Blue Lagoon, minus the crowd chaos. This is a private boat charter to Comino, so you get your own pace and a skipper who steers you toward the best swimming spots. I also love the practical setup, snorkel gear and SUP included onboard, so you can jump into the water fast. One thing to plan for: there is an added Euro 79 fuel fee paid on board, and the sea can affect comfort.

You can board from Ċirkewwa in Malta or from Imgarr Port in Gozo, then return to where you started. I like that the experience is built around your group, and one family mentioned Aimee helped make the meet-up smooth and friendly with kids. Still, the trip needs decent weather, so don’t treat it like a guaranteed anytime activity.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

• Your own timetable: Private boat means fewer compromises about timing and where you stop.
• Blue Lagoon access: The boat anchors close enough for easy swimming and snorkeling.
• SUP plus snorkel masks included: You arrive ready, no last-minute gear hunting.
• Santa Maria Caves by boat: A small boat makes it possible to go through the caves without feeling like you’re on a bus.
• Safety that stays top of mind: Even with choppy water, the guide prioritizes safety and control.

What Makes This Comino Trip Feel Private

Comino gets crowded. This trip avoids that main headache by putting you in a true private setup. You’re not waiting around, squeezing in, or doing that awkward dance of trying to catch your preferred swim window between other boats.

The best part is how the charter format turns the day into something you can shape. You can focus on snorkeling, hidden caves, or quiet, secluded bays, depending on what your group wants most. With your boat to yourselves, you also tend to feel less rushed when conditions change, like when the water is calm enough for a longer swim.

A good skipper makes the difference here. You get a captain-led intro with safety protocols and background on Comino before you even reach the first highlight. And in real-life examples, service has been strong, including one family highlight that mentioned Aimee helping with the meet-up and being great with kids. That kind of calm, friendly start matters when you’re trying to keep a family on schedule.

Getting To Comino: Ċirkewwa Malta or Imgarr Port Gozo

You start from the water, not from a long bus ride. Boarding is available either from Ċirkewwa in Malta or from Imgarr Port in Gozo, and the activity ends back at the meeting point you used. If you’re staying on Gozo, this can save you time. If you’re based in Malta, Ċirkewwa is the straightforward choice.

Since the duration is about two hours, timing matters. You want to arrive ready to board, not still wrangling bags, towels, and last-minute swim gear. A mobile ticket also helps, since you can keep things simple at the check-in step and focus on getting out on the water.

One practical mindset shift: treat this as a concentrated “experience block,” not a full-day Comino tour. You’re here to hit the key areas and make the water time count. That’s why the private format works so well. When you only have a short window, controlling your stops is a real advantage.

Blue Lagoon Stop: Swimming and Snorkeling Without the Shuffle

The first big draw is the Blue Lagoon. The boat anchors close enough to make the swim easy, so you’re not stuck waiting at a distance while everyone else drifts around. Once you’re in, you can choose your pace: snorkeling, swimming, or just floating and relaxing while the turquoise water does its thing.

Snorkeling gear is part of the included package, with snorkel and masks provided. That matters more than you might think. Renting gear can turn into a hassle, and buying it on vacation is worse. With masks and snorkel already there, you can get your first look quickly, and you’re less likely to waste the best part of the trip fiddling with equipment.

I also like that the charter setup supports comfort while you’re not in the water. The boat has shaded areas and comfortable seating, so when you need a break from sun or wind, you can actually cool down instead of roasting on deck.

A small watch-out: water conditions can change fast. One family described a rougher sea during their afternoon, and the guide stayed careful. If it looks choppy, brace yourself for motion, keep your center of balance, and listen to your skipper about when it’s best to get in.

Crystal Lagoon and St. Nicholas Bay: More Quiet Water Stops

After the Blue Lagoon, the itinerary includes Crystal Lagoon and St. Nicholas Bay. These stops are the reason private feels better than big-group days. When you’re not fighting crowds, you can actually spend time where the captain anchors and the water feels right, instead of sprinting between packed viewpoints.

Even though the exact route can depend on conditions and your preferences, the overall plan is built around variety. You get your signature Comino moment at the Blue Lagoon, then more chances for relaxed swimming and scenic cruising around other bays and clear-water areas.

This is also where your skipper’s instincts help. A private charter still has structure, but you’re not locked into a one-size schedule. If your group prefers more time in calmer bays for an easy swim, the captain can usually shape the day toward that.

If you’re traveling with kids or mixed interests, this section often feels best. You can keep the energy flexible. Some people want to snorkel longer, and others just want to float, take photos, and enjoy the ride.

Santa Maria Caves by Small Boat: The Fun Part You Want to Get Right

Santa Maria Caves are a major highlight on this trip. The big advantage is that you’re using a boat that works for cave access, not a massive vessel that makes the experience feel distant. One group specifically noted driving through the caves, and a small boat can make that feel more hands-on and exciting.

What to expect in the caves stretch is a mix of scenery and motion. You’ll be getting close to the rock formations and moving through sections where you wouldn’t usually walk. That’s exactly why this kind of charter can beat a shore-based visit, especially when your time is limited.

There’s also a safety angle worth mentioning. If the sea is rough, your comfort level will change. A review example talked about safety during rough water, which is a good reminder to trust the skipper’s call on timing, where you anchor, and when you head back out.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is also the part of the day to be prepared. Bring your usual remedy and sit where you feel most stable. Also, keep your valuables secured, because the cave sections are not the time for loose items.

Comino Tower and Optional Cliff Time

Comino’s Comino Tower and St. Nicholas Bay are part of the included route, so you’ll get the “Comino landmarks” layer, not just water time. Even if you’re not the type who cares about towers and old structures, seeing them from the sea adds context. It’s another way to understand the island beyond just the beach reputation.

One review mentioned cliff jumping, which suggests there can be opportunities for fun when the conditions allow. For your safety, treat this as optional and ask your captain what’s appropriate on the day. If you see a clear, safe entry option and the skipper gives you the green light, it can be a memorable add-on.

If you’d rather stay low-key, you can still have a great day. The core of this charter is swimming and snorkeling, and with the included gear plus the boat’s comfort, you don’t need to chase every adrenaline moment.

Included Gear, SUP, and Packing Tips for a Smooth 2 Hours

You’re not arriving empty-handed. The trip includes SUP plus snorkel and masks, and it also includes bottled water. That’s a strong value point because water and basic swim gear are the kinds of extras that add up quickly if you do them separately.

Here’s what I’d pack for a smooth two-hour run:

• A swimsuit you don’t mind getting wet, plus a backup layer if you cool down after swimming
• Water shoes or something grippy for getting in and out
• Your own drinks if you want more than the bottled water provided
• A light towel and a small dry bag for phone and keys

One family noted bringing their own drinks, which is smart if you like sipping something other than water during the cruise breaks. The boat does include bottled water, but you’ll be happier if you plan for your preferred drink rather than hoping there’s more.

Also, bring sunscreen you trust and reapply when you’re back onboard. Two hours can feel short until you realize how much sun hits you when you’re in the water.

Price and Logistics: Is $196 Worth It?

The price is listed at $196, with an additional Euro 79 fuel fee paid on board. That fuel extra is the main cost surprise, so I recommend planning for it early instead of acting shocked at the dock.

Now the value question: does it make sense? Yes, if you’re booking this as a true private outing with your group. When you’re splitting the charter value among people who actually fill the boat time, you’re buying back convenience and flexibility. You’re paying for the boat being yours, not just for the “places” the boat visits.

This is also a good deal compared with piecing together separate activities. You get snorkeling masks, snorkel gear, and SUP included. You also get a skipper-led experience with a brief safety and Comino intro, and you get comfort like shaded areas and comfortable seating while you’re not swimming.

One more practical detail: the itinerary is customizable based on what you want most, whether that’s snorkeling or caves or quiet bays. That flexibility is the kind of feature you appreciate most on a short, two-hour schedule.

Who This Boat Trip Fits Best

This charter is a great match for:

• Families who want a calmer experience without juggling crowds
• Friends who want their own water time and do not want a rigid group schedule
• Couples who care more about swimming and comfort than ticking boxes

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It’s also close to public transportation, which can help if you need a backup plan for getting to the start area.

Because it’s private and only your group participates, it works well when people have different energy levels. Some can snorkel, others can SUP, and everyone can regroup onboard without negotiating with strangers.

If you want a calm, controlled visit to Comino that still feels adventurous, this is the sweet spot. If you’re looking for a long, full-day exploration, you might feel the time is short. But if you want a high-impact two hours in the right places, the private format does its job.

Should You Book This Comino Private Boat Trip?

I’d book it if your top priorities are easy swimming access, included snorkel gear, and not spending your precious Comino time stuck in crowds or rushing between stops. The private setup plus a skipper who handles safety and cave logistics is exactly what makes the experience feel worth it.

I’d think twice if your group is sensitive to choppy water, since the sea can be rough at times and the trip requires good weather. Also factor in the Euro 79 fuel fee so you can budget cleanly from the start.

If you want the Blue Lagoon plus the Santa Maria Caves experience in a short, well-managed outing, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the private boat trip to Comino?

The experience runs for about 2 hours.

Where do we board the boat?

You can board from Ċirkewwa in Malta or from Imgarr Port in Gozo. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is this a private tour or will I share the boat with other people?

It is a private tour. Only your group participates.

What is included in the trip?

The trip includes SUP, snorkel and masks, and bottled water.

What extra payment is needed during the tour?

There is a Euro 79 fuel fee that must be paid on board.

Do I need good weather for this experience?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.