Comino: Private Boat Trips, Swimming stops and Caves Tours

Crystal-clear water, zero crowd stress. This private Comino and Gozo boat experience is interesting because it centers your time on swimming and snorkeling, plus you get onboard comfort that feels designed for actual relaxing. I like the way the route stacks photo stops and long swim blocks, especially around Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon area. One consideration, food and drinks are not included, so you will want a plan for snacks and lunch.

I also like the practical onboard touches. The Julie Pearl boat has a shade-covered area, a proper bathing platform with a ladder, toilet facility, and an outdoor fresh-water shower for rinsing salt off fast. You can connect your phone to the stereo via Bluetooth and keep the mood going between swim stops.

If your group is bigger than the sweet spot, comfort drops. The boat can carry up to 25, but for a longer trip they recommend not more than 15 passengers for everyone to spread out and enjoy the day.

Key Things I’d Prioritize Before You Book

• Up to 15 people for comfort, even though the boat capacity is higher.
• Long swim windows at Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon area, not just quick photo stops.
• Snorkel masks and life jackets available on board (for adults and kids, if needed).
• Onboard rinse shower + toilet, so you are not hunting down facilities after every stop.
• Bluetooth stereo with built-in speakers, so your group can control the soundtrack.
• Snorkel time stays flexible, because the skipper sets the pace with time for swimming and sunbathing.

Why This Comino and Gozo Private Boat Trip Works So Well

This is the kind of trip that feels simple on paper and satisfying in real life. You are not doing a bus tour with limited water time and constant repacking. Instead, you are on a private charter with a local skipper, fuel included, and a schedule built around sea time.

You will get a rhythm that makes sense: cruise briefly, stop for a view or a quick photo, then settle in for swimming and snorkeling where the water is clear. It also helps that you can choose half-day or full-day, so you can match the tour to your energy level and your travel style.

There is a bigger bonus for groups: you control the vibe. Music is easy, snorkel gear is provided, and you can bring ready-to-eat food and drinks if you want. That freedom is why this type of charter often beats the rigid, crowded alternatives.

The Julie Pearl Boat Setup: Comfort, Shade, and Easy Water Access

The boat used on these charters is the Julie Pearl, with several practical features that matter once you are actually out in Malta’s sea air.

Here is what makes it feel comfortable during a 4 to 6 hour day:

• Shade and open decks: there is a covered area for sun-smart people, plus open deck space at the front and back.
• Bathing platform and ladder: the low, spacious platform plus a climbing ladder at the back makes getting in and out smoother, especially for kids or less confident swimmers.
• Outdoor fresh-water shower: rinse off salt water right away, which also helps if you want to stay comfortable for the next stop.
• Toilet facility: small detail, huge difference when you are doing multiple sea stops.
• Seating and a table: the layout is set up for groups to actually sit together.
• Bluetooth stereo with speakers: you connect your phone and play your own playlist. It keeps the day from feeling like you are sitting in silence between swims.

They also provide snorkel masks for free to use throughout the trip. Life jackets are available on board too, for adults and kids if needed.

One small practical point: you are on a boat, so bring your own towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. The trip includes gear, but it does not include the whole beach kit.

Picking Up Without Stress: Gozo or Cirkewwa, Plus Flexible Start Times

Your trip starts with a pickup that is designed to be straightforward. Depending on your selected option, you meet at either the Gozo Ferry Terminal or the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal area.

The provider explains that the Malta, Cirkewwa Jetty location is behind a food kiosk, next to the Gozo Channel ferry car-queuing lanes. On Gozo, the meeting point is from the main jetty, beyond the fast ferry terminal. After booking, they send a precise pinpoint location by WhatsApp so you can find the boat without wandering.

Timing matters here. Full-day trips are normally 10am to 4pm, and half-day trips are normally 9am to 12 noon. The start time can shift earlier or later based on availability, and you can even request to extend or shorten the duration if there is availability.

Why I like this: less waiting around. You are not burning half your day getting to the harbor, then waiting for the group. The quicker you get on board, the more valuable your swimming time becomes.

Half-Day vs Full-Day: Which Duration Fits Your Group?

You have two practical choices: half-day (about 3 hours) or full-day (about 6 hours). That choice should come down to how much sea time you want versus how much you want to add land breaks.

Half-day works best if:

• you mostly want Comino water stops and swimming
• your group is short on time
• you prefer fewer stops with more concentrated beach and snorkel time

Full-day works best if:

• you want the bigger mix of Comino and Gozo highlights
• you like the idea of a lunch break at Mgarr Harbour
• you want both photo moments and longer swim windows without feeling rushed

This matters because the most popular part of the day is the water. If you choose too short a trip, you might feel like you reached the good part only after the clock started speeding up.

The Itinerary Flow: Photo Stops, Then Swim Time

The route has a steady cadence. There are short sightseeing cruises, then quick pass-by or photo-stop moments, followed by longer stops where the boat stays put for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

A typical flow includes:

• a brief sightseeing cruise
• a Saint Mary’s Tower photo stop and pass-by
• Crystal Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing
• Blue Lagoon area for swimming, snorkeling, and time for lunch or a cocktail-style break
• Mgarr Harbour for a land break, shopping, and walking
• Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach for another swim and marine life viewing moment
• Santa Maria Caves for a photo stop and short sightseeing pass-by/visit moment
• return drop-off at either the Gozo or Malta pickup points

One nice touch: you are not forced to snorkel the whole time. Masks are provided, but the stops include time to relax on the boat or float in the shallows.

Also, the route can extend to other Comino and Gozo areas depending on the day and conditions. They mention places like San Niklaw, Santa Marija Bay, Halfa Rock, Qala Valley, and farther options including Ramla Bay, Ghajn Barrani, Dahlet Qorrot, and San Blas Bay. So if you are picky about which coastline you see, you can ask the skipper what they can work in for your timing.

Crystal Lagoon: The Stop That Changes the Mood

Crystal Lagoon is the first big swim-and-snorkel target on the schedule, with around 30 minutes set aside for water time. This is usually where the trip starts feeling special, because you are not just near the water, you are actively in it.

What I like about this stop:

• You get enough time to swim first, then switch to snorkeling without feeling like you have missed the moment.
• The plan includes marine life viewing, so there is an expectation you might see fish and explore the water rather than just float.

Potential drawback: if your group is hesitant about snorkeling, 30 minutes can feel like “not enough time to warm up.” The flip side is you can always choose to do more swimming and less snorkeling inside that window, since masks are provided but not mandatory.

Blue Lagoon and Lunch Time: Water Fun Plus a Break

Next comes the Blue Lagoon area, again with about 30 minutes. This stop is built for variety: swimming, snorkeling, plus a bit of free time.

On the schedule, there is also mention of cocktail and lunch, plus sightseeing. The important practical detail is that lunch is not automatically covered as a meal plan. What you get is time and options. You can bring ready-to-eat food on board, or the skipper may suggest doing lunch at Mgarr Harbour depending on how the day shapes up.

This is a good stop for groups because some people want to swim and snorkel right away, while others prefer to hang back, sunbathe, and watch. With private charters, you do not have to sync with a crowd moving like clockwork.

Mgarr Harbour on Gozo: Shopping, Walks, and Real Meal Options

Mgarr Harbour is the land break, about 30 minutes. This is where you can actually reset. The schedule allows for lunch, free time, shopping, and a walk.

You are not locked into one kind of food. The provider notes you can find a wide variety of food outlets, kiosks, and restaurants for dine in or take out. If your group is picky or you have different tastes, this stop is a lifesaver.

Why I think it adds value even if you are not a big shopper: it gives you a real break from the boat and gives you a chance to grab something warm or filling if the sea time has made everyone hungry.

Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach: Another Swim Block With Marine Life Viewing

After another short sightseeing cruise, you reach Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach. You get another 30 minutes here for sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing.

This stop is handy because it repeats what you loved earlier, without being exactly the same. If you nailed snorkeling at Crystal Lagoon, this is your second chance. If you skipped snorkeling the first time, this is when you can try it with less pressure.

The main consideration is simple: sunscreen fatigue. Two swim-heavy stops in a row means you will likely want to reapply. Bring sun protection you can easily access.

Santa Maria Caves: The Photo Stop That Adds Drama

The Santa Maria Caves segment is shorter, with a photo stop and brief visit and sightseeing pass-by time (around 5 minutes plus the earlier photo viewing).

Caves are always the kind of thing that benefit from being seen in motion, not just from land. Even with a shorter time window, it adds a different texture to the day compared with pure lagoon swimming.

If your group has strong preferences for caves, you should be sure everyone is comfortable with quick stops. This portion is not a long sit-and-explore type of moment. It is a see it, frame a photo, and keep moving kind of section.

Boat Extras That Actually Affect Your Day

Small additions matter more on a boat trip than on land. This charter includes several that make the experience easier.

Included extras you should use:

• Snorkel masks throughout the trip
• Stereo and speakers via Bluetooth, so you can play your own music
• Outdoor fresh-water shower to rinse after swimming
• Toilet facility, so you are not stuck timing bathroom breaks around the day
• Cooler box with complimentary cooling ice for drinks

Optional extras to consider:

• Standup paddle boards are available for a minimal charge, but they must be booked in advance. If you know your group wants them, tell the provider ahead of time.

One practical tip: since food and drinks are not included, plan your hydration. If you bring your own drinks, the cooler box and ice help a lot in the heat.

Price and Value: What $577 Per Group Really Covers

The price listed is $577 per group up to 15, and the duration sits in the 4 to 6 hour range depending on the trip choice.

Here is the value logic. You are paying for:

• a private boat hire
• a local experienced skipper
• fuel for the trip
• onboard basics that reduce hassle, like toilet access and rinsing shower
• snorkel masks plus the ability to use the Bluetooth stereo
• a planned itinerary with multiple swimming and snorkeling stops

When you compare this to paying for separate tickets, shared boat tours, or multiple transport costs, the per-group price often starts making sense, especially if your group is the type that wants control and timing. It also matters that they recommend keeping long trips around 15 passengers. That makes the trip feel less like a compromise and more like what a private charter should feel like.

If you are traveling solo or as a couple, the cost might feel steep unless you truly want a private setup. If you are a group of friends or a family unit, it is easier to see the math.

Who This Private Charter Suits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

• swimming and snorkeling time that feels meaningful
• a private boat vibe where your group controls the pace and music
• a day that mixes Comino and Gozo highlights without the friction of public tours
• a skipper who gives you clear help getting found at the pickup

One review highlights how supportive the team can be. Erin from the UK described a full-day hire with her friends, praising Jeanette and skipper Fabio for being friendly, communicative, and clear with instructions to find everything. That kind of easy coordination is a big deal at busy harbor zones.

This charter can also work for mixed-experience groups, because not everyone has to snorkel. People can swim, float, sunbathe, and still have plenty to do during the stop windows.

Should You Book This Comino and Gozo Private Boat Trip?

Book it if you know you want sea time, not just sea scenery. If your group values longer swim windows, provided snorkeling masks, and a private setup with a Bluetooth soundtrack, this is a strong choice.

I would think twice if:

• you are hoping for food and drinks to be fully included
• you want a strictly land-based itinerary
• your group prefers long guided stays at caves rather than short, photo-focused stops

If you do book, I suggest you plan your snacks and lunch approach ahead of time, and bring your own beach kit like towels and sun protection. Then let the skipper handle the route and stop timing.

FAQ

How many people can be on the boat?

The Julie Pearl boat has a maximum capacity of 25 passengers, but for comfort on long trips they recommend not more than 15 people.

Where do you get picked up?

You can be picked up from either the Gozo Ferry Terminal or the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal area.

How long is the trip?

The experience is offered as a half-day or full-day trip, with full-day trips normally running 10am to 4pm and half-day trips normally running 9am to 12 noon.

What is included on board?

Included features are the private boat hire with skipper and fuel, snorkel masks, a cooler box with ice, Bluetooth stereo and speakers, an outdoor fresh-water shower, a toilet, shade coverage on the deck, and life jackets (for adults and kids if needed).

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can bring ready-to-eat food and drinks onboard, and the skipper may also recommend a lunch stop at Gozo Mgarr Harbour where there are food outlets.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel masks are provided and can be used freely during the trip.

Are standup paddle boards included?

Standup paddle boards are optional, available for a minimal charge, and need to be booked before the trip.

What happens if weather is bad?

The trip depends on permitting weather conditions. If weather does not allow the trip to go ahead, the booking can be postponed to another date subject to availability or cancelled with a full refund.