Private Boat charter to Crystal & Blue Lagoon, Caves & Comino

The best part of this private Comino boat tour is control. Instead of being packed onto a large vessel, you have the boat for your own group, up to 15 people, with a captain who can adjust the pace and choose swimming spots. Albert and Anthony are among the local guides who may run the trip, and their family business brings a friendly, personal feel.

I like the quiet coves and cave swims, especially the chance to pass beneath a rock arch and reach a tiny sandy beach inside a cave. I also like the useful extras: two stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, a freshwater shower, a restroom, shade, and a traditional snack platter with Maltese cheese, olives, cold cuts, and bread.

The main drawback is time. Three hours is enough for a lively taste of Comino, but not enough for long beach stays at every stop. The price is also best for a group. At $419.39 for up to 15 people, it is strong value for a full boat, but expensive for one or two passengers.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 15 people: You avoid the crowded feel of a large sightseeing cruise and keep the boat to your own group.
• Several swimming locations: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Reef, Santa Marija Bay, and the Santa Maria Caves all offer different settings.
• Cave swimming is a highlight: You may swim through a cave opening and reach a small beach hidden inside the rock.
• Local food and practical gear included: Expect snorkeling equipment, two paddleboards, coolers, a bar, shower, restroom, and local snacks.
• A family-run operation: Albert, Anthony, and their relatives bring local stories, island knowledge, and a relaxed approach.
• Three hours goes quickly: This works well as a compact outing, but it is not a full-day beach charter.

Why a private boat changes the Comino experience

Comino is famous for clear water, pale rock, narrow coves, and the Blue Lagoon. It is also one of Malta’s most popular water stops. A private boat helps you enjoy the scenery without spending the whole outing shoulder to shoulder with strangers.

That privacy matters most when you want to swim. On a large boat, everyone may enter the water at once and return on a fixed schedule. Here, your captain can spend more time at a good swimming place, move on if the water feels choppy, or take you to a quieter bay.

The boat also gives you shade and somewhere to leave your belongings while you swim. That is a practical advantage over spending the day on an exposed beach. The onboard restroom and freshwater shower are small comforts, but they matter during a warm day on the water.

The guides add another layer. Albert and Anthony are associated with the family-run service, and the captains have local fishing backgrounds. You can expect more than a transfer between famous sights. The route includes stories about the islands, film locations, towers, caves, and unusual rock shapes.

Blue Lagoon in a 45-minute first stop

The Blue Lagoon is the famous opening act. Its clear blue water is well suited to a swim, and 45 minutes gives you enough time to get in the water, take photographs, and enjoy the view without using the entire tour here.

You will find food kiosks, cocktail bars, a sandy beach, and watersports in the area. Parasailing is available nearby, and a short walk leads toward Comino’s historic tower. The Blue Lagoon Pass is included, which helps simplify access.

Still, this is not the quietest part of Comino. Its name draws plenty of people, and the shore can feel busy, especially during the popular part of the day. I would treat the Blue Lagoon as a scenic swim and photo stop, not the place to expect solitude.

The tower is a useful addition if you want a short walk. It was built in 1618 to help defend Comino, and it was also used as a filming location for The Count of Monte Cristo. The walk from the Blue Lagoon area takes about five minutes, but fitting it in depends on how long you want to swim.

Crystal Lagoon, cliffs, and a cave with a sandy beach

Crystal Lagoon is where this outing becomes more than a standard Blue Lagoon visit. The inlet is surrounded by cliffs and caves, and the water is clear enough for swimming and snorkeling near the rock walls.

One of the most memorable options is swimming under a cave from one side to the other. You may also reach a small sandy beach inside a cave, an unusual setting that feels very different from the open shore. The location was used in The Count of Monte Cristo, adding a film connection without turning the stop into a formal movie tour.

You receive about 45 minutes here. That is a good amount of time for a swim, but you should listen closely to the captain’s instructions. Cave swimming requires comfort in the water, and conditions can change with wind and waves. If you would rather stay near the boat, snorkeling and paddleboarding give you easier alternatives.

The surrounding rock formations are part of the fun. One stop features a natural shape that resembles an elephant’s head. Another is a peaceful beach where you can slow down, float, or simply sit near the water. The exact order of these short view stops can depend on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment.

Cominotto Reef for a short underwater stop

The Cominotto Reef stop lasts about 15 minutes, so think of it as a quick chance to get into the water rather than a long snorkeling session. It is suited to confident swimmers and anyone who wants to see the clear water around the reef.

The supplied snorkeling equipment makes this stop easier, particularly if you do not want to pack your own mask and snorkel. The two stand-up paddleboards also offer a calm way to enjoy the water without swimming far from the boat.

A 13-meter-deep wreck lies in clear water near Comino. The wreck is one of the area’s more unusual sights, though the short schedule means you should not expect a lengthy underwater exploration. From the water, you can also look toward Comino’s tower, another place linked with The Count of Monte Cristo.

This is a good example of the tour’s strength and limitation. You see many different kinds of scenery in a short time, but each individual stop receives only a brief visit.

Santa Marija Bay, a calmer shore, and a small church

Santa Marija Bay offers a change from the famous lagoon areas. It is described as a quieter place, with a sandy beach and food kiosks. A small church sits about two minutes from the beach, giving you a simple walking option if you want a break from swimming.

The scheduled stop lasts around 20 minutes. That works for a quick shore visit or a peaceful look at the bay, but it will not allow a long beach afternoon. If your main goal is to lie on sand for several hours, this charter is too short for that style of outing.

The bay is valuable because it adds contrast. The Blue Lagoon is the famous, active stop. Santa Marija gives you a less hectic setting and a chance to see another side of Comino. I would save the church walk for the end of the stop, after checking the time with your captain.

Santa Maria Caves and Comino’s best rock scenery

The final major stop is the Santa Maria Caves, with about 30 minutes to explore. This area includes small coves and larger caves cut into Comino’s high cliffs. You may also see a cave with a pool just inside it, one of the more unusual places on the route.

The caves are best appreciated from the boat and water. Their shapes, shadows, and openings change as you move past them, so keep your camera ready. If you swim, take care around rock edges and follow the captain’s directions.

This stop also shows why a private boat is more useful than simply taking a ferry to Comino. A ferry can get you near the island, but it will not normally give you this same sequence of cave entrances, swimming areas, reef views, and small coves.

The Count of Monte Cristo connection appears again around Comino’s tower and coastal rocks. It is a pleasant detail for film fans, but the real appeal is the coastline itself.

Maltese snacks, drinks, and useful equipment

The food is simple and local rather than a full meal. The usual platter includes traditional cheeses, olives, cold cuts, and bread. That is exactly the sort of snack that suits a short boat ride, especially after swimming.

There is one detail I would confirm before paying: the information supplied for the experience places the traditional food platter under the not-included section, while the descriptions and guest accounts say a platter is provided. Drinks may also vary between being provided and available for purchase at the onboard bar. Ask the operator what is included on your date.

The equipment list is strong for a three-hour charter:

• Two stand-up paddleboards
• Snorkeling equipment
• Ice coolers
• Freshwater shower
• Restroom
• Onboard bar
• Blue Lagoon Pass

These details improve the value. You do not need to organize every piece of water gear yourself, and the cooler and shower make the boat more comfortable between swims.

Is $419.39 good value for a private charter?

The price is $419.39 per group, with up to 15 people. For a full group, that works out to about $28 per person, which is very reasonable for a private boat, captain, fuel, equipment, and access to several Comino locations.

For six people, the cost is about $70 per person. For two people, it is about $210 each, so the value becomes much harder to justify. The best buyers are families, groups of friends, or couples traveling with another couple who want privacy and flexibility.

The duration also matters. Three hours is not a full day on the water, but it is long enough to visit the main lagoons, a reef, a bay, and caves. You get variety without losing an entire day of sightseeing on Gozo or Malta.

Private transport from your hotel to the pickup point can be arranged by the operator. Since the information does not clearly state that a hotel transfer is included in the price, confirm the pickup details and any extra cost before booking.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would choose this charter for a group that values privacy, swimming, and local guidance more than a long stay on one beach. It suits families, couples, and friends who want a gentle day on the water without a party atmosphere.

It is also a good option if you have only a short time in Malta or Gozo. The route covers many of Comino’s best-known sights in three hours, and the captain can keep the outing moving.

You should be comfortable around boats and water. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the experience includes swimming near caves, boarding and leaving the boat, and moving between several stops. If you dislike choppy water, tell the captain early. The crew has adjusted the pace for changing sea conditions in the past.

The tour is also useful for people who dislike fixed group schedules. The captains have been praised for not rushing, taking guests to quieter places, and adapting the plan to the group’s mood. That flexibility is a major part of what you are paying for.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

This experience is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Confirmation normally arrives at booking, though bookings made within one hour of departure are subject to availability and may take longer to confirm.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Since the trip depends on good weather, the operator may offer another date or a full refund if poor conditions force cancellation.

The trip is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 63 days. That suggests you should reserve early if you need a particular date, especially for a full group.

My recommendation for the Comino charter

I would book this tour if you have at least four people and want a relaxed, private way to see Comino’s water, caves, beaches, and historic sites. The strongest features are the family-run service, flexible route, quiet swimming stops, paddleboards, and cave access.

I would not choose it if you want a long beach stay, a full meal, or the lowest possible price for one or two people. Before booking, confirm the food platter, drink arrangements, hotel transfer cost, pickup point, and expected sea conditions.

For a group seeking privacy and a compact route through Comino, this is a very good value. For solo visitors or a pair on a tight budget, a shared boat may make more financial sense.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The charter is private for your group and can accommodate up to 15 people.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Which main places does the boat visit?

The route includes Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Reef, Santa Marija Bay, and Santa Maria Caves.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Swimming is part of the experience at Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Reef, Santa Marija Bay, and the caves, depending on conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are paddleboards available?

Yes. Two stand-up paddleboards are available for use during the trip.

Is food included?

The supplied information is inconsistent. It describes a traditional platter of Maltese cheeses, olives, cold cuts, and bread, but also places the platter under items not included. Confirm the food arrangement with the operator before departure.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom and freshwater shower are provided onboard.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.