DiveSnap Underwater Sports Thrills:Lantern Point & P31 Wreck

Comino’s best moments are often found away from the packed Blue Lagoon, and this private boat trip gives you a chance to reach Lantern Point and the P31 Wreck when sea conditions allow. I like the freedom to shape a three-hour route around swimming, snorkelling, caves, and quiet coves. I also like the small-group setup, with the boat reserved for up to six people rather than a crowd.

The main catch is the price detail. The advertised rate is $210 per boat, but a professional skipper and fuel are listed separately at €74 each, so confirm the final total before paying. The skipper can also change the route or cancel if wind, waves, tides, or shallow water make the planned stops unsafe.

Key points to know before you book

• Lantern Point and the P31 Wreck: These are the main underwater targets, with the wreck available only when weather and sea conditions permit.
• Private boat for up to six: You pay by boat, not by passenger, making the cost more attractive for a full group.
• Three-hour custom route: You can focus on swimming, snorkelling, caves, beaches, sunbathing, or a mix of all five.
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: Both offer clear water, while Crystal Lagoon is known for snorkelling and cliff jumps from about 3 feet to 90 feet.
• Departure from Malta or Gozo: Meet near Cirkewwa Kiosk in Malta or near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.
• Captain-led atmosphere: The captain speaks English and Maltese, and local sea stories and legends may add character to the ride.

A private way to see Comino’s coast

The appeal here is simple: you get a small boat, a flexible route, and access to parts of Comino that are hard to enjoy from shore. Instead of spending the whole trip in one busy swimming area, you can move along the island’s coast and ask for time at caves, coves, beaches, and snorkelling sites.

The boat is reserved for your group of up to six people. That matters most if you are travelling with family or friends. A full group can share the advertised $210 boat rate, though the additional skipper and fuel charges mean you should calculate the actual cost rather than rely on the headline figure.

You get comfortable seating, a sun deck, a canopy for shade, an ice cooler, Bluetooth audio, Wi-Fi, safety equipment, and lagoon permits. Mask and snorkel equipment are included, so you do not need to bring your own unless you prefer a particular fit.

I would treat the boat as a practical platform for getting between water stops, not as a luxury yacht. The supplied details do not describe cabin facilities, changing rooms, or onboard food. Bring your own towel, water, snacks, sunscreen, and cash.

Starting from Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour

You can join the charter from either side of the Gozo Channel. From Malta, the meeting point is near the Cirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal. From Gozo, the departure area is near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour.

Arrive 30 minutes early. This is especially useful at Cirkewwa, where traffic and ferry-area delays can eat into your morning. The charter lasts three hours, and lateness does not add time at the end, so treat the departure as firm.

Pickup is included from the two designated departure areas, but the information does not promise hotel pickup across Malta or Gozo. If you are staying elsewhere, allow time to reach the correct harbour.

The skipper has the final say on the departure time, route, and landing points. That may sound limiting, but it is the sensible rule for a small boat around exposed coastlines, narrow passages, shallows, and changing sea conditions.

First look at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s famous calling card. Its clear water makes it easy to see below the surface, and the lagoon is a natural place to begin with a swim or gentle snorkel.

The private charter changes how you use the area. You can spend some time here without making it the entire trip, then move toward quieter water if the conditions and local rules allow. The lagoon can still feel busy, especially at popular times, so do not book this trip expecting complete solitude at every stop.

The boat includes the required lagoon permits, which removes one practical worry. You should still listen closely to the skipper’s instructions about where you may swim, how long you can stay, and when it is safe to return to the boat.

For a first swim, the Blue Lagoon works well because the water is clear and the stop is easy to understand. For more character, I would save enough time for Crystal Lagoon and the coast near Lantern Point.

Crystal Lagoon for clear water and cliff jumps

Crystal Lagoon is presented as the more active stop. It is known for snorkelling, considerable depth, and cliff-jump locations that range from roughly 3 feet to 90 feet.

You do not need to be a serious jumper. The range gives you choice, and the 20-foot jump is described as a popular middle ground: high enough to feel exciting, but not at the extreme end. The smaller jumps may suit cautious swimmers, while the highest points should be left to people with the right skill, judgment, and comfort level.

I would not treat any listed height as a promise that every jump will be available on your day. Wind, waves, tide, water traffic, and the skipper’s safety judgment can change what is sensible. The skipper’s decision takes priority, and you should never feel pressured to jump.

The water’s depth and shelter from many winds help make Crystal Lagoon useful for water activities. Still, sheltered does not mean risk-free. Wear sunscreen, keep track of your belongings, and ask where the safest entry and exit points are before getting in.

Lantern Point and the underwater side of Comino

Lantern Point is one of the more distinctive reasons to choose this charter. It offers the chance to look below the surface in a setting that feels more focused than a standard sightseeing cruise.

The trip description mentions both snorkelling and underwater exploration. The included equipment is a mask and snorkel, so anyone hoping to go farther below the surface should confirm exactly what equipment and qualifications are required before booking. The supplied information does not include tanks, regulators, wetsuits, or professional underwater instruction.

For most people, the value of Lantern Point is the chance to see a different side of Comino from the water. Clear conditions may reveal underwater rock formations and marine life, though visibility is never guaranteed. Bring an underwater camera if you have one, but secure it carefully on the boat and avoid letting photography distract you from basic water safety.

This is also the part of the route most affected by conditions. If wind or waves build, the skipper may replace Lantern Point with a safer cove or lagoon. That is not a failed trip. A private charter earns its value by adjusting to the sea instead of forcing a fixed plan.

Seeing the P31 Wreck when conditions allow

The P31 Wreck is the most specialized stop named for this outing. Its availability is specifically weather permitting, so you should regard it as a possible highlight, not a guarantee.

A wreck adds interest to an otherwise scenic boat ride because it gives you something specific to look for beneath the water. It also makes clear why the charter is aimed at people who want more than a short swim at the Blue Lagoon.

The supplied information does not state the wreck’s exact access rules, depth, or required equipment. Ask the operator before departure if you need details about swimming near it, snorkelling conditions, or any limits on entering the water. Do not assume the basic mask and snorkel package covers every form of wreck exploration.

If the P31 Wreck cannot be reached, the skipper may modify the route. You could instead spend more time around a lagoon, cave, beach, or sheltered cove. Keep your expectations flexible, particularly outside calm summer conditions.

Caves, coves, and beaches between the main stops

Comino’s coast is not only about the two named underwater sites. The boat can follow the island’s shoreline toward caves, small beaches, coves, and bays that give you a change of pace.

A cave stop may be brief, depending on the approach and sea state. You might pass through or near one, pause for photographs, or use a nearby patch of calm water for a swim. The exact sequence is not fixed, and that is one of the better features of a private booking.

The beaches offer a place to dry off and slow down, though the three-hour duration limits how much shore time you can expect. If swimming and snorkelling are your priorities, tell the skipper early. If you prefer scenery and sun, say so before the route is set.

You can also travel along parts of the Maltese and Gozitan coastlines. The charter is not limited to Comino, although the named stops center on Comino’s lagoons and underwater sites. The skipper may alter the route for weather, tides, shallow water, or other legitimate safety concerns.

What the captain adds to the trip

The captain is more than a person at the wheel. The boat trip includes a live guide in English and Maltese, and the captain’s stories about local legends and the sea can add a relaxed, entertaining layer to the ride.

One recent booking described the captain’s storytelling as a strong part of the outing, with humor mixed into the local tales. You should not expect a formal history lecture. Think of it as informal color while the boat moves between stops.

No captain’s name is provided, so you cannot request a particular guide from the available information. The tone also depends on the person working that day, but the experience is designed to be private and conversational rather than a large-group commentary tour.

If you want a quiet boat ride, you can use the sun deck, canopy, or seating areas and keep the conversation light. If you enjoy local stories, ask the captain about the coast, the lagoons, and the wreck.

What is included, and what you still need to bring

The included setup covers the basics for a half-day on the water:

• Private boat with comfortable seating
• Sun deck and shaded canopy
• Safety equipment
• Ice cooler
• Bluetooth speaker and free Wi-Fi
• Mask and snorkel
• Lagoon permits
• Port and marina fees
• Taxes

Food and drinks are not included. Party food, party beverages, barbecue supplies, a barbecue, fishing gear, and a fishing cooler are also excluded.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and cash. I would add a waterproof bag for phones and wallets, though one is not listed as included. Keep food simple and secure, since the supplied details do not describe onboard meal service.

The canopy matters more than it may seem. Three hours in full sun can be tiring, especially if you spend time swimming and then sit on deck. Use shade between water stops and reapply sunscreen.

Is $210 a good value for six people?

The $210 rate applies per boat, not per person. For six people, that is $35 each before the listed skipper and fuel charges, which can make the charter appealing for a group that wants privacy.

For two people, the same rate is much harder to justify unless personal space and route control matter a great deal to you. A full group of friends or family gets the clearest value because you share the boat, seating, equipment, and permits.

Pay attention to the extra charges. The professional skipper is listed at €74, and fuel consumption is also listed at €74. Because the pricing information does not explain whether those amounts are flat fees or subject to another calculation, confirm the final amount before you book.

The price is best understood as payment for control and access, not just transport. You can ask for more time at a lagoon, move on from a crowded area, and shape the mix of swimming, snorkelling, scenery, and sun. The tradeoff is a short three-hour window and no included catering.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

I would recommend it for a group of friends, a family comfortable around open water, or anyone who wants a private route around Comino. It is especially suited to people who value flexibility more than a fixed sightseeing schedule.

It can work for mixed groups because not everyone needs to jump or snorkel. One person can swim, another can use the shaded seating, and others can focus on photographs or local stories. The boat has several activity options without requiring everyone to take part in the same one.

This is less suitable if you want a guaranteed visit to the P31 Wreck, a full day on the water, professional underwater instruction, or meals and drinks included. It is also not the right choice if you dislike changes caused by wind and waves.

The four verified ratings available for the activity are all five out of five, and the strongest praise centers on the captain’s friendly, relaxed manner and entertaining stories. That gives you a useful clue about the tone: this is meant to feel easygoing and personal, not rigid or formal.

Booking details worth keeping in mind

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible, which is useful when you are still sorting out a Malta or Gozo itinerary.

The charter runs for three hours, with starting times based on availability. The operator can adjust your chosen time to suit conditions and the needs of the trip.

The skipper may postpone, cancel, or change the boat ride because of weather and sea conditions. Routes, departure points, and disembarkation locations can also change because of tides, shallow water, or other valid concerns.

That flexibility is part of the bargain. You get a better chance of a safe, pleasant route, but you should not plan an important connecting activity immediately afterward. Leave some breathing room in your day.

Should you book the Lantern Point and P31 Wreck charter?

Book it if you have up to six people and want a private boat day built around Comino’s clearest water, caves, swimming spots, and possible access to Lantern Point and the P31 Wreck. The best value comes with a full group, and the private format lets you spend less time waiting and more time in the water.

Before booking, confirm the extra skipper and fuel charges, ask what underwater equipment is available beyond mask and snorkel, and accept that the named sites depend on conditions. If you can live with those limits, this is a flexible, practical way to see Comino from the water while keeping the mood relaxed.

FAQ

How long does the private boat charter last?

The charter lasts three hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private boat for a group of up to six people. The rate applies per boat, not per passenger.

Where does the boat depart?

In Malta, the meeting point is near Cirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal. In Gozo, it is near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mgarr Harbour Terminal.

Is the P31 Wreck always part of the route?

No. The P31 Wreck is visited only when weather and sea conditions permit. The skipper can change the route for safety.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. Mask and snorkel equipment are included. Other underwater equipment is not listed as included.

What additional costs are listed?

A professional skipper is listed at €74, and fuel consumption is listed at €74. Food, drinks, barbecue supplies, a barbecue, fishing equipment, and a fishing cooler are not included.