A half-day on a private boat in Malta feels like cheating the system. You get a tight route that hits Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon—two of Comino’s most photogenic waters—without spending your whole day stuck in transit.

What I like most is the small scale: up to 7 people in your group, with only you and the captain onboard. I also like that snorkeling gear and safety equipment are included, so you can go straight from your harbor coffee into turquoise-water time.

One thing to plan for is the weather. The tour requires good conditions, and if seas get rough, the captain will adapt the itinerary to keep everyone safe and happy.

The key things to know before you go

• Exclusive private boat: just your group and the captain, not a mixed sightseeing crowd
• Real swim-and-snorkel windows: Crystal Lagoon for swimming/snorkeling and Blue Lagoon for a longer hour in the water
• Short, efficient timing: about 2 hours total with quick stops at Mgarr Harbour and Comino
• Snorkeling equipment included: you won’t have to hunt for gear at the last minute
• Captain-tuned route: your skipper can tailor stops, especially when wind and crowds are factors

Private Boat Time on Gozo and Comino: What You’re Really Buying

This isn’t a big-bus, many-stops “checklist” tour. You’re buying time on the water with a captain who can make small decisions on the fly—where to stop, what to prioritize, and how to keep the ride comfortable when the sea gets choppy.

The tour lasts about 2 hours, which makes it a smart fit if you’re on a tight schedule on Gozo. You get a fast taste of Comino’s best-known swim spots while still feeling like a real boat day, not a rushed photo shoot.

Your group is capped at 7, and the boat is exclusive for your party. That matters because Comino can get busy, and boat-based time is where you start to feel the difference between “touring” and actually enjoying the water.

Starting at Mgarr Harbour: The View Sets the Tone

Your tour kicks off at Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. It’s a scenic start—hills and cliffs around the harbor—so even before you’re underway, you’ll get those Malta-island views that make the day feel special.

This first stop is about 20 minutes, with port time built in. Translation: you’re not waiting around for ages, and the pacing keeps the day focused on the water rather than logistics.

If you’re the type who likes a quick photo moment and then action, this timing fits you. If you prefer long stretches on land, just know this is mainly a sea day.

Crystal Lagoon Stop on Comino: Short, Swimmable, and Snorkel-Ready

Next up is Crystal Lagoon in Comino, with about 25 minutes on the water there. This is the kind of stop where you can do a quick swim, put on snorkeling gear, and see why people keep coming back for the clear turquoise water.

The tour information calls out time for swimming, snorkeling, cliff diving, and exploring caves in the area. Whether you actually cliff dive is up to you, but it’s helpful that the stop is built to support different comfort levels—float, swim, snorkel, or just explore at your own pace.

A practical note: 25 minutes can feel quick once you’re in the water. If you want extended snorkeling, you’ll do best if you’re ready right after the boat docks and you move efficiently between the ladder/step and where you want to swim.

Blue Lagoon for One Full Hour: More Water Time, Less Rush

Then you head to the Blue Lagoon, between Comino and Cominotto, with about 1 hour there. This is your main swim-and-relax block, which is exactly how a good half-day should work: one short stop, then one longer “let’s enjoy this” stop.

This is where you’ll likely spend the most time snorkeling and just hanging out. The water here is famous for a reason, and an hour gives you breathing room—time to swim out, come back, rinse off your nerves, and do it again if you’re feeling brave.

If you’re traveling with people who don’t all snorkel, this hour is still a win. Some can focus on snorkeling; others can simply float, soak up the views, and watch the coastline lines roll by.

The Captain Factor: When Winds Pick Up, the Trip Changes

Even the best route can get rough if the sea gets windy. In one account, the skipper worked hard on a blustery day, steering the experience toward less busy locations and making the most of the conditions.

It’s also worth noting the human touch. On one trip, Captain Noel was described as friendly and experienced, and he even brought his first mate Bobo, a chihuahua puppy that became a highlight for an animal lover. That kind of energy doesn’t change the physics of the waves, but it can absolutely change how the day feels.

The tour does say the itinerary can be adapted if weather conditions aren’t ideal. So instead of a generic “sorry, we’re stuck,” you’re set up for a captain-led adjustment.

What’s Included on the Boat (and What Isn’t)

Here’s where the value gets real, because the inclusions affect your actual day-of experience.

Included:

• Exclusive private boat (only your group and the captain)
• Safety equipment
• Snorkelling equipment
• All port fees included
• Ice box with ice

Not included:

• Towels
• Swimwear

One more practical detail: fuel consumption isn’t included. That’s common for charters, and it’s usually the reason you’ll sometimes see a private-boat price work more like “group cost” than “per person entrance fee.”

I’d also plan like you’re carrying beach essentials. Bring your own towel, sunscreen, and whatever you need to feel comfortable in the water. If you want to snorkel longer than planned, pack something you can handle quickly without fuss.

Mobile Ticket, English, and Small-Group Convenience

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. That sounds basic, but on islands it matters—clear communication makes the meeting point smoother and reduces that pre-boarding stress.

The tour says service animals are allowed, and it notes you’ll be near public transportation. It also states that most travelers can participate, which is good news if you’re considering it as a safe, general option.

Still, keep your expectations matched to a small boat and open water time. If anyone in your party struggles with sea conditions, you’ll want to decide thoughtfully, since the tour is built around swimming and water movement.

Price and Value for a Group Up to 7

The price is $120.41 per group for up to 7 people, with an average booking window of about 8 days in advance. That means the real value depends on how full your group is.

If you fill the full 7-person capacity, you’re roughly looking at about $17 per person for a private boat experience. Even with a smaller group, you still get the main benefit: you’re not sharing the boat with strangers.

You’re also getting what many people end up paying for separately: snorkeling gear and a captain-led plan. And since the route focuses on two signature water stops, your money mostly goes toward time in the water rather than long detours.

Logistics to Watch: Cruisers and Meeting-Point Reality

If you’re arriving on a cruise ship, plan extra time. One account flagged how getting to the area can be tricky, especially if ride options don’t line up. The key takeaway is simple: you can’t treat the meeting point like it’s on the same street as the dock.

It’s also important that the tour doesn’t advertise pick-up and drop-off. So bring a plan for transport to the meeting harbor area, and don’t rely on a last-minute ride magically appearing.

If you want to avoid stress, give yourself buffer time, especially if you’re dealing with canceled ride requests. For most people, the boat day is worth it—but only if you arrive when you should.

Weather and Sea Conditions: How the Day Stays Pleasant

This experience requires good weather, and that’s not just fine print. Open-water boat time can turn uncomfortable fast if seas pick up, and the tour is set up to handle that with itinerary adaptation.

In real terms, it means you should expect a captain-led decision if conditions change. On a windy day, the goal becomes maximizing enjoyment and safety rather than forcing every ideal route element no matter what.

If the forecast looks rough, you may still get an excellent trip—but it’s smart to go in with flexibility. Bring a positive attitude and plan to do your best enjoying the ride, not just the perfect photo angles.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This private cruise fits best if you want:

• a short half-day with meaningful swim time
• a small group or family setup
• included snorkeling gear and a captain who can tailor the day

It may not be ideal if:

• you hate any chance of weather-related changes
• you want a lot of land sightseeing
• you’re counting on long, slow snorkeling sessions in one place

If you’re traveling with mixed interests, it’s a good compromise. One person can snorkel; another can relax. With private boat time, you’re less likely to get stuck in a rigid crowd rhythm.

Should You Book This Private Boat Cruise?

I think you should book this if you’re aiming for a real boat day without wasting half your vacation in transit. The combination of private scale, included snorkeling equipment, and focused stops at Comino’s most famous waters makes it feel like a good value, especially for groups.

I’d book with extra care if you’re on a cruise ship or if your party has limited tolerance for choppy water. Plan transport early, build time buffers, and expect the captain to adjust if conditions aren’t ideal.

In the end, this is a practical way to see the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon without the big-tour chaos—just you, your group, and a skipper who’s willing to work with what the sea gives that day.

FAQ

How long is the private boat cruise?

It’s about 2 hours, with the itinerary designed around a short harbor start, a Crystal Lagoon stop, and a longer Blue Lagoon swim and relaxation period.

How many people are included in a group?

The booking is for a private group up to 7 people, and the boat is exclusive to your group with the captain onboard.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkelling equipment is included, along with safety equipment.

Are entrance fees included for the stops?

Port fees are included. The information also notes that admission is included at the Gozo ferry port, while Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are listed as free for admission in this itinerary.

What should I bring since it’s not included?

You’ll want to bring your own towels and swimwear. The tour includes an ice box with ice, but those beach basics aren’t provided.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

The experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t suitable, the itinerary will be adapted to keep the tour safe and enjoyable, with changes explained before the tour starts.

You Might Also Enjoy

Valletta: Half-Day City Discovery Walking TourMalta: Blue Lagoon Evening Swim & Snorkel Boat CruiseSliema: Powerboat Trip to Gozo with Caves and Island StopMalta: Dingli Cliffs & Buskett Gardens Segway Tour