Malta: Comino Island Private Boat

Comino’s best sights are on the water, and this private two-hour boat trip gives you a front-row seat. You can swim at the Blue Lagoon, see the caves around Comino and Cominotto, and ask the skipper to pause when you want a quieter stretch of sea.

I like the small-group setup, since the boat is yours rather than shared with a crowd. I also like the useful extras: snorkeling gear, a shaded canopy, an ice cooler, music, and Wi-Fi. The main thing to check before booking is the final cost, since the skipper and fuel are listed separately at €54 each.

Key points to know

• Private boat for up to six: The price is charged per boat, making this most attractive for a small group.
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: You have time for swimming and snorkeling, subject to sea and weather conditions.
• Several caves in one short outing: Roofless Cave, Lovers Cave, Pigeon Rock, and other rock openings form the core sightseeing route.
• Skippers can shape the stop: Captain Joe and Mario received especially warm praise for their friendly service, while one captain adjusted the plan around rough seas.
• Comfort is practical: You get a shaded canopy, seating, snorkeling equipment, cooler, Bluetooth speaker, and Wi-Fi.
• Allow extra money and time: Fuel and skipper charges are separate, and you should arrive 30 minutes early at either Cirkewwa or Mgarr.

Why a private boat works well around Comino

Comino is small, but its most attractive corners are scattered along the coast. A land visit can put you near the Blue Lagoon, yet a boat lets you see the cliffs, cave entrances, narrow channels, and small islands from the angle that makes them special.

I like this outing for families, couples, and groups of friends who want control over the pace. You are not tied to a large party’s schedule. If you want to sit in the shade, listen to music, swim for a while, or ask for another pass by a cave, a private charter gives you more freedom than a standard shared cruise.

The two-hour length is both a strength and a limit. It is long enough to cover the main sights around Comino without taking up half your day. It is not long enough for a slow, extended stay at every lagoon, so think of it as a compact coastal tour with swimming time rather than a full-day boat holiday.

Meeting the boat at Cirkewwa or Mgarr

You can join the charter from two locations. On Malta, meet at Cirkewwa by the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal. In Gozo, the meeting point is near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. That cushion matters around the ferry terminals, where traffic, queues, and finding the correct pier can eat into your schedule. Late arrivals do not receive extra charter time, so this is not the place to cut things close.

Pickup is included, but the information provided does not describe a separate hotel transfer. Plan to reach the stated terminal meeting point yourself unless the operator confirms something different after booking.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The skipper can change the departure time, route, or landing point if weather, tides, or sea conditions make the planned arrangement unsuitable.

Blue Lagoon: famous water and a busy setting

The Blue Lagoon is the main draw, with clear turquoise water and a dramatic setting between Comino and Cominotto. This is the place to swim, use the supplied mask and snorkel, and enjoy the contrast between pale rock and bright sea.

The private boat does not mean you have exclusive use of the lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known water stops, so the area can feel lively, especially in the warmer months. The advantage here is that you can reach the water directly from your boat and then move on when you have had enough.

Bring your own towel, swimsuit, hat, and sunscreen. The boat has shade, but you will still spend time in strong Mediterranean sun. Cash is also listed among the items to bring, which is useful for incidental spending and any arrangements made during the day.

Crystal Lagoon and Cominotto Island

The route continues toward Crystal Lagoon, a more sheltered area known for clear blue water and small bays. It is a good place for snorkeling when conditions allow, and the boat gives you a way to enjoy the water without carrying beach equipment across rocky ground.

Cominotto Island sits close to Comino and adds a different view of the coast. From the water, you can appreciate the low, rugged rock and the channels between the islands. The stop is less about a long land visit and more about seeing the islands as part of the same coastal setting.

Sea conditions matter here. One party had a very enjoyable two-hour trip but could not swim because the water was rough. That is a useful reminder that a clear forecast does not guarantee calm water at every stop. The skipper has authority to alter the route or reduce swimming time when conditions require it.

Roofless Cave, Lovers Cave, and Pigeon Rock

The cave portion gives the trip its character. Roofless Cave, also known as L-Ghar ta’ Bla Saqaf, is a natural opening with striking rock formations. Seeing it from a boat lets you look into the cave without committing time to a shore excursion.

Lovers Cave offers a smaller and more secluded stop. Its name sets the mood, but the appeal is simple: a quiet pocket of rock and water that can feel removed from the more famous lagoon areas. If you are taking the trip as a couple, this is likely to be one of the more atmospheric moments.

Pigeon Rock and the other sea caves round out the route. You will not just be shuttled between two swimming spots. The skipper can point out different rock shapes and cave entrances, and at least one outing included explanations about local history along with the scenery.

The caves are best treated as a sightseeing cruise, not a guaranteed cave swim. The skipper may pass close to openings, slow down for photographs, or change the route according to waves and tide. Ask questions as you go, especially if you want more information about the coast.

What the skipper adds to the experience

A private boat is only as good as the person handling it, and the feedback here places strong emphasis on the captains. Captain Joe was singled out for making the trip especially enjoyable, and Mario was praised for keeping communication easy even when the group’s English was limited.

That matters because the skipper has two jobs. First, there is the practical work of handling the boat and judging the sea. Second, there is the human side: explaining what you are seeing, choosing sensible places to stop, and helping the group relax.

One outing had rough water, but the captain remained flexible and was happy to stop where the group could rest. That kind of adjustment is more valuable than blindly following a fixed route. The skipper may also change your preferred departure time to suit conditions.

The listed languages are English and Maltese. The experience is private, so you can ask for explanations without competing with a large group. Still, do not expect a long formal lecture. This is mainly a boat outing with sightseeing and swimming, with commentary added along the way.

The boat’s useful comforts

The boat is set up for a short, easygoing trip rather than a bare transfer. Seating gives everyone a place to settle, while the canopy provides shade when the sun becomes too strong. A sun deck offers room to lie back or dry off between swims.

The supplied mask and snorkel save you from packing your own equipment. Availability is listed as part of the charter, but you should still bring personal gear if you need a particular fit or prefer your own equipment.

The ice cooler is useful for keeping your drinks cold, but food and beverages are not included. Bring what you want to eat and drink, subject to the operator’s rules. Barbecue equipment, a fishing cooler, and fishing gear are not part of this package.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are pleasant extras. You can play your own music, share photos, or stay connected while offshore. I would treat them as bonuses rather than the reason to book, since the main value is the private access to Comino’s coast.

Safety equipment is provided, and port and marina charges, lagoon access permits, and taxes are included. These details reduce the number of small arrangements you need to make on the day.

Is $86 good value for six people?

The advertised price is $86 per group of up to six, not $86 per person. Split six ways, that is a low base price for a private boat. For two people, the per-person figure is higher, but you still gain privacy and control over the route.

You need to read the cost details carefully. The skipper is listed as an additional €54, and fuel is also listed as an additional €54. That makes €108 in stated extra charges before you consider food and drinks. Because the main price is in dollars and the extra charges are in euros, confirm the exact total and payment method before setting off.

Once those additions are understood, the value depends on group size. Six friends or relatives can share the base charter and extras, making the arrangement more appealing than six separate seats on a larger excursion. A couple pays more per person for privacy, but may still prefer this format if quiet time and a flexible route matter more than the lowest price.

The listed package includes permits, taxes, marina charges, equipment, and onboard comforts. That makes the final quote easier to compare with other private charters, provided you include the skipper and fuel in your calculation.

Who should book this Comino outing?

I would recommend it to a group that wants a relaxed, private way to see Comino in a short time. Families may like the shade, seating, cooler, and ability to pause rather than follow a fixed public-cruise timetable.

It also suits couples who want a quieter boat setting around Lovers Cave and the smaller coves. Friends can make good use of the Bluetooth speaker, sun deck, and shared price, as long as everyone is happy with a compact two-hour schedule.

You should think twice if your main goal is a guaranteed long swim. Rough seas can affect the water stops, and the skipper can change the route for safety. You should also be comfortable with the extra skipper and fuel charges before booking.

This is not designed as a fishing trip, barbecue cruise, or full-day sailing experience. Fishing gear and barbecue equipment are specifically excluded, and the duration is fixed at two hours.

Practical tips for a smoother trip

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, hat, and sunscreen. Keep your belongings secure around the water, and bring cash as requested.

Arrive early at the correct terminal. At Cirkewwa, look for the kiosk by the Gozo Channel Terminal. At Mgarr, use the area near Sicilia Bella Restaurant. Confirm the exact departure details before the day of the charter, especially if you are moving between Malta and Gozo.

If swimming is important to you, ask about sea conditions before departure. The skipper has the final say on safe routes and stops, and the itinerary can change because of weather, tides, or other valid reasons.

Should you book the private Comino boat?

Book it if you have up to six people, want a personal boat setting, and value the chance to swim, see caves, and set a comfortable pace. The strongest features are the private format, the variety of coastal sights, and the friendly service associated with captains such as Joe and Mario.

Before paying, confirm the full price with the €54 skipper charge and €54 fuel charge included. If the water is rough, you may spend more time cruising than swimming, but the caves, rock formations, and private setting can still make the outing worthwhile. For a small group seeking a flexible Comino experience without committing to a full day, this is a sensible choice.

FAQ

How long is the private Comino boat tour?

The charter lasts two hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat accommodates a private group of up to six people. The rate is charged per boat, not per person.

Where does the boat depart from?

Departures are available from Cirkewwa in Malta and Mgarr in Gozo. In Cirkewwa, meet by the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal. In Mgarr, meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

Are the skipper and fuel included in the advertised price?

The skipper and fuel are listed separately at €54 each. Confirm the full amount before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are supplied. The boat also has safety equipment, shaded seating, an ice cooler, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

Can the route change after booking?

Yes. The skipper may cancel, reschedule, or alter the route, departure time, or disembarkation point because of weather, tides, sea conditions, or other valid reasons.