A Comino day by boat hits differently. This private charter is built for real water time, with stops that put you close to the Santa Maria Caves and the two famous lagoons. I love that it’s small-group private sailing, and I also love that the captain steers the day so you get multiple swim pauses instead of just sightseeing. One thing to keep in mind: it’s weather-dependent, so the day can shift if conditions aren’t right.

What you’re really buying here is time—time to swim, time to snorkel, time to linger at the water’s edge where the views feel earned. For example, the itinerary includes a stop at Smugglers Cave, and then a cave experience inside Santa Maria Caves, where larger boats can’t go. The possible drawback is simple: with a tight total schedule, you’ll want to be ready to move when the captain says it’s time.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private boat access to Santa Maria Caves where bigger boats can’t reach
• Real swim and snorkel stops at both Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon
• Choice of routes: Comino-focused timing or adding Gozo with extra coastline swim time
• Cave and landmark cruising around Sliema, Marks & Dukes Window, and Smugglers Cave
• Captain-led local context—including good commentary (and a standout guide name: BuFon)
• Plan around weather, since good conditions are required for this experience

A private charter that’s all about water time in Comino

If you want the classic Comino look without the usual crowds and waiting, this private setup makes sense. You’re not stuck in a one-size-fits-all big-boat flow. Instead, the day is paced around the water: cruise by the famous landmarks, then drop anchor long enough for swimming and snorkeling. That structure matters because the lagoons are the main event—and you get repeated chances to enjoy them.

The other big win is access. The itinerary includes a chance to go inside Santa Maria Caves, and the day is designed so your boat can navigate the narrow passages for close-up views of rock formations and sea life. That’s the kind of detail that turns a “pretty place” trip into a “wait, we’re actually in it” moment.

Sliema Promenade start: cruising the Maltese coastline before Comino

Your day kicks off at Ferries 2Malta, and the first stretch runs along the Sliema coastline. You’ll spend about 35 minutes on this opening segment, which is enough time to get your bearings and settle in without feeling rushed.

Why I like this start: it gives you a smooth transition from land life into open water. And because you’re heading past Malta’s coastline toward Comino, the early views help the later lagoon stops feel more dramatic—like the day is building.

Practical tip: wear something you can get a little damp in. Even if you’re not splashing around yet, sea spray happens.

Marks & Dukes Window and Smugglers Cave: the scenic build-up

After the Sliema stretch, you pass Marks & Dukes Window and Smugglers Cave, with time specifically scheduled at Smugglers Cave. That stop is about 45 minutes, and it’s one of those “pause so you can actually see it” breaks rather than a quick drive-by.

This part of the day is valuable because it sets context for what Comino looks like. The coastline here has a rugged limestone feel—rock layers, carved openings, and narrow formations that explain why the caves are such a big deal. Even if you’re not going deep into a cave system at this stop, you still get the visual storytelling.

One consideration: this is a sightseeing moment, not a long swim session. If you’re someone who hates standing around, plan to keep your energy focused on the later lagoon anchor times.

Santa Maria Caves: going inside where larger boats can’t

This is the signature experience. The charter offers a chance to enter inside the Santa Maria Caves, specifically because your boat can access the caves where larger boats can’t go. Expect close-up views of unique rock formations and marine life, plus the visual payoff of clear water in narrow passages.

What to expect in the real world: you’ll be close to the cave walls and looking at formations from angles you don’t get on typical outside-only trips. The journey through the cave’s narrow areas also gives you those “turquoise water + cliff shapes” photos that tend to look staged on postcards. Here, it’s simply the geometry of being inside.

Why this matters for your day: people often chase Comino for the lagoons alone, but the Santa Maria Caves experience adds variety. It also gives you something to do even when you’re taking a break from swimming—just keep your eyes up and let the captain guide the timing.

Blue Lagoon swim and snorkeling: the main anchor time

Next up is Blue Lagoon. Once you arrive, your boat anchors and you get time to swim, snorkel, and explore the clear water. This is the classic photo stop—and the itinerary gives you enough time to actually enjoy it.

You’ll spend about 1.5 hours here on the Comino option, or 1 hour on the Gozo & Comino option. Either way, the point is the same: anchor time matters. You’re not racing from one “look, and leave” moment to the next.

Things that make Blue Lagoon worth your attention:

• The water is described as crystal-clear, which is ideal for snorkeling
• You can sunbathe and relax on the boat while others are in the water
• The lagoon setup makes it easy to switch between swimming and just drifting with the scene

Possible drawback: if you’re easily bored staying put, 1 hour can feel short. But if you’re there to swim and reset, the pacing works well—especially since Crystal Lagoon follows.

Crystal Lagoon: the calmer second lagoon stop

After Blue Lagoon, your captain makes another anchor stop at Crystal Lagoon, which earns its name from its clear turquoise waters. The lagoon is surrounded by rocky cliffs and vegetation, so it feels more sheltered than you might expect from the branding.

You’ll get about 1.5 hours on the Comino option, or around 1 hour with the Gozo & Comino option. This stop is a strong match for snorkeling and swimming because the shallow water area can make it easier to spot marine life.

What I like about Crystal Lagoon in particular is how it complements Blue Lagoon:

• Blue Lagoon is the big attraction; Crystal Lagoon feels like the quieter counterpart
• Both offer clear water and good snorkeling potential
• The time split gives you a second chance to enjoy the water if you rushed or didn’t get enough the first time

Small planning note: snorkeling is best when you keep it simple. Bring a calm mindset—drop in when you’re ready, float when you need to, and don’t feel like you have to maximize every minute.

Gozo add-on (Gozo & Comino option): Ramla Bay and San Blas or Mgarr ix-Xini

If you choose the Gozo & Comino charter option, the day adds an actual Gozo segment. After the Comino stops, the captain takes you to Gozo for about 2 hours of swim/snorkel/sunbathing time.

The itinerary notes that you’ll go to Ramla Bay & San Blas Bay in Gozo, or Mgarr ix-Xini. This matters because the Gozo side adds a different coastline feel from Comino, and you get more “switch locations, see something new” energy without turning the day into a long hike.

How the schedule supports this:

• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are slightly shorter on this option (about 1 hour each)
• The extra time is moved to Gozo, so you still get meaningful water time rather than just touring from a distance

Who this fits best: if you’re the type who wants both famous Instagram water and a little more island variety, Gozo is a nice upgrade. You’ll spend less time at each lagoon, but you gain a third scenery chapter.

The return to Sliema: a scenic wind-down

At the end of the day, you return to Sliema Promenade for the cruise back. The travel time is about 40 minutes, and it works like a natural cooldown after swimming and moving from stop to stop.

This part of the charter is useful because it gives your body time to recover before you handle dinner plans. If you’re thinking ahead, you’ll want a meal ready near your evening plans in Sliema—your day is long enough that you’ll be glad not to sprint right away.

Price and value: what $786.40 for up to 7 really buys

The price is $786.40 per group, up to 7 people, and the tour runs about 7 hours. On paper, it sounds like a splurge. In practice, it’s easier to justify when you break down what you get:

• A private boat (only your group)
• Multiple anchor stops designed for swimming and snorkeling
• Access to Santa Maria Caves inside, where larger boats can’t go
• A route that includes both Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, plus optional Gozo

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, the cost per person can vary a lot depending on who’s joining you. But if you’re a family or a group of friends (up to 7), this style of charter can start to look like good value compared with piecing together separate day trips or paying for crowded shared boat time.

My practical take: if your top goal is water time in Comino and a serious cave experience, this format is more “worth it” than a quick sightseeing-only option.

Booking timing and language: how to set yourself up for a smooth day

The experience is booked, on average, about 63 days in advance, which is a polite hint that popular charter slots fill up. If your dates are flexible, you can play around with timing. If not, plan ahead.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. That’s helpful if you want clear guidance and easy conversation while you’re on the water.

And because it’s a private tour, you’re not sharing the boat with strangers. That often translates into calmer pacing and less pressure to stick to one group’s energy level—especially during swim and snorkeling time.

Who should book this charter?

This charter is a great match if you want:

• A private boat day instead of a crowded shared cruise
• A mix of landmark cruising and proper time in the water
• The chance to go inside Santa Maria Caves
• Two lagoon stops you can actually enjoy (not just pass by)

It’s also a good fit if you like having a captain who can add context during the day. One captain name that stood out is BuFon, praised for being a fabulous source of information and for keeping the experience relaxing while still packed with swim opportunities.

If you dislike waiting around on boats or you only want to watch rather than swim/snorkel, you might feel the schedule. In that case, look for a more shore-based plan or a shorter route.

Should you book it?

Yes, if your idea of a perfect Malta day includes clear water, snorkeling chances, and at least one experience that feels genuinely hands-on, not just photo stops. The Santa Maria Caves access plus the Blue Lagoon + Crystal Lagoon combination is exactly the kind of itinerary balance that makes a private charter worth considering.

Book it especially if:

• You’re traveling with up to 7 people and want a shared cost that still feels private
• You care about having time to swim rather than rushing between “views”
• You want the rare feeling of going inside Santa Maria Caves

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The tour lasts about 7 hours.

What group size is this charter for?

It’s priced per group and accommodates up to 7 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ferries 2Malta and ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included on the Comino-focused option?

You’ll go from Sliema, pass Marks & Dukes Window and Smugglers Cave, experience the Santa Maria Caves, then visit Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

What’s different on the Gozo & Comino option?

On the Gozo & Comino option, you also visit Gozo Island with time at Ramla Bay & San Blas Bay, or Mgarr ix-Xini.

How much time do you get at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?

For the Comino option, it’s about 1.5 hours at each lagoon. For the Gozo & Comino option, it’s about 1 hour at each lagoon.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What happens if weather is bad?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on the local start time.

If you want, tell me your group size and whether you’re choosing Comino-only or Gozo & Comino, and I’ll help you pick the option that best matches your pace.