Private Boat Charter Rio 44 Full/half day Private Cruises

If you’re dreaming of exploring Malta’s coast from the water, a private boat cruise like this one from Seabreeze Cruises might just be what you need. While I haven’t personally hopped aboard, this experience seems tailored for those wanting a flexible, intimate day out at sea, with plenty of chances to swim, sightsee, and relax. It’s a chance to see some of Malta’s most iconic spots without the crowds, on a vessel designed for comfort and fun.

What really catches the eye here are the customizable itinerary and the all-inclusive nature of the trip. Plus, the chance to navigate around Comino, Blue Lagoon, and even anchor near Gozo—all in a private setting—is pretty enticing. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that this experience is best suited for groups that enjoy lounging and water activities rather than structured tours. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a laid-back, personalized adventure on the water.

This tour would suit groups who love the idea of a semi-privatized yacht experience, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family and want to keep things flexible. It’s also a good pick for those who appreciate good value, since fuel, skipper, crew, and many amenities are included in the price. If you’re after a relaxed day with plenty of swimming and scenery, this cruise is likely to fit the bill.

Key Points

• Private experience: Perfect for groups wanting exclusivity and flexibility.
• All-included amenities: Fuel, crew, music, snorkeling gear, kayak, paddleboard, and more are covered.
• Multiple stops: Highlights include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and caves, with options to explore Gozitan bays.
• Customizable itinerary: The boat always goes where conditions and the day’s mood dictate.
• Comfort and convenience: Shade, sundeck, bathrooms, fresh water showers, and coolers provided.
• Duration flexibility: Ranges from 4 to 8 hours—so you can tailor your day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience

When you think about a private boat trip in Malta, the appeal is clear: a chance to escape the busy beaches and see the coast from a more personal viewpoint. This cruise hits that mark well, offering a vessel that comfortably accommodates up to 25 people, so you’re not crowded. With fuel, the skipper, and crew included, you know upfront what costs are covered—an advantage over many tour options.

Onboard, you’ll find Bluetooth, AUX, and USB for music, plus shaded areas and sun decks for relaxing or catching rays. The inclusion of bathing platforms, snorkeling masks, and aids means that swimming and exploring underwater are straightforward and fun. Many reviews highlight how much travelers enjoyed the crystal-clear waters, with one stating, “Highly recommend Seabreeze Cruises. Joseph our Captain was very accommodating. My family and I had an unforgettable day swimming in the crystal clear water and seeing the sites.”

What’s particularly attractive about this tour is its itinerary. Starting from either Xlendi or Mgarr, the boat heads around Comino, famous for its caves and stunning bays. Expect to stop at the Blue Lagoon, which is often praised for its clear, inviting waters—perfect for a swim. The tour also visits Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, and two bays in Gozitan territory, San Niklaw and Santa Marija. The flexibility to go where conditions are best makes this more than a rigid schedule—it’s a personalized experience.

The Stops in Detail

Comino and Blue Lagoon

The journey begins with a cruise around Comino, a tiny island known for its fantastic snorkeling spots and caves. The Blue Lagoon is a star here—its shallow, turquoise waters draw many visitors, and for good reason. Expect to spend about half an hour swimming, with plenty of space for everyone to float and soak in the scenery. The land features notable landmarks like Elephant Rock and the Santa Maria Battery, which you might catch sight of during the cruise.

Crystals and Caves

Next, you’ll visit the Crystal Lagoon, a quieter spot that offers a more secluded swimming experience. The Santa Maria Caves are also part of the itinerary—these caves are fascinating to view from the boat, offering a glimpse into Malta’s rugged coastline.

More Great Tours Nearby

Gozitan Bays

Crossing over to Gozitan bays, you’ll anchor near Halfa Rock, where fallen giant boulders and yellow limestone create an extraordinary seascape. A quick swim here can lead you to explore the limestone salt pans—a nod to Malta’s traditional industry, as salt was once known as “white gold”. Some travelers have appreciated the added historical tidbit, as it makes the experience more engaging.

Other Stops

San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay are included as scenic stops, offering opportunities for swimming and relaxing away from the crowds. The boat’s flexible route means that your captain will choose the best spots on the day, based on weather and sea conditions, which many reviews appreciate.

Comfort and Practical Details

The boat itself is well equipped—large shaded areas, a sundeck, and a bathing platform make lounging and swimming easy. Bathrooms and fresh water showers are available onboard, which is a real plus for comfort. The coolers with ice and the availability of masks, snorkels, kayaks, and paddleboards mean you’ll be all set for water fun.

For groups of six or fewer, the cruise includes unlimited wine and water, adding a relaxed, festive touch. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks, which is great if you want a personalized picnic-style day on the water.

What the Price Gets You

Given that fuel, the skipper, crew, snorkeling gear, and many amenities are included, this experience offers good value compared to booking a group of individual activities. The all-in nature means fewer hidden costs, and the flexibility to extend the cruise up to 8 hours can make the experience feel more leisurely.

One reviewer expressed satisfaction with the value, noting that the cruise was both well-organized and enjoyable, with the crew accommodating their needs and making the day memorable. The ability to customize stops and go where conditions are best adds to the overall feeling of personalized service.

Who Should Consider This Cruise

This private charter is ideal for groups seeking a personalized, relaxed day at sea, with plenty of swimming and sightseeing. If you prefer structured, timed tours with fixed itineraries, this might be too flexible for you. But if your group loves the idea of a tailored experience, combined with excellent views and water activities, this cruise ticks those boxes.

It’s especially suited for those who want a comfortable boat with good amenities, and who value the freedom to choose stops based on the weather and mood of the day. While not specifically marketed as family-focused, the onboard facilities and water-based activities could make it appealing for families with older children who enjoy swimming and exploring nature.

The Sum Up

This private boat cruise offers a fantastic way to see Malta’s coast in a relaxed, intimate setting. The all-inclusive approach and ability to customize stops mean you’re in control of your day, making it ideal for friends or families who want a flexible, fun adventure on the water. The stunning views, especially of Blue Lagoon and the caves, are some of the highlights that many travelers rave about, and the crew’s friendly service helps elevate the experience.

If you’re after a quality, private water trip that balances sightseeing, swimming, and comfort, this cruise checks many boxes. It’s especially well-suited to those who appreciate a laid-back atmosphere and want to avoid the crowds. Overall, it seems like a memorable way to enjoy Malta’s natural beauty from the sea.

FAQ

What is included in the cruise?
Fuel, skipper, crew, music, snorkeling masks, swimming aids, kayak, paddleboard, fresh water shower, coolers with ice flakes and cubes, and bathrooms are included. You’re also welcome to bring your own food and drinks.

How many people can the boat accommodate?
The boat can hold up to 25 people comfortably, making it suitable for small groups looking for privacy and space.

Can I bring my own food and drinks onboard?
Yes, you’re more than welcome to bring your own snacks, meals, and drinks to customize your experience.

What is the duration of the cruise?
You can choose between 4 and 8 hours, depending on your preference and availability. The exact start times should be checked directly with the provider.

Where does the cruise depart from?
Departures are from Cirkewwa jetty near the Gozo ferry. For Gozo residents, the embarkation is from Mgarr harbor jetty.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-oriented, the water activities and onboard amenities could appeal to older children who enjoy swimming and exploring.

What kind of stops will we make?
Stops typically include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, and bays in Gozo like San Niklaw and Santa Marija. The route is flexible and depends on weather conditions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.

Is there a guide onboard?
The tour is guided in English, Italian, and Maltese, and the crew will share interesting insights about the islands during the cruise.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, customizable day on Malta’s waters with stunning scenery and plenty of swimming options, this private cruise from Seabreeze Cruises could be just right for you. It offers great value with its inclusive amenities, and the friendly crew seems to make every trip memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: