Comino: Private Boat Trips, Swimming stops and Caves Tours

Clear water, caves, and your own boat. This private Comino trip gives you a flexible way to see the islands without sharing the boat with a large crowd. I like the choice of swimming bays, from Crystal Lagoon to Santa Marija Bay, and the comfortable onboard setup, including a toilet, freshwater shower, shade, cooler, and snorkeling masks. The main consideration is price: $907 is a serious outlay for a small group, though it becomes much better value when divided among a larger party of up to 30.

The schedule is flexible rather than fixed. You can choose four to six hours, adjust the starting time, and ask the skipper to spend more time swimming, sightseeing, or stopping for food. Longer trips to places such as Ramla Bay or Malta’s north coast cost extra, so you should confirm the route and final price before setting off.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to 30 people: The fixed group price can work well for a family gathering, birthday, work outing, or large group of friends.
• Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon stops: You get time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and a cocktail or lunch break at the most famous Comino bays.
• Useful onboard facilities: A covered deck, open sun decks, freshwater shower, toilet, Bluetooth speakers, cooler with ice, and bathing ladder make a long day easier.
• Cave sightseeing by Comino: The route can include Lovers Cave, Popeye’s Cave, and Santa Marija Caves, with local stories from the skipper.
• Pickup from Malta or Gozo: Meet at Cirkewwa Jetty, Mgarr Harbour, or Xlendi Pleasure Cruises, depending on the arrangement.
• A highly praised small touch: Complimentary ice keeps your drinks cold, a detail that received special praise in the available five-star feedback.

Why a private Comino boat makes sense

Comino is compact, but its famous water stops can become the center of a very busy day. A private boat gives you control over the pace. You are not tied to a large group’s timetable, and you can tell the skipper if your priority is a quiet swim, cave views, music, sunbathing, or a stop for food.

The boat is hired exclusively for your group, with a skipper and fuel included. That matters because the $907 rate is charged per group, not per person. With 30 people, the cost works out to about $30 per person. With 10 people, it is about $91 per person, and with only four people, the value is much weaker.

I would look at this as a group charter rather than a standard sightseeing excursion. It works best when your party is large enough to share the cost and wants privacy. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, a shared boat trip will almost certainly be easier on your budget.

The boat has an open front and rooftop area for sunbathing, plus a covered deck when the sun gets too strong. At the back, a low bathing platform and comfortable ladders make getting in and out of the water less awkward than from a high-sided vessel.

Pickup from Cirkewwa, Mgarr Harbour, or Xlendi

You can arrange pickup from three listed points:

• Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal in Malta
• Gozo Ferry Terminal at Mgarr Harbour
• Xlendi Pleasure Cruises

At Cirkewwa, the meeting point is behind the food kiosk, next to the Gozo Channel ferry car-queuing lanes. At Mgarr Harbour, the boat waits from the main jetty at the far end, beyond the fast ferry terminal. After booking, the operator sends the exact location by WhatsApp, which is useful because ferry ports can feel confusing when you are carrying beach gear and watching departure times.

The pickup choice should shape your day. If you are staying on Gozo, Mgarr Harbour is the obvious starting point. If you are based in Malta, Cirkewwa is practical, especially if you are already heading toward the Gozo ferry area. Xlendi is another listed option, but you should confirm its exact arrangement when booking.

The standard schedule is usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., though an earlier or later start may be possible. You can also ask to shorten or extend the trip, subject to availability. That flexibility is useful for families, large groups, and anyone working around ferry crossings or other plans.

Crystal Lagoon: the first major swim

From the pickup point, the boat takes about 15 minutes to reach Crystal Lagoon. The ride is short, leaving plenty of time for the water rather than using the day simply to reach the first stop.

You can spend about an hour and a half here swimming, snorkeling, and looking for marine life. The lagoon is one of the main reasons people choose a Comino boat trip, and a private charter lets you make this stop as active or relaxed as you wish.

The supplied snorkeling masks are free to use throughout the trip. That saves you from packing your own equipment, though you should still bring a towel, sunscreen, water, and beachwear. The boat’s rear bathing platform and ladders are especially useful here, since you can move directly between the deck and the sea.

Crystal Lagoon is also a good place to settle into the day. You can use the covered deck for shade, move to the open deck for sun, or keep drinks cold in the cooler with complimentary ice. One five-star customer gave the ice particular praise, saying it made the drinks taste much better. It is a small detail, but on a warm day it can make the boat feel much more prepared.

Blue Lagoon: the longest stop

The cruise from Crystal Lagoon to Blue Lagoon takes about 10 minutes. The planned stop lasts around two and a half hours, making it the longest break of the day.

Here you may swim, snorkel, hike, take photographs, enjoy free time, or stop for a cocktail, lunch, or street food. The famous Comino Cocktail is specifically available as an option if you go ashore at Comino. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own supplies or use the food outlets and kiosks available during the Gozo, Mgarr Harbour stop.

This is where the private format gives you the most freedom. A group with children might prefer a shorter swim and more time on land. A group of friends might spend the full break in the water or use the boat’s Bluetooth speakers for music. Anyone who dislikes a rigid timetable can simply agree on a return time with the skipper.

There is one practical caution. The word Blue Lagoon can sound like a quiet beach escape, but this is one of Comino’s best-known places. The operator does not promise solitude, and the area can feel busy. A private boat gives you privacy on your own vessel, not an empty lagoon. If you want a calmer experience, ask about spending more time at Santa Marija Bay, Saint Nicholas Bay, or another less prominent stop.

Mgarr Harbour and Gozo’s south coast

After Blue Lagoon, the boat cruises for about 10 minutes to Mgarr Harbour. The listed stop lasts roughly 30 minutes and can include a photo stop, a walk, shopping, scenic views, and a visit around the harbor.

This is the most useful food break because you can choose from a selection of food outlets, kiosks, and restaurants. You can dine in, take food away, or simply stretch your legs before returning to the boat. Since lunch is not included, this stop gives you control over both the menu and the cost.

The harbor also provides a change of pace. After several hours around swimming bays and caves, you get a short land-based break. I would use this time to buy food, refill water, and take photographs rather than attempt a long walk. The schedule allows about half an hour, so keep an eye on the boat and agree on the meeting time.

The operator commonly visits the south coast of Gozo, including Behind Halfa Rock and Qala Valley. These stops can be requested if you prefer a less famous setting than the Blue Lagoon. The exact route depends on your preferences, time, and weather.

Hondoq ir-Rummien for another swim

A 10-minute boat ride from Mgarr Harbour brings you to Hondoq ir-Rummien Beach. The planned stop is about 30 minutes, with time for sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing.

This is a shorter water break than Crystal Lagoon or Blue Lagoon, but it can work well as a final swim before the return journey. You can also use it as a chance to get back in the water without committing another long stretch of the day.

The route then includes about 15 minutes of sightseeing around Comino before drop-off. Pickup and return points are listed as Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, Xlendi Pleasure Cruises, and Gozo Ferry Terminal. Confirm the return point carefully if you need to catch a ferry or connect with another activity.

Comino’s caves and the stories behind them

The boat can tour several caves around Comino, including Lovers Cave, Popeye’s Cave, and Santa Marija Caves. These are sightseeing stops rather than guaranteed swimming sessions, so ask the skipper how much time the route allows for each.

The local skipper also narrates natural features and legends along the way. That adds something a map cannot provide, especially when you are looking at unusual rock formations from the water. The tour is in English, and the experience is led by a local skipper rather than a large onboard guide team.

You should treat the cave portion as weather-dependent. The trip itself only operates in suitable conditions, and the final route can change according to sea conditions and your chosen duration. If caves are a major reason for booking, say so before departure rather than assuming every cave will receive equal time.

The boat’s practical comforts

A private boat can sound basic until you spend four to six hours aboard. Here, the useful details are covered:

• A cooler box with complimentary ice for your own drinks
• Free snorkeling masks
• Bluetooth stereo and speakers
• Outdoor freshwater shower
• Toilet onboard
• Covered deck for shade
• Open front and rooftop decks for sunbathing
• Low bathing platform with climbing ladders

Food and drinks are not included, but you may bring your own onboard. That is good news if your group has particular tastes or wants to control spending. You should bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, a camera, and beachwear.

Stand-up paddleboards are available for a minimal extra charge. They are not part of the base price, so ask about availability and cost before relying on one for your plans.

The onboard toilet is another useful feature, especially for a group of up to 30. The freshwater shower lets you rinse away salt after snorkeling. These are not flashy additions, but they reduce the small discomforts that can spoil a full day on the water.

Flexible routes, extra distance, and weather

The most common routes focus on Comino and Gozo’s south coast. Possible swimming stops include Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Saint Nicholas Bay, Behind Halfa Rock, and Qala Valley.

You can also request more distant locations such as Ramla Bay, San Blas, Dahlet Qorrot, Ghajn Barrani, and Mgarr ix-Xini on Gozo. Malta’s north coast options include Gnejna, Golden Bay, and Popeye’s Bay. These longer trips carry extra charges because of the additional distance and fuel.

That pricing rule is reasonable, but it means you should ask for a route quote if you want to go beyond the standard Comino and south Gozo area. The base price should not be treated as an all-purpose rate for every destination around Malta and Gozo.

Weather controls the day. If conditions are unsuitable, the booking can be moved to another available date or canceled with the deposit refunded in full. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

Who gets the best value

I would recommend this boat most strongly to:

• Large families who want a private day on the water
• Groups of friends planning a party or birthday
• Corporate or social groups of up to 30 people
• People who want to bring their own food and drinks
• Swimmers who prefer several water stops instead of one fixed beach
• Visitors staying near Gozo or northern Malta

The private format also suits groups with different energy levels. Some people can sunbathe under the covered deck while others snorkel. You can play music, request a cave visit, or spend longer at a preferred bay.

It is less attractive for a small party on a tight budget. Four to six hours on a private boat is a premium experience, and the cost does not become good value until enough people share it. You should also remember that lunch, drinks, and paddleboards cost extra.

The available customer feedback is small but very positive, with a five-star rating from two verified bookings. One customer, Ajay from the United Kingdom, described the full day as unforgettable and gave special praise to the crew and complimentary ice. That supports the strongest part of the offer: attentive service and a well-equipped boat. It is not enough feedback to promise a perfect day for every group, but it is a useful sign.

Should you book this Comino boat trip?

Book it if you are traveling with a sizable group and want control over the day. The combination of swimming stops, caves, Gozo views, shade, snorkeling equipment, music, and a cooler makes the four to six-hour charter more than a simple boat transfer.

Before paying, ask for the exact route, pickup point, return point, expected duration, and cost of any longer destinations. If your group is close to 30 people, the $907 price can be very good value. If you are only two or three people, I would compare it with a shared cruise first.

For a private group that wants swimming, sun, music, and a skipper who can adjust the day, this is a strong choice. Just keep your expectations realistic around Blue Lagoon crowds, bring your own food and water, and confirm any extras before departure.

FAQ

How much does the private boat trip cost?

The price is $907 for a private group of up to 30 people. The boat, skipper, and fuel are included.

How long does the trip last?

The trip lasts four to six hours. Standard day trips normally run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but earlier or later starts may be available.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available from Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal in Malta, Gozo Ferry Terminal at Mgarr Harbour, or Xlendi Pleasure Cruises.

What places can the boat visit?

Common routes include Comino, Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Saint Nicholas Bay, and the south coast of Gozo. Longer routes can include other Gozo beaches or Malta’s north coast for an additional charge.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You may bring your own food and drinks, or stop at Mgarr Harbour, where food outlets, kiosks, and restaurants are available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel masks are provided for free use throughout the trip.

Does the boat have a toilet and shower?

Yes. The boat has a toilet and an outdoor freshwater shower for rinsing off salt water.

Can I play my own music?

Yes. The boat has a stereo and speakers that you can use through a Bluetooth connection.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable?

The trip may be postponed to another available date or canceled with the deposit refunded in full. You may also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.