Fisher’s Trek: Cominotto Island, Prime Fishing Spots & Gozo

Three hours can cover a lot of blue water. Fisher’s Trek takes your private group around Comino, Gozo, and Malta, with time for handline fishing, snorkeling, swimming, caves, coves, and quiet beaches. You get the boat to yourselves, up to six people, so the outing feels more personal than a large group cruise.

I like the flexible route and the chance to choose between fishing and swim breaks. The skippers also earn strong praise, especially Captain Mario, who showed families around Comino’s bays, and Joe, who helped make handline fishing fun. The main drawback is the price structure: the advertised $171 covers the boat for up to six people, but the professional skipper and fuel each cost an additional €78.

Five Details That Shape the Experience

• Private boat for up to six people: The price applies to the whole boat, not each passenger, which can make this good value for a small group.
• Fishing is the main event: You can select offshore or inshore fishing areas, but fishing equipment is not included.
• Comino’s Blue Lagoon is part of a flexible route: The skipper may time your visit around sea and weather conditions, and the itinerary can change.
• Snorkeling gear is included: A mask and snorkel are supplied, so you do not need to bring your own equipment.
• Two departure areas are available: You can meet at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo or near Cirkewwa Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.
• Swim breaks are optional: You can ask for time in the water if fishing is not keeping everyone occupied.

What This Private Charter Is Really Like

This is not a fixed sightseeing cruise with a strict list of stops. It is a private fishing boat charter shaped around your group, the skipper’s local judgment, and the condition of the sea.

That flexibility matters. You might spend more time fishing around Malta, Gozo, or Comino, then stop for a swim when the group wants a change of pace. You might also visit caves, beaches, and bays along Comino’s coast. The skipper has the final say on the route, since tides, shallow water, wind, and sea conditions can affect what is safe.

The boat trip lasts three hours. That is enough time for a taste of several coastal areas, but not enough for an unhurried tour of every major bay around all three islands. I would treat this as a focused half-day outing rather than a full coastal survey.

The private format is the biggest advantage. If you are a family with children, a birthday group, or a few friends who want to fish without sharing a boat with strangers, you can set the tone yourself. You can also avoid the awkwardness of forcing every person into the same activity. Some can fish while others sit under the canopy, listen to music, or wait for a swim stop.

Setting Out From Mgarr or Cirkewwa

You can board from two designated meeting points.

From Gozo, the departure area is near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal. From Malta, you meet near Cirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal. The meeting information is specific, but you should still allow time to find the correct area and arrive 30 minutes before departure.

That early arrival is not just a polite suggestion. The charter does not add time if you arrive late, and traffic or delays around the ferry terminal could easily eat into a three-hour outing. Bring cash as well, since it is listed among the items to carry.

The boat comes with comfortable seating, a sun deck, and a canopy for shade. There is also an ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, free WiFi, and standard safety equipment. These extras are useful, but do not confuse the ice cooler with a fishing cooler. A separate fishing cooler is not included.

Fishing Around Malta, Gozo and Comino

Fishing gives this trip its identity. The charter can include offshore fishing at selected fishing grounds or inshore fishing along the coastlines of Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

The skipper provides guidance, making the activity suitable for first-time anglers. Handline fishing is a particularly accessible choice. You do not need to be an expert to take part, and the simple method can keep children involved without turning the trip into a technical lesson.

Your expectations should stay realistic. Catching fish is possible, but it is not guaranteed. One group had fun with handline fishing and caught something on the way back, while another group did not catch tuna but still enjoyed swimming. That is the right way to view the fishing: it is an opportunity, not a promise.

The charter does not include fishing equipment. You need to clarify what you should bring or arrange before departure, since the included snorkeling equipment is limited to a mask and snorkel. Fishing food, drinks, and a fishing cooler are also excluded.

You can ask about the kind of fishing planned for your outing, especially if your group has a specific target in mind. The skipper can help choose suitable spots, but weather and sea conditions may require a change. Captain Mario was praised for taking a birthday group to good fishing areas and for being patient with the group, which is useful if you are bringing young anglers.

Comino’s Caves, Bays and Blue Lagoon

Comino is the visual highlight of the trip. Its coastline gives the skipper plenty of options for short stops, coastal views, snorkeling, and swimming.

The Blue Lagoon is the best-known stop, with clear water and a popular setting for swimming. The word popular matters here. The lagoon can be busy, so the private boat’s value is not that it guarantees solitude. Instead, the skipper can work around conditions and take you to other bays or coves if the main area feels too crowded or sea conditions make another location better.

The route may also include hidden caves and small beaches around Comino. From the water, these places are easier to appreciate than from a hurried land visit. You can see the island’s rocky edges, pull into a quieter area, and spend time in the water without following a large group from one stop to the next.

The skipper may change the route, departure point, or disembarkation point when needed. That is an important practical detail, not fine print to ignore. If you have your heart set on one exact cave or beach, you should accept that safety and sea conditions come first.

For families, Comino’s clear water can be a strong reason to book. One family with two young boys had a pleasant time and reported that the children did not get seasick. That cannot be guaranteed for every child, but the private boat gives you more control over the pace than a crowded shared excursion.

Swim and Snorkel Stops for Non-Fishers

Not everyone wants to fish for three hours. The charter can include swim breaks, so you can build a more varied outing.

Snorkeling equipment is included in the form of masks and snorkels. The waters around Comino are noted for clear visibility and marine life, giving you a chance to look below the surface between fishing sessions. Bring your own towel and swimwear, and pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the exposed time on the boat.

I like this arrangement for mixed groups. One person can try fishing while another swims, and children can have a break from waiting for a bite. The boat has a sun deck and canopy, so you can alternate between sun and shade.

Do not expect a full equipment center or a catered beach day. Food and drinks are not included, nor are barbecue supplies or a barbecue service. Pack what you need unless you plan to arrange these extras separately. The ice cooler helps, but it does not turn the charter into an all-inclusive outing.

The Skipper Makes the Difference

The boat itself matters, but the skipper shapes the day. You want someone who communicates clearly, understands the coastline, and can adjust the plan without making the group feel lost.

Joe received praise for showing a group around the island and helping make handline fishing enjoyable. Captain Mario was singled out for his friendly manner, patience, and ability to show families the bays around Comino. Another passenger appreciated Mario’s conversation and the comfort of the boat, even without catching fish.

Communication before the trip is also useful. Clear directions to the pickup point can remove some of the usual marina confusion, especially if you are arriving from another part of Malta or from Gozo. The tour operates in English and Maltese.

The final route belongs to the skipper. He can cancel, postpone, alter, or modify the charter because of weather or sea conditions. He can also adjust the chosen starting time when needed to find better conditions or accommodate the group. That flexibility protects the experience, but it means your booking is not a guarantee of a particular schedule or fishing spot.

Is $171 Good Value for Six People?

The advertised price is $171 per group of up to six, not $171 per person. For six people, that works out to less than $29 per person before the extra charges. For a smaller group, the cost per person rises, but you still receive a private boat rather than a shared outing.

You must add the professional skipper fee of €78 and fuel consumption of €78. Since those charges are listed in euros while the main price is in dollars, check the final total and currency before paying. The basic package includes port and marina fees, taxes, safety equipment, snorkeling equipment, lagoon permits, seating, shade, the sun deck, an ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, and WiFi.

The value is strongest when you fill most of the boat. A group of six that wants fishing, swimming, and a private route gets a useful mix of activities without paying separately for each passenger. The value is weaker if you are a small group primarily looking for a guaranteed catch, since fishing equipment, food, drinks, and the catch itself are not included.

This is also a good option for a celebration. A birthday group used the trip for a family outing and enjoyed the skipper’s patience and choice of fishing spots. The boat’s private setup gives you room to bring your own food and drinks, although party items and barbecue service cost extra or are not included.

Who Should Book This Boat Trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Families who want a private boat and flexible swim breaks
• Small groups of friends who want to combine fishing and snorkeling
• First-time anglers who would like help from the skipper
• Birthday groups or other small celebrations
• Visitors staying in Malta or Gozo who want access to Comino by water
• People who prefer a relaxed coastal outing over a fixed group cruise

I would be more cautious if you want a full-day trip, specialist fishing equipment, a guaranteed tuna catch, or an all-inclusive food and drink package. Three hours passes quickly, especially if you spend time moving between fishing areas and swim stops.

You should also be comfortable with plans changing. The skipper may need to revise the route or timing, and the weather can cancel the trip. That is normal for a small boat charter, but it is worth accepting before you book.

Practical Tips for a Better Three Hours

Arrive 30 minutes early. The departure areas are at ferry terminals, and being late will not extend your charter.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and cash. Malta’s summer sun can be strong, and even a short boat trip leaves you exposed when you are on the sun deck.

Ask in advance about fishing equipment. It is not included, and you do not want to discover that at the marina.

Pack food and drinks if you need them. The charter does not include meals, beverages, barbecue food, party supplies, or a barbecue.

If you are traveling with children, tell the skipper what pace suits your group. A mix of short fishing sessions, a swim, and time under the canopy may work better than asking young children to fish for the full three hours.

Keep your expectations focused. The best outcome is a pleasant private outing with a chance to catch fish, not a guaranteed haul. The clear water, coastline, and company can still make the trip worthwhile when the fishing is quiet.

Final Verdict: A Flexible Choice for Small Groups

Fisher’s Trek makes sense if you want a private boat, local route choices, and a mix of fishing and swimming around Comino, Gozo, and Malta. The strongest parts are the flexible format, comfortable boat, clear pickup instructions, included snorkeling gear, and skippers such as Mario and Joe, who have been praised for patience, communication, and a friendly approach.

Book it if your group can share the boat cost, accepts the additional skipper and fuel fees, and sees fishing as an activity rather than a guaranteed result. Skip it if you need a full-day charter, supplied fishing gear, or an all-inclusive menu. For families and small groups that want a personal day on the water, it offers a practical way to see Comino beyond the usual crowded shore experience.

FAQ

How long is Fisher’s Trek?

The private boat charter lasts three hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join the private boat?

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

Where does the boat depart?

You can depart from Gozo near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal, or from Malta near Cirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Is fishing equipment included?

No. Fishing equipment and a fishing cooler are not included. Snorkeling equipment, consisting of a mask and snorkel, is included.

Are food and drinks provided?

No. Food, drinks, party items, barbecue food, barbecue beverages, and barbecue service are not included.

Can the itinerary change because of weather?

Yes. The skipper can cancel, postpone, change the route, adjust the timing, or alter departure and disembarkation points because of weather, sea conditions, tides, shallow water, or other legitimate safety reasons.