Private Boat Tours From Malta/Gozo: Comino & Blue Lagoon

Comino’s best scenery is seen from the water, where pale limestone cliffs, sea caves, and bright swimming spots unfold far faster than they do on foot. This private speedboat outing takes you around Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Cominotto, and several coastal caves, with time to stop for a swim or snorkel.

I like the private boat format, especially for families or small groups who want their own music, their own pace, and no waiting for a large sightseeing boat. I also like the two-hour option, which gives you enough time to see the coast and enjoy the water instead of rushing from one photo stop to the next. The main catch is the pricing: the advertised $69 rate is per boat, but the skipper and fuel each add €39, so check the full total before booking.

Key points at a glance

• Two pickup points: Meet near Mġarr Harbour on Gozo or at the Gozo Channel Terminal in Ċirkewwa, Malta.
• Two useful time choices: One hour covers the main sights, while two hours leaves room for swimming, snorkelling, and cave stops.
• Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon: These are the main water stops, with about 20 minutes planned at each.
• A genuinely private outing: The boat is reserved for your group, up to six people, rather than shared with a large crowd.
• Skippers who add personality: Mario and Joe are especially noted for punctuality, local information, photos, and a reassuring approach with children.
• Extras are not all included: Skipper and fuel charges are separate, and food, drinks, and fishing equipment are not provided.

Why a private boat makes sense around Comino

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear, brilliant water, but fame brings crowds. A private boat gives you a better chance to enjoy the scenery from the sea and spend less time waiting for other passengers to board, disembark, or follow a fixed schedule.

You can also ask the skipper to adjust the route. The advertised plan includes the main lagoons and caves, but the skipper may change the order or route if the wind, waves, tides, or shallow water make another plan safer. That flexibility matters around Comino, where a calm cove can feel very different from an exposed stretch of coast.

The boat holds up to six people. That makes the price more interesting for a family or group of friends, since the base cost is shared across the boat rather than charged to each person. It is less compelling for one or two people once the skipper and fuel charges are added, so compare the final price with a shared cruise before you reserve.

Meeting in Malta or Gozo

You have two departure choices. In Gozo, the meeting point is in the Mġarr Harbour departure area, close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mġarr Harbour Terminal. In Malta, meet near the kiosk at Ċirkewwa in the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. The boat does not wait beyond the booked time, and a late arrival does not extend the charter. This is especially important if you are connecting with the Gozo Channel ferry or driving toward Ċirkewwa, since delays can quickly eat into a short one-hour trip.

The outing returns to the same general areas, either Ċirkewwa or Mġarr. Bring cash, along with swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The boat has an ice cooler, but food and drinks are not included, so pack what you need unless you arrange refreshments separately.

The speedboat ride to Comino

The first part of the outing is a quick speedboat run, with the listed travel sections taking about 10 and 20 minutes. This is not a slow harbor cruise. You will feel the movement of the boat, especially if the sea is lively, and the ride itself is part of the appeal for people who enjoy a brisk trip between stops.

There is seating, a sundeck, and a canopy for shade. A Bluetooth speaker lets you play your own music, and Wi-Fi is listed among the inclusions. The boat also carries safety equipment, including life jackets, which is useful for children and anyone who feels unsure on the water.

Your skipper acts as both driver and guide. Mario, Joe, and Marko are among the names connected with recent outings. The strongest feedback centers on punctuality, a warm manner, and clear explanations of the coast. Joe was also praised for helping a first-time snorkeller feel comfortable and for taking photographs.

The guiding style may vary by skipper and day. One booking included a complaint that the skipper spent much of the trip on the phone, which made conversation awkward. It is a small but fair reminder that private tours depend heavily on the person at the wheel.

Crystal Lagoon: the best place to get in the water

Crystal Lagoon is usually the first major swimming stop, with about 20 minutes set aside for swimming, snorkelling, photographs, and looking for marine life. The setting is framed by Comino’s limestone formations, and the water is the sort of clear blue that makes a simple swim feel like the main event.

Snorkelling equipment, specifically a mask and snorkel, is included. You may see sea bream and other marine life in the water, though sightings are naturally dependent on conditions. If you have never snorkelled before, tell the skipper. Joe has helped beginners get started, and another skipper entered the water to assist a child who had drifted away from the boat.

The time limit is worth noting. Twenty minutes passes quickly once you have taken photographs, found your mask, and climbed into the water. On a one-hour charter, this stop may feel more like a quick taste than a proper swim. The two-hour option is the better choice if being in the water matters as much as seeing the coast.

Caves, cliffs, and Cominotto

Between the lagoons, the boat passes viewpoints, caves, and small coastal formations. The route can include Lantern Point, the Roofless Cave, Lovers Cave, Pigeon Rock, Daħlet il-Ħmara, and other openings along the coast.

These stops are mainly for photographs and sightseeing from the boat. Depending on sea conditions and the skipper’s judgment, the boat may move close to a cave entrance. One family particularly appreciated the effort to enter a cave as far as conditions safely allowed. Do not expect every cave to be an on-foot visit, and do not assume that every listed point will receive the same amount of time.

Cominotto Island is another short scenic stop. The boat passes by for photographs and views, giving you a sense of the small islands and rocky channels around Comino. This part of the trip is valuable because it breaks up the swimming time and shows you the coast from several angles, but it is not a long shore excursion.

The skipper may share facts, stories, and local information as you go. That makes the ride more than a simple transfer between swimming spots. Still, the amount of commentary can depend on the skipper, the weather, and whether your group prefers conversation or music.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and worth timing carefully

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. The water is famously clear, and the pale rock around it makes for strong photographs. You get about 20 minutes for swimming, snorkelling, sightseeing, and taking pictures under the planned schedule.

The best practical tip is to book an early departure if you can. One group chose 9 a.m. specifically to avoid some of the crowds and found the timing ideal. A private boat cannot remove the Blue Lagoon’s popularity, but arriving early can make the stop feel calmer and gives you better conditions for photographs.

You may also find snack and drink sellers operating by boat in the area. One booking noted a cocktail taxi offering refreshments, but this is not part of the charter and should not be treated as a guaranteed service. Bring your own water and snacks if you want them.

The Blue Lagoon stop can be the highlight, but it is also where expectations need managing. This is not a private, empty cove reserved only for your group. The private element means your boat and schedule are private, not that the entire lagoon is exclusive.

One hour or two hours?

The one-hour trip is designed for a fast overview. You can see the main attractions, pass the caves, and stop at the lagoons, but swimming time will be tight. One booking described the hour as enough to see the sights, while another found it too short and advised choosing two hours for more time in the water.

I would choose one hour if you have a packed schedule, want photographs from the boat, or are fitting Comino between other plans. It is also reasonable if not everyone in your group wants to swim.

Choose two hours if you are bringing children, want to snorkel properly, or would rather pause at a cove than race through a checklist. A family of four found two hours to be just right, and another group called it the perfect amount of time for swimming and seeing the caves.

The longer charter also gives the skipper more room to adjust the route. If wind or waves make one stop less comfortable, you are less likely to feel that the entire outing has been lost.

What is included, and what will cost extra?

The published base price is $69 per group of up to six. That sounds like excellent value when split among six people, but two required-looking additions are listed separately: €39 for the skipper and €39 for fuel consumption.

That makes the advertised rate incomplete for most bookings. Ask for the full payable amount in your currency before you commit, especially since the final price can change the comparison with a shared boat trip.

The boat includes:

• Seating
• Safety equipment
• A sundeck with canopy
• Mask and snorkel
• Ice cooler
• Bluetooth speaker
• Wi-Fi

Fishing equipment is not included. Neither are food or drinks. One skipper allowed a passenger to try fishing on the return journey, but that was a special moment, not a standard inclusion. Bring sunscreen and a towel, and remember that wet swimsuits can make the ride home cooler even in strong sun.

Who will enjoy this most?

This outing suits small groups who value control. Families can choose their own music, ask for a gentler pace, and get direct help from the skipper. Children who are nervous on boats may benefit from the private setting, life jackets, and the skipper’s ability to focus on one group.

It also suits couples and friends who want a short coastal outing rather than a full-day cruise. A one-hour booking can fit neatly into a wider Malta or Gozo schedule, while two hours gives swimmers and snorkellers a better experience.

First-time snorkellers are welcome, but you should be comfortable getting into and out of the boat with assistance. If you are not a strong swimmer, tell the skipper before entering the water. The crew has shown a reassuring approach, but conditions can change and you remain responsible for following safety instructions.

The tour is less suitable if you want a long stay on a beach, a full meal at sea, or guaranteed access to every cave. The stops are short, and the route can change for safety reasons.

Weather, route changes, and practical limits

The skipper has the final say if weather or sea conditions require a cancellation, postponement, route change, or different departure point. Tides, shallow water, and other legitimate safety concerns can also affect the plan.

That policy is sensible for a small speedboat operating near caves and rocky shorelines. You should treat the named stops as the intended route, not an absolute promise. If the sea is rough, the skipper may skip a cave, alter the order, or choose a more sheltered area.

The activity is offered in English, with a live guide and a private group. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times when booking, since the ideal departure may depend on your schedule and sea conditions.

My verdict: book it for flexibility, not false solitude

I would book this private Comino boat trip if I had a group of four to six, wanted to swim and snorkel, and did not want to spend a full day on a crowded boat. Mario and Joe have earned strong praise for being punctual, friendly, helpful, and good at making the route feel personal.

The two-hour charter is the stronger choice. It gives you enough time for Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, caves, photographs, and an unhurried swim. Choose one hour only if your schedule is tight or you mainly want a quick look at the coast.

Before paying, confirm the full cost, including the €39 skipper fee and €39 fuel charge. If you accept that extra cost, this is a practical way to see Comino from the water while keeping your group together and your day flexible. Just remember that the Blue Lagoon itself remains a popular public attraction, not a private swimming pool.

FAQ

Where does the private boat tour depart?

You can depart from two locations: the Mġarr Harbour departure area in Gozo, close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant, or Ċirkewwa in Malta, close to the kiosk at the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Where does the boat return?

Drop-off is available at Ċirkewwa or Ghajnsielem, depending on the selected departure arrangement.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts one or two hours, depending on the option you choose. The two-hour trip allows more time for swimming, snorkelling, and sightseeing.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The charter is for a private group, with pricing applying per boat rather than per passenger. The boat accommodates groups of up to six people.

What places does the boat visit?

The planned route includes Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Cominotto Island, Lantern Point Comino, the Roofless Cave, Lovers Cave, Pigeon Rock, Daħlet il-Ħmara, and other caves and coastal areas.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are included, along with safety equipment.

Are the skipper and fuel included in the listed price?

No. The skipper is listed as an additional €39 charge, and fuel consumption is also listed as an additional €39 charge. Food, drinks, and fishing equipment are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Food and drinks are not supplied as part of the activity.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The skipper can cancel, postpone, modify the route, or change departure and drop-off points because of weather, sea conditions, tides, shallow water, or other safety concerns.