Comino looks unreal from a private boat. This Comino and Gozo private boat tour on the Julie Pearl turns the usual day-trip rush into calm time in some of Malta’s best water spots—plus cave scenery and beach hops you can actually control. With a small private group (up to 15) and skipper-led guidance, it’s the kind of outing where you spend more time in the sea and less time waiting around on land.

Two things I especially like: the snorkeling setup (masks included) and the way the crew keeps the plan workable for a group. In the reviews, the captains—Marvic and Fabio—are praised for sharing facts at each stop and for being friendly, practical, and flexible about timing. I also like the onboard “bring your own” feel, because you get a cooler box with ice so you can keep drinks and food chilled.

One thing to plan around: this trip depends on good weather, so choppy conditions can change things. Also, lunch and drinks are not included—you bring what you want—so it’s worth thinking ahead instead of hoping for a last-minute snack fix.

Key things to know before you go

• Private-group pace: Only your group is on board, up to 15 people, so you’re not stuck with a crowded schedule.
• Blue Lagoon anchor time: You get a focused swim and snorkel stop at the lagoon rather than a quick pass-by.
• Crystal Lagoon caves + snorkeling gear: Masks are provided and you’ll have time to swim and explore caves from the water.
• Gozo south-coast beach and inlet mix: Tal-Halfa, Hondoq, and Bemberin gorge bring variety in short time.
• Movie-linked cave scenery: Santa Maria Caves have been used in filming, and Crystal Lagoon caves are associated with movie sets.
• Cooler box with ice: Bring your own lunch or snacks and keep them cold onboard.

A private Julie Pearl boat day: what you’re really paying for

At $716.85 per group (up to 15), this isn’t a cheap “public tour” bargain—but it can be strong value if you’re splitting the cost among friends or a mixed-age group that wants together-time. The price is for your group, not per person in a crowd, and that changes the whole feel of the day.

You’re also not just buying transit. You’re paying for: time in multiple water zones (Comino + Gozo), guided know-how from the skipper, and included snorkeling equipment plus fuel coverage. Add the cooler box with ice, and you can build a simple picnic day without paying extra for onboard food.

The other value piece is control. On this kind of private outing, the skipper can manage how long you linger at swimming spots. In the feedback, Fabio is specifically mentioned as being helpful about where you went and how long you stayed.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon stop: the anchor-and-swim part

Blue Lagoon is the headline for a reason. You’ll stop on the west coast of Comino in the bay between Malta and Gozo, where the water is shallow and clear. Here, the plan is straightforward: you’ll get about 2 hours for swimming and snorkeling, and the boat anchors at a spot chosen for the best experience.

What makes this stop work (instead of feeling like a ticketed zoo visit) is the private-boat setup. You’re not racing between platforms. You’re dropped into the lagoon rhythm: swim when you want, snorkel if conditions are good, and take breaks from the sun between swims.

A quick practical note: bring reef-safe sunscreen and a simple swim bag. Since the tour is built around water time, you’ll want an easy way to keep your phone and wallet protected without digging every time you return to the boat.

Crystal Lagoon: caves, snorkeling masks, and movie-cave scenery

After Blue Lagoon, you head to Crystal Lagoon, in the northwest area of Comino. This stop is about variety: you’ll have around 1 hour 30 minutes to swim and snorkel again, plus time to spend around the caves. Some areas can be shallow with sandy beds, which is helpful if you’re not all-in on snorkeling for the whole session.

Two details I like here:

• Snorkeling masks are provided for free, so you can travel lighter.
• You may see bream fish commonly, which makes the water feel more alive than a simple swim.

You’ll also be taken to cave areas associated with famous film settings, including Lovers cave and Popeye’s cave. The point isn’t film trivia—it’s that the caves create a natural “route” for your eyes and a reason to look around while you’re in the water.

If you get group members who don’t love snorkeling, this stop still works because the caves give you something to watch and photograph from the boat.

Gozo south coast via Qala: Tal-Ħalfa, Hondoq Bay, and Bemberin gorge

Next comes the Gozo side of the day, cruising along the south coast area of Qala. This section runs about 1 hour, which is short—but it’s a smart short visit because it packs beach variety plus a more secluded inlet.

Your stops in this zone include:

• Tal-Ħalfa beach: a clay-rich beach behind Halfa Rock, with a story-filled landmark rock close by.
• Hondoq bay: a pebbly beach with clear blue-turquoise water.
• Bemberin gorge: a hidden inlet that you can access by boat, with caves and clear water.

Bemberin gorge is where the day adds an extra “wow” factor. The water is crystal clear and there are spots that attract people who like cliff-jump-style thrills. If your group isn’t into that, you can still enjoy the calm: it’s a great place for photos, shaded breaks, and swimming in a less crowded vibe than the best-known Comino bays.

Santa Marija Bay: the quieter Comino hour

Then the itinerary shifts gears to Santa Marija Bay on Comino’s side, for about 1 hour. This is positioned as the quieter option compared with Blue Lagoon, with a small sandy beach and shallower, clearer water.

I like this stop because it gives you breathing room. After two busy swim stops, it’s easier to relax when you’re in a smaller sandy pocket with tamarisk trees offering some shade. The bay is also near Comino’s small police station, which helps keep boat traffic organized.

One thing to know: the shore may have some dead algae due to currents. It’s not a deal-breaker for swimming, but if your group is sensitive about shore conditions, you’ll feel better if you pack water shoes.

The Elephant Rock photo pass and Santa Maria Caves

Between stops, you’ll pass by Elephant Rock, a natural arch shaped like an elephant with its head dipping in the water. It’s on the east side of Comino, and you’ll want your camera ready during the pass.

After that, you get Santa Maria Caves on the north side of Comino. This is a shorter stop, around 30 minutes, but it’s built for viewing—especially the cave entrances and natural formations. These shallow caves are described as one of the more fascinating cave systems in the world, and they’ve appeared in filming, including The Count of Monte Cristo.

Even if you’re not doing anything beyond snorkeling or a quick swim, the caves are worth it. The formations give your eyes something specific to track, so the time feels purposeful instead of rushed.

On board Julie Pearl: group size, comfort, and the little extras

This tour is a private tour, so only your group is on board. With a maximum of 15, you get the benefits of a “big enough group for fun” day without losing the personal attention that usually comes with private.

The boat itself is described as spacious in the reviews. One group of eight girls in their early 20s called it a good fit, and the overall vibe sounds relaxed and social.

A few extra touches that matter in practice:

• Cooler box with ice: you bring your lunch and drinks, and they provide a way to keep it cool.
• Snorkeling masks included: no need to pack your own.
• A Bluetooth speaker has been mentioned in feedback, which can make the ride feel like your own little floating day.

The skipper is also a big part of the experience. Marvic and Fabio are both called out for being fun, helpful, and giving facts about what you’re seeing. That’s not just entertainment—it’s useful when you’re trying to understand where to look, when to swim, and what’s worth prioritizing.

Price and value: when $716.85 actually makes sense

Let’s do the honest math mindset. $716.85 per group up to 15 means the cost per person depends entirely on headcount. If you fill the boat with friends, the per-person cost drops fast. If it’s only a small group, it costs more per person than a public ferry-and-snorkel plan.

So the value formula I’d use:

• Best value: groups of friends, families traveling together, or anyone booking with other people so you can split the total.
• Worth it if you want control: private timing, fewer crowd interruptions, and a skipper who can flex with the group.
• Not ideal if you want everything included: lunch and drinks aren’t provided, so you’ll still spend money on food.

If you go in with a plan—snacks, drinks, and maybe a simple lunch box—this becomes the kind of day that feels like you bought time in the water, not just a route on a map.

Timing, weather, and how long 2 to 6 hours really feels

The stated duration is 2 to 6 hours (approx.), so you should expect some variation. Most of the stops are timed (with Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon getting the most time), but sea conditions and group pace can stretch or tighten things.

Also, it requires good weather. If the trip is canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll either get a different date or a full refund. That matters because sea-day plans are only “good” when the water is calm enough to enjoy swimming and snorkeling.

For timing: the activity runs during opening hours of 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and service is available between 06/12/2023 and 12/07/2026. If you’re picking a date, choose one you think will have better weather rather than just the easiest day for your schedule.

Pickup and meeting: easy start, easy end

You’ll meet at the set meeting point, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. Pickup is optional via private taxi, van, or coach transfer to and from your residence, with an additional cost.

The good news is that the activity is described as near public transportation, so if you don’t want to pay for pickup, you can still build a practical route to the boat.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket, which is a simple convenience—no paper chaos.

Who should book this private Comino and Gozo boat tour

This is a great fit if you want:

• A private-group water day with multiple swim and snorkel stops.
• A group that values flexibility in how long you stay at each place.
• A chance to see both Comino and Gozo without hopping ferries all day.

It also works if you have mixed interests. The cave sights keep it interesting for people who don’t want to snorkel continuously, while the clear-water stops make it ideal for anyone who loves time in the sea.

If your group is very sensitive to rough water or prefers zero chance of weather disruption, keep expectations realistic. The operator states it needs good weather.

Should you book the Comino and Gozo Private Boat Tour with Julie Pearl?

I’d book it if your group wants a true private day on the water—especially if you’re the type who plans to bring lunch, keep drinks cool, and actually use the snorkeling time instead of treating it like a photo stop.

Pass on it if you’re hoping for a fully guided “everything provided” package with meals included, or if you’re traveling with only one or two people and don’t want to pay private pricing that can feel high per person.

If you can group up and you’re flexible with weather, this is one of the more satisfying ways to experience both islands in a single day—Blue Lagoon for the big swim time, Crystal Lagoon for cave-and-snorkel variety, then Gozo for beaches and Bemberin gorge’s secluded feel.

FAQ

How many people are allowed on this private boat tour?

The tour is priced per group and supports up to 15 people on board.

How long is the Comino and Gozo private boat tour?

It runs for 2 to 6 hours (approx.), depending on the day and how the schedule plays out.

Where does the tour start and end?

The experience ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is optional. The company offers private taxi, van, or coach transfers to and from your residence for an additional cost.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and snorkeling masks are provided for free.

Do I need to bring lunch and drinks?

Lunch and drinks are not included. You can bring what you like, and the tour includes a cooler box with cooling ice so you can keep items cold.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What are the main stops on the itinerary?

You’ll visit Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, cruise the Gozo south coast (Qala, including Tal-Ħalfa beach, Hondoq bay, and Bemberin gorge), and also stop at Santa Marija Bay and Santa Maria Caves, with a pass by Elephant Rock.

What time does the tour operate?

Opening hours are listed as 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Mon–Sun) for the stated season.

Is good weather required?

Yes, the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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