Comino: Private Boat Trips, Swimming stops and Caves Tours

The best part of this Comino boat trip is the freedom to shape the day around the water. You can swim at Crystal Lagoon, pause at quieter bays, listen to your own music, and ask the skipper to adjust the route when wind or sea conditions change. A private boat for up to 25 people also makes the $648 group price far more appealing for a family or large group than paying separately for a crowded excursion.

I like the easy swimming setup, with a low bathing platform, sturdy ladder, freshwater shower, and snorkel masks included. I also like the practical touches: shade at the back, a rooftop sun deck, a toilet, and a cooler with ice. The main consideration is that food, drinks, and stand-up paddleboards cost extra, and popular Comino stops can still feel busy in summer.

Key points to know before you book

• A private Lucky Lady boat carries up to 25 passengers, making this strongest value for larger families, birthday groups, and groups of friends.
• Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Ħondoq Ir-Rummien provide long stretches of time for swimming and snorkeling.
• The route can change with the weather, and the skipper may replace exposed stops with more sheltered water.
• Angelo, Marvic, Fabio, and Frankie have all been praised for friendly service, flexible timing, and choosing good swimming spots.
• You bring your own food and drinks, or stop at Mgarr Harbour for lunch at a selection of food outlets and restaurants.
• Pickup is available at Cirkewwa Jetty or Mgarr Harbour, with the exact meeting point sent by WhatsApp after booking.

Why a private Comino charter can be better value

The price is $648 for the whole group, not per person, and the boat accepts up to 25 passengers. For two people, that is expensive. For a group of 10, it works out to $64.80 each, and for 20 people it is $32.40 each before any extras. That changes the calculation considerably.

You are paying for the boat, skipper, fuel, pickup, snorkel masks, cooler ice, and several hours on the water. You are not simply buying a seat on a fixed ferry route. You get space to sit together, control the music, bring your own picnic, and ask for a different pace.

The private format is also useful for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another sits in the shade. Children can use the ladder and bathing platform with life jackets available if needed, while adults use the front or rooftop deck for sunbathing.

The boat is not a luxury yacht, and the price does not include lunch, drinks, or paddleboards. Still, for a full group that wants a relaxed day with fewer fixed rules, the cost is reasonable. For a small party, you should compare it with shared boat tours before committing.

Getting aboard at Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour

You can start from Malta at Cirkewwa Jetty or from Gozo at Mgarr Harbour. At Cirkewwa, the meeting point is behind the food kiosk, next to the Gozo Channel ferry car-queuing lanes. At Mgarr, walk from the main jetty toward the far end, beyond the fast ferry terminal.

The operator sends the exact boat location by WhatsApp after you confirm. That message matters because harbours can be confusing, especially if you arrive with luggage, children, or a large group.

A normal full-day trip runs from 10am to 4pm. A standard half-day outing runs from 9am to noon, but the start and end times can be adjusted if the boat is available. You can also discuss shortening or extending the trip.

Plan to arrive ready for the water. Bring swimwear, towels, sun protection, and anything you want to eat or drink. Since food and drinks are not included, buying supplies before boarding is the simplest choice, though Mgarr Harbour is available for a lunch stop.

The Lucky Lady boat and what the layout means

The Lucky Lady is designed for a day spent moving between swimming spots rather than for a formal sightseeing cruise. Seating runs around the boat, with an indoor cabin and sofa for a break from the sun.

At the back, you get shade, a bathing platform, and a climbing ladder. This is the most useful part of the boat for repeated swims. You can get in without jumping from a high deck, then rinse away salt water with the outdoor freshwater shower when you climb back aboard.

The front deck is open for sunbathing, and there is also access to the rooftop deck. That gives your group several ways to spread out. The toilet is another small but important benefit on a four to six-hour outing.

You can connect your phone to the stereo and speakers by Bluetooth. This works well for a birthday, reunion, or relaxed group day, though you will want to agree on the music before the trip gets underway. The cooler box and complimentary ice keep drinks cold, but you still need to provide the drinks and food.

Snorkel masks are included for use throughout the outing. Stand-up paddleboards are available for a small extra charge, but you need to request them before the trip. Life jackets for adults and children are on board if required.

Crystal Lagoon and the first swim

The route usually begins with a short cruise toward Comino, followed by a brief pass near Saint Mary’s Tower. The tower makes a good photo stop and gives you an early look at Comino’s rocky coastline.

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about 80 minutes, making it one of the main swimming periods of the day. The water is clear, and the stop is suited to swimming, snorkeling, and looking for marine life from the boat.

This is where the private format helps most. Your group can spend the full time in the water, remain aboard in the shade, or move between the two without waiting for a large boatload of people. Ask the skipper where the best water is on that day, since wind and boat traffic can affect the experience.

The name suggests a quiet cove, but do not expect complete solitude during the busy season. Comino is one of Malta’s most popular swimming areas. A private charter gives you more control, not a guarantee that other boats will be absent.

Blue Lagoon: the famous stop with the biggest crowds

The boat then heads to the Blue Lagoon, often for around two and a half hours. This is the longest stop, with time for swimming, snorkeling, a cocktail, lunch, and general free time.

The water is the main attraction. It is bright and clear, and the lagoon is one of the signature sights of the Maltese islands. You can swim from the boat, relax on deck, or go ashore depending on the day’s arrangements and the skipper’s advice.

The drawback is popularity. Blue Lagoon can be crowded, particularly in summer, and the shore area is not the peaceful escape some visitors imagine from photographs. If you want quiet, tell your skipper. The itinerary can be adjusted toward less exposed or less crowded spots when conditions allow.

Do not assume lunch is part of the price. You can bring ready-to-eat food and drinks on board, or ask to stop at Mgarr Harbour for a wider choice of food outlets, kiosks, and restaurants. The cooler and ice make a packed lunch practical.

Mgarr Harbour and the Gozo coast

Mgarr Harbour is both a useful lunch option and a scenic pause. The planned visit lasts about 30 minutes, allowing time for a photo stop and a short look around the waterfront.

The harbour is a sensible place to eat if your group wants different choices. Some people can pick up food to take back to the boat, while others can choose a restaurant or kiosk. A stop here also breaks up the swimming time.

From Mgarr, the boat can continue along Gozo’s southern coast. Possible sights include Halfa Rock and Qala Valley, with more distant options such as Ramla Bay, Ghajn Barrani, Dahlet Qorrot, and San Blas Bay. The exact selection depends on the agreed route, available time, and sea conditions.

These alternatives are important because they give the skipper room to plan around the weather. A good private outing is not about forcing every listed stop. It is about using the hours well and choosing water where your group can safely enjoy itself.

Ħondoq Ir-Rummien and the final swim

Ħondoq Ir-Rummien Beach is scheduled for about 30 minutes. It is another chance to swim, snorkel, and look for marine life before the return journey.

A half hour is enough for a quick swim but not a long beach visit. Think of it as a final water stop rather than a major shore excursion. If your group cares more about swimming than sightseeing, ask whether the time can be shifted to another cove.

Afterward, the boat passes Santa Maria Caves for about 10 minutes. This is mainly a sightseeing and photo stop, with the boat passing by the cave formations rather than promising a long exploration on foot.

The return cruise ends at either Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal or Gozo Ferry Terminal. The short cruising sections between stops keep the day varied, but remember that the listed times add up to a busy schedule. A full day gives you room to linger, while a half day will require a tighter plan.

How the skippers handle the day

The skipper makes a big difference on a private charter. Angelo and Marvic have been especially well regarded for finding attractive swimming spots and offering personal, friendly service. Marvic also took one group to caves, a shipwreck visible around 20 meters below the surface, and lunch in Gozo, showing how much the day can change when your group communicates its interests.

Fabio and Frankie handled a weather-affected trip by arranging swimming and cave stops when conditions allowed. That flexibility is worth noting. Strong winds can cancel or reshape a boat outing, and the operator may need to postpone, cancel, or change the route.

You should tell the skipper what matters most before leaving. If your group wants snorkeling, quiet coves, cave views, music, or a long lunch, say so early. The boat has enough flexibility to make those priorities useful.

The service is in English. The group remains private, so you do not share the boat with unrelated passengers.

Weather, timing, and practical limits

This is a weather-dependent activity. If conditions are unsuitable, the trip can be moved to another available date or canceled with the deposit refunded in full. Strong wind may also mean that a planned itinerary changes during the day.

The normal full-day schedule is six hours, while the activity is advertised as lasting four to six hours. Half-day trips generally run three hours. The operator can sometimes start earlier or later and adjust the length, but this depends on availability.

You should be comfortable around open water and swimming stops. The boat has life jackets, a ladder, a shower, and seating, but it is still a boat-based day with sun, salt water, and movement. The shade area is useful, especially for children or anyone who does not want constant sun.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. These terms help if your Malta or Gozo plans are still shifting, but weather decisions remain separate from ordinary cancellation.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This outing suits groups that want control. It is a strong choice for families, groups of friends, birthday celebrations, and anyone who wants to bring music and food rather than follow a fixed shared-boat routine.

It also works well for a group with different energy levels. Swimmers can use the platform and snorkel, while others can stay under the covered deck or on the sofa inside. The toilet, shower, cooler, and multiple seating areas make several hours at sea easier.

You should think twice if you are traveling as only one or two people and mainly want the cheapest way to see Comino. You may get better value from a shared excursion. You should also avoid booking it as a guaranteed quiet-lagoon experience, since the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are popular.

Should you book the Lucky Lady charter?

Book it if you have a larger group and want a flexible day built around swimming. The strongest reasons are the private boat, generous capacity, useful onboard facilities, included snorkel masks, and skippers who can adjust the plan when weather or group preferences call for it.

For the best value, fill as many of the 25 places as practical, bring your own lunch and drinks, and request paddleboards ahead of time if you want them. Ask about quieter bays before departure rather than waiting until you reach the busiest stop.

I would choose this tour for a family celebration or a group of friends who want time in the water without giving up comfort. I would not choose it for a small budget or for anyone expecting every stop to be empty. At its best, it gives you a relaxed, personal day around Comino and Gozo, with the freedom to make the sea the main event.

FAQ

How many people can ride on the Lucky Lady boat?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 25 passengers. The price is charged for the private group rather than per passenger.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available at Cirkewwa Jetty in Malta or Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. The exact waiting point is sent by WhatsApp after booking.

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts four to six hours. Full-day trips normally run from 10am to 4pm, while half-day trips generally run from 9am to noon.

Is food included?

No. You can bring ready-to-eat food and drinks on board, use the cooler with complimentary ice, or stop at Mgarr Harbour for food from local outlets, kiosks, or restaurants.

Are snorkel masks provided?

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

Are stand-up paddleboards included?

No. Stand-up paddleboards are available for a small extra charge and must be requested before the trip.

What places can the boat visit?

The route can include Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Saint Mary’s Tower, Santa Maria Caves, Mgarr Harbour, Ħondoq Ir-Rummien, Halfa Rock, Qala Valley, Ramla Bay, Ghajn Barrani, Dahlet Qorrot, and San Blas Bay.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable?

The trip may be postponed to another available date or canceled with the deposit refunded in full. The skipper may also adjust the route to suit the conditions.