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

Clear water, quiet coves, your own boat. This private cruise takes you around Comino, the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto, and several sea caves with a skipper who can adjust the outing to your group. I especially like the private setting, which saves you from being packed onto a large excursion boat, and the chance to stop for swimming and snorkelling rather than simply passing the best spots. The main catch is that the advertised $69 price is per boat and does not include the €39 skipper fee or €39 fuel charge.

A one-hour trip gives you a quick taste of the coast, but I would choose two hours if you want time in the water. Captains Mario and Joe receive especially strong praise for being punctual, friendly, and attentive, while one guest had a less satisfying outing because the skipper spent much of the ride on the phone. Arrive 30 minutes early, bring cash for the extra charges, and book an early departure if you want a better chance of calmer water and fewer people at the Blue Lagoon.

Key points to know before booking

• Two-hour trips offer the best balance: You get time for caves, Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, swimming, and photographs without turning the outing into an all-day commitment.
• The boat is private for up to six people: The price applies to the whole boat, not each passenger, which can make it good value for a family or small group.
• Mario and Joe are frequently praised: Their punctuality, friendly manner, local stories, and help with photographs add real value to the ride.
• You pay extra for the skipper and fuel: The listed base price does not include €39 for the skipper or €39 for fuel.
• The meeting points are practical: You can board at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo or Ċirkewwa in Malta.
• Early starts help: A 9am departure was used successfully to avoid some of the heaviest crowds.

A private way to see Comino’s famous water

Comino is small, but its coast packs in plenty: pale rock, narrow inlets, sea caves, and water that shifts from clear turquoise near the shore to deeper blue farther out. The best reason to choose this trip is control. You are not tied to a large group’s timetable, and your skipper can spend more time where your group actually wants to be.

That matters at the Blue Lagoon. It is Malta’s most famous swimming spot, and its beauty comes with a price: crowds. A private boat does not make the lagoon empty, but it lets you see it from the water and then move on to quieter sections of the coast. You can also ask for time to swim at Crystal Lagoon, where the setting feels more enclosed and calm.

The trip suits families, couples, and friends who want a short sea outing rather than a full-day cruise. A family of four used the boat successfully, with safety equipment available and a captain who helped nervous children feel more secure. You should still be comfortable around open water, and children need close supervision near the boat and shore.

Choosing between one hour and two

The advertised duration is one to two hours. That difference is important.

A one-hour cruise can show you several major sights, especially if your main aim is to see the caves and take photographs. One guest found an hour sufficient for the main attractions, while another felt it was too short because there was not enough time to enjoy the water. Both views make sense. The boat can cover ground quickly, but swimming, snorkelling, and stopping for photographs use up the clock fast.

I would choose one hour if you have a tight schedule, want a scenic introduction, or mainly plan to see the coast from the boat. It can also work well as a quick add-on to a Malta or Gozo day.

Choose two hours if you want to swim at both lagoons, look inside the caves, take your time with pictures, and listen to the skipper’s explanation of the area. For most people, two hours is the more satisfying option. It gives you room to enjoy the water instead of watching the clock.

The boat is private for up to six people, so two hours can be good value when the cost is shared. Do check the final price carefully, since the $69 base amount is not the full charge.

Boarding from Malta or Gozo

There are two pickup points. In Gozo, the departure area is at Mġarr Harbour, close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant in the Mġarr Harbour Terminal. In Malta, the meeting point is near Ċirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.

The boat returns to either Mġarr or Ċirkewwa, matching the departure point. That keeps the plan simple, but you should still allow time to find the correct area. Arriving 30 minutes before departure is sensible, particularly if you are dealing with traffic, ferry connections, or an unfamiliar terminal.

The boat ride begins with short fast runs along the coast. These are not separate attractions so much as connecting sections that move you between the main stops. If you are sensitive to speed or spray, sit where you feel most comfortable and use the available safety equipment.

Crystal Lagoon: the best place to get in the water

Crystal Lagoon is one of the strongest parts of the route. Its clear water sits among Comino’s rock formations, creating a sheltered-looking setting that is especially good for swimming, snorkelling, and photographs.

The planned stop allows about 20 minutes. That is enough for a refreshing swim and a look below the surface, but it is not a long beach session. You may see sea bream and other marine life while using the provided mask and snorkel. The equipment is included, though you may prefer to bring your own if you want a particular fit.

The boat’s sundeck gives you a place to dry off afterward, and the canopy provides some shade. The ice cooler is useful for keeping drinks cool, but food and drinks are not included, so bring your own supplies. Cash is also recommended for the extra costs and any purchases you make during the outing.

Caves, cliffs, and Cominotto

Between the lagoons, the skipper points out caves and rocky formations along Comino’s coast. The route can include Lantern Point, the Roofless Cave, also called L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, Lovers Cave, Pigeon Rock, and Daħlet il-Ħmara.

These stops are often brief, around five minutes for a viewpoint or pass-by. Think of them as a moving coastal tour with selected photo pauses, not a series of long shore visits. The boat may approach some caves closely when sea and tide conditions allow, but the skipper has the final say.

The Roofless Cave is interesting because its open top lets daylight into the rock formation. Lovers Cave and the other openings give you a close look at how the coast has been shaped by the sea. You may not be able to enter every cave on every departure. Water depth, waves, and safety come first, and the itinerary can change.

Cominotto, the small island opposite Comino, is another scenic pass-by. It adds a sense of scale to the Blue Lagoon area and makes a fine photograph from the boat. You will generally see it as part of the coastal circuit rather than as a long stop on land.

The Blue Lagoon without losing the whole day

The Blue Lagoon is the name most people recognize, and it is the natural centerpiece of this outing. Its clear, bright water looks best from the boat, where you can see the shape of the lagoon and the surrounding rock rather than only the crowded swimming area.

The planned stop lasts about 20 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, take pictures, or stay on the boat’s sundeck. If you want to spend hours in the lagoon, this short charter may not be enough. Its strength is that it combines the Blue Lagoon with several other coastal sights in a compact trip.

An early departure is a smart move. One group booked 9am and found it helped them avoid some of the crowds. Conditions change, of course, and the captain may adjust the departure time or route to suit the sea. Still, the morning is worth considering if you want a calmer start.

Do not expect a private section of the Blue Lagoon simply because you booked a private boat. You get a private ride and greater control, not exclusive use of the lagoon itself. The skipper can take you to other coves when the main area feels too busy.

What the skipper adds to the experience

A good skipper makes this more than a transfer between swimming spots. Mario is repeatedly praised for punctuality, professionalism, warmth, and his ability to explain what you are seeing. Joe receives similar praise for friendly service, local information, photographs, and a flexible approach.

That personal attention is valuable on a private boat. You can ask questions, request a little more time for a swim, or explain that someone in your group is not a confident swimmer. One captain helped a family member back to the boat after the person drifted away, and supplied life jackets when needed.

The service can vary by departure. One guest felt the skipper spent most of the outing on the phone, which made the ride feel less personal. That is a useful caution. The private format gives you a chance for direct contact with the captain, but the quality of that interaction depends on the person assigned to your trip.

The Bluetooth speaker lets you play your own music, a small feature that several people enjoyed. Wi-Fi is also included. I would treat both as extras rather than reasons to book, since the sea views, stops, and swimming are the real draw.

What is included and what costs extra

The boat comes with seating, safety equipment, a sundeck with canopy, mask and snorkel, an ice cooler, Bluetooth speaker, and Wi-Fi. Fishing equipment is not included, although one captain allowed a little fishing on the return ride. Do not assume that fishing will be part of your trip unless you arrange it in advance.

Food and drinks are also excluded. Bring water and anything you want to eat, keeping in mind that the boat has an ice cooler. Sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash belong in your day bag.

The base price is listed as $69 per private group of up to six. The skipper costs an additional €39, and fuel consumption adds another €39. Since the price is per boat, not per person, the value improves when six people share the cost. For one or two people, the total may feel less attractive compared with a shared boat.

The real value comes from saved time and privacy. You avoid waiting for a large group and can fit Comino into a wider Malta or Gozo plan. If you care mainly about the lowest possible price, a shared trip may suit you better. If you want flexibility and a short, personal outing, the extra cost is easier to justify.

Sea conditions and the flexible route

The captain can cancel, postpone, change, or modify the trip because of weather and sea conditions. The route can also change because of tides, shallow water, or other safety concerns.

That is not a minor detail. Caves and narrow coastal passages depend on conditions, and the safest route may not match the advertised order. You should see the named locations as the intended route, not a guarantee that every cave will be entered.

The skipper may also adjust your chosen time to find better conditions or meet operational needs. Arrive on time, since lateness does not extend the charter. The best approach is to keep some flexibility in your day and accept that the sea makes the final call.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later. Check the exact booking terms at the time you reserve, especially the separate skipper and fuel charges.

Who should book this private cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• A small family that wants a manageable two-hour outing
• Couples who prefer a private boat to a packed group cruise
• Friends sharing the cost across five or six people
• First-time snorkellers who want a captain close by
• People with limited time who still want to see Comino
• Anyone who wants photographs, swimming, and caves in one compact trip

You may want another option if you want a full beach day, long time ashore, or a very low-cost boat ride. You should also think carefully if your group dislikes speed, open water, or changing plans based on conditions.

Final verdict: book it for privacy and a two-hour swim

I would book this tour if I had up to six people and wanted to see Comino without surrendering most of the day to a large boat schedule. The strongest features are the private setting, the chance to swim at Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon, and the personal service often provided by Mario or Joe.

Choose two hours unless your schedule is tight. Arrive early, bring your own drinks and towel, and budget for the €39 skipper fee plus €39 fuel. If you make that calculation before booking, the trip offers a practical way to see Comino’s caves and lagoons with less waiting and more control.

FAQ

Where does the private boat tour depart?

You can depart from Mġarr Harbour in Gozo or Ċirkewwa in Malta. In Mġarr, the meeting area is close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant. In Ċirkewwa, it is near Ċirkewwa Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.

Where does the boat return?

The boat returns to either Ċirkewwa or Mġarr, matching the available departure locations.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat is available for a private group of up to six people. The price applies to the boat rather than to each passenger.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts one to two hours, depending on the option you choose. Two hours allows more time for swimming, snorkelling, cave visits, and photographs.

Is the skipper included in the listed price?

No. The skipper fee is listed separately at €39. Fuel consumption is also listed separately at €39.

Are snorkelling supplies provided?

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

What locations does the boat visit?

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

Can the route change?

Yes. The skipper can change the route, stops, departure time, or drop-off location because of weather, sea conditions, tides, shallow water, or other legitimate safety reasons.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring anything you want to eat or drink.