Comino: Private Boat Trips, Swimming stops and Caves Tours

Crystal-clear water, private boat time. This Comino and Gozo experience feels like your own day at sea, with a private boat hire (skipper and fuel included) and scheduled swimming and snorkeling at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. The one thing to plan around is that food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or budget for meals during breaks.

I also like how practical the setup is for a wet day. You get multiple pickup options around Gozo and Malta, and the boat has the stuff that makes saltwater days less annoying: a toilet, an outdoor fresh-water shower, shade on the covered deck, and easy ladder access to the water. One more consideration, the route depends on weather, and longer trips to more distant beaches can cost extra.

If you want caves and swim stops without shared-boat crowds, this is a strong match. You can even add cave touring around Comino such as Lovers Cave, Popeye’s Cave, and Santa Marija Caves, then spend a bit of time on Comino Land while the boat waits.

Key takeaways before you go

• Private boat with a skipper and fuel included: You’re not squeezed into a crowded group, and the crew sets the pace.
• Crystal Lagoon built-in time for snorkel and swim: You get a cruise in, then real water time for marine life viewing.
• Blue Lagoon break time is active: There’s room for snorkeling, swimming, a cocktail, and eating options during the stop.
• Caves are optional, not the whole trip: You can focus on water first, then add caves as desired.
• On-board comfort for saltwater reality: Toilet, outdoor fresh-water shower, shaded deck, and ladders.
• Music and drinks stay easy: Bluetooth speakers and a cooler box with complimentary ice for your beverages.

Private Comino and Gozo boat time, without the crowded-boat stress

A private boat day around Comino and Gozo is the kind of experience that makes Malta feel bigger than its highways and bus routes. Instead of racing between viewpoints, you move through the water like a local, with swim stops picked for maximum time in the best water.

The big win is control. You choose a half-day or full-day timing (within the usual 10am to 4pm day window, with flexibility based on availability). That matters because your group has different energy levels. Some people want long snorkel sessions. Some want more time for pictures and quick dips. A private format gives you room to balance both.

You also get the practical comfort stuff, not just the view. There’s a covered deck for shade, open decks for sunbathing, a low and spacious bathing platform with ladders, and an outdoor fresh-water shower. That means you can rinse quickly, rather than spending the rest of the day smelling like the sea.

My only note is simple: food and drinks are on you. The experience includes breaks and time for meals, but the boat trip itself does not list food as included. If your group likes a carefree day, plan for snacks, or expect to buy lunch during the scheduled stop.

Pickup points that save you time, Cirkewwa, Gozo, and Mgarr

The logistics are refreshingly direct. You can be picked up at one of these places:

• Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal (Malta side)
• Gozo Ferry Terminal (Gozo side)
• Xlendi Pleasure Cruises

And the drop-off points match those same areas, so you’re not stuck trying to reverse the day.

The tour also calls out two specific anchoring points you should recognize when you arrive:

• Malta pickup: Cirkewwa Jetty, described as behind the food kiosk near the Gozo Channel ferry car-queuing lanes area
• Gozo pickup: Mgarr Harbour, noted as beyond the fast ferry terminal

After booking, you receive an exact pinpoint location for where the boat will be waiting, shared via WhatsApp. That is helpful because ferry terminals can be confusing at the dock-level, especially if you arrive early.

One small practical benefit: the experience notes skipping the line via an express security check. If you hate paperwork and queues, this kind of minor time saver adds up.

Your day at sea, Crystal Lagoon to Comino Land timing

Most routes revolve around Comino and the south coast of Gozo, with swimming stops that can include Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, and Saint Nicholas Bay on Comino. If you want more, you can also go further to beaches on Gozo like Ramla Bay, San Blass, Dahlet Qorrot, Ghajn Barrani, or Mgarr ix-Xini, and on Malta’s north coast like Gnejna, Golden Bay, or Popeye’s Bay. Those longer distance options come with extra charges due to the route length.

Here’s how the sample flow works on the standard itinerary style you’ll likely follow:

• You start with cruising time to reach the first star water spot.
• You get one longer swim and snorkel session early.
• You move through another lagoon break with more time for food and optional hiking.
• Then you add a harbour stop and additional beach time, followed by Comino sightseeing.

Think of it like a playlist. There are set tracks for the best water, plus breathing space between them.

Also, the day can run 4 to 6 hours depending on what you choose and what availability allows. There’s flexibility to start earlier or later, and even extend or shorten the duration if you want.

Crystal Lagoon, 15 minutes in, 1.5 hours to swim and snorkel

If your group wants that famous Comino water experience, Crystal Lagoon is where you get your payoff. The day starts with about a 15-minute boat cruise to get there, then you spend around 1.5 hours on the water for sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing.

This is the stop where snorkel gear matters. The trip includes snorkel masks you can use freely during the excursion. I like that wording because it signals you’re not rationing time or sharing equipment. Bring your own if you’re picky, but most people won’t feel the need.

Marine life viewing is also part of the plan. You’re not just stopping to say you were there and then moving on. The schedule gives you enough time to try snorkeling, adjust your comfort level, and still end up with decent water time.

One more practical detail: you can play music via Bluetooth on board. If your group is the kind that likes a soundtrack for swimming, this is a good spot where music plus calm water time just works.

Drawback to keep in mind: this is a swim and snorkel focus. If you want a purely sightseeing day with minimal water time, this route might feel too “water first.”

Blue Lagoon and the Malta swim break, including time for a cocktail

Blue Lagoon is next on the typical run, and it’s slightly different in feel. There’s about a 10-minute cruise to get there, then roughly 2.5 hours that includes a break and time for a cocktail, lunch, street food, free time, sightseeing, and even optional hiking, plus swimming and snorkeling.

That mix is useful for mixed groups. Some people want a longer dip. Others want to walk, grab something to eat, or just recover from sunscreen duty.

A note on drinks and meals: the trip does not include food and drinks, but the schedule explicitly includes time to eat and drink at the stop. So in practice, you’ll likely be paying for what you order, unless you bring your own items. The experience also says you can bring food and drinks on board if you prefer.

If you’re planning snacks, bring things that travel well, easy to eat on a moving boat, and not messy when you rinse. Think simple: fruit, sandwiches wrapped tight, and sealed drinks.

Also, the boat has an outdoor fresh-water shower. Use it after you’re done swimming here, not later. It makes the rest of the day more comfortable.

Ħondoq Ir-Rummien and Mgarr Harbour, where the day slows down

After Blue Lagoon, the itinerary shifts to more varied terrain and short stops.

At Mgarr Harbour, there’s about a 10-minute cruise transfer, then a roughly 30-minute block that includes a photo stop, visit, shopping, sightseeing, and a walk with scenic views on the way.

This part is less about swimming and more about breaking the routine. It’s also where you can make decisions for lunch if you didn’t handle food earlier. The experience notes that you’ll find plenty of food outlets, kiosks, and restaurants around there for dine-in or take-out options.

Then you move to Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach. You cruise there in about 10 minutes, and spend around 30 minutes for sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing.

This is a shorter water session than Crystal Lagoon. That can be a good thing. It keeps you from feeling like the whole day is just saltwater. You still get the important moments, like trying snorkeling twice and not overdoing it.

Comino caves and the Comino Land option, plan your priorities

Comino is not just about swimming. The trip can also include cave touring around the island, including Lovers Cave, Popeye’s Cave, and Santa Marija Caves.

The key is how you balance caves versus time in the water. Caves can add a sense of myth and spectacle, but the best days happen when you don’t trade away your favorite swimming spot time.

If you want a bit of land time, you can also go on Comino Land while the boat waits for your return. The experience also mentions buying the famous Comino Cocktail during this land time.

That mix gives you flexibility. I’d treat it like a choose-your-own-adventure hour. If you’re a water person, keep the land portion short. If you want some photos, a walk, and a quick bite, make Comino Land part of the day.

One consideration: more distant beaches and added segments can change timing and may require extra charges due to distance. If you have limited patience for travel time, stick closer to the core Comino and south Gozo route.

On-board comfort that makes the day feel easy, shower, toilet, ladders, shade

A boat can look great in pictures and still feel uncomfortable in real life. Here, the comfort details are specific, and that’s what I’d pay attention to.

Included on board:

• A cooler box with complimentary cooling ice for your beverages
• Stereo and speakers with Bluetooth connection for your music
• An outdoor fresh-water shower to rinse off salt water
• A toilet facility on board
• Covered deck for shade
• Open decks for sunbathing
• Low, spacious bathing platform with comfortable climbing ladders at the back

That set of features supports a very practical goal, staying comfortable between swim sessions. A shower means you can rinse quickly instead of waiting until you’re dry-land off the boat. The toilet is the kind of thing people think about only once, then never want to do without again.

And the bathing platform with ladders matters more than it sounds. It reduces the stress of getting back on board after swimming, especially for people who aren’t as confident in the water.

One small detail I love is the ice. A review I read highlighted how the complimentary ice made drinks taste so much better. It’s a minor thing until you’re actually on the water and the day is warm. Then it becomes a real comfort win.

Also, there’s stereo and Bluetooth. That turns the boat into a small, private party setup if your group wants it. The experience also mentions group functions and parties, so the equipment matches that use case.

Snorkel masks, optional SUP, and what to bring for an easy swim day

You’ll have snorkel masks available to use throughout the trip. That makes the experience simpler if you travel light or if your group includes people who don’t snorkel often.

Stand Up Paddle boards are available, but only for a minimal extra charge. If you’re the type who wants to paddle between swim stops, you can ask about adding it.

Bring the basics and you’ll be set:

• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Camera
• Snacks (optional but helpful)
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Beachwear

Also, if you like having a plan for food, bring some snacks even if you plan to buy lunch. Boat days have natural rhythm changes, and it’s better to have options.

Weather, start times, and the real-world rule for lagoon days

Everything on this kind of route depends on permitting weather conditions. The trip notes that if weather does not permit going ahead on the day, the booking can be postponed to another date subject to availability, or canceled with a full refund of the deposit.

That’s the reality of Comino and lagoon cruising. Wind and rougher sea conditions can make swimming stops less appealing or unsafe. The upside is the flexibility to try again on another date.

For timing, standard day trips are normally from 10am to 4pm, and you may be able to start earlier or later depending on availability. You can also extend or shorten the duration.

Price per group up to 30, and how to judge the value

The price listed is $907 per group up to 30, for 4 to 6 hours. On paper, that can sound steep if you’re thinking per person. In practice, private boat costs make a lot more sense when you’re splitting with a group.

Here’s the value logic I’d use:

• If you have a larger group, the per-person cost drops fast.
• You’re getting a private boat, skipper, and fuel included, plus snorkel masks and a cooler box with ice.
• You’re also saving time versus DIY ferry hops plus multiple transfers, especially if you want multiple swim stops and optional cave touring.

If you’re only a couple of people, you’ll likely feel the price more. At that point, consider whether you want to pay for privacy and convenience, or whether shared tours would satisfy you.

My honest take: this is best for groups who want one shared plan, one pickup point, and multiple swim stops with the comfort of shower and toilet on board.

Who this boat trip fits best, and who might want a different style

I think this tour fits best if you want:

• Swimming and snorkeling as a core part of the day
• A private boat setup where your group can play music, relax, and move at your pace
• The option to add Comino caves without turning the entire day into a cave-only schedule
• Easy pickup and drop-off around Gozo and Malta

It might be less ideal if your group mainly wants long land sightseeing with minimal water time. The itinerary is built around swimming-focused stops and breaks.

Also, if your group has strict timing and hates weather uncertainty, keep a backup day in mind. Lagoon days are better when you can be flexible.

Should you book Comino Private Boat Trips with Ta’ Miema Boat Services?

If your ideal Malta day includes Crystal Lagoon swimming time, Blue Lagoon break energy, and the option of Comino caves, I’d book it. The best part is the combo of water time plus onboard comfort, and the private format that makes the day feel like yours.

Choose it especially if:

• You’re traveling with friends or a mixed group and want an easy schedule.
• You care about practical boat features like the fresh-water shower, toilet, and ladders.
• You want snorkel gear included and don’t want to bring everything.

Hold off if:

• You’re traveling solo or as a very small group and want the lowest possible per-person cost.
• You prefer a land-first sightseeing itinerary.

FAQ

Where can the boat pick me up and drop me off?

Pickup and drop-off are available at Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, Gozo Ferry Terminal, and Xlendi Pleasure Cruises. The exact pinpoint location where the boat will be waiting is sent to you via WhatsApp after booking.

How long is the trip?

The duration is listed as 4 to 6 hours. Standard day trips are normally 10am to 4pm, but start times and trip length may be adjusted based on availability.

What is included in the price?

Included are a private boat with a skipper and fuel, pickup service from Mgarr Harbour in Gozo or Cirkewwa Jetty in Malta, a cooler box with complimentary ice, snorkel masks, Bluetooth stereo and speakers, an outdoor fresh-water shower, and toilet facilities on board. Covered shade and sunbathing areas are also part of the boat setup.

Are snorkel masks provided?

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

Do I need to pay for food or drinks?

Food and drinks are not included. You can bring food and drinks onboard, or you can choose a lunch stop at Gozo or Mgarr harbour where you can find places to eat.

What happens if weather doesn’t allow the trip?

If weather does not permit the trip to go ahead on the day, the booking can be postponed to another date subject to availability, or canceled with the deposit refunded in full.