REVIEW · BLUE LAGOON TOURS
Private Speedboat 3hrs Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves
The best part of this private Comino boat trip is the freedom to enjoy Malta’s clearest water without sharing the boat with a large crowd. In three hours, you’ll cruise past limestone caves, pause at the Blue and Crystal Lagoons, and swim in quieter spots such as San Niklaw Bay.
I like the 26-foot boat with twin 200HP Yamaha engines, which gives you a fast ride between stops without sacrificing much stability. I also like the personal touch from skippers such as Darren, who has taken families and couples to sheltered swimming spots, explained the coastline, played passengers’ music, and even arranged drone photos on some outings.
The catch is the price headline does not tell the whole story. The booking price is $207.92 per group, but you must also pay €60 for fuel and €45 for the skipper in cash on board, making the extra €105 an important part of your budget.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you book
- What this three-hour Comino trip is really like
- Blue Lagoon and Cominotto: famous water, busy setting
- Cominotto Caves and Comino’s limestone coast
- Crystal Lagoon: the main snorkeling stop
- San Niklaw Bay and the quieter side of the route
- The 1618 tower and a glimpse of Comino’s past
- Skipper Darren and the value of a private guide
- Boat comfort, equipment, and what to pack
- Is the $207.92 group price good value?
- Sunset charter option
- Who should book this private speedboat?
- Booking, weather, and cancellation details
- Should you book this Comino boat tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the private speedboat tour?
- How many people can join the private boat?
- Which places does the boat visit?
- How long do you spend at each main stop?
- Are fuel and the skipper included in the listed price?
- What equipment is included?
- Do I need to bring towels and sunblock?
- What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
Key points to know before you book

- Private boat for up to 12 people: Your group gets the boat to itself, which works well for families, couples, and friends.
- Three major swimming areas: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and San Niklaw Bay each receive about 45 minutes.
- A fast, stable 26-foot boat: Twin 200HP Yamaha engines make the ride between Comino’s coves and caves quick.
- Caves and a 1618 coastal tower: The route includes Cominotto Caves, Comino Caves, reefs, and a historic lookout tower.
- Extra onboard costs: Bring cash for the €60 fuel charge and €45 skipper fee, both paid per booking.
- Simple water-sports extras: Ice, a cooler, beach noodles, life jackets, and a Bluetooth sound system are included. Masks require a €10 refundable deposit.
What this three-hour Comino trip is really like

This is not a sightseeing cruise where you sit still and listen to a long speech. It is a compact swimming and coastline trip, with the boat moving from one attractive part of Comino to another.
You have a private skipper, so the mood can be relaxed and informal. You might spend more time swimming, ask to see a cave, play your own music, or take a quieter break, depending on conditions and the group’s wishes. The advertised route gives each main stop about 45 minutes, though the exact order can change.
The boat holds up to 12 people. That capacity makes the $207.92 group price look fair for a full family or friend group, especially compared with paying individually for a similar sea outing. For two people, the per-person price is much higher, but you gain privacy and control over the boat.
The boat is powered by twin 200HP Yamaha engines. That matters here because Comino’s popular swimming areas are close enough for a three-hour trip, but you still want to reach the caves and bays without wasting half your time in transit. The boat is described as both fast and stable, though this is still a sea trip and the experience depends on the weather.
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Blue Lagoon and Cominotto: famous water, busy setting

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. Its clear water and pale limestone have made it one of Malta’s best-known swimming places, and you can expect the boat to anchor a short distance from the lagoon and Cominotto.
You’ll have time to swim and snorkel, use the beach noodles, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. The water is the main attraction, but the surrounding rock formations and caves add variety. This is a good place to bring your mask, though the €10 mask deposit is refunded when you return it.
A jetty near Blue Lagoon Beach gives you the option of going ashore. Food, drinks, pineapple cocktails, and public toilets are available there. This is useful if someone in your group prefers a short break on land, but it also means Blue Lagoon may feel less peaceful than the more sheltered stops.
You should not expect an empty beach or a remote bay at the Blue Lagoon. Its popularity is part of the appeal and part of the drawback. The private boat helps you avoid joining a large organized boat group, but it cannot make the lagoon itself private.
The 45-minute stop is enough for a swim and a look around. If you want a long beach session, the time may feel short. On the other hand, the fixed stop encourages you to see more of Comino rather than spending the whole trip in one place.
Cominotto Caves and Comino’s limestone coast
Between the lagoon stops, the boat passes Cominotto Caves and nearby reefs. These formations were cut into the limestone by waves over a very long period, leaving openings and chambers in different shapes and sizes.
The boat gives you a useful view of the rock from sea level. A skipper who knows the coast can point out cave entrances and guide the boat through scenic stretches when conditions allow. Darren is repeatedly singled out for taking groups to caves and good swimming areas, so the skipper’s local judgment is a real part of the experience.
Cave visits depend on the sea. Rough water, wind, or a strong swell can affect how close the boat gets and how safely you can enter the water. One outing took place in overcast, windy conditions, and the skipper was praised for handling the boat well, but that also shows why you should keep your expectations flexible.
The coastline is most enjoyable when you balance the photo stops with time in the water. You can listen to your own music through the Bluetooth system, but keep the volume sensible around the caves and other boats. The sound system adds a holiday feel, especially for a group, while the cooler keeps drinks cold between swims.
Crystal Lagoon: the main snorkeling stop

Crystal Lagoon receives about 45 minutes and is presented as the strongest stop for snorkeling and swimming. The water is clear, and the rocky setting gives you more to look at than a simple open-water swim.
You may see small sea life around the rocks, though the tour does not promise a specific species or a guided marine-life talk. Bring realistic expectations: this is a recreational snorkeling stop, not a specialist wildlife excursion.
The lagoon also works well for people who want a calm swim. The boat provides life jackets and beach noodles, so less confident swimmers have extra support. You should still be comfortable around open water, and you need to tell the operator about any medical condition when booking.
This is where a private boat has a clear advantage. Your group can decide how active the stop should be. Strong swimmers can snorkel, children can use the noodles near the boat, and anyone who would rather sit in the shade or on deck can do so without holding up a large group.
There is no mention of towels or sunblock being supplied. Pack both, along with a swimsuit and a change of clothes if you prefer not to sit wet on the return ride. Ice and a cooler are provided, but you need to bring the drinks and food you want to use.
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San Niklaw Bay and the quieter side of the route

San Niklaw Bay adds a different mood to the trip. It is linked with the St. Nicholas area and offers clear water, coastal views, and another 45-minute chance to swim or snorkel.
This stop may appeal most if you want a break from the better-known lagoon scene. The route gives you three separate water stops, so you are not relying on the Blue Lagoon alone to provide the day’s best swim.
The area also carries a small historical connection through its name and nearby coastal setting. The focus remains on swimming and views rather than a formal history tour, so you should not book this experience expecting long talks about Malta’s past.
A skipper can make a big difference here. Several outings describe Darren as friendly, attentive, and good at finding appealing places to swim. One couple was taken to a small beach where they had the spot to themselves. That kind of flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private charter instead of a fixed group cruise.
The 1618 tower and a glimpse of Comino’s past

The route includes a coastal tower built in 1618 during the rule of the Knights of St. John. It formed part of Malta’s defensive network, with a strategic position overlooking the Gozo Channel and the passage between Malta and Gozo.
You may view the tower from the water rather than make it a long land visit. That keeps the trip focused on the sea, but it also means the historical element is brief. If you want to explore fortifications in detail, plan a separate visit elsewhere in Malta or Gozo.
Still, the tower gives the boat ride more context. You are not only looking at cliffs and water. You are seeing a coastline once used to watch for Ottoman and pirate attacks, with the tower placed where it could monitor movement between the islands.
The combination of a historic structure, natural caves, and swimming stops is one of the route’s better features. It gives you something to notice during the boat ride, even when you are not in the water.
Skipper Darren and the value of a private guide

The strongest praise centers on the skipper, especially Darren. He is described as friendly, attentive, clear in his explanations, and skilled at choosing places to swim. Families with children and older adults found the boat comfortable, while couples appreciated the quieter pace and personal attention.
A good skipper matters more here than a scripted guide would. Water conditions change. Popular bays fill up. A local operator can decide where to anchor, how long to stay, and when to avoid a rough patch.
Darren has also taken group photos and videos, and one outing included drone footage. That is a welcome extra, but you should treat it as a possibility rather than a guaranteed inclusion, since the formal inclusions do not promise drone photography.
The guide service is available in English and Italian. The private format lets you ask questions and request a little more information about the caves, bays, or tower without competing with a large boatload of people.
Boat comfort, equipment, and what to pack

The 26-foot boat is described as spacious and comfortable for groups of six and suitable for up to 12 people. Twin 200HP engines provide speed, while the design is intended to keep the ride stable.
Included equipment is practical rather than luxurious:
- Ice and a cooler for your own drinks
- Beach noodles
- Life jackets
- Bluetooth speakers
- A private boat
- Marina and lagoon fees
- Parking on site
- English and Italian guide service
Masks are available with a €10 deposit that is refunded when you return them. Towels, sunblock, swimsuits, and drinks are not included, so prepare your beach bag before you arrive.
Parking is available on site, and the meeting area is near public transportation. Service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but the operator says the trip is not suitable for people with motion sickness. That warning is worth taking seriously: a fast speedboat and open water can be uncomfortable in wind or swell.
Is the $207.92 group price good value?
The advertised rate is $207.92 for the whole group, up to 12 people. At full capacity, that is a strong price for a private boat and three hours around Comino. A group of nine, for example, can spread the cost across the entire party and enjoy far more space and control than on a standard shared excursion.
You must add €60 for fuel and €45 for the skipper, paid in cash on board. That €105 extra charge has surprised at least one person, so I would calculate the complete cost before booking rather than compare only the headline price.
For a group of six to 12, the total can still represent good value. You are paying for private use of the boat, several stops, equipment, marina and lagoon fees, and a skipper who can adjust the route.
For a couple, the calculation is different. The private setting may be worth it if you care about quiet time, personal service, and avoiding a crowded shared boat. If your priority is simply the cheapest swim at Comino, a public boat option may cost less.
The 45-minute structure at each major stop also gives the price some weight. You are not paying for a short transfer to one lagoon. You get three water stops, cave viewing, a tower, and the ride between them within three hours.
Sunset charter option
420 Boat Charters also offers a sunset charter. The sunset outing is described as a chance to watch the sun go down over the Blue Lagoon and calm surrounding water.
The supplied details do not state a separate sunset price, duration, or full route, so ask for those specifics before booking. It may suit couples or small groups who care more about atmosphere and photos than repeated swimming stops.
For the standard daytime trip, the best time depends on your priorities. Choose it for swimming, snorkeling, and bright water. Ask about the sunset option if your ideal boat ride is slower, quieter, and built around the evening view.
Who should book this private speedboat?
I would recommend it for families, groups of friends, and couples who want their own space. The private format is especially useful when one person wants to swim, another wants to take photos, and someone else simply wants to sit on deck with a cold drink.
It also suits mixed-age groups. One outing included people from age four to 63, and the boat’s noodles and life jackets add useful support. Parents should still supervise children closely around the water.
You should think twice if you suffer from motion sickness or dislike speedboat rides. The trip is built around open water, and poor conditions can change the route or make the ride less comfortable.
It is also not the best choice if your main goal is a long beach stay. The stop at Blue Lagoon offers access to food, drinks, and toilets, but the planned water stops last about 45 minutes each. This is a moving coastal outing, not a full-day beach base.
Booking, weather, and cancellation details
You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity accepts mobile tickets. The tour requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off uses local time.
Because the trip depends on the sea, keep some flexibility in your schedule if possible. Also tell the operator about any medical condition when you book, and bring cash for the fuel and skipper charges.
Should you book this Comino boat tour?
Book it if you want a private, active sea outing with three swimming areas, cave views, a historic tower, and a skipper who can tailor the day. The route covers the main sights around Comino without turning the trip into a long, slow cruise.
The best value comes with a larger group, where the $207.92 rate is shared across several people. Add the €105 fuel and skipper charge to your calculation, pack towels and sunblock, and arrive ready for open water.
Choose another option if you want the lowest possible price, a long stay on one beach, or a guaranteed calm sea. For everyone else, this is a lively and practical way to see Malta from the water, with enough private space to make the three hours feel like your own day out.
FAQ
How long is the private speedboat tour?
The experience lasts approximately three hours.
How many people can join the private boat?
The boat is private for your group and can accommodate up to 12 people.
Which places does the boat visit?
The route includes Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, San Niklaw Bay, Cominotto Caves, Comino Caves, nearby reefs, and a 1618 coastal tower on Comino.
How long do you spend at each main stop?
Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and San Niklaw Bay are each scheduled for about 45 minutes.
Are fuel and the skipper included in the listed price?
No. Fuel costs €60 per booking and the local skipper fee is €45 per booking. Both are paid in cash on board.
What equipment is included?
The boat provides ice, a cooler, beach noodles, a Bluetooth sound system, and life jackets. Masks require a €10 deposit that is refunded when returned.
Do I need to bring towels and sunblock?
Yes. Towels, sunblock, swimsuits, and drinks are not included.
What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the operator to cancel.
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