SerenityBoatChartersMalta: Bluelagoon,Comino,Gozo,&Sea Caves

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the headline act, but a private boat lets you see far more than the famous turquoise cove. With skipper George at the helm, you can visit the Crystal Lagoon, enter sea caves, stop for a swim, or simply enjoy the cliffs from the water without joining a packed excursion boat.

I especially like the private format, which gives a family or group of friends control over the pace. I also like the thoughtful onboard touches: snorkeling gear, an ice box with ice and water, a freshwater shower, life jackets, and Bluetooth music. The main consideration is cost. The $199 group price covers up to seven people, but fuel is extra in cash, at €69 for two hours, €79 for three, or €89 for four.

Key points

• Private boat for up to seven people: You avoid a crowded shared cruise and can shape the outing around swimming, snorkeling, caves, or sightseeing.
• George as skipper and guide: He is repeatedly praised for clear communication, calm boat handling, local insight, and a friendly manner.
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: You get the famous shallow turquoise water plus a quieter cove suited to snorkeling and jumping into deeper water.
• Caves and cliffs by boat: Santa Marija caves and other coastal openings add variety beyond simply anchoring at the Blue Lagoon.
• Flexible departure points: The trip can begin from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo, depending on the option booked and weather.
• Useful onboard equipment: Snorkels, masks, life jackets, ice, drinking water, a freshwater shower, and a Bluetooth sound system are included.

A private way to see Comino’s famous water

This outing works best as a small, flexible sea day rather than a fixed sightseeing cruise. You are not simply carried to one postcard stop, given a short swim, and rushed back. The skipper can ask what your group wants to do and adjust the time around swimming, snorkeling, cave viewing, or quiet cruising.

That freedom matters at Comino. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, especially in summer, and a private boat gives you a better chance to stop in a less packed area nearby. One family used the boat without going ashore at all, choosing to swim around the boat away from the thickest crowds. That is a useful reminder: you do not need to treat the Blue Lagoon as a beach visit.

The boat is described as modern, clean, spacious, and comfortable for groups of four to seven. Families with children, couples wanting a private outing, and friends who want control of the music and swimming stops are the natural audience. You can also book for a sunset departure, as one group did at 5 p.m., provided that time is available.

Blue Lagoon, the scenic first stop

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its pale seabed and clear turquoise water. From the boat, you see why it draws so many people: bright water, pale rock, and steep coastal edges make a striking setting for photographs.

The shallow water makes this a good stop for relaxed swimming and for families who prefer an easy entry. Snorkeling gear is supplied, and the clear conditions can reveal fish near the rocks and boat area. Still, do not expect solitude. The lagoon is Comino’s best-known attraction, so the private boat is valuable mainly because it lets you choose how close to the main crowd you want to get.

If your group wants to swim rather than land, say so clearly. The itinerary can be shaped around water time, and several outings focused on swimming and snorkeling rather than walking ashore. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and beachwear. The sun reflects hard off the water, and there is little reason to treat this as an ordinary sightseeing ride.

Crystal Lagoon for clearer snorkeling

The Crystal Lagoon offers a different mood from the Blue Lagoon. It is deeper, enclosed by high cliffs, and known for clear water and underwater rock formations. For confident swimmers and snorkelers, this is likely to be the more rewarding water stop.

The cove can feel more sheltered and private, though conditions and crowd levels can change. The water is not just for looking at from the boat. You can use the provided snorkeling equipment to explore around the rocks, and the deeper sections appeal to people who enjoy jumping in and swimming below the boat.

That depth is also the reason to listen carefully to the skipper. This is not the same easy, shallow-water setting as parts of the Blue Lagoon. Tell George about medical conditions before departure, and make sure children and less confident swimmers use the supplied life jackets when appropriate.

Comino’s sea caves and Santa Marija Tower

The coastline becomes more interesting when the boat leaves the open lagoon areas. Waves have cut openings and arches into Comino’s rocky edge, creating short cave passages and shaded pockets where the water changes color as sunlight reaches the stone.

The Santa Marija caves are a highlight, with arches and clear openings that can be viewed from the boat. Depending on sea conditions, you may be able to swim near or through some cave entrances. The skipper decides what is safe, and the route may change if wind or waves make a particular stop unsuitable.

Santa Marija Tower, also called Comino Tower, adds a human mark to the otherwise rugged coast. Built in the 17th century, it is best appreciated as a coastal landmark viewed from the water. This is not a walking tour centered on the tower, so set your expectations correctly. You are seeing the tower as part of a wider boat route, alongside cliffs, coves, and cave openings.

What George adds to the outing

The skipper is a major part of the experience. George is described as friendly, funny, patient, and easy to communicate with. His role goes beyond steering. He points out areas of interest, suggests good swimming places, and lets you decide how to use your time.

That combination is especially helpful on a private boat. A poor skipper could turn flexibility into confusion, but George’s clear pickup communication and willingness to tailor the route give the day some shape. He has also been praised for making nervous passengers feel safe, an important point for anyone who is not fully comfortable on open water.

He may be listed as George or Giorgio in booking information, but the supplied details identify the same local skipper. He speaks English. If you have a particular goal, such as seeing caves, spending most of the time snorkeling, or catching a sunset, tell him at the start rather than hoping the route will happen automatically.

Choosing two, three, or four hours

The two-hour option is enough for a focused taste of Comino. It suits a group that wants the Blue Lagoon, one additional swimming or snorkeling stop, and a quick look at the caves. It is also useful if you have a tight schedule or are booking at the last minute.

Three hours is the best middle ground for most groups. You have time to combine Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and caves without making every stop feel rushed. Several groups chose three hours and had enough time for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.

Four hours makes sense if you want a slower outing or have a full group that does not agree on one activity. Some people can snorkel while others relax on the boat, and you have more room for extra cave viewing or a sunset plan. Additional time costs €80 per hour when available, so decide before the trip if you are likely to want longer.

The route is not locked to a single script. The skipper can change swimming stops or alter the course because of wind and sea conditions. In very strong wind, the trip may be canceled or moved to another day. That is sensible seamanship, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your Malta plans.

What is included, and what you still need

The boat tour includes a professional local skipper and guide, insurance, taxes, port fees, snorkeling gear, life jackets, drinking water, ice, and an ice box. There is also a freshwater shower, useful after swimming, and a Bluetooth sound system so your group can play its own music.

Food and drinks are not included. You should bring snacks, lunch if needed, and any drinks beyond the supplied water. Glass objects are not allowed, so pack in plastic or another suitable container. Bikes and explosive substances are also prohibited.

The boat can hold a private group of up to seven people. That capacity changes the value calculation. At the listed $199 group price, the base cost works out to about $28 per person for seven people, before the separate fuel charge. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, but you are paying for privacy and control rather than a seat on a shared boat.

Fuel must be paid in cash to the skipper on the day. The listed charges are €69 for two hours, €79 for three, and €89 for four. Because the advertised boat price is in dollars and fuel is in euros, check the final payment details before you go and carry enough cash.

Starting from Cirkewwa or Mgarr

The trip can start from Cirkewwa in northern Malta or Mgarr on Gozo. Your meeting point depends on the option booked, and weather can lead to a change in pickup or drop-off at another nearby port.

This flexibility can be useful if you are already spending time in Gozo or planning to cross between the islands. It also means you should not assume the departure point without checking your booking details. The boat may start and finish in different locations, so confirm where you need to end up before you leave your accommodation.

There is free parking on site, which helps if you are driving to the departure point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so arrange your own way to the port.

Who will get the most from this boat trip

I would recommend this for a family that wants a calmer alternative to a large excursion boat. Children can swim, use life jackets, and enjoy time on the water, while adults can ask for scenic cruising or cave stops. One outing included children as young as five and adults up to 70, showing that the format can work across age groups, subject to individual mobility and comfort.

It is also a good fit for couples and small groups of friends. Couples can choose a quieter afternoon or sunset cruise, while friends can make better use of the Bluetooth music and flexible swimming time.

Snorkelers will get more from it than passengers who only want a scenic ride. The supplied equipment and clear water at the lagoons are central parts of the experience. If nobody in your group wants to swim, you may find a land-based sightseeing tour more practical and less expensive.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, but you should still share any medical conditions in advance. It is not suitable for people over 95, and everyone should be honest about swimming ability and comfort on a boat.

Small details that improve the day

Arrive with your phone charged, especially if you plan to take photos or need to communicate about the meeting point. Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, snacks, and cash for fuel.

Tell the skipper your priorities early. A group that wants caves should say so. A family that wants shallow swimming should say so. A confident swimmer who wants longer snorkeling time should say so. The private format only pays off fully when you use that control.

Keep an open mind about the route. Wind may change the planned stops, and nearby ports may replace the original pickup or drop-off. The best part of a small boat outing is the flexibility, but flexibility also means accepting that the sea makes the final call.

Should you book Serenity Boat Charters Malta?

Book it if you value privacy, want to swim and snorkel at your own pace, and can fill a boat with several people. The strongest reasons are the flexible route, George’s calm handling and friendly guidance, the clean modern boat, and the chance to combine Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, caves, cliffs, and Santa Marija Tower in one outing.

Think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a strict budget. The base price is much easier to justify when shared by five to seven people, and fuel is an added cash expense. Also remember that the Blue Lagoon will not feel empty in peak season, even from a private boat.

For most groups, I would choose three hours. It gives you enough time to see the main coastal sights and enjoy the water without paying for a full four-hour outing. Choose four hours for a relaxed pace, extra snorkeling, or sunset. Choose two hours only if your schedule is tight.

FAQ

How long is the private boat trip?

You can choose a two, three, or four-hour boat tour. Extra time costs €80 per hour if available.

How many people can join?

The private boat is available for groups of up to seven people.

Where does the tour start?

The trip can start from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo. The meeting point depends on the option booked.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is paid in cash to the skipper on the day. The listed charges are €69 for two hours, €79 for three hours, and €89 for four hours.

Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included. The boat also has a freshwater shower.

Can the route be customized?

Yes. You can discuss swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, cave visits, and relaxing with the skipper. The route or swimming stops may change because of weather.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring your own snacks and beverages. Drinking water and an ice box with ice are provided.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The skipper may change the route or use another nearby port for pickup or drop-off. Very strong wind may lead to cancellation or rescheduling, if possible.