Malta: Blue Lagoon, Caves, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip

The real appeal here is simple: you get a private boat around Comino, not a seat on a packed sightseeing vessel. Your skipper can shape the outing around swimming, snorkeling, caves, or quiet bays, with Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon as the main stars.

I like the freedom to start from Malta or Gozo, and I like the useful onboard extras: snorkel gear, swimming noodles, a cooler with ice, fresh water, and a ladder. One thing to watch is the price wording. The advertised rate is $227 per group, but you must also pay €44 for the skipper and €44 for fuel in cash.

Key points

• Private boat for up to 12 people: Keep the boat to your own family, friends, or couple’s group.
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: Swim and snorkel in two of Comino’s best-known coves, with Crystal Lagoon offering deeper water and caves.
• Santa Marija Caves: Look for blue reflections, rock formations, and clear water along the island’s coast.
• Quiet St. Nicholas Bay: Ask for time away from the busiest swimming areas.
• Gozo, Comino, and Cominotto: Your route can include all three islands, depending on the chosen plan.
• Practical onboard kit: Expect snorkels, an ice chest, drinking water, life jackets, noodles, a ladder, and a fresh water shower.

A private way to see Comino’s famous blue water

Comino is small, rugged, and best appreciated from the sea. Its coast is cut with coves, rock shelves, sea caves, and narrow inlets that are hard to understand from shore. A private charter gives you a better chance to see several of these places without following a large boat’s fixed routine.

The boat trip is offered for up to 12 people, so the value depends heavily on your group size. For a full group, $227 is a reasonable base price for a private outing, especially since the boat, equipment, and skipper arrangement are reserved for your party. For only two people, the cost feels much less attractive than for a family or group of friends.

The listed base price is not the complete cash cost. You also pay €44 for the skipper and €44 for fuel, for an additional €88. Since the advertised price is in dollars and the extra charges are in euros, confirm the final amount and accepted payment method before you go.

Choosing Malta or Gozo as your starting point

You can begin in Malta or Gozo. This is useful if your day is already built around one island, since you do not need to cross back to a different starting point before boarding.

The exact meeting process is informal but practical. The skipper sends a text with a live location, helping you find the boat. Keep your phone charged and check messages before departure, since no fixed meeting detail beyond the live location is supplied.

The activity begins and ends at the meeting point. It lasts between two and four hours, with starting times depending on availability. That range matters. A two-hour trip may focus on the main lagoons and a few caves, while a longer outing gives you more time for Gozo, Cominotto, Santa Marija Caves, and St. Nicholas Bay.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and worth seeing

Blue Lagoon is the first stop. Its appeal is obvious: turquoise water, a pale seabed, and a natural swimming-pool feel surrounded by Comino’s rocky coast.

This is the place to swim, snorkel, and take photographs. The water’s clarity makes it a strong choice for a quick look below the surface, and the boat gives you a useful alternative to staying on the crowded shore.

The main caution is the name itself. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known sights, so it is not automatically peaceful. A private boat does not make the whole bay empty. It does give your group more control over where you swim and how long you stay, and your skipper may be able to position the boat away from the thickest shore crowds.

Bring a towel and beachwear, but do not assume that the boat removes every practical concern. You still need sun protection, a camera that is safe around water, and a dry place for phones and valuables. The supplied details mention an ice chest, but they do not promise a full meal, so bring anything substantial you want to eat.

Crystal Lagoon for deeper water and sea caves

Crystal Lagoon is the more adventurous stop. The cove has deeper water and is presented as a good place for diving and cliff-jumping. Since those activities carry more risk than a simple swim, use your own judgment and follow the skipper’s instructions.

For most people, the real treat is the scenery around the water. Crystal Lagoon has sea caves and rock formations that you can approach by boat or explore while snorkeling. Sunlight passing through the openings creates changing color in the water, making this a more atmospheric stop than a standard beach visit.

The word snorkeling is important here. The trip includes snorkeling gear, but you should be comfortable in open water before leaving the boat. Life jackets are included, and swimming noodles are available, which helps make the equipment useful for people who want support while floating.

Ask how much time is planned at Crystal Lagoon. On a shorter two-hour charter, it may be a brief swim and cave stop. On a longer trip, it can become one of the main reasons to book.

Santa Marija Caves and the coast of Comino

The Santa Marija Caves are a collection of sea caves along Comino’s coast. The striking feature is the blue reflection created when sunlight hits the water inside and around the cave openings.

Your boat allows you to see the entrances from the water instead of treating the coast as a distant view. The caves also offer chances to snorkel around rock formations and observe marine life in clear water.

Conditions can affect how close the boat gets and how comfortable it is to enter the water. The supplied information does not promise that every cave will be entered, so think of this as a coastal exploration with optional swimming and snorkeling, not a guaranteed cave walk.

I like this part of the route because it adds texture to the trip. Blue Lagoon gives you the famous postcard scene. The caves give you a closer look at how Comino’s shore is shaped, with darker openings, reflected light, and water-level views that you cannot get from a beach.

Santa Marija Tower adds a touch of Malta’s past

As the boat continues, you pass Santa Marija Tower, a 17th-century fortress built by the Knights of St. John. It was designed as a watchtower and has also appeared in films, including The Count of Monte Cristo.

The tower is not described as an interior visit, so expect a view from the boat rather than a guided historical tour. Even so, it is a useful pause in the scenery. After the pale water and bare rock, the sturdy stone structure gives you a reminder that Comino was part of Malta’s defensive network.

If you enjoy history, ask the skipper for context while you pass. The listed guide languages are English, Italian, and Maltese, so communication should be possible in one of those languages. One trip was led by Captain Jeffrey, who was described as kind and informative. The skipper assigned to your departure may be different, but the captain is clearly an important part of the experience.

St. Nicholas Bay for a quieter swim

St. Nicholas Bay is the place to request if you want a slower, less crowded stop. It is described as one of Comino’s quieter beaches, with clear water, a sandy shore, and room for a swim or picnic.

This bay helps balance the famous lagoons. Blue Lagoon is the must-see sight, while St. Nicholas Bay offers a chance to sit back without treating every minute as a photo stop.

The boat trip includes a cooler with ice and table water, so you have a few useful basics onboard. A picnic is mentioned as an option, but food is not included. Bring your own meal if you want to eat during the stop, and keep in mind that the activity is only two to four hours.

You can also use the fresh water shower after swimming. That small feature matters more than it sounds, especially if you are continuing your day elsewhere and do not want saltwater on your skin.

Gozo and Cominotto broaden the route

The charter can include Gozo, Comino, and Cominotto. The precise balance depends on the length of the trip and the route agreed with the skipper.

Cominotto is especially useful as part of a wider coastal outing because it gives you another viewpoint on the waters around Comino. Gozo offers a broader island setting, while Comino supplies the lagoons, caves, and compact coastal stops that define this excursion.

Do not expect a full land tour of Gozo during a two-to-four-hour boat ride. The main product is the sea route, not a walking tour or a sightseeing drive. If you want time on land, ask before booking how much of the charter will be spent cruising, swimming, and stopping at beaches.

The ability to start from Gozo is a practical advantage for people already staying there. It can also make the trip feel more like a custom outing than a standard transfer with a few sightseeing stops.

What is included on the boat

The included equipment is generous for a short private charter:

• Snorkeling gear
• Life jackets
• Swimming noodles
• Ice chest with ice
• Table water
• Fresh water shower
• Ladder
• Bluetooth-connectable surround sound system

The ladder makes getting back aboard easier after a swim, while the shower lets you rinse off saltwater. The cooler is useful for keeping drinks cold, and the Bluetooth system lets your group choose music during the cruise.

The equipment does not turn the boat into a full-service yacht. Food is not listed as included, and the skipper and fuel charges are separate. Pack light, keep your belongings secure, and bring only what you need for the water.

How the private format changes the day

A private group is the strongest reason to choose this experience. You are not sharing the boat with an unknown crowd, and the charter is suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends.

That privacy gives you more say over the pace. You can spend longer swimming at Crystal Lagoon, ask to pause at St. Nicholas Bay, or focus on the caves instead of rushing through every listed stop. The skipper still controls the boat and route, and conditions may affect the plan, but the format is more flexible than a scheduled group cruise.

For families, the ladder, life jackets, noodles, and fresh water shower are practical benefits. For couples, the quieter bays and private setting may matter more than ticking off every stop. For groups of friends, the per-group rate becomes easier to justify, especially if everyone wants swimming, music, and a relaxed boat day.

The main limitation is mobility. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Getting on and off the boat, using the ladder, and entering the water require a level of physical movement that may not work for everyone.

The captain and the pace of the outing

The skipper is more than a driver on this type of trip. The captain chooses how to approach caves, where the boat can stop, and how the route fits the available time.

Captain Jeffrey received particularly strong praise for being informative and kind during one outing. That is worth noting because a private charter feels much better when the captain explains what you are seeing and listens to what your group wants.

Still, do not book this as a formal history lesson. The available guide languages are English, Italian, and Maltese, and the main focus is the water, coastline, and swimming stops. If you have a must-see place, mention it when reserving.

Is the $227 group price good value?

The value is strongest when you fill much of the boat. Twelve people sharing the $227 base price brings the cost to about $19 per person before the €88 cash supplement. Even with the additional skipper and fuel charges, that can be good value for a private half-day style outing.

For a couple, the price is harder to defend unless privacy and flexibility are your top priorities. You are paying for exclusive use of the boat, not just admission to Blue Lagoon.

The equipment helps the calculation. Snorkel gear, water, ice, noodles, life jackets, a ladder, and a shower are included. You avoid arranging a separate boat and can combine several Comino highlights in one outing.

Before paying, confirm three things: the exact total in your currency, the amount due in cash, and whether your chosen duration is closer to two or four hours. The supplied price details list $227 per group, plus €44 for the skipper and €44 for fuel. Clear confirmation will prevent an awkward surprise at the meeting point.

Simple preparation for a better boat day

Bring beachwear, a towel, and a camera. Wear something that is easy to move in, since you may be climbing a ladder and getting in and out of the water.

Keep your phone protected from splashes. The skipper sends a live location by text, and you will want access to that message before departure. Table water is included, but bring any other drinks or food you want.

You should also be ready for a day shaped by the sea. The route may change according to conditions, time, or the skipper’s judgment. The listed stops are a strong guide to what you can expect, but they are not a promise that every cave and bay will receive the same amount of time.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful if your Malta plans are still moving, though you should still confirm the cash supplement when booking.

Who should book this Comino charter?

I would recommend it most to a group of friends or a family that wants its own space on the water. You get the major Comino sights, but also the chance to slow down at a quieter cove.

It is a good fit if you care more about swimming, snorkeling, caves, and coastal views than a formal guided tour. It also works well for anyone staying in Gozo who wants to begin there rather than travel back to Malta.

I would be more cautious if you dislike open-water swimming, need step-free access, or want a guaranteed long stop at every location. The boat is the setting, and the trip asks you to be comfortable with climbing aboard and getting wet.

Should you book it?

Book this private boat trip if your group values privacy, clear water, and a flexible route around Comino. Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Caves, Santa Marija Tower, and St. Nicholas Bay make a good mix of famous sights, swimming, and quieter coastal time.

The two points to settle first are the extra €88 in cash and the actual duration available on your date. If those details fit your budget, the charter offers a practical way to see more of Comino without spending the whole outing in a crowded group boat.

FAQ

How long does the private boat trip last?

The activity lasts between two and four hours. Starting times and the exact duration depend on availability.

How many people can join the private boat?

The charter is private for a group of up to 12 people.

Can I start the trip from Gozo?

Yes. You can choose to begin in Malta or Gozo and should state your preference when making the reservation.

Which islands can the boat visit?

The route can include Gozo, Comino, and Cominotto, along with the coastal stops around Comino.

Does the trip visit Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Blue Lagoon is listed as the first stop, with time for swimming and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included in the price, along with life jackets and swimming noodles.

Are fuel and the skipper included in the advertised price?

No. The skipper costs €44 and fuel costs €44. Both charges must be paid in cash to the skipper.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera, beachwear, and a towel. Food is not listed as included, so bring your own if you want a picnic.

How do I find the meeting point?

The skipper sends a text with a live location to help you find the boat. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is the boat trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.