Private 8 Hours Boat Charter Trip in Malta

The best part of this Malta charter is control. You get a private boat for your own group, then spend the day moving between bright blue swimming spots instead of following a fixed crowd through one busy harbor. Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon provide the main swimming time, while Gozo adds a change of pace.

I like the space for up to 12 people and the gear included in the price: snorkeling equipment and a stand-up board. I also like the crew’s reported flexibility. Captains such as Ryan, Kelo, and Ibrahim have adjusted routes for weather, helped families with young children, and even arranged a ride back when sea conditions changed.

The main drawback is cost. At $842.88 for the group, this is strong value for 10 to 12 people, but a costly day for only two or four. Food costs €30 per person, alcohol €40 per person, and the eight-hour duration includes time spent getting between stops.

Key points to know before you book

• Three different settings in one day: Swim at Blue Lagoon, spend quieter time at Crystal Lagoon, and see Gozo’s bays and beaches.
• A true private charter: Only your group takes part, with room for up to 12 people.
• Water gear is included: You can use snorkeling equipment and a stand-up board without arranging rentals separately.
• The crew can adapt the route: Sea conditions and your group’s needs may shape the stops and return plan.
• Food and alcohol cost extra: Water and soft drinks are included, while food is €30 per person and alcohol is €40 per person.
• Best value comes with a full group: The per-person price drops sharply when you fill most of the boat.

Why a private boat makes Malta’s coast easier

Malta’s best swimming water is often reached by boat, and a private charter gives you a better way to use your day. You are not tied to a large shared group, and you can speak directly with the skipper about swimming, snorkeling, children, food, or changes caused by the sea.

The boat leaves at 9:00 a.m. from Kanpai Charter Office at Crown Marina Apartments on the Ta’ Xbiex seafront. The trip finishes back at the same meeting point. Ta’ Xbiex is near public transportation, which makes the start fairly practical, though you should allow time to reach the marina before departure.

This is not a sightseeing cruise where you spend eight hours watching Malta from a seat. The main purpose is to get into the water. You should expect a day built around swimming, sun, short boat rides, and time at several coastal spots.

The private format matters most for mixed groups. A family with a toddler, a group of friends, or a birthday party can use the day differently from a group of serious swimmers. The crew has handled groups of 11 adults and a child, as well as a group of four adults and four children, so the capacity is useful rather than merely theoretical.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water and the busiest stop

Blue Lagoon on Comino is the headline stop, and it earns its place. The water is clear and turquoise, with shallow areas that make it inviting for a quick swim. Snorkelers can look for colorful marine life and underwater features close to shore.

You have two hours scheduled here, which gives you enough time to swim without making the entire day about one location. Use the included snorkeling equipment if you want to see below the surface, or take the stand-up board for a different view of the water.

The catch is that Blue Lagoon is also Malta’s best-known swimming stop. Its beauty draws many boats, particularly at busy times. A private charter does not make the lagoon empty. What it gives you is the chance to arrive with your own group, decide how long to stay within the planned route, and later move to a quieter place.

I would not treat Blue Lagoon as the only reason to book this trip. Its real value comes from pairing it with Crystal Lagoon and Gozo. You get the famous view, but you are not forced to spend all day in the most crowded part of Comino.

Crystal Lagoon: a quieter two-hour swim

Crystal Lagoon offers a different mood. Rocky cliffs surround this more sheltered-looking area, and the setting feels more enclosed than Blue Lagoon. The attraction is simple: clear water, stone walls, and a quieter place to swim and use the boat’s equipment.

The two-hour stop gives you room to slow down. You can snorkel, paddle on the stand-up board, or stay aboard with a drink while the rest of your group swims. That flexibility is useful when not everyone in your party wants the same pace.

Crystal Lagoon is also a good counterpoint to Blue Lagoon. One stop gives you the famous Malta image, while the other gives you more of a tucked-away cove feel. The exact conditions will depend on wind, waves, and the skipper’s judgment on the day.

Keep in mind that the route is not a guarantee of identical conditions every time. The crew has changed plans when the sea became uncomfortable, and that is a benefit rather than a fault. A good skipper should place comfort and safety ahead of forcing a planned stop.

Gozo: one hour of beaches and a change of scenery

The Gozo stop lasts about one hour, making it shorter than the two Comino stops. It is not enough time to tour the whole island, and you should not book this boat day expecting a land-based Gozo excursion.

Instead, think of Gozo as a coastal pause. The island is known for beaches such as golden-sand Ramla Bay and more secluded San Blas Bay. You may get time to swim, look along the shore, or enjoy a quieter part of the coast before returning to Malta.

The order and precise location can change. One group departed from Gozo and reached Blue Lagoon quickly, while another route included Paradise Bay and caves. Those details show why you should ask the operator about the planned route when booking, especially if a particular bay matters to you.

The one-hour allocation also explains why this trip works best for a group that wants several coastal stops rather than a long stay in one place. If you want to spend most of the day on Gozo itself, use a dedicated Gozo tour instead. If you want a taste of Gozo as part of a swimming day, the short stop fits well.

What comes with the boat

The charter includes fuel and a skipper, so you do not need to manage navigation or arrange a separate boat rental. Unlimited water and soft drinks are included, which is important on a full day in the sun.

Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up board are also provided. That saves you from packing extra gear and lets different people in the group switch between activities. The boat includes use of a BBQ, and information from the operator also refers to a kitchen, plates, and cutlery being available on board.

Food is not included in the advertised price. The listed charge is €30 per person, while alcohol is €40 per person. You should confirm what those charges cover before paying, particularly if you want a prepared meal, a BBQ lunch, or a specific menu.

You may also choose to bring food and drinks. A group has stored its own provisions in the boat’s fridge, so this may be possible, but confirm the arrangement before the day. If you bring food, plan something easy to serve and eat between swims. A long, formal lunch does not fit as well with a day built around moving between bays.

Some outings have included food prepared by the captain, with especially warm comments about the hosting and cooking. Do not assume this is part of the base price. Ask whether a meal can be arranged and what the €30 fee includes.

The crew and the value of private service

The skipper has an important role here. You are not simply hiring transport. The crew decides how to handle the route, sea conditions, timing, and the needs of your group.

Ryan has served as captain on outings where guests praised his hosting and cooking. Kelo and Ibrahim have also led charters that adjusted the route and stopped at less crowded bays. Names and crew assignments may vary, so treat these as examples of the team rather than a promise that one particular captain will be aboard.

The most useful service is practical flexibility. The crew has accommodated a young toddler, responded to a request to fish, and helped a large group find enough room on board. On one outing, rougher conditions led to a vehicle transfer back to the original starting point. That kind of adjustment can rescue a day when the sea does not cooperate.

A private boat also lets you ask for a pace that fits your group. If half the party wants to snorkel while others prefer to sit with a drink, you have more freedom than you would on a shared excursion. Still, the skipper has the final say on safety and route changes.

Is $842.88 good value?

The group price is easiest to judge by head count. For 12 people, the base cost works out to about $70.24 per person. For eight people, it is about $105.36 each. For four people, it rises to about $210.72 each, before food and alcohol.

That is a reasonable structure for a private full-day boat if you can fill it. Fuel, a skipper, water and soft drinks, snorkeling gear, a stand-up board, and use of a BBQ are all covered. You are also paying for privacy and the ability to shape the day around your own group.

For a small party, the price becomes harder to justify. Two couples may prefer a shared boat trip or a shorter outing. A family reunion, birthday group, or group of friends can get much better value, especially if everyone wants to swim and use the boat for most of the eight hours.

Remember that the eight hours includes travel time. It is not eight full hours anchored at one lagoon. That is normal for a route covering Comino and Gozo, but it matters if you are comparing this with a simple half-day swim trip.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would choose this for a group that values privacy more than the lowest possible price. It suits adults who want several swim stops, families who need a flexible pace, and groups marking a birthday or special occasion.

It also works for people with mixed interests. Strong swimmers can use the snorkeling gear and stand-up board, while less active members can relax with water or soft drinks. The crew has made room for children and accommodated requests such as fishing.

You should think twice if you dislike time on the water, want a detailed land tour of Gozo, or only have a couple of people to share the cost. You should also be comfortable with plans changing if wind and waves make a stop unpleasant.

The trip requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is helpful, but the 24-hour rule is strict: cancel at least 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start for a full refund, and changes made inside that window are not accepted.

Practical tips for a better day

Arrive ready to swim. Bring sun protection, a towel, and anything your group needs between stops. The provided water and soft drinks help, but you should not rely on them as a full meal.

If you want food prepared, ask about it before booking. The €30 food charge and onboard BBQ may give you several options, but the details should be settled in advance. The same applies to the €40 alcohol charge, which is for adults 18 and older.

Tell the operator about children, dietary needs, or special requests before departure. The crew has adjusted outings for young children, large groups, fishing, and changing sea conditions, but early notice gives them a better chance to plan.

Finally, ask about the route you are likely to take. Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are listed stops, but weather can change the order or replace a bay. If you particularly want caves, Paradise Bay, or a Gozo beach, mention it when arranging the charter.

Should you book the Malta boat charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the price and want a full day centered on swimming rather than a standard sightseeing cruise. The combination of Comino’s two lagoons, a short Gozo stop, included water gear, and a private crew gives you a flexible coastal day.

I would be more cautious for a small group or a strict budget. The extra food and alcohol charges add up, and Blue Lagoon can still be busy despite the private boat. For a birthday, family outing, or group of friends, though, the charter’s strongest qualities are clear: space, personal service, and the freedom to adjust the day when the sea or your group calls for it.

FAQ

How long is the private Malta boat charter?

The charter lasts approximately eight hours, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The duration includes travel time between stops.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Kanpai Charter Office 1, Crown Marina Apartments, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1027, Malta.

Where does the boat return?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Ta’ Xbiex.

How many people can join the private charter?

The boat is available for a private group of up to 12 people.

Are food and drinks included?

Unlimited water and soft drinks are included. Food costs €30 per person, and alcohol costs €40 per person. Alcohol is available only to people aged 18 or older.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up board are included, along with use of a BBQ.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can select a different date or receive a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather. For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.