Comino Private Boat Trip: The Complete Guide to Malta’s Best Day on the Water (2026)
Planning a trip to Malta and want to experience the islands the way they were meant to be seen? A Comino private boat trip is the single best thing you can do. It gives you the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, dramatic sea caves, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean — all at your own pace, with no crowds and no strangers on board.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know. You will find out what to expect, which locations you will visit, how long to go for, and why private is always better than group.
What Is a Comino Private Boat Trip?
A Comino private boat trip is a fully private charter with just your group on board. There are no strangers, no packed decks, and no fixed stops you did not choose. Instead, you get a local skipper, a comfortable boat, and the most stunning stretch of Mediterranean water you will ever see.
At iMalta Boat Trips, we run small private group tours from two brilliant starting points. You can depart from Cirkewwa in north Malta or Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. Both locations sit just minutes from Comino by sea. As a result, you spend more time exploring and less time travelling.
Why Private Makes All the Difference
On a private trip, your skipper works entirely for your group. You swim directly from the boat, linger as long as you like in the Blue Lagoon, and duck into caves that large tour boats simply cannot reach. Furthermore, you set the pace — not a ferry timetable.
For a full breakdown of why private wins, read our guides: Private Boat vs Group Tour Malta 2026, Are Private Boat Trips Worth It?, and Private Boat vs Big Blue Lagoon Tour. Outdoor Explorers Malta also has a great comparison on private boat tours vs group tours.
Where Does the Trip Depart From?
Cirkewwa — North Malta
Cirkewwa sits on the northern tip of Malta. It is the closest point on the mainland to Comino, so you reach the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon quickly. As a result, you spend the maximum amount of time in the water.
Mgarr Harbour — Gozo
If you are staying in Gozo, departing from Mgarr Harbour is an excellent option. The harbour is one of Malta’s most charming starting points. Read our full Mgarr Harbour Gozo guide to find out what makes it so special. From here, your skipper takes you along the southern Gozo coastline before crossing to Comino — giving you a double dose of incredible scenery before you even arrive.
Both departure points place you as close as possible to blue water. Therefore, your trip is packed with swimming, snorkelling, and cave exploring from the very start.
What Will You See on a Comino Private Boat Trip?
💙 The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is the headline act — and it earns every bit of its reputation. It sits tucked between Comino and the tiny uninhabited islet of Cominotto. Its water is an almost unreal shade of turquoise that photographs struggle to capture.
On your private boat, your skipper anchors in the lagoon and you swim directly off the back of the boat. The water is so clear you can see the sandy bottom below you. Moreover, you will not jostle for space on a packed ferry or fight for a spot on the shore.
Plan Your Blue Lagoon Visit
Before you go, read our full Blue Lagoon Malta Guide 2026 and our tips on how to visit without the crowds. For fees and restrictions, check our Blue Lagoon price breakdown and Blue Lagoon rules 2026. Outdoor Explorers Malta also has excellent guides on Blue Lagoon tickets 2026, how to get to Blue Lagoon, and whether the Blue Lagoon is worth it.
🌊 Crystal Lagoon
Crystal Lagoon sits just south of the Blue Lagoon on Comino’s coastline. Fewer tourists know about it — and consequently, it feels far more special when you arrive. In fact, many guests say the water here is even clearer than the Blue Lagoon itself.
Because large group boats cannot enter the shallow bay, you often have it almost entirely to yourself. Additionally, the cliffs surrounding it make for dramatic snorkelling. For the adventurous, it is also one of the best spots for cliff diving in Malta.
For everything you need to know before you visit, read our Crystal Lagoon Malta Guide, our Complete Crystal Lagoon 2026 Guide, and the Crystal Lagoon local guide on Outdoor Explorers Malta.
🕳️ The Comino Sea Caves
This is where a private boat trip truly comes into its own. The sea caves along Comino’s coastline are one of Malta’s best-kept secrets. However, you can only properly explore them on a small private boat with a skipper who knows them well.
What the Caves Are Like
Some caves are open sea arches you can swim through. Others are deeper caverns where light filters through the water and turns everything electric blue. Your skipper takes you into as many as sea conditions allow. Furthermore, if you want to snorkel inside them, you absolutely can.
Read more in our Comino Caves Guide, our Private Boat Caves Guide, and the Comino cave adventures guide on Outdoor Explorers Malta. For a full list of the best caves around the island, also check out Best Comino Caves.
🌿 Santa Marija Bay and Hidden Coves
Comino offers far more than the Blue Lagoon. For example, Santa Marija Bay on the eastern side of the island is a calm, sheltered spot perfect for quieter swimming. Read our full Santa Marija Bay guide to find out what makes it worth a stop. Your skipper may also take you to hidden coves only accessible by boat — spots where you can swim, relax, and feel like you have the whole island to yourself.
🪨 Cominotto Island
Drifting past Cominotto is one of the quiet highlights of any private trip. This tiny, completely uninhabited islet sits opposite the Blue Lagoon. No ferry stops here and no tourists explore it on foot. As a result, it has a wild, untouched feel that is rare anywhere in the Mediterranean.
Cominotto is one of Malta’s best-kept secrets — read the full Cominotto Island best kept secret guide and the Comino and Cominotto history guide on Outdoor Explorers Malta for fascinating background on both islands.
🏰 Comino Tower — Saint Mary’s Tower
As you cruise around Comino, you will spot Saint Mary’s Tower standing guard on the island’s headland. Built in 1618, it is one of Malta’s most striking coastal watchtowers and has a rich history tied to the island’s defence against pirates and invaders.
Read our dedicated Comino Tower guide for the full story behind the tower, and also check out why Comino Tower still matters today on Outdoor Explorers Malta.
⚓ Comino’s Fascinating History
Comino has a history far richer than most visitors realise. The island has been used as a prison, a pirate stronghold, and a strategic military outpost. It was even a haunt of the infamous Ottoman pirate Dragut. Read the full story in Pirates, Prisons and Power — Comino History on Outdoor Explorers Malta.
You can also read about Salvu — one of the last remaining Comino residents, whose family has lived on the island for generations. It is a fascinating glimpse into a way of life that is almost entirely gone.
How Long Should Your Trip Be?
We offer several trip lengths. Here is a quick breakdown to help you decide.
⏱️ 1 Hour Private Boat Trip — from €100
Perfect if you are short on time or visiting on a cruise. You visit the Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon, take a swim, and take in the scenery. It is also a brilliant taster of what Comino is all about.
⏱️ 2 Hour Private Boat Trip — €199
Our most popular choice for families and couples. Two hours gives you both lagoons, a proper swim, and time to snorkel before heading back. Additionally, your skipper can include a cave or two depending on conditions.
⏱️ 3 Hour Private Boat Trip — €289
Our half-day option suits groups who want to see more. You cover the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, sea caves, hidden bays, and Cominotto. In short, it is a proper Comino adventure.
⏱️ 4 Hour Private Boat Trip — €369
The ultimate Comino and Gozo experience. Your skipper takes you around the full Comino coastline and crosses into Gozo waters. You explore Mgarr Harbour and the dramatic southern Gozo coastline. Consequently, this is the trip for those who want the full picture. Read more about what Gozo offers in our Discover Gozo guide and the Best of Gozo guide on Outdoor Explorers Malta.
Still unsure which length suits you? Read our how many hours guide.
Snorkelling on a Comino Private Boat Trip
Snorkelling equipment is included in every trip — and the waters around Comino are some of the best in the Mediterranean for it. The rocky walls, sandy patches, and clear visibility make it ideal for all ages and experience levels.
Read our full Snorkelling Comino and Blue Lagoon guide and the Snorkelling Malta guide on Outdoor Explorers Malta for the best spots and insider tips.
Gozo From the Water
On our longer trips, your skipper crosses into Gozo waters and explores its dramatic coastline. Hidden bays, rocky headlands, and spots like Halfa Rock make Gozo from the sea an incredible experience. If you are planning to spend more time on the island, also read our Gozo beaches guide and the Travel to Gozo guide before your trip. For the most scenic evenings on the island, check out our 5 best sunset spots in Gozo.
What Is Included in Your Trip?
Every iMalta private boat trip includes the following as standard:
- ✅ Fully private boat — just your group
- ✅ Local, experienced skipper
- ✅ Snorkelling equipment for everyone on board
- ✅ Fuel and all running costs
- ✅ Flexible itinerary adjusted to your preferences
- ✅ BYO — bring your own food and drinks on board
- ✅ Life vests available for all passengers including children
For the full breakdown, read our What’s Included in a Private Boat Rental Malta page. For pricing, our Private Boat Cost Malta guide covers everything clearly and honestly.
What Our Guests Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Michael Norco — a month ago
“We had the most incredible boat day yesterday with our 6-month-old, and we can’t recommend this experience enough. Zlatko, our captain, was absolutely fantastic — kind, calm, and incredibly helpful from start to finish. Traveling with a baby always adds a layer of logistics, but Zlatko made everything feel easy and relaxed. He was patient, safety-conscious, and went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable. We never felt rushed and truly got to enjoy the stunning views and crystal-clear water. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Thank you, Zlatko, for such a memorable day for our little family!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nicholas Pinto — Local Guide — a week ago
“We had a wonderful afternoon with Brenden. Our 2 young children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The boat was spacious and comfortable for 6. The proposed itinerary took into account our preferences. He suggested swimming at the Blue Lagoon and only visiting Crystal Lagoon due to the water temperatures in early April. We greatly appreciated his suggestion. We stayed at the Blue Lagoon for as long as we wanted and still saw the caves along the Comino coast. Brenden was very friendly, courteous and professional. Wouldn’t hesitate a second to rebook if we return to Malta.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ John McCulloch — 5 months ago
“We had the most perfect day out exploring the caves and swimming areas of Comino. Our skipper John took us to beautiful areas to swim and take in the sites. We hired a 4 hour private charter and brought our own food and drinks on board. It was so nice to have the luxury of deciding where we wanted to go and how long we wanted to spend in each area. Must do whilst in Malta. iMalta are a locally owned family company and couldn’t do enough for us — so friendly and well organised.”
Is This Trip Good for Families?
Absolutely. Families are some of our most frequent and most satisfied guests. As the reviews above show, our skippers have safely taken out guests ranging from 6-month-old babies to grandparents.
Because the trip is private, the pace is set entirely by your family. If the little ones want to stay longer in the Blue Lagoon, you stay. Snorkelling equipment is provided for all ages. Additionally, life vests are always available. Our skippers are experienced with young children and always make safety the priority.
Is This Trip Good for Couples?
Without question. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, a honeymoon, or simply want something truly memorable together, a private boat on the waters of Comino is hard to beat.
For the most romantic experience, consider our Sunset Cruise Malta — drifting back toward Malta as the sun drops behind Gozo, with the water turning gold around you. Furthermore, if you are planning something extra special, we have helped many guests propose on a boat in Malta — and it is always unforgettable.
Explore Comino by Jet Ski
Want to experience Comino in a more adventurous way? Book a Malta Jet Ski Rental and ride through the same stunning waters around Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. The jet ski safari route covers Comino’s most dramatic coastline, including cave entrances, open water, and the lagoons themselves. No licence is required. It is the perfect way to add an extra thrill to your day on the water.
Visiting Malta on a Cruise?
If you are arriving on a cruise ship, a Comino private boat trip is one of the best excursions you can fit into a single day. Departing from Cirkewwa — easily reachable from Valletta — you reach the Blue Lagoon within the hour. Read our full Malta Cruise Guide and the Cruise Stop Malta guide on Outdoor Explorers Malta for everything you need to plan your excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat licence? No. You travel as a passenger on a fully skippered private charter. Read our guide on whether you need a licence to rent a boat in Malta for more detail.
How many people can join? Our trips suit small private groups, typically up to 8–10 people depending on the boat. This keeps the experience genuinely private — not a so-called small group of 30.
What is the best time of year? May through October is peak season. Water temperatures are perfect for swimming from June onwards. However, April is also a great option — the Blue Lagoon is beautiful and far less crowded than in summer.
Can I bring food and drinks? Yes. All iMalta private boat charters are BYO. Bring a cooler, stock it with whatever you like, and enjoy it on the water.
What happens if the weather is bad? Safety is always the priority. If conditions are unfavourable, your skipper adjusts the itinerary to sheltered areas. Alternatively, we offer a reschedule or full refund. We never take guests out in unsafe conditions.
Can I snorkel on this trip? Absolutely. Snorkelling around Comino and the Blue Lagoon is one of the best parts of the trip. All equipment is included at no extra cost.
Is a Comino private boat trip worth it? Every time. Read our full breakdown in Are Private Boat Trips Worth It in Malta? — the difference between a private charter and a group ferry is night and day.
Book Your Comino Private Boat Trip Today
There is nothing quite like a day on the water around Comino. You float in the Blue Lagoon, explore sea caves, drift past Cominotto, and snorkel in water so clear it barely feels real.
At iMalta Boat Trips, we are a locally owned, family-run company. Our skippers have spent their lives on these waters. Every trip is private, personal, and built entirely around your group.
👉 Book your Comino private boat trip here — choose your duration, pick your departure point, and we will take care of the rest.
Have a question before you book? Get in touch with us — we are always happy to help you plan the perfect day on the water.
