Comino looks like a postcard from the water. I love that this is a private boat setup, so you can swim away from the biggest crowd at the Blue Lagoon. I also love the practical touches, like snorkel gear included and a boat canopy for shade when the sun gets serious.

The main thing to plan around is the short timing. You get about 1 hour on the water, with quick stops, and the itinerary works best if you’re ready to swim fast. Also budget for the extra fuel fee of 49 euro per booking, since it is not included.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Swim time where you want it, anchored away from the Blue Lagoon crush so you can jump in directly off the boat
• Included snorkel mask and snorkel gear, so you do not need to pack your own
• Comino and Cominotto coverage in one trip, including Popeye Cave, coves, and reef areas
• Crystal Lagoon is built for swimming and cliff jumps, plus access to the Comino Caves area
• Optional route tweak around the P31 wreck, if you want to swim around it and you ask ahead
• Price is per group up to 8, making it good value if you have 4 to 8 people splitting costs

Why a private boat charter changes the Blue Lagoon day

If you only picture the Blue Lagoon as one crowded swimming spot, you will miss the real win here. The whole point of a private charter is simple: you are not stuck waiting in lines, and you are not forced to swim where everyone else anchors.

On this kind of route, the boat can anchor away from the busiest areas. That means you get that famous clear-water feeling, but with more space to breathe and swim. And because you swim directly off the boat, you can spend your time in the water instead of moving around on beaches.

The private format also helps with comfort. The boats come with canopies, so you can cool off without constantly finding shade on land. If you get heat fatigue easily, this matters.

Price and logistics: what the 106.92 per group really means

The headline number is $106.92 per group for up to 8 people, and that is why this can work out well. For a family or a small group of friends, it often pencils better than paying per person on larger boat tours.

But there is one cost detail you should not ignore. Fuel is excluded, and you pay 49 euro per booking. That charge can change the math depending on how many people are in your group. With 8 people, the extra cost spreads nicely. With just 2 or 3 people, it becomes a bigger piece of the total.

Also note this runs in English, uses a mobile ticket, and meets at Cirkewwa. The tour is short, and the schedule moves quickly, so this is not the choice if you want long lounging on shore.

Getting to the water at Cirkewwa, and how the 1-hour trip feels

Your tour starts at Cirkewwa cafe in Mellieħa, and it ends back at the same meeting point. That round-trip simplicity is underrated. You are not trying to coordinate multiple buses or find a new pickup location after you get wet and sunburned.

The time on the water is about 1 hour, with stop times specified for some anchors. In practical terms, you should treat this as a swim-and-photo sprint, not a slow sightseeing cruise. If you are happy with quick swims, short cave moments, and a few stretches of cruising between anchors, you will feel satisfied.

Blue Lagoon stop: swimming in clearer water, away from crowds

This is the signature moment, and it is built for you to get right in. The boat stops at the Blue Lagoon, where the water is famous for being clear and bright, with little sandy patches on either side of Comino and Cominotto.

The key advantage for a private group is that the boat can anchor in a quieter patch of blue water rather than right on top of where everyone converges. You can swim directly off the boat, which is a huge quality-of-life move. It cuts out the awkward steps between boat and beach, especially if you are wearing swim gear and want to get in fast.

Snorkel gear is included, including a snorkel mask and snorkeling equipment. That setup means you can spend your swim time actually looking around, not just floating.

A small note to keep your expectations realistic: the Blue Lagoon can be busy, and your experience depends on where you anchor and how quickly you get in the water. With a private charter, you have more control over that.

Comino and Cominotto: the fast tour of caves, coves, and low-key coast

Once you are out in Comino territory, you start seeing what makes this area special. Comino is tiny in population, only two residents, and it is surrounded by very blue water. That is why the coves and small beaches feel so photogenic and why boats are the best way to reach them.

With this charter style, you visit the southern parts of Comino and Cominotto, plus hidden coves and cave areas. Because it is private, you can customize the emphasis to what your group cares about most.

Cominotto is right off the coast of Comino and is described as accessible only by private boat tour. That means you typically get a quieter experience there than you would from any land-based approach. Cominotto is also the setting for a couple of films, including Troy and Swept Away (with Madonna). Even if you have not seen those, the point is that the setting has that cinematic look.

Cominotto Reef: when the water color turns into marine-life spotting

One of the most interesting stops here is Cominotto Reef. It is a long, shallow reef at the tip of Cominotto, and the water takes on extra color because of the reef below.

This matters because it is not just visual. The reef is known for marine life like octopuses, sea urchins, parrotfish, and sea bream. If you like snorkeling specifically for wildlife spotting, this stop is the one to pay attention to during your short time.

Even if you are not a dedicated marine-life fan, the reef can make the whole water look richer. That is what turns “pretty lagoon” into “wow, I get why people talk about this place.”

Crystal Lagoon: swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumps with Comino Caves nearby

Crystal Lagoon is one of the most sought-after lagoons in Malta, and for good reason. It is described as ideal for snorkeling and swimming, and it is also a place where people enjoy cliff jumps.

Now, keep your comfort level in mind. Cliff jumps are not everyone’s thing. If your group is more of a swim-and-snorkel crew, you can still enjoy the water and keep it simple. The value of this stop is that it gives you options within the same lagoon experience.

Crystal Lagoon is also connected with the Comino Caves area. That means you can enjoy that cave scenery from the water, and you get that special feeling of being close to rock formations rather than looking at them from far away.

Like the Blue Lagoon, the private boat format helps you avoid being forced into one narrow spot. You get to settle where the boat anchors, then make the most of your water time.

P31 patrol boat wreck: the optional thrill, but ask ahead

One stop that can turn this from a standard lagoon cruise into a memorable specialty moment is P31. This is a shipwrecked patrol boat scuttled just off Comino.

On fair weather days, the boat will pass over the wreck. The details matter here. The wreck is described as lying at a depth between 10 and 18 meters, which is deep enough that most people will not experience it by accident. This is the kind of site that can be fascinating if you are already comfortable in the water and you know what you want from the experience.

There is also an option: you can choose to swim around the wreck instead of other locations. The critical practical part is that you should discuss this in advance. That way the route can be adjusted to fit your group’s preferences.

If your group loves unique snorkeling spots and you want one standout story to bring home, P31 is the stop to prioritize.

Popeye Cave, L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf: sunbeam photos with the right approach

L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf is better known as Popeye Cave. It is famous for how sunlight streams through it, creating a magical effect that is also why it is the most photographed cave in Comino.

Your boat is designed to access the cave area closely. That gives you the chance to see the sunlight effect up close rather than just catching a distant view.

Because the stop time is short, treat Popeye Cave like a photo-and-look moment. This is where having quick, well-timed access matters. If you miss the light angle, it can be tough to recreate later, so go prepared to look, shoot, and then move on.

Comino islets and the dramatic cliff stretch: quick views that add variety

Around Comino, there are small islets with different colors in the water that can look like tiny icebergs. The charter zigzags around these islets so you can appreciate the color shifts without having to do any complicated navigation.

Then you hit the dramatic part: the high cliffs of Comino. There is a small island off the cliffs, and the boat charter can take you right between them. Along that coastline, you also find caves that are only accessible by private boat.

These parts of the route are valuable because they break up the trip. You are not just repeating lagoon after lagoon. You get cliffs, caves, and color changes, all within a short time frame.

What’s included, and what comfort items you should expect on board

Included:

• Snorkeling equipment, including the use of a snorkel mask
• An ice box cooler

That ice box detail is quietly helpful on a short charter. When the day is warm and you are bouncing between swims, having cold drinks nearby can make you feel better fast.

The boats also have canopies for sun shade. That means you can relax between stops without baking in direct light the entire time.

What is not included:

• Fuel, 49 euro per booking

Who this private Comino boat tour fits best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A private experience on Comino without being stuck in the biggest crowded swim areas
• A short, swim-focused day with multiple standout water stops
• Flexibility, since the private format allows some route customization

It may not be the best fit if:

• You want long time on shore beaches, since this is about quick water access and short stops
• You are traveling as a very small group and the fuel fee pushes your per-person cost higher than you planned

For couples, small friend groups, or families of up to 8, the group price structure can make it a smart choice.

Should you book this private boat charter of Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?

I would book it if you are the type who hates crowds in the water and you want your swim time to feel intentional. The combination of private anchoring, included snorkel gear, and a route that hits Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Popeye Cave, and even the P31 wreck option is a lot for an about 1-hour trip.

I would think twice if your group needs long stops on land or if you know you will spend most of the time simply looking, not swimming. In that case, you might feel the time pressure.

My practical advice is to count heads. If you can fill most of the up-to-8 capacity, the value gets much easier to justify. If you are only two or three people, confirm how the fuel fee will affect your total per person before you commit.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The tour duration is about 1 hour.

What is the group size and price?

It is priced per group up to 8 people, and the price listed is $106.92 per group.

What is included in the tour?

Snorkeling equipment and the use of a snorkel mask are included, along with an ice box cooler.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel is excluded and you pay 49 euro per booking separately.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Cirkewwa cafe (Mellieħa, Malta). The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.