Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves

Comino’s best water is not limited to the famous Blue Lagoon. This private speedboat trip takes you to Crystal Lagoon, several striking caves, and Blue Lagoon, giving you clear water, sea views, and a chance to swim without being tied to a large public cruise.

I like the private setup for groups of up to nine, and I like the useful extras: an ice box, snorkeling masks, music, and a fresh water shower. Skippers such as Atef, Keith, and Agus are praised for being friendly, flexible, and attentive. The main catch is the extra €79 fuel charge, paid directly to the skipper, and two hours can feel short if you want long swims at both lagoons.

Key points to know before you book

• Crystal Lagoon comes first, with about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in calmer, clear water.
• Popeyes Cave and another blue-water cave add more than a simple lagoon stop.
• Blue Lagoon gets about 45 minutes, but you must book its free entry ticket if you plan to go ashore.
• A private boat means flexibility, more room, and music rather than the fixed rhythm of a large public cruise.
• The listed price is $191.04 per group of up to nine, but fuel costs an additional €79.
• Skippers Atef, Keith, and Agus are noted for good local information, humor, and care with families and mixed-age groups.

A fast private ride to Comino

This outing is built around speed and flexibility. Instead of joining a packed public boat and following its fixed schedule, your group has its own speedboat and skipper for roughly two hours. That matters most when you want to swim, listen to music, take photos, or simply move on from a crowded spot.

The capacity is up to nine people, so the price can be reasonable for a family or group of friends. At the advertised $191.04 per group, a full boat works out to about $21 per person before fuel. A smaller group pays more per person, and you should add the €79 fuel cost when comparing the total with other Comino trips.

The boat includes snorkeling masks, an ice box, music, and a fresh water shower. Food and drinks are not included, so bring what you want to drink and use the ice box to keep it cool. The setup suits a relaxed swim day more than a formal sightseeing cruise.

Your skipper makes a real difference here. Atef is described as friendly, professional, and good at balancing information with free time. Keith has been praised for explaining the sights, helping people spot fish, and speaking Maltese, Italian, and English. Agus is noted for his calm, thoughtful approach, including helping older family members enjoy the outing at their own pace.

Crystal Lagoon, Comino’s quieter swim stop

Crystal Lagoon is the first major stop, with about 30 minutes set aside for swimming and snorkeling. It is known for clear turquoise water and good visibility, making it a fine place to start if you want to see below the surface rather than only admire the view.

Compared with Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon is generally presented as the calmer and less crowded place. That gives you a better chance to enjoy the water without the same level of noise and activity. The bay is also more sheltered in feel, though actual conditions depend on the day and the weather.

Bring your mask into the water and take time to look for marine life. The supplied equipment means you do not need to pack your own snorkeling gear, though you may prefer your own mask if fit matters to you.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. If your group cares most about swimming, tell the skipper early. The private format may allow some flexibility, but the total outing remains only about two hours, and the Blue Lagoon usually receives the longer scheduled stop.

Crystal Lagoon is also a good choice for anyone who finds the main Blue Lagoon too busy. You still get the bright water and rocky Comino setting, but with a more peaceful feel. For some people, this will be the most enjoyable swim of the day.

Popeyes Cave and Comino’s roofless cave

The boat also visits Popeyes Cave, a well-known Comino cave connected with the film Popeye. Its local name is translated as the cave without a roof because the opening above it is exposed.

This is a quick sightseeing stop rather than a long caving visit. Expect the skipper to point out the formation from the water and give you a chance to take photographs. The appeal is the contrast between the rough limestone and the bright sea around it.

The cave stop also gives the trip some variety. You are not simply moving from one swimming area to another. You get a short look at Comino’s rock formations, followed by another cave known for the unusually blue water inside.

That second cave is especially suited to photographs and a quick look from the boat. The color comes from the clear water and the light inside the rock opening. If conditions allow, the skipper may position the boat so you can see into the cave clearly, but the exact approach can vary with sea conditions.

Do not expect a long underground walk. This is a boat-based visit, with the caves viewed from the water. That makes the stop easy and accessible for most people who can take part in a normal boat outing, but it will not satisfy someone looking for a land-based cave tour.

Blue Lagoon, Malta’s famous water stop

Blue Lagoon is the headline attraction for many people. It sits between Comino and Cominotto and is known for clear blue water over a pale sandy seabed. The shallow, calm appearance makes it inviting for swimming and snorkeling, though its popularity means it can feel much busier than Crystal Lagoon.

The planned stop lasts about 45 minutes, making it the longest main stop. I would use this time for swimming rather than trying to combine a long swim, extensive snorkeling, and a leisurely shore visit. The water is the reason to come here.

If you want to go down at Blue Lagoon, you need to book a free entry ticket. That small requirement matters, so handle it before the trip rather than assuming the boat ticket alone covers shore access. The provided details describe the lagoon entry as free, but the reservation is still required for anyone going ashore.

The private boat gives you a useful advantage. You can enjoy the lagoon from the water without committing to the crowds on land. You can also return to the boat, use the fresh water shower, and keep your belongings in the boat’s ice box rather than spending the whole stop on the shore.

One practical point: a private boat does not make Blue Lagoon private. The lagoon remains one of Malta’s most popular water stops. If you want the quietest possible swim, Crystal Lagoon or the less busy swimming area sometimes chosen by the skipper may suit you better.

The optional view toward Mġarr Harbour

Mġarr Harbour is the main port of Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island. It sits on Gozo’s southeastern coast and handles ferry traffic between Gozo and Malta.

The harbour visit is optional, so it should not be treated as a guaranteed full stop within the two-hour outing. If time and conditions permit, you may see the port, its surrounding hills, and the movement of ferries. The view adds a touch of Gozo to a trip otherwise focused on Comino.

This option is most useful if you are curious about the neighboring island or considering a separate Gozo visit. It is less important if your priority is maximum time in the water. Tell the skipper what matters most to your group at the start.

Why a private boat can be worth the extra cost

The strongest value comes from control. On a public cruise, you normally accept its route, timing, music, and seating arrangement. Here, your group has a skipper who can explain the coast, suggest a quieter swim stop, and adjust the balance between sightseeing and swimming when possible.

The boat’s size also changes the mood. A group of seven can spread out more comfortably than on a crowded day boat, and the music system makes it easy to create a more social outing. The ice box is a small but useful touch, especially when you bring cold drinks for a swim-focused morning or afternoon.

The price needs a clear calculation. The advertised rate is $191.04 for up to nine people, with the €79 fuel fee added separately. A full group gets strong value. For nine people, the base price is roughly $21 per person, before fuel. For four people, it is about $48 per person before fuel, and for two people the cost becomes much harder to justify.

Compare the complete cost, not only the headline figure. Food and drinks are extra, and fuel is paid to the skipper. The advantage is a private outing with snorkeling gear and onboard facilities, not an all-inclusive boat party.

The personal service also has value for families. Agus is specifically praised for helping grandparents and letting the group move at a comfortable pace. James is described as providing first aid and helping arrange an ambulance when a passenger cut a foot on a rock. That does not replace proper caution around rocks, but it shows the kind of practical support a good skipper can provide.

What the two-hour schedule really means

Two hours is enough for the main highlights, but it is not a full-day cruise. The rough structure gives you 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, cave visits along the way, and 45 minutes at Blue Lagoon. The remaining time covers the speedboat ride and transitions between stops.

This works well if you want a concentrated Comino outing between other Malta plans. It is also useful for a first taste of the area before deciding if you want a longer Gozo or Comino trip.

The schedule is less ideal if your group has different priorities. Strong swimmers may want more time in the water, while someone focused on photographs may want slower approaches to the caves. A private boat helps, but it cannot create extra hours.

I would tell the skipper your priorities before leaving. Ask for more swimming time if that is the point of booking, or ask for more explanation and photo stops if you care about the caves and coastline. The best feedback about this tour centers on skippers who strike a good balance between guidance and giving the group space.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip most

This trip is a good fit for:

• Families wanting a private boat and a flexible pace
• Friends who want music, drinks, and swimming without a large cruise group
• Couples who prefer a more personal outing
• Small groups that can share the cost
• People who want both lagoons and caves in one short trip
• Anyone who dislikes the fixed schedule of public boat excursions

It is less suitable for people prone to seasickness. A speedboat can feel lively on the water, and the experience is built around a moving boat rather than a slow ferry ride. Good weather is required, so the outing can be moved or refunded if poor conditions lead to cancellation.

Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. Still, swimming around rocky coastal areas requires care. Wear suitable footwear if you plan to enter the water near rocks, and listen to the skipper’s instructions.

Booking, fuel, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation when you book, and the experience is offered in English. It is booked around 16 days ahead on average, so reserving before your Malta trip is sensible if your dates are fixed.

The free cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The €79 fuel cost deserves attention before you pay. Since it is paid directly to the skipper, include it in your holiday budget and ask about the full amount if you are comparing this with another private boat.

Should you book the private Comino speedboat?

Book it if you have a group of four to nine, want the lagoons and caves in one outing, and value private space more than the lowest possible price. The combination of Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, cave visits, snorkeling gear, music, and an ice box gives you a well-rounded two-hour trip.

I would be especially inclined to book it for a family group or friends who want control over the mood and pace. Atef, Keith, and Agus are all praised for being warm, attentive, and good at mixing local information with free time.

Think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple, dislike fast boats, or want a long, unhurried day at sea. In that case, the base price plus fuel may not be the best value. For a full private group, though, this is a practical way to see Comino’s clearest water without being locked into a large cruise schedule.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat trip?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat can accommodate one private group of up to nine people.

Is fuel included in the advertised price?

No. A fuel cost of €79 must be paid directly to the skipper.

Do I need to pay to enter Blue Lagoon?

Entry is free, but anyone who wants to go down at Blue Lagoon must book a free entry ticket.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks, an ice box, music, and a fresh water shower are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.