REVIEW · COMINO ISLAND TOURS

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat

★ 5.0 · 11 reviews 2 hours From $86 Operated by Comino Getaways Boat Charters · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Comino is the kind of place you remember for the water. On this private boat tour around Comino Island, you get a skipper-led route that puts Blue Lagoon swimming and snorkeling in the middle of a relaxed 2-hour outing, plus classic cave views like the Roofless Cave (L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf) by boat. The one thing to plan for is that if sea conditions get rough, the skipper may adjust the route or limit swim time for safety and comfort.

What I like most is the “your group, your pace” setup. You’re not waiting on other people, and the boat has a shaded canopy, a comfortable sun deck, and snorkeling gear so you can go from cruising to swimming without a fuss. A second big plus is the human touch, skippers like Captain Joe and Mario tend to explain what you’re seeing and stay flexible with stops, which makes the trip feel less like a checklist and more like a good day on the water.

There’s also a practical catch: this is a charter boat experience with a skipper and fuel listed separately, so your final cost may be higher than the headline group price. If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, it still tends to feel fair because you’re paying for exclusivity, permits, and marina charges included in what you book.

Key things that make this Comino private boat worth it

  • Exclusive boat for up to 6 people so your group sets the vibe
  • Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon swim and snorkel time with provided mask and snorkel
  • Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave passes by boat for those dramatic rock moments
  • Cominotto Island sightseeing for a quieter side of the Comino area
  • Comfort extras on board including shaded canopy, sun deck, cooler for drinks, Bluetooth music, and Wi-Fi
  • Skipper-controlled route changes based on weather and tides, which can affect swim time

Why a private Comino boat beats the big-group shuffle

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat - Why a private Comino boat beats the big-group shuffle
Comino’s famous for turquoise water, but the real win here is how the day is paced. With a private charter for your group (up to 6), you’re not crammed into a crowd when the water looks best, and you can actually enjoy the pauses that make coastal cruising fun.

The boat setup also helps. You get comfortable seating, a shaded canopy for sun breaks, and access to snorkeling gear, so you can spend more time in the water and less time trying to organize your gear. Add a drinks cooler, Bluetooth speaker for music, and free Wi-Fi, and it turns into a mini floating lounge.

The 2-hour route, stop by stop: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and beyond

This charter is short on purpose. Two hours is enough time to hit the highlights around Comino without turning your day into a logistics project.

Blue Lagoon start

Your trip begins at the Blue Lagoon area, where the water’s color is the main event. You’ll have time to swim and snorkel if conditions allow, and the skipper can use the approach that works best on the day, including where the boat can safely settle.

Crystal Lagoon and sheltered swimming

Next, the route heads toward the Crystal Lagoon area, known for its vivid blue tones and more sheltered feeling than open water. Practically, this matters because sheltered spots often make for calmer, more comfortable swim time.

Cominotto Island sightseeing

Then you’ll pass by Cominotto Island. This is the moment where the scenery shifts from the most famous name-brand bay to a more low-key island feel, which is great if you like coast views without constant on-boat traffic.

Roofless Cave (L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf)

After that comes the dramatic rock formation: Roofless Cave (L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf). This is one of those sights where a quick pause helps you notice the shape of the rock and how the light hits the opening.

Lovers Cave

The itinerary also includes a boat pass by Lovers Cave, described as a romantic and secluded stop. Even if you’re keeping it casual and staying on board, the cave framing from the water is what you’re here for.

Pigeon Rock and sea caves

Finally, you cruise past Pigeon Rock and other sea caves. It’s a classic Comino highlight sequence, and the private boat format helps you get a better look without rushing.

Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: how swim and snorkel time really works

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat - Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: how swim and snorkel time really works
The headline attraction is swimming and snorkeling in clear water, and the included gear makes that easy. You get mask and snorkel, so you do not need to show up with your own kit.

Still, water conditions decide the quality of the swim time. One of the most useful lessons from real-world experiences is that if the sea gets rough, the skipper may not be able to stop in the safest spots, and you might end up spending more time cruising and admiring the caves than getting in the water.

If you’re the type who wants to plan for both possibilities, bring your swimwear and towel anyway, then stay flexible. On calmer days, you’ll likely get meaningful swim and snorkel time in the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. On choppier days, you’ll still get the sights, and the sun deck and canopy help you stay comfortable while the boat moves.

Cominotto Island: the quieter scenery break you’ll be glad for

Cominotto Island is part of the route, and it’s a nice change of pace. Instead of only circling the most famous bay, you get a chance to look at the coastline from a slightly different angle.

What you’ll feel here is simple: fewer crowds, more time to look around, and a more relaxed rhythm. Even from the boat, the Cominotto stop is a good moment to take photos, check the water color, and reset between cave highlights.

Roofless Cave (L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf) and Lovers Cave by boat

The cave section is where the tour becomes more than just pretty water.

Roofless Cave

Roofless Cave (L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf) is a natural rock feature with an open structure, which is exactly why it’s memorable from sea level. From the boat, you can see how the rock forms the opening and how the light and water color play together.

Lovers Cave

Then comes Lovers Cave, a secluded-feeling spot you approach by boat. Even if you don’t swim there, the pass is the point, and it’s the kind of view that makes a short trip feel more substantial.

One practical note: caves are best enjoyed at a slow pace. If you can, keep your camera ready but don’t treat it like a photo machine. The value of a private charter is that you can enjoy the view while the skipper positions the boat.

Pigeon Rock and sea caves: what to watch for while cruising

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat - Pigeon Rock and sea caves: what to watch for while cruising
After the cave moments, you pass Pigeon Rock and additional sea caves. This part can feel like “just cruising” on a schedule, but on a private boat it’s more like a rolling viewpoint.

Here’s what to watch for:

  • Rock shapes and openings that look different depending on the angle of the boat
  • Water clarity changes near sheltered sections versus open water
  • How the skipper chooses the best approach for comfort and visibility

This is also where the skipper’s style matters. In experiences with skippers such as Captain Joe and Mario, the guidance can turn into short explanations that help you understand what you’re looking at, not just where you’re going.

The boat experience: canopy shade, sun deck comfort, and gear included

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat - The boat experience: canopy shade, sun deck comfort, and gear included
This charter is built around comfort for a two-hour ride. You get ample seating, a shaded canopy, and a sun deck for when you want maximum light.

On the convenience side, it’s hard to beat:

  • Snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) provided
  • Ice cooler to keep your drinks chilled
  • Bluetooth speaker for music
  • Free Wi-Fi onboard so you can share right away

Two practical tips:

  1. Plan your snack timing, because food isn’t included.
  2. If you care about music volume, bring a playlist that works with sun-and-water vibes, since Bluetooth makes it easy.

Skipper-led service: Captain Joe and Mario’s influence

The skipper is not a background role on this charter. You’re paying for a private boat with an experienced guide, and the boat experience changes based on how that person handles stops, timing, and safety.

In real experiences, skippers like Captain Joe have a reputation for friendliness and making the outing feel like a true treat. Mario is also noted for staying upbeat and flexible, and for keeping things comfortable even when English is not perfect in the group. That matters because communication is part of comfort on a boat.

A big plus is the willingness to stop. One useful pattern is that skippers tend to be happy to pause for relaxation when conditions allow, not just race from point to point. That turns a tour into a day you can actually enjoy.

Price and value: what the headline amount covers, and what adds up

The published price shows $86 per group up to 6 for a 2-hour private boat. That’s a solid base value for a boat you won’t have to share.

But you should also note the amounts listed as separate charges: the experienced skipper is shown as €54, and fuel costs are shown as €54. So the “what you pay” story is basically split into a booking price plus those add-ons.

Where the value feels especially good is what is included alongside your charter: port and marina charges, lagoon access permits, and all taxes are included. In other words, you’re not likely to face a surprise pile of small fees at the end.

If you’re traveling as a group of four to six, the per-person cost tends to make a lot of sense. If you’re two people, you’re still paying for exclusivity, but it’s worth doing the math in your head: you’re essentially buying comfort and flexibility.

Where you meet in Malta and Gozo, and how to stay on time

You’ll have pickup included from one of two main departure points.

If you’re starting from Gozo

Meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant by Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

If you’re starting from Malta

Meet by the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal in Cirkewwa.

Here’s the simple timing advice that saves stress: arrive about 30 minutes early. You want buffer for traffic and getting organized before the boat departs. Being late can cut into your charter time, and the charter time is not extended due to late arrival.

What to bring for a comfortable Comino boat day

Pack like you’re going to spend a lot of time in the sun and possibly in the water.

Bring:

  • Hat
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Cash

The cash note is important because some extras, like food and beverages, are not included. Even if you plan to keep it simple, you may want a little flexibility for what’s easiest on the day.

Who this private charter suits best

This tour fits best if you like your travel day to feel personal, not assembly-line.

It’s a great match for:

  • Couples who want a calm, scenic 2-hour outing with minimal hassle
  • Families who want comfort on board and gear provided for snorkeling
  • Groups of friends up to six who want a shared boat experience without crowds

If your top priority is easy sightseeing plus optional swim and snorkel, this is exactly the format. If your priority is long, intense snorkeling sessions, you may wish for a longer outing since this one is designed around a shorter loop.

Quick reality check: weather and sea conditions can change the plan

The skipper has discretion to alter the charter based on sea and weather conditions, and the route can shift due to weather or tides.

That’s not a problem, it’s how safety works on the water. The key is knowing that “swim time” is conditional. On one occasion, the sea was rough enough that swimming did not happen, yet the outing still felt enjoyable thanks to the ride, conversation, music, and the cave scenery.

So I’d treat swim time as a bonus on top of the core value: seeing Blue Lagoon area water color, caves like Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave, and the coastal rock features from the boat.

Should you book this Comino Island private boat tour?

If you want a comfortable, exclusive Comino experience for up to 6, this private charter is a strong choice. The included snorkeling gear, canopy shade, drinks cooler, and the cave-focused route make it easy to have a good day even if conditions shift.

Book it when:

  • You care about personal space and not sharing a boat
  • You want Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon time with flexibility
  • You value a skipper who can keep things relaxed, friendly, and stop-friendly

Skip it or consider another option if:

  • You need guaranteed long swimming time regardless of weather
  • You prefer tours with food included, since food and beverages are not included

If your goal is a 2-hour “best-of Comino” circuit with comfort and a private feel, this one is ready-made for that.

FAQ

How long is the Comino Island private boat tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

How many people can you book for?

It’s priced for a private group up to 6 people per boat.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $86 per group up to 6. Separate charges are shown for the experienced skipper (€54) and fuel costs (€54).

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at one of two locations: Mgarr Harbour Terminal near Sicilia Bella Restaurant (Gozo) or the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal in Cirkewwa (Malta).

What will we see during the trip?

The route includes the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Island, passes by Roofless Cave (L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf) and Lovers Cave, plus Pigeon Rock and other sea caves.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Mask and snorkel are provided.

What’s included on the boat?

You’ll have the private boat, shaded canopy and seating, safety gear, ice cooler for beverages, a Bluetooth speaker, and free Wi-Fi. Port and marina charges, lagoon access permits, and taxes are included.

Are food or drinks included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

What should I bring?

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

Can the skipper change the route?

Yes. The skipper can cancel, reschedule, or alter the charter due to sea and weather conditions and may adjust route or timing due to tides or other valid reasons.