DiveSnap Underwater Sports Thrills:Lantern Point & P31 Wreck

The best part of Comino lies beyond the crowds. This private three-hour boat charter gives you a flexible way to see Comino, Gozo, and Malta’s northern coast, with time for swimming, snorkelling, caves, beaches, and underwater sites such as Lantern Point and the P31 Wreck. I like the private boat for up to six people, since you are not packed into a large group, and I like the chance to shape the route around your interests.

The captain’s relaxed style is another plus. Emre from Belgium praised the captain’s local legends, sea stories, and humor, while Hidde from the Netherlands called the captain friendly and easygoing. The main consideration is cost: the advertised $210 covers the boat for the group, but the professional skipper and fuel each add €74, so you should confirm the full price before booking.

Key points to know before you book

• Lantern Point and the P31 Wreck: These underwater stops are available along the Maltese coast, though the exact route depends on weather and sea conditions.
• Private group of up to six: The price applies to the boat, not each person, making the trip more attractive when shared by a full group.
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: You can swim and snorkel in two of Comino’s best-known clear-water spots, with the skipper adjusting the plan to conditions.
• Crystal Lagoon cliff jumps: Jump spots range from about 3 feet to 90 feet, with a popular 20-foot option for a moderate thrill.
• Three hours on the water: This is enough for several stops, but not enough to linger everywhere or cover every corner of Comino and Gozo.
• Captain-led and flexible: The skipper can change the route, departure time, or landing point if tides, shallows, wind, or sea conditions require it.

A private start from Cirkewwa or Mgarr

You can begin from either Malta or Gozo. On Malta, the meeting area is near Cirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal. On Gozo, the departure point is close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

Arrive about 30 minutes early. That matters here because a private boat still has a fixed departure time, and lateness does not add time to your charter. You should also check the exact meeting instructions before setting out, especially if you are coming through the busy Gozo Channel terminal.

The boat is supplied with comfortable seating, a sun deck, a canopy for shade, and an ice cooler. A Bluetooth speaker and free WiFi add a little comfort, though the real attraction is the water and coast rather than onboard entertainment.

You receive basic safety equipment and snorkelling gear, specifically a mask and snorkel. Since fins are not listed, ask ahead if you prefer to use them. Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and cash. Food and drinks are not included, so pack refreshments if you want more than time in the sun and sea.

Cruising along Comino’s rocky coast

Comino is small, but its coastline has plenty of variety. As the boat moves along the island, you can expect a mix of rocky shores, caves, coves, sandy beaches, and sheltered bays.

The private format changes the feel of the outing. You are not tied to a large party’s pace, and you can tell the captain if you would rather spend more time swimming, looking for calm water, or seeing coastal features. The skipper still makes the final call, but you have more say than you would on a standard group cruise.

The tradeoff is time. Three hours passes quickly once you include boarding, movement between stops, swimming, and any delays caused by sea conditions. I would treat this as a focused outing around Comino and nearby waters, not as a full tour of every major site in Malta and Gozo.

The coastline is best enjoyed from the water. You get views that are hard to appreciate from land, including cliff faces, openings in the rock, and small shoreline spots that may not be easy to reach on foot. The boat also gives you a comfortable base between swims, which is useful if members of your group have different energy levels.

Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon swimming time

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s famous calling card, known for clear water and striking views. Its popularity is also its weakness. The private charter lets you visit the lagoon, but it does not guarantee an empty or quiet experience, especially at busy times.

For a calmer setting, Crystal Lagoon can be the more appealing stop. The water is described as clear enough to see underwater life, and the area is sheltered from most winds. Its considerable depth makes it suitable for swimming and underwater exploration, provided the conditions are safe and you are comfortable in open water.

Crystal Lagoon also offers cliff-jumping spots for different comfort levels. The listed heights range from about 3 feet to 90 feet. The 20-foot jump is singled out as a popular middle option, since it is easy to reach while still giving you a strong burst of excitement.

Use good judgment here. You should never feel pressured to jump, and the skipper’s instructions matter more than the height of any platform. The water and access conditions can change, and the captain may alter the plan if the sea, tides, or shallows make a jump unsafe.

The Blue Lagoon is better for the classic Comino view. Crystal Lagoon may suit you better if you want a more active stop with swimming, snorkelling, and optional jumps. Having both available gives the charter useful variety.

Lantern Point and the P31 Wreck

The underwater focus of this trip centers on Lantern Point in Comino and the P31 Wreck, with access dependent on weather. That qualification is important. These are not guaranteed stops, and you should book with the understanding that the skipper may choose safer or more suitable locations.

Lantern Point offers the chance to see a less ordinary side of Comino. Instead of only looking at the island’s beaches and cliffs, you can use the clear water to view what lies below the surface. Bring an underwater camera if you have one, since the experience is built around memorable views both above and below the waterline.

The P31 Wreck adds a different kind of interest. A wreck stop can give your outing a stronger sense of purpose than a simple coastal cruise, but the exact access and viewing conditions depend on the sea. The supplied details do not promise a specific amount of time at the wreck, a particular depth, or professional underwater equipment, so you should ask the provider what is suitable for your group before departure.

The included mask and snorkel are useful for surface viewing. If you want a more technical underwater activity, confirm what equipment, qualifications, and supervision are required. Fishing equipment, for example, is not included, and food or beverage packages are also separate.

How the captain shapes the experience

The captain is more than a person steering the boat. The experience includes a live guide in English or Maltese, and the captain can add local color as you move between stops.

Emre’s February 2025 experience gives a good sense of the tone. He praised the captain’s stories about local legends and the sea, along with a generous amount of humor. That suggests a relaxed trip rather than a stiff, scripted ride.

Hidde’s June 2025 visit also highlighted the captain’s friendly and calm manner. Those are useful qualities on a private charter, where the mood of the boat can shape the whole outing. A good captain can help you choose between a swim, a snorkel stop, a cave, or a beach when the schedule and weather give you options.

The captain also has broad authority over the plan. The route, departure time, disembarkation point, and individual stops may change because of wind, tides, shallow water, or other legitimate safety concerns. That flexibility protects the trip, but it means you should view your preferred itinerary as a plan rather than a promise.

What the $210 boat price really means

The advertised price is $210 per group of up to six people. That can be fair value if you fill the boat. Split six ways, the base cost works out to $35 per person before the extra charges.

But the price needs careful reading. The professional skipper costs €74, and fuel consumption costs another €74. Those charges are not included in the advertised base amount, so a full group should calculate the total before deciding. The final per-person cost becomes much less attractive if only two or three people share the boat.

Some useful comforts are included:

• Private boat
• Seating areas and sun deck
• Canopy for shade
• Safety equipment
• Ice cooler
• Bluetooth speaker
• Free WiFi
• Mask and snorkel
• Lagoon permits
• Port and marina fees
• Taxes

You must pay separately for food, drinks, party supplies, barbecue items, a barbecue, fishing equipment, and a fishing cooler. This makes the charter easiest to budget if you bring your own snacks and beverages, assuming they can be stored safely in the cooler.

The value is strongest for a small group that wants privacy and control. If you are traveling alone or as a pair, a shared boat may cost less, though it would not offer the same flexibility.

A realistic three-hour plan

Your exact route can change, but the outing could work in a pattern like this:

Boarding and coastal cruise

After meeting at Cirkewwa or Mgarr, you board the private boat and settle into the seating area. The early part of the ride gives you views of Comino, Gozo, and the Maltese coast while the captain sets the day’s plan.

A first cove, cave, or beach

The boat may stop at a quieter coastal feature for a swim or snorkel. A hidden cove or cave can provide a welcome break from the more famous lagoon areas, though the skipper will choose based on water and access conditions.

Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon

You can spend time in one of Comino’s clear-water lagoons. The Blue Lagoon gives you the iconic scenery, while Crystal Lagoon offers shelter, depth, and optional cliff jumps. The best choice depends on how busy the water is and what your group wants to do.

Lantern Point or the P31 Wreck

If the weather permits, the charter can include one or both underwater sites. Bring your camera, keep your expectations flexible, and listen closely to the captain’s instructions before entering the water.

Return cruise

The final ride gives you more coastline views before returning to the agreed departure point. Since the charter lasts only three hours, keep an eye on the clock if you hope to fit in several swims.

This schedule is not fixed, and that is part of the appeal. A private charter can respond to the day instead of forcing every group into the same sequence.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would recommend this boat trip for a group of friends, a family, or a couple traveling with another couple. Six people sharing the base cost gives you the best value, and the private setting makes it easier to balance different interests.

It also suits you if you care more about time on the water than a formal sightseeing program. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, visit caves, look for beaches, or try a cliff jump. The captain’s stories and relaxed approach add character without turning the day into a lecture.

The trip may be less suitable if you need a guaranteed stop at the P31 Wreck or Lantern Point. Weather and sea conditions control access. It is also not ideal if you want a full meal service, a barbecue, fishing gear, or a long day at sea, since those extras are not included and the charter lasts three hours.

Families should consider each swimmer’s comfort level, especially around deeper water and cliff-jumping areas. Crystal Lagoon has options from a low 3-foot jump to a 90-foot jump, but nobody needs to jump to enjoy the stop.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive 30 minutes before departure, even though the boat is private. This gives you time to find the correct terminal area and avoid losing part of your three-hour booking.

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. Cash is also listed as something to bring. Add water and simple snacks, since food and drinks are not included.

An underwater camera is worth bringing if you have one. The clear lagoons, coastal rock, Lantern Point, and the P31 Wreck are the parts of the experience most likely to reward underwater photos.

Ask about the full cost before booking. The base rate, skipper fee, and fuel charge should all be clear. You should also confirm the expected route, the equipment available beyond the included mask and snorkel, and the meeting point.

Keep your schedule flexible. The skipper can cancel, postpone, modify, or reroute the charter when conditions require it. This is a safety feature, not a flaw, but it matters if you have a tight connection or another activity booked immediately afterward.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms make it easier to keep the plan flexible while watching the weather.

Should you book the Lantern Point and P31 Wreck charter?

Book it if you have a group of up to six, want a private boat, and care about swimming and snorkelling in Comino’s coves and lagoons. The relaxed captain, local sea stories, clear water, optional cliff jumps, and chance to visit Lantern Point or the P31 Wreck give the three-hour outing plenty of variety.

Think twice if you are booking for only one or two people and the added skipper and fuel charges push the total too high. Also skip it if you need a guaranteed wreck visit or a fixed route. For a full group that values privacy and flexibility, this is a lively, practical way to see Comino from the water without being tied to a large cruise schedule.

FAQ

How much does the private boat charter cost?

The listed price is $210 per group of up to six people. The professional skipper costs €74, and fuel consumption costs another €74.

How long does the charter last?

The boat charter lasts three hours.

Where does the boat depart?

On Malta, departure is from the Cirkewwa area near Cirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal. On Gozo, departure is from Mgarr Harbour Terminal near Sicilia Bella Restaurant.

Are Lantern Point and the P31 Wreck guaranteed stops?

No. Access to these sites depends on weather and sea conditions, and the skipper can change the route when conditions require it.

What equipment is included?

The boat includes safety equipment and basic snorkelling equipment consisting of a mask and snorkel. Fishing equipment is not included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food, drinks, party supplies, barbecue food, barbecue beverages, and the barbecue itself are not included.

Is the Blue Lagoon included?

Lagoon permits are included, and the charter can visit Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. The exact route can change due to weather, tides, shallows, or other conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. An underwater camera is also useful for capturing the coastline and underwater sights.