Comino: Private Boat Trips, Swimming stops and Caves Tours

Comino is at its best from the water, where you can slip away from the busiest shore spots and choose your own rhythm. You can swim at Crystal Lagoon, pause near Santa Maria Caves, and cross to Gozo for quieter bays and a lunch stop. I like the private setup, and I like the boat’s practical comforts: shade, a toilet, fresh-water shower, cooler, and a low bathing platform. The main catch is the price, which makes sense for a group but is steep for only a few people.

I also appreciate the freedom to bring your own food, connect your phone to the boat’s speakers, and request a longer or shorter outing when availability allows. Skipper Fabio and Jeanette handle the arrangements, and Fabio is noted for clear directions and a friendly approach. Just remember that food, drinks, and stand-up paddleboards cost extra or must be arranged separately.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to 15 recommended: The Julie Pearl can carry 25 people, but no more than 15 is advised for comfort on longer trips.
• Several pickup choices: Meet at Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour or Malta’s Cirkewwa Jetty, with the exact boat location sent by WhatsApp after booking.
• Swimming is the main event: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Hondoq Ir-Rummien, and other bays provide time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Useful onboard comforts: You get shade, open decks, a toilet, fresh-water shower, cooler with ice, stereo, and bathing ladder.
• Bring your own lunch: Food and drinks are not included, but you can store them in the cooler or stop at Mgarr Harbour for food.
• Weather controls the day: Trips normally run from 10am to 4pm for a full day or 9am to noon for a half day, subject to sea conditions.

Why a private boat makes Comino easier

Comino is small, but its best-known swimming spots can feel crowded, especially around the Blue Lagoon. A private boat changes the day from a fixed stop-and-go outing into a flexible cruise. You can spend more time in the water, skip a stop that does not suit you, or ask to see another part of Comino or Gozo.

That flexibility matters most for families and groups of friends. You are not waiting for strangers to finish swimming, and you can use the boat as your base between stops. One person can sit under the covered deck, another can sunbathe at the front, and swimmers can climb back aboard using the rear ladder.

The price is $577 per group of up to 15 people. That is not a casual bargain for two people, but it becomes much more reasonable when divided among a full group. The fee covers the boat, skipper, fuel, snorkeling masks, and the full outing, rather than charging each person separately for a series of short rides.

For a small party, a shared boat may cost less. For a group that values privacy, music, flexible stops, and room to spread out, the private arrangement offers a clear benefit.

Boarding at Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour

You can begin in Malta at Cirkewwa Jetty or in Gozo at Mgarr Harbour. At Cirkewwa, the meeting area is behind the food kiosk near the Gozo Channel ferry car-queuing lanes. At Mgarr, the meeting point is at the far end of the main jetty, beyond the fast ferry terminal.

The exact boat position is sent by WhatsApp after booking, which is useful because ferry terminals can be confusing. Give yourself enough time to find the meeting point, particularly if you are carrying food, towels, and snorkeling gear.

Pickup and drop-off are offered at the same two locations. That makes this outing easy to attach to a day in Gozo or a Malta and Gozo ferry crossing. It is not a land tour with hotel transport, so you need to reach one of these harbours yourself.

A look at the Julie Pearl boat

The Julie Pearl is built for a full day on the water rather than a quick sightseeing ride. The maximum capacity is 25, but the recommended number for a longer trip is 15. That is good advice. A boat can legally carry a larger group and still feel crowded once towels, coolers, bags, and wet swimmers come aboard.

You get covered seating for shade, open deck space at the front and back, and a table in the middle. The rear bathing platform is low and spacious, with a climbing ladder that makes repeated swims easier. That small detail matters. A steep or awkward ladder can make a swim stop less appealing, especially for children or anyone who is not fully confident in the water.

There is also a toilet and an outdoor fresh-water shower. The shower lets you rinse off salt before settling back into dry clothes, although you should still bring whatever personal items you need for the day.

The stereo connects by Bluetooth, so you can play your own music. Use it with some care around other people on the boat, but it adds a party-boat touch for groups celebrating a birthday, reunion, or simple day off together.

Snorkel masks are supplied and can be used throughout the trip. Stand-up paddleboards are optional and available for a small extra charge, but they need to be booked before departure. Life jackets for adults and children are available if needed.

Crystal Lagoon and Saint Mary’s Tower

The first sightseeing stretch takes about 10 minutes before reaching Saint Mary’s Tower. You pass by the tower for about 10 minutes, with time for photographs and views from the sea.

The tower gives the outing a touch of Comino’s past, but this is mainly a photo stop rather than a long visit on land. The boat format is useful here because you can see the structure without turning the day into a walking tour under the sun.

Next comes Crystal Lagoon, with about 30 minutes set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and looking for marine life. The water is one of the main reasons to book this trip. You can jump in from the boat, use the supplied mask, and return to the platform when you need a break.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, but it may feel short if your group wants a long snorkeling session. On a private charter, ask the skipper about timing. The stated route is flexible, and the day can sometimes be extended or shortened depending on availability.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy setting

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s famous stop, and its clear water explains the reputation. The tour allows about 30 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, free time, and a cocktail or lunch stop.

The key advantage is arriving by private boat. You avoid treating the lagoon as your only destination and can enjoy it as one part of a wider route. The drawback is that the Blue Lagoon is also the place most likely to feel busy. If your idea of relaxation means quiet water and few people, ask to spend more time at a less crowded bay instead.

The boat gives you a better escape from the shore crowds than a land-based visit. You can swim from the vessel and return to your own shaded seating rather than hunting for a place on the beach. Still, do not expect the Blue Lagoon itself to feel private.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes if you use them, and a towel. The tour supplies the water access and masks, not your personal beach kit.

Mgarr Harbour for lunch and a change of pace

After another short cruise, the boat reaches Mgarr Harbour for about 30 minutes. This is the most practical stop in the schedule. You can have lunch, shop, walk around, or pick up food from one of the harbour’s outlets, kiosks, or restaurants.

Food and drinks are not included. You have two sensible choices: bring ready-to-eat food and store it in the cooler with the supplied ice, or buy lunch at Mgarr. The cooler is a useful inclusion, especially for a full-day trip, but it does not turn the boat into a catered charter.

Thirty minutes works for a quick meal or takeaway. It may feel rushed if you want a relaxed restaurant lunch, so tell the skipper what your group prefers. You can also bring sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and drinks from the start and avoid losing swimming time.

Hondoq Ir-Rummien and Gozo’s southern coast

Hondoq Ir-Rummien Beach is another swimming and snorkeling stop, with around 30 minutes in the water. It gives you a change from Comino’s best-known lagoons and brings the day closer to Gozo’s southern coast.

The route may also include Halfa Rock and Qala Valley, or, on a longer outing, farther Gozo stops such as Ramla Bay, Ghajn Barrani, Dahlet Qorrot, and San Blas Bay. These options depend on the chosen duration, weather, and the skipper’s judgment.

This is where the private format earns its keep. You can explain whether your group wants more swimming, more sightseeing, or a longer run along the coast. A four-hour outing will not provide a full visit to every possible bay. A six-hour trip gives you more breathing room and is the better choice if you want both Comino and several Gozo stops.

Santa Maria Caves and the final cruise

Santa Maria Caves is a brief stop, listed at about five minutes for photographs, a visit, and a pass-by. You should think of this as a quick look from the boat rather than a long cave exploration.

The surrounding cruise is still worthwhile because the boat lets you see the shoreline from water level. The skipper may adjust the route to suit conditions, and the caves work well as a short visual stop between longer swims.

The official route includes sightseeing cruises of roughly 10 minutes between several stops. These short stretches break up the swimming and give you time to dry off, eat, listen to music, or simply watch the coast pass by.

Full day or half day?

The normal full-day schedule runs from 10am to 4pm. The half-day option usually runs from 9am to noon. The total activity is described as four to six hours, and earlier or later starts may be possible if the boat is available.

Choose the half day if you want a focused outing around Comino, especially if your group mainly wants a few swims and some time on the water. It is also useful if you have ferry plans, a dinner booking, or another activity later.

Choose the full day if you want to include Gozo’s quieter bays, a lunch stop, and more time to adjust the route. Six hours can still pass quickly once you count the cruises, boarding, meals, and repeated swims.

The schedule is not a minute-by-minute promise. Wind, sea conditions, group preferences, and the selected route all affect the day. That flexibility is part of the attraction, but it also means you should not plan a tight connection immediately afterward.

Weather, comfort, and what to pack

The trip only runs in suitable weather. If conditions are unsafe, you can postpone the booking to another available date or cancel for a full refund of the deposit. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a hat, and dry clothes. Bring food and drinks if you do not want to stop for lunch at Mgarr Harbour. The boat has a cooler and ice, but drinks and meals are your responsibility.

The covered deck provides shade, while the open decks are better for sunbathing and views. If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, consider sitting under cover and bringing the usual personal remedy. The supplied life jackets are available for adults and children who need them.

The boat has a toilet, but it is still wise to use facilities before boarding. You will spend hours on a small vessel, so pack lightly and keep phones, wallets, and cameras protected from splashes.

Who will enjoy this boat charter most?

I would recommend this for families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a private day rather than a standard shared cruise. It works particularly well for people who plan to swim several times and want easy access back onto the boat.

It is also a good match for music-loving groups. Bluetooth speakers, a cooler, open deck space, and a private skipper create a relaxed setup for a social day on the water.

I would think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple and the full group price would fall heavily on you. I would also choose another type of outing if your main interest is detailed history, long walks, or extended cave visits. This is a sea day first, with sightseeing woven around swimming and sunbathing.

Jeanette handles communication, and skipper Fabio provides the local contact on the water. Clear instructions are especially helpful at the ferry terminals, while a friendly skipper can make a flexible private trip feel much easier.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if you can fill much of the boat, want private time on the water, and care more about swimming and coastal views than a formal guided tour. The best value comes with a group of friends or family, where $577 divides into a reasonable per-person cost.

Pick the full day if you want Comino and several Gozo bays. Pick the half day for a shorter swim-focused outing. Bring your own lunch, reserve paddleboards in advance if you want them, and leave room in your schedule for weather or route changes.

For a full group, the combination of private use, fuel, skipper, masks, shade, cooler, shower, and flexible stops makes this a strong option. For a very small party, compare the cost carefully before booking.

FAQ

How much does the private boat trip cost?

The price is $577 for a private group of up to 15 people.

How many people can the Julie Pearl carry?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 25 passengers. For longer trips, no more than 15 people is recommended for comfort.

Where can I board the boat?

You can board at Gozo Ferry Terminal at Mgarr Harbour or at Malta’s Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal.

How long does the trip last?

The activity lasts four to six hours. Full-day trips normally run from 10am to 4pm, while half-day trips normally run from 9am to noon.

Is food included?

No. You can bring ready-to-eat food and drinks, use the cooler with complimentary ice, or stop at Mgarr Harbour to buy food.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Yes. Snorkel masks are provided for free use during the trip.

Are stand-up paddleboards included?

No. Stand-up paddleboards are available for a small extra charge and must be booked before the trip.

Does the boat have shade and a toilet?

Yes. The boat has a covered deck, open decks, a toilet, an outdoor fresh-water shower, and a bathing platform with a climbing ladder.

Can I play my own music?

Yes. The boat has a stereo and speakers that you can use by connecting through Bluetooth.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable?

The trip may be postponed to another available date or canceled with the deposit refunded in full. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund.