Comino: Private Boat Trips, Swimming stops and Caves Tours

Comino and Gozo by private boat is one of those plans that feels simple, then turns into the day you keep replaying later. You get to choose your pace with proper water time, snorkel gear included, and a local skipper who can steer you toward the best moments. I like that the Julie Pearl boat is built for comfort (shade, toilet, freshwater shower), not just transportation.

I also love the practical extras that make a swim day painless, like snorkel masks on board, a ladder off the back, and a stereo you can control with Bluetooth. One possible drawback is that it is a price-per-group experience, so it really shines when you have a group that can fill up the recommended comfort size.

Key highlights for quick decisions

• Private charter with a local skipper and fuel included, so you are not stuck in a big-group schedule
• Pick-up from Malta or Gozo with the exact boat location sent on WhatsApp
• Snorkel masks included, plus plenty of swim stops around Comino and Gozo
• On-board comforts like shade, toilet, and an outdoor freshwater shower
• Music friendly stereo and speakers, controlled via Bluetooth
• Optional standup paddle boards, available for an extra charge if booked ahead

Getting on the Julie Pearl: shade, ladder, toilet, and Bluetooth music

The whole point of this outing is that you start with the right kind of setup for time on the water. The boat used for these trips, the Julie Pearl, can carry up to 25 people, but for longer trips they recommend keeping the group to around 15 for comfort. That matters, because when everyone is sharing swim ladder space and moving in and out of the seating areas, the difference between 15 and 25 is not subtle.

There is real thought put into the basics. You get a covered deck for shade, plus open deck space at the front and back. The back has a bathing platform that is low and spacious, with a ladder designed for getting back on board without turning it into an obstacle course. There is also a toilet facility and an outdoor fresh water shower. That shower is one of those small things you will appreciate the second you are salty and sandy.

The seating is set up for a group day, with space for everyone and a table in the middle. For the vibe, the boat has a stereo and speakers. You connect your phone by Bluetooth and run your own playlist. It sounds minor, but it changes the feeling from tour day to your own little boat party.

Pick-up points in Gozo and Malta, and how to find your boat fast

The trip is built around easy pick-up. You can meet the boat at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo or at Cirkewwa Jetty in Malta. For the Gozo side, it is from the main jetty but toward the far end beyond the fast ferry terminal. For the Malta side, the exact waiting spot is behind the food kiosk near the Gozo Channel ferry car-queuing lanes area.

Once you confirm your booking, you get the exact pinpoint location where the boat is waiting via WhatsApp. This is worth noting because on busy ferry days, “meet at the jetty” can turn into a scavenger hunt. With a pinpoint, you spend your energy on the sea, not on hunting down the right boat.

Also, there is an option mentioned to skip the line through express security. If you have ever watched a group get stuck at a bottleneck, you know why that matters.

Timing that actually works: half-day or full-day, plus flexible start times

This experience comes in 4 to 6 hours, with typical schedules depending on the length you choose. Full day trips are normally 10am to 4pm, while half-day trips run 9am to 12 noon. The provider also notes that you can often start earlier or later, depending on availability, and you can extend or shorten the duration if that works.

That flexibility is a big deal in Malta, because sea conditions and family energy levels do not run on a stopwatch. If your group has little kids or older relatives, a half-day can make the day feel manageable. If you want a slow rhythm with multiple swim breaks and extra time around lunch, the longer option tends to feel more satisfying.

One comfort note: even though the boat can hold more, they strongly recommend not more than 15 passengers for longer durations. If you want a relaxed, everyone gets a turn snorkel setup, that recommendation is the one to follow.

Saint Mary’s Tower to Crystal Lagoon: your first taste of Comino magic

Your day starts with a quick cruising period, then you head toward the Comino area for viewpoints and photo stops. One of the earliest moments is Saint Mary’s Tower, where you get a photo stop plus time to pass by and look around. It is not a long land stop, so treat it like a “get the view” moment and then get back into the water-focused rhythm.

Next comes Crystal Lagoon, and this is where the pace shifts from sightseeing to water time. You get about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkelling, with marine life viewing called out as part of the experience. Snorkel masks are provided and can be used freely, so you are not paying extra or waiting around for gear.

Practical tip: use the first swim stop to get everyone sorted. Put on the mask, get comfortable with the water entry and ladder, and test how long you actually want to stay. Then the rest of the day feels smoother.

Blue Lagoon and swim-lunch vibes without the crowd stress

From Crystal Lagoon you move to Blue Lagoon, which is known for its inviting water and great conditions for a snorkel break. Here you get around 30 minutes, and the experience notes time for swimming and snorkelling, plus the chance to enjoy time on board, with mentions of cocktail and lunch options.

An important detail for your planning: food and drinks are not included. You can bring ready-to-eat food and drinks onboard. There is also a cooler box with complimentary cooling ice to keep drinks chilled. If you prefer to eat out, the schedule later includes a chance to stop in Gozo for lunch, so you are not forced into bringing everything with you.

If your group cares about music, this is a good section of the day to take advantage of the Bluetooth stereo. That mix of clear water time and your own playlist can turn a short stop into a full memory.

Going to Gozo: Mgarr Harbour for lunch, shopping, and a real walking break

A big part of the value here is not just sea time. You get a land break on Gozo at Mgarr Harbour. The stop is about 30 minutes, with time for lunch, free time, shopping, and a walk. That timing is practical because it gives you a chance to stretch legs and reset without losing the feeling that you are on a boat day.

Even though lunch at Mgarr Harbour is not included, the provider notes there are plenty of food outlets around there for dine-in or takeout. This is useful if you want a proper meal but you also do not want to build your day around a restaurant reservation.

If your group has different appetites, this stop helps. Some people want quick takeaway and back on board. Others want a more normal sit-down pace.

Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach: another snorkel-friendly water stop

After the harbour stop, you head to Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach for another chunk of water time, again around 30 minutes. The focus here is similar: sightseeing, swimming, snorkelling, and marine life viewing.

This second beach-style stop is a nice way to avoid the “one swim and done” feeling. It gives you a chance to compare conditions and maybe see something different with your snorkel mask, depending on water clarity and the day’s conditions.

If you are bringing kids, this is also where you can do the “short swim, back onboard, repeat” rhythm. With the ladder access and the bathing platform, it is easier to manage than rocky entries.

Santa Maria Caves and quick passes: view it from the water, move on with purpose

The experience includes Santa Maria Caves with time described as a photo stop, visit, sightseeing, and a pass by. The cave time is brief, and that is worth understanding up front. This is not framed as a long cave exploration with extended walking. It is more about experiencing the caves from the water, getting the sights, and grabbing photos before the route continues.

You also get multiple cruising segments between stops, including short sightseeing cruises. In practice, these movement blocks are what keep the day from feeling like you are sprinting from one spot to another. They also give you time to cool down after swimming, dry off a little, and enjoy the ride while the sea views roll by.

Other Comino and Gozo possibilities, depending on the route

Comino and Gozo are not just one single bay or one single photo angle, so the provider mentions additional areas you might experience, depending on the trip plan and how far the route goes. Names included include places like San Niklaw and Santa Marija Bay on Comino, plus Gozo south-coast areas such as Halfa Rock and Qala valley. For longer-distance options, they also mention areas like Ramla Bay, Ghajn Barrani, Dahlet Qorrot, and San Blas Bay.

I treat this as a bonus, not a guarantee. The main value is the structure you know you will get: pick-up, the sea time, snorkel breaks, and at least one harbour stop for a normal meal and walk.

Small comforts that change everything on a boat day

Some tours sell big views. This one makes the boat part easier, so you can actually enjoy being on the water.

Here are the details that matter day-to-day:

• Snorkel masks included for the whole trip, no swapping required
• Outdoor freshwater shower to rinse off salt water after swimming
• Cooler box with complimentary ice so drinks do not turn into warm regret
• Toilet on board, which sounds basic until you are trying to plan a long swim day
• Life jackets are available on board for adults and kids if needed
• Bluetooth stereo so your group sets the mood

There is also an optional activity. Standup paddle boards are available for a minimal charge, but they need to be booked before the trip. If you care about having one, add it early so it is part of the plan, not a last-minute maybe.

Price and value: $577 per group up to 15, what that means in real life

The listed price is $577 per group up to 15 for a 4 to 6 hour private charter. That sounds like a lot if you are thinking in per-person terms. But private boat pricing works differently than museum tickets.

If you take the top end at 15 people, you are roughly around $38 per person. If your group is smaller, the cost per person rises fast. So I view this as best value for groups that are actually together and ready to share the cost.

What you are paying for is not only the boat. You are paying for:

• A private charter with a skipper
• Fuel included
• Snorkel masks
• On-board essentials like shade, toilet, and freshwater shower
• Cooler setup for keeping drinks cold

If your group includes people who would never enjoy a crowded group boat, this can still be worth it even if you are not at 15. Privacy changes behavior. People stay in the water longer. They spread out. They do not feel trapped in a tight schedule.

And there is another hidden value: you can bring your own ready-to-eat food and drinks. That can reduce the pressure of paying for every bite onboard or at stops.

Who this Comino and Gozo private boat trip suits best

This is ideal if your group wants control, not a rigid script. I especially like it for:

• Friends groups who want a swim-and-music day without strangers nearby
• Families that need predictable breaks and onboard basics like a toilet and shower
• Snorkelers who want multiple water chances with masks provided
• People who dislike crowds and would rather spend time in clearer, calmer-feeling spots

It also works well for mixed ages because the pace is adjustable. If someone needs more time onboard, it is easier to manage on a private boat than on a big tour vessel.

Before you go: practical tips that help you enjoy every stop

To make the day smooth, I suggest you plan around the realities of sea time.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel for after the swims
• Sunscreen and sunglasses, since you are out on the water
• If you have them, water shoes, because not every surface you step on is designed for comfort

Plan food and drinks:

• Since meals and drinks are not included, decide ahead if you are bringing your own ready-to-eat snacks or doing the harbour lunch in Gozo. The cooler box helps either way.

For music:

• Download a playlist before you arrive and test Bluetooth pairing quickly when you step on board.

For paddles:

• If you want the optional standup paddle boards, ask early so it is ready as part of the day.

Final call: should you book this private Comino charter?

Book this if you want privacy, real swim stops, and a boat setup that makes the day easier. It is especially strong if you have a group that can get close to the recommended comfort size, because the per-person value becomes much more reasonable.

Skip it or reconsider if your group is very small and you are trying to keep costs tight. Also remember that the trip depends on weather permitting, and if conditions do not allow the outing, the provider says you can postpone or cancel with your deposit refunded.

If you want a day where the focus stays on swimming, snorkelling, and quick scenic moments from the water, this private Comino and Gozo boat experience is one of the more practical ways to do it, with the human touch of an onboard skipper like Fabio and friendly coordination from Jeanette.

FAQ

How many people can the private boat accommodate?

The boat can carry up to 25 passengers, but for longer trip durations they recommend not more than 15 passengers for comfort.

What’s included for snorkelling?

Snorkel masks are provided and can be used freely throughout the trip. You’ll also have time for swimming and snorkelling at the listed stops.

Are meals and drinks included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can bring ready-to-eat food and drinks onboard, and there is also a cooler box with complimentary ice. The schedule also includes a stop in Mgarr Harbour where you can find food outlets.

Where are the pick-up locations?

Pick-up is available from Mgarr Harbour in Gozo and from Cirkewwa Jetty in Malta. You’ll receive the exact waiting pinpoint via WhatsApp after confirming your booking.

Can we play music on the boat?

Yes. The boat has a stereo and speakers that you can use freely by connecting your device via Bluetooth.

What happens if the weather does not allow the trip?

The trip is subject to permitting weather conditions. If weather prevents it, the booking can be postponed to another date subject to availability or cancelled with the deposit refunded in full.