Comino’s Best in a Flash: Caves, Coves & Beaches Boat Tour

Comino packs a lot into a small island, and this private one-hour boat tour gives you a quick look at its best water-side sights without waiting for a large public boat. You visit Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto, Roofless Cave, and Lovers Cave, with time for a swim if sea conditions and the schedule cooperate.

I like the small private setting, which makes it easier to pause for photos or ask about the coast. I also like the practical setup: a sun deck, shade canopy, cooler, Bluetooth speaker, WiFi, safety equipment, and mask-and-snorkel gear are included. The main caution is time. One hour passes quickly, and the listed price needs careful checking because the fare is shown as $20 per person while the conditions also say rates are per boat, with a skipper fee and fuel charge listed separately.

Key points at a glance

• Five distinct coastal stops: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto, Roofless Cave, and Lovers Cave all fit into the route.
• A private boat, not a shared cruise: Your group has the vessel to itself, which gives the trip a more personal feel.
• Captain Joe has earned warm praise: He is described as friendly, helpful, and reassuring about safety.
• Swimming time depends on the clock: The route is sightseeing first, with a quick swim possible rather than a long beach session.
• Departure points cover both islands: Meet at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo or Cirkewwa on Malta.
• Check the real total before booking: Skipper and fuel charges are listed separately at €36 each.

A fast way to see Comino from the water

Comino is best understood from the sea. Its small coves, pale rock, narrow passages, and clear water make more sense when you glide past them than when you simply arrive at one crowded beach and stay there.

This tour is built for that quick overview. You are not spending a full day at sea, and you are not being carried around in a large sightseeing group. Instead, your private boat follows a compact route around Comino and nearby Cominotto, with short visits to several notable places.

That format suits you if your Malta or Gozo schedule is tight. It also works well as an add-on to a beach day, provided you understand that the hour is designed to show you several spots rather than give you long, unhurried time at any one of them.

The boat has cozy seating areas, a sun deck, and a shade canopy. That mix matters in Malta, where you may want direct sun for a few minutes, then a cooler place to sit. An ice cooler is supplied, and snorkeling equipment includes a mask and snorkel. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own supplies if you want them.

Meeting the boat at Mgarr or Cirkewwa

You can join the trip from either side of the channel. In Gozo, the meeting point is near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mgarr Harbour Terminal. On Malta, meet near the Cirkewwa Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. That is useful advice here, not empty padding. Harbours can involve traffic, walking, and a little searching for the correct meeting point. If you arrive late, the one-hour charter does not get extended.

The pickup arrangement makes the tour practical for visitors already moving between Malta and Gozo. You do not need to build a separate day around it, but you do need to choose the departure point that fits your plans. Check the starting time when booking, since availability varies.

The tour is private, and the live guide speaks English or Maltese. A private group is especially useful if your party wants a quiet ride, a quick swim, or a more flexible conversation with the skipper. It does not mean the route can always be changed at will. Sea conditions, tides, and safety concerns give the skipper the final say.

Blue Lagoon: the famous first stop

Blue Lagoon is Comino’s headline attraction, and the tour begins with the water most people picture when they think of the island. Its clear turquoise color makes it an obvious place for photographs, but the real appeal is being able to see it from a private boat rather than treating it as your only Comino experience.

If conditions allow, you can swim or snorkel here. The supplied mask and snorkel save you from arranging separate equipment, though the tour does not promise a long stop. Since five main sights are included in one hour, treat the swim as a refreshing break, not a full snorkeling session.

The private boat also gives you a useful view of the lagoon’s shape and surroundings. From the water, you can appreciate the contrast between the bright sea and Comino’s rugged shoreline. The exact amount of time at Blue Lagoon may change with traffic on the water, weather, and the skipper’s judgment.

This is the most recognizable part of the route, so expect it to feel less secluded than the other stops. The value comes from seeing it as one piece of a wider coastal circuit, not from assuming you will have the lagoon to yourself.

Crystal Lagoon offers a quieter pause

Crystal Lagoon provides a different mood. It is described as a calmer place with exceptionally clear water, suited to a peaceful swim or a few minutes simply looking around.

I like the contrast between the famous Blue Lagoon and this more restful stop. If Blue Lagoon is the obvious photograph, Crystal Lagoon is the place where you may prefer to sit under the canopy, step into the water, or take in the coast without trying to fit everything into one picture.

Again, the clock matters. The boat route covers several sights, so you should not expect a leisurely beach visit here. There is also no promise that every stop will receive the same amount of time. The skipper may adjust the route or stopping points if sea conditions change.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The tour provides the equipment listed above, but it does not provide food or drinks. Cash is also recommended, so keeping some on hand is sensible.

Cominotto gives you a new angle on Comino

Cominotto is a small islet beside Comino. The stop is less about getting ashore and more about seeing the main island from a fresh position.

That change of angle is one of the smart features of this short route. A boat trip can make a familiar shoreline feel new simply by carrying you around it. From near Cominotto, you get a different view of Comino’s coast and the surrounding water.

Because this is a one-hour trip, do not assume that every stop means a landing. The supplied details describe access to shorelines and secluded beaches by private boat, but the itinerary is primarily a cruise with sightseeing and possible swimming. Ask the skipper at the start how the current conditions affect stops and swimming time.

For photographers, Cominotto adds variety. For families or groups, it breaks up the route without requiring a long walk or a complicated transfer. You remain on the boat, with seating and shade available when you need a break from the sun.

Roofless Cave is a natural photo stop

Roofless Cave, known locally as L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, has an open ceiling that lets you see the sky above. That simple feature gives the place its character. You are looking at a cave that feels open rather than enclosed, with the sea and rock framing the view.

This is a good reminder that Comino is not only about swimming. The island’s appeal also comes from its unusual rock formations and small coastal spaces. The cave gives the skipper something to point out and gives you a distinctive photograph that looks different from the standard lagoon view.

The experience here will depend on the boat’s position and sea conditions. The skipper may alter the route for safety, tides, or weather. You should expect a look at the cave and time for photographs, but not assume a long exploration on foot.

If you are interested in the island’s natural and historical character, pay attention to the guide’s explanation. The tour is not only a transfer to a beach. It includes information about Comino’s notable places, and the live guide can explain the sights in English or Maltese.

Lovers Cave brings a more intimate finish

Lovers Cave is presented as a secluded, romantic place along the coast. It makes a natural final stop because it changes the mood again, moving from broad lagoon views to a smaller and more private-feeling setting.

Couples may appreciate this part most, especially if they choose a quieter departure time. One of the strongest details from the trip’s feedback is a report of enjoying the private atmosphere at sunset. Sunset timing is not guaranteed by the tour, but the private format can make a late departure feel more personal than a crowded group cruise.

For everyone else, Lovers Cave still adds another piece to the Comino shoreline. You do not need to be on a romantic holiday to enjoy the unusual rock setting and the chance to see a less obvious coastal spot.

Keep your expectations measured. The tour does not promise a long stop, and the skipper can change the itinerary. Lovers Cave is one part of a tightly timed route, not a private beach picnic.

What Captain Joe adds to the trip

The skipper matters on a short boat tour. With only an hour available, clear explanations and calm handling make a real difference.

Captain Joe is specifically praised for being friendly, helpful, and reassuring about safety. He is also described as explaining the sights and places of interest while keeping the ride peaceful. Those qualities fit this kind of experience well. You want enough commentary to understand what you are seeing, but you also want time to enjoy the water without constant noise.

The tour is operated by Blue Waves Comino Charters. English and Maltese are available, and the private-group setup means your questions are less likely to get lost among dozens of passengers.

The skipper also has broad authority over the trip. Weather and sea conditions can lead to a cancellation, postponement, route change, or different boarding and disembarkation point. That is standard for a small boat excursion, but it is important to accept before booking. A safe, altered itinerary is better than forcing a planned route in poor conditions.

The real value of the price

The advertised price is $20 per person, which looks low for a private boat experience. But the pricing information also says rates are per boat, not per passenger, and lists a professional skipper charge of €36 plus fuel consumption of €36.

That creates an important question: what exactly is included in the price shown at checkout? If the base fare is shared across your group, the value could be excellent, especially for several people. If the $20 figure is calculated per person and the extra fees are added on top, the final amount will be higher than the headline price.

I would confirm three things before paying:

• The total price for your whole private group.
• Whether the €36 skipper fee and €36 fuel fee are already included or added later.
• The maximum number of people allowed on the boat.

Once the full figure is clear, compare it with what you want from the day. You are paying for a private route, lagoon access permits, marina and port fees, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, a cooler, shade, and a sun deck. You are not paying for a meal, drinks, barbecue equipment, or fishing gear.

For a group that values privacy and wants to see several coastal sites quickly, the cost may make sense. For a solo visitor or couple seeking a long swim at one beach, a longer shared or standard boat option may offer more time in the water.

Who will enjoy this one-hour route most

I would choose this tour if you want a compact introduction to Comino and do not want to spend the whole day on a boat. It is especially suited to:

• Couples looking for a private ride and a scenic stop at Lovers Cave.
• Families or friends who want their own space, shade, and a quick swim.
• Visitors staying in Gozo who can reach Mgarr Harbour easily.
• Visitors on Malta who are already using the Gozo Channel terminal at Cirkewwa.
• Photographers who want several different coastal views in one short outing.
• First-time visitors who want to see more than Blue Lagoon alone.

I would think twice if your main goal is a long, quiet beach stay. The route is packed with stops, and the full hour includes movement between them. You may get a swim, but you should not book this expecting an entire afternoon in Crystal Lagoon.

Bring the basics: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Carry cash as advised. Food and drinks are not supplied, and fishing gear and barbecue equipment are excluded.

Booking flexibility and practical cautions

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

The skipper may adjust your selected time to find better sea conditions or fit operational needs. The route, departure point, and disembarkation point may also change for weather, tides, or other valid reasons.

That flexibility is useful, but it means you should keep some room in your schedule. Do not arrange a tight connection immediately after the cruise. Arrive 30 minutes early, and remember that a late arrival does not add time to the charter.

The boat includes safety gear, and the skipper controls the final decision about operating conditions. If the sea turns rough, the experience may be shortened, postponed, or changed. That is a practical limitation of any small private boat outing around Comino.

Should you book Blue Waves Comino Charters?

Book it if you want a private snapshot of Comino, especially if your group can share the boat cost. The route gives you Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto, Roofless Cave, and Lovers Cave in one hour, while Captain Joe’s friendly and safety-minded approach adds confidence.

The biggest reason to hesitate is not the scenery. It is the clock and the unclear headline pricing. Confirm the full group total, including skipper and fuel, and accept that swimming time may be brief.

For a fast, personal look at Comino with useful onboard extras, this is a strong choice. For a slow beach day, choose something longer.

FAQ

How long is the Comino boat tour?

The tour lasts one hour.

Where does the boat depart from?

You can depart from Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, near Sicilia Bella Restaurant, or from Cirkewwa on Malta, near the Kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Is this a private boat tour?

Yes. The activity is for a private group.

Which places does the route visit?

The route includes Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Island, Roofless Cave, and Lovers Cave.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?

Swimming and snorkeling are available at suitable lagoons, including Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, but the short duration means time in the water may be limited.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are included.

Are the skipper and fuel included in the listed price?

The provided pricing information lists a professional skipper charge of €36 and fuel consumption of €36 separately. Confirm the final total when booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The skipper can cancel, postpone, or change the charter, route, and departure or disembarkation points because of weather, tides, or sea conditions.