Comino looks unreal from a private boat. I love that this private group charter lets you pick your own swim plan, often aiming for the famous Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon, and I also like that snorkeling gear and paddleboards are ready when you are. It’s a simple, skipper-led day where you’re not stuck with a rigid schedule.

The main thing to consider is that Blue Lagoon can get crowded, so your enjoyment depends on the route your skipper chooses and the day’s conditions.

Key things to know before you go

• A skipper who tailors the day: You set the vibe early, then they suggest the best bays as the day unfolds
• Snacks, soft drinks, and coffee/tea on board: You keep moving without constant extra stops
• Snorkels and paddleboards included: Easy gear means more time in the water, less time getting ready
• BBQ is in your hands: If you choose the BBQ option, you can cook on board
• Meet at Creek Marina Pontoon in Ta’ Xbiex: Straightforward start, with an easy end back at the same place

Sailing From Ta’ Xbiex: The Meeting Point That Keeps Things Easy

Your day starts at Creek Marina Pontoon (Ta’ Xbiex, Malta) with a 9:00 am departure. You don’t have to hunt through a maze of meeting spots, and it’s noted as near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving.

You’ll also get a proper start from the crew: a quick boat orientation and a safety brief before you head out. That matters on a day like this, because once you’re off the dock, you’ll want to feel confident doing the fun stuff right away.

The charter runs about 8 hours, finishing back at the marina around 5:30 pm. That timing is handy: it’s long enough for a real Comino day, but it still leaves you with evening plans in Malta.

How the Skipper Turns Comino Into Your Day

This is a true private charter for up to 10 people. That’s the big value. Instead of lining up with strangers, you get to decide what kind of water day you want—calm swims, snorkeling time, paddleboard laps, or just soaking up the views from the deck.

Multiple skippers highlighted the same approach: friendly, relaxed, and willing to adjust. Names that come up include Paul and Justin, and both are described as people who offer options rather than pushing one plan. One day can be about the headline spots, and another day can be about avoiding rougher conditions or steering toward quieter bays.

One important practical note: wind and weather can change the route. If conditions make the Blue Lagoon plan less comfortable, the skipper may suggest a different lagoon that still delivers the swim-and-snorkel feel. That flexibility is why private charters can beat the day-trips that feel locked in.

Blue Lagoon vs Crystal Lagoon: Choosing the Right Swim Time

Most people come for Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and it’s easy to see why. The water is the main event, and it’s the kind of place where you want multiple dips: a lazy swim first, then snorkeling when you’ve warmed up.

Crystal Lagoon is the other big name, and you’ll likely hear it mentioned alongside Blue Lagoon as a top option. In practice, the difference is often crowd and mood. Blue Lagoon is popular, so it can be busy depending on the day. If that’s not your thing, you’ll be happier when your skipper uses their judgment to balance peak visibility with less hectic water time.

I like the way the day is described: you’re not just dropped into one spot and sent off. You’ll set a plan early, then visit bays based on what’s working that day. It keeps the day from feeling like a checklist and more like a choose-your-own-water-adventure.

Snacks, Soft Drinks, Tea, and What They Add to the Day

This charter takes care of the small stuff that quietly makes a day better. You’ll get soft drinks and snacks served throughout the trip, plus coffee and/or tea, and bottled water. Translation: you can spend more time in the sun and less time thinking about logistics.

Those included extras also matter for comfort. When you’re switching between paddleboarding, snorkeling, and relaxing on the boat, hydration and quick bites keep the energy level up. You’re less likely to rush because you forgot something back on shore.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes a smooth day with fewer decisions, this setup helps. There’s no scramble to find food at each stop, and you can stay in the flow with your group.

Snorkeling Equipment and Paddleboards: More Time Playing

You’ll have snorkeling equipment available and paddleboards too. That combination is what makes Comino feel like a full activity day instead of a slow boat ride.

Here’s how to think about it as a practical traveler: you don’t want to spend half your time assembling gear, swimming when you’re unprepared, or getting bored between stops. With gear on board, you can go straight from sunning to water play, and then back to relaxing.

Also, because this is a private group, you can pace it. If you want a long snorkel session, you can. If your group wants shorter bursts, you can. A shared plan is fine, but you won’t feel rushed by strangers trying to meet a schedule.

Most travelers can participate, so it’s a good fit for mixed groups. If you have kids or non-swimmers in your group, the onboard structure still lets everyone join in at their comfort level, with the boat acting as your safe base.

BBQ on Board: The One Choice That Turns It From Nice to Memorable

One option that genuinely changes the vibe is the BBQ. You can BBQ yourself on the included BBQ setup. Even if you’re not a grill expert, it adds a social rhythm to the day.

Food matters on a water trip because it turns the middle hours from just swimming into something you’ll remember. You’re together, you’re cooking, and you’re not breaking the day up with a shore plan.

Timing tip: plan on eating after you’ve had a swim and reset your energy. That way you’re not trying to cook while everyone is still hyped up and sandy from the water.

Lunch: When It’s Included vs When You Need to Request

Lunch is listed as not included as a standard item. That said, a cold pasta lunch could be provided upon request.

Some crews and hosts have offered pasta options that go beyond plain snacks when you ask ahead. For example, one account described a crew member’s wife preparing spaghetti bolognese as part of the lunch experience on a private day.

So here’s the practical move: if lunch matters to your group, ask during booking or messaging whether the cold pasta lunch is available and what it includes. That protects you from arriving expecting a full meal and only finding snacks and drinks.

Price and Value: What $826.61 Buys for Up to 10

At $826.61 per group (up to 10), this is priced for a shared group day, not a solo sightseeing ticket. The math gets favorable when you split the cost among friends, a family, or a mixed-age group.

What you’re paying for isn’t only access to Comino. You’re paying for:

• a private boat day with your group
• snorkeling equipment and paddleboards
• snacks, drinks, bottled water, and coffee/tea
• a skipper who helps decide the route and bay order based on conditions

There’s also mention that fuel is included for a normal trip. That matters because it reinforces that you’re not watching a meter all day.

Is it worth it if you’re only two people? It can still be worth it if you care about privacy and flexibility. But if you’re truly cost-minimizing, then shared group tours might look cheaper on paper. The difference is that private charters tend to feel calmer and more customizable once you’re out there.

Timing and Pace: A Full Day Without Feeling Like a Chore

The day flows like this: meet in the morning, get oriented, then set a plan together. From there, the skipper chooses which bays to visit, with Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon among the most popular targets.

You’ll be back at the marina by 5:30 pm, which is a comfortable finish time. It’s late enough to feel like you got your money’s worth, but not so late that you lose the whole evening.

This pacing is also practical for groups. If someone wants extra time swimming, you don’t have to convince them. If someone else wants to rest, you don’t have to bargain either. Private charters are often best when your group has different energy levels.

Crowd Management and Weather Reality Check

Let’s be honest: Comino’s headline spots can get busy, especially if Blue Lagoon is on your route that day. The solution is not hoping for magic. It’s letting your skipper steer.

Wind and weather also matter. One account notes that when it was too windy for a certain sailing plan, the skipper recommended a different lagoon and it worked out well. That’s the kind of outcome you want: calm adjustments instead of disappointment.

Weather-wise, the experience is described as requiring good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

My advice: if your dates are flexible, build in a little backup time. Comino days can be perfect, but they’re still weather-dependent.

Who This Private Comino Charter Fits Best

This is a strong choice if you want:

• a private day for up to 10 people
• lots of water time with snorkeling and paddleboards included
• a skipper who helps tailor the route rather than following one fixed script
• the option to make it more fun with BBQ on board

It’s also great for celebrations. One birthday story stuck out because the group had no preset plan, and the skipper built the day around what they wanted to see.

If you’re traveling with kids or mixed swimmers, the boat base helps. If your group wants quiet time away from crowds, the bay-hopping approach gives you chances to find calmer water.

Book or Skip: My Honest Take

I’d book this if your top priority is a private, flexible Comino day with included gear and a smooth food-and-drink setup. The combination of snacks, drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and a skipper who can adjust the plan is the core reason it feels worth it.

I might skip (or at least reconsider dates) if you hate crowd vibes and are set on Blue Lagoon no matter what. You can still have a great day, but your best results depend on route choices and conditions.

If you do book, message ahead about lunch if you want it, and be clear about your group’s mood: more swim time, more snorkeling focus, or more relaxed floating.

FAQ

How much does the Comino Blue Lagoon private boat charter cost?

It costs $826.61 per group (up to 10 people).

What time does the tour start and where do we meet?

You meet at Creek Marina Pontoon in Ta’ Xbiex, Malta at 9:00 am. The experience ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included on board?

The charter includes snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, bottled water, and coffee and/or tea. Soft drinks and snacks are also served throughout the trip.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, but a cold pasta lunch could be provided upon request.

Do we go to Blue Lagoon, or can the skipper choose other spots?

The day plan is set together with your skipper at the start, and common choices include Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. The skipper can suggest the best bays based on the day’s conditions.

What’s the cancellation policy if plans change?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.