Comino’s Best in a Flash: Caves, Coves & Beaches Boat Tour

Comino packs big scenery into one short ride. This private boat trip gives you a quick look at the island’s famous Blue Lagoon, quiet Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Lovers Cave without committing to a full-day charter. I like the private setting and the chance to reach shorelines that are harder to approach from land. I also like the included mask and snorkel, sun deck, shade canopy, cooler, and WiFi.

The main catch is time. One hour is enough for a brisk circuit and perhaps a quick swim, but not a lazy beach day. You should also check the final price carefully: the advertised rate is $20 per person, while the conditions say rates are per boat and list a €36 professional skipper fee plus €36 for fuel.

The five details that matter most

• One hour covers five Comino sights: You visit Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Lovers Cave in a compact route.
• Private boat access: Your group has the boat rather than joining a large shared excursion.
• Swimming gear is included: A mask and snorkel are supplied, along with safety gear.
• Two departure points: You can leave from Mgarr Harbour in Gozo or Cirkewwa on Malta.
• Captain Joe earned special praise: One booking described him as friendly, helpful, and reassuring on the water.
• Weather can change the plan: The skipper may alter the route, departure point, or timing when sea conditions require it.

Starting at Mgarr or Cirkewwa

The tour departs from one of two useful points. On Gozo, meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal. On Malta, meet near Cirkewwa’s Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

That choice matters. Cirkewwa is Malta’s main ferry point for Gozo, so it can fit neatly into a Malta to Gozo day. Mgarr is better if you are already staying on Gozo or plan to explore the island before or after the cruise. You will need to confirm the correct meeting place when booking, since the two terminals are not close to one another.

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. That buffer is not just polite advice. Ferry traffic, road delays, and busy terminal areas can eat up time, and the boat will not extend your hour if you arrive late. Bring cash, too, since it is specifically recommended for this outing.

The boat has cozy seating areas, a sun deck, and a shade canopy. That gives you a choice between sitting out for the full view and retreating from the sun. Safety gear is included, and port and marina fees, taxes, and lagoon access permits are covered in the listed inclusions.

Blue Lagoon: the famous first stop

Blue Lagoon is the natural headline. Its clear turquoise water and sheltered setting make it an obvious place for a swim or snorkel. From a private boat, you get a water-level view of Comino and can see the lagoon without depending entirely on a beach entrance.

The benefit of arriving by boat is flexibility. You can look closely at the water, take photographs, and, if conditions and timing allow, get in for a quick swim. The supplied mask and snorkel make that possible without renting basic gear separately.

Still, keep your expectations realistic. This is a one-hour sightseeing circuit, not a long stay at Blue Lagoon. If swimming is your main goal, you may feel rushed after allowing time for the other four stops. I would treat the lagoon as one part of the route rather than planning a full snorkeling session here.

The lagoon’s popularity also explains why this tour is useful for visitors who want to see it without building an entire day around it. The boat handles the water access while you focus on the views and the short stops.

Crystal Lagoon offers a calmer pause

Crystal Lagoon is presented as the quieter contrast to Blue Lagoon. Its clear water and more peaceful setting make it a good place for a short swim or a few minutes of stillness on the boat.

I like this part of the itinerary because it adds variety. Blue Lagoon gives you the famous view, while Crystal Lagoon offers a more restful mood. You can compare the two instead of seeing Comino as one continuous stretch of bright water and rocky shore.

The limitation is again the clock. A one-hour charter cannot give you extended time at both lagoons, especially if the sea or boat traffic slows the route. The skipper may also adjust the order or length of stops because of tides, wind, or other sea conditions.

If you want photographs, Crystal Lagoon may reward patience more than speed. Sit under the canopy for a moment, watch the water change with the light, and let the skipper point out the best angle. The live guide speaks English and Maltese, and the guide is expected to explain the sights along the way.

Cominotto Island from the water

Cominotto Island is a small islet beside Comino. Seeing it from a private boat gives you a different view of the main island and helps explain the shape of the surrounding coves.

This stop is less about getting out and walking around, since the advertised route focuses on viewing the islet from the water. It works as a scenic link between the lagoons and caves. You get a sense of how compact this part of the Maltese archipelago is, with Cominotto close enough to frame Comino in a single glance.

That compact scale is one reason the tour can fit so much into an hour. The boat is not crossing a large stretch of open sea between each attraction. It is moving around a concentrated group of coves, rock formations, and small islands.

For photography, Cominotto can be especially useful. You can photograph the islet, the water, and Comino together rather than taking another standard lagoon picture. The Bluetooth speaker is available if your group wants music, though I would keep the volume low so you can hear the guide and the sea.

Roofless Cave and its open ceiling

Roofless Cave, known in Maltese as L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, is one of the route’s most unusual features. Its open ceiling lets you see the sky above, giving the cave a natural frame that changes with the light.

This is a short but memorable stop. You are not simply looking at a dark opening in the rock. The missing roof creates a view upward, and the cave becomes both a geological sight and a good setting for photographs.

The boat’s private format helps here. Your group can focus on the cave without trying to hear a guide over a large crowd. You might get a simple explanation of the site and time for pictures, though the tour is not advertised as a specialist geology or archaeology visit.

The cave also brings a practical point: conditions on the water affect how closely the skipper can approach. The captain has the authority to change the route or omit a stop if weather, waves, tides, or safety concerns make the planned approach unsuitable.

Lovers Cave adds a quiet final note

Lovers Cave is described as a romantic and secluded place, making it the most intimate stop on the circuit. Couples may appreciate the setting, while other groups can enjoy it as one more sheltered corner of Comino.

Do not expect a long private stay inside the cave. The entire charter lasts only an hour, so this is best understood as a scenic stop during the boat ride. Its value comes from the atmosphere and the contrast with the open lagoons.

The route’s mix of famous and lesser-known places is its strongest feature. You see the spot most people want to photograph, then move toward smaller coves and rock formations that give Comino more character. That balance makes the trip feel more worthwhile than a simple ride straight to Blue Lagoon and back.

What the private boat changes

A private group is a real advantage on a short cruise. You can choose how much time to give swimming, pictures, and listening to the guide, within the limits of the one-hour schedule. You also have seating, a sun deck, and shade rather than one fixed place on a crowded vessel.

The private format can be good for couples, families, and small groups with different priorities. One person can sit in the shade while another uses the sun deck. Someone who wants to snorkel can prepare with the supplied equipment, while others stay aboard.

The boat includes an ice cooler and free WiFi. Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan those separately. Barbecue equipment, fishing gear, and an extra cooler are also not part of the package.

The biggest practical question is cost. The headline price is $20 per person, which sounds inexpensive for private access. However, the details also list a professional skipper at €36 and fuel consumption at €36, and they say rates are per boat rather than per passenger. That creates a pricing point you should clarify before paying. Ask exactly what the total includes, how many people the boat accommodates, and whether the two €36 charges are added to the advertised amount.

If your group fills the boat, the value may be strong because the fixed costs are shared. For a very small party, the extra charges could make the final price much higher than the headline figure.

What past bookings reveal about the service

The experience has a five-star rating from 11 verified bookings, with praise focused on the captain, safety, helpfulness, and the beauty of the route. That is useful because a fast boat trip depends heavily on the person at the controls.

Captain Joe received particularly warm praise for being friendly, helpful, and reassuring throughout the ride. One booking also noted that the group saw everything it wanted and still had time for a quick swim. That is probably the right expectation for a well-run hour: a complete circuit with a short chance to get in the water, not a long session at one lagoon.

Another booking praised the guide for explaining the sights and places of interest. That matters because the route includes named caves and an islet that are more interesting when you know what you are looking at.

A sunset departure was also described as a special private experience, with the captain making the group feel comfortable. If your selected time falls near sunset, the light may add a pleasant touch to the caves and water. The skipper can adjust the selected time when needed to provide suitable conditions and meet operational needs.

Weather rules and sensible preparation

The skipper can cancel, postpone, or change the charter because of weather and sea conditions. The route, departure point, and disembarkation point can also change because of tides or other valid safety reasons.

That is standard for a small boat trip, but it is especially important here because the entire itinerary depends on close approaches to lagoons and caves. A calm plan on paper may not be safe on the day.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You will want water protection for your phone if you plan to take pictures near the boat, though no waterproof case is listed as included. Bring cash and arrive early.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta or Gozo plans may shift.

Who should book this one-hour cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a short, private introduction to Comino rather than a full beach day. It suits couples seeking a quiet boat setting, families who want an easy circuit, and small groups that value their own seating and schedule.

It is also a good fit if you have limited time on Gozo or Malta. The route covers the main sights quickly, and the two departure points make it easier to connect with either island.

I would hesitate if your priority is extended snorkeling, a long stay on a beach, or a full historical tour. One hour passes quickly, and the listed sites are seen in a brisk sequence. The guide can explain the points of interest, but the experience is primarily a scenic boat ride with swimming and snorkeling, not a museum-style history program.

FAQ

How long is the Comino boat tour?

The charter lasts one hour.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from Mgarr in Gozo or Cirkewwa in Malta. At Mgarr, meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal. At Cirkewwa, meet near the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The activity is offered for a private group.

Which Comino sights are included?

The route includes Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Lovers Cave.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The tour allows swimming and snorkeling in the lagoons when conditions and timing permit. A mask and snorkel are included.

Is a skipper included in the price?

A professional skipper is listed separately at €36. Fuel consumption is also listed separately at €36, so confirm the full price before booking.

Is the advertised price charged per person or per boat?

The advertised price is $20 per person, but the conditions state that rates are per boat. Confirm how the final total is calculated for your group.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The skipper may cancel, postpone, or modify the charter and may change the route, departure point, or disembarkation point because of weather, tides, or sea conditions.

Should you book Comino’s Best in a Flash?

Book it if you want to see several Comino sights from a private boat in one compact hour. The combination of Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Lovers Cave gives you a good visual sampler, while the shade canopy, snorkeling gear, cooler, and private seating make the ride more comfortable.

Before booking, settle the pricing details. The extra skipper and fuel charges are the one point that could change the value. If the total works for your group, this is a practical way to fit Comino’s best coves and caves into a busy Malta or Gozo schedule.