Comino’s blue water feels unreal. This private Malta boat tour puts you on the sea for a crowd-free run to the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, with an itinerary your skipper can shape to your pace. I especially like the freedom to anchor in quiet spots instead of doing the usual line-up-and-queue dance.

Two hours is also a smart way to do Comino: you get multiple swimming areas, real snorkeling time with included gear, and a boat built to slip into places bigger ferries can’t reach. My only real caution: the price doesn’t include a €79 fuel surcharge, and that extra is paid in cash, so budget for it up front.

Key things to know before you go

• Private means your group sets the tone: your skipper can adjust the order and the time spent at each spot to match what you care about most.
• Two lagoon stops plus cave viewing: you’re centered on Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, with additional time around caves, reefs, and Comino waters.
• Snorkeling gear is included: masks and snorkels are part of the tour, and some skippers provide extra help for kids or less-confident swimmers.
• Small-but-real extra cost: the fuel surcharge is €79 per booking, not per person, and it’s listed as not included.
• Best experience is about weather and timing: clear calm water matters for comfort and access to the nicest anchorages.
• No onboard food: you’ll need snacks you bring or food from coast kiosks.

Why this private Comino boat beats the ferry crowd

If your goal is the Blue Lagoon but you hate the idea of standing in a crowded ferry zone, this is the fix. With a private boat, you’re not stuck with a big-group schedule or a herd plan. Instead, you ride out, drop anchor where the water and conditions look best, and—this is key—your skipper can help you steer around the busiest moments.

I like that the tour is set up for water time, not just sightseeing from a distance. In practice, that means you can go straight from the boat into the swim area, put on your snorkel gear, and spend your limited time actually enjoying the water. One review highlight that matches this vibe: families loved how skippers worked with kids and kept things fun without rushing them out the moment they jumped back aboard.

The other nice part: it’s not rigid. People repeatedly mention flexibility—like getting better anchorages when it gets busy, or slowing down because the group still wants time in the water. On a two-hour tour, that flexibility matters a lot.

Cirkewwa start point (Malta) vs Mgarr (Gozo): the logistics that shape your day

This tour is designed for two starting options. If you’re staying on mainland Malta, you start around Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal in Mellieħa. If you’re based on Gozo, you start from Mgarr Harbour. Pickup can be arranged so you don’t spend your energy figuring out back-and-forth transport.

Why I think this matters: Comino is close, but getting there “cleanly” saves time. When you start from Cirkewwa, you’re positioned to reach the Comino side quickly. When you start from Gozo, you’re already on the right side of the channel.

Also pay attention to the finish: the standard setup ends back at the starting point. They mention an option to do a round trip or drop you on Malta/Gozo depending on what you want—so if you’re pairing this with another island day, tell them your plan in advance.

Blue Lagoon: how 30 minutes works in real life

The Blue Lagoon stop is built around the iconic Comino swimming spot—turquoise water, sandy seafloor, and that “postcard but actually real” clarity. The tour includes admission here and gives you around 30 minutes to swim and snorkel.

For time pressure: 30 minutes is enough if you’re decisive. You’ll want a quick setup—mask on, water check, then into the water. Families and mixed-age groups seem to love this stop because you can do it in chunks: a swim, a snorkel pass, a photo from the platform, then back on board. One birthday story really sums up the feeling: a skipper named Justin pulled alongside the jetty and turned the day into an event, then still managed a smooth, safe, kid-friendly experience in the lagoon.

If you can choose your departure time, early tends to be your friend. One review recommendation was to go around 8 a.m. to reach the Blue Lagoon before crowds build. The private-boat advantage helps, but the water is still the same water—your biggest win is arriving when it’s calmer.

A small consideration: you’ll be anchoring, not docking at a big facility, so you’ll depend on the boat’s layout and your comfort level getting in and out from the swim platform.

Crystal Lagoon stop: calm water, cave scenery, and better privacy

After Blue Lagoon, you move to Crystal Lagoon for about 20 minutes. This stop is especially for people who want dramatic cliffs and a calmer feeling than the most famous spot.

The vibe here is different. Blue Lagoon is the headline; Crystal Lagoon is the mood. It’s described as sheltered with turquoise water, and because it’s arranged as a private stop, you’re more likely to find a quiet angle for swimming and snorkeling.

You’ll also notice a pattern in the reviews: people praise the way skippers choose “the best spots” and avoid the busiest areas. That’s not just good manners—it changes your sensory experience. Same coastline, but less noise, less boat traffic, and more time where the water is doing the talking.

So what’s the drawback? 20 minutes can be short if you want to linger. But with a private schedule, the skipper can often squeeze in a bit more time depending on conditions—and many reviews describe that pacing felt right rather than rushed.

The Comino cave stops: what you actually get to see from the boat

Around Comino, you’ll get sea cave and coastal features as part of the experience, not as a separate “tour-within-a-tour.” The plan includes photo-worthy spots like L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf (Crystal Lagoon Cave) and stops near areas such as Alex Cave, plus cruising the Comino Islets and other nearby reefs.

Two important reality checks, based on the way this experience plays out:

• You’re mostly experiencing caves and rock formations from the water. They bring the boat close, giving you that up-close view and photo angle.
• Access inside caves may be limited by size and water conditions. One review specifically pointed out that the experience doesn’t really mean going far into caves—you mostly get close to entrances.

That doesn’t make it less fun. It just means you should set expectations: you’re here for the scenery, the light reflections, and the feeling of being in the right place at the right time, not for a long “explore the cave interior” expedition.

One of the most praised elements in many accounts is simply being near these features with your own boat. It’s easier to pause where you want to take photos, and you’re not trying to squeeze around strangers for a single good angle.

Cominotto, reefs, and the P31 wreck: for snorkel lovers who want options

Comino’s beauty isn’t just the headline lagoons. This tour includes stops around Cominotto Island (about 10 minutes) plus nearby snorkeling-focused areas such as Cominotto Reef and Imriek Reef.

If you’re the type who brings a mask and can’t stop looking at water movement, these are the moments that make the tour feel worth it even if the weather isn’t perfect. The reef areas are described as shallow and clear enough for snorkeling and underwater photography, and the tour is set up for that kind of stop-by-stop water time.

Then there’s the P31 wreck. It’s a former patrol boat resting off Comino, often with good visibility and marine life around it. The idea is that your skipper can anchor above the wreck so you can snorkel in the area.

Practical note: your exact route and whether you get a longer wreck moment can depend on wind and sea state. That’s why private helps—you’re not locked into a one-size-fits-all schedule.

St. Mary’s Tower and Comino Island: history from a photo line you can’t reach otherwise

From the boat, you’ll see St. Mary’s Tower (also called the Comino Tower), built in 1618 by the Knights of St. John. It’s positioned high above the cliffs, with big views across the Gozo Channel.

This is largely a viewing and photo stop—worth it for two reasons:

1. It breaks up the day so you’re not only focused on water.
2. It adds context. The tower has a strong cultural footprint, and the route is described as film-recognizable, including The Count of Monte Cristo.

Comino itself is a tiny, car-free island (as described), and seeing it from the sea gives you a better sense of just how small and remote it is.

If you’re traveling with mixed interests—some people want maximum swim time, others want a landmark—this stop is a good compromise.

What the skipper really changes (Justin, Ginger, Lucas, Upie)

On a private tour, the skipper is basically half the product. Reviews repeatedly mention three things that matter on the water: safety, timing, and flexibility.

Names that come up often include:

• Justin: high energy, great communication, and a special birthday touch at the jetty.
• Ginger: fun and experienced, plus a focus on getting “really good anchorages” even when it gets busy.
• Lucas: calm, safe, and good with children; also praised for making the experience feel easy for non-boat people.
• Upie: professional and focused on navigation; also described as doing a great job with boat handling and helping with logistics.

When skippers do well, you feel it instantly:

• You get to anchor in calmer corners.
• You can spend time swimming without the sense that you’re on a conveyor belt.
• Even small moments—like a quick question about ferry logistics—feel like part of the day, not a separate problem you have to solve.

A small caution from one account: not every skipper offers much narration, so if you’re hoping for a full history lecture, you might want to ask your skipper what they recommend for photos and cave viewpoints when you meet.

Price and the €79 fuel surcharge: is it good value?

The published price is $204.37 per group (up to 8) for about 2 hours, which can be a strong value if you fill the group. The tour also includes key pieces you’d otherwise pay for: snorkeling equipment and admission ticket access for the lagoon/cave stops.

But there’s an asterisk: fuel surcharge €79.00 per booking, listed as not included, and mentioned by reviewers as needing to be paid in cash. One reviewer said it wasn’t fully transparent at first, so I’d treat it as part of the real cost from the beginning.

Here’s a quick value lens:

• If you book with a full group of 8, the base price per person is about $25.55, and the surcharge becomes about $9.88 per person—so the all-in math often lands in a reasonable range for a private speedboat with multiple swimming stops.
• If you book as 2 or 3 people, that €79 spreads across fewer people, so the per-person cost rises quickly.

Also remember the tour is short. Two hours sounds small, but it’s designed that way—so you can pair it with other Malta plans the same day. If your priority is a long, slow boat day with lots of stops, you might find this duration tight.

What to bring (and what to expect since food isn’t served)

No food is served onboard (they note this due to post-COVID transport guidelines). You can bring your own or buy from coastal kiosks.

For a comfortable water day, I’d plan for the basics:

• A towel and dry bag (you’ll likely get splashed on and off the swim platform).
• Swimwear you can layer under a light top for the ride.
• If you wear prescription gear, bring it—only snorkel masks and snorkels are included, not prescription eyewear.
• Sunscreen that won’t immediately vanish in saltwater.
• And yes: have cash ready for the fuel surcharge, since it’s expected as an extra.

If you’re with kids, it’s a good idea to clarify in advance what support they’ll need getting in and out. Many families in reviews praised skippers for being patient and making kids feel safe.

Who this tour is best for (and who should look elsewhere)

This private boat tour is best for:

• Families and small groups who want maximum water time without dealing with large boat crowds.
• People who want a fast, scenic taste of Comino and the lagoon highlights, without spending a full day.
• Snorkel fans who like the idea of hitting multiple spots, including reefs and the possibility of a wreck area.

It might be less ideal if:

• You want a long, story-heavy, guided history lecture all day.
• You get seasick easily and haven’t figured out your comfort level on speedboats.
• You expect to fully explore cave interiors; you’re mostly close-viewing and swimming around entrances rather than doing full cave walks.

Should you book this private Malta boat tour?

Yes, you should—if your priority is clear-water swimming with your own boat, and you’re okay with a short, well-paced 2-hour experience.

I’d book it especially if:

• You can split the cost across a group (up to 8).
• You value flexibility—some skippers are praised for adjusting to what the group wants.
• You want Comino’s “best-of” lagoon areas plus cave scenery, without spending your day in crowded zones.

Before you go, do two things:

1. Plan for the €79 fuel surcharge in cash.
2. Think of this as a swim-focused tour first, with photos and landmarks as the bonus.

If that fits your style, you’ll likely come away with that perfect, saltwater feeling—standing on a boat deck looking at blue that doesn’t behave like normal water.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

How many people can be on the private tour?

The price is per group for up to 8 people.

Where does the tour start?

On Malta, it starts at the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal area in Mellieħa. If you’re on Gozo, it starts from Gozo Mgarr Harbour.

Do you get snorkeling gear?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment.

Is food included on the boat?

No. Food isn’t served onboard. You can bring your own or buy from kiosks around the coast.

What stops do we visit?

The core stops include Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon (Comino), plus Comino sights like St. Mary’s Tower and additional areas such as Cominotto/reef areas and sea caves like L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, depending on the day and conditions.

Is there an extra cost besides the tour price?

Yes. There is a fuel surcharge of €79.00 per booking that is not included.

Does the tour include an admission ticket for the stops?

Admission tickets for the lagoon/cave stops are listed as included.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Cancellation and booking flexibility

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time.

If you want, tell me your group size and whether you’re based on Malta or Gozo—I can help you decide what departure time and route emphasis (more swimming vs more cave/reef focus) usually works best for that setup.

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