Private Boat Trip: Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Santa Maria

Comino by boat is the easy kind of wow. This private 3-hour charter is built for early-morning calm or sunset magic, with skip-the-line access so you spend less time waiting and more time in the water. I love that snorkeling gear is included, and I love the way the route hits major lagoons plus smaller coves without feeling like a cattle drive.

The main consideration is simple: 3 hours is short. If you want a full-day swimathon or a picnic onboard, you’ll need to plan accordingly, since food and drinks are not included.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Private, up to 6 people (per boat pricing) means a more personal pace than larger charters.
• Blue Lagoon plus Crystal Lagoon are the showstoppers, and you get time to actually swim.
• Snorkeling gear is included (mask and snorkel), so you can pack lighter.
• Caves and rock formations like Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave shape the whole experience.
• Bluetooth speaker and free WiFi make it easy to set a mood onboard.
• Pickup at Cirkewwa or Mgarr helps you avoid extra hassle once you arrive on Malta or Gozo.

Why Comino by Private Boat feels different than big tours

Comino is one of those places where the water looks like it was photoshopped, until you’re close enough to see how real it is. What makes this trip work is the format: you’re on a private boat, not a crowded schedule made for everyone at once.

On larger boats, you often get “photo stops” and then you’re back to the ride. Here, the whole point is to get you into the right spots and give you time to swim and snorkel. The vibe tends to be relaxed, with you spending more of the 3 hours out at the waterline than shuttling around.

Price and value: $173 per group up to 6, per boat

The headline price is $173 per group, up to 6 people. Since rates are per boat (not per passenger), this can be a good deal if you’re traveling with a small group or a family unit that doesn’t want to split up.

It’s also not the cheapest way to do Comino. But you’re paying for three things that matter in real life:

• More control of your time at each stop
• Access to secluded shoreline spots by boat
• Included extras (snorkeling gear, safety gear, permits, and a cooler)

I also like that the boat setup includes shaded seating and a sun deck. That sounds small until you’re baking in Malta’s sun and you realize you can rotate between shade and warmth without cutting the trip short.

Getting to Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour, and the timing that actually works

You’ll meet your boat in one of two places, depending on where you’re starting:

• Gozo: Mgarr Harbour Terminal, near Sicilia Bella Restaurant
• Malta: Cirkewwa, at the Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal

The trip also includes port and marina fees, and you get lagoon access permits, so you’re not scrambling for paperwork when you arrive. There’s also skip-the-line access via a separate entrance, which is worth it on busy Comino days.

Two practical tips from the “don’t lose time” playbook:

• Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. Traffic and queues can happen even when you do everything right.
• Show up on time. Lateness won’t extend the charter, so don’t gamble.

One more thing to know: fuel charges are payable separately. That means your final total might depend on conditions and how the charter is run that day.

Your 3-hour route: Blue Lagoon to Crystal Lagoon to swim time

This tour is built around two big lagoon names, then a chain of caves, bays, and rock formations.

Blue Lagoon first, for that classic Comino water

The journey typically starts at Blue Lagoon, where you can see why Comino is famous. Expect turquoise water and plenty of places to swim from the boat. This is usually where you’ll want to grab your photos fast, then focus on actually getting in.

A quick reality check: this lagoon is popular for a reason, which means it can get busy in peak hours. If your schedule allows, you’ll get a calmer feel by choosing an early-morning start or a sunset timing. That’s when the water turns glassy and the boat feels more like your own private world.

Crystal Lagoon next, calmer and better for relaxing

After Blue Lagoon, you move to Crystal Lagoon, known for its clear water and quiet atmosphere. This stop is a great fit if you want an unhurried swim or a snorkel session where you can actually see what’s under the surface.

Since snorkeling gear is included (mask and snorkel), you can jump in without hunting for rentals. If you’re not a confident swimmer, you can still enjoy the view while staying closer to the boat.

How the swim time tends to work

In a short 3-hour charter, the captain’s pacing matters. A common theme is that you’re given real time at the better spots, rather than being rushed through. You’ll usually have a chance to swim for a solid chunk of the trip, then reposition to the next cave or bay.

Caves and rock formations: Roofless Cave, Santa Maria Bay, and Lovers Cave

This is where the trip turns from pretty into memorable. Comino isn’t just beaches, it’s caves, cut-ins, and rock formations that change the view every few minutes.

Roofless Cave: the strange, open-ceiling spot

You’ll visit Roofless Cave, a natural formation with an open ceiling. The whole point is that it feels airy, not dark. From the water, you get a unique framing of the cave and the sky above it, which makes it a favorite for photos and for just soaking in the shapes.

One practical note: caves can feel narrow at times, so keep your expectations flexible. If the conditions are rough or tides shift, the captain may adjust where you stop.

Santa Maria Bay and surrounding caves

Next is Santa Maria Bay plus nearby caves. The water here is described as serene, and you also get scenic views while the boat moves through the area.

This is a good stop for people who don’t want to fight crowds. You can usually get that “we’re out here with nature” feeling because you’re not limited to a single shoreline position like you’d be on foot.

Cominotto islet: a peaceful viewpoint break

You’ll also see Cominotto, the neighboring islet. It’s known for picturesque views and a calmer atmosphere. Even if you don’t swim everywhere, this is the kind of location where you can sit back, take in the coastlines, and let the trip feel like it’s actually yours.

Elephant Rock and Pigeon Rock: the photo targets

Two more named features are Elephant Rock and Pigeon Rock. These are natural rock formations that create distinct shapes against the water.

In practice, this means you’re not just relying on lagoon water for the wow factor. You get variety: rocks, caves, and swimming spots all working together inside one short charter.

Lovers Cave: romantic, secluded, and very still

Lovers Cave is mentioned as a secluded spot that’s especially nice for couples. Even if you’re traveling with friends, it can still feel like a private pause in the middle of a moving itinerary.

If you like quieter moments, aim for a stop where your group is ready to slow down and just float, snorkel, and talk. In a 3-hour tour, those pauses are what turn it from activity into experience.

Saint Nikolaw Creek: the quiet escape

The tour also includes Saint Nikolaw Creek, described as secluded and tranquil. This is the kind of location that helps justify a private charter in the first place, because it’s hard to recreate on a standard bus-and-boat day.

Think of this stop as your “wind-down” moment before you head back. If you love calm water and fewer people, it’s a great place to finish strong.

Comfort onboard: shade canopy, sun deck, cooler, WiFi, and music

The boat experience here isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s also about being comfortable for the whole 3 hours.

You get:

• Cozy seating areas
• A sun deck
• A shade canopy
• An ice cooler provided
• Safety gear included
• Bluetooth speaker
• Free WiFi
• Snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel)

That shade canopy is the unsung hero. Malta sun adds up fast, even if the day starts cool. You can sit in comfort, not just stand and hope.

Bluetooth speaker and WiFi also matter more than you’d think. If your group likes music, you can set the mood without hauling extra equipment. And if you want to show a family member what you’re seeing, WiFi makes it easier to share.

What to bring (and what to plan to buy yourself)

Food and drinks are not included, and barbecue equipment is not included either. So come with the mindset that this is a water-first trip, not a picnic cruise.

Your packing list is simple and practical:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

That last one matters because you might want a meal suggestion from the captain, then stop somewhere on your own afterward. One review detail that stuck with me: some captains helpfully point groups toward a dinner spot afterward, and it can turn a day trip into a complete plan.

Also, consider bringing a dry bag or a secure way to keep valuables. The tour includes free WiFi, but you don’t want to test fate with your phone.

The captains and the pace: respectful, safety-first, and flexible

What consistently comes through is that the skipper sets the tone. In the names shared, you might be with Mario, Joe, or Harry. Different personalities, same overall theme: they act professional, keep the safety front and center, and try to give you the best experience for the conditions.

You can also get some useful flexibility:

• You can often choose where to go and how long you stay at stops.
• The trip tends not to feel rushed, which is a big deal on short charters.

One practical advantage of a private setup is that smaller boats can sometimes get into places where bigger charters can’t. That matters for cave access and for reaching quieter water pockets. If you care about the “one step closer” feeling, this format usually delivers.

And yes, the captains can help with photos. If your group likes pictures, having someone willing to take shots or help frame them can save you from awkward arm-angles and missed moments.

Who should book this Comino private boat charter

I’d put this tour at the top of the list for:

• Couples who want intimate, cave-and-water stops like Lovers Cave
• Small friend groups or families up to 6
• Travelers who care about swimming time and not just looking
• People who want a change of pace from land tours

It might not be the best match if you want:

• A full day on the water
• Onboard meals or a full catering experience
• Fishing gear or fishing-focused stops (fishing gear is not included)

If you’re short on time but still want the highlights, a 3-hour private charter is a smart way to “do Comino” without losing your whole day.

Should you book it

If your priority is water time, cave stops, and a more personal pace, I’d book this. The value holds up especially when you split across a group of up to 6, and the included snorkeling gear means you can travel lighter.

If you’re the type who needs food handled, or you want an all-day adventure, plan for a separate meal and accept that 3 hours is a focused burst, not a marathon.

FAQ

How long is the private boat trip?

The duration is 3 hours.

What does it cost, and is the price per person?

It costs $173 per group up to 6, and rates are per boat, not per passenger.

Where do pickup and meeting happen?

If you start in Gozo, meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal. If you start in Malta, meet near Cirkewwa’s Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling gear is included, specifically a mask and snorkel.

What should I bring for the tour?

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

Is there free cancellation?

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