Comino: Private Boat Trips, Swimming stops and Caves Tours

Comino feels personal on a private boat. You get a local skipper, a group-sized plan, and classic stops like Crystal Lagoon plus Santa Maria Caves without spending the day stuck in a crowd. The service vibe here is friendly and organized too, with English-speaking support coordinated by Jeanette and guided at sea by skippers like Fabio.

I like the boat setup a lot. There is shade on board, a low bathing platform with a ladder, a toilet, and an outdoor fresh-water shower so you can rinse off fast after the swims. You can also bring your own music to the right volume using the Bluetooth stereo and speakers, and the snorkel masks are included for use anytime during the trip.

The main thing to consider is cost and food planning. At $577 per group up to 15 people, it is best when you split the price with friends or family, and food and drinks are not included, so you either bring your own or plan for a lunch stop.

Quick reasons to book this Comino and Gozo private boat trip

• A true private charter for your group, with a local skipper and fuel included
• Comfort-focused group size: the boat holds up to 25, but long trips work best with not more than 15
• Snorkeling included: masks on board and multiple swim stops with time to use them
• Boat conveniences that matter: toilet, outdoor shower, shade cover, and a ladder for easy re-entry
• On-board music via Bluetooth speakers, so your group sets the tone
• Flexible timing for half-day or full-day, depending on how much swimming you want

A private charter that lets you choose the pace

Comino and Gozo can be crowded if you do them the standard way. This is different because the boat is yours for the time you book. That means you are not pressed by other groups’ schedules, and your skipper can give you the kind of time-on-water that makes a swimming day actually feel like a swimming day.

The route also mixes big-picture sightseeing with very practical downtime. You do short stretches of cruising, then you get parked at swim-friendly spots long enough to actually get in the water, snorkel a bit, and relax on the deck.

And you get support on the ground. English-speaking coordination helps you find the exact spot where the boat is waiting, including a pinpoint location sent after booking.

Finding your pickup point: Mgarr Harbour vs Cirkewwa Jetty

Where you start changes the whole feel of the day. This private trip offers pickup from two main places:

• Gozo Ferry Terminal, or
• Malta, Cirkewwa Jetty

If you are going from Gozo, you meet the boat at Mgarr Harbour, specifically from the main jetty farther along, beyond the fast ferry terminal.

If you are going from Malta, the pickup is at Cirkewwa Jetty. The key detail is that the boat is behind the food kiosk near the Gozo Channel ferry car-queuing lanes area.

What I like about this setup is that it is specific. You are not left guessing, because after confirmation you receive the exact pinpoint location via WhatsApp.

Inside the Julie Pearl boat: shade, ladder access, toilet, and fresh-water rinse

The boat is the kind of detail that makes or breaks a half-day. On the Julie Pearl, the essentials are already solved for you.

Here is what you can expect on board:

• A covered deck for shade plus open decks at the front and back
• A seating layout with room for your group around a table in the middle
• A bathing platform low down for easier entry
• A climbing ladder at the back for coming back on board
• A toilet facility
• An outdoor fresh water shower to rinse salt water off your body
• A Bluetooth stereo system with speakers you can use freely
• A table, seating, and general open space, not cramped-looking corners

One practical note: the boat’s maximum capacity is 25 passengers. For longer trips, the operator recommends keeping it to not more than 15 for comfort for everyone. That is a big deal if your group is the type that likes to hang out, not just survive the seating.

The mid-morning route: Saint Mary’s Tower photo stop and a calm cruise out

Right after pickup, there is a short cruising period where you get the feel of the route without being rushed. Then you pass by Saint Mary’s Tower with time to take photos and look around from the water.

This part is more about orientation than about a long stop. You are getting a first sense of the coastline and where Comino fits into the day.

If your group includes non-swimmers, this is also a good moment. They can enjoy the views while the water activities gear up later.

Crystal Lagoon swim stop: snorkeling, marine life watching, and deck time

Crystal Lagoon is the headline stop for many Comino days, and you get a real chunk of time here. Expect about 30 minutes to:

• swim
• snorkel
• watch marine life

Because snorkel masks are included, you do not need to spend time figuring out equipment before you hop in. And since you are on a private boat, you are not waiting for a shared group to take turns.

What I like most is that the stop is structured. You are not simply anchored for a token dip. You get time for the full rhythm: get in, snorkel a bit, then float and relax on the surface.

The trade-off to remember is the obvious one: water time is only as good as your energy level. If your group is serious about snorkeling, plan to arrive ready. If you are mostly there for lounging, you will still have enough time to enjoy the water without doing a long swim.

Blue Lagoon time on Comino: Malta-side swimming and free time

After cruising again, you reach Blue Lagoon on the Malta side. This stop comes with about 30 minutes where you can:

• swim
• snorkel
• sightsee
• enjoy free time

The description also includes a cocktail and lunch-style options in the flow of the day. In practical terms, this is where you should think about timing for eating. If you want to eat while the day is still easy and sunny, this is often when it lands.

Here’s the value of having two different lagoon-style stops: Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon do not feel like the same exact moment. The mix keeps the day from becoming repetitive, and it gives you a second chance if the first water stop is too crowded for your liking from your perspective.

Mgarr Harbour on Gozo: a real break for lunch, walking, and shopping

Between Comino stops, the route gives you an on-land breather at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. Expect about 30 minutes for:

• visiting
• lunch
• free time
• shopping
• a short walk and sightseeing

This is the part that makes the day feel balanced. You are not only on the water for the entire trip. Also, because lunch is not included as a set menu, this stop gives you choices via food outlets and kiosks where you can grab something to eat either to dine in or take out.

If your group includes kids or people who want dry breaks, this stop helps a lot. It also gives you a chance to reset before the next swim and caves photo moment.

Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach: another swim window with marine-life viewing

Back on board, the route continues with sightseeing and then another swim stop at Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach. You get about 30 minutes here for:

• sightseeing
• swimming
• snorkeling
• marine life viewing

This is a good stop if your group wants variety. Even if you love Comino water most, adding a Gozo beach stop gives you a different coastline feel and keeps the day from being only about one island.

I also like that your time windows are consistent. Two lagoon stops plus two beach or cove-style swim stops means you can plan your energy. If you are the one organizing the day, that matters.

Santa Maria Caves: a photo stop from the water

At the end of the main action, you get a Santa Maria Caves stop that is shorter, about 5 minutes. This one is focused on:

• photo stop
• visiting and sightseeing
• passing by

So, set expectations. You are not doing a long cave visit from the water. Instead, think of it as a great sea-level look and a quick chance to grab photos.

If your group loves dramatic coastal scenery, you will appreciate even a short stop here, especially after multiple swim windows.

Half-day vs full-day: choosing the right amount of water time

The trip timing depends on which option you choose, and you have some flexibility.

Typical windows are:

• Full day: 10am to 4pm
• Half day: 9am to 12noon

You can also start earlier or later when available, and you may be able to extend or shorten based on availability.

How to choose:

• Pick half-day if you want maximum swimming but fewer moving parts and you plan to do dinner elsewhere.
• Pick full-day if your group wants more cruising time, more opportunity for lunch, and more chances to enjoy the deck between swims.

One smart organizer tip: if your group is mix-and-match (some swimmers, some loungers), full day often feels smoother. You get more breathing room between water stops.

Music, snorkeling gear, and safety details that keep it easy

This is one of the simplest private charters to enjoy because key comfort items are already handled.

You get:

• free use of stereo and speakers via Bluetooth
• snorkel masks provided and usable throughout the trip
• outdoor fresh water shower to rinse off salt water
• toilet on board
• life jackets that are available if needed for adults and kids

Stand-up paddle boards are optional. They are available at a minimal charge, and you need to book them before the trip.

For most groups, snorkeling masks and ladder access are what matter most. If you have someone who hates getting wet but still wants the fun, the deck access and the ability to snorkel only when you feel like it makes the day work for everyone.

Drinks and lunch: what you can bring, plus where lunch fits

Food and drinks are not included as a package. You can bring ready-to-eat food and drinks on board, and there is a cooler box plus complimentary cooling ice to keep things cold.

If you want hot food or you prefer not to manage snacks on the boat, the midday Mgarr Harbour stop gives you a place to find lunch through local food outlets and kiosks.

My practical advice: if your group includes kids, bring easy snacks and water. If adults want a more relaxed meal, plan around the harbour stop so nobody is hungry when the next swim window starts.

Price and value for $577 per group up to 15

Let’s talk money in a clear way. The price is $577 per group up to 15 passengers for 4 to 6 hours.

If you fill all 15 seats, the math works out to roughly $38 per person. If your group is smaller, it is naturally higher per person, but you still get the core value: a private boat, a local skipper, fuel included, and multiple swim and sightseeing stops.

Where I see strong value:

• included snorkeling masks and repeat swim windows
• boat comfort items like toilet and fresh-water shower
• Bluetooth music for group fun
• private scheduling, so you spend your time in the water, not in queues

Where the value can dip:

• if your group size is small and you are paying close to the full group rate anyway
• if nobody wants to swim or snorkel, since most of the appeal is water time

In other words, this is great value when your group actually wants a proper time-on-the-water day.

Who should book this Comino and Gozo private boat trip

This fits best if you:

• want a private charter with clear, scheduled swim stops
• have a group that will use snorkeling masks and actually get in the water
• want the flexibility of a skipper choosing the pace for your group
• care about comfort details like shade cover, ladder access, toilet, and fresh-water rinse

It is less ideal if you want a full day of land touring. This is about the sea route, the lagoon swims, and quick sightseeing moments.

Also, it is a nice option for mixed ages, because the itinerary includes both water stops and a harbour break for lunch and walking.

Should you book it

I would book this if your Malta trip includes Comino and you want a day that feels personal, not rushed. The big reasons are practical: snorkeling masks included, real time at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, and a boat designed for comfort after you swim.

If you are a solo traveler, this is probably not the best bargain since the price is per group. But if you are organizing a family group or a tight friend crew, the private setup and the water time make it feel like you are paying for an experience, not just transport.

FAQ

How long is the private boat trip?

The duration is 4 to 6 hours. Full day trips are normally 10am to 4pm, and half day trips are normally 9am to 12 noon, with flexibility depending on availability.

Where do pickups and drop-offs happen?

Pickup and drop-off locations are Gozo Ferry Terminal or Malta Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal. The boat waiting point is confirmed with a pinpoint location sent via WhatsApp.

How big is the boat, and how many people is it comfortable for?

The Julie Pearl boat maximum capacity is 25 passengers. For long trips, the operator recommends not more than 15 passengers for comfort.

What is included on board?

Included features are a private boat with skipper and fuel, shade cover and open deck space, a bathing platform with ladder, a toilet facility, an outdoor fresh water shower, Bluetooth stereo with speakers, and seating plus a middle table.

Are snorkeling masks included?

Yes. Snorkel masks are provided and can be used freely during the trip.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can bring ready-to-eat food and drinks, or your skipper may suggest a lunch stop at Mgarr Harbour where there are food outlets.

Are stand-up paddle boards available?

Yes, stand-up paddle boards are optional. They are available at a minimal charge and need to be booked before the trip.

What happens if weather prevents the trip?

If weather does not permit the trip, the booking can be postponed to another date based on availability or cancelled with a full refund.