Comino’s water looks unreal from a private boat. This private charter is built for quick access to the best-known swim areas around Comino and Cominotto, with you dropping in closer to the action (and away from the worst crowd pockets). I like the way the boat can anchor in calmer blue water so you can jump in and swim right from the boat without feeling rushed.

Two details I especially like: snorkeling equipment is included, and the boats have canopies for sun shade while you’re cruising between stops. Even on a bright Malta day, that small shade makes the whole hour feel easier on your skin and on your mood.

One drawback to plan for is the one-hour time limit. You’ll hit several highlights, but stops are short, so it’s best for people who want to see a lot and swim in short, satisfying bursts rather than lingering for hours.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private routing that can avoid the busiest Blue Lagoon spots
• Snorkel mask and snorkel gear included for Comino and Crystal Lagoon
• Shade canopy on board to cool off between swims
• Cominotto Reef and Popeye Cave on a boat-only itinerary
• Optional P31 shipwreck swim if you talk to the operator in advance

A one-hour private charter from Cirkewwa

Most Malta visitors focus on where they’re going. I like that this tour focuses on how you get there: a private boat that starts and ends back at Cirkewwa cafeX8QH+3W6 in Mellieħa. With the timing kept to about one hour, you’re not stuck spending half your day transferring between boats and waiting around.

And because it’s private (up to 8 people in your group), the pacing feels more human. You can spend your energy swimming, taking photos, and relaxing on the boat instead of sharing space with dozens of people.

Why the Blue Lagoon feels calmer on a private boat

The first stop is the Blue Lagoon, one of the most famous swimming areas in the Malta archipelago. Yes, it can be crowded. The smart part of this charter is that the boat can anchor away from the densest areas, so you can swim in quieter water.

Here’s what that means in practice:

• You don’t just sail by and hope.
• You can actually get in the water and enjoy the feel of the place rather than watching from a distance.
• You’ll swim directly off the boat, which often feels easier than getting in and out from shoreline areas.

You also get snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel), so you can switch between a relaxed float and a quick look at what’s going on underwater—without scrambling to rent anything on arrival. The boat’s canopy shade helps too, especially if you’re traveling in the sun-heavy hours.

Comino’s coves, Cominotto, and the “islands you reach by boat”

Comino is the island that most people picture when they think of the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. But this route also uses the smaller, less-visited spaces around it. Comino has only two residents, and it’s surrounded by some of the bluest water in the area, with plenty of coves, caves, and small beaches.

Then you move toward Cominotto, which sits just off Comino and is accessible only by private boat tour. That boat-only access matters because it usually cuts down on crowd flow. Cominotto also has a beach that has been featured in films like Troy and Swept Away with Madonna, which gives you a fun little context while you’re on the water.

A short stop that still feels worthwhile

The Cominotto area is visited in a compact way. Expect brief time windows as the boat works through the coastline and swim points. That might sound limiting, but the value here is focus: you’re not spending the day moving slowly between places. You’re moving fast enough to see several “wow” spots, then slowing down when it’s time to actually swim.

Crystal Lagoon for snorkeling and cliff-jump moments

Stop 2 is Crystal Lagoon, one of the most sought-after lagoons on Comino. This is the kind of place where the water looks clear even before you get in, and it’s a natural choice for snorkeling and swimming. Crystal Lagoon is also linked with the Comino caves area.

The tour time here is listed at about 15 minutes, which is short but workable if you plan what you want to do before the boat drops anchor. If you like snorkeling, you’ll want to put the mask on quickly and swim steadily for a short window rather than waiting until your energy has already drained.

It’s also an area known for cliff-jump-style fun. If you’re not into jumping, you don’t have to do it—you can stay in swim depth zones and still enjoy the water clarity.

Zigzagging between small islets in the Comino area

There’s a stop for an islet in the Comino area (around 5 minutes). This is where the route changes from “major postcard spots” to smaller visual moments: little islands around Comino that show different shades in the water and can look like pale chunks or icebergs from a distance.

On a private charter, the boat can give you those sight lines without making you feel like you’re watching from behind other people’s phones. It’s also a good moment to cool off, take photos, and reset between longer swim stops.

Popeye Cave (L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf) and the sunlight effect

One of the most photographed cave spots in Comino is L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, better known as Popeye Cave. The key detail is the way sunlight streams through the cave entrance, creating that “magical” look that’s so recognizable in photos.

This tour lists a 5-minute stop here, but the point isn’t to hang out onshore. It’s to get close enough on the water to see what the sunlight does and to understand why the place became famous.

Boats on this charter are described as designed to access the cave area. Translation: you’re not just idling offshore. You’re getting into the position where the cave’s effect makes sense.

Cominotto Reef: wildlife spotting in shallow, colorful water

Cominotto Reef is the kind of stop that turns “pretty water” into “something I can look at.” It’s described as a long, shallow reef at the tip of Cominotto with vivid marine life—including octopuses, sea urchins, parrotfish, and sea bream. The reef also affects water color, which is why the area can look even more intense than the surrounding water.

This is a strong pick if you:

• Like snorkeling and want more than just surface-floating views
• Enjoy spotting wildlife and textures, not only open water
• Want that extra “I saw something” feeling in a short outing

Keep expectations realistic: with short stops, you won’t have time for a long, slow swim. Instead, aim for quick, focused snorkeling passes and then rinse off on the boat as needed.

Comino’s dramatic cliffs: caves and a boat-only route

After Cominotto Reef and Crystal Lagoon, the tour also includes time in the high-cliff coastline area of Comino. The cliffs are described as fascinating, with a small island off the coast and caves along the dramatic shoreline.

This is one of those segments where a private boat can pay off. Some spots are simply hard to access by foot, and from the water you get a clearer sense of scale. Even if you’re not snorkeling the whole time, you’ll still get value from the visuals—especially if you like photography.

The P31 patrol boat wreck: optional swim planning

Fair-weather days may include passing over P31, a shipwrecked patrol boat scuttled off the coast of Comino. The tour notes that if you prefer, you can swim around the wreck instead of other locations.

A few practical points from the route info:

• The wreck sits at a depth between 10 and 18 meters
• You need to discuss in advance if you want to swim at the wreck so the route can be adjusted

I like that the option is there because it gives flexibility. But it’s also a reminder: if you’re aiming for the wreck swim, you should communicate your plan early and be honest about your comfort in deeper water. If you’re not planning to swim around it, you can still enjoy the experience of seeing a wreck site from the boat.

What you’re paying for: $106.92 for a private group charter

The price is $106.92 per group, up to 8 people, for about 1 hour. That’s a value story that changes depending on how you travel. If you’re a solo traveler, private pricing can feel steep compared with shared boat options. But if you’re traveling with a small group—friends or family—this can be a smart way to “buy back” time and comfort.

Here’s what’s included:

• Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel)
• An ice box cooler

Those additions matter more than they sound. Having gear ready means you can start snorkeling at the first suitable stop. The cooler helps you keep drinks cool during the boat time, which can be a real comfort in Malta’s sun.

The one extra fee you should budget for

Fuel is listed as excluded: 49 euro per booking, paid separately. Plan for it so you’re not surprised at the end. Still, even with that add-on, private group charters can make sense when you’re splitting the cost among 4–8 people.

Timing tips for getting the most from short stops

Because you have several stops—Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto area, Popeye Cave, and possibly the cliffs and wreck—the outing works best if you move with purpose.

My practical advice:

• Decide in advance if you want snorkeling at each stop or only the best two.
• Bring simple swim essentials so you’re not scrambling (towel, dry layer, and water-friendly footwear if you use it).
• Plan your photo breaks between swims, not during them.

If you’re the type who likes to linger, this tour won’t feel long enough. But if you’re the type who wants to check the key water highlights off your list in one smooth loop, the pacing fits.

Weather matters more than you think

This experience runs on good weather, and the tour notes that if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That makes sense for a small-boat day where wind and sea state can change quickly.

For booking, I treat this like a high-priority “good-weather activity.” If you have flexibility in your Malta schedule, keep at least one backup day around. If you’ve booked a tight itinerary, it can be worth adding a little cushion so weather doesn’t wreck your plan.

Who this tour suits best

This charter is a good fit for:

• Small groups who want the freedom to swim without fighting crowds
• People who care about shade and comfort between stops (the canopy helps)
• Snorkel lovers who want included gear and multiple water windows
• Visitors who prefer boat-only access to places like Cominotto and Popeye Cave

It’s also noted that most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. That said, the key limitation you control is your own comfort in swimming and in open water conditions.

Should you book this private Comino boat tour?

If you want a short, efficient Comino day with private access to Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Popeye Cave, and the Cominotto area, I think this is a very sensible choice. The biggest win is the private format: you get to anchor away from crowd density and focus on swimming rather than waiting.

I’d skip it or choose a longer charter instead if you’re the kind of traveler who needs long beach time or wants to spend a half day in one lagoon. This is a sampler—just a high-quality one.

One more thing: the tour’s reviews consistently point to the skipper and the ability to hit the best spots. For me, that’s the real differentiator with any boat tour. When the captain knows the timing and the route, you feel it fast.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour around Comino and Blue Lagoon?

It runs for about 1 hour.

How many people can be on the private tour?

It’s priced per group and can take up to 8 people.

What’s included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment is included, plus an ice box cooler.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel is excluded and needs to be paid separately at 49 euro per booking.

Where do you meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Cirkewwa cafeX8QH+3W6 in Mellieħa, and the tour returns there.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

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