Private Boat Trip: Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Santa Maria

Blue water, quiet coves, and your own boat. This three-hour private trip around Comino gives you access to places larger boats cannot reach, including the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, and several sea caves. I especially like the small private group, which gives you room to choose your pace, and the chance to swim and snorkel away from the fixed schedule of a large excursion. The main thing to check is the fuel charge, which is paid separately, and the total cost is higher than joining a shared boat.

The boat departs from either Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo, making it handy if you are already near either ferry terminal. Early morning and sunset departures should offer a calmer feel and fewer people, but the skipper can change the time, route, or stops if sea and weather conditions require it.

Key points to know before booking

• A private boat for up to six people: The $173 price is for the boat, not each passenger, so the value improves sharply when shared by a full group.
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon swimming: You get time for a proper swim rather than only a quick photo stop.
• Small boat access to caves: The boat can approach places larger vessels cannot easily reach, including Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave.
• Flexible timing on the water: Captains such as Mario, Joe, and Harry have allowed groups to choose where to stay longer.
• Snorkeling gear and onboard comforts: Masks, snorkels, a sun deck, shade, cooler, WiFi, and a Bluetooth speaker are included.
• Weather controls the day: Your skipper can postpone, cancel, or alter the route for safety, and late arrival will not extend the charter.

Why a private Comino boat can be worth the extra cost

Comino is famous for clear water and striking rock formations, but the best-known spots can feel crowded when large boats arrive. A private charter changes the rhythm. You are not tied to a bus-sized group, a loudspeaker, or a strict sequence of stops.

At $173 per boat for as many as six people, the arithmetic is reasonable for a group. Six people would bring the base cost to about $29 per person, before the separate fuel charge. For two people, the same trip is much less economical, since you are paying for privacy rather than simply a seat.

That privacy has real value. You can spend longer swimming at Crystal Lagoon, move on sooner if a stop does not appeal, or ask to see more caves. The boat has cozy seating areas, a sun deck, and a shade canopy, so you can switch between sun and shelter. A cooler with ice, free WiFi, a Bluetooth speaker, and snorkeling masks and snorkels are also provided.

Food and drinks are not included. Barbecue equipment, fishing gear, and an additional cooler are not included either. Bring your own refreshments if you want them, and carry cash for any spending ashore or along the way.

Starting at Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour

You can meet the boat in Malta at Cirkewwa, near the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal. If you are staying on Gozo, the departure point is Mgarr Harbour, near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the harbour terminal.

Arrive 30 minutes early. That matters here because the charter is only three hours, and arriving late does not add time at the end. Traffic around ferry terminals can also slow you down, so leave a cushion rather than aiming for the exact departure minute.

The boat has a separate entrance arrangement for skipping lines, and port and marina fees are covered. Still, confirm the fuel charge before you go. The advertised rate covers the boat and listed inclusions, but fuel is payable separately, and a certified skipper with a valid Maltese Sea License is required.

The guide service is available in English and Maltese. The captain is more than a driver on this kind of outing. The best part of a small charter is the conversation: you can ask about a rock formation, request a photo stop, or explain that you would rather swim than rush through another viewpoint.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, famous, and often busy

The Blue Lagoon is the natural headline act. Its pale turquoise water is ideal for swimming and photographs, and the surrounding rock makes the first impression you probably came to Comino for.

Do not expect solitude at the most popular times. The whole point of choosing an early morning or sunset departure is to soften the crowds and make the water feel more peaceful. The skipper can also help you enjoy the area from the boat, rather than leaving you to search for a patch of shore among other visitors.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The sun can feel strong on open water, even when the air is pleasant. A short swim can easily turn into a longer one, especially if the water is calm, so keep your belongings organized on the boat.

Crystal Lagoon: the best stop for a longer swim

Crystal Lagoon is quieter in character and known for remarkably clear water. It is a strong choice if swimming and snorkeling matter more to you than collecting quick sightseeing stops.

The supplied masks and snorkels mean you do not need to rent basic equipment separately. You can look into the water and watch marine life from the surface, although visibility and conditions will naturally vary with weather and the time of year.

This is also where the private format pays off most clearly. One group stayed for roughly an hour and a half at a favorite swimming spot before continuing. That kind of flexibility is unlikely on a large scheduled boat, where everyone must leave together.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the skipper about the conditions before entering the water and use the provided safety gear. The crew has safety equipment onboard, but you remain responsible for bringing the right level of caution for your own ability.

Roofless Cave and Comino’s smaller sea caves

The Roofless Cave is an unusual natural formation, open to the sky and shaped by the rock around it. It is not just another cave pass-by. The open ceiling gives it a different feel, with light coming from above as the boat moves into the formation.

The boat’s smaller size is useful along this part of the route. Larger vessels may have trouble approaching the narrower spaces, while this charter can take you farther into certain caves and coves, depending on sea conditions.

You may also visit several other caves, each with its own shape and color. The exact order is not fixed, and the captain can adjust the route for tides, weather, or safety. That is a strength, though it means you should not treat every named stop as guaranteed in every condition.

The caves are best appreciated from the water. If you want photographs, use a waterproof phone case or keep your camera secured. The boat includes a Bluetooth speaker, and you may play your own music, but keep the volume low enough to hear the skipper’s instructions.

Santa Maria Bay and the Cominotto islet

Santa Maria Bay offers a calmer contrast to the Blue Lagoon. The water and shore feel more sheltered, and the surrounding caves give the stop a scenic frame without the same level of fame as the main lagoon.

Nearby Cominotto islet adds another good viewpoint. From the boat, you can take in its rocky outline and the water around it without needing to spend the entire trip on land. It is a pleasant part of the route for photographs and a slower look at Comino’s coast.

The attraction here is not a long list of formal sights. It is the chance to see the island from several angles, with enough time to notice the color changes in the water and the way the rock has been cut by the sea.

Elephant Rock, Pigeon Rock, and Lovers Cave

The Elephant Rock formation is one of the more memorable natural shapes along the coast. It gives the captain an easy reference point and makes a good photograph from the water.

Pigeon Rock is another striking formation surrounded by sea. These stops are usually about seeing and photographing, rather than getting out for a long visit. Have your phone ready, but do not spend the whole time looking at the screen. The formations are more impressive when you watch them approach from the boat.

Lovers Cave has a more secluded feel and suits couples or anyone looking for a quieter pause. It is a small, atmospheric stop, not a full attraction with facilities. The value lies in the setting and the private access, so your experience will depend on sea conditions and how much time your group wants to spend there.

Saint Nikolaw Creek and the route’s quieter side

Saint Nikolaw Creek is described as a secluded place for a quiet escape. This is the kind of stop that makes a private charter different from a checklist cruise. You can pause in a less obvious corner of Comino and enjoy the water without needing a major landmark to justify the stop.

The skipper may also point out other coves or rock formations along the way. Captains Mario, Joe, and Harry have been praised for being friendly, safety-minded, and willing to adapt the route. One captain suggested a nearby place for dinner after the boat trip, which is a useful personal touch if you are still deciding what to do with the rest of your day.

Do not expect a long historical tour. Comino’s heritage is included as part of the experience, but the main focus is the coast, caves, swimming, and natural formations. If you want detailed history, ask the guide what can be explained during the ride.

What the three-hour schedule feels like

Three hours is a smart length for this trip. It is long enough to visit the main sights and fit in swimming, but short enough that you are not committing an entire day to sitting on a boat.

A typical outing might begin at the Blue Lagoon, continue to Crystal Lagoon for swimming, then pass through caves and along Santa Maria Bay before visiting the rock formations and Saint Nikolaw Creek. The actual order can change, and the skipper may spend more time at the places your group prefers.

The schedule works best if you decide your priorities before departure. Tell the captain if you care most about snorkeling, caves, photography, or a quiet ride. You may be able to see many named places, but you cannot expect a long swim at every stop within three hours.

The boat offers both sun and shade, which helps during the warmer months. In cooler weather, the open water may feel brisk, so bring a light layer in addition to swimwear. The skipper has final authority over the route and can cancel, postpone, or modify the charter if the conditions are unsafe.

What the captains add to the experience

The strongest part of this outing is the captain’s role. Mario receives repeated praise for taking groups to beautiful locations, keeping people safe, and taking photos. Joe is noted for giving guests control over the stops and allowing them to decide how long to stay. Harry is described as relaxed, good-humored, helpful with pictures, and willing to share small facts along the route.

That pattern matters. A private boat is only as good as the person running it. A captain who listens can turn a standard circuit into a personal outing. You are not simply being moved from lagoon to lagoon. You can ask for a slower pace, request another swim, or focus on the spots that interest your group.

The boat also supports a casual mood. You can play music through the Bluetooth speaker, use the seating areas, and take photos without a large crowd in the frame. Safety still comes first, and the skipper may change plans when needed.

Who should book this Comino charter?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Couples who want a quieter and more private outing
• Families or friend groups of up to six
• Swimmers who want meaningful time in the water
• People who want to see caves that larger boats cannot approach
• Visitors staying near Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour
• Anyone willing to pay more for a flexible schedule

It is less suitable if you are traveling alone or as a pair and mainly want the lowest possible price. A shared excursion will usually be better value for a small budget.

It may also disappoint you if you want a full-day cruise, a meal onboard, fishing, or a barbecue. Those are not included. The trip is a focused three-hour tour of Comino’s coast, not an all-day party boat.

Practical advice for getting the best trip

Choose an early morning or sunset departure if the available times fit your plans. These periods are specifically recommended for avoiding the heaviest crowds and enjoying softer light.

Arrive 30 minutes early at the correct terminal. Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, and cash. Since food and drinks are excluded, pack what you need or arrange refreshments before leaving.

Confirm the fuel cost when booking and divide the total among your group. Six people can make the $173 base rate good value, while two people should decide if privacy and flexibility justify the higher per-person price.

Keep your plans flexible. The skipper can adjust the route, departure time, and disembarkation point for weather, tides, or other valid reasons. That is not a flaw in the experience. It is part of boating around exposed coastlines.

Should you book the private Comino boat?

Book it if you want a personal three-hour outing, not just transport to the Blue Lagoon. The strongest reasons are the small group, flexible swimming time, access to caves, and captains who take an active interest in your experience.

I would be especially keen to book for four to six people. At that size, the price becomes much easier to justify, and you get a comfortable alternative to a crowded shared boat. For a couple, I would compare the total cost with other private options and confirm the separate fuel fee first.

The perfect 5 out of 5 score from 42 ratings reflects a consistently strong experience, with particular praise for Mario, Joe, and Harry. The most useful takeaway is simple: tell the skipper what you want, arrive early, and protect enough time for Crystal Lagoon. That is where this trip seems to deliver its best combination of clear water, quiet enjoyment, and freedom from a fixed group schedule.

FAQ

How long is the private Comino boat trip?

The charter lasts three hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private boat for a group of up to six people.

How much does the boat trip cost?

The listed price is $173 per group of up to six people. Fuel charges are payable separately.

Where does the boat depart from?

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

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The route includes swimming opportunities, and snorkeling equipment consisting of a mask and snorkel is provided.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Barbecue equipment, fishing gear, and an additional cooler are also excluded.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Maltese.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The skipper can cancel, postpone, or modify the charter, route, departure point, or disembarkation point because of weather, sea conditions, tides, or other legitimate reasons.