Cirkewwa/Mgarr: Blue and Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Charter

The best part of this private Comino boat trip is control. You are not packed onto a large excursion boat or tied to a rigid sightseeing schedule. Your captain can slow down for caves, pause at a swimming spot, or steer toward a quieter cove before taking you to the Blue and Crystal Lagoons.

I like the comfortable 22-foot boat, especially the cushioned bow, shaded stern, freshwater shower, and cooler. I also like the personal touch from captains such as Jolene and Alfred, who explain the coast and adjust the outing to your interests. The main drawback is time: two hours passes quickly, and the extra 50 EUR fuel charge, payable in cash, makes the real cost higher than the headline price.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to six: You get the whole 22-foot charter, not a seat on a large public boat.
• Two famous swimming stops: The route includes the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, with snorkel gear and pool noodles provided.
• Local captains lead the way: Jolene, Alfred, Roderick, Emmy, and Joe have all guided outings, depending on availability.
• A relaxed setup on board: Expect shade, cushioned seating, a Bluetooth speaker, cooler, freshwater shower, and safety equipment.
• The real price is higher: The listed rate is $175 per group, plus a 50 EUR fuel fee paid in cash at the end.
• Meeting point matters: Choose Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo when booking, since these are different starting points.

Why a private boat makes the Blue Lagoon easier

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous sights, and its clear water is the reason many people make the trip. It is also the part of the coast most likely to feel crowded, especially in the warmer months. A private charter gives you a better chance to enjoy the water on your own terms.

You still visit the main attraction, but you are not limited to standing near the same patch of shore as everyone else. Your captain can look for a suitable place to stop, then give you time to swim or snorkel before moving on. That flexibility is the chief reason I would choose this over a large group cruise.

The boat takes up to six people, so the cost works best for a small family, a group of friends, or a couple willing to pay for privacy. At $175 per group, the base price is reasonable when split six ways. Add the 50 EUR fuel fee, though, and you should compare the full cost rather than the advertised starting price.

For two people, it is a more expensive outing per person. For five or six, it becomes a much stronger value, particularly if you care about quiet time, personal service, and the freedom to play your own music.

Boarding at Cirkewwa or Mgarr

You can start from Cirkewwa on Malta or Mgarr on Gozo. Select the correct starting point when you book. These are not interchangeable meeting places, and choosing the wrong one could create a needless rush before departure.

At Cirkewwa, meet 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. The pickup is waterside, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

That arrangement suits people already moving between Malta and Gozo. If you are staying elsewhere, allow time to reach the correct port. The activity provider can also sometimes arrange a different start time, such as 9:00 or 11:30 in the morning, if you ask in advance.

The listed duration is two hours. That is long enough for a focused trip to the lagoons, caves, and coastal sights, but it is not an all-day cruise. I would treat it as a highlights trip with swimming, not a full tour of every corner around Comino.

The 22-foot boat and what you can use

The boat is small enough to feel personal but large enough for up to six people. You can stretch out at the bow, sit on a cushioned lounger, or use the shaded seating at the stern. This gives your group choices during the ride, which matters when one person wants sun and another prefers cover.

The boat includes a freshwater shower for rinsing off after swimming. That is a useful feature when you have sunscreen, salt water, and snorkel gear to deal with before returning to shore.

You also get a cooler with ice, one bottle of water, and local wine for those aged 18 and over. Several captains have offered sparkling wine or peach prosecco on particular outings, but the dependable inclusion listed for the trip is local wine. Food is not included, so bring snacks if you need them.

The Bluetooth speaker lets you play your own music. It is a small detail, but it helps the charter feel like your time on the water rather than a standard narrated excursion. Keep the music at a level that lets you hear the captain, since the commentary is part of what makes the trip useful.

Snorkel masks, pool noodles, shade, and safety equipment are included. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash for the fuel fee. If you are prone to seasickness, pack your preferred motion sickness prevention before boarding.

Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave from the water

The cruise begins with coastal sightseeing before the lagoon stops. Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave are among the named highlights, giving you a chance to see Malta and Comino from the water rather than only from a road or beach.

Popeye’s Cave is particularly suited to a boat trip because the view changes as you pass it. From the water, you can frame the rock formations and cave entrance for photographs without turning the stop into a long shore visit. Monte Cristo adds another coastal point of interest along the route.

The exact order and length of each stop can vary. That is not a flaw, but you should understand the trade-off. Your captain has only two hours to combine sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and the return trip. If you spend a long time at one cove, there will be less time elsewhere.

Captains including Alfred, Jolene, Roderick, Emmy, and Joe have been praised for explaining local stories, answering questions, and finding anchorages that larger commercial boats may skip. Ask questions as you go. This is the kind of outing where a short conversation with the captain can add more meaning than a fixed audio guide.

Swimming at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon

The Crystal Lagoon is usually the quieter-feeling part of the route, though conditions and boat traffic change by day. It is a natural place to begin swimming or snorkeling before visiting the more famous Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is the visual star. Its clear, bright water is excellent for a swim, and the included masks let you look below the surface. You can also use the pool noodles if you want to float without working hard.

The water may feel chilly outside the main summer season. An April outing, for example, can still offer good swimming, but you should not expect summer temperatures. The boat itself remains useful in cooler weather because you can enjoy the caves and coastline even if you choose to spend less time in the water.

Your captain may stop at two swimming spots or add a cave swim if conditions and time allow. The private format helps here. You can say that you would rather snorkel longer, see more caves, or spend more time simply floating in the lagoon.

Do not expect a long guided snorkeling session with specialist equipment. This is casual swimming and surface snorkeling using the gear on board. The value comes from reaching attractive water and choosing your own pace, not from a technical underwater program.

Captains who shape the experience

The captain matters a great deal on a small boat. Jolene has guided many outings and is also described as the only female skipper on Gozo. She has been noted for a calm manner, quick communication, patience, and strong knowledge of the coast.

Alfred has provided commentary about Malta’s culture and past while also looking for suitable anchorages. Roderick has taken groups to caves and both lagoons, keeping the mood light for families ranging from children to older adults. Emmy has led relaxed afternoon cruises, and Joe has been described as friendly and accommodating.

You cannot assume you will receive a specific captain unless the provider confirms it. The activity information says you can ask about an all-female captain and crew, so make that request early if it matters to your group.

What you can reasonably expect is a live English-speaking guide rather than a scripted tour. That is valuable when you want to ask about a cave, change the pace, or understand what you are seeing. It also means the quality of the outing depends partly on the day’s captain and sea conditions.

Timing, crowds, and the best use of two hours

A morning departure gives you a fresh start and can leave the rest of the day open. A later departure may suit you better if you want a relaxed morning, and one 4:00 p.m. outing was especially well timed for enjoying the lagoons with fewer people around.

I would ask about a late afternoon departure if your schedule allows. The light can be attractive for photographs, and the main lagoon may feel less intense than it does during the middle of the day. Still, do not book a late start expecting a long sunset cruise. The trip remains two hours.

The best use of the time is to tell the captain your priorities before leaving. If swimming matters most, say so. If you want photographs of caves and rock formations, make that clear. If you have children who need time with the noodles, build that into the plan.

A private boat does not make the Blue Lagoon empty. It simply gives you a better way to handle the crowds, with more freedom to move to another spot when practical. That distinction is important.

Who will get the most value

I would recommend this charter for:

• Couples who want a quiet, personal boat outing
• Families who prefer not to follow a large group timetable
• Friends splitting the cost among four to six people
• Snorkelers who want two easy swimming stops
• People who enjoy local conversation and flexible pacing
• Visitors who want to combine Malta, Comino, and Gozo views in one short trip

It is less suitable if you want a long day at sea, a large amount of included food, or guaranteed access for a wheelchair or mobility device. The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users, mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, bikes, or electric wheelchairs.

The 50 EUR fuel fee also deserves attention. It is due in cash at the end, so do not arrive with only a card. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours ahead, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Ozzi One Cruises charter?

Book it if you want the Blue Lagoon without giving up privacy, and if your group can make good use of a boat for up to six. The strongest reasons are the flexible route, two swimming areas, personal captain, and useful on-board extras such as snorkel masks, a cooler, shade, and a freshwater shower.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling as only one or two people and mainly want the cheapest way to see Comino. A public boat may cost less per person. I would also choose a longer charter if your main goal is to spend most of the day swimming.

For a small group that values comfort and control, this is a smart two-hour choice. Book with the full cost in mind, confirm Cirkewwa or Mgarr carefully, and request a preferred captain or time slot before arrival.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The charter lasts two hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private boat can accommodate a group of up to six people.

Where does the boat depart?

You can start from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo. Choose the correct starting point during booking.

What are the meeting points?

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.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, along with coastal sights such as Monte Cristo and Popeye’s Cave. The captain may also show you caves and quieter swimming areas.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling mask is included, along with pool noodles and safety equipment.

Are drinks included?

You receive one bottle of water and local wine for people aged 18 and over. The boat also has an ice cooler. Food is not included, but you may bring your own drinks.

Is there an extra fuel charge?

Yes. A 50 EUR fuel fee is payable in cash at the end of the tour.

Is the boat suitable for wheelchair users?

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