Looking for a private boat tour in Malta that takes you around the stunning island of Comino, to the famous Blue Lagoon, and to hidden caves that most tourists never see? Then you’ll love a trip with GOZOblu. In this post, I’ll share my honest review and personal experience of our private boat trip – including what to expect, the best time to go, and all the stops we visited around Comino and Gozo.
Disclaimer: This article is based on my personal experience during a collaboration with GOZOblu. The tour was sponsored, but as always, all opinions, impressions, and recommendations are completely my own.
Best Time for a Private Boat Tour in Malta
Malta’s main travel season runs from June to September, when temperatures are high, and the ocean is warm. I visited Malta in November to escape the cold, rainy autumn in Germany.
Of course, a boat trip in summer is ideal if you want to swim and snorkel, but I also discovered some perks of going in the off-season: there were far fewer boats on the water, the weather was mild, and the atmosphere was much more relaxed. If you’re visiting during July or August, be prepared for crowds at popular spots like the Blue Lagoon and also in Malta’s restaurants. It’s still beautiful, but expect a lot of other tourists. So honestly, both seasons have their pros and cons, and both are great for a private boat tour in Malta.
Why I Chose GOZUblu
Before booking, I compared a few different private boat charters, but GOZOblu stood out for several reasons:
- Excellent communication: Everything was arranged smoothly over WhatsApp, quick and easy.
- Flexible itinerary: You can discuss your preferred stops in advance or decide spontaneously during the trip.
- Friendly and professional skipper: Our captain, Francesco, was super nice, and I liked his relaxed attitude and local knowledge.
- Comfortable boat setup: Plenty of space to sunbathe in the front and shaded seating at the back, perfect for a day at sea.
Types of Private Boat Tours with GOZOblu
GOZOblu offers several customizable private boat tours around Comino, Gozo, and the north coast of Malta. You can choose between half-day and full-day charters, and tailor the route depending on what you want to see – whether it’s swimming in crystal-clear bays, exploring sea caves, or simply relaxing on deck.
The boats are modern, spacious, and perfect for couples, families, or small groups. What I liked most: the trips are completely private, so you can avoid the crowded tourist boats and enjoy the area at your own pace.
Starting Point of the Private Boat Trip
The meeting point was at Cirkewwa Café, right next to the Gozo ferry terminal. From there, you simply walk down to the jetty and step directly onto the boat.
If you’re staying in Valletta, you can get here by bus (around 1.5 hours). From Mellieha, it’s only a short 15-minute ride. There’s also free parking nearby, or you can easily come by Bolt or Uber, which works very well in Malta.
Comino and Blue Lagoon Tour: Itinerary
We decided to do a 3-hour sightseeing tour around Comino and the southern coast of Gozo with two shore excursions in the Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay. Our private tour started at 9 AM, but GOZOblu also offers afternoon tours, which are perfect if you prefer a sunset experience.
Once we made ourselves comfortable on the front cushions, we cruised along Malta’s rugged coastline toward Comino. It didn’t take long before I had my camera out – the clear blue water and cliffs looked absolutely stunning!
Stop 1: St. Mary’s Tower and Comino Caves
Our first stop offered a great view of St. Mary’s Tower, the iconic watchtower built by the Knights of St. John in the 17th century. Perched high on the cliffs, it’s one of Comino’s landmarks and can even be visited if you come by land. From the boat, you get a perfect photo angle with the tower.
Francesco then took us into several sea caves around Comino, some large enough for the boat to enter. The water inside glows in a surreal blue color as sunlight filters through the rock openings. It’s one of the highlights of the tour and perfect for photos!
Stop 2: P31 Wreck and Il-Bejta tal-Fenek
Next, we stopped near the P31 wreck, a small patrol boat that was intentionally sunk off Comino’s coast to create an artificial reef. It’s a popular snorkeling and diving spot today, and even if you don’t dive, you can often see the outline of the wreck from the surface.
The hidden bay Il-Bejta tal-Fenek is one of Comino’s most peaceful spots – a small inlet surrounded by rocky cliffs, far away from the crowds. On warmer days, it’s perfect for a quiet swim or to just float in the clear, shallow water.
Stop 3: Blue Lagoon
No Comino boat tour would be complete without the famous Blue Lagoon. Even though it’s one of the most popular places on the island, arriving by private boat makes all the difference. You can anchor a bit further away from the main beach area and enjoy the lagoon’s incredible turquoise color without the chaos of the large tourist boats.
We went ashore here and followed a narrow path up the cliffs to enjoy the amazing view from above. The view over the ocean is amazing! There are a few food and drink stands near the beach where you can grab a snack or something cold to drink. Just remember to dispose of your trash properly or, even better, take it with you, to help keep this beautiful place clean.
Stop 4: Salt Pans of Gozo and Halfa Rock
We then cruised along the northern coast of Gozo, where you can see the traditional salt pans carved into the limestone rocks. Locals have used them for centuries to harvest sea salt. It’s fascinating to see how this ancient tradition is still alive today. While passing by, we also spotted Ħalfa Rock, a small uninhabited islet just off Gozo’s coast. It stands out beautifully against the deep blue sea and makes a great photo stop from the boat.
Stop 5: Santa Maria Bay
A quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay is another lovely swimming spot on Comino. It’s surrounded by low cliffs and has crystal-clear water. We also got off the boat for a short walk around the bay. The beach is small but one of the most beautiful beaches in Malta. Just behind it, there’s a little white chapel, the Santa Marija Chapel.
Stop 6: Elephant Rock
Our final stop was at Elephant Rock, a natural rock formation shaped like an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea. It’s one of those quirky natural sights you’d probably miss on your own, but it makes a fun and memorable stop before heading back. After passing by the rock formation, it was time to head back to the ferry terminal.
Final Words: Private Boat Tour in Malta
If you’re looking for a personalized, relaxing, and scenic boat trip in Malta, I can highly recommend GOZOblu. The combination of stunning landscapes, hidden caves, and friendly service made this experience one of the highlights of my Malta trip.
Whether you’re visiting in summer or off-season, exploring Comino by private boat is absolutely worth it, and GOZOblu is the perfect choice to do it in comfort and style.
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If you’re planning a longer stay, this detailed 1-week Malta itinerary covers the best places to visit in Malta, including day trips, beaches, and cultural highlights.
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