Malta: Blue Lagoon and Comino Island tour

REVIEW · GOZO

Malta: Blue Lagoon and Comino Island tour

  • 4.9198 reviews
  • 2 - 3 hours
  • From $164
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Operated by SunReel Malta Private Boat Trips & Charters · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Blue water hits different when it’s private. This Malta Blue Lagoon and Comino Island tour trades crowds for your own boat time, with a local captain shaping stops around what the day allows.

I especially like the combination of easy swimming stops (Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon) plus a Comino pass for caves-and-scenery moments, so you get both water time and viewpoints. One thing to keep in mind: the sea can be windy, and if the conditions are choppy, the “look at this perfectly clear view” part can feel less smooth than on calm days.

Quick hits: what makes this charter work so well

Malta: Blue Lagoon and Comino Island tour - Quick hits: what makes this charter work so well

  • Private time with a local captain who handles routes and timing based on daily weather
  • Two big lagoon swims: Crystal Lagoon (about 1 hour) and Blue Lagoon (about 1 hour)
  • Snorkel setup included with gear plus floaties, so you can relax even if you’re not a strong swimmer
  • Bluetooth + USB charging for your own music playlist
  • On-board shower, sun shade, and an ice box for staying comfortable during the trip
  • Flexible pickup: Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr Harbour (Gozo), plus drop-offs back around Cirkewwa areas

Why this Malta Blue Lagoon charter feels different than the big tours

Malta: Blue Lagoon and Comino Island tour - Why this Malta Blue Lagoon charter feels different than the big tours
If you’ve ever done the shared-boat version of the Blue Lagoon, you know the rhythm: line up, bounce between crowded anchorages, jump in when they tell you, then get pushed onward. This is the opposite. You’re on an exclusive private boat with just your captain and your group (up to 6 people), so the day feels paced by you, not by a schedule built for dozens of passengers.

The value isn’t only the “private” label. It’s what that privacy buys you in real life: more control over when you swim, more space to move around, and fewer moments where you’re trying to see the water through other boats. When you’re spending time around small island areas like Comino, that matters.

Also, the captain element is a big deal here. You’re not just buying transport across water. You’re paying for someone local who can explain what you’re seeing and position you where the water conditions look best that day. In the experiences shared by past customers, captains like Adin, Nick, Ryan, Momo, and Elton come up often for friendly guidance, good instincts in tougher weather, and a knack for getting people the right angles for photos.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Gozo.

Cirkewwa vs Mgarr Harbour: picking the start that matches your day

Malta: Blue Lagoon and Comino Island tour - Cirkewwa vs Mgarr Harbour: picking the start that matches your day
You can start from Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr Harbour (Gozo). That choice changes the feel of the trip immediately. Starting in Malta can be simpler if you’re already based on the main island. Starting from Gozo can work nicely if you’re pairing this with a Gozo day and want to keep transport time minimal.

One practical note: the tour includes drop-offs in the Cirkewwa area (including points near the Fisheries Office and the Cirkewwa cafe/Ċirkewwa). If you’re staying around Gozo, plan your day around how you’ll get back after the boat returns, since your final landing points are described around Cirkewwa.

Crystal Lagoon: the “clear-water” stop and how to use your time

Malta: Blue Lagoon and Comino Island tour - Crystal Lagoon: the “clear-water” stop and how to use your time
Crystal Lagoon is where the water usually looks the most glassy and photogenic. On this charter, you get about 1 hour here for a mix of sightseeing, a photo stop, and swimming/snorkeling time.

Here’s how to get more from that hour:

  • Go in prepared to stay relaxed. Snorkeling gear is included, and there are floaties too, so you don’t have to treat it like an athletic event.
  • Use the photo stop as your anchor moment. If you’re planning shots, do them early before you start moving around in the water.
  • Keep a small buffer for time in and out of the water. Some stops feel easy on calm mornings, and more physical when there’s wind.

A pattern I’ve noticed from the tour details is that the schedule doesn’t just “go from A to B.” The captain can adjust based on what the sea is doing. That matters most at Crystal Lagoon, because clear conditions can make the water look almost unreal, while choppier conditions can limit visibility and comfort.

Blue Lagoon swim: the best part, timed for the conditions

The Blue Lagoon, Malta stop is also about 1 hour with swimming and snorkeling. This is the “payoff” portion of the trip for most people: that iconic coastline, that bright water, and the feeling that you’re in a movie set.

Two small decisions can upgrade your experience here:

  • If your schedule allows, pick an earlier start time. In the experiences people describe, early departures helped avoid the thickest crowds and made the anchoring and swimming feel calmer.
  • If it’s windy, focus on your water time rather than the view-fantasy. One person praised the captain for mastering waves on a windy day, and that’s what you want: someone who can keep the boat positioned so you still get a good swim even when the sea isn’t cooperating.

Snorkeling gear and floaties are included, plus a Bluetooth stereo and USB charging, so you can create a more personal “vacation mood” while you’re waiting for your turn in the water or settling into the stop.

Comino caves and the scenic cruising window

Comino is where the trip shifts from pure lagoon swimming to “see the island from the water.” You’ll spend about 1 hour on Comino with sightseeing and scenic views while cruising, plus an additional short Comino segment that includes a break and guided elements.

The way this part is designed is smart. You don’t have to schedule a hike or commit to a long walk. From the boat, you still get the Comino feel: cliffs, coves, and the famous cave-area scenery.

A useful expectation: this isn’t described as a long guided tour on land. It’s mostly a boat-and-water experience, with a brief guided moment and a short break. So if you’re the type who wants hours of walking, you might find this portion short. But if you’re the type who wants more swim time and fewer transfers, this fits well.

In the stories shared by customers, captains are also praised for showing the caves and helping with photo moments. Some people even mention captains being extra thoughtful about the experience, like organizing a fun mid-trip surprise (an ice cream meet-up from another boat). That’s not something you should plan on as a guarantee, but it does hint at the “friendly and flexible” vibe you can hope for.

How the captain handles weather like a pro (and why it matters)

Malta: Blue Lagoon and Comino Island tour - How the captain handles weather like a pro (and why it matters)
Malta’s sea mood can change fast. Wind can bring chop, chop can affect how comfortable it is to move around the boat, and it can reduce how crisp the water looks. This charter directly addresses that reality by letting the captain plan around daily conditions.

What that means for you on board:

  • You’ll be on a small private boat, so you’re not stuck in a rigid “everyone does the same thing” flow.
  • The captain can steer toward the smoother experiences or adjust where you anchor so swimming still feels worth it.
  • The focus stays on safety first, then maximizing time in the water.

This is one of the most consistently praised parts of the experience. Names like Adin and Momo show up with comments about navigating windy days with confidence and keeping everyone comfortable. That’s exactly the kind of “in the moment” competence you want when you’re not in control of the sea.

What you get on board (and what you’ll still need)

This tour includes a lot of small comforts that add up once you’re out on the water:

Included on the boat:

  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Floaties
  • Safety equipment
  • Shower
  • Bluetooth audio plus USB charging point
  • Ice box (for your refreshments)
  • Sun shade and cushions
  • Port fees included

What you bring:

  • Swimwear
  • Sun cream/sunscreen
  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Your own food and drinks

One detail that I really like is the onboard shower. If you want to keep the day feeling clean and easy, having a way to rinse off after lagoon water helps a lot.

Also, you’ll want to think about music. Bluetooth audio is included, and plenty of people like being able to play their own playlists rather than hearing the same cruise soundtrack from a shared group boat.

Time planning: 2 hours vs 3 hours (what you should choose)

The tour duration is listed as 2–3 hours. That range sounds small, but it changes how much you can truly enjoy each stop.

If you choose the shorter end, you’ll likely feel the structure more tightly: two main swims plus the Comino sightseeing moments, all packed in. It can still be great. But one person did wish they’d gone for the 3-hour option because there’s more to see and more time to savor the water.

My practical advice:

  • Pick 3 hours if you’re the kind of traveler who doesn’t just swim once—you want multiple dips, longer snorkeling, and more time to soak in the views.
  • Pick 2 hours if you want a highlight hit, you’re comfortable with a brisk pace, and you’re pairing this with other Malta plans.

Price and value: what $164 for up to 6 people really means

The price is listed as $164 per group up to 6 people for 2–3 hours. On a per-person basis, that can be surprisingly reasonable when you split it inside a small group.

Here’s the value logic I’d use when deciding:

  • You’re paying for a private boat plus captain time, safety setup, and included gear.
  • You’re also not spending extra money on rentals like snorkels/floaties (they’re included).
  • You’re gaining flexibility and comfort: shower, shade, cushions, and the ability to play your own music.

Is it a bargain compared to a ferry to Comino? No. But it’s not trying to be. It’s more like paying for a personal water experience in one of the most famous coastal areas in Malta. For couples, it can feel luxurious. For families or small friend groups, it often feels like good math.

One caution comes from the experience details: the captain and fuel are paid as a group not per person. That reinforces that this is a group-price model, not a solo adventure. If you’re traveling alone, you might find the cost less satisfying unless you’re happy paying for privacy without splitting.

Who this private Blue Lagoon and Comino tour fits best

This charter fits best if you want a water day that’s:

  • More personal than the big-boat options
  • Focused on swimming and snorkeling rather than long land tours
  • Comfortable enough for families, including parents who want a captain who stays attentive

The tour details include snorkeling gear and floaties, and multiple people describe family-friendly moments where captains guided kids confidently into the water. At the same time, there are limits: unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed, and the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If mobility is a concern, you should treat that as a hard stop based on the provided info.

Should you book this Malta Blue Lagoon and Comino Island tour?

If your goal is one thing—maximum time on the water without the crowd chaos—then yes, this is the kind of booking I’d make early in a Malta trip. The private setup, included snorkel gear, and captain-led routing are the core reasons. You’re also getting practical comfort (shade, shower, ice box) that shared cruises often don’t bother with.

I’d think twice if:

  • You’re set on a long, on-land Comino experience (this is mostly boat + swim)
  • You need wheelchair-friendly access (the tour isn’t suitable for mobility impairments)
  • You’re traveling solo and don’t want to pay for privacy without splitting the group price

If you can be flexible with timing and you’re excited about swimming in the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, booking this private charter is a strong choice.

FAQ

How many people are on the boat?

This is a private group experience, and it’s priced for a group of up to 6 people.

How long is the Malta Blue Lagoon and Comino tour?

The duration is listed as 2–3 hours, and you can check availability to see the starting times.

Where do I get picked up?

You choose a pickup point: Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkelling equipment is included, along with floaties for extra support.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen (sun cream), a towel, and a camera. You’ll also want to bring your own food and drinks.

What’s included on board besides snorkeling gear?

The included items are safety equipment, a shower, Bluetooth audio equipment with USB charging, an ice box, sun shade, cushions, and all port fees.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for mobility impairments or unaccompanied minors?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

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