Comino’s water looks unreal, and this tour gets you there fast. In just 1 hour, you’ll move between Comino’s signature spots by private boat, with a skip-the-line setup that helps you spend more time in the water and less time waiting. Starting from Mgarr or Cirkewwa, it’s built for a tight schedule without feeling rushed.

I like two things a lot: the chance to swim and snorkel with snorkeling gear included, and the private feel where you can actually hear yourself think. You’ll also get help from the live English/Maltese guide and a crew that keeps the day smooth (including Captain Joe, who’s praised for being friendly and making people feel safe).

The one thing to consider is that the skipper can adjust or even postpone based on weather and sea conditions, so your exact timing and stops can shift. For a smooth day, plan to arrive early and bring the right beach kit.

Key Highlights Worth Your Time

• Blue Lagoon time that’s practical: a short, focused window for swimming or snorkeling
• Crystal-clear stop at Crystal Lagoon: an easier pace for relaxing
• Roofless Cave and Lovers Cave: photogenic natural features with a romantic vibe
• Cominotto Island viewpoint: a small island break for scenery and photos
• Private boat convenience: fewer crowds, more control, and cozy onboard comfort
• Snorkeling gear plus permits included: less hassle before you hit the water

A 1-Hour Private Cruise of Comino’s Best Stops

If you want Comino’s highlights without turning the day into a full marathon, this private 1-hour cruise is a smart fit. The itinerary is built around the island’s most well-known waters—plus a couple of cave stops—so you get the “greatest hits” while still having time to actually enjoy the sea.

I also like that the tour aims for variety. You’re not only looking at turquoise water from a distance; you’re moving from lagoon to lagoon, then shifting to caves where you can pause for views and photos. That mix matters because Comino can feel repetitive if your day is only spent in one place.

And yes, it’s private group service. That usually means you don’t have to line up, squeeze in, or follow a rigid crowd rhythm. In reviews, people call out the peaceful pace and the comfort of having the space to yourselves.

Mgarr or Cirkewwa: Pickup Logistics That Matter

This tour launches from two main points, so you can choose what’s easiest for you: Mgarr (Gozo) or Cirkewwa (Malta). Meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal for Gozo, or near Cirkewwa’s Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal for Malta.

One practical tip: arrive 30 minutes early. The tour notes recommend it to handle traffic and keep the departure on time. Also, lateness won’t extend the charter, so if you’re coming from across town or hopping between islands, build in buffer time.

Why this matters: Comino itineraries often depend on tides, sea conditions, and practical timing between stops. If you show up late, you don’t just miss the start—you can throw off the whole sequence.

Blue Lagoon First: Getting the Turquoise Right

Most Comino days start with the Blue Lagoon for a reason. This is the turquoise-water part of the story, and on this itinerary it’s your first big stop—where you can swim or snorkel if the conditions are good.

Think of this as your “reward stop.” The water is the main event, and the goal is to give you a clean window to enjoy it before the rest of the route gets moving. If you’re traveling with someone who wants to get in the water quickly, starting here makes the schedule feel efficient.

A caveat: snorkeling visibility can vary with wind and water conditions, and the skipper can adjust routes for sea state. So if you’re hoping for perfect underwater clarity, keep expectations flexible and focus on the experience—water color and swim time are still usually worth it even when conditions aren’t ideal.

Crystal Lagoon and Cominotto Island: A More Relaxed Rhythm

After Blue Lagoon, you head to Crystal Lagoon, described as calm and clear. This is the part of the tour where you can shift from excitement into something more relaxed—swimming at an easier pace or simply taking in the stillness.

Then comes Cominotto Island, a small islet near Comino that changes the perspective. Even if you don’t spend long ashore, it’s a helpful visual break in a short tour. In a 1-hour format, these pauses are the difference between a checklist outing and a day that feels balanced.

If you’re sensitive to crowds, this segment tends to feel like relief. Instead of being stuck in a single busy area, you’re spreading your time across separate water spots.

Roofless Cave (L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf): A Sky-Open Photo Moment

Next up is the Roofless Cave (L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf), where the ceiling is open to the sky. That one detail makes it a lot more interesting than a typical “boat past a cave” stop. You can frame photos with daylight overhead, which can make the place look dramatic without even needing a long visit.

Keep in mind that cave time in a short cruise is still brief by nature. The value here is the stop itself—quick exploration on the water’s edge, a chance to look around, and photos with the sky included in the composition.

If you like photography, this is your best “dry” moment of the tour. Bring your phone case or keep your hands free so you can grab shots quickly between movements.

Lovers Cave: The Most Romantic Stop, Without the Long Detour

The itinerary ends with Lovers Cave, described as intimate and secluded. In a short tour, you’ll appreciate that the stop is designed to deliver a mood, not a full hike.

This is the part that often feels special for couples, and it also works if you’re traveling with friends who just want a calmer moment together. In reviews, people specifically mention enjoying a private, relaxed atmosphere during sunset—so if your departure time lines up with golden hour, this is where that magic is likely to show up.

One practical note: like other cave/shore areas, access and timing can be influenced by sea conditions. If you can’t get as close as planned, don’t panic. You should still get the point of the stop: that secluded, sheltered-feeling vibe from the water.

What’s Included on Board (and What You May Pay Separately)

This charter is set up to reduce stress, especially for a short excursion. Included items make a difference when you don’t want to bring your own gear or worry about permits.

Included details that genuinely help

• Prime private boat with cozy seating, a sun deck, and a shade canopy
• Safety gear onboard
• Port and marina fees plus lagoon access permits and taxes
• Ice cooler and a Bluetooth speaker
• Free WiFi (nice for checking maps or sharing photos right away)
• Snorkeling gear (mask & snorkel)

If you’re thinking, So do I need anything besides a towel?—the answer is mostly yes. You’ll bring your swimwear and sunscreen, but the tour covers the essentials so you can just show up.

Not included costs to be aware of

Not included are the professional skipper (€36) and fuel consumption (€36), plus food and drinks. The listing also notes no BBQ equipment, and no fishing gear or cooler for fishing (so this is very much a swim-and-sightsee cruise).

This matters for value. The headline price is $20 per person, but since rates are per boat, your total cost depends on how many people you book. If you’re traveling solo, it may feel less like a bargain. If you’re a pair or small group, it tends to feel much more reasonable.

Swimming and Snorkeling: How to Make the Most of Your Time

The tour includes snorkeling gear and schedules stops that give you real chances to get in the water. But in a 1-hour itinerary, the best results come from being ready at each stop.

Here’s how to set yourself up:

• Wear your swimwear under your clothes if you can.
• Keep sunscreen handy so you’re not hunting for it once you’re warm.
• Bring a towel and sunglasses.
• Use a sun hat if you’re prone to getting hot quickly.

Because the skipper can adjust the route, you should treat the swim time as flexible. If sea conditions worsen, you might spend less time snorkeling and more time enjoying views from the boat. Either way, you’ll still get the core Comino circuit.

Weather Rules and Skipper Authority: Expect Adjustments

This charter explicitly says the skipper has the authority to cancel, postpone, or modify the charter based on weather and sea conditions. They can also adjust routes and departure/disembarkation points due to weather, tides, or legitimate reasons, and even adjust your selected time to get the best possible experience.

That’s not a deal-breaker—it’s how sensible boat trips work in places where wind and waves can change quickly. If you’re booking for a specific moment (like a planned sunset dinner later), keep your schedule flexible so you’re not stressed if the itinerary shifts by small amounts.

Also, it reinforces a common-sense takeaway: don’t pack your day like everything is guaranteed on a clock. You’re on the water. The skipper is making decisions for safety and comfort.

Price and Value: Why This Format Works

At about $20 per person with a private boat, this is one of the more budget-friendly ways to do Comino highlights—mostly because it compresses the route into something you can fit into a short day. You’re paying for boat access, permits, and time at multiple spots without committing to a half-day excursion.

The private angle is the real value driver. If you’ve ever been in crowds at the Blue Lagoon, you know the difference between seeing it and enjoying it. A private charter often means calmer transitions between stops, more room on board, and better control over your pace.

One more value detail: since the tour includes snorkeling gear and onboard comfort (shade canopy, seating, safety gear), you’re not adding costs for basic amenities. The extra skipper/fuel fees are worth factoring in, especially if you’re booking as a single passenger.

Who it suits best

This cruise tends to fit best if you:

• Want Comino’s key sights in a short time window
• Prefer a quieter, private atmosphere
• Plan to swim, not just watch
• Travel with someone who values comfort and convenience

If you want a long, slow exploration with lots of time on shore, a 1-hour format may feel too short. But for “see it and enjoy it” travelers, it’s a practical sweet spot.

Should You Book Comino’s Best in a Flash?

I’d book this if you’re aiming for a smooth, high-impact Comino day: lagoons for swimming, caves for photos, and a private boat setup that makes the time feel personal. The combination of included snorkeling gear, permits, onboard comfort, and a guide who explains what you’re seeing (English and Maltese) makes it easy to enjoy without extra planning.

I’d hesitate if your priority is extended time on land or a long, stop-everywhere pace. This is designed for efficient routing and water time. Also, because weather can change the plan, it’s best if you have a little flexibility in the rest of your day.

If you’re deciding between “rush to Comino” and “actually enjoy Comino,” this strikes a nice balance.

FAQ

How long is the Comino boat tour?

The duration is 1 hour.

Where do the tours depart from?

There are two departure locations: Mgarr (Gozo) and Cirkewwa (Malta). Meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal, or near Cirkewwa’s Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

What does the price include?

The tour includes a private boat, seating areas, sun deck and shade canopy, safety gear, port and marina fees, lagoon access permits, taxes, an ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, free WiFi, and snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel). The listing price is $20 per person, but it also notes rates are per boat.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) is included.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Are there extra fees on top of the listed price?

The tour notes that the professional skipper (€36) and fuel consumption (€36) are not included.

Does the tour skip lines?

Yes, it offers skip-the-line entry through a separate entrance.

What should I bring?

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

What happens if the weather is bad?

The skipper can cancel, postpone, or modify the charter based on weather and sea conditions. They can also adjust the itinerary due to tides or other legitimate reasons.