal a lot of coastline. This private boat charter from Cirkewwa or Mgarr gives you a small, personal way to see Comino, Gozo, and Malta from the water, with stops at the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, caves, and scenic coastal sites. I especially like the private 22-foot boat and the freedom to swim, play your own music, or simply sit back while the captain sets the pace.

The included snorkel gear, pool noodles, freshwater shower, cooler, shade, water, and local wine make the boat feel well prepared rather than bare-bones. I also like the local guiding, with captains such as Jolene, Alfred, Roderick, and Emmy adding stories and pointing out places that larger boats may pass by. The main consideration is time: two hours passes quickly, and the extra 50 EUR fuel fee must be paid in cash at the end.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to six people: The $175 price applies to the group, so it offers better value when shared by several passengers.
• Two lagoons in one short trip: You can swim and snorkel at both the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, subject to conditions and timing.
• A smaller boat reaches quieter spots: The captain can look for less crowded coves and pause at caves around Comino.
• Comfort matters here: You get shaded seating, a cushioned lounger, snorkel masks, pool noodles, a cooler, and a freshwater shower.
• Meetings are at the ferry terminals: Choose Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo carefully when booking.
• The best time may be late afternoon: One 4 p.m. departure was praised for having fewer people around the lagoons.

A small boat makes Comino feel more personal

The great strength of this outing is its size. Instead of joining a packed boat with a fixed route, you have the whole 22-foot charter to your group, up to six people. That gives you room to spread out and makes it easier to ask for a little more swimming time or a slower look at a cave.

At the bow, you can stretch out and enjoy the sun. The cushioned lounger is useful if you want to relax between swims, while the stern has shade for anyone who has had enough heat. This mix works well for couples, families, and mixed-age groups. One family ranging from age nine to eighty found the two-hour format comfortable and easy to manage.

The boat is not a luxury yacht, and you should not expect a long cruise with a full meal service. It is a practical, compact craft built for moving between coves and lagoons. That is exactly why it can feel more flexible than a large public excursion.

Your captain is an important part of the experience. Jolene is often praised for her calm manner, clear local information, and ability to make first-time boat passengers feel at ease. Alfred has been described as offering interesting commentary while locating preferred anchorages. Roderick is noted for taking families to caves and swimming spots, while Emmy has been praised for his relaxed approach and answers to questions.

The captain may also help shape the route around your interests. If you care more about swimming than sightseeing, say so early. If caves and photographs matter most, mention that too. The private format gives you a better chance of getting the balance right.

From Cirkewwa or Mgarr to the open water

You can start from Cirkewwa on Malta or Mgarr on Gozo. From Cirkewwa, the meeting point is behind the kiosk in the parking area next to the Gozo passenger terminal. From Mgarr, look for the blue umbrella opposite the Gozo passenger terminal.

You need to select the correct starting point when booking. This is a small detail, but it matters because Cirkewwa and Mgarr are on opposite sides of the channel. If you are already staying on Gozo, Mgarr is the natural choice. If you are based on Malta and heading toward Gozo, Cirkewwa may fit your day better.

The charter includes port fees, but not hotel pickup or drop-off. You will need to make your own way to the selected meeting place. Bring cash for the 50 EUR fuel charge, which is due at the end. The advertised $175 group price therefore does not represent the complete cost, although it remains reasonable when split among four to six people.

For two passengers, the cost per person is less attractive than joining a public boat. For a group of six, it becomes a stronger deal, especially when you value privacy, control of the route, and less time waiting for other passengers.

Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave set the scene

The route includes coastal sights such as Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave before reaching the main lagoons. These stops help turn the trip into more than a simple transfer to the Blue Lagoon.

You will see the coastline from water level, where rock formations, openings, and small bays look different from shore. Popeye’s Cave is especially useful for photographs, so keep your phone or camera ready. The boat is also a good place to take pictures of Malta, Gozo, and Comino without having to find a viewpoint on land.

The exact order and length of each stop can vary. This is not a rigid sightseeing cruise with a long speech at every point. Your captain may pause for photographs, explain local stories, or move on quickly if your group is eager to swim.

That flexibility is one of the best reasons to choose a private charter. It also means you should communicate. Tell the captain if you want more time in the water, a quieter cove, or a closer look at a cave. The boat can respond to your priorities better than a large group tour can.

Crystal Lagoon is the quieter swimming stop

The Crystal Lagoon is usually the first major swimming highlight. Its clear water and rocky surroundings make it a strong place for snorkeling, floating, and cooling off.

The supplied equipment includes snorkeling masks and pool noodles. The noodles are helpful if you want to float without spending all your energy swimming. The masks let you look below the surface and see fish in the clear water, according to several accounts of the trip.

This stop can feel calmer than the Blue Lagoon, though conditions and boat traffic change. The captain may look for an anchorage away from the busiest areas, which can make a real difference. You are not guaranteed solitude, but the small boat gives you a better chance of finding breathing room.

Bring a towel and sunscreen. You should also consider motion sickness prevention if you are sensitive to boat movement. Even a short ride can feel different from a ferry crossing, particularly if the water is choppy.

The sea may be cool outside the main summer period. An April outing had chilly water, but the passengers still found the snorkeling worthwhile. If you visit in spring or late autumn, plan to swim only if you are comfortable with cooler conditions.

The Blue Lagoon delivers the famous water

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and the color of the water explains its fame. The bright, clear sea makes an immediate impression, especially when viewed from the boat.

You can swim, snorkel, or use the pool noodles here. The key advantage of arriving on a private charter is not that you will have the lagoon to yourself. You will not. The advantage is that your captain can choose the timing and may take you to another area if one section feels too crowded.

One afternoon group chose a 4 p.m. departure and found the lagoon less busy than expected. That is a useful tip. A later start can produce softer light for photographs and may reduce the pressure of the busiest part of the day, though you should check the available departure times before booking.

The two-hour limit does require some discipline. You will not have unlimited time for every cave, both lagoons, a long swim, and a slow coastal tour. If your perfect day involves lingering at sea, ask about a longer charter. One passenger specifically wished for more time after booking the two-hour option.

For most people, though, two hours is a good first taste. It fits neatly into a day built around Gozo or Comino and does not demand a full day in the sun.

Snorkeling, music, and a bottle of local wine

The extras on board are simple but useful. You have a cooler with ice, a complimentary bottle of water, and local wine for passengers aged eighteen and over. You can also bring your own drinks and keep them chilled.

The Bluetooth speaker is another thoughtful touch. You can play your own music, provided it suits the group and does not interfere with the captain’s instructions. Several outings included personal playlists, which helped make the charter feel like a private time on the water rather than a standard excursion.

After swimming, the freshwater shower lets you rinse off salt and feel more comfortable for the rest of the day. That matters if you are continuing to dinner, sightseeing, or a ferry crossing.

Food is not included, so eat beforehand or bring suitable snacks. The charter includes a cooler, but it is not a catering service. Pack sensibly and avoid anything that creates a mess on a small boat.

The local wine is a pleasant extra, but do not treat it as the main attraction. You still need to stay steady, follow safety instructions, and keep an eye on children. Safety equipment is provided, and the boat has shade, but sun exposure remains a serious concern around Malta’s bright water.

What the $175 group price really buys you

The advertised price is $175 for a group of up to six, with a separate 50 EUR fuel fee paid in cash. That works out well for a full group. At six people, the charter costs roughly $29 per person before the fuel charge, though exchange rates will affect the exact amount.

The value is less about the boat itself and more about control. You are paying to avoid sharing the route with a large crowd, to decide how much time to spend swimming, and to have a captain who can respond to your group.

A public boat may be cheaper per person, especially for a couple. But a private charter can make sense for a family, two couples, or a group of friends who want to split the cost. It is also useful for people who dislike fixed schedules and loud, crowded boats.

The inclusions add practical value: snorkel equipment, water, wine, cooler, shade, pool noodles, Bluetooth speaker, port fees, safety gear, and the freshwater shower. Food, hotel transfers, and fuel are not included, so budget for those separately.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Departure times can vary, and the operator may be able to arrange a different time, such as 9 a.m. or 11:30 a.m., if you ask.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

I would choose this trip for a group that wants time in the water without giving up comfort. It suits couples looking for a private outing, families with older children, and friends who want music, drinks, and a relaxed route.

It is also a good choice if you want local conversation. The captains do more than steer. They share stories, explain the coast, and point out places that larger commercial boats may skip.

The experience is less suitable if you need wheelchair access. Non-folding wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and bikes are not allowed. Sharp objects, fireworks, weapons, and explosive materials are also prohibited.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring prevention with you. If you want a full day on the water, two hours may feel short. And if you want complete quiet, remember that the Blue Lagoon is a famous destination, not an isolated beach.

Should you book the Blue and Crystal Lagoon charter?

I would book it if you have at least four people to share the cost and want a personal way to see Comino’s coast. The small boat, flexible route, swimming stops, and friendly captains give you much more control than a large group cruise.

Choose a late afternoon time if available and appealing, especially if you hope for a calmer feel at the lagoons. Confirm your pickup side, bring sunscreen and cash, and ask about a longer trip if two hours sounds rushed.

For a couple on a tight budget, a public boat may cost less. For a family or small group, this private charter offers a strong mix of comfort, freedom, and local attention. Just remember the fuel fee and the short duration, then enjoy the water.

FAQ

Where does the 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 is the private boat trip?

The charter lasts two hours. You can check the available departure times when booking, and you can contact the operator about other times, including options such as 9 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.

How many people can join the boat?

The private charter accommodates a group of up to six people.

Is fuel included in the price?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and safety equipment are provided. The boat also has a freshwater shower for rinsing off after swimming.

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.