Malta: Comino Island Private Boat

A private boat around Comino is interesting because you control the day, not a big group. You’ll cruise past the famous sights, then get real time in the water around Blue Lagoon and nearby bays.

What I really like is the private format for up to 6. With just your group onboard and an experienced skipper, you can ask to pause, slow down, or focus on swimming, without feeling rushed.

The main thing to keep in mind is sea conditions. Your skipper can alter the route and even limit swimming if it gets rough, so I’d pack a towel and keep your expectations flexible.

Key points to know before you go

• Private boat for your group (up to 6), not a seat on a crowded tour
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are built in for swimming and snorkeling time
• Caves by boat include Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave, plus views of Pigeon Rock
• Comfort perks onboard: shaded canopy, sun deck seating, snorkeling gear, ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, and Wi-Fi
• The skipper’s call matters: route and swim time may shift with weather and tides
• Price is per boat, but the skipper and fuel are listed as separate extras

Why this Comino boat is worth your time (and not just another day on the water)

Comino gets busy, fast. That’s exactly why I like the private approach here. Instead of lining up with other groups and getting whatever schedule the day allows, you get a charter-style outing where your boat time belongs to you.

Two things make a big difference on a tour like this. First, the snorkeling and swimming opportunities are practical and frequent, not just a single quick stop. You’re set up to hop in, put on a mask, and spend actual minutes in the water instead of mostly watching from the edge. Second, the onboard vibe is designed for hanging out. A shaded canopy, comfy seating, and a cooler for your drinks mean you’re not baking in the sun the whole time.

The only real drawback is the weather. One guest had the kind of rough water where swimming did not happen. That doesn’t mean the day is ruined, but it does mean you should treat this as a water experience first, and accept that conditions can change your exact plan.

From Blue Lagoon to Crystal Lagoon, this is how the water time works

Your day starts with the area most people come for: the Blue Lagoon. This is where you get a chance to swim and use the snorkeling gear provided. If you’re the kind of person who wants photos, you’ll get them, but the better payoff is just time in the water and the chance to keep moving between spots without coordinating with other groups.

From there, you cruise toward Crystal Lagoon. The emphasis here is on vivid blue water and sheltered bays, which matters because it usually makes it easier to enjoy swimming and snorkeling without feeling like you’re constantly fighting waves.

What this means for you in real terms:

• If your group wants more swim time, you’ll likely appreciate the way these lagoons are sequenced.
• If you’re not a strong swimmer, you can still have a relaxing experience because the tour is built around multiple water-friendly stops.
• If the sea is choppy, your skipper may shorten or adjust your time in the water. Even then, you’re still getting the scenery from the boat.

Cominotto Island and the cave route: Roofless Cave, Lovers Cave, and Pigeon Rock

After your water time, the itinerary shifts into sightseeing mode, mostly by boat. You’ll head toward Cominotto Island, then continue along the coast past the sights that make Comino famous.

Two cave stops anchor the experience. Roofless Cave is the standout natural feature, with dramatic rock formations you can see from the boat. Then there’s Lovers Cave, which is described as romantic and secluded, so it fits well if you’re visiting as a couple or you just want a quieter moment in between swim stops.

On the way, you also pass Pigeon Rock and a collection of other sea caves. Passing by matters here because you get a moving perspective without having to manage a complex land hike. If you like watching caves change shape as you approach and then watch them from different angles, this style works.

Practical note: caves and rocks are weather sensitive. If the water is rough, visibility and safe timing can shift. That’s not bad planning, it’s just the reality of sea travel, and the skipper can adjust the plan to keep you safe.

Your skipper, your pace: the difference between a tour and a charter

A big part of what makes this outing feel special is how the charter is guided. You’re not just paying for a boat. You’re paying for an experienced skipper who handles the route decisions, the cave approach, and the day’s timing based on actual sea and tide conditions.

The reviews include real praise for captains by name. Captain Joe gets consistent love for making the experience the best day, and Mario also comes up as a top guide. There are also comments that the skipper was great even with limited English from the group, and that conversations and music helped set the mood.

What that means for you:

• If you like asking questions, you’ll probably enjoy the explanations and conversation.
• If you prefer a relaxed day, you can also keep things simple, because the boat setup supports a chill pace.
• If you want the skipper to stop somewhere specific, the private format gives you room to request it.

One more thing I appreciate: the skipper has discretion to alter routes, departure time, and where you end up disembarking. That can sound like fine print, but in practice it often leads to a better day when weather and tides are working against you.

Onboard comfort checklist: what you get before you even touch the water

This isn’t just a bare-bones ride. Your boat comes with a setup that makes the time between swims comfortable.

Here’s what you can count on:

• Shaded sundeck with a canopy so you’re not baking while waiting your turn to swim
• Ample seating for your group to spread out
• Snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) provided
• Safety equipment included for peace of mind
• Ice cooler for beverages
• Bluetooth speaker if you want music
• Wi-Fi access if you want to share photos quickly

I also like that it’s private. Less crowding means less fighting for space when you’re stripping off, suiting up, and getting back on the boat.

Small reality check: food and drinks are not included. Since there’s a cooler, it’s smart to plan to bring your own drinks or snacks if you want them onboard. There’s also no barbecue equipment listed, so if your group is imagining a cookout, you’ll need a different plan.

Price and value: what $86 really buys, and what you should budget for

The headline price is $86 per group up to 6 for a 2-hour private boat experience. That can sound like an easy win because private boat tours elsewhere can cost a lot more once you factor in guide time.

But two costs are explicitly listed as not included:

• Experienced skipper: €54
• Fuel costs: €54

So your total outlay depends on how those extras are handled on your booking. Either way, the value logic is pretty clear: you’re paying for one boat, not paying per person to get this kind of access around the lagoon and cave areas.

How to judge if it’s good value for you:

• If you’re traveling as a group of 4 to 6, private usually beats paying per ticket on shared tours.
• If you’re only two people, it can still be worth it if you care about pace, comfort, and flexibility, but compare against shared options based on your own tolerance for crowds.
• If swimming is your priority, the private format helps because you can focus on the water time and you’re not stuck with a fixed script.

Meeting points at Mgarr and Cirkewwa, and how not to lose time

This tour includes pickup to one of two launch points, depending on where you’re starting.

• Gozo: Mgarr. Meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal.
• Malta: Cirkewwa. Meet by the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal in Cirkewwa.

Plan timing like a pro: arrive 30 minutes early. Punctuality matters because late arrivals won’t extend the charter time. The tour also notes you’ll use a separate entrance, which should help reduce wasted time at the dock.

For a smooth start, do this:

• Bring the essentials listed (hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, cash).
• Keep your group gathered when you arrive, so you’re not searching for people right when boarding begins.

Who this tour fits best, and who should think twice

This charter style works best if you want a relaxed, personal water day with real swim and snorkeling time.

It’s a strong match for:

• Couples who want cave views and a calm boat pace
• Families who want comfort like shaded seating plus the option to swim when conditions allow
• Friends who want control over music and downtime without a crowd

It may not be ideal if:

• You want a guaranteed swim no matter what. One experience included a day where conditions were rough enough that swimming did not happen.
• You hate schedule changes. Even with a plan, the skipper can adjust the route and timing based on weather and tides.

If you fall into the second group, you can still enjoy the ride, but you’ll need to treat it as a boat sightseeing trip with optional water time, not a guaranteed snorkeling session.

Quick practical tips before you book

A few small moves can make your day smoother:

• Pack a towel and sunscreen, even if you think you won’t get sun. You will.
• Bring cash as requested.
• Wear swimwear you can manage easily when you’re changing on a moving boat.
• If your group cares about music, bring playlists ready to connect through the Bluetooth speaker.

Also, make peace with the skipper’s discretion. That flexibility is how the day stays safe and enjoyable rather than forcing you into a fixed route that the sea refuses to cooperate with.

Should you book this Comino private boat with Comino Getaways?

If you want Comino’s highlights with your own space, comfort onboard, and enough time to actually swim and snorkel, I’d say yes. This is the kind of outing that feels like a true charter because it stays intimate, includes practical gear, and gives you a better shot at a smooth, relaxed day.

I’d book it especially if:

• You’re traveling with 3 to 6 people, so the boat cost spreads well
• You want both lagoons and the cave sights like Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave
• Music, shade, and quick sharing via Wi-Fi matter to your group

I’d hesitate only if weather is a major deal breaker for your group and you’re hoping for a guaranteed water session no matter the conditions. In rough weather, the skipper may shift the plan, and you should plan for that possibility.

FAQ

How long is the Comino Island private boat experience?

It lasts 2 hours.

What is the group size for a private boat booking?

The booking is for a group up to 6.

What does the tour include?

You get an exclusive private boat, shaded canopy comfort, safety gear, port and marina charges, lagoon access permits, taxes, an ice cooler for beverages, Bluetooth speaker, free Wi-Fi access, and snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel).

Is the skipper included in the price?

No. The experienced skipper is listed as €54 and is not included.

Are fuel costs included?

No. Fuel costs are listed as €54 and are not included.

Where do we meet if we are in Malta?

You meet at Cirkewwa, by the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal in Cirkewwa.

Where do we meet if we are in Gozo?

You meet in Mgarr near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

What should I bring?

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

What happens if sea or weather conditions are poor?

The skipper can cancel, reschedule, or alter the charter depending on sea and weather conditions. The route and swim timing may change due to tides or other valid reasons.

Is there Wi-Fi and music onboard?

Yes. There is Wi-Fi access for free, and a Bluetooth speaker so you can play your music.