Private Boat Trip: Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Santa Maria

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the headline, but the best part of this private trip is getting beyond the famous water. Your skipper can take you into smaller caves, quiet coves, and shorelines that larger boats cannot reach. I especially like the freedom to choose your swimming time and the chance to play your own music through the boat’s Bluetooth speaker.

I also like that the boat carries a sun deck, shaded seating, cooler, WiFi, and snorkeling gear, so you are set for a relaxed outing. The main consideration is cost: $173 covers the boat for up to six people, but a licensed skipper is required and fuel is paid separately. This makes the trip good value for a full group, less so for one or two people.

Key points to know before you book

• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon in one trip: You get time at Comino’s two best-known swimming spots, with other stops woven in.
• A private boat for up to six: You are not tied to a large group or a fixed pace.
• Smaller boats reach more caves: The boat can move closer into places larger charter boats cannot easily enter.
• Choose your swimming time: The skipper can adapt the stops to your interests and sea conditions.
• Depart from Malta or Gozo: Pick up is available at Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour.
• Three hours is enough for highlights: You can see many sights, but this is not a full-day cruise.

Why a private Comino trip changes the day

Comino is small, but its most famous shoreline can feel crowded, especially around the Blue Lagoon. A private boat gives you a useful advantage: you can admire the main sight, then move on when the water gets busy or spend longer at a quieter place.

The boat is reserved for your group of up to six people. That matters more than it may sound. You do not have to wait while dozens of people board, search for seats, or follow a fixed swimming schedule. The captain can adjust the pace, within the limits of the three-hour charter and the sea conditions.

Past outings with captains Mario, Joe, and Harry have been especially personal. Mario is known for showing guests good swimming spots and taking photos. Joe gives passengers a choice of stops and stay times. Harry has taken smaller boats close to caves, added bits of local information, and allowed groups to play music.

That does not mean every trip will follow the same script. The skipper has final control over the route, departure time, and stops. Weather, tides, and sea conditions can change the plan. That flexibility is part of the value, but it also means you should not treat every named location as guaranteed.

Blue Lagoon: famous for good reason

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s main attraction, with pale rock, clear water, and strong shades of blue and green. It is the place for your classic Malta swimming photographs, and the boat gives you a view of the lagoon without needing to fight for a spot on shore.

The drawback is its popularity. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, so an early morning or sunset departure is worth considering if those times are available. The tour is particularly well suited to these quieter hours, when the light is softer and the water can feel calmer.

You may swim and snorkel here, but do not assume that your whole three hours will be spent in this one place. The point of the trip is to see Comino from the water, including its coves and rock formations. If your top priority is a long stationary beach visit, confirm the timing with the operator before booking.

Crystal Lagoon for a calmer swim

Crystal Lagoon is often the most satisfying swimming stop because the water is clear and the setting feels more sheltered. The name is well earned, and the lagoon gives you a chance to put on the provided mask and snorkel and look beneath the surface.

One past group spent about an hour and a half swimming at a favorite spot before moving on. That kind of flexible timing is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private charter. You can tell the skipper if swimming matters more to you than seeing every rock formation.

Still, three hours passes quickly. If you want both lagoons, several caves, Santa Maria Bay, and the rock formations, you may need to divide your time carefully. Your captain can help with that balance, but you should arrive with a rough priority list.

Caves that larger boats cannot reach

Comino’s caves are not just quick photo stops. Their shapes, openings, and shadows give the shoreline much of its character. Roofless Cave is particularly unusual, with an open ceiling that lets sunlight in from above.

A smaller private boat can approach some caves more closely than a large charter boat. That makes the experience feel more exploratory, even though the route remains a short sightseeing cruise rather than a serious expedition. You will have a better chance of seeing the rock walls from water level and stopping for photographs.

Lovers Cave offers a more enclosed, romantic setting, while the other caves each have their own openings and profiles. Your captain may explain a few details as you pass. Do not expect a formal historical talk at every stop, but the occasional local fact adds context to the scenery.

If you are sensitive to movement, stay seated while the boat enters narrow areas and follow the skipper’s instructions. Sea conditions can make cave access unsuitable, and the route may change for safety.

Santa Maria Bay and Cominotto

Santa Maria Bay brings a quieter contrast to the Blue Lagoon. Its surrounding caves and shoreline give you room for photographs, a swim, or a slower look at Comino’s natural setting.

The nearby islet of Cominotto adds another perspective. From the boat, you can see how the small island relates to the lagoon and the surrounding sea. It is a simple stop, but it helps you understand the shape of this part of Comino instead of seeing only one famous swimming area.

Santa Maria is also a sensible place to slow down if the Blue Lagoon feels too busy. The exact amount of time depends on your group, the sea, and the captain’s judgment. If you want a quieter experience, say so at the start rather than waiting until the final part of the trip.

Elephant Rock, Pigeon Rock, and Saint Nikolaw Creek

The tour includes several striking coastal formations that are easy to miss from land. Elephant Rock is named for its recognizable shape, while Pigeon Rock rises from the water as another memorable point for photographs.

Saint Nikolaw Creek is the more secluded stop. It is suited to anyone who wants a quiet pause away from the main lagoon areas. These locations show why a boat is useful at Comino: some of the best views are from offshore, and some shoreline sections are difficult to reach on foot.

The route can also include additional caves and coves. Think of the named stops as a strong outline, not a rigid promise. The skipper may adjust the order or omit a place if wind, waves, tide, or access conditions make that the sensible choice.

What is on the boat

The boat includes comfortable seating, a sun deck, and a shade canopy. That combination gives you options, although you should still bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Malta’s sun can feel strong even during a short outing.

A cooler is provided for ice, and Bluetooth lets you play your own music. Free WiFi is included as well. Snorkeling masks and snorkels are supplied, so you do not need to bring your own unless you prefer familiar equipment.

Safety gear, marina and port fees, lagoon access permits, and taxes are included. Food and drinks are not. Barbecue equipment, fishing gear, and a fishing cooler are also excluded, so plan to eat before or after the trip rather than expecting lunch on board.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Cash is also listed as something to carry. I would pack your belongings in a small bag that can be kept secure and dry, though the exact storage arrangements are not specified.

The three-hour timing and meeting points

Three hours is a useful middle ground. It is long enough to see the major coastal sights and fit in swimming, but short enough for people who do not want to spend an entire day on a boat.

The charter leaves from one of two locations:

• From Gozo, meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal.
• From Malta, meet near Cirkewwa’s Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Arrive 30 minutes early. The boat leaves on schedule, and lateness does not extend the charter. That matters at Cirkewwa and Mgarr, where transport connections and harbor traffic can add stress.

The provider says the skipper may adjust your chosen time to find better conditions or fit operational needs. Confirm your start time after booking, and keep some flexibility in your day. The live guide speaks English and Maltese.

Price and who gets the best value

The listed price is $173 per boat for up to six people, not per person. Split six ways, that is about $29 per person before fuel and any separate skipper charge. For a full group, the private format can compare well with premium shared cruises, especially when you value flexibility.

For two people, the per-person price rises sharply. You are paying for privacy, control over the pace, and access to a smaller boat rather than simply buying a seat. That may be worthwhile for a special occasion, a couple who wants a quiet trip, or a family that dislikes crowded excursions.

Check the final booking total carefully because fuel is payable separately and the boat requires a certified skipper with a valid Maltese Sea License. The advertised inclusions cover many operating costs, but the separate fuel and skipper requirements should be clear before you commit.

Who should book this boat trip

I would choose this trip for a group of friends, a family of up to six, or a couple who wants more control than a large cruise provides. It also suits photographers, swimmers, and anyone keen to see caves from close to the water.

The trip is a good match if you want to:

• Spend real time swimming at Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon
• Avoid following a large group’s fixed schedule
• Play your own music and keep the atmosphere relaxed
• See several caves and rock formations in one short outing
• Start from either Malta or Gozo
• Visit Comino without committing to a full day at sea

I would be more cautious if you dislike boats, need a guaranteed route, or want a full shore visit at each bay. The charter is focused on seeing Comino by water. Weather can alter the plan, and three hours does not allow long stops everywhere.

My booking advice

Book it if your priority is a private, flexible look at Comino with time for swimming. The strongest features are the smaller boat, the ability to adjust your pace, and the chance to reach cave areas that larger vessels may pass by. Captains Mario, Joe, and Harry have each been singled out for friendly service, good photo help, safety, and an easygoing approach.

Choose an early morning or sunset slot when available, and arrive half an hour early. For the best value, bring a group of six and decide in advance whether your priority is swimming, caves, or photographs.

Skip it if the separate fuel and skipper costs push the final price beyond your budget, or if you want a long beach day rather than a sightseeing cruise. For everyone else, this is a smart way to see Comino’s famous water and quieter corners in one well-paced outing.

FAQ

How long is the private Comino boat trip?

The trip lasts three hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to six people.

Where does the boat depart from?

You can depart from Mgarr Harbour Terminal in Gozo, meeting near Sicilia Bella Restaurant, or from Cirkewwa in Malta, meeting near Cirkewwa’s Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Which places are included on the route?

The planned sights include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Roofless Cave, Santa Maria Bay, Cominotto, Elephant Rock, Lovers Cave, Pigeon Rock, Saint Nikolaw Creek, and other caves and coves.

Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The tour includes opportunities to swim and snorkel, and masks and snorkels are provided.

Is the skipper included in the price?

A certified skipper with a valid Maltese Sea License is required. Fuel charges are payable separately, so check the final cost before booking.

What should I bring?

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

Can the route change?

Yes. The skipper may change the route, stops, departure time, or disembarkation points because of weather, tides, sea conditions, or other legitimate operational reasons.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.