Malta’s Splendour Excursion – Trips in Blue Grotto & Comino

Five hours, three islands, and remarkable water. Malta’s Splendour Excursion packs Comino’s caves, the Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and the Blue Grotto into a private boat charter for up to six people. I like the flexible route, since you can ask your skipper to spend more time swimming, snorkeling, or seeking quieter bays. I also like the personal touch provided by skippers such as Mario, Harry, and Joe, who are praised for humor, local insight, and careful attention to safety.

The main consideration is price. The advertised rate is $235 per boat, but the professional skipper and fuel each add €99, making the practical starting cost $235 plus €198 before food or drinks. The boat is private, which makes that cost easier to justify for a group of six, but less attractive for one or two people. Sea conditions can also change the route, and anyone prone to seasickness should think twice.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to six: You get the boat to your own group rather than sharing the day with a large crowd.
• Comino is the star: Expect caves, small islands, the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and swimming stops.
• The route can bend to your wishes: Ask for more quiet coves, snorkeling, sightseeing, or time in the water.
• Gozo adds a harbor and beach views: The trip passes through Mgarr Harbour, Hondoq Bay, Crow Rock, and Tal-Ħalfa Beaches.
• The final views are memorable: Blue Grotto brings natural arches and clear water, while an afternoon departure may finish near sunset.
• Costs need careful checking: Skipper and fuel are extra, and food, drinks, and barbecue supplies are not included.

A private way to see Malta’s best water

This is not a standard sightseeing cruise where you follow a fixed script from one crowded stop to the next. It is a private charter, so your group has room to shape the day within the five-hour window and the skipper’s judgment about weather, tides, and sea conditions.

That difference matters most at Comino. The Blue Lagoon is Malta’s famous calling card, but it can become crowded. A private boat gives you the chance to enjoy the view from the water, swim directly from the boat, and ask to move on if the area feels too busy.

The boat includes comfortable seating, a sun deck, a canopy for shade, an ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, free Wi-Fi, safety equipment, and mask-and-snorkel equipment. Lagoon permits are also included. You still need to bring your own towel, sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, and cash.

The strongest part of the experience is the combination of freedom and local guidance. Mario has been praised for attentive service and island knowledge. Harry has a reputation for finding more secluded bays when asked. Joe is noted for a calm manner, humor, photos, and a strong focus on keeping his group safe.

Comino’s caves and coves come first

Comino is the heart of the outing. Its coastline is best appreciated from the water, where pale rock, sea caves, small beaches, and bright patches of shallow water appear one after another.

Your route may include Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Pigeon Rock. These are not simply photo stops. They give you a sense of how the sea has shaped the coast, with openings in the rock and narrow coves that are difficult to appreciate from land.

The skipper also shares local stories and historical details during the cruise. That narration adds context without taking away from the relaxed pace. You can listen while sitting under the canopy, or move to the sun deck for wider views.

The itinerary is not locked in stone. If your group wants to spend longer looking at caves, you can ask. If you would rather swim than hear another coastal explanation, you can make that clear. The skipper has the final say when conditions are rough, but the private format gives you more say than a large group boat would.

Blue Lagoon: famous, beautiful, and not always peaceful

The Blue Lagoon is the stop most people already know. Its clear water and pale seabed create the bright color that fills Malta postcards. You can swim from the boat, snorkel with the provided equipment, or take a short walk along the coast.

The private boat helps here because you are not tied to a long shore visit. You can enjoy the water without carrying all your belongings onto a crowded beach. You can also ask to leave if the mood is too busy or noisy.

There is one important distinction: a private charter does not make the Blue Lagoon private. Its popularity remains part of the experience. If your ideal day means quiet water and few people, ask the skipper to balance this stop with less crowded parts of Comino.

The itinerary also mentions cliff jumping for those who want extra excitement. Treat that as an optional possibility, not a guaranteed activity. The skipper may adjust what is safe according to sea conditions, and you should only enter the water where the skipper approves.

Crystal Lagoon and the best swimming pause

Crystal Lagoon is another major water stop, and it may suit you better than the Blue Lagoon if you prefer a more natural swimming setting. The water is described as exceptionally clear, making it a strong place for snorkeling and photographs from the boat.

The boat carries mask-and-snorkel equipment, which saves you from packing your own basic gear. Still, one piece of equipment caused a minor problem for one group, even though the guide worked to sort it out. If snorkeling is central to your plans, check the mask and snorkel before leaving the harbor.

You can also bring your own equipment if you have a favorite mask or need a particular fit. The supplied gear is a useful inclusion, but it should not be treated as specialist equipment.

Swimming is a major part of the day, so this trip suits people who want to get wet. It is less suitable for someone who prefers a boat ride with no water activities or who feels uneasy on a small vessel.

Gozo through Mgarr Harbour

The boat then crosses toward Gozo, the northernmost island in the Maltese archipelago. The route passes through the Channel and reaches Mgarr Harbour, a useful change of scene after Comino’s open coast.

The Gozo portion includes views toward Hondoq Bay, Crow Rock, and Tal-Ħalfa Beaches. These stops are more about seeing the coast from the water than following a detailed land tour. You might get a swim or photo pause, depending on your group’s choices and the conditions.

Mgarr is also one of the two departure areas for this charter. From Gozo, the meeting point is near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal. From Malta, the departure area is near the Cirkewwa Kiosk inside the Gozo Channel Terminal.

You should arrive about 30 minutes early. The boat will not extend the charter if you arrive late, so allow time for traffic and for finding the correct terminal area.

The Mdina stop needs a little planning

The stated route includes a roughly 30-minute stop at Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital. The city is known for its quiet lanes, tall bastions, horse-drawn carriages, stories, and old stone setting.

Thirty minutes is enough to get a quick look, take in the atmosphere, and see part of the fortified center. It is not enough for a full visit, museum time, or a slow meal. If Mdina matters to you, treat this as a brief introduction rather than a complete city visit.

There is also a practical point to clarify before booking. Mdina is inland, while the activity is a boat charter, and the supplied route describes a stop there after returning to Malta. Ask the operator exactly how the Mdina portion is handled and how it fits with the five-hour boat schedule. This is especially important if Blue Grotto is also included at the end.

Blue Grotto closes the day with big views

The final coastal highlight is the Blue Grotto, south of Mdina. The site consists of six caves, natural arches, and clear water that changes color with the light.

A boat gives you the right angle for this stop. From the water, the arches and cave openings have more impact than they do from a roadside viewpoint. The skipper can also explain what you are seeing and position the boat for photographs, subject to sea conditions.

An afternoon departure can be particularly attractive. One group that traveled from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. enjoyed returning to the harbor near sunset, and another group described the sunset from the boat as a high point. Sunset timing depends on the season and the selected departure time, so ask about it rather than assuming it is included.

Blue Grotto is a scenic finish, but the full route covers a lot of ground. If the sea is rough or the weather changes, the skipper can alter the order, shorten a stop, or use another route. That flexibility is sensible, though it means you should not treat every named location as guaranteed.

What the price really means

The headline price is $235 per group of up to six, not $235 per person. That sounds attractive for a full private boat, but two required additions change the calculation:

• Professional skipper: €99
• Fuel consumption: €99

The practical starting cost is therefore $235 plus €198, with the final amount affected by the booking currency and payment terms. Food, drinks, party supplies, barbecue food, barbecue service, fishing gear, and a fishing cooler cost extra or are not provided.

For six people, the boat can offer good value. You are paying for privacy, a flexible route, and the ability to stop for swimming without sharing the space with strangers. For two people, the same price becomes harder to defend unless privacy and customization are more important to you than keeping costs low.

The included canopy, cooler, speaker, Wi-Fi, safety gear, snorkel equipment, permits, port fees, and taxes reduce the number of small add-on charges. You can bring your own food and drinks, but a barbecue is not part of the standard package.

Comfort, timing, and sea conditions

Five hours is a useful middle ground. You have enough time for several coastal areas and swimming stops, but the day does not consume an entire holiday. It is particularly useful if you have limited time in Malta and want to combine Comino, Gozo, and Blue Grotto in one outing.

The boat has seating and a sun deck, plus a canopy for shade. That gives you options, though the boat may feel close for a full group of six. One group of four found the boat suitable but wished it were a little larger. If your party includes six adults, ask for the boat’s exact size before committing.

Sea sickness is the main comfort concern. One direct account advised against the trip for people who are sensitive to motion. A boat route around several islands can involve open-water movement, even when the water near a lagoon looks calm.

The skipper may cancel, postpone, or change the charter when weather and sea conditions are unsafe. Routes can also change because of tides, shallow water, or the need to alter departure or landing points. That is a normal part of a responsible boat outing, but it is worth accepting before you book.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

I would choose this experience for a group that wants to swim, snorkel, take photographs, and spend time on the water without joining a large cruise. Families, couples traveling together, and small friend groups can all benefit from the private format.

It also suits people who like a little control over the day. You can ask for quieter bays, more cave viewing, extra swimming, or a slower pace. The skipper will guide the final plan, but you are not locked into a rigid sightseeing schedule.

The trip is less suitable if you want a detailed walking tour of Mdina, a guaranteed visit to every named stop, or a very low-cost boat ride. It is also a poor fit if you dislike small boats, motion, sun, or getting into the water.

Practical booking advice

The two departure areas are Cirkewwa on Malta and Mgarr on Gozo. Select the correct location carefully, then arrive 30 minutes early. Late arrival does not add time to the charter.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash. Food and drinks are not included, so plan ahead if you want refreshments during five hours at sea. An ice cooler is provided, which makes it useful to bring your own supplies.

Ask these questions before paying:

• Is the professional skipper fee already added to my booking?
• Is fuel charged separately?
• How is the Mdina stop arranged during a boat charter?
• Which stops are realistic within five hours on the chosen date?
• Can my group request a quieter bay if the Blue Lagoon is crowded?
• What happens if weather conditions force a route change?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is offered in Maltese and English.

Should you book Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

Book it if you want a private, water-focused day and your group can share the added skipper and fuel costs. The strongest reasons are the flexible route, the chance to reach Comino’s caves and lagoons by boat, and the friendly service associated with skippers such as Mario, Harry, and Joe.

I would be cautious if you are prone to seasickness, need a large boat, or mainly want to explore Mdina on foot. I would also confirm the final price and Mdina arrangements before booking.

For a group of four to six, this is a strong way to combine Comino, Gozo, and Blue Grotto in one outing. For a smaller party, compare the full cost with shared cruises. The private setting is the real product, and it is worth paying for only if that freedom matters to you.

FAQ

How long is Malta’s Splendour Excursion?

The private boat charter lasts five hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The advertised price covers one private group of up to six people.

What locations are included in the route?

The route can include Comino, the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, Pigeon Rock, Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour, Hondoq Bay, Crow Rock, Tal-Ħalfa Beaches, Mdina, and the Blue Grotto.

Is a professional skipper included in the price?

The professional skipper is not included in the base price. A €99 skipper fee is listed separately.

Is fuel included?

Fuel is not included in the base price. A €99 fuel charge is listed separately.

Does the boat provide snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Mask-and-snorkel equipment is included.

Where does the boat depart?

Departure is available from the Gozo meeting point near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal, or from the Malta meeting point near the Cirkewwa Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Food and drinks are not included.