Comino can be a zoo in peak season. This private charter lets you get the Blue Lagoon without the crowd chaos and with a route shaped around your day. You’ll have your own boat, your own pace, and a skipper who talks you through the area while keeping safety front and center.

I really like two things here: the calm, crowd-free feel of a private ride, and the hands-on time you get in the water—swimming and snorkeling right where the color is famous. The included gear (snorkel masks plus SUP) means you can jump in without scrambling for rentals.

One thing to consider: there’s an extra €79 fuel fee paid on board, and the sea needs to cooperate. If weather turns ugly, you may be offered another date or a refund.

Key highlights you should notice

• True private time on a boat set up for your group, not a schedule chopped up for strangers
• Blue Lagoon + Crystal Lagoon anchored close enough for easy swimming and snorkeling
• Santa Maria Caves + safe cave-driving in a small boat where you can still get the views
• SUP included, so you’re not limited to just snorkeling
• Skipper-led safety and local insight, with extra attention if conditions get rough
• Bring-your-own drinks optional, but smart if bottled water won’t cut it

Private Comino Boat Time: Why This Format Feels Worth It

If you’re picturing Comino as postcard-perfect turquoise, you’re right—up to the point where a lot of boats crowd the same spots. The value of a private charter is simple: you’re not waiting your turn to swim, and you’re not packed into a ride where the only “choice” is when to stand in line.

This is also a short trip—about 2 hours—which helps. In less time, you still get the main hits: the famed lagoons, the caves, and the viewpoints around Comino. If you want maximum time on Malta or Gozo afterward, this format fits.

The other reason I like this style is the way your skipper can adjust to your interests. You might be more into snorkeling and calm bays, or you might want more active moments like cliff jumping (if conditions allow). That flexibility matters because Comino changes minute to minute with wind and swell.

Price and what you’re really paying for

The listed price is $196, and then you pay an additional €79 fuel fee on board. That turns it into a “pay for convenience and control” purchase. You’re not just renting a boat—you’re buying a route that works for your group, plus staff time and the ability to stop, anchor, and move based on water conditions.

For a couple or small family, it can feel like a splurge. For groups who split the cost, it can start to look like a smart way to get the Comino experience without stress. If you hate crowds and you want your schedule to be yours, the math usually works.

Where You Start: Ċirkewwa or Imgarr Port Gozo

You’ll board from Ċirkewwa in Mellieħa, Malta, or from Imgarr Port in Gozo. That’s useful because it lets you match the trip to where you’re already staying, instead of hauling across the island for a very short boat ride.

The end time is back at the meeting point, which makes planning easier. You also get a mobile ticket, so you’re not dealing with paper confirmations or scrambling last-minute for documents.

This area is described as near public transportation, which is a relief if you’re not driving your own car. Service animals are allowed, and the tour notes that most travelers can participate, so it’s generally set up for a wide range of ages and comfort levels.

Your Skipper and Safety Brief: The Part That Makes or Breaks It

Before you head out, you’ll get a short introduction from the captain. Expect quick safety protocols and background about Comino—history and natural features, explained in plain language.

What I like about this setup is that it doesn’t treat safety as a formality. In the experience of families who went, the sea can get rough, and the guide’s job is to keep everyone comfortable and confident. That matters, because Comino’s spots are beautiful, but you’ll feel wind and swell on the open stretches.

A helpful detail from the experience: Aimee is named as a person who helped with meeting up and was kind to kids while showing real local knowledge. When you’re traveling with children, that kind of smooth handoff is more valuable than it sounds.

Blue Lagoon Stop: Swim, Snorkel, and Actually Use the Time

The Blue Lagoon is the headline, and for good reason. You’ll anchor close enough that getting in for a swim is straightforward. The water color is the reason people come—bright, clear, and easy to photograph—yet the best part is how “usable” it is for time in the water.

You’ll have snorkel masks included, plus bottled water on board. That means you can get moving quickly and not burn your time on rentals. If you bring your own swimwear and have your towel ready, you’ll be in the water fast.

Practical tip: if you want the best views while snorkeling, pick a calmer moment after the boat anchors. When the water is still, you’ll get better visibility and a smoother swim. If the sea is choppy, keep your snorkeling relaxed and short. The goal is fun, not a competition.

Another nice thing: this private charter tends to be about your pace. You can spend more time floating and less time rushing, which is the exact opposite of crowded group tours.

Crystal Lagoon and Hidden-Cave Vibes: The Stops You Don’t See From Shore

After the Blue Lagoon, you’ll head toward Crystal Lagoon, another famous stretch of water known for its clarity. The practical win here is that you’re not limited to one “tourist camera” location. You get a chance to compare water color and conditions as you move around Comino.

Then comes the part people talk about: the Santa Maria Caves. You’ll go through areas described as cliff-and-cave formations, and the experience notes that the boat is small enough for a ride that feels close and direct. Translation: you don’t just look at caves from far away—you get a viewpoint from the water that feels like you’re part of the scenery.

There’s also a chance for more active fun, including cliff jumping if the conditions and setup allow. If that interests you, listen carefully to the skipper’s guidance. They’ll know what’s safe based on wind, swell, and where the water is reachable.

If your group is less adventurous, you can still enjoy the caves as a scenic cruise and focus on swimming when the boat anchors. This is one of those itineraries where “active” and “chill” can both fit.

Comino Tower and St. Nicholas Bay Views: Why You Want to See It From the Water

The tour includes stops around Comino Tower and St. Nicholas Bay. From shore, you might get a partial view. From the water, you get the full sense of where things sit: how the coastline bends, how the bays shelter swimmers, and how the “romantic postcard” look happens because of the geography.

This is also where the skipper’s local knowledge becomes more useful than you’d think. Hearing background about features as you pass them helps you connect what you see with what it is. The captain’s intro is short, but it gives you something to look for as the boat moves.

If you’re the type who likes photos, this segment is a gift. You’ll have different angles and lighting opportunities in a way you won’t get from standing in one spot.

What You Get On Board (and What You Should Bring)

Included items are:

• SUP (standing up paddle board)
• Snorkel gear (masks)
• Bottled water

That’s a solid package for a 2-hour outing. If you were planning to rent gear, this already helps you avoid extra steps. SUP also gives you a different way to experience the water besides just snorkeling. If there’s a lull in the wind, it can be a great way to glide and take in the lagoons without putting on a full swim “routine.”

What’s not included:

• Fuel fee: €79 paid on board

What you might want to bring:

• If you like options beyond the bottled water, bring your own drinks. One experience note specifically calls out bringing your own drinks, which is a smart move for a comfort-first trip.

Also bring:

• Sunscreen, a towel, and your swimwear ready.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider your usual preventative steps ahead of time. The sea can be rough, and even safe boats still ride the waves.

Timing, Weather, and Sea Conditions: The Real-Life Factor

This is a good-weather dependent experience. The operation notes that if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What that means for you: don’t assume the day will be perfect just because the forecast looks okay in the morning. Comino is exposed to wind, and conditions can change. If you’re traveling in a season with variable weather, plan this as a flexible part of your schedule rather than the only thing you can do that day.

In one experience, the sea was rough, and the guide was described as very safe. That’s reassuring. Still, I recommend you trust the skipper’s judgment about swimming and any cliff-jumping opportunities. If you’re with kids, this is especially important—your best plan is to treat the water time as the fun part, not as a must-do challenge.

Who This Boat Charter Is Best For

This trip is built for people who want Comino without the crowd pressure. It fits especially well for:

• Families who want a direct, short outing with time to swim and an adult in charge of safety.
• Couples who want a more intimate experience and a flexible pace around the lagoons and caves.
• Small groups who’d rather pay for privacy than spend time negotiating space with other boats.

Because it’s private (only your group participates), it’s also a good option when someone in your party has a different comfort level. One person can swim and snorkel while another does a more relaxed soak from the boat.

The Value Question: Is a Private Comino Charter Worth It?

Here’s how I’d decide.

If your priority is the Blue Lagoon but you hate crowded boats and long waits, this is likely a good fit. The private format means you’re not stuck in a timeline that’s designed for mass scheduling. The included snorkel masks and SUP add more “time in the water” value.

If you’re traveling on a tight budget and you’re okay with shared boats, you might find cheaper options. But with this charter, you’re paying for control: safety briefing, flexible stops, and a route that can match your interests.

That fuel fee on board (€79) is the main “catch” to factor in. Still, if you split it across a couple or group and you value calm water time, the total can feel reasonable for what you get.

Should You Book This CominoPlus Private Boat Trip?

If you want Comino to feel like your own day, I’d book it. The biggest wins are the private timetable, the included snorkeling gear, and the chance to hit the lagoons and Santa Maria Caves without turning it into a logistical headache.

Skip it (or be ready to reschedule) if you’re traveling during a period with unpredictable weather and you can’t handle rougher sea conditions. Since it’s weather-dependent, flexibility is part of the bargain.

If you like water time more than shore time, and you want a guide who keeps things safe while still showing you the good spots, this one is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Comino private boat charter?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Where does the boat trip start and end?

The tour starts at Ċirkewwa, Mellieħa, Malta and ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I board from Gozo instead of Malta?

Yes. You can board from Imgarr Port (Gozo) or from Ċirkewwa (Malta).

What’s included in the price?

Snorkel masks, SUP, and bottled water are included.

Is there an extra cost on board?

Yes. There is a €79 fuel fee to pay on board.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring swimwear and your own drinks if you want more than the bottled water. A towel and sunscreen are also a good idea.

Is the tour only for my group?

Yes. This is a private tour, so only your group participates.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

What if I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, it isn’t refunded.