Comino: Private Boat Trips, Swimming stops and Caves Tours

The best Maltese swim stops are reached by boat. This private cruise around Comino and Gozo gives you time at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, and quieter bays that are hard to enjoy on a crowded group boat. I like the freedom to shape a four to six hour trip, and I especially like having a skipper, fuel, masks, cooler, shower, and toilet included. The main drawback is the price: $577 is a serious outlay for a small group, although it becomes much better value when shared by 10 to 15 people.

You can start from Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour or Malta’s Cirkewwa Jetty, which makes this a useful choice if you are already moving between the islands. The boat has shaded and open seating, a rear bathing platform, and Bluetooth speakers. Food and drinks are your responsibility, and standup paddleboards cost extra, so a little planning matters.

Five things to know before you book

• The boat is most comfortable with 15 people or fewer: It can carry up to 25, but the operator recommends a smaller group for longer trips.
• Crystal Lagoon is a major swimming stop: You get around 30 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and looking for marine life.
• You can choose a full or half day: Full-day trips normally run from 10am to 4pm, while half-day trips normally run from 9am to noon.
• Fabio and Jeanette earned special praise: Erin from the United Kingdom described both as friendly, communicative, and keen to make the day work for the group.
• Bring your own picnic and drinks: A cooler and ice are supplied, but meals are not included. You can also stop at Mgarr Harbour for food.
• The route can be adjusted: Earlier or later starts, shorter trips, longer trips, and extra requests may be possible, subject to availability and weather.

Why a private Comino boat trip works so well

Comino is small, but the famous spots can feel very busy. A private boat gives you a more relaxed way to see the island because you are not tied to a large party or a fixed swimming schedule. You can sit in the shade, stretch out on the open deck, connect your music by Bluetooth, and get into the water without waiting for a whole boatload of people.

The value here is not just the boat ride. It is the control over your day. You can swim at several places, spend more time in the water, stop for lunch at Gozo, or ask about less familiar parts of Comino and the Gozo coast.

That flexibility is especially useful for families and groups of friends. Some people can snorkel while others sunbathe. Children can use the provided life jackets if needed, while adults can use the rear ladder to get in and out of the water. The low bathing platform is a practical feature, not a glamorous extra. It makes repeated swims much easier.

The boat is called Julie Pearl. It has a maximum capacity of 25 passengers, but I would take the operator’s advice and keep a long trip to 15 people or fewer. With 15, you should have room to move between the covered seating, front deck, rear deck, and bathing platform. At 25, the same boat could feel crowded, especially if everyone brings towels, bags, food, and swimming gear.

Starting from Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour

You have two pickup choices. On Malta, the meeting point is at Cirkewwa Jetty, behind the food kiosk near the Gozo Channel ferry car-queuing lanes. On Gozo, the boat waits from the main jetty at the far end of Mgarr Harbour, beyond the fast ferry terminal.

After booking, the exact meeting point is sent by WhatsApp. That is helpful because ferry terminals can be confusing, especially if you arrive with luggage or are trying to find the right jetty quickly. Give yourself enough time to reach the meeting point, since both Cirkewwa and Mgarr can be busy with ferry traffic.

The boat ride begins with a short sightseeing cruise of about 10 minutes. This gets you moving quickly toward Comino and gives you time to settle in, store your things, and ask the skipper about the planned route.

Your skipper is an important part of the experience. Fabio received particularly warm praise for clear instructions, friendly conversation, and taking extra care to keep the group happy. Jeanette was also described as easy to deal with and communicative before the trip. That kind of contact matters on a private charter, where good communication can make the difference between a smooth outing and a frustrating one.

Saint Mary’s Tower and Comino’s eastern side

Saint Mary’s Tower is first mainly as a photo stop and passing sight. It gives you a look at one of Comino’s best-known landmarks from the water without using up a large part of your swimming time.

You should not expect a long visit here. The listed stop is about 10 minutes, and the plan is to pass by, take photos, and continue toward the water. This works well for a boat-based day because the tower is part of the visual story of Comino, but the sea is the real reason to book this trip.

The operator also mentions San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay as places that may be explored. These areas offer alternatives to the busiest part of the Blue Lagoon. Ask the skipper about conditions on the day, since water, wind, and crowd levels can affect the best place to stop.

Crystal Lagoon: the strongest swimming stop

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about 30 minutes and is one of the clearest reasons to choose this cruise. The stop is built around swimming, snorkeling, and viewing marine life, so bring your mask and be ready to get wet soon after arrival.

Snorkel masks are provided for free and can be used throughout the trip. That saves you from packing your own equipment, although you may still prefer your personal mask if you have one that fits better.

I like the way this stop is handled as part of a broader route. You are not spending the whole day at one famous bay. Instead, you get a taste of Crystal Lagoon before moving on to other parts of Comino and Gozo.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim and a little snorkeling, but it is not a long beach-style break. If you want hours in one place, a private charter can sometimes be adjusted, but confirm your preference with the operator before departure.

Blue Lagoon, with time for a drink or lunch

Blue Lagoon is the most famous stop on this route and the place most likely to attract attention. The schedule allows about 30 minutes for free time, sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and a cocktail or lunch.

The appeal is obvious. The water around the lagoon is clear and inviting, and a boat gives you a way to enjoy it without needing to find a place on the island’s shore. You can swim from the bathing platform, climb back aboard, rinse off with the outdoor fresh water shower, and relax under the covered deck.

The limitation is also clear: Blue Lagoon is a popular place. It may not feel peaceful, especially at the busiest times. The private boat helps because you have your own base on the water, but it cannot make the entire lagoon quiet.

I would treat this as a swim and photo stop rather than the calmest part of the day. If crowds are your main concern, ask Fabio about spending more time at San Niklaw, Santa Marija Bay, or another suitable location.

Lunch and a walk at Mgarr Harbour

The stop at Mgarr Harbour is listed at about 30 minutes and includes lunch, free time, shopping, sightseeing, and a walk. This is the most useful break if you do not want to pack food.

Food and drinks are not included, but Mgarr has a selection of food outlets, kiosks, and restaurants. You can choose something to eat there or take food back onto the boat. The short timing means you should not plan an elaborate meal unless the schedule is changed.

You can also bring ready-to-eat food and drinks from the start. The boat supplies a cooler box and complementary ice, which is useful for keeping water, soft drinks, and other refreshments cold. Pack food that is easy to handle on a boat. Sandwiches, fruit, and small snacks make more sense than anything that needs a full table setting.

The table in the middle of the boat gives you a place to organize lunch, but remember that this is still a moving boat outing. Keep containers sealed and avoid bringing anything that could spill easily.

Ħondoq Ir-Rummien and the Gozo south coast

Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach is another 30-minute stop for swimming, snorkeling, and viewing marine life. It gives the route a change of scene after the Comino lagoons and brings you closer to Gozo.

The operator also lists Qala Valley and Halfa Rock among possible points along the Gozo south coast. On longer trips, the skipper may take you toward other Gozo bays, including Ramla Bay, Ghajn Barrani, Dahlet Qorrot, and San Blas Bay.

These options are one of the better reasons to choose the full day instead of the half day. A half day can cover the main Comino sights, but a longer charter gives more room for Gozo’s coast and extra swim stops.

Keep in mind that the final route depends on availability and sea conditions. The operator can suggest stops, but weather always has the last word. If your priority is calm water for snorkeling, tell the skipper early so the route can be shaped around the best practical conditions.

Santa Maria Caves and the final cruise

Santa Maria Caves are listed as a short five-minute stop for photos, sightseeing, and passing by. This is a quick look rather than an extended cave visit.

The caves add variety to the trip. You get open water, lagoons, beaches, cliffs, and rock formations instead of repeating the same type of stop. Since the schedule is fairly active, the boat keeps moving between places with roughly 10-minute sightseeing cruises.

At the end, you return to either Mgarr Harbour or Cirkewwa Jetty. The return point matches the pickup location, which keeps the day simple if you are continuing your trip from the same ferry terminal.

What you get aboard Julie Pearl

Julie Pearl is set up for a full day on the water rather than a bare transport ride. The covered deck gives you shade, while the front and rear open decks offer sun and sea views. You can move around depending on the weather and your mood.

The bathing platform at the back is low and spacious, with a climbing ladder. This is especially handy if you plan to swim more than once. The outdoor shower lets you rinse off salt water before sitting down for lunch or the ride back.

There is also a toilet onboard. That matters on a four to six hour trip, particularly for families and anyone who would rather not rely on shore facilities.

The stereo and speakers connect by Bluetooth, so you can play your own music. Use it with some consideration for the skipper and anyone else in your group. Music can add a cheerful party feel, but the best moments may also be the quiet ones, with only the engine and water around you.

Life jackets are available for adults and children if needed. Snorkel masks are included, while standup paddleboards are optional and must be booked before the trip for a small extra charge.

Price, group size, and real value

The private charter costs $577 for a group of up to 15 people. At the full recommended group size, that works out to about $38 per person, before any food, drinks, or paddleboard rental. That is a much stronger deal than the headline price suggests.

For a group of six, the cost is roughly $96 per person. For two people, it becomes expensive quickly. I would recommend this most strongly for a family group, several couples, or friends who want their own boat and can share the cost.

Fuel and the skipper are included, which makes the price easier to understand. You are paying for exclusive use, not simply a seat on a scheduled ferry or sightseeing boat. The cooler, ice, masks, shower, toilet, and music system also mean you do not need to arrange several small extras.

The half-day option may be the better value if you mainly want a quick swim around Comino. Choose the full day if you want Gozo’s coast, a lunch stop, and more time to adjust the route.

The practical drawbacks to consider

The tour is not a beach holiday with unlimited time at one spot. Several stops last about 30 minutes, and some sightseeing sections are only 10 minutes. If you prefer a slow day with one long anchorage, ask in advance about changing the plan.

The $577 price does not cover food or drinks. You can bring your own supplies, or buy lunch at Mgarr Harbour. Standup paddleboards cost extra and need to be arranged before departure.

The trip is also weather-dependent. If conditions are unsuitable, the booking can be moved to another date if available, or canceled with the deposit refunded in full. That is sensible for safety, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your Malta plans.

Finally, do not assume that a private boat means total solitude. Blue Lagoon is popular, and the most famous places may still be busy. The advantage is having your own comfortable boat and skipper, plus the option of shifting toward quieter bays.

Who should book this private charter?

I would recommend it to groups that want privacy, swimming time, and the freedom to shape the day. Families will appreciate the shade, toilet, shower, bathing ladder, and available life jackets. Friends may enjoy the Bluetooth music, open deck, and repeated swim stops.

It is also a good fit if you are staying on Gozo or near northern Malta, since pickup is available at Mgarr Harbour and Cirkewwa Jetty. Snorkelers benefit from the included masks and several water stops, while sunbathers can stay on deck between swims.

I would think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple and cannot share the cost. I would also skip it if you want a guided cultural tour, since the focus here is the sea, caves, bays, swimming, and relaxation.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you can gather a group of about 10 to 15 people and want a private day around Comino and Gozo. The strongest features are the flexible route, included skipper and fuel, comfortable boat setup, and the personal care reported from Fabio and Jeanette.

Before you confirm, decide between the half-day and full-day plan, reserve paddleboards if you want them, and bring simple food and drinks. For a group that values time in clear water more than a formal sightseeing program, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see the islands.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart from?

You can be picked up at Gozo Ferry Terminal in Mgarr Harbour or Malta’s Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal. The exact meeting point is sent by WhatsApp after booking.

How long is the trip?

The trip lasts between four and six hours. Full-day trips normally run from 10am to 4pm, while half-day trips normally run from 9am to noon.

How many people can join the boat trip?

Julie Pearl can carry up to 25 passengers. For longer trips, the operator recommends no more than 15 people for comfort.

What places can the boat visit?

The route includes Saint Mary’s Tower, Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Mgarr Harbour, Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach, and Santa Maria Caves. Depending on the route and conditions, it may also visit San Niklaw, Santa Marija Bay, Halfa Rock, Qala Valley, Ramla Bay, Ghajn Barrani, Dahlet Qorrot, and San Blas Bay.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Yes. Snorkel masks are supplied and can be used freely throughout the trip.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. Food and drinks are not included, but you can bring ready-to-eat items onboard. A cooler box and complementary ice are provided. You can also stop at Mgarr Harbour to buy lunch.

Is a paddleboard included?

No. Standup paddleboards are optional and available for a small extra charge. They must be booked before the trip.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip is subject to suitable weather. If conditions do not allow the boat to go out, you can postpone the booking to another available date or cancel and receive the deposit back in full.