REVIEW · COMINO
Malta: Comino, Blue lagoon, Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Outdoor Explorers Malta Gozo Comino Boat trips · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Comino and the Blue Lagoon, minus the chaos. This private speedboat outing is built for quick swims in the clearest water and cave stops that feel way more personal than the big ferry scene. You get to cruise, anchor, and explore at lagoon rhythm instead of a strict group schedule.
I especially love two things: the chance to arrive in calmer conditions so swimming time feels less rushed, and the easy setup onboard—snorkel gear, a shaded canopy, and an ice cooler—so you can focus on enjoying the water. On recent trips, guides such as Ginger and Matt set the tone early with good music, and skippers like Justin and Pedro made sure everyone had time in the best spots.
One consideration: this experience depends on weather and sea conditions, and the skipper can adjust the route for safety. Also plan for the fuel fee (€79, paid in cash on arrival) since it’s not included in the booking price.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll care about
- Why this private Blue Lagoon boat feels different
- Price, what you actually get, and how to judge value
- Meeting point and getting there without stress
- The 2-hour route: what happens at each stop
- 1) Comino cruise (about 10 minutes)
- 2) Blue Lagoon swim and snorkel (about 25 minutes)
- 3) Secret stop (about 5 minutes)
- 4) Crystal Lagoon (about 25 minutes)
- 5) Cominotto (about 20 minutes)
- 6) Photo stop (about 10 minutes) and another hidden spot (about 10 minutes)
- 7) Saint Mary’s Tower (about 10 minutes)
- What caves and famous spots you might actually see
- Snorkeling kit, safety vibe, and how the boat keeps it easy
- Why timing matters: when the lagoon looks best
- Who this tour is best for (and who should look elsewhere)
- Booking notes and what to double-check before you go
- Should you book this private Comino and Blue Lagoon boat?
- FAQ
- Where does the tour meet?
- How long is the private boat tour?
- What is the price and group size?
- Do I get snorkeling gear?
- Is the tour fully private?
- Are food and drinks included?
- Is there an extra fuel cost?
- What if the weather is bad?
- What languages is the guide/skipper?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Key highlights you’ll care about

- Private charter for up to 6: just you and the captain on the boat, so your pace stays yours.
- Best-of Comino + Blue Lagoon focus: sail, swim, snorkel, and explore caves and photo-worthy inlets.
- Crystal Lagoon and Cominotto included: you get more than one lagoon look—plus reef and secluded-bay energy.
- Swim and snorkel from the boat: less time lining up on shore, more time in the water.
- Skipper-guide on board: bilingual hosting in English and Maltese, with local cave and lagoon stories.
- Boat comfort matters: canopy shade, an ice cooler with ice, and equipment aboard to make it easy.
Why this private Blue Lagoon boat feels different

If you picture the Blue Lagoon as crowded, noisy, and hard to enjoy, this style of tour gives you a smarter alternative. Instead of matching a big-group timetable, you cruise out, anchor, and spend your time where the water is best that day. With only a small group (up to six people), you can actually linger during the moments that matter—floating, snorkelling, and taking photos without feeling shoved along.
This is also a tour where the onboard setup is part of the value. The boat includes snorkel equipment, a cooler with ice, and shade under a canopy. That combination sounds small until you’re in full sun and you realize you don’t have to run back to shore to refill water or gear.
And the guides bring a real human vibe. Names I’ve seen on recent departures include Ginger, Matt, Zlatko, Jimmy, Francesco, Justin, Pedro, Lucas, and Josef. Even when the route changes, that guiding energy tends to keep the trip relaxed and fun.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Comino.
Price, what you actually get, and how to judge value

The booking price is $187 per group up to 6 for 2 hours. On paper, that sounds like it might be “tour price,” but it often works out as good value for what you get: a private charter on a speedboat for a small group, lagoon fees and national park fees included, snorkel gear provided, and a bilingual skipper who handles the whole day.
There’s one extra cost to factor in: €79 fuel fee, paid in cash on arrival. That fee isn’t unusual for private marine charters in this area, but it’s important for budgeting. If you’re comparing options, make sure you’re comparing total cost, not just the headline booking price.
Also remember this is a 2-hour experience. That’s not a full day on the water, so it works best if you’re aiming to hit the highlights—Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto and cave/photo stops—then get back without fatigue.
Meeting point and getting there without stress

Your meeting spot is next to the wooden kiosk with umbrellas, and it’s the only kiosk in that area. That’s helpful because the Cirkewwa area can feel confusing if you arrive without a clear landmark.
The tour can start from either Malta (Ċirkewwa) or Gozo. When booking, tell them your preferred starting point; if you don’t specify, it assumes departure from Ċirkewwa.
One practical tip: aim to arrive early enough to settle in, find the kiosk, and double-check your skipper’s name when you meet. The smoother the handoff, the sooner you’re on the water.
The 2-hour route: what happens at each stop

This itinerary is designed around efficient sailing time and frequent water time. You won’t spend most of the tour just travelling—you’ll keep getting anchor moments and short exploration stops.
1) Comino cruise (about 10 minutes)
The first segment is a quick move toward Comino so you’re not staring at the water for long waiting to get started. It’s enough time to settle in, get oriented, and start spotting the formations and shorelines that make Comino famous.
What this means for you: you’ll likely feel the trip shift quickly from “getting there” into “okay, we’re doing the fun part.”
2) Blue Lagoon swim and snorkel (about 25 minutes)
This is the main event. You’ll get a mix of photo time, cruising, sightseeing, free time, swimming, and snorkelling. The big advantage of doing it privately is that the water time feels intentional. In at least one recent ride, the group started at 17:00 so the Blue Lagoon was quieter, which makes a huge difference for comfort.
You’ll also see sea life while snorkeling if conditions are right, and the water tends to look like it’s been filtered—so yes, you’ll want to take photos from the boat and in the water.
Small drawback: because the stop is about 25 minutes, you’ll want to decide early whether you’re prioritizing snorkel time, a quick swim, or photos—then enjoy it instead of trying to do everything perfectly.
3) Secret stop (about 5 minutes)
Between the big lagoon stops, there’s a short “secret stop” window for a quick swim and snorkel moment. This is the kind of brief stop that works well on a private trip: it adds variety without eating your time.
If you’re the type who gets restless sitting around, this one keeps momentum.
4) Crystal Lagoon (about 25 minutes)
Crystal Lagoon is your second major swim stop, with photo stop, sightseeing, free time, swimming, and snorkelling again. The vibe here can feel different from the Blue Lagoon—more dramatic in how the shorelines and cliffs frame the water.
You also often get good underwater viewing during snorkelling because the conditions can be very clear around the inlet areas. If you’re comparing lagoons, this is the stop that helps you feel like you’re not just repeating the same experience twice.
5) Cominotto (about 20 minutes)
Next comes Cominotto, with time for photo stops, sightseeing, and cruising. Cominotto and nearby reef areas can feel more secluded than the most famous viewpoints, and that’s part of why this itinerary is popular.
One thing to know: since the schedule at Cominotto is heavier on sightseeing/photo time than swimming time, it suits people who want variety—not just continuous water play.
6) Photo stop (about 10 minutes) and another hidden spot (about 10 minutes)
After Cominotto, the boat itinerary includes photo stop and sightseeing and then a hidden gem stop. These are shorter windows where you’ll likely get a quick look at formations and shorelines that larger boats can’t reach as easily.
This is where you’ll benefit from having a skipper who can point out what to look for—caves, arches, and the kind of angles that turn a plain photo into a “how is this real?” image.
7) Saint Mary’s Tower (about 10 minutes)
You’ll end with a photo stop and sightseeing by Saint Mary’s Tower. It’s a nice closing viewpoint because it shifts you from water-only scenes to Malta’s broader coastal context.
What caves and famous spots you might actually see

The route is weather-dependent, so the exact cave lineup can shift. Still, this trip is known for classic Comino cave and landmark moments, including:
- Lovers Cave: a 40-meter cave with a hidden white sandy beach inside, popular for photos
- Popeye Cave: a natural arch that resembles the Blue Grotto look
- Comino Caves and Lantern Point: rock formations accessible only by private boat
- Optional P31 Wreck: only if weather permits
How to use this info: if caves are your top priority, plan your mindset around flexibility. You’re booking a private charter for a reason—so your skipper can steer toward what’s workable that day, rather than forcing one route no matter the sea state.
Snorkeling kit, safety vibe, and how the boat keeps it easy

You’ll get snorkel equipment, and you can swim directly from the boat. That’s a practical advantage in the Blue Lagoon area where shore setups can get crowded. The tour also includes canopy shade, which helps you avoid baking while you’re resting between swims.
Safety is handled by the skipper. In one recent trip, the skipper checked that everyone was decent swimmers before heading into the caves and swimming spots. Another group appreciated that the skipper guided them into a cave area, with a calm, supportive energy.
If you like little upgrades, watch for what some guides have added on certain departures. For example, one skipper lent a GoPro and sent videos afterward, and many boats have had Bluetooth/audio setups so you can play music while cruising. These are not guaranteed items for every trip, but they help explain why people talk about the experience feeling extra fun.
One practical tip: if you enjoy sea life photography, bringing white bread can help you attract fish near snorkelling spots. That tip came up from a guide experience on recent trips.
Why timing matters: when the lagoon looks best

In Malta’s lagoon scene, time of day is everything. The big-name lagoons can look different based on crowd levels, wind, and how many boats anchor nearby.
That’s why the ability to choose departure times (subject to availability) is valuable. In at least one recent ride, starting at 17:00 made the Blue Lagoon feel empty and calm, which changes the entire experience—from chaotic sprinting to slow floating.
If you’re planning your Malta days, try to avoid stacking all your activities on the water for the hottest part of the day. With shade on board and frequent swim windows, you’ll still have fun—but you’ll enjoy it more if you’re not already sunburned from a walking tour.
Who this tour is best for (and who should look elsewhere)

This private boat charter is a great fit if you:
- want maximum time in the water and fewer time-wasting transitions
- prefer small-group privacy over big-boat schedules
- care about snorkelling from the boat with gear provided
- are traveling as couples, friends, or a family group up to six people
It’s also a strong choice if you like having a guide who can tailor your pace. Some skippers let you pick where you want to go within the route structure, and that flexibility is what turns a “standard lagoon stop” into a personal day.
Who might want a different option: if you need a longer full-day exploration with more continuous stops, 2 hours may feel short. Also, if weather is rough, your route may change, so don’t plan this as your only water activity on a day with uncertain forecasts.
Booking notes and what to double-check before you go

Before you book, keep these points close:
- Departure point: choose Malta (Ċirkewwa) or Gozo
- Fuel fee: budget for the €79 fuel fee in cash on arrival
- Weather: your skipper may adjust the route for safety
- Language: you’ll have a bilingual skipper (English and Maltese)
If you’re booking close to departure, confirm details right away. Clear contact and quick confirmation help you avoid the classic travel annoyance of arriving at the right dock and waiting for the wrong information.
Should you book this private Comino and Blue Lagoon boat?
I think this is a smart booking if your goal is simple: see Comino and the Blue Lagoon without fighting the crowd, and do it with real water time. The small-group format, provided snorkel gear, shaded comfort, and skipper-led cave and lagoon exploration are exactly what make it feel like a treat rather than a checklist tour.
If you’re on a tight budget, the €79 fuel fee is the one part that can surprise people—so price it in before you decide. And if you hate weather uncertainty, you’ll want a flexible day or a backup plan.
If your schedule has room for one special boat moment in Malta, this one hits the right balance: famous places, cave-worthy scenery, and enough time in the water to actually enjoy it.
FAQ
Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is next to the wooden kiosk with umbrellas. It is the only kiosk in the area.
How long is the private boat tour?
The tour lasts 2 hours.
What is the price and group size?
The price is $187 per group for up to 6 people.
Do I get snorkeling gear?
Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.
Is the tour fully private?
Yes. It’s a private boat with just you and the captain on the boat.
Are food and drinks included?
No. Food and drinks are not included. An ice cooler with ice flakes is provided to keep drinks chilled.
Is there an extra fuel cost?
Yes. A €79 fuel fee is not included in the booking price and is paid in cash on arrival.
What if the weather is bad?
The activity is subject to weather and sea conditions. The skipper may adjust or change the route for safety.
What languages is the guide/skipper?
The live tour guide/skipper is listed as English and Maltese.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.









