Reviewed · COMINO & THE BLUE LAGOON CRUISES

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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Turquoise water, your own boat, no crowds. This 2-hour private charter around Comino Island gives you comfortable time for swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon, plus a slow cruise past major sea sights like the Roofless Cave area.

The main thing to consider is weather: the skipper can adjust the route and swimming time if seas get rough, so your perfect plan depends on conditions.

Key points to know

  • Private group on a charter boat: you set the vibe with your skipper, not a packed schedule.
  • Snorkeling gear plus chilled drinks setup: masks and snorkels are included, and an ice cooler keeps beverages cold.
  • Big-name stops in a short time: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, Lovers Cave, and Pigeon Rock pass-by.
  • Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth on board: handy for sharing photos fast and playing music while you float.
  • Route flexibility in the real world: tides and sea conditions can change where you stop and how long you swim.

More Comino and Blue Lagoon boat trips we have swum and snorkelled off

Comino in 2 hours: what this private boat really gives you

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat - Comino in 2 hours: what this private boat really gives you
Comino can feel like a theme park when you arrive at the main beaches. This tour takes a different approach: you stay on a private boat with a skipper and you spend your time on the water where it counts.

The best part is how much you can fit into a tight 2-hour window. You get the Blue Lagoon area for swimming and snorkeling, then move through other Comino waters and caves by boat. It’s not about rushing through everything; it’s about seeing the highlights without the stress of crowds, queues, and searching for a good spot.

I also like that the experience is built for comfort, not just sightseeing. There’s a shaded canopy for sun protection, plus seating on board and an ice cooler to keep your drinks chilled while you cruise.

One possible catch: if the sea is rough, you may get fewer swimming moments. One recent booking specifically noted that conditions were rough and they couldn’t swim as hoped, but they still enjoyed the ride. So keep your expectations flexible.

Starting points in Malta and Gozo: Cirkewwa vs Mgarr

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat - Starting points in Malta and Gozo: Cirkewwa vs Mgarr
You have two practical meeting options, depending on whether you’re staying on Malta or Gozo.

  • From Malta (Cirkewwa): meet at the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal in Cirkewwa.
  • From Gozo (Mgarr): meet near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

This matters because it changes how hard your day feels. If you’re already on Gozo, starting from Mgarr can save time and transfers. If you’re based in northern Malta, Cirkewwa is usually the more straightforward jump-off point.

Also note this isn’t a walk-in at the last second. You should plan to arrive about 30 minutes early for smooth departure, especially if parking, traffic, or finding the meeting kiosk takes longer than expected.

Comfort details that make a small charter work

On a short boat trip, comfort is not a luxury—it’s the difference between a good time and a tiring one.

Here’s what you’ll have:

  • Sun deck with seating, plus a canopy for shade
  • Full safety equipment
  • Snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) provided
  • An ice cooler for beverages
  • Bluetooth speaker so you can play music
  • Free Wi‑Fi on board for quick posting and map-checking

You can treat this like your “floating lounge” time. If your group includes people who don’t want to snorkel for long stretches, they can stay shaded and comfortable while others go for a swim.

One more practical note: the trip includes Wi‑Fi, but that doesn’t mean you should rely on mobile data working flawlessly. I’d still download any offline maps or saved plans you care about before you leave shore.

Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: swimming and snorkeling time

Your tour starts in the Blue Lagoon area, which is exactly why Comino is famous. This is the spot for swimming and snorkeling in clear turquoise water.

From there, you cruise toward Crystal Lagoon, known for vivid blue tones and sheltered bays. The point of visiting both is simple: the Blue Lagoon is the headline, while Crystal Lagoon often feels a touch calmer and more “sit back and enjoy” once you move away from the most hectic shoreline.

In a perfect scenario, this is when your group will get the most water time:

  • put your mask on and look for underwater color and rock edges
  • swim at a pace that matches your group
  • take photos from the boat deck between swim stops

Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, it helps that the trip is private. You can coordinate with the skipper about how long people stay in the water and where it feels safest to enter.

Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Lovers Cave by boat

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat - Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Lovers Cave by boat
After the lagoon swim zones, the tour shifts into caves and coastlines—views that look very different from the water than they do from shore.

You’ll head toward Cominotto Island, described as a quieter, off-to-the-side stop in the broader Comino area. It’s a nice change of pace after time in the most famous lagoon waters.

Then comes the big geology moment: Roofless Cave (L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf). This is a natural rock formation with dramatic openings, and it’s worth your attention because the shapes are the point. The boat gives you a moving perspective, so you’re not just looking at one fixed angle.

Next up is Lovers Cave, another secluded spot you reach by boat. It’s called romantic for a reason: the setting feels tucked away compared to the open-water areas, and it’s the kind of stop where conversation gets quieter and your group slows down.

A key practical reality: you’ll experience these caves from the boat, not like a land-based hike. That’s why the tour works well for families and mixed groups—less walking, more scenic time on the water.

Pigeon Rock and sea caves: the boat-speed sightseeing bonus

Between cave stops, you’ll pass Pigeon Rock and other sea caves. These sections are great because they’re quick snapshots: you see a lot, you don’t feel trapped in one spot, and you get a sense of how the coastline curves around Comino.

This is also where a good skipper makes a difference. If the boat has the chance to slow down or angle for views, you’ll get better photo angles and a more satisfying sense of the scenery.

If you’re the kind of person who hates standing around waiting, this “pass-by” section can be a relief. You stay engaged the whole time.

Captains, music, and getting explanations in English or Maltese

The experience quality depends heavily on the skipper, and the feedback you’ll see has a clear theme: captains who are friendly, talk with people, and help you understand what you’re seeing.

Names like Joe and Mario show up in recent comments, with praise for good conversation and the kind of practical explanation that makes the caves and rock formations feel less random. One review also pointed out history-style explanations, plus stops for relaxing when the timing worked.

You’ll also have a live guide experience in English and Maltese, so you’re not stuck with vague point-and-stare narration. If your group has multiple languages, this bilingual setup is a helpful advantage.

And because the boat includes a Bluetooth speaker, the mood can shift instantly. If music is your thing, it’s easy to keep the trip feeling relaxed rather than formal.

Price and value: what you really pay for a boat up to 6

The listed price is $86 per group up to 6 for the activity duration of 2 hours. On top of that, the not-included costs show:

  • Experienced skipper (€54)
  • Fuel costs (€54)

So the realistic cost is basically the advertised rate plus those add-ons. Without converting currencies, you can still do the simple math: you’re paying for a private boat, not per passenger. That makes it cost-effective when you’re traveling as a group of up to six.

Where this becomes a smart value is when you compare it to booking multiple individual tickets on crowded options. Here, you’re buying:

  • privacy
  • a more flexible experience with your skipper
  • comfort features like shade, gear, Wi‑Fi, and an ice cooler setup

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, this can still be worth it if you truly want private time and a calmer itinerary. But the per-person savings are strongest with a full group.

When weather gets rough: how to plan for the sea

This is the part I’d take seriously, because it’s the main factor that can change the experience.

The skipper holds discretion to cancel, reschedule, or alter the charter based on sea and weather conditions. That means the itinerary and timing can shift. One recent booking noted that it was rough and swimming didn’t happen as planned, but the group still had a good time with the ride and sightseeing.

What you can do:

  • bring sunscreen, a hat, and a towel so you’re ready if the water conditions allow swimming
  • keep your expectations flexible about water time
  • talk with the skipper on board if your group wants to adjust where you stop within the allowable route

If you’re visiting in a season where wind and waves are unpredictable, it’s wise to treat this as a sea trip first, and a swimming-focused trip second.

Who this Comino private boat fits best

Malta: Comino Island Private Boat - Who this Comino private boat fits best
This tour fits best if you want:

  • a private group experience rather than a crowded day
  • a mix of swim/snorkel time and cave sightseeing
  • comfort upgrades like canopy shade and practical on-board amenities

It’s especially good for:

  • families who want shorter water time and fewer logistics
  • couples who like the idea of quieter stops like Lovers Cave
  • friend groups who want music, conversation, and a boat where everyone can spread out

If your group is obsessed with doing long swims or spending hours underwater, you might find the 2-hour total time short. But if you want a high-impact highlights loop with comfort, it’s a solid fit.

Should you book this Comino private boat

Book it if you’re traveling in a group and you care about comfort, private pacing, and seeing the famous Comino sights without waiting around. The combination of Blue Lagoon time, cave viewpoints from the boat, and practical amenities like snorkeling gear, shade, chilled drinks setup, Wi‑Fi, and Bluetooth is exactly the kind of package that turns a short trip into a memorable one.

Skip it (or at least go in with flexibility) if you know your group struggles with choppy sea conditions, because the skipper can adjust stops and swimming when weather takes over.

If you’re checking between options, this is the one I’d choose when you value a calmer day and better control over how the time gets spent on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Comino Island private boat tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

What is the price?

The activity is priced at $86 per group up to 6. An experienced skipper (€54) and fuel costs (€54) are listed as not included.

What places will we see around Comino?

You’ll start around the Blue Lagoon, cruise toward the Crystal Lagoon, see Cominotto Island, and pass Roofless Cave, Lovers Cave, Pigeon Rock, and other sea caves.

Is snorkeling gear included?

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

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and beverages are not included, though there is an ice cooler on board for drinks you bring.

Where do we meet if we’re staying in Malta?

You meet in Cirkewwa, by the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal in Cirkewwa.

Where do we meet if we’re staying in Gozo?

You meet in Mgarr near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

What languages are used?

The live guide experience is available in English and Maltese.

What should I bring?

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

FAQ

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there Wi‑Fi and music on board?

Yes. There is free Wi‑Fi and a Bluetooth speaker on board.

Are there safety items provided?

Yes. Full safety equipment is included as part of the charter.

Can the route or departure time change?

Yes. The skipper can alter routes, departure/disembarkation points, or timing due to sea, weather, tides, or valid reasons, and may adjust your preferred departure time for the best experience.