Malta’s water is best from a boat. This private charter around Comino and the Island of Gozo is built for swimming stops, easy sightseeing, and keeping your day flexible. I like the classic mahogany-and-teak style of the MV INGE III and the way the crew sets you up for time in the water with included snorkel gear and water toys. One thing to consider: your exact pacing depends on the day’s conditions, and the schedule can shift if weather changes.

I also like the practical planning. You get a private boat just for your group, a shaded area plus a sundeck, onboard music, and complimentary water/ice. A possible drawback is simple: lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan snacks or a meal before you board (they do welcome your own food and drinks).

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• MV INGE III (13m) motor cruiser with a mahogany interior and teak decking, licensed for serious passenger numbers
• Private charter for your group, with a practical max around 20–25 people depending on your booking
• Snorkel-ready setup: masks, snorkels, swimming aids, plus kayak/SUP/paddle board
• Comino stops built around the water: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, St Mary Bay, St Nicholas Bay, caves, and landmarks
• A true Gozo-by-boat feel, with swimming and snorkeling spots that are hard to reach any other way
• Sunset cruise option (5pm–9pm) if you want golden light instead of midday sun

MV INGE III: A Classic Boat for Malta’s Best Angles

This charter isn’t on a generic rental skiff. You’ll be on MV INGE III, a 43-foot (13m) motor cruiser pleasure boat built in Venice, Italy by C. Rio. The look matters out here. The rustic mahogany interior gives you that old-world comfort when you want shade, and the teak decking holds up well to a day of salt spray and wet feet.

It also helps that the boat is described as licensed and fully insured for up to 35 persons. In real life, the charter experience is run with a smaller practical limit—maximum persons 20/25—which usually means you’ll feel more comfortable, spread out, and able to move around without turning it into a crowded ferry.

From the onboard setup, it’s clearly meant for lounging between swims. There’s a sundeck, a shaded area, a bathing platform, and fresh water shower plus two rest rooms. That combination is more important than it sounds. In Comino and Gozo, you’re often bouncing between short swim stops and quick transitions—having a proper spot to rinse off makes the rest of the day feel smoother.

Price and Value: What $1,137.10 Covers for Your Group

The cost is listed as $1,137.10 per group, up to 15. That’s the pricing model you’ll see when you’re comparing. The better question is what that group price buys you compared to paying for multiple trips or tours.

For this charter, you’re not just paying for the boat. Fuel, skipper, and crew are included. You also get the water gear: free masks and snorkels, swimming aids, and water toys like kayak, SUP, and paddle board. Add to that the practical comforts: bottled water, and a large cooler with ice flakes and ice cubes. There’s also music onboard with Bluetooth, AUX, and USB, which is surprisingly useful because it keeps the vibe relaxed instead of awkward and quiet on calm water.

If you’re dividing the group cost in your head, this can work out very reasonably when you travel with friends or family. Even with a smaller group, it’s still a premium experience—this is private time, not a shared cruise—but the included gear and staffing keep you from paying extra for basic “on-water” needs.

One more value point from real-world comments: people highlight how the captain and staff help manage the day when schedules get weird. For example, Joseph’s team worked with timing when docking times changed due to a cruise ship shift, and they still made the day work. That kind of flexibility is hard to price, but it matters when you’re on a limited visit window.

Where You Start: Cirkewwa vs Mgarr Harbour

You’ll depart from one of two places, depending on whether you’re starting on Malta or Gozo:

• Cirkewwa in Malta
• Mgarr Harbour in Gozo

This matters because it affects how your day feels. Starting from Cirkewwa is often the cleanest path to Comino’s famous coves. Starting from Mgarr can make the Gozo part of the day feel more direct, which is great if you already want to spend your main time on the island rather than traveling back and forth.

The experience also ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not stuck solving transport after your swim-filled afternoon. On the “logistics sanity” scale, that’s a big deal.

The operator notes that the experience is near public transportation and that service animals are allowed. Most travelers can participate. In plain terms, if you can handle short boat transitions and getting on and off a bathing platform, this is usually a good match.

Comino: Blue Lagoon Time Plus Caves and Coastland Stops

Comino is where people go when they want the classic “turquoise water” feeling. The charter gives you a structured way to experience it without feeling like you’re trapped on a fixed route.

Your Comino segment is designed as a 2-hour stop with swimming and snorkeling options. You’ll be able to head through the area around Blue Lagoon and also Crystal Lagoon, plus stops such as St Mary Bay and St Nicholas Bay. This is the part of the day where you want to move quickly from “look at it” to “get in it.”

What I like about the way this charter handles Comino is that it’s not only about one highlight. You’ll also observe Comino caves and pass well-known landmarks such as Elephant rock, St Mary Battery, and St Mary Tower. That mix helps you see why Comino is special: it’s the combination of striking water and shaped rock that makes the coves look like they belong in a postcard.

A realistic consideration: Comino is popular, and the water conditions can change the feel of your swim stops. The charter leans into that by planning for multiple bays and multiple entry points, so even if one spot is busier or windier than expected, you still get options.

Gozo by Boat: Swimming Spots You Can’t Reach on Foot

After Comino, the second stop is centered on the Island of Gozo. This segment is also described as 2 hours, and the theme is hidden beauty—especially places that are only accessible by boat.

What you’ll do here is similar in spirit to Comino, but the vibe is different. You’ll have spots for swimming and snorkeling, including coves you would struggle to reach without a boat. Boat access changes everything: you get calmer angles, more shoreline variety, and a sense that you’re exploring rather than just sightseeing from one viewpoint.

Gozo also benefits from variety in coastline. You’ll likely see more “come closer” moments—places where the boat can position so you can hop in and swim a short distance without needing to rely on a specific shoreline trail.

One practical plus that shows up in feedback: the captain’s restaurant recommendation. People mention that Joseph suggested a good place to eat in Gozo. That matters because once your boat day ends, you want your next move to be easy, not a guess.

Onboard Comfort That Makes Swims Feel Easy

A private boat charter can be either “luxury” or just “comfortable transport.” This one is set up to do the in-between well: it’s built so you can enjoy the water and still feel relaxed when you’re not swimming.

Here are the onboard features that you’ll actually use:

• Shaded area for breaks between swim stops
• Sundeck for sun time and photos
• Bathing platform for easier entry back onto the boat
• Fresh water shower so you don’t dry off salty
• Two rest rooms so the day stays comfortable
• Bluetooth/AUX/USB music so you can set the mood

They also provide a lot of basic comfort and refreshment: bottled water plus a large cooler with ice flakes and ice cubes. That’s the kind of detail that makes a difference when you’re out on a warm day. Instead of thinking about where to buy drinks, you just keep moving.

You’re also welcome to bring your own food/snacks or drinks onboard. The charter explicitly notes that lunch isn’t included, so plan for it. If your group likes a picnic-style meal with a view, this is one of those setups where you can make it work without turning it into a complicated logistics puzzle.

Timing Options: Morning Cruising vs Sunset (5pm–9pm)

This charter offers multiple start times:

• Morning or afternoon cruises often start around 9am or 10am
• A sunset cruise runs roughly 5pm to 9pm

That’s a meaningful choice. A morning start usually gives you cooler temps and bright water light. A sunset start gives you softer color for photos and a calmer feel as the day cools down.

The activity is described as about 2 to 4 hours depending on what you book. Even though you’ll see a clear “Comino then Gozo” structure with two 2-hour segments, short or longer formats can fit different schedules. If your visit window is tight—like a port day—you’ll want to check what your operator can do with timing.

Also note: good weather matters. The experience is stated to require good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s not just fine print. On open water, it’s the difference between a smooth day and a day where stops are shortened or skipped.

Who Should Book This Private Charter

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A private group experience instead of sharing crowded spaces
• Serious water time with included snorkel gear and water toys
• A mix of sightseeing + swimming, including Comino caves and Gozo boat-only areas
• A “we set the rhythm” day where you can ask for practical guidance from the captain

It’s especially good for families and friend groups who want to spend the day in the water without hauling gear or negotiating who brings what. The fact that masks and snorkels and swimming aids are included removes a lot of friction.

It can also work for cruise-day schedules because the operator has experience adjusting when docking times shift. One review specifically calls out their help when docking times changed and the day got shortened—useful if your Malta visit is short and time is tight.

Booking Smart: Questions to Ask Before You Pick a Date

Before you commit, I’d ask the operator a few practical things so your day matches your expectations:

• How many people are in your group, and which capacity limit applies for your booking (up to 15 in pricing, with a practical max of 20/25)
• Whether your preferred start time lines up best with Comino-first or Gozo-first
• Whether you want to plan snacks/lunch around the fact that lunch isn’t included
• What’s the likely plan for your swim stops if wind or swell changes the day

This is a mobile ticket experience, and you confirm at booking unless you’re booking within about a day, in which case confirmation comes as soon as possible based on availability. In other words, if you’re spontaneous, you’ll probably still be fine—but don’t wait until the last minute if you want a specific slot.

Should You Book It?

I’d book this private boat charter if your top goal is water time—swimming, snorkeling, and moving between coves with a crew that can set you up for the best spots. The combination of a classic, comfortable boat, included snorkel gear and water toys, and the focus on Comino’s lagoons plus boat-access Gozo is exactly the kind of Malta day that feels worth the cost.

Skip it if you want a long, land-heavy sightseeing day. This is about the water. Your best day will be the one where you’re ready to swim, rinse off, relax on deck, and do it all again.

In short: if you want Malta and Gozo the way locals and sailors see it—by coastline, by coves, by timing—this is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The duration is listed as about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the cruise type you choose.

Where do we board the boat?

You can depart from Cirkewwa in Malta or from Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, depending on your booking.

What stops are included?

The charter includes Comino (with stops such as Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, St Mary Bay, St Nicholas Bay, plus caves and landmarks) and Gozo (with swimming and snorkeling spots accessible by boat).

Are snorkels and water toys included?

Yes. The charter includes masks and snorkels, swimming aids, and use of kayak, SUP, and paddle board. Bottled water is also provided.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and you’re welcome to bring your own food/snacks or drinks onboard.

Is it a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, meaning only your group participates.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.