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

The best part of this Malta boat trip is the freedom to set your own pace around Comino’s clear coves and sea caves. You can swim at the Blue Lagoon, stop at the quieter Crystal Lagoon, and ask your skipper to adjust the route instead of following a fixed group schedule.

I like the private setup for two reasons: you share the boat only with your own group, and the skipper can give you time to swim at each stop. The included masks, floating noodles, boards, cooler and bottle of wine also make the boat feel ready for a relaxed half-day on the water.

The main catch is the extra €79 fuel charge, paid when you board. Food, drinks, hotel transfers and transport to the meeting point are also left to you, and the trip may change or be canceled if the weather turns poor.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to seven people: A good fit for families and friends who want their own space on the water.
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: One famous stop, one quieter place with clear water and sea caves.
• Flexible route: You can tailor the trip and request other locations if time and conditions allow.
• Santa Maria Bay option: You may have time to walk on the sandy beach and enjoy the view from shore.
• Gozo can be part of the day: Ask about towns, the Citadel in Victoria, beaches, bays or lunch on the island.
• Swimming kit is supplied: Masks, float boards, noodles, safety equipment, a cooler and ice are included.

Why a private boat makes Comino easier

Comino is small, rugged and largely free of cars. Its appeal is along the coast, where limestone cliffs, small bays and clear water give you plenty to look at between swims.

A private boat lets you see the island from the water, which is often the most practical way to appreciate its coves. You are not tied to a large group’s timetable, so your skipper can allow more time at a favorite swimming stop or move on if a bay feels too busy.

That flexibility matters most on a three to four-hour trip. You cannot see every corner of Comino and Gozo in that time, but you can choose a few strong stops and enjoy them properly rather than rushing through a long checklist.

The boat carries up to seven people. For a full group, the advertised price of $227 works out to about $32 per person before the fuel fee. Add the €79 fuel charge, and the total cost is still easier to justify for seven people than for a couple traveling alone. For two or three people, the private setting is pleasant but the cost per person rises quickly.

Blue Lagoon: Malta’s famous swimming stop

The Blue Lagoon is the name most people recognize, and the water is the reason. It is described as a natural pool with bright turquoise water, pale sand and white limestone around it.

You can swim and snorkel here, or stay on the boat and enjoy the view. The boat gives you a useful choice: you are not forced to claim a small patch of shore if you prefer to sit above the water with your belongings close by.

The Blue Lagoon is also the stop most likely to feel popular and busy. The supplied information does not give exact crowd levels for your departure, so you should treat it as Malta’s headline swimming site rather than a quiet secret. A private boat helps with comfort, but it does not make the whole lagoon private.

Bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water. The pale surroundings reflect strong sunlight, and a short swim can turn into several hours outside before you notice the heat.

Crystal Lagoon and Comino’s sea caves

The Crystal Lagoon offers a different mood. Its clear water and caves cut into the limestone make it a good place to use the supplied snorkeling mask and look below the surface.

You can swim in the deeper water or explore the caves from the water, but stay within your comfort level. This is not the place to show off if you are tired, uneasy in open water or unfamiliar with snorkeling.

I like that the equipment is included. You do not need to rent a mask separately, and the float noodles and boards give you extra support between swims. The gear is a convenience, not a replacement for good judgment, so use the safety equipment and follow the skipper’s instructions.

The Crystal Lagoon may be the more rewarding stop for you if the Blue Lagoon feels too exposed or crowded. It offers more texture, with rock walls and cave openings instead of only a broad swimming area. Still, sea conditions can affect access, and the skipper has the final say on what is safe.

Santa Maria Bay for a sandy break

One possible stop is Santa Maria Bay, where you can walk along a sandy beach and take in the view from land. This gives the outing a useful change of pace after time on the boat.

A short walk can also help if you have had enough sun and swimming. You will want comfortable clothes that work for water activities, plus shoes suitable for a simple shore visit.

The schedule is not fixed in the information provided, so do not assume a long beach stay. The exact time at Santa Maria Bay depends on the route, sea conditions and how long your group chooses to swim at earlier stops.

Gozo adds a second island to the trip

Gozo is the larger part of this outing and offers more than another swim. You can ask to see towns, historic sights, coastal views, sandy shores and smaller bays.

Victoria’s Citadel is listed as one possible stop. A visit there would give the trip a town and history element, while lunch at a traditional Gozo restaurant would turn the boat outing into a broader island day. Food is not included, so you will need to pay for lunch and drinks yourself.

The practical question is time. A three to four-hour trip cannot give you a full tour of Gozo, Comino and every swimming site. If Gozo matters most to you, tell the skipper early and ask how much shore time is realistic. If swimming is your priority, you may prefer to keep the Gozo portion focused on a coastal stop rather than trying to see too much inland.

You can also ask about other locations. That is useful if your group already knows the main sights or wants a particular bay, but extra stops will reduce time elsewhere.

What the skipper adds to the experience

The skipper is both your boat operator and your guide. You can expect help with the route, swimming stops and safety, along with information about the islands as you travel.

The strongest praise given to this experience centers on the guide’s friendly manner, organization and care on the water. That matters on a private trip because the skipper shapes the entire day. A good one will explain the plan, point out cave entrances, keep an eye on conditions and make the group feel secure without taking over the outing.

No guide name is provided, so you should not book expecting a particular individual. The tour is conducted in English.

A private guide also means you can speak up. Tell the skipper if someone in your group is nervous in the water, wants a longer swim, prefers a quiet cove or needs a break from the sun. The more clearly you explain your priorities at the start, the better the route can match your group.

What comes on the boat

The inclusions are useful rather than luxurious. You receive:

• A private boat and professional skipper
• Snorkeling masks
• A cooler with ice
• Safety equipment
• Floating noodles
• Swimming float boards
• One complimentary bottle of wine

The cooler is handy for keeping your own water and snacks cold. Food and additional drinks are not included, so bring what you need. The packing list specifically calls for snacks, water, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, a hat and a camera.

Use a waterproof bag for phones, wallets and other small items. A boat deck is a poor place for loose belongings, especially when people are getting in and out for swims.

The bottle of wine is a pleasant extra for adults, but do not let it replace water. Malta’s sun and salt water can leave you dehydrated before you feel it.

Timing, meeting point and fuel cost

The trip lasts three to four hours, with starting times based on availability. Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to and from the marina or meeting location.

The listed price is $227 for a private group of up to seven people. The separate €79 fuel cost must be paid upon boarding. That is a major part of the real price, so include it when comparing this boat with shared excursions.

For seven people, the group price offers solid value. You get private use of the boat, a skipper, equipment and a route that can be adjusted to your interests. For a couple, the price is harder to defend unless privacy and flexibility matter more to you than finding the lowest-cost way to reach Comino.

Bring cash because it is listed among the items to have with you. The information does not specify which payment is required in cash, so it is sensible to keep enough available for the fuel charge and any food or drinks you buy during the day.

Weather, seasickness and comfort

The trip depends on the sea. Poor weather can lead to a rescheduled or canceled departure, and the operator offers a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Weather-related changes are part of the practical reality of a small-boat outing.

This experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If that is a concern, a private boat does not remove the motion of the water. Consider how comfortable your group is before booking, especially if anyone has struggled on boats in the past.

It is also not suitable for wheelchair users. The tour is built around boarding a boat, swimming and moving between the boat and shore, so it may not meet your access needs.

Wear clothes that can handle water and pack a dry layer if you want one after swimming. You should also protect cameras and phones in waterproof storage, even if you plan to spend most of your time seated on the boat.

Who will enjoy this private Malta boat trip

This outing suits a group of friends or family members who want a shared day without strangers on board. It is especially useful for people who cannot agree on one fixed activity, since some can snorkel while others relax, walk at Santa Maria Bay or explore a Gozo stop.

It also works well for confident swimmers who want several water stops. The Crystal Lagoon and sea caves add more interest than a simple ride to the Blue Lagoon and back.

You should think twice if your main goal is a full Gozo tour. The duration is short, and the listed sights on Gozo include both coastal areas and Victoria’s Citadel. You will need to choose between a broad overview and longer time in the water.

It may also be a poor fit if you dislike direct sun, open water or the possibility of a changed route. The private format gives you control, but it cannot control the weather or turn a three-hour trip into a full island tour.

Should you book it?

I would book this trip if you have four to seven people, enjoy swimming and want a flexible way to see Comino. The private boat, included water gear and friendly skipper make it more personal than a standard shared ride, and the chance to visit caves, the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and perhaps Santa Maria Bay gives the short trip plenty of variety.

I would be more cautious as a solo traveler or couple on a tight budget. The $227 group price plus €79 fuel cost is much better when divided among a larger party, and food, drinks and transport are extra.

Book it when your priorities are clear water, private space and a skipper who can shape the route. Skip it if you need wheelchair access, often feel seasick or want enough time for a detailed tour of both Comino and Gozo.

FAQ

How much does the private boat trip cost?

The advertised price is $227 for a private group of up to seven people. A separate €79 fuel cost must be paid upon boarding.

How long does the boat trip last?

The trip lasts three to four hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Which islands and locations can the boat visit?

The planned highlights include Comino, the Blue Lagoon, the Crystal Lagoon and Gozo. Santa Maria Bay and other locations may be available upon request.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The experience is for a private group, with space for up to seven people and a professional skipper and guide.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks, floating noodles, swimming float boards and safety equipment are included.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. The boat does include a cooler with ice and one complimentary bottle of wine.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The trip may also be rescheduled or canceled because of poor weather.