REVIEW · COMINO
Malta: Blue Lagoon, Caves, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Aloha Boat Charters Malta · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A private boat around Comino means fewer crowds. I love how this charter strings together Blue Lagoon time and Comino caves scenery on a route that’s designed for you, not for a bus schedule. You’ll get a calm, small-group feel while still hitting the most famous water spots in the area.
Two things I’d personally prioritize: First, the chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon with a quieter vibe than the day-trip rush. Second, you’ll have snorkel gear on hand for Crystal Lagoon and the surrounding coves, so you can make the most of the clear water. The overall experience feels flexible because the captain can tailor the stops around what you want to see most.
One drawback to weigh: there are extra cash add-ons for the skipper and fuel, and it’s a relatively short outing (2–4 hours), so you’ll want to be ready to swim when the boat stops.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth planning for
- Private boat around Comino, Gozo, and Cominotto: what makes it click
- Blue Lagoon first: turquoise water, quick access, and better use of your time
- Crystal Lagoon snorkeling breaks: deeper spots and sea caves nearby
- Santa Marija Caves: the blue reflection effect you can actually use
- Santa Marija Tower and the coastline pass: history you can see from the water
- St Nicholas Bay: quiet beach time when you want a breather
- The comfort details: shower, ladder, noodles, and that Bluetooth sound
- Price and value: what $227 covers, and what to budget in cash
- How long is enough? Picking your 2–4 hour window
- Meeting point and on-the-day vibe: text your live location, then relax
- Who this trip suits best
- Should you book this Malta Blue Lagoon, Caves, Comino & Gozo private boat trip?
- FAQ
- How many people can be in a group?
- How long is the boat trip?
- What places does the charter focus on?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- What extra costs are not included in the price?
- Can the trip start from Malta or Gozo?
Key highlights worth planning for

- Blue Lagoon swimming time at the iconic turquoise bay, with snorkeling optional right off the stop
- Crystal Lagoon coves with spots known for deeper-water fun and cliffy coastlines
- Santa Marija Caves for those sunlit blue reflections that make the rocks look different minute to minute
- Historic Santa Marija Tower (a 17th-century Knights of St. John watchtower) passed from the water
- St Nicholas Bay as a calmer-feeling alternative beach option when you want a break from crowds
Private boat around Comino, Gozo, and Cominotto: what makes it click

Comino is famous for a reason: short distances, big scenery, and water so clear it looks staged. The difference here is the format. Instead of lining up with a larger tour boat, you’re booking a personalised private charter for your group (up to 12). That matters, because Comino’s best swimming spots are popular, and the ability to time your stops changes the feel a lot.
I also like the practical setup. You get a ladder, a fresh water shower, and an ice chest with ice, which sounds small until you’re actually wet, sandy, and ready for comfort. Plus, there’s a Bluetooth-connectable surround system, so you can keep the ride upbeat without needing to shout over other boats.
Another smart detail: you’re not stuck with one “exact” agenda. This charter is built mainly around Comino, with potential to include Gozo and Cominotto, and you can choose whether you start from Malta or Gozo. That helps if you’re basing yourself on either island.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Comino
Blue Lagoon first: turquoise water, quick access, and better use of your time

Most people come to Comino for the Blue Lagoon, and this trip starts you there. You get that classic bay experience: shimmering turquoise water and a sandy seabed that makes the water look bright even when clouds move in. For swimming, that’s ideal because you can gauge depth easily and move around comfortably.
If you like snorkeling, this is also a good first-stop spot because the water clarity helps you see what you’re doing right away. The included snorkeling gear (and snorkel-friendly access from the boat via the ladder) means you’re not wasting your best water hours figuring out equipment.
Here’s the real value: because it’s private, you can stay flexible about how long you swim. If you want a quick dip and photos, you can do that. If you want a slower session—float, rinse, and get back to the next stop—you can.
One note: the Blue Lagoon is “world famous” for a reason, which means it draws crowds. A private charter doesn’t magically erase popularity, but it gives you more control over your timing and how you enjoy the water.
Crystal Lagoon snorkeling breaks: deeper spots and sea caves nearby

After the Blue Lagoon, you may head to the Crystal Lagoon, a nearby cove known for deeper water and clear visibility. This is where the experience shifts from postcard swimming to “explore a bit” time.
The itinerary also points you toward sea caves in this area. The idea is that you can get close to interesting rock formations and look into openings that change with the angle of sunlight. If you want that extra sense of adventure—just not a full-day production—Crystal Lagoon is often where people start saying the trip feels worth it.
A practical tip: snorkel during the calmer moments. Even a short boat trip can have wind or small waves depending on the day. If you feel current or chop, take a moment and reassess before you gear up. Your gear is included, so you don’t need to rush, but you do want to get your best visibility window.
If you’re going with kids or less-confident swimmers, you can use the included swimming noodles and keep things relaxed while others do a quick snorkel pass.
Santa Marija Caves: the blue reflection effect you can actually use

One of the coolest stops is the Santa Marija Caves, a set of sea caves known for blue reflections created by sunlight hitting the water. This isn’t just a “look from far away” viewpoint. From the boat, you can get right up near the cave area, and with your snorkel gear you can explore the edges and openings when conditions are right.
What I like about this stop is how visual it is. You don’t need complicated instructions. The light does the work. As the boat position changes, you’ll see different shades and different textures in the water and rocks. That’s the kind of detail you miss on big-group tours where everyone’s herded along.
The caves also connect nicely to the rest of the day: you’ve already been swimming in bright open water, and then you get a more dramatic setting with rock shapes and cave shadows. It feels like a natural progression.
Santa Marija Tower and the coastline pass: history you can see from the water

Between swim stops, you’ll cruise along Comino’s coastline and get passing views that add context. A highlight here is Santa Marija Tower, a 17th-century watchtower built by the Knights of St. John. It’s noted as appearing in the film Count of Monte Cristo, which gives you a fun reference point as you look at the tower’s silhouette.
From a boat, a watchtower isn’t just “a building.” It becomes a marker in the coastline story, tied to where people once kept an eye on the sea. Even if you don’t care about military architecture, it helps break up the day with something that isn’t only water and rocks.
If you like photos, this is a good moment to take them while the tower is still visible and the boat is moving slowly enough to frame it cleanly. The ride tempo on a private charter often makes these “in-between” minutes more enjoyable than you’d expect.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Comino
St Nicholas Bay: quiet beach time when you want a breather

After the cave and tower views, you can head toward St Nicholas Bay, described as a peaceful, secluded beach on Comino. This is the stop that helps you reset if the first areas feel too crowded or too active.
I like St Nicholas Bay because it supports a slower way of enjoying the water: relax on the sandy shore, swim when you feel like it, and take time for a simple picnic. The charter includes table water, and the ice chest setup makes it easier to keep snacks and drinks comfortable.
It’s also a good stop for mixed groups. If you’ve got a mix of swimmers and non-swimmers, this kind of beach break gives everyone something to do without forcing the day to revolve around one activity.
The comfort details: shower, ladder, noodles, and that Bluetooth sound

Short boat trips can still feel either smooth or stressful, and the difference is in the gear. Here, you get a solid set of comfort and safety items:
- Life jackets for everyone on board
- Snorkeling gear included so you can hop in without extra rentals
- Swimming noodles for easy floating and family-friendly water time
- Ladder for getting back aboard cleanly
- Fresh water shower for rinsing off salt and sand
- Ice chest with ice to keep drinks cool
- Table water included
- A Bluetooth-connectable surround system so music stays low-key and fun
The fresh water shower is a big deal in Malta. After you’ve been in clear sea water and then walk around sandy spots, rinse-off comfort makes the trip feel less like “a wet adventure you pay for later.”
And if your group is into a relaxed vibe, the Bluetooth sound system can make the ride feel like your own floating living room. Just keep volume reasonable so everyone enjoys the sea quiet too.
Price and value: what $227 covers, and what to budget in cash

This charter is priced at $227 per group up to 12, which is a helpful way to think about value: the price is grouped by your party size, not per person like a lot of sightseeing boats. That can make a private charter surprisingly competitive if you’re traveling with friends or family.
But there are additional costs you should plan for:
- €44 for Skipper (paid in cash to the skipper)
- €44 fuel charge (paid in cash to the skipper)
So yes, there’s a cash component. Still, what you’re paying for is the whole setup: a private boat charter around Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, caves, and bays, plus the included snorkeling and onboard comforts.
If you’re a couple, the “up to 12” structure may feel like overkill—until you consider that the day is short and you’ll want a relaxed, tailored experience more than “everyone waits, everyone follows.” If you’re a family of four to eight, the math often feels better because you’ll all use the included gear and have more time for water-play without the pressure of a larger group schedule.
How long is enough? Picking your 2–4 hour window

The tour runs 2 to 4 hours, with starting times varying based on availability. That range matters because Comino’s best water stops are tied to daylight, wind, and how long you actually want in the water.
If you’re the type who loves photos and multiple swims, lean toward the longer end. If your group wants fewer changes—one or two main swims plus caves/views—the shorter option can be plenty.
A good mindset: treat it like a highlight loop, not a full island tour. You’ll get major Comino experiences, but the secret is pacing. Your captain will guide where to go next, and you’ll make the most of your time by deciding quickly when to snorkel, when to float, and when to just enjoy the ride.
Meeting point and on-the-day vibe: text your live location, then relax
The skipper will text you a live location so you can find the boat more easily. That’s a practical approach for coastal meeting points where landmarks can be confusing, especially when roads and parking options are tight.
Once you’re aboard, the vibe should be straightforward: safety gear ready, snorkel gear available, and then you’re out on the water with your captain managing the route. The ride is private, so you’re less likely to feel like you’re stuck waiting on other parties.
One caution: it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so if your group includes anyone with mobility needs, you’ll want to confirm whether they can comfortably board, move, and use the ladder safely.
Who this trip suits best
This is a strong fit for:
- Families who want kids to have water fun with noodles and easy access from the boat
- Couples who want romance and swimming without feeling like you’re in a line
- Friends and small groups who want a shared day on the water without joining the larger crowd scene
- Anyone who cares about snorkeling and cave scenery and wants gear included
If your priority is only beach time with no cave stops, you might find it’s a bit more “activity varied” than you expected. But if you like the idea of mixing iconic swims with cave and coastline views, it’s exactly the right structure.
Also, if you’re staying in Gozo or nearby, the option to begin in Malta or Gozo can simplify your logistics and reduce travel stress on the day.
Should you book this Malta Blue Lagoon, Caves, Comino & Gozo private boat trip?
I’d book it if you want a private Comino experience built around real swim time and practical comfort, and if your group can use snorkeling gear right from the boat. The included setup (ladder, shower, noodles, snorkel gear, ice chest) makes it feel complete, not “rent everything and hope for the best.”
Skip or reconsider if you’re traveling with mobility needs that affect boarding or if you dislike cash add-ons for fuel and skipper. And if you’re only interested in one stop, the value is usually best when you’ll take advantage of multiple water-and-cave moments in that 2–4 hour window.
If that sounds like your trip style, this charter is a very sensible way to experience Comino without turning your day into a crowded schedule.
FAQ
How many people can be in a group?
This is a private charter priced per group up to 12 people.
How long is the boat trip?
The trip runs about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the starting time available.
What places does the charter focus on?
The experience is mainly around Comino, with stops exploring Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Comino caves, and also coverage that can include Gozo and Cominotto.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with swimming noodles and life jackets.
What extra costs are not included in the price?
You’ll pay the skipper and fuel in cash: €44 for the skipper and €44 for fuel.
Can the trip start from Malta or Gozo?
Yes. You can choose to begin in Malta or Gozo—just tell them when you make the reservation.


























