Crystal water, without the crowd grind. What makes the Comino and Gozo Private Boat Tour: Julie Pearl Boat so appealing is the mix of classic swim spots and cave-filled corners, done at your own pace on a private boat. I especially like the chance to stop for snorkeling with included masks and to enjoy long, anchor-at-the-best-spot swims in Comino’s lagoons. I also like that you can bring your own lunch and cool it properly with a complimentary cooler setup. One possible downside: it’s priced per group, so it can feel steep if you’re not filling the boat—and it also needs good weather to run.

This is built for groups (up to 15) and it’s offered in English, with an optional pickup transfer for an extra cost. The tour runs about 2 to 6 hours depending on how long you want to linger at each stop, and it’s scheduled between roughly 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM during the listed season window.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Private boat for up to 15: your group only, so you’re not stuck with a herd schedule.
• Blue Lagoon plus a second lagoon stop: you get more than the one famous stop.
• Free snorkeling gear: masks are provided, so you can pack less.
• Gozo south coast additions: Tal-Halfa, Hondoq, and the boat-only Bemberin gorge.
• Santa Maria Caves on the north side of Comino: cave systems tied to famous film locations.
• Food-and-drink friendly setup: bring what you like and keep it chilled.

Why a private Julie Pearl boat day feels different

If you’re picturing Comino and Gozo as a whirlwind of quick photo stops, a private boat day changes the feel fast. You move by water, not by bus, and that matters on a small island hopping route where crowds can pile up.

On Julie Pearl, you’re not just “passing by” views. You stop for real water time—swimming and snorkeling—at multiple locations around Comino and then over to Gozo’s south coast for beach and gorge scenery. You also get a skipper who can share useful on-the-water facts for each area, and that turns the day from pretty to memorable.

Price and value: how $716.85 per group can work for you

The tour price is $716.85 per group, up to 15 people. If you fill closer to the max, you’re effectively paying about $48 per person (716.85 ÷ 15). If your group is smaller, the per-person cost climbs quickly, so this is best when you’re traveling with friends or extended family.

What helps the value is that your “day in the water” includes snorkeling equipment and fuel surcharge, plus the itinerary includes multiple swim and cave stops rather than a single-lagoon hit. Also, admission at the described stops is listed as free, so you’re not paying extra for entrances you can skip.

And since lunch and drinks aren’t included (you bring your own), you can control cost and food choices—plus the boat provides a cooler setup with cooling ice to keep things drinkable.

Timing and flexibility: how to plan your 2 to 6 hours

The tour duration is listed as 2 to 6 hours. That range is a big deal: it means you can match the day to your group’s energy. If you want a fast, swim-heavy outing, you can keep stops tighter. If your crew wants longer hangs in the water (especially for snorkeling and cave viewing), you can stretch the timing.

The activity window shown is roughly 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and the experience requires good weather. If the forecast looks shaky, you’ll want to pick a backup day when you’re already on Malta and can swap without panic.

Pickup is optional via private taxi/van/coach transfers to and from your residence at an additional cost. So if you’re planning a low-stress day, factor that add-on into your total budget.

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling (and why the anchoring matters)

Blue Lagoon at Comino is the headline stop for a reason. It’s described as a spectacular bay on Comino’s west coast with relatively shallow, clear blue water. The big value of arriving by private boat is that you’re not limited to standing around with a crowd.

At Blue Lagoon, the plan is to do swimming and snorkeling, and the boat anchors at a spot intended to be enjoyable. That anchoring detail matters because you want decent visibility and a comfortable swim setup without turning the water time into a scramble.

A practical tip: treat Blue Lagoon as your “main water” stop. Spend time getting comfortable in the water first, then go back for snorkeling once your group settles. If you’re the type who gets bored on slow sightseeing days, you’ll likely appreciate how much actual time is built into this one.

Stop 2: Crystal Lagoon, caves, and free snorkeling masks

After Blue Lagoon, the tour shifts to Crystal Lagoon, on Comino’s north-west side. This stop is known for clear turquoise water, cave areas, and shallow sections with sandy beds—exactly the kind of setting where snorkeling feels more rewarding than just floating.

Here’s what’s especially useful: snorkeling masks are provided for free. So you’re not stuck spending money or lugging gear you don’t really want to carry.

Another bonus is the cave angle. You’re not just swimming over random rock. The experience includes showing you around the caves in the lagoon, and two cave names tied to film history are mentioned—Lovers Cave and Popeye’s Cave. Even if you don’t care about movie trivia, knowing these are identifiable spots helps you connect what you see in the water to a story.

If you’re curious, the lagoon is also described as a place where bream fish are common—so keep an eye out while snorkeling.

Gozo south coast around Qala: Tal-Halfa, Hondoq, and Bemberin gorge

This is where Comino fans often become Gozo converts.

The tour cruises along Gozo’s south coast near Qala and then mixes beach time with a boat-access-only gorge. The stops listed are:

• Tal-Halfa beach: described as a clay-rich beach behind a big solitary rock called Halfa Rock, with history associated with the area. It’s a good choice if you like characterful beaches rather than only postcard-perfect sand.
• Hondoq bay: a pebbly beach with nice blue-turquoise water, plus a convenient neighbor stop for the gorge.
• Bemberin gorge: a hidden inlet only accessed by boat, with caves and clear water. This is highlighted as a spot for cliff diving fans and also for people who just want crystal-clear swimming.

One practical consideration: if your group is sensitive to pebbles, Tal-Halfa and Hondoq are described as clay-rich and pebbly, respectively. You might want simple water shoes if you tend to get irritated feet on rocky shorelines.

Also, this part of the itinerary can feel like the “best scenery per minute” section because you’re moving between viewpoints and then reaching an inlet you can’t drive to.

Santa Marija Bay: the calmer Comino stop for people who want shade

Santa Marija Bay is presented as a quieter option than its more famous neighbor. It’s described as a small sandy beach with shallow clear waters and a relaxed feel, aided by its location next to Comino’s small police station (helping control boat traffic around the area).

The setup here is friendly for lingering. There are tamarisk trees that provide shade from the summer sun, so you’re not only baking after your swim. The water is described as shallow and clear, which is ideal if you want a gentler swim than you might get in rougher or deeper spots.

One heads-up: the shore might have some dead algae due to currents. That doesn’t mean you can’t swim, but it’s the kind of detail that helps you set expectations—especially if your group includes picky beach people.

Elephant Rock pass-by: a quick photo moment you shouldn’t miss

On the way by Comino, the boat passes Elephant Rock, described as a natural arch shaped like an elephant with its head dipping in the water. It’s on the east side of Comino.

This isn’t a long stop. It’s a pass-by sighting meant to give you a camera moment. Still, it’s worth being ready when it comes up because this is the sort of oddly shaped landmark that looks better when you’re actually watching it from the water.

If you’re a diver, the seabed is described as sandy with sparse posidoniae patches, with depth ranges from 3m to 18m and suitable conditions for all levels of divers. Even if you aren’t diving, that gives you a sense of why the area is interesting underwater.

Santa Maria Caves on Comino: cave systems you can actually see from the boat

The tour also includes Santa Maria Caves, on the north side of Comino. This is described as a popular dive site because of fascinating cave systems. But you don’t have to be diving to appreciate them.

The caves are described as shallow and made up of a series of five caves. During your boat visit, you get to admire the natural formations and entrances. The cave environment has also been used in filming the movie The Count of Monte Cristo, which is a nice extra layer if you like recognizing places tied to screen stories.

If you’re the type who wants your day to include more than just beach swimming, this stop gives you “structure” to your water time—caves, entrances, and rock shapes that change how the coastline feels.

What’s included on board (and what you’ll need to bring)

Here’s the practical stuff that directly affects your comfort.

Included

• Snorkeling equipment (with masks provided for free at the listed lagoon stop)
• Fuel surcharge
• A complimentary cooler box with cooling ice so you can chill your food and drinks

In at least one group account, there’s also mention of a Bluetooth speaker on board, which is handy if your crew wants music.

Not included

• Lunch, food, and drinks
• Admission is listed as free for the stops

What to bring:

• Your own food and drinks
• Sunscreen, swimwear, and towels (boats can be sunshine + salt fast)
• If your feet dislike pebbles: consider water shoes for the shore types described
• A camera with charged battery, especially for the Elephant Rock pass and the cave areas

Who this private boat trip suits best

This is a strong fit if you:

• Have a group of friends and want a private, flexible day instead of a strict tour schedule
• Want a mix of Comino swim time and Gozo scenery without changing hotels or doing multi-day planning
• Prefer bringing your own food and controlling your budget and meal preferences

It’s also ideal if you’re snorkeling at a beginner-to-intermediate comfort level. The stops include calm, clear-water areas and you get gear help.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple with no plan to fill up the group, the per-person cost likely won’t feel as attractive. In that case, consider whether you’re comfortable paying a premium for private time.

Should you book the Julie Pearl Comino and Gozo boat tour?

Book it if your goal is simple: spend real time in the water and hit the major Comino and Gozo highlights with zero crowd pressure. The combination of Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon’s cave-and-snorkel setup, plus Gozo’s Tal-Halfa/Hondoq/Bemberin mix makes for a well-rounded day.

Skip it (or at least rethink it) if your group doesn’t do much swimming or you’re unlikely to fill the boat, since the pricing is per group. And check your weather plan, because good conditions are part of what makes this day work.

If you’re organizing a trip for 8 to 15 people, this is the kind of activity that can turn into the highlight everyone remembers.

FAQ

How long is the Comino and Gozo private boat tour?

The tour is listed as 2 to 6 hours, approximate.

What’s the group size limit?

The tour is priced per group up to 15 people.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is optional. You can arrange private taxi, van, or coach transfers to and from your residence for an additional cost.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and masks are described as provided for free at the Crystal Lagoon stop.

Do I need to buy lunch or can I bring my own?

Lunch and food/drinks are not included, so you bring your own. The boat also provides a cooler box with cooling ice complimentary for storing your items.

What stops are included on the route?

The itinerary includes Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, several Gozo areas (Qala, Tal-Halfa beach, Hondoq bay, and Bemberin gorge), Santa Marija Bay, a pass by Elephant Rock, and a visit to Santa Maria Caves.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Do I need admission tickets for the stops?

Admission tickets are listed as free for the described stops.

What happens if weather is poor?

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