Comino and Gozo Private Boat Tour : Julie Pearl Boat

A private boat day around Comino and Gozo is interesting because it turns the usual quick island stops into slow, watery time. I like the way you get multiple swim and snorkel pauses, not just one photo op, plus you can enjoy the day as your own group instead of threading through crowds.

Two highlights for me: the chance to anchor for a great Blue Lagoon swim stop, and the mix of Comino and Gozo scenery, from clear-water lagoons to cave areas and quiet bays. One consideration, though, is weather. This trip needs good conditions, and the route is best when the sea is cooperating.

If you’re traveling with friends or a mixed-age group who wants sun, sea, and a bit of exploration, this is a smart format. And the way the crew communicates matters, because you’re not just showing up and hoping, you’re getting guided timing and clear updates, including help coordinating transfers.

Key things to know before you go

• Private group experience (up to 15), so your skipper can match the pace to your day
• Blue Lagoon as the main swim stop, with time built in for snorkeling and swimming
• Crystal Lagoon masks included, plus a cave tour along the shoreline areas
• Gozo south coast stops from Qala, covering beaches like Tal-Halfa and Hondoq, plus Bemberin gorge
• Santa Marija Bay is calmer than the famous neighbor, with shallow clear water and some shade from trees
• Skippers with real personality, including Marvic and Fabio, and fast, helpful messages from Jeanette

Why this private Comino and Gozo day feels more like your vacation

This isn’t a “drive up, look, move along” kind of outing. It’s a boat itinerary designed for water time. That matters in Malta, because the best parts of Comino and Gozo are at the shoreline and just offshore, where a private skipper can position your group for swimming breaks.

With a charter like this, I also like the practical flexibility. You’re with only your group, so you can linger where you care most, then move on without worrying about other people slowing or speeding the schedule. The boat is described as spacious in the reviews, which helps a lot when you have a lively group day.

The vibe stays relaxed. You’ll cruise, stop, swim, snorkel, and cruise again. It’s the kind of day where you end up talking more than you photograph, because the water is the main event.

Price and group value for up to 15 people

The price is listed as $716.85 per group, up to 15 people. That means your per-person cost changes a lot based on how full you can make the group.

• At the full limit of 15, you’re looking at roughly $48 per person.
• If your group is smaller, the math won’t be as friendly, because it’s still priced as one group.

What makes it feel like good value is what you’re paying for beyond transportation: snorkeling equipment is included, fuel surcharge is included, and the schedule covers multiple scenic stops across Comino and Gozo. Add in the cooler option for food and drinks, and the day becomes easier to manage logistically than trying to piece together ferries, taxis, and rental boats on your own.

Timing, meeting point flow, and optional pickup

The activity runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and the duration is listed as about 2 to 6 hours. That range is useful if you want a shorter burst of Comino highlights or a longer day that fits in more cruising and water time.

You also have an optional pickup approach. Transfers by private taxi, van, or coach are offered at an additional cost. If you’re staying close enough to handle the meeting point without a transfer, you might prefer to keep it simple. The tour also notes that it’s near public transportation, which can make last-minute logistics easier.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and confirmation comes at booking time. Plan your day so you can show up with minimal stress, because the sea part of the schedule is the thing that really depends on conditions.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: your best chance at clear-water swimming

Blue Lagoon is the big, recognizable Comino stop for a reason. The water here is described as shallow and crystal clear, with that bright, Caribbean-like look that people come for. On this private day, you anchor at what’s described as the best spot in the lagoon, and you get a full 2 hours for swimming and snorkeling.

That time block is key. Two hours means you can swim first, then slow down for a snorkel, or do the reverse. It’s also enough time to just hang out and enjoy the water without feeling rushed to “finish” your swim and go.

A practical note: the lagoon is popular in summer. Here, the advantage is not that it’s empty, it’s that your group is anchored for your own swim window as part of a private schedule, rather than being bounced around between crowds on a rigid tour format.

Crystal Lagoon: caves, masks, and film-famous spots

After Blue Lagoon, the day shifts to Crystal Lagoon, located on the north west side of Comino. This area is known for crystal clear turquoise waters and cave areas, some shallow enough that you can see sandy bottoms while you float or swim.

You’ll get 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is a nice middle amount of time. Long enough to get in and out for swimming and snorkeling, but not so long that the day drags.

Two things I’d plan for. First, snorkeling masks are provided for free. Second, the crew shows you around cave areas in the lagoon. Lovers Cave and Popeye’s Cave are specifically mentioned as movie-related locations tied to this area, which gives the scenery an extra layer beyond “pretty water.”

One small drawback to keep in mind: water conditions can vary, and cave areas are not always “wow in every direction” at every moment. Still, it’s a strong stop if you like seeing something more than open water.

Gozo south coast from Qala: Tal-Halfa, Hondoq Bay, and Bemberin gorge

Your route then cruises along Gozo’s south coast in the Qala area. Instead of just passing by, the itinerary includes time for three distinct spots, with a total time listed as 1 hour for this Gozo segment.

Here’s what you’re looking at:

• Tal-Halfa beach, described as a clay-rich beach backed by Halfa Rock, a notable solitary rock with history tied to it
• Hondoq bay, another scenic pebbly beach with clear blue turquoise water
• Bemberin gorge, a hidden inlet accessible by boat, with cave areas and room for people who like to jump from cliffs

This is where the day gets more “island feel” and less “single postcard bay.” You get variation: a beach-with-rock backdrop, another pebble shoreline for swimming, then a gorge inlet that feels secluded because it’s boat-access only.

Because this is only one hour total, it’s worth going in knowing you’ll do one or two swims, maybe a quick look around, and then move. Think of it as a highlight sweep of Gozo rather than a full beach day.

Santa Marija Bay: the calmer Comino swim option plus shade

Back on Comino, Santa Marija Bay is presented as a quieter alternative to Blue Lagoon. It’s a small sandy beach with shallow clear waters, and it’s next to Comino’s police station, which helps keep boat traffic controlled around the area.

You get 1 hour here, and that timing makes sense if you want a “cool down” stop after stronger swimming moments. The beach can have dead algae on the shore due to currents, so you may want to check where you step in. Beyond that, it’s described as sandy and clean, surrounded by tamarisk trees that can provide shade during hot hours.

If your group includes people who don’t want nonstop lagoon time, Santa Marija Bay is an easy win. It’s still scenic, but it feels more relaxed than the main highlight bay.

Elephant Rock and Santa Maria Caves: quick hits for photos and cave lovers

Two extra elements round out the Comino and north-side experience.

First is Elephant Rock, a natural rock formation shaped like an elephant, located on the east side of Comino. You pass it during the cruise, and it’s recommended to have your camera ready. This is one of those small moments that can be surprisingly memorable, mainly because it looks like something you’d expect to see in a sea cave story, not a quick coastal pass.

Second is Santa Maria Caves on the north side of Comino. This stop is listed as 30 minutes, described as a popular dive site because of fascinating cave systems. Since you’re on a boat day, you should think of it as short, focused cave sightseeing time, not a long instruction-heavy session.

The caves are described as shallow caves made up of a series of five caves. They’re also tied to filming for The Count of Monte Cristo. With only 30 minutes, the best plan is simple: arrive ready to look, then enjoy the scenery as the boat visits the cave entrances.

What to bring: food, snorkeling gear use, and comfort

The snorkeling equipment is included, and the itinerary includes free mask use for Crystal Lagoon. That means you don’t need to lug your own snorkel setup. Still, it’s smart to bring your own small personal items, like a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

Food and drinks are not included. That’s actually convenient for many groups, because you can bring what you like and eat on your own timing. The tour notes that a cooler box with cooling ice is complimentary to use to cool your food and drinks. In real terms, that means you can bring a picnic style lunch without worrying about it warming up fast.

Comfort wise, the day is built around time on and in the water. If you want to be prepared, bring:

• Sun protection and something for after swimming
• A small bag for wet items
• Anything your group likes to drink besides water

Also, if you enjoy music during travel time, one review mentions a Bluetooth speaker on board. It’s not stated as a universal inclusion in the written inclusions, but it’s a good sign that the crew understands how to make a day feel fun.

The skipper and the communication that makes it smooth

Private boat days rise or fall on the crew, and this one has strong signals in the feedback. Skippers named Marvic and Fabio are called out for being fun, friendly, and helpful. They also provide facts about the places you visit and make sure your group sees what’s on the plan.

The other piece is message speed and clarity. Jeanette is specifically mentioned as helpful and responsive with fast updates and coordination for transfers to and from the boat. That matters more than you might think, because the day’s key variables are weather and timing. When communication is clear, you spend less energy worrying and more energy enjoying the sea.

And because the skipper works with your group, some groups mention having more say over where they went and how long they stayed at stops. Even if you do not want that level of control, it still means the crew is thinking about your comfort, not just running a rigid checklist.

Who should book Julie Pearl and who might hesitate

This suits best if:

• You’re traveling with friends or a group, ideally close to the 15-person limit for value
• You want a mix of Comino and Gozo in one day without multiple transit steps
• You care about time in the water and want built-in snorkeling gear
• Your group likes a guided day with room for your preferences

You might hesitate if:

• You’re only two people, because the price is per group and the per-person cost can feel steep
• You can’t be flexible with weather, since the tour requires good conditions
• Your group expects long, slow beach time at just one location, because the format rotates through multiple stops

Should you book this private boat tour?

If you can travel with a group and you want a genuine Comino-and-Gozo day that centers on swimming and snorkeling, this is a strong choice. The value improves fast when you fill the group limit, and the experience structure supports an easy, low-stress day.

I’d book it when your schedule allows good weather, and when your group is the type that enjoys a day on the water more than a museum-style checklist.

If you’re going solo or as a couple, do the math carefully first. With a full group, it’s much easier to justify the charter-style price.

FAQ

What is the group size limit for the Julie Pearl private boat tour?

The tour price is per group for up to 15 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 2 to 6 hours.

Where does the tour run during the day?

The opening hours are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

Are snorkeling masks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and snorkeling masks are provided for free for use.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You bring what you like, and there is a cooler box with cooling ice complimentary for your use.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is optional. The tour offers private taxi, van, or coach transfers to and from your residence for an additional cost.

What stops are included during the trip?

Stops include Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon in Comino, time at Gozo locations such as Tal-Halfa beach, Hondoq bay, and Bemberin gorge, plus Santa Marija Bay and Santa Maria Caves. The route also passes Elephant Rock.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a free cancellation option?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.