Some days, the sea does the entertaining. A private boat trip around Comino and Gozo gives you the kind of flexible, stop-and-swim itinerary that group tours struggle with—plus you’re not sharing your best moments with strangers. This one pairs iconic bays like the Blue Lagoon with quieter Comino coves, then adds Gozo’s shoreline stops like Qala and the boat-access-only Bemberin Gorge.

I really like two things right away. First, the snorkeling setup is practical: snorkeling masks/equipment are included, and you’ll have multiple chances to get in the water (not just one quick stop). Second, the crew approach feels personal. In real trip experiences, skippers like Marvic and Fabio focus on the places you’re at, sharing facts along the way and helping your group see what you came for.

One consideration: you’re traveling on the water, and this experience needs good weather. If conditions are rough, the day can be rescheduled or refunded—so plan it as something you do on a flexible day, not the one day you absolutely can’t move.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Up to 15 people, private boat vibe: your group sets the feel, not a tour bus schedule.
• Snorkeling gear included plus multiple swim stops, including Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.
• Gozo add-on: Qala coastline stops (Tal-Halfa, Hondoq) and the boat-only Bemberin Gorge area.
• Cooler box with ice: bring your own food/drinks and keep it chilled onboard.
• Skipper-friendly timing: in practice, crews like Marvic and Fabio can help your group spend more or less time where you want.
• Bluetooth speaker onboard is sometimes available, so it’s easy to make the ride feel like your day.

Julie Pearl Boat: Space, Service, and the People Who Run the Day

This is a private tour with room for a group of up to 15, which changes everything about how the day feels. With a smaller, contained group, you can shift the mood quickly—long swim breaks when the water is calm, quieter time when you want to just float and look at the cliffs.

The boat part is also surprisingly comfortable for a day centered on water time. One of the most repeated wins from real-world experiences is the way skippers work the itinerary: Marvic and Fabio were both praised for being fun, friendly, and good at pointing out what matters at each stop. That means you’re not just being dropped into pretty water—you’re learning enough to enjoy it more. You also get fast, clear communication from Jeanette, who was highlighted for quick helpful replies and keeping things smooth from message to meeting point.

English is offered, and you also get a mobile ticket, which is handy when your day is already water-based and you don’t want paperwork to slow you down.

How Long Is This Boat Tour, Really? (2 to 6 Hours)

The duration ranges from about 2 to 6 hours, and that’s not just a scheduling detail—it affects what you can realistically do at each place. A shorter trip tends to mean fewer long swim sessions and less time “hanging” at any one bay. A longer option gives you more breathing room between stops, which is important because Comino spots can get crowded fast when the weather is right.

If you’re the type who wants to swim hard, snorkel longer, and actually enjoy the water (not just take photos), I’d lean toward the longer end of the range. If your group is mixed—some people love water, some don’t—2–4 hours can still work, especially if you want the scenic cruising without turning it into a full-day mission.

The Itinerary Flow: Why This Route Works

This route is built like a sampler platter of the best coastal looks around Comino and the Gozo shoreline. You start with the most famous swimming basin (Blue Lagoon), move to another clear-water area with caves (Crystal Lagoon), then widen the day with Gozo’s coast stops. After that, you include calmer Comino options like Santa Maria Bay and wrap with short “wow” moments like Elephant Rock and the Santa Maria Caves.

What I like about this structure is that it doesn’t force you into one long slog in the same type of scenery. You get bright shallow bays, cave areas for exploring the coastline from the boat, and beaches that feel different from each other.

Stop 1 on Comino: Blue Lagoon Swim Time in Crystal-Feeling Water

The Blue Lagoon is the star name for a reason. It’s located on Comino’s west side, and it’s known for shallow, clear, bright water. On this private tour, you anchor at a good spot and you’re set up for swimming and snorkeling.

The key value here is simple: this is where you go for the classic Comino postcard view, but you’re doing it from a private boat where you can typically manage your time better. You’ll get about 2 hours here, which is long enough to do a proper swim session, not just a quick dip.

A practical tip: if your group has both swimmers and non-swimmers, agree early on who wants to stay in the water and who wants to rest. With the private format, that kind of split is easier because you can organize yourselves without holding up a big group.

Stop 2: Crystal Lagoon Caves, Snorkeling Masks, and Movie-Spot Views

Next comes Crystal Lagoon, on the north west side of Comino. This area is described as clear turquoise water with caves, some shallow enough to have sandy bottoms. The vibe here is different from Blue Lagoon: it feels more “explore the edges” and less “float in the center.”

You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes, and you can swim and snorkel again. Masks are provided for free, and the crew will show you around the caves in the lagoon.

Two cave names pop up here because they were used in filming: Lovers cave and Popeye’s cave. Even if you don’t know the exact scenes, it’s a fun way to give your brain a hook while you’re staring at rock formations underwater.

Here’s my consideration for this stop: cave areas can be visually intense, so it’s easy to lose track of time. If you want good photos, bring a plan—brief photo checkpoints rather than constant stopping and starting.

Gozo Coastal Stops from the Qala Area: Beaches and Bemberin Gorge

Then the tour shifts to Gozo’s south coast, focusing on the Qala area. This is where the day stops being only about Comino and becomes a fuller island story.

You’ll visit a few specific places:

• Tal-Halfa beach, behind Halfa Rock, a clay-rich setting with history tied to the rock landmark.
• Hondoq bay, described as a pebbly beach with nice blue-leaning turquoise water.
• Bemberin gorge, a hidden inlet accessible only by boat, with multiple caves.

The Bemberin gorge portion is especially interesting if you like cliffside thrills. It’s mentioned as a spot where cliff-diving fans go, plus it’s known for clear water. If that’s not your thing, it still works for you: the caves and boat-access-only feel create a sense of “we’re seeing something most people don’t.”

This section also makes the day feel more varied. Beaches give you easy decompression, while the gorge gives you drama.

Santa Maria Bay: The Quieter Comino Beach Break

After the bigger stops, you get a calmer pause at Santa Maria Bay. It’s a smaller sandy beach and generally positioned as quieter than Blue Lagoon, which is only about a 20-minute walk away.

What you’ll like here is the water and the simplicity. Santa Maria Bay has shallow, clear water and it’s right next to Comino’s small police station, which is one reason boats are controlled in the area.

There’s one downside to keep in mind from the info: you might see dead algae on the shore due to currents. That doesn’t mean the water is bad—it’s more of a “local conditions” reality. If your group is picky about beach aesthetics, go in with open expectations and focus on the swim water quality.

You’ll get about 1 hour here, which is a good length for a relaxed break: swim, stretch, dry off, and reset before any final cave/rock moments.

Elephant Rock: The Quick Photo and Underwater-Shape Bonus

Between Comino stops, the route passes Elephant Rock—a natural arch on the east side shaped like an elephant with its head dipping into the water.

The cruise-by matters because it’s a low-effort, high-payoff moment. You don’t have to hike or plan a long stop. You just keep your eyes on the waterline and grab a few photos when it appears.

The information also notes that the seabed is sandy with sparse posidonia patches and that the area suits divers, with depth ranges from about 3 meters to 18 meters. Even if you’re not doing that, it’s a useful clue that the site has underwater structure that draws people.

Santa Maria Caves: A 30-Minute Cave Complex You Can Actually See

Finally, you visit Santa Maria Caves on Comino’s north side. These are shallow caves described as a series of five, and they’re listed as a popular cave system.

The time window here is short—about 30 minutes—but short doesn’t have to mean disappointing. Cave entrances and formations can be easier to take in on a boat when the stop is focused. You’re not expected to spend the day there; you’re meant to admire the formations and move on.

These caves have also been used in filming The Count of Monte Cristo, which gives you another cultural hook while you’re looking at the rock work. If you want a simple trick: assign one person in your group to “spot” the cave shapes for each stop. It turns the ride into a shared activity.

What You Bring: Food, Drinks, and How to Keep It Easy

Lunch is not included, so you should plan to bring your own food and drinks. The good news is you’re not stuck with warm snacks. You’ll have a cooler box with cooling ice complimentary to help keep things chilled onboard.

This is one reason the private format is such good value for groups. Everyone can eat the way they want—sandwiches, fruit, whatever—without buying overpriced boat or beach meals.

One more practical detail from real trips: there can be an option to stop at a harbor for lunch, depending on how the day runs. That’s not something I’d count on as guaranteed, but it’s encouraging if your group wants a real meal instead of a picnic.

Also, bring swimwear, a towel, and something simple to cover up when you’re out of the water. Boats can get breezy fast, and Comino sun can be intense even when the water looks inviting.

Price and Value for a Private Group Up to 15

The price is $716.85 per group, for up to 15 people, and the trip typically runs 2 to 6 hours. On the surface, that’s a lot of money. But for a private boat in a high-demand area, the value comes from dividing the cost across the group and using your time efficiently.

Here’s how I’d think about it:

• If you’re only 4 people, it can feel pricey.
• If you’re closer to 10–15 people, it becomes a smart way to buy everyone a high-impact day without everyone paying separate “activity” prices.
• It’s also easier to control your day. If your group wants more swim time at a particular bay, the private setup can help.

The trip includes fuel surcharge and snorkeling equipment, which are useful extras that help reduce hidden costs. English is covered, and you also get a mobile ticket for a smoother start.

Two quick logistics notes:

• You can request optional private taxi/van/coach transfers to and from the boat area, for an additional cost. That can be a big help if your group is traveling with bags or a mix of mobility levels.
• The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out a separate ride later.

When This Tour Is a Great Fit (and When It Isn’t)

This is a strong match if you’re traveling with friends, a mixed-age group who wants a safe, structured day, or anyone who loves water but doesn’t want to spend the whole trip commuting between viewpoints.

It’s also a great fit if you want classic Comino highlights (Blue Lagoon) plus a little more depth (Crystal Lagoon caves and Gozo coastline stops). You’re not doing only the famous places and then calling it a day.

Where it might not fit:

• If your group hates the idea of water time, this can feel like too much “go in, come out.”
• If your visit week is tight and weather could threaten plans, treat it like a flexible-day activity. The operator notes that the experience requires good weather.

Should You Book the Comino and Gozo Private Boat Tour with Julie Pearl?

If your group wants an easy, high-reward day on the water—think swim breaks, caves, and beaches—this is a book-worthy option. The best reason is the combination of included snorkeling equipment, a private group size up to 15, and a route that mixes famous sights with calmer moments.

I’d book it if:

• You’re traveling with friends and can fill at least a mid-size group.
• You want Comino highlights plus a real Gozo taste in the same day.
• You like the idea of bringing your own lunch and using the cooler box with ice.

I’d hesitate only if:

• Your schedule is rigid and you can’t handle a potential weather change.
• You’re coming solo or as a tiny group, since the per-group cost means less value.

FAQ

How many people can be on this private boat tour?

It’s a private tour for your group, with capacity up to 15 people.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is food or lunch provided?

Lunch, food, and drinks are not included. You bring what you like, and there is a cooler box with cooling ice complimentary to store it.

Where does the tour start and end?

Pickup is offered as an optional transfer, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 2 to 6 hours.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.