Malta: Comino Island Private Boat

Blue water, quiet coves, and your own boat. This two-hour private cruise around Comino gives you a simple way to see the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto, and several sea caves without sharing the boat with a large group. I especially like the private setting and the freedom to stop for swimming or simply sit under the canopy. The main thing to watch is the price: the advertised rate is $86 per boat for up to six people, but the skipper and fuel each cost an additional €54.

I also like the relaxed approach from the captains. Joe receives especially warm praise, while Mario helped make the trip enjoyable even when communication in English was difficult. One important catch is the sea itself. Rough conditions can cancel swimming and change the route, so you should book this for the boat ride and scenery first, with swimming as a welcome extra.

Key points at a glance

• A true private charter: The boat is reserved for your group of up to six, not mixed with other passengers.
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: You get time for swimming and snorkeling in Comino’s clearest, most famous waters.
• Several caves in two hours: The route includes Roofless Cave, Lovers Cave, Pigeon Rock, and other coastal openings.
• Captain makes the difference: Joe and Mario receive special praise for friendly service, conversation, music, and flexible stops.
• Comfortable onboard setup: Expect seating, a shaded canopy, snorkeling gear, an ice cooler, Bluetooth music, and Wi-Fi.
• Check the real cost: Skipper and fuel are not included in the advertised base price, adding €108 to the charter.

Why a private Comino boat makes sense

Comino is small, but its best views are along the water. A private boat lets you see the island at a slower, more personal pace. You can sit with your family or friends, ask the skipper to pause, and avoid spending the whole outing in a packed tour boat.

The group limit is six people, and the price is charged per boat rather than per person. That matters. For a full group, the base rate can be good value, especially if you want a special outing without paying six separate excursion prices. For one or two people, the cost feels less attractive, particularly after adding the €54 skipper fee and €54 fuel charge.

I would confirm the final total before booking. The advertised price is $86 per group, but the listed extras bring the stated charges to $194 before food and drinks, using the currencies supplied. Currency conversion may affect what you finally pay, so ask for a clear total if the booking page does not show it plainly.

Meeting at Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour

You can join the boat from either side of the Gozo Channel crossing. On Malta, the meeting point is by the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal in Cirkewwa. On Gozo, meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

Arrive about 30 minutes early. That gives you time to find the right terminal area and deal with traffic or ferry delays. This is not a trip where arriving at the last second pays off. Late arrival does not extend the two-hour charter.

Pickup is included, but the supplied details identify these meeting points rather than hotel pickup. Plan your route carefully, especially if you are coming from another part of Malta. The departure time may also be adjusted by the skipper to suit sea conditions and the best time for the outing.

Blue Lagoon: the main swimming stop

The Blue Lagoon is the headline attraction, and the boat begins here. Its shallow-looking turquoise water and pale rock surroundings create the classic Comino scene you probably have in mind before arriving in Malta.

From a private boat, you can enjoy the setting without needing to find a place on shore. The boat has seating and a shaded canopy, so you can choose between sitting in the sun and taking a break under cover. Snorkeling masks and snorkels are provided, which saves you from bringing your own equipment.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known sights, so it can feel busy around the water. A private boat gives you privacy onboard, but it does not make the whole lagoon private. Your captain may adjust the timing or route according to the conditions and activity on the water.

The sea can also be rough. One July outing went ahead but did not allow swimming because of the waves. The group still enjoyed the boat ride, and that is a useful lesson: book this as a scenic cruise with swimming potential, not as a guaranteed water session.

Crystal Lagoon and Cominotto

The route continues toward Crystal Lagoon, known for its clear blue water and more sheltered bays. This is a good place to use the snorkeling gear if conditions are calm. The protected feel of the lagoon can make it more comfortable for a short swim than an exposed stretch of coast.

Cominotto is a small island close to Comino. Seeing it from the boat gives you another angle on the coast and adds variety to the route. The appeal here is not a long shore visit. It is the changing view as the skipper guides the boat around the islands, rocks, and inlets.

I like this part of the trip because it breaks up the famous-stop routine. You are not simply going from Blue Lagoon back to the harbor. The smaller island and sheltered water help you notice how quickly the coast changes from open sea to a quiet pocket of water.

Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave

Roofless Cave, known locally as L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, is one of the most memorable stops on the route. Its name points to the open rock formation above the cave, creating a natural frame of stone and sky. You explore it from the boat, so you can take in the shape of the cave without needing a difficult shore landing.

The captain’s role matters here. A short trip can feel rushed if you only pass the cave at speed. Friendly captains such as Joe and Mario help turn the cruise into a more social outing, with conversation, music, and explanations of the places you see. One group particularly appreciated hearing about the area’s history while passing the caves.

Lovers Cave offers a different mood. It is smaller, more secluded, and suited to a quiet pause rather than a major sightseeing stop. If you are traveling as a couple, it gives the outing a romantic moment. If you are with children or friends, it is still an attractive part of the coastline, but do not expect a long visit on land.

Pigeon Rock and the coastal caves

Pigeon Rock adds a dramatic landmark to the route. After the lagoons and smaller cave openings, the rock gives you a broad coastal view and another chance for photographs.

The boat also passes various other sea caves. Each one has its own shape, light, and shadow, and the changing angle is part of the fun. This is where a private charter has an advantage over a fixed ferry ride. You can ask to slow down, listen to an explanation, or pause for a photo if the skipper considers it safe.

The entire tour lasts only two hours, so the itinerary is full. You will not have unlimited time at every location. Think of it as a well-packed introduction to Comino’s shoreline, with one or two chances to swim rather than a full-day beach holiday.

What the boat provides onboard

The boat is set up for comfort rather than luxury. You get a cozy seating arrangement, a shaded canopy, safety equipment, and a sun deck. That combination matters in Malta’s strong sun. You can enjoy the open view, then move under shade when the heat becomes too much.

Snorkeling equipment includes a mask and snorkel. The tour also includes an ice cooler for your drinks, but you need to bring the drinks yourself. Food and beverages are not included, and barbecue equipment is also excluded.

A Bluetooth speaker lets you play your own music, while onboard Wi-Fi helps you stay connected. These extras may be useful for a group of friends, though I would keep the volume respectful around other boats and the natural setting. The focus should remain on the water, caves, and conversation with your captain.

Fishing equipment and a fishing cooler are not included. This is a sightseeing and swimming charter, not a fishing trip. Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and some cash. The list is short, but each item earns its place.

Captains Joe and Mario set the tone

The strongest praise centers on the captains. Joe is singled out for making the experience feel special, and the comments describe him as friendly and excellent at his job. Mario also receives warm approval, including from a group that found English difficult. Good communication, patience, and a relaxed manner can make a big difference on a small private boat.

The captain is not just steering from one point to the next. He decides how the route works in real conditions. He may stop somewhere comfortable, change the order of the lagoons, or shorten a section if the sea becomes rough. One outing included music, conversation, and plenty of atmosphere even though swimming was not possible.

The tour offers live guiding in English and Maltese. You can expect explanations of the places you pass, though the exact amount of commentary may depend on the captain and your group. If you want more history, ask questions as you go.

Weather, timing, and the limits of a two-hour charter

The skipper can cancel, reschedule, or change the route when sea or weather conditions make the original plan unsuitable. Tides, wind, and other valid safety concerns can also affect the departure or disembarkation point.

This policy is sensible for a small boat, but it means you should leave some flexibility in your Malta schedule. Do not place the charter immediately before a flight, ferry connection, or important dinner reservation. The operator may adjust the preferred departure time to provide better conditions.

Two hours is enough to see many highlights, but it passes quickly. You may swim, snorkel, visit the caves, and take photographs, but you will need to keep moving. If you want long time in the water, ask about a longer charter. This particular outing works best for a compact overview.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this charter to families, couples, and small groups of friends who value privacy. The boat gives you space to talk, choose your music, and decide how much time to spend relaxing. Families may also appreciate having their own seating area and the freedom to take breaks under the canopy.

It suits confident swimmers and casual snorkelers, but you do not need to spend the whole trip in the water. The scenery and caves are enough to make the cruise worthwhile when conditions prevent swimming.

This is less suitable if you need guaranteed calm water, a long beach stay, or a low total cost for one person. It is also not the right choice for fishing, since fishing gear is not provided. And if anyone in your group dislikes boat movement, rough conditions could make the ride uncomfortable.

Is the $86 base rate good value?

The private format is the key value. Six people can share the boat, and the skipper can shape the outing around your group. For a birthday, family day, or couples’ outing with friends, that privacy may justify the cost.

The price needs careful reading. The base figure is $86 per boat for up to six people, while the skipper costs €54 and fuel costs €54. Food, drinks, barbecue equipment, and fishing gear are extra or unavailable. Once the required additions are included, this is not an ultra-cheap two-hour cruise.

I would compare the final total with larger shared boat trips in Malta and Gozo. If your group is near six people and wants a personal experience, the charter can be strong value. If you are only two people, a shared option may cost less, though it will not give you the same control or privacy.

Booking advice and final verdict

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. I would book early enough to secure a useful time, then arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes ahead.

Book this Comino charter if you want a friendly captain, a private boat, several famous caves, and the chance to swim in clear water without joining a large group. Confirm the skipper and fuel charges before paying, and keep your schedule loose in case the sea changes the plan.

I would choose it for a group of four to six, especially if Joe or Mario is available. I would skip it if you need a guaranteed swim or if the added charges push the price beyond your budget. The boat, scenery, and personal service make it appealing, but the value depends heavily on group size and the final cost.

FAQ

How long is the Comino private boat tour?

The charter lasts two hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat is priced for a private group of up to six people.

Where do I meet the boat?

On Malta, meet by the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal in Cirkewwa. On Gozo, meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

Are the skipper and fuel included in the advertised price?

No. The skipper is listed at €54 and fuel at €54. These charges are separate from the advertised $86 group price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are provided. You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The skipper can cancel, reschedule, or alter the route, timing, and departure or disembarkation point because of sea conditions, weather, tides, or other valid reasons.