Crystal water meets a calm, private pace on this 2-hour boat charter around Comino. You’ll start and finish from Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr (Gozo) and spend the time doing the real highlights: caves, cliffs, and multiple swim stops where you can get off the boat, stretch your legs, and cool off.

What I liked most is how the trip balances icons with breathing room. You get anchored stops at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon without racing from one crowd scene to another, plus an onboard setup that makes swimming and snorkeling feel easy.

One thing to consider: the whole outing is only about two hours, so it’s ideal for quick swims and photos, not a slow beach day.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private charter for your group only, so the schedule is flexible for your crew
• Short, well-placed swim stops at Santa Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and around Comino
• Snorkeling equipment included, plus a shower and shaded area onboard
• Santa Maria Bay’s older police station site gives context beyond just scenery
• Fuel is included as part of the planned route, which helps when you compare value

Boarding from Cirkewwa or Mgarr: the start that matters

This charter is designed as a true private experience. You’re not folded into a large group with a strict “follow the leader” vibe. Instead, it runs for your party only, with an experienced skipper guiding the route and the timing of stops.

You’ll board at either Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo (depending on your booking details). That’s a practical advantage: you can choose the departure point that makes sense for where you’re staying, and it’s near public transportation, so you’re not stuck hunting for private taxi-only logistics.

You’ll receive confirmation at booking time and use a mobile ticket, which is handy if you don’t want to keep track of printed paperwork. Plan to arrive with a bit of buffer so you’re not stressed when you’re ready to swap land legs for sea time.

Santa Maria Bay: quiet water, cave access, and a real historical touch

Santa Maria Bay is the kind of stop that feels like a win early in the day. It’s described as a quieter bay of Comino, which matters because Comino can get busy. Here, the payoff is that you get an area with fewer people while still being close enough to major viewpoints and coastal spots.

You can disembark and take a walk around the island area, and there’s also the chance to go along with the boat toward the Santa Maria Caves and cliffs, which are only accessible by boat. That’s a big deal: it turns the stop from “see a pretty view” into “see a coastline you can’t really reach any other way.”

There’s also a history angle that adds weight to the scenery. Santa Maria is home to one of the oldest police stations still in use in Malta, built in the 18th century to safeguard the island from smuggling and black-market activity. Even if you’re not a museum person, it’s the kind of detail that makes the bay feel lived-in instead of just postcard-scenic.

Possible drawback: if you’re hoping for a long shore walk and a long swim, Santa Maria is still a short stop within a 2-hour total. It’s best for a quick walk plus one solid swim or photo loop, then you’re back onboard to chase the next lagoon.

Blue Lagoon and Cominotto: why this 30-minute anchor stop works

The Blue Lagoon is the obvious headline. You’re getting crystal-clear turquoise water between Comino and its smaller neighbor, Cominotto. The key word here is anchored: the charter drops anchor away from the crowds, then you jump in and explore.

You’ll have about a 30-minute window for swimming and enjoying the water. In real terms, that means you don’t need to commit to a full-day itinerary to experience the icon. It’s “get your bearings fast, then swim while the water looks perfect.”

And the layout of the area makes the short stop feel longer. With water between Comino and Cominotto, you get options: swim in place, float and look up at the cliffs, or swim short distances depending on your comfort level. If you like snorkeling, the included gear makes it simpler to do a quick look around rather than spending the stop figuring out what to wear.

Practical tip: bring your best swim energy, not your slowest pace. Two hours overall means every stop counts. If you’re prone to lingering on decks, you’ll want to set a mental timer so you actually get in the water at least once here.

Crystal Lagoon under the cliffs and by Saint Mary Tower

If Blue Lagoon is the headline, Crystal Lagoon is the “how is the water this clear” sequel. It’s described as panoramic, with turquoise water under cliffsides and caves, and the big advantage is that it’s only accessible by boat.

This is where your scenery gets more dramatic. You’ll drop anchor under the cliffs, and there’s a swim stop where you can swim in and around caves. The presence of caves changes the feel of the swim: it’s not just open water, it’s a coastline with character.

There’s also a visual landmark that helps you orient yourself: Saint Mary Tower stands by the cliffs in this area. Even if you’re not zooming in with a camera the whole time, the tower gives you something stable to “aim” for while you swim and take photos.

What to watch for: cave-adjacent swimming can look tempting, so keep it calm and controlled. If you’re not a confident swimmer, stick to open water zones near the anchor point and let someone else explore the edges. The tour gives you a swim window, not a rescue plan.

Rounding Comino: flexible photo stops and extra swim time

After the lagoons, the charter shifts into “around Comino” mode. You’ll go along the island’s coastline with multiple opportunities for swim stops and photos. The tour is set up so the stops aren’t treated like a strict clockwork schedule.

Instead, the timing is described as not strict, and you can choose to spend more time at one place than another. That flexibility is what keeps the whole experience from feeling like a rigid checklist. If Blue Lagoon feels perfect and you want another swim round, you can lean into it. If you’d rather focus on photos along the cliffs, you can do that too.

This part of the experience is where the “private charter” idea really pays off. On a larger tour, you’d often be herded. Here, the skipper can work with the conditions and your preferences to keep the day from turning into a sprint.

Reality check: with only about 2 hours total, the flexibility is meaningful but not infinite. You still need to be ready to move when the route calls.

What’s included onboard: the practical stuff that changes your day

The included items aren’t just nice-to-haves. They directly affect whether you enjoy the swims instead of just tolerating them.

Here’s what’s provided:

• Experienced skipper who runs the charter and finds good spots
• Snorkeling equipment, so you can use the cave and lagoon scenery without extra rentals
• Shower, which is a big comfort upgrade after salt water
• Cooler with ice, useful if you want cold drinks during the trip
• Extending shade, which matters because Comino sun can feel intense
• VAT and tax
• Fuel (as per the planned route)

When you compare value, the smart question isn’t only what you pay. It’s what you’d have to rent or scramble for otherwise. For example, snorkeling gear and shade are the kind of details that make a short tour feel complete. The shower turns the experience from “fun now, annoying later” into “fun now, comfortable later.”

Also, the reviews you’ll find for this style of charter often point to the skipper being friendly and the route feeling right. The structure here supports that: an experienced captain, a private group, and time on the water instead of endless instructions.

Bring your own comfort: towels and sunscreen

Some of the most common pain points on boat days are avoidable. Here’s what you’ll need to bring based on what’s not included:

• Towels
• Sun block

Boat trips are quick, but sun exposure and wind can trick you. Even if the water looks cool, your skin can burn fast. Bring sunscreen that you trust, and reapply as needed, especially if you’re in and out of the water.

Towels sound obvious, but you’ll be glad you packed one. You’ll want something to dry off before you head back to land, and towels make the shower onboard feel more like a reset than a rinse.

Weather and timing: how to plan around the sea

This tour requires good weather. That’s not a scare tactic; it’s the difference between calm, swimmable anchor stops and rougher conditions that can cut the day short.

The itinerary timing is also built around real sea conditions. Each main stop is about 30 minutes, but the stop timing is not strict. That flexibility helps the skipper respond to wind, water conditions, and how long people want to swim or take photos.

If you’re scheduling this on a tight Malta itinerary, keep the weather in mind. If conditions look shaky, you’ll want a backup plan for the day you book.

Value check: why this private 2-hour format can be a smart buy

Even when the price varies by group and operator details, the structure tells you where the value comes from.

You’re paying for:

• a private charter (your group only)
• an experienced skipper
• snorkeling equipment
• comfort basics like a shower, shade, and ice-cold cooler

For many people, the biggest question is whether you’ll get enough time on the water to justify it. Here, you do: two hours gives you multiple swim stops plus a round around Comino. It’s a “hit the highlights” format that works well if you want the lagoons without committing to an all-day plan.

The best value usually comes when you can fully use the inclusions. If you want to swim at least twice and do some snorkeling, you’ll get your money’s worth faster. If you mostly want to lounge and skip water time, a shorter or different option might suit you better.

Who this tour fits best

This charter is a strong match if you:

• want a private group experience on a short schedule
• enjoy swimming in lagoon water and want multiple stops
• care about convenience (snorkel gear, shade, shower, cooler)
• like photography with cliffs, caves, and landmarks like Saint Mary Tower

It may feel less ideal if you:

• want a long beach break with hours ashore
• dislike swimming time limits and prefer extended shore time
• forget towels and sunscreen (you’ll still be able to swim, but you’ll feel it afterward)

Should you book Bahri Charters Comino and the Blue Lagoon?

I’d book this if you want the Comino highlights in a tidy, private 2-hour window, with the practical comforts handled for you. The best sign is the stop style: anchor away from crowds, then give you swim time where the views and caves actually matter.

Do it if your goal is simple: water, photos, and a couple of swims at the right places. Skip it if you’re chasing an all-day slow pace or you hate the idea of short swim windows.

If the weather is good on your booking day, this is the kind of experience that turns a quick Malta trip into a real “I remember that water” moment.

FAQ

How long is the Comino and Blue Lagoon private boat tour?

It lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the boat tour start and end?

The charter starts and finishes in Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr (Gozo).

How many swimming stops are included?

The tour includes swim stops at several locations: Santa Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and around Comino.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included.

What should I bring since towels and sunscreen are not included?

Bring towels and sun block so you can dry off and protect your skin after swimming.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

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