Comino by private boat feels different. This is a private charter built around real swim time and easy access to standout spots like Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and the Santa Maria caves area. I like that the boat is set up for comfort (shade, proper ladder, even an on-board shower) and the experience is flexible for your group’s pace.

My other favorite part is the rhythm of the day: cruise views, then timed breaks where you can actually get in the water and snorkel without feeling rushed. One thing to keep in mind is the price: at $577 per group (up to 15), it’s best value when you can fill the boat with friends or family rather than going as a tiny group.

Key points before you book

• Small-group comfort target of 15: the boat can hold more, but comfort drops fast on longer days if you pack it in.
• Bluetooth music on board: bring your playlist and use the stereo during swim stops.
• Snorkel gear is included: masks are provided and free to use all day.
• Freshwater shower + toilet onboard: practical when you come back salty.
• Stops on both Malta and Gozo sides: you’re not just circling Comino—you also see key Gozo areas.
• Skipper-led cruising: you get local guidance and fuel included, so you aren’t planning logistics mid-trip.

Why this private Comino and Gozo boat trip works

If your idea of a perfect Malta day includes water that you can actually swim in, this is the kind of setup that delivers. Instead of bouncing between crowded viewpoints, you’re on a boat with a local skipper and a schedule built around time in the water—so you can focus on enjoying Comino’s best-known clear areas and still have breathing room.

The big win here is control. With a private group, you decide how long you want to snorkel, when you want to relax on the deck, and whether the day should feel more like a chilled hangout or a full-on swim day with occasional photos from the boat. Even the small details help: shade on deck, a bathing ladder that’s meant for easy entry, and an on-board shower so you can rinse off salt fast.

The other reason this works well is that you can match the experience to your energy level. You can choose a full day or a half day window, with typical full-day timing running 10am to 4pm and half-day running 9am to 12noon. Times can shift earlier or later depending on availability.

Boat setup: the Julie Pearl comfort style

This charter uses the Julie Pearl boat. It has a maximum capacity of 25 passengers, but for longer trips the recommended sweet spot is no more than 15 people for comfort. That matters. On boats, extra bodies mean less room to stretch out on deck and more waiting around when you want to line up for ladder entry or snorkel masks.

What I’d pay attention to if I were choosing this:

• Shade + open decks: you’re not stuck under one hot surface all day.
• Bathing platform with ladder at the back: practical for swimming and easier climbs back aboard.
• Toilet onboard: a real sanity saver when you’re out for 4 to 6 hours.
• Outdoor fresh water shower: rinse off salt before you sit down again.
• Stereo and speakers with Bluetooth: you can set the mood without hauling speakers around yourself.
• Life jackets for adults and kids (if needed): the boats are equipped, so you don’t have to scramble last minute.

There’s also a table in the middle and seating spaces all around, plus a spot you can use to keep things like towels, sunscreen, and your phone where you can grab them quickly.

Pickup and meeting points: finding the boat without stress

The trip includes pickup from either Gozo or Malta, so you’re not losing half your day figuring out transportation. Your options depend on where you start and where you’ll finish, but you’ll be picked up from the Gozo Ferry Terminal area or the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal area.

Here’s what to expect for the real-world meeting experience:

• On the Malta side, the boat is waiting near the Cirkewwa Jetty area, behind a food kiosk and next to the Gozo Channel ferry car-queuing lanes.
• On the Gozo side, the meeting point is at Mgarr Harbour—specifically from the main jetty area, farther along beyond the fast ferry terminal.
• After you confirm, the operator sends you a WhatsApp pinpoint location so you can find the right waiting spot.

This is one of those details that sounds minor until you’re standing at the wrong pier at the wrong time. A clear meeting point and a local coordinator help you start the trip relaxed, which is exactly when vacation should begin.

Your pacing at sea: the cruise segments and photo stops

A private charter like this tends to work best when you treat the cruising time as part of the experience, not just “getting from A to B.” You’ll spend short stretches cruising—passing notable points by boat—and then you’ll get focused time at specific swim and sightseeing stops.

You’ll also have a photo stop near Saint Mary’s Tower. Even if you don’t take a single photo, it’s a helpful moment to orient yourself. From a boat, Comino and the surrounding coasts can look very different than they do from land, so those quick viewpoint moments help your brain map where you are before the water time starts.

Then the schedule shifts into swim mode—where the stops aren’t just for looking. They’re timed to give you minutes for snorkeling, floating, and getting that “this water is real” feeling.

Crystal Lagoon swim and snorkel time

Crystal Lagoon is usually the reason people plan Comino in the first place, and this trip gives you a dedicated window to enjoy it. You get about 30 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling, plus marine life viewing.

What makes that practical is the balance between time and energy. Thirty minutes is long enough to do:

• a proper swim,
• a few snorkel passes,
• and a reset on deck if you need a break from sun.

You’ll want to use this stop strategically. If your group has different comfort levels in the water, it’s the best place to let the confident snorkel while others just enjoy floating or watching from the boat’s bathing platform area. The included snorkel masks make it easier for everyone to participate without planning gear rentals.

If you’re bringing kids or first-time snorkelers, this is also where having a life jacket on hand helps you feel calmer. The boat is equipped, and you don’t have to make it a whole production.

Blue Lagoon: lunch, swimming, and the music vibe

Then comes the big-name stop: the Blue Lagoon. You’ll typically get around 30 minutes here too, and this one includes a bit more social flow—there’s time described for cocktail and lunch options, plus free time for sightseeing and swimming/snorkeling.

In a private boat context, Blue Lagoon time feels more forgiving. You can settle into a comfortable rhythm: jump in, float, come back, and decide if you want another snorkel pass. You’re not stuck with the same crowd pressure that can build on land.

Food-wise, plan around what you actually want to do:

• Food and drinks are not included, but you can bring ready-to-eat items and beverages on board.
• The boat includes a cooler box and complimentary ice to keep drinks cold.
• If you prefer not to pack food, your skipper may recommend a lunch stop later (like Mgarr Harbour, where you can find lots of food outlets).

This is also where the Bluetooth stereo becomes more than a gadget. With the speakers onboard, your group can play music during the stop—and it helps make the day feel like a shared hangout on the water, not just a checklist of locations.

Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour break: shopping and a real meal choice

A key difference between an average boat day and a good one is whether you get a sensible chance to eat and stretch your legs. At Mgarr Harbour, you’ll have about 30 minutes with visit time, free time, shopping, and walking, with lunch options built into that window.

Because this is on the Gozo side, it adds variety. You get a taste of town energy without turning your boat day into a walking tour marathon. If your group has people who get restless in long swim sessions, this stop is useful for resetting minds and legs.

It’s also where you can switch from bring-your-own to grab-and-go, depending on what you want. The trip information notes that you’ll find a wide selection of food outlets and kiosks/restaurants for dine-in or takeout in this area.

Practical tip: if you’re planning to pack food earlier in the day, Mgarr Harbour is still a great place to get fresh items instead of eating everything you brought. Thirty minutes can disappear quickly, so decide ahead of time whether you want a quick meal or a snack and a short browse.

Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach: another swim window with marine viewing

After the Gozo harbour stop, the day shifts back to water time at Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach. You’ll have about 30 minutes for sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing.

This stop gives you another angle on the island waters beyond the best-known lagoon names. It’s also a useful pacing tool: people who love snorkeling often prefer having two separate swim windows, because it breaks up “one long swim” fatigue. You can do a quick snorkel, relax on deck, then return when conditions feel right.

If you’re traveling with mixed interests, this is the kind of stop that works well. Strong swimmers can focus on snorkeling. Others can simply enjoy the view, sunbathe, and hop in and out as the mood hits.

Santa Maria Caves: quick photo time and scenery from the boat

The Santa Maria Caves segment is shorter—about 5 minutes as a photo stop and passing by, with a brief visit and sightseeing.

A short stop can feel frustrating if you’re expecting hours to explore. But from what this trip is designed to do, the quick cave moment is more about giving you the visual highlight—then letting you keep the rest of the day focused on swimming time. Think of it like a scenic waypoint rather than a dedicated cave tour.

If caves are a must-do for you, you might want to plan a land-based or longer guided option alongside this boat trip. If you mainly want ocean views and swim breaks, the cave moment still adds variety without breaking your schedule.

What’s included (and what you’ll need to plan)

This charter is set up to reduce decision-making during the day. Here’s what’s included:

• Private boat trip with a local experienced skipper
• Fuel included
• Covered deck for shade and open decks at front and back
• Seating spaces and a middle table
• Snorkel masks provided for free use
• Standup paddle boards are available, but optional and need booking in advance
• Cooler box with complimentary ice for drinks
• Outdoor fresh water shower
• Toilet onboard
• Speakers/stereo with Bluetooth
• Life jackets for adults and kids (if needed)

What’s not included:

• Food and drinks

That last bullet is the one that changes how you pack. If your group wants full control, bring ready-to-eat food and drinks. If you’d rather not handle it, the skipper may suggest a lunch stop at Mgarr Harbour where you can choose from a range of outlets.

Price and value: $577 for a group up to 15

At $577 per group up to 15 passengers, the value depends on how you travel. For a couple, it’ll feel expensive—because you’re paying for a full private boat. For a group of friends or a family gathering, it can make sense because the cost spreads across the people who actually get the water time, included snorkel masks, and skipper/fuel service.

Also notice the “comfort math.” Even though the boat can go higher, the recommended limit for longer trips is about 15 people. That means you’re paying for a nicer experience when your group size is capped rather than trying to cram in more.

So ask yourself a simple question: can you realistically fill most of the boat? If yes, this is more likely to feel like a smart splurge. If you can’t, consider whether you’d rather book a smaller group arrangement elsewhere or pick a shorter half-day window.

Who this trip suits best

This one fits best if you want:

• Private time at Comino without feeling like you’re trapped in queues
• A mix of swimming and sightseeing (with short but meaningful photo moments)
• An on-board setup that’s practical for families and mixed ages

It’s especially good for:

• Friends traveling together who want a shared playlist and easy swim stops
• Families that want a skipper who handles the route and you handle the fun
• Groups who hate planning and want pickup handled for you

If your group doesn’t care about snorkeling and you mostly want sightseeing from land, you might prefer a different kind of Malta outing. But if water time is the point, this private boat format is hard to beat.

Tips to get the most from your swim stops

You’ll enjoy this tour more if you treat it like a water day with a few cruising moments, not like a museum tour. A couple of practical ideas:

• Bring swim essentials even if masks are included. Sunscreen, a towel, and a way to protect your phone go a long way.
• Use the first swim window to gauge water conditions for your group. Then adjust behavior for the later stops.
• If your group plans to eat from onboard supplies, use the cooler box and ice so drinks stay cold.
• Plan music responsibly. Bluetooth audio is great, but keep it at a volume where everyone can relax.
• If you’re interested in standup paddle boards, remember they’re optional and need booking before the trip.

And one more “real life” thing: the trip runs subject to weather conditions. If weather can’t support safe cruising, the plan can be postponed or cancelled with a full refund of the deposit (so you’re not stuck gambling with nonrefundable plans).

Should you book this private boat trip?

I’d book it if you’re choosing Malta and Gozo for the water—not just photos. The mix of timed swim/snorkel stops, a boat setup with shade, shower, toilet, and Bluetooth music, plus a skipper-led route makes it feel like a smoother, more comfortable way to see Comino than doing it alone.

I’d think twice if you’re traveling as a small party that won’t fill the boat, because the price is per group. In that case, you might get more “bang for your buck” by targeting a half-day window or coordinating with friends to hit closer to the comfort group size.

If your group can handle a day at sea (4 to 6 hours) and you want real time in the water at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, this is the kind of private charter that turns a normal day into a memory you’ll actually talk about later.

FAQ

What’s the maximum group size for the boat?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 25 passengers, but for long trip durations they recommend not more than 15 passengers for comfort.

Where can you be picked up and dropped off?

Pickup is available from Gozo Ferry Terminal or Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal. Drop-off is also at Gozo Ferry Terminal or Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal.

Are snorkel masks included?

Yes. Snorkel masks are included and you can use them freely throughout the trip.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can bring ready-to-eat food and drinks on board. There’s also mention of possible lunch stops at Mgarr Harbour, where there are many food outlets.

Can we play music on the boat?

Yes. The boat includes a stereo and speakers, and you can connect via Bluetooth to play your music.

How long are the trips?

Typical full-day trips run from 10am to 4pm, and half-day trips run from 9am to 12noon. Start and end times can vary based on availability.

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