Crystal water and your own boat. This private charter around Comino is built for low-stress swimming and local cheese-and-olive snacks, with your own captain keeping things moving. One thing to factor in: the trip runs on good weather, and the schedule is tight at about 3 hours.

I like how the route mixes big-name scenery (Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon) with quieter pauses, including cave swims and rock formations that help you get away from the crowd feel. You also get that family-run vibe, where the captain and crew take time to explain what you’re seeing, including the film locations tied to The Count of Monte Cristo.

One possible drawback is that you need to be comfortable with a short, packed itinerary. You’ll get multiple swim windows, but you are not settling in for a long beach day, so keep expectations realistic.

Key Highlights Worth Planning For

• Private boat time so you can move on your own schedule instead of sharing space with big groups
• Captain-led storytelling with extra context around Comino’s landmarks and filming locations
• Swim variety from Blue Lagoon to cave-inside water and a view of a 13m wreck
• Two stand-up paddle boards included for an easy way to explore without swimming nonstop
• On-board comfort: restroom, freshwater shower, ice-coolers, and a bar on board
• Cave visit + tower views tied to The Count of Monte Cristo, with a short walk option for the 1618 tower

A 3-Hour Private Charter That Feels Like Your Best Swim Plan

This is the kind of tour I recommend when you want Comino’s water without the usual crowd crunch. The core idea is simple: you’re on your own boat with your own captain, so the day feels less like a checklist and more like a custom swim route.

The total time is about 3 hours, and that matters. You’ll spend your morning or afternoon bouncing between a few standout bays and caves, mostly built around swim stops and short explorations. If you’re the type who loves seeing a lot but still wants breathing room, this works well.

You also get the practical stuff that makes boat days easier: a restroom on board, snorkeling equipment, a freshwater shower, ice-coolers, and even two stand-up paddle boards. It’s not just “go look at water,” it’s “go use the water.”

From Gozo to Blue Lagoon: Your First Chance at Clear Water

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and it’s easy to see why. Expect crystal-blue water and a mix of sandy shoreline and watersports options right around the bay. There are food kiosks and cocktail bars in the area too, so if you want to layer in a snack stop later, the zone is set up for it.

In the tour plan, you get about 45 minutes here. That time window is short enough that you don’t lose the day to travel-on-water, but long enough to swim and cool off properly. You’ll likely also spot parasailing activity in the area, since that’s one of the things the bay is known for.

A nice extra: the area supports a short hike viewpoint connected to Comino’s old tower. Even if you don’t plan a full hike, it gives you a sense of scale. Comino isn’t just postcard water; it also has that older, stubborn, fortified feel.

The main consideration with Blue Lagoon is straightforward: it’s popular by definition. The trick is that you’re doing it from a private boat, and that helps you avoid the crush feeling you get when you’re stuck in crowds waiting your turn.

Crystal Lagoon: Cave Swims, Cliff Views, and a Movie Location

Crystal Lagoon is where I’d point you if you want the day to feel special. The water here sits in an inlet, surrounded by cliffs and caves, and the setup is built for close-up swims.

You’ll get about 45 minutes at this stop, and the highlights are very water-focused:

• the chance to swim under a cave from one side to another
• the idea of swimming into a small sandy area inside a cave

This is also tied to filming. The area around the caves and views connects to The Count of Monte Cristo, including a location noted for the tower and nearby wreck view.

What makes Crystal Lagoon so valuable is that it’s not just “pretty water.” It’s the kind of place where you feel the geography immediately, with cliffs shaping the light and caves turning the swim into an experience, not just a dip.

If you’re not a strong swimmer, this is still a good stop because you can choose how close you want to go. Just remember you’re dealing with open water movement between cave zones, so take your time.

The In-Between Magic: Elephant-Shaped Rocks, a Quiet Beach, and a 13m Wreck View

Between the main lagoons, the route includes small moments that add variety without turning the day into a lecture.

One stop highlights an elephant-head shaped rock formation. It’s quick, but those odd natural shapes are exactly why a private charter feels better than larger group tours. You’ll often have a better sense of what you’re looking at because you’re not rushing to match other people’s swim times.

There’s also a quieter beach stop described as peaceful. That’s a big deal in the Comino world. Even small shifts in where you dock can mean a calmer water experience and an easier time getting in and out.

Then you get one of the coolest “only on a boat” sights: a 13-meter-deep wreck in clear water, plus an overview of Comino’s tower. The tower connection is again tied to The Count of Monte Cristo, so if you’re a film nerd, you’ll probably enjoy how the day keeps linking back to that same setting.

This stretch is worth paying attention to because it breaks the pattern of just lagoon after lagoon. You’re seeing Comino as something lived-in by nature, with odd rock, quiet coves, and underwater history visible when conditions are right.

Cominotto Reef and Santa Marija Bay: Short Stops Built for Breathing Room

Some boat tours feel like they’re always in transit. This one uses shorter stops to balance the day.

At Cominotto Reef, the plan calls it a perfect spot for underwater enthusiasts. Even if you’re not doing anything fancy, it’s the kind of place where the water clarity and reef layout make it rewarding to float, snorkel, or just look.

You get about 15 minutes here. That sounds brief, but it’s usually enough for a quick swim and a good look. Since the day already has two longer swim windows, this stop keeps momentum without tiring you out.

Next is Santa Marija Bay, where the vibe shifts toward calm. The bay is described as better suited for relaxing rather than a busy scene, and there’s a small church found about 2 minutes from the sandy beach area.

You’ll have 20 minutes at this stop. That’s a sweet spot for stretching out, taking a slow swim, and enjoying the quieter feel before the day moves toward caves.

If your ideal day is active but not exhausting, these short pauses are part of the value here. You’re not just rushing from one wow moment to the next; you’re getting a rhythm.

Santa Maria Caves and the 1618 Tower Walk Option

The final big action is Santa Maria Caves, where you get about 30 minutes. This is one of the most “Comino-specific” experiences on the route because it’s all about the cliff-cut shapes and the way caves change the water movement.

You’ll go through a mix of cave sizes:

• small coves
• stunning larger caves carved into high cliffs
• and the chance to explore a cave that includes a pool inside

That pool detail matters because it’s not just a look-from-the-boat situation. The time you get here is designed for actual exploration while conditions are favorable.

There’s also a tower element tied to the day: a medieval tower built in 1618 to help defend the island of Comino. It’s connected again to The Count of Monte Cristo. The good news is you can visit it on foot, with a 5-minute walk from Blue Lagoon bay mentioned as the access option.

If you’re wondering how to decide between cave focus and tower focus, here’s a practical approach: if you love water movement and want maximum time feeling surrounded by caves, prioritize the cave side. If you want views and a break from the water, choose the tower walk.

Either way, the tour’s structure gives you more than one kind of Comino payoff.

What’s Included On Board (And What That Means for Your Comfort)

The tour includes the practical supports that often get left out on similar charters.

On board you get:

• Restroom
• Freshwater shower
• Ice-coolers (useful after time in sun and salt water)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Two stand-up paddle boards
• Bar provided on board
• Fuel surcharge covered
• Blue Lagoon Pass included

And there’s a note on transportation: they can arrange private transportation from your hotel to the pickup location, if you need it.

What I like about this setup is that it supports different energy levels. Some people want snorkeling gear, others want paddle boards, and some just want a shower and a calm place to sit between swim windows. This tour gives you those choices without you needing to bring your own everything.

One more practical point: the plan lists the tour as private, so your group is the only group on board. That tends to make the shared experience feel calmer and easier to manage, especially when the water gets choppy at times.

Snacks, Drinks, and the Meals Question

You’ll be offered snacks, described as local-style favorites like Maltese cheese and olives (plus crackers). That’s exactly the kind of snack I prefer on a boat: salty, simple, and easy to eat while you’re still thinking about your next swim.

There is also a bar on board, and one review notes you can buy drinks onboard. So you can stay hydrated and not worry about arranging drinks separately.

Meals are listed as not included: a traditional food platter with cheeses, olives, cold cuts, and bread is specifically identified as not part of the included meal offering. In other words, assume you’re covered for snacks, not a full sit-down meal.

Price and Value for a Group Up to 15

The listed price is $419.39 per group, for up to 15 people, over about 3 hours. For many travelers, that pricing structure is the main reason this charter makes sense: you’re not paying per person for the boat itself. You’re paying for the boat time and captain attention, then dividing cost across your group.

If you’re traveling as a couple or small family, it can still be good value because you’re getting the private experience and all the included gear. A lot of boat tours in popular areas charge heavily per head, and crowd control is where your money often disappears.

Where value gets strongest is when you compare what’s included: snorkeling equipment, two paddle boards, restroom access, freshwater shower, and the Blue Lagoon pass. Those add up quickly if you’d otherwise rent gear and pay entry fees separately.

There’s one reality check: it’s a short tour. You’ll have multiple swim stops, but you won’t get a long, laid-back day on land. If you want a half-day or full-day beach-and-eat experience, you might look for something longer.

Who This Private Charter Fits Best

This is a great match for:

• couples and families who want private boat time instead of packed group chaos
• people who care about swim variety: lagoons, caves, and a wreck-view stop
• anyone who likes learning quick context tied to real places, including The Count of Monte Cristo landmarks

It also suits travelers who appreciate practical comfort. Restroom, shower, snorkeling gear, and paddle boards mean you can actually make the most of the water without constant improvising.

It may be less ideal if you hate short schedules or want a long time sitting on one beach. The tour is built for movement and multiple swims, not for lingering all day.

A Quick Booking Reality Check: Timing and Weather Matter

This experience needs good weather, and if conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Since the route is built around swimming and open-water sections between bays, the weather requirement is not a fine print detail. It’s the difference between a great day and a day that gets adjusted.

Also, the experience is often booked ahead. The average booking window is around 63 days in advance, so if your travel dates are fixed, it’s smart to lock it in early rather than waiting.

Should You Book This Private Boat Charter to Crystal and Blue Lagoon?

I’d book it if you want the Comino highlights with breathing room. You get a private boat, multiple high-impact swim stops, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and on-board comfort like a shower. The family-run feel and the captain-led explanations tied to the Count of Monte Cristo settings add something you don’t get from a purely sightseeing-style trip.

Skip it (or look for something longer) if your ideal day is slow, land-based, and long on one beach. This is not a whole-day beach picnic. It’s a tight, well-paced water circuit.

If you’re the kind of traveler who would rather pay for time on the water and then relax between swim moments, this charter is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The tour duration is about 3 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

It runs in Gozo and around Comino and its lagoons and bays in Malta.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is this a private tour or shared?

This is a private tour. Only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are restroom on board, fuel surcharge, use of two stand-up paddle boards, bar provided on board, snorkeling equipment, ice-coolers, freshwater shower, private transportation can be arranged from your hotel to the pickup location, and the Blue Lagoon pass.

Are meals included?

Meals are not included. A traditional food platter (cheeses, olives, cold cuts, and bread) is listed as not included.

What stops are included?

The experience includes Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Reef, Santa Marija Bay, Santa Maria Caves, plus scenic stops such as an elephant-head rock formation and a quiet beach, with views tied to Comino’s tower and the Count of Monte Cristo filming locations.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If canceled less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded. The experience also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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