REVIEW · MALTA
2 hour Private Boat Adventure Tour of Comino and Blue Lagoon
Book on Viator →Operated by Bahri Charters · Bookable on Viator
Two hours. Big blue. This private Comino boat adventure focuses on the kind of swimming stops that most people only see from photos, with a skipper who keeps the route moving and the group comfortable. I especially like the small-group feel, because you’re not squeezed into the loud, stop-and-go crowd rhythm.
The best part is the swim plan: you get anchor stops at Santa Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and around Comino itself, plus snorkeling equipment, a shower, and a cooler with ice. The main thing to consider is simple: you’re traveling on the water for a short window, so you’ll want good weather and you’ll need to bring your own towel and sunscreen.
In This Review
- Key highlights I’d prioritize
- Comino in a nutshell: what a private 2-hour cruise really gives you
- Where you start (Cirkewwa or Mgarr) and how the day stays smooth
- Santa Maria Bay: a quieter start with an 18th-century edge
- Blue Lagoon and Cominotto: the iconic color, but anchored for calm
- Crystal Lagoon: cave-side swimming and tower views
- The Comino loop: anchor time, photos, and choosing your pace
- What’s included: the stuff that makes a short boat day feel worth it
- Price and value: why this tour can be a smart buy
- Who this Comino boat tour fits best
- Practical tips before you go
- Should you book Bahri Charters’ Comino and Blue Lagoon private boat adventure?
- FAQ
- How long is the private boat adventure?
- Where does the charter start and finish?
- Is this tour private?
- What swim stops are included?
- Do I get snorkeling equipment?
- Is there admission fee for the stops?
- What should I bring since it is not included?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- What is the cancellation cutoff for a full refund?
Key highlights I’d prioritize

- Private charter pacing with time to choose where you linger
- Anchor-in swimming at Santa Maria, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon
- Snorkeling equipment + shower so you can actually switch from swim to sightsee
- Shade and a cooler with ice for the ride between stops
- Boat-only views of caves and cliff areas around Comino
- Santa Maria’s 18th-century police station detail for a quick, interesting shore moment
Comino in a nutshell: what a private 2-hour cruise really gives you

Comino is one of those places that looks unreal from a distance, then turns even better once you’re close enough to see how the water changes color over the shallows. This tour is built for that payoff. In about two hours, you get multiple swim chances instead of one long wait and one frantic photo stop.
What I like about the format is that it respects your time. Each stop is set up for a quick transfer, a chance to get in the water, and enough breathing room to take pictures without feeling trapped. And because it’s private, your group isn’t getting swapped in and out of the boat like a day-pass shuttle.
Also, the tour starts and finishes in Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr (Gozo), depending on the charter. That gives you options if you’re already basing yourself on either side.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Malta
Where you start (Cirkewwa or Mgarr) and how the day stays smooth
The charter begins and ends at Cirkewwa, Malta or Mgarr, Gozo, so you’re not hunting for a dock out in the middle of nowhere. It’s listed as near public transportation, which matters because the whole experience hinges on getting there on time.
You don’t need to overthink the schedule. The duration is about 2 hours, and the skipper runs the day with swim stops and photo pauses. The timing isn’t strict, and you can spend more time at one spot if that’s the vibe you want. That flexibility is huge on Comino, where the water and visibility can make you want to stay put.
Santa Maria Bay: a quieter start with an 18th-century edge

Santa Maria Bay is your first anchor point, and it’s chosen for a reason: it’s described as the quiet bay of Comino. If Blue Lagoon is the headline, Santa Maria feels like the calm opening scene before the main event.
Here’s what you can expect:
- You can disembark and do a walk around the area if you feel like stretching your legs.
- You can also head out by boat toward the Santa Maria Caves and cliff areas that are only accessible by water.
- The bay area ties into a real local story: Santa Maria is home to one of the oldest police stations still in use in Malta, built in the 18th century to guard the small island from smuggling and black-market activity.
That last detail may sound like trivia, but it changes the feel of the place. Instead of only seeing “pretty water,” you’re also seeing a site that mattered historically. If you like combining a quick walk with a satisfying payoff, Santa Maria is a smart first stop.
A practical note: this is a swim-and-sight mix. If you’re the type who hates wet transfers, wear footwear you’re comfortable with when stepping around the boat area.
Blue Lagoon and Cominotto: the iconic color, but anchored for calm

Then comes the big one: Blue Lagoon. This stop is set up around the famous turquoise water between Comino and Cominotto—the smaller neighboring island.
What you’ll like here is that the charter drops anchor away from the crowds, so you can swim without being wedged into the densest traffic. You get a 30-minute window, which is about right for: get in, float, swim a bit, take photos, and still have time to enjoy being on the water instead of rushing.
A nice touch is how the stop is framed: you can explore both islands and even swim between them. That’s the kind of practical adventure that doesn’t require planning. You’re simply in the water, with the shore and rock shapes close enough to aim for.
Possible drawback? Blue Lagoon’s popularity means the water can attract more boats in general. This tour tries to reduce crowd pressure by anchoring away, but if your top priority is complete solitude, you may still feel some marine traffic compared with the calmer Santa Maria start.
Crystal Lagoon: cave-side swimming and tower views
After Blue Lagoon, you’ll head to Crystal Lagoon, another spot where the water color shifts as the cliffs rise around it. This one is described as highly panoramic, and it’s also only accessible by boat—meaning you’re not doing the typical “look from a walkway” routine.
Crystal Lagoon is where the cliffs and caves start to feel more cinematic. You anchor under the cliffs where Saint Mary Tower stands, and you get another swim stop with the chance to swim in and around caves.
This stop is a great pick if:
- You want a stronger “wow” factor from the rocks and caves.
- You like snorkel-style sightseeing, because the water and cliff walls encourage you to glance down and around.
- You want photos with cliffs as a backdrop, not just open water.
One consideration: you’re getting cave-adjacent swimming time. That’s thrilling, but it also means you should be comfortable in open water and watch your footing and where you swim. If you’re new to snorkeling, take it slow and follow the skipper’s comfort cues.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Malta
The Comino loop: anchor time, photos, and choosing your pace
The final segment is a round-the-island run around Comino, with anchor stops for swims and photos at various locations. The time here is also described as about 30 minutes, and again, the timing is flexible.
This part matters because it lets you decide what you value most:
- If you loved Blue Lagoon, you can lean toward more time around those features.
- If you preferred the cliff-and-cave vibe of Crystal Lagoon, you can spend your energy there and keep the Comino loop focused on photos and quick dips.
Think of this as your personalization window. Most group tours force you into a fixed rhythm. Here, your group can choose where to spend the minutes.
What’s included: the stuff that makes a short boat day feel worth it
A two-hour private cruise can either feel complete or kind of annoying, depending on what’s provided. In this case, the included items do a lot of the heavy lifting:
Included:
- Experienced skipper
- Snorkeling equipment
- Shower
- Cooler with ice
- Extending shade
- VAT and tax
- Fuel (as per the planned route)
Here’s why those details matter for you:
- Snorkeling equipment means you don’t need to bring gear or rent anything on your own. If you want to see what you’re swimming over, this helps you actually do it.
- A shower is rare on quick water tours, and it changes the end-of-day experience. You don’t have to scramble with wipes and hope you’re not sticky in the heat.
- Extending shade and a cooler with ice make the in-between time more comfortable. Comino sun is no joke, and shade helps while you’re waiting for your turn to swim.
- The skipper being experienced matters most because Comino’s charm is tied to safe, confident boating through clear but unpredictable water conditions. You’re paying for judgment, not just transportation.
Not included:
- Towels
- Sun block
So bring those two items and you’ll avoid the classic “great, now what” moment after your swim.
Price and value: why this tour can be a smart buy
The price shown here is $0.00. That’s unusual for a private boat charter, so treat it as a listed price you’ll want to confirm on your booking screen. Still, even without assuming any deal, the value logic is clear.
You’re getting a private, small-group format plus a real add-on package: snorkel gear, shower, shade, and a cooler with ice. Those aren’t tiny perks on a short trip; they’re what turns “a quick boat ride” into “a complete swim day.”
Also, you’re not paying admission during the stops as the experience notes indicate admission ticket free for the listed areas. That means you can focus on the water and the sights rather than stacking up extra fees for each location.
Who this Comino boat tour fits best
This is a strong match if you want:
- A private feel without a full-day commitment
- Multiple swimming stops in a short time window
- A route designed around caves, cliffs, and anchor-based swims, not just shore viewpoints
- Snorkeling time where the equipment is already covered
It’s less ideal if:
- You want a long land tour with lots of walking and structured sightseeing.
- You hate being on boats in any kind of chop (the experience notes say it needs good weather).
- You forgot towels and sunscreen, because those aren’t provided.
Most people can participate, so long as you’re comfortable with short boat transfers and swimming stops.
Practical tips before you go
These are the things that’ll make your experience easier, not more complicated:
- Bring a towel and your own sun block. You’ll want them right after the shower time.
- Wear something that dries fast. You’ll go from swim mode to boat mode often.
- Keep your phone or camera protected if you plan to take pictures near the waterline.
- If you’re flexible about timing, you’ll get more out of the tour. The stop order is set, but the minutes at each anchor can stretch based on your preferences.
Should you book Bahri Charters’ Comino and Blue Lagoon private boat adventure?
If you want a short, high-payoff Comino trip that focuses on swimming, snorkeling, and cliff/cave views, this is an easy yes. I’d book it when you care more about time in the water than time on land, and when a private charter matters to you.
Skip it if your idea of a great day is long guided history walks, or if you’re traveling on days where weather might be iffy and you’d be stressed about it. But if conditions look good, you’re set up for a memorable loop: quiet Santa Maria first, then the icon Blue Lagoon, then Crystal Lagoon’s cave-side swimming, and finally Comino for those photo-and-swim moments at your chosen pace.
FAQ
How long is the private boat adventure?
It runs for about 2 hours.
Where does the charter start and finish?
The charter starts and finishes in Cirkewwa, Malta or Mgarr, Gozo.
Is this tour private?
Yes. Only your group participates.
What swim stops are included?
You’ll have stops at Santa Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and around Comino, with anchor-based swimming and photo time.
Do I get snorkeling equipment?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
Is there admission fee for the stops?
The stop notes indicate admission ticket free.
What should I bring since it is not included?
Bring towels and sun block.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is the cancellation cutoff for a full refund?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.































