Comino: Private boat tour with Snorkeling activities & caves

Comino, but with your own boat. You cruise on a traditional 12 meter luzzu and spend about four hours in some of Malta’s most dramatic water spots, with guided swims through caves and snorkeling around Comino and Cominotto reefs. I especially love the close-to-the-water access to the Santa Maria Caves and the fact that this feels private from start to finish.

I also like how the trip balances big-name scenery with breaks where the water and coves feel more relaxed. The tradeoff to consider: this is a boat day with multiple swim stops, so if you want lots of time on land or zero water activity, you might feel rushed.

You can count on a real deckhand-led day too, not just a taxi boat. The boat has practical comfort features you’ll appreciate, like shade to cool off, plus a toilet and fresh-water shower for after your swims.

Key things I think are worth your attention

• A private luzzu for up to 20 people means you set the pace, not the schedule.
• Santa Maria Caves includes an inside swim, with a short walk into the cave before you reach the pond.
• Crystal Lagoon is built for snorkeling, with cave swims that are easier to navigate than the darker, single-way tunnels.
• Comfort at sea matters: shade, a toilet, and a sweet-water shower help a lot after saltwater time.
• Your gear is mostly handled with snorkeling masks included, plus stand-up paddle boards and fishing equipment.
• One deeper stop is built in with the P31 wreck, which you can see from the boat when conditions are clear.

Private luzzu boat with cave swims and reef snorkeling

This is the kind of Comino day that usually gets messy with crowds, timing, and mismatched expectations. Here, you’re chartering a traditional fishing-style boat, the luzzu, for a set time, so you spend less time waiting around and more time actually in the water.

That matters because Comino’s best moments are not just views. They are the small movements, like getting close enough to see reef life through clear water, or timing a cave swim so you’re not fighting glare and waves. A private setup also makes a difference for families and mixed groups, since you can keep everyone together without the stress of searching for the right boat at the right time.

The tour centers on caves and reefs around Comino and Cominotto, but it still has that classic Blue Lagoon hit early in the day, so you get the postcard moment without letting the whole day become one long queue.

Pickup at Cirkewwa or Gleneagles, then you’re off

You get two pickup options, and both are designed for fast access to the boat area:

• Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal (you go into the ferry marshaling area), with the boat either moored there or waiting to berth near the ferry traffic.
• Gleneagles Bar area in Malta, where the boat is moored in Pontoon A beneath the bar.

Drop-off matches your pickup point, so you are not stuck playing guess-the-transfer later. Practically, this helps if you’re pairing the Comino boat day with a day in Malta, since you can plan your next stop without a separate return route.

Blue Lagoon: swimming, snorkeling, and a natural cave swim-through

Your morning starts with the Blue Lagoon for about an hour. This is the big draw, and for a reason. The water here is famously clear and bright, and you get a structured chunk of time to swim and snorkel without rushing.

What I like about starting here is that you’re fresh, excited, and ready to go when the light is usually at its best. The stop includes time for snorkeling, plus time for swimming and scenic cruising on the way in and out.

There’s also a natural cave you can swim through at the Blue Lagoon, plus a sandy beach and nearby kiosks where you can usually find quick food and drinks. In your case, there’s mention of a cocktail and street food as part of the stop, but keep in mind that food and drinks are listed as not included overall. In other words, you can plan around snacks at your own pace, rather than assuming every drink is covered.

If your group includes kids or non-snorkelers, the Blue Lagoon works well because the water and beach area give people options. You can snorkel while others hang back, then swap.

Cominotto Beach and San Niklaw Bay for calmer water time

After Blue Lagoon, the boat continues around Comino toward Cominotto Beach for swimming and marine-life viewing. This is often the part of the day where the vibe shifts. Instead of the most famous crowded shoreline, you’re looking at a more relaxed set of coves where snorkeling feels less like a competition.

Next up is San Niklaw Bay for about 30 minutes of swimming and snorkeling. Shorter timing here is actually a plus. It keeps the day moving, prevents “snorkel fatigue,” and still gives you enough time to see reef life before you get back on board for the next scenic cruise.

These middle stops are valuable because they break the day into manageable chunks. You’re not just doing one huge 2-hour swim block. You’re hopping between spots, so you can stay alert, reapply water-friendly sunscreen, and keep your energy for the cave portions.

Santa Maria Caves: the inside pond swim (and a Monte Cristo detail)

The Santa Maria Caves segment is the star of this whole day if you like physical experiences, not just photos. You spend about an hour here, and the key difference is that you don’t just look at the cave. You go inside.

Here’s what that looks like in real terms: you visit the cave area, then you walk inside. It’s roughly ten meters before you reach a pond. From there, you can swim in the pond, and if you’re comfortable as a diver, there’s also mention that you can go under and pass through to the other side.

Your guide stays with you through the inside section and helps you find your way in. That matters because caves are disorienting when you’re trying to judge depth and footing. Having a guide makes the experience smoother, especially if you’re doing it for the first time.

A detail I find fun and useful: this cave area is linked with the filming of the Count of Monte Cristo. It’s the kind of fact that makes the visit feel more than scenic, like you’re stepping into a location that has a story behind it.

One caution, just so you can plan well: since you’re swimming inside a cave pond, bring a realistic mindset about getting water in places you don’t expect. It’s part of the deal, but being mentally ready helps.

Crystal Lagoon and Saint Mary’s Tower views from the waterline

After Santa Maria Caves, you cruise onward to Crystal Lagoon, where you get another hour. This part of the day is all about swimming and snorkeling with cave scenery that feels different from Santa Maria. The caves here include at least two distinct setups.

One special cave lies just under Saint Mary’s tower. The description says that if you swim inside, you reach a sandy beach at the end of the cave. Again, your guide comes in with you, which helps you avoid getting turned around in a spot where light and direction shift.

There’s also another cave in the area that’s open from both sides. That means it tends to be less dark, which can make the swim-through experience easier for people who aren’t totally confident in tight cave lighting.

Crystal Lagoon is also described as a place loved for cliff jumping. If that’s not your thing, you still have plenty of value here. Even without jumping, cave swims and snorkeling around the lagoon give you a lot to work with.

Saint Mary’s tower itself is also accessible, with mention of about a ten-minute walk from the lagoon area. The water views from the approach are usually a big part of the payoff.

P31 wreck, reefs, and a couple of cave stops for variety

As the day continues, you get more “for the water people” variety. There’s a mention of the P31 wreck, with swimming and snorkeling time. The wreck is described as being at a depth of 25 meters, and visibility from the boat depends on sea conditions.

That detail is important. Even if you can’t see the wreck clearly at surface level, the stop still supports snorkeling time and reef exploration around nearby areas. But if you’re coming specifically for wreck spotting, plan on the idea that clearer seas are the difference-maker.

You also have Cominotto Reef time for swimming and snorkeling and marine-life viewing. This is a good pairing with the wreck segment because reef snorkeling often gives you predictable enjoyment, even when conditions change.

Finally, there’s a guided cave segment named L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf / It-Tieqa / Taħt il-Ħnejja, with swimming included. This adds extra texture to the day, so it doesn’t feel like you’re repeating the same “stop, swim, repeat” experience.

On-board comfort on a 4-hour private boat day

A lot of Comino tours feel like a speedrun. This one is still active, but the boat setup helps you reset between swims.

From the practical details, you get:

• A toilet and a fresh-water shower onboard, which is a big quality-of-life upgrade after salty cave swims.
• Shade in the back area to cool down.
• A fridge for keeping things colder.
• A bar on board with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, snacks, and ice creams.

You also get ice coolers, which is useful if you bring your own water or snacks. Snorkeling masks are included, plus there’s stand-up paddle board use and fishing equipment available.

One small but genuinely nice touch from the reviews: you can play your own music. That turns the boat from just transport into your own moving hangout.

Price and value for up to 20 people

The price is $506 per group, for up to 20 people, for a four-hour private charter. That sounds high until you do the math the way you actually travel.

If you have a group, the value comes from what’s included, not just the boat:

• Private boat charter for the full time
• Fuel charges
• Captain and deckhand guiding you around beaches and into caves
• Snorkeling masks
• Stand-up paddle board
• Fishing equipment
• Ice coolers
• Blue Lagoon pass

Food and drinks are not included. So if you want cocktails, snacks, or ice cream, you should plan to pay for them while you’re on board. Still, the structure means you’re not paying extra for access to the core swimming locations.

Where it really feels like good value is when you compare the cost of doing Comino by yourself: you’d still need transport, you’d still pay for access, and you’d still fight for time around the most crowded coves. With a private luzzu, your captain can position you for the stops that match your group, and your deckhand can guide you in the cave swim sections.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• Private time on the water, with a plan that doesn’t feel rushed.
• Cave swimming plus snorkeling, not just views from the deck.
• A day that works for mixed groups, since beach time, cave time, and reef time offer options for different comfort levels.
• Comfort upgrades onboard, like shade, toilet access, and a fresh-water shower.

It might be less ideal if your group wants a lot of wandering on land, since most of the value comes from swimming and water activity. Also, if your group is very sensitive to being on a boat for several hours, you may want to rethink and choose a slower, more land-based Malta day instead.

Practical tips before you go (so the day stays fun)

Pack for a boat-and-swim day, not a sightseeing day. Even if masks and gear are included, you’ll want:

• Swimwear you can get fully wet.
• Something quick-drying for between swims.
• Reef-safe mindset for snorkeling areas (basic care helps).
• A small plan for keeping phones and valuables dry.

Also, consider timing your day so you’re not rushed. Your total time is four hours, and the stops include swim windows and cave access, so you’ll get the best experience if you show up calmly and ready to move.

Should you book this Comino private boat tour?

I think this is a clear yes if your top goal is cave swimming and snorkeling with a guide, and you want the comfort of a dedicated boat. The combo of Santa Maria Caves plus Crystal Lagoon cave swims is the kind of pairing that’s hard to recreate on a standard public cruise.

Book it if:

• You’re traveling with a group and want the math to work out.
• You care about on-board comfort and practical features like a toilet and shower.
• Your crew includes people who enjoy both reef snorkeling and something more adventurous than surface swimming.

Consider another option if:

• You want lots of land time and minimal water activity.
• Your group would be disappointed by cave swims that require getting wet and following the guide closely.

FAQ

How long is the Comino private boat tour with snorkeling and caves?

It lasts 4 hours.

What does the tour cost, and how many people can be in the group?

It costs $506 per group and accommodates up to 20 people.

Where are the pickup and drop-off locations?

Pickup and drop-off are available at either Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal or Gleneagles Bar.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included.

Is there stand-up paddle board use during the tour?

Yes. Stand-up paddle board use is included.

Are food and drinks included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are listed as not included. A bar is provided on board, so you may purchase drinks and snacks there.

Will there be time for visiting caves?

Yes. You visit Santa Maria Caves and also go to additional caves around Comino and Crystal Lagoon.

Is the P31 wreck part of the tour?

Yes. There is time for swimming and snorkeling near the P31 wreck, and it is described as being at a depth of 25m.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.