Comino feels different when it is private. This 2-hour boat tour gives you a calm, no-crowd way to see Comino’s most famous water stops—plus time around the cave-studded coastline—with easy pickup from either Malta or Gozo. I love the private feel, where you can actually enjoy the water instead of timing your swim around other groups.

I also like the practical onboard setup: snorkelling equipment, bottled water, and an iced cooler are part of the deal, so you spend less time fussing and more time in the sea. On top of that, the hosts get high marks for friendly service; one guide named Francesco was praised for sharing useful info and taking the group to plenty of spots, and people mentioned getting fruit after swimming and help with towels if needed. One thing to plan for is the extra €80 fuel surcharge per booking, and the stops are short—so you’ll want to be ready to swim.

Key highlights I’d bank on

• Private group, up to 8: You control the pace more than on big tours.
• Three major water stops: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Cominotto/Cemmunett.
• Snorkelling gear included: Less gear shopping, more time enjoying the water.
• Friendly, hands-on hosting: People specifically called out towel help and fruit after swimming.
• Pickup from Malta or Gozo: Choose Cirkewwa Terminal or Mgarr Marina.
• Iconic views plus quieter coves: Blue Lagoon fame, plus calmer Cominotto time.

A private Comino boat ride really means more swim time

If you’ve ever done Comino in the mass-tour way, you know the drill: you arrive, grab a quick photo, and fight for a moment to actually enjoy the water. This tour works differently. Because it’s private (your group only, up to 8), you’re not locked into a crowd’s rhythm.

The schedule is built around three water-focused stops, each with about 30 minutes. That matters, because Comino is one of those places where the experience is mostly about what you do in the water—swim, snorkel, and float while you watch the cliffs and shoreline change color with the light. You’re not stuck watching from the sidelines.

You also get a route that aims at more than just one postcard scene. You’ll see Crystal Lagoon first, then the Blue Lagoon, and you’ll also get time at Cominotto/Cemmunett, which tends to feel calmer and more tucked-away.

Pickup from Cirkewwa Terminal or Mgarr Marina: choose what saves you hassle

This is one of those tours where your day can go smoothly—or be a scramble—depending on how you reach the boat. The good news: the provider offers flexible pickup from two places, so you can match your plans.

You can be picked up from:

• Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta
• Mgarr Marina in Gozo

That choice is more than convenience. If you’re already spending time in Gozo, starting there keeps your schedule tighter. If you’re based on Malta, Cirkewwa is a straightforward jump-off point.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to show up with less paperwork energy, you’ll appreciate that.

The 1618 watchtower stop: defense history with real sea views

Before you settle into lagoon time, there’s a stop at a historic coastal watchtower. It was built in 1618 by the Knights of St. John as part of a network of towers used for coastal defense and communication.

This is the kind of stop that works well on a short tour. It gives your eyes a different kind of reward than pure water views. From the tower area, you get wide sea panoramas, and you can start seeing how Comino’s islands sit in the bigger pattern of the Maltese coastline.

Is it a long history lesson? No. It’s more like a quick, meaningful context drop. And on a private tour, that brief stop can feel less like a rushed add-on.

Crystal Lagoon: the calmer warm-up before the famous Blue Lagoon

Crystal Lagoon gets your first real swim/snorkel window, and it comes with one big advantage: it’s described as less crowded than the Blue Lagoon. That gives you a nicer chance to ease into the day.

Expect about 30 minutes here, with admission included. The water is clear and shallow in ways that make it a good spot for gentle snorkeling and casual swimming. If you’ve got snorkel gear (and you do on this tour), Crystal Lagoon is the place where you can get comfortable fast—no pressure to jump right into the busiest scene.

A practical tip: come prepared for the water right away. Change into your swim clothes before you arrive if you can. You’ll save time and keep the day from feeling split between logistics and fun.

Blue Lagoon: iconic color, 30 minutes, and how to enjoy it

Yes, the Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason: crystal-clear turquoise water and that “this looks like a screensaver” look. You’ll get about 30 minutes here, with admission included.

Because the stop is time-limited, your goal should be simple: make the most of your swim window. Since snorkeling equipment is included, you can focus on getting in, staying comfortable, and enjoying the view while you swim rather than fiddling with rentals.

If you’re traveling with kids or you’re not trying to do anything super technical underwater, this stop still works. You can keep it easy: float, look around, and enjoy the scenery from the waterline. If you’re more confident snorkeling, you’ll likely find the clearer sections rewarding.

The main consideration: this is the best-known stop, so it will always feel more active than the quieter areas. The private format helps, but the Blue Lagoon itself is the headline. Plan your expectations accordingly.

Cominotto (Kemmunett): the quieter coves with sandy edges

Cominotto—also known as Kemmunett—is where you get the chance to step away from the busiest energy. The tour notes you’ll pass by and can also stop by for about 30 minutes.

This is described as a small islet off Comino with tranquil sandy beaches and secluded coves. It’s the place for scenic patience: fewer people, more space to move, and a different coastline character with striking rock formations and cliffs.

What makes this stop valuable is variety. After Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, Cominotto feels like the “slow down” option. You can snorkel and swim at a calmer pace, and it’s a good target if you want photos that don’t look like they were taken in a crowded queue.

Snorkeling gear, iced cooler, and the host details that win hearts

The included extras are genuinely useful here, not just random perks. You get:

• Snorkelling equipment
• Bottled water
• Iced cooler

On a short tour, these small conveniences matter. When your time budget is tight, you don’t want to waste it tracking down a beach store or figuring out what’s available on-site.

I also love that the hosts have shown a service side beyond the standard script. People highlighted friendly, accommodating help, including assistance getting towels if they didn’t have any. And there’s a specific call-out that fruit was served after swimming.

That might sound minor, but it changes how the day feels at the end. It turns the tour from just a transport-and-stops itinerary into a more lived-in experience. You’ll finish your water time feeling taken care of.

Price and the €80 fuel surcharge: when this private tour makes sense

The base price is listed as $216.02 per group (up to 8) for about 2 hours. That’s a group rate, so the value depends a lot on how you split it.

Here’s how to think about it:

• If you fill the group (more people in your party), the per-person cost drops fast.
• If it’s only you or a small pair, you’ll feel the private-tour premium more strongly.

One more thing: the tour lists an extra fuel surcharge of €80 per booking that isn’t included. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it is a real cost. Before you book, mentally add it in so there are no surprises.

Still, if your main goal is no crowds and more control over your swim time, the group-rate setup can be a smart move compared with tours that charge per person and herd everyone along the same route.

Weather matters: Comino is a sea plan, not a desk plan

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, so you’re not stuck gambling your money on a bad day.

That’s also why I suggest you keep the rest of your schedule flexible. Two hours sounds short, but weather delays can ripple through your day. If you’re building a tight itinerary, leave some breathing room.

Timing-wise, the tour is built around short, structured stops, so you’re not waiting around for hours. But the sea is the sea. If waves roll in, everyone’s experience changes—so the operator’s weather requirement is a reasonable safety call.

Who should book this Comino and Gozo private boat tour

This tour is a good fit if you want the Comino highlights without the headache of managing a crowded schedule. It also suits families, including groups with young children, because the pace can be adjusted to the group’s needs.

Book it if you:

• Want a private group experience (only your party participates)
• Like snorkeling but don’t want to run around for gear
• Prefer short, high-reward stops over long sightseeing marathons
• Value friendly hosting and small comforts (cooler drinks, fruit, towel help)

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. If you like tours that still feel easy to manage—pickup options, English language, mobile ticket—you’re in the right place.

Should you book it?

I’d book this if you’re traveling with a group of friends or family and you want a more relaxed, private way to do Comino’s water highlights. The combination of snorkeling gear, included drinks/cooler, and host help with small things makes it feel more like a day out than a rushed checklist.

Skip it if you’re looking for a long, deep itinerary or you hate short swim windows. This is about time in the water, not hours of roaming. If that sounds like your kind of day, this private boat tour is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

What is the group size for this private tour?

It’s private, and only your group participates, up to 8 people.

Where can the pickup happen?

You can be picked up from the Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta or the Mgarr Marina in Gozo.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

Are admission tickets included for the stops?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Cominotto.

Is there a fuel surcharge?

Yes. A fuel surcharge of €80 per booking is not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.