Malta: Comino Island Private Boat

REVIEW · COMINO

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat

  • 5.011 reviews
  • 2 hours
  • From $86
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Operated by Comino Getaways Boat Charters · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Two hours in Comino feels like a private paradise. This is a skipper-led charter where the Blue Lagoon delivers easy swimming and snorkeling time, and the Roofless Cave area gives you unforgettable sea-cave views without rushing.

Only one catch: weather and sea conditions can change the plan, and on rough days you may get less water time while the skipper alters the route.

Key things you’ll notice on this Comino private boat

  • Private boat for up to 6: Charters are charged per boat, so the experience scales nicely for small groups.
  • Blue Lagoon + Crystal Lagoon swim time: You’re set up for swimming with snorkel gear and multiple lagoon opportunities.
  • Cave time by boat: Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave are part of the route, with scenic passes for Pigeon Rock and other sea caves.
  • Comfort on the water: Shaded canopy, sun deck seating, and a cooler for drinks make the trip feel relaxed.
  • On-board extras that actually help: Bluetooth speaker, free Wi‑Fi, and safety gear keep things both fun and practical.

A 2-hour Comino plan that feels custom

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat - A 2-hour Comino plan that feels custom
Comino Island is the kind of place people talk about as if it’s one big postcard. The truth is better: it’s still wild and watery, but you don’t have to fight a crowd to enjoy it.

With this private boat tour (2 hours, up to 6 people), you get a skipper and an entire boat to yourselves. That matters because Comino is small, but the timing can make or break your experience. Instead of sticking to a rigid group schedule, your skipper can adjust stops for what the sea and winds allow—and for how long you want to float, swim, or just sit in the shade.

Two things I really like about this style of tour:

  • You get real water time in the lagoon areas, not just quick photo stops.
  • The boat format makes the caves feel close and personal, especially around Roofless Cave and the Lovers Cave region.

The price is shown as $86 per group (up to 6), and the route is built around paid lagoon access permits. Still, the skipper fee (€54) and fuel (€54) are listed as additional items, so check your final total before you book. If those extras are bundled on your booking screen, great. If not, expect the final cost to rise.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Comino

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat - Price and value: what you’re really paying for
A Comino day can get expensive if you’re chasing a tour that charges per person in a crowded boat. This one is structured differently: it’s per boat, not per passenger. For couples, that can mean paying for comfort. For families or friend groups up to six, it can start to feel like the smarter math.

Here’s what your group rate is covering in plain terms:

  • the private boat experience
  • basic onboard comforts (shade, seating, cooler)
  • snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel)
  • lagoon access permits and marina/port charges
  • taxes

What’s listed as not included:

  • the experienced skipper fee (€54)
  • fuel costs (€54)
  • food and drinks (though a cooler for beverages is provided)
  • any optional extras like a BBQ setup or fishing gear

So, who is this best for? If you want Comino’s highlights—Blue Lagoon swim time and the cave scenery—without hauling a towel through a crowded departure line, you’re in the right place.

Where you meet: Cirkewwa vs. Mgarr and why it matters

The tour includes pickup, which is a huge help when you’re trying to avoid last-minute parking and stress.

You’ll depart from two main areas:

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

If you’re staying on Malta, Cirkewwa is usually the simpler option. If you’re already on Gozo, Mgarr saves you from backtracking.

One logistics note I’d take seriously: you’re advised to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled charter start. That’s not for show. It’s to handle traffic, find the meeting point, and keep boarding smooth. Late arrivals don’t extend the charter time.

Also, there’s mention of a separate entrance and skip-the-line access. That can make a real difference when the harbour gets busy.

On-board comfort: the stuff that makes 2 hours feel longer

Two hours on the water sounds short—until you’re actually comfortable.

This boat is set up with:

  • ample seating
  • a shaded sun deck canopy (perfect when the sun gets high)
  • a cooler to keep beverages chilled
  • snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel)
  • Bluetooth speaker (for music if you want it)
  • free Wi‑Fi access
  • safety equipment for peace of mind

The Wi‑Fi and speaker might sound like extras, but they help you settle in fast. If you’ve got a group with different “mood settings” (some want music, some want to take a quick message home), you won’t all be annoyed at once.

Bring sunscreen and a hat even if you plan to mostly sit in shade. The lagoons can be bright enough to make your skin forget it’s a holiday.

Blue Lagoon first: swim, snorkel, and catch the calm

Your trip starts in the Blue Lagoon area, where the water is clear and the color is dramatic. This is where the tour design shines because the boat setup supports exactly what you came for: swimming and snorkeling.

What you can expect here:

  • time in crystal-clear water
  • a chance to snorkel with the provided mask and snorkel
  • plenty of space to relax on the boat before and after getting in

A private boat matters at the start because this lagoon gets busy. When you’re not squeezed into a shared itinerary, you can spend your time focusing on what your group enjoys most—floating, looking around underwater, or simply enjoying the views from the deck.

If you’re new to snorkeling, don’t overthink it. The key is to wear sunscreen on the parts you’ll expose, keep your breathing steady, and treat it like a slow sightseeing activity. The water clarity makes it rewarding quickly.

Crystal Lagoon stops: sheltered bays and easy swims

From Blue Lagoon, you’ll cruise toward the Crystal Lagoon area. This is known for vivid blue hues and sheltered bays—meaning it can feel calmer depending on how the wind is behaving that day.

Why this stop is valuable:

  • sheltered water often makes swimming feel easier
  • it gives variety from the first lagoon area
  • it keeps the trip from becoming one long rinse-and-repeat

Your skipper can influence the exact time you spend here based on conditions. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who gets seasick easily, the choice of sheltered spots is usually the difference between a good trip and a “Why are we on a boat?” afternoon.

Cominotto Island: a quieter side of Comino

Next up is Cominotto Island, described as a quieter island-side stop that lets you experience another angle of the Maltese coast.

In a private charter, this kind of stop is especially nice because it’s flexible:

  • you can get photos without rushing
  • you can take a break on the boat when you want
  • you can keep your group together without waiting for slow swimmers

Think of Cominotto as a palate cleanser—less of the big-name “everybody talks about this” feeling, more of the “oh, this is actually beautiful and peaceful” moment.

Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave: the reason people do the cave run

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat - Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave: the reason people do the cave run
Comino’s cave scenery is a big draw, and this tour includes the iconic Roofless Cave area (L‑Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf), plus the boat pass by Lovers Cave.

Here’s how to experience them well from the water:

  • Keep your eyes up and outward. A lot of the spectacle is in how the rock formations relate to the sea surface.
  • Have your camera ready, but don’t obsess. If you’re constantly shooting, you miss the feel of the moment.
  • Expect the boat movement to be part of the viewing. The caves don’t look the same from a distant viewpoint.

Roofless Cave is called out as a natural wonder with dramatic rock formations. Lovers Cave is described as romantic and secluded by boat, so if your group is the type that likes quiet time, this is where you’ll probably feel it.

Also, the route passes by Pigeon Rock and various other sea caves. Even if you don’t stop everywhere, the passing views can be a highlight—because you see different textures and angles than you would from shore.

What happens when the sea is rough

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat - What happens when the sea is rough
A crucial reality check: the skipper has discretion to cancel, reschedule, or alter your charter route due to weather and sea conditions.

That matters because Comino is open water. When it’s choppy, swimming time can shrink. There’s also a simple logic here: safety first, then scenery, then optional swim stops.

If you’re booking and you’re worried about rough water:

  • plan your day with a little extra patience
  • bring warm layers in addition to swimwear
  • expect the skipper to prioritize the best experience under the conditions

On a rough day, you might not get as much time in the water, but you can still come away impressed by the caves and pass-by views when the timing is handled well.

Skipper style: friendly, flexible, and practical

This charter is skipper-led, and the experience description and customer feedback point to a warm, conversational approach. Captains like Joe and Mario have been praised for making the trip feel smooth—even when language isn’t perfect—while keeping things relaxed.

That’s a big deal on a short 2-hour tour. The skipper isn’t just driving. They’re managing:

  • where you can safely stop
  • when you’ll get the most comfortable swimming windows
  • how the boat time is paced so you don’t feel rushed

Also, note that the skipper may adjust your preferred departure time to suit the best conditions. That’s not an inconvenience if you treat it as part of getting the best water conditions.

What to bring (and what not to forget)

For this Comino boat tour, keep it simple. Bring:

  • hat
  • swimwear
  • towel
  • sunscreen
  • cash

Why cash? The data explicitly lists it, so assume you’ll want some on hand for incidental needs.

What I’d also add (not listed, so use your judgment): sunglasses and a light layer. The sun off the water can be intense, and the sea breeze can cool you down fast once you stop swimming.

Is this the right tour for you?

This private boat is a good fit if you:

  • want Comino highlights without sharing the boat with strangers
  • like water time—swimming and snorkeling matter to you
  • care about comfort (shade, cooler, seating)
  • are traveling with a small group that will appreciate shared cost

It can also work well for couples—especially if you want quieter cave viewing with Lovers Cave vibes—without turning it into a party ride.

If your main goal is a long, all-day tour with lots of stops and included lunch, this 2-hour format might feel tight. But if you want the key stops and strong lagoon time, it’s a clean way to do Comino without eating up your whole day.

Booking decision: should you book this Comino private boat?

If you’re choosing between a crowded boat and a private charter, I’d lean toward this if your group is small and you want breathing room. The combination of Blue Lagoon swimming access, cave routing around Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave, and onboard comfort makes the 2-hour window feel efficient.

Book it if:

  • your group size is up to 6 and you want value via shared cost
  • you’re excited to snorkel with provided gear
  • you want a calmer, more flexible rhythm with a skipper

Think twice or go in with realistic expectations if:

  • you’re traveling on a day when wind and waves are likely
  • your group needs guaranteed long swim time no matter what

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Comino Island private boat tour?

It’s a 2-hour charter.

What is the group size for this private boat?

The price is listed per group up to 6 people.

Where do we meet for pickup on Malta?

On Malta, the meeting point is Cirkewwa, by the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal in Cirkewwa.

Where do we meet if we’re coming from Gozo?

On Gozo, the meeting point is Mgarr, near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour provides snorkeling gear, including a mask and snorkel.

What’s included on board besides the boat?

You get a shaded canopy, a sun deck seating setup, full safety gear, an ice cooler for beverages, a Bluetooth speaker, and free Wi‑Fi access.

Is the skipper included in the price?

An experienced skipper fee is listed as not included (€54), so check what your final booking total includes.

Can the skipper change the route if weather is bad?

Yes. The skipper can cancel, reschedule, or alter the charter depending on sea and weather conditions, tides, and other valid reasons.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

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