REVIEW · MALTA
Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves
Book on Viator →Operated by Xlendi Pleasure Cruises · Bookable on Viator
Turquoise water, minus the big crowds. I love the private speed boat freedom and the swimming time built into the Comino stops, so you can actually enjoy the water instead of rushing through it. One possible drawback: this trip isn’t recommended if you’re prone to sea sickness.
Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are famous for a reason, but the real win here is control—your group sets the pace while your skipper handles the route. I also like that snorkeling masks, an ice box, music, and a fresh water shower are included, which turns the day from just sightseeing into a proper swim-and-relax outing.
Plan for practical realities: fuel is not included, so you’ll pay the skipper (79 EUR), and snacks or drinks won’t be provided. If you’re okay with that, the value is strong—especially for families or small groups up to 9 people.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Care About
- Private Speed Boat to Comino: Why This Feels Better Than the Usual Boats
- Crystal Lagoon Stop: Calm, Clear Water With Less Crowd Pressure
- Popeye Cave and a Roofless Cave Name You’ll Want to Hear
- The Second Cave Stop: Bright Blue Water Inside
- Blue Lagoon: Famous for a Reason, With a Real Time Window to Enjoy It
- What You Get On Board: Snorkeling Gear, Music, Ice Box, Shower
- Fuel Cost and Food: The Part to Budget So You Don’t Get Surprised
- Skippers and Safety: What the Named Team Tells You About the Vibe
- Optional Gozo Stop at Mġarr Harbour: When Time Works Out
- Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)
- Should You Book This Private Comino Speed Boat Trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the private speed boat trip to Comino?
- How many people can be on this private tour?
- What does the tour cost?
- What’s included in the price?
- What is not included?
- Do I need snorkeling equipment?
- Is a Blue Lagoon entry ticket required?
- Is the tour suitable if I get sea sick?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key Highlights You’ll Care About

- Private charter for up to 9: only your group on board, so you can spread out and move at a human pace.
- Two big lagoon moments: about 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and about 45 minutes at Blue Lagoon for swimming and exploring.
- Comino caves included: Popeye Cave plus a second cave stop known for striking blue water inside.
- Snorkeling is set up for you: masks included, and you get multiple chances to get in the water.
- Music + ice box on board: easy comfort, not just transport.
- Skipper-led experience: caves and lagoon timing work best when a local is driving the boat.
Private Speed Boat to Comino: Why This Feels Better Than the Usual Boats

This is a private 2-hour speed boat route built around Comino’s most photographed waters. The price is listed per group (up to 9 people), which is a big deal in Malta, where public boats can mean crowd pressure the moment you arrive at the water. With private transport, you’re not stuck watching people fight for the best swim positions or wait for long boarding lines.
Speed boat matters here because Comino is all about timing. The lagoon look changes with the light, and the water conditions can shift fast. When you’re not sharing the schedule with dozens of strangers, your skipper can make the stops feel less like a checklist and more like a day out on the Mediterranean.
The other comfort factor is what’s on board. You get an ice box, a sound system for music, and snorkeling masks, plus a fresh water shower after swimming. Those details sound minor until you’re actually wet, sun-kissed, and ready to rinse off.
One more practical point: the tour is offered in English, uses a mobile ticket, and the departure area is described as near public transportation. That’s helpful if you’re staying in a spot where you don’t want the hassle of complicated transfers.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Malta
Crystal Lagoon Stop: Calm, Clear Water With Less Crowd Pressure

The first major swim stop is Crystal Lagoon on Comino. This bay is known for crystal-clear turquoise water and excellent visibility, which is exactly what you want when you’re snorkeling or just floating and watching fish near the surface.
What you should expect during the roughly 30-minute lagoon time:
- A calmer-feeling bay compared to the most famous spot on the route
- Clear water that makes it easier to see what’s happening underwater
- Time to swim, slow down, and take photos without the chaotic shuffle
A useful way to think about this stop: Crystal Lagoon is your chance to start easy. If you’re not the kind of person who wants to snorkel for an hour, you can still have a great experience just getting in, staying cool, and enjoying the clarity.
If you are prone to feeling rushed, this stop helps. Thirty minutes is enough to swim and reset, but not so long that you feel trapped on a schedule.
Popeye Cave and a Roofless Cave Name You’ll Want to Hear
After Crystal Lagoon, the boat tour pivots into the cave portion of the day. The best-known cave on Comino here is Popeye Cave, the one made famous by the Popeye film connection. The name itself links to the look of the cave—translated as a cave without a roof—because it has an open ceiling rather than a fully enclosed cave mouth.
This stop is about the feeling of discovery. You’re not just looking at water from above. You’re passing into a geology-and-story moment where the cave becomes part of the coastline experience.
What to focus on when you’re there:
- Keep an eye on how the light hits the rock opening
- Listen for your skipper’s guidance while the boat is positioned close enough for you to feel the space
- Take a minute to look back out toward open sea, since caves can make you forget what “normal horizon” looks like
This is also where being private helps. On crowded boats, you can feel like you’re stuck in line for a look. In a private charter, you’re more likely to get a calmer moment to enjoy the cave for what it is.
The Second Cave Stop: Bright Blue Water Inside
The tour also includes a unique cave popular for its very blue water inside. You can’t replicate this look anywhere else on a screen. The blue shade is often about the way light refracts into the cave space, so it can seem deeper or more electric depending on the weather and sun angle.
Expect this part of the trip to feel short but memorable—more like a concentrated photo-and-water moment than a long stop.
If you plan to swim here, remember that cave water is often cooler than open lagoon water, and footing can vary depending on where you’re allowed in. Since swimming opportunities are part of the experience, the goal is to keep it simple: if you want the cave look, prioritize safety and buoyancy over doing anything too ambitious.
Blue Lagoon: Famous for a Reason, With a Real Time Window to Enjoy It
Then comes the headline stop: Blue Lagoon, between Comino and the smaller island of Cominotto. This is the spot people dream about—clear, azure-blue-looking water (you’ll see the strong blue color in person) and a pale seabed that gives the water that almost tropical look.
You’ll have about 45 minutes here. That time window is important. It gives you the chance to:
- Swim at a comfortable pace
- Snorkel if you want to see what’s under the surface
- Keep repositioning as the light shifts
One detail you should plan for: to go down at the Blue Lagoon, you need a lagoon entry ticket. The good news is that the entry ticket for Blue Lagoon is described as free. In practice, that means don’t assume you can just wade in without a pass. If your tour includes what you need, you’re in good shape—just confirm you have the right lagoon access for the time you’re going.
Also, this stop can feel busy in high season, but private boat time generally gives you a better experience than arriving packed onto large vessels. You still get the wow factor, but you aren’t battling for room on the water the whole time.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Malta
What You Get On Board: Snorkeling Gear, Music, Ice Box, Shower
This is one of the more practical private tours, because it doesn’t stop at “we’ll take you to the lagoon.” You get:
- Snorkeling masks (so you don’t need to rent or hunt for gear)
- Music on board
- Ice box for keeping drinks chilled
- A fresh water shower after swimming
These are the kinds of inclusions that make the difference between a one-off excursion and a day you remember fondly.
The music matters more than you’d think. When you’re sitting on a speed boat with sea wind and sun glare, a little soundtrack makes the experience feel lighter, especially if you’re traveling with family.
And the ice box helps you avoid the classic tourist problem: arriving thirsty, paying premium prices, then rushing your swimming because you’re uncomfortable. With chilled drinks, you can stay in the water longer without feeling wiped out.
Fuel Cost and Food: The Part to Budget So You Don’t Get Surprised
The tour price is listed as $191.04 per group (up to 9), and the included items cover the core experience. But you should budget for what isn’t included.
Here’s what you’re told is not included:
- Fuel cost: 79 EUR, paid to the skipper
- Food and drinks
That fuel cost is the main “gotcha” if you only look at the base price. If you’re splitting costs among up to 9 people, it can work out very efficiently. If you’re traveling as a smaller group, you’ll still likely find it competitive compared to multiple paid seats on public boats—because the private boat removes that crowd friction.
For food and drinks, plan like a swimmer, not a sightseeing tourist:
- Bring your own snacks if you expect to feel hungry afterward
- Plan water, since you’ll be in sun and salt water
- If you like being comfortable, pack towels and a change of dry clothes
Skippers and Safety: What the Named Team Tells You About the Vibe
Several skipper names come up in the provided information—Agus, Atef, and Keith—and they’re consistently described as attentive and friendly while still handling the route professionally. The pattern isn’t just about being nice; it’s about keeping the experience easy.
There are also stories tied to real-life care on the water, including James helping sort urgent first aid after an injury, and a skipper stepping in quickly with first aid when someone cut their foot. That doesn’t mean you should expect emergencies. It does mean the team is used to responding calmly when things happen.
For you, the takeaway is simple: private boat travel can feel relaxed, but you’ll still want to be clear about swim boundaries, where you’re allowed to go in, and how the boat operates if conditions change.
And because the tour says it’s not recommended for people prone to sea sickness, it’s worth planning for that reality. If you’ve felt off on boats before, bring your usual remedy and consider skipping this style of ride.
Optional Gozo Stop at Mġarr Harbour: When Time Works Out
There’s an optional element mentioned: Mġarr Harbour on Gozo. This is the main port on the island of Gozo, with ferry connections between Gozo and Malta, and it’s described as picturesque with surrounding hills and active maritime energy.
Whether this fits depends on timing and conditions. If your priority is maximum swim time in Comino’s water, you may prefer to treat it as optional. If you’re already doing a Gozo visit and want another taste of the island atmosphere, Mġarr can add variety without turning the day into a full schedule.
Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)
This tour is a strong match for:
- Families who want space and a calmer pace on the water
- Small groups up to 9 people looking for value vs public charters
- People who want both swimming + caves without a long travel day
- Anyone who cares about convenience: snorkeling masks, music, ice box, shower
It may not be the best match if:
- You’re prone to sea sickness, since the speed boat format can feel rougher than slower ferries
- You want a long, slow sightseeing cruise—this is about swim windows and getting back out
Also, since the tour requires good weather, you should go in with flexibility. The operator notes that if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
Should You Book This Private Comino Speed Boat Trip?
If your goal is to see Comino’s signature water—Crystal Lagoon, Popeye Cave, a cave with very blue interior water, and the Blue Lagoon—in about two hours, this is a smart way to do it. The private format changes the whole experience: you’re not stuck with crowd pacing, and the included comfort items (masks, ice box, music, shower) make it feel complete.
Book this if:
- You’re traveling with family or friends and want your own boat.
- You value swim time that feels like actual time, not a photo stop.
- You’re comfortable paying a separate fuel cost (79 EUR) to keep the charter running.
Skip it (or choose a slower option) if:
- Motion sickness is a serious issue for you.
- You’d rather not deal with any extra fees beyond the advertised price.
- You’re expecting the trip to be more than two lagoons and a couple cave stops.
If you want Comino’s famous water with fewer headaches and more breathing room, this private speed boat route is the kind of plan that leaves you saying you did it the easy way.
FAQ
How long is the private speed boat trip to Comino?
The trip lasts about 2 hours (approximately).
How many people can be on this private tour?
It’s priced for a group of up to 9 people, and it’s private, so only your group participates.
What does the tour cost?
The price is listed as $191.04 per group (up to 9).
What’s included in the price?
Included are the private 2-hour speed boat tour, the skipper, ice box, snorkeling masks, music, fresh water shower, and swimming/snorkeling opportunities plus cave exploration. Entry tickets to lagoons are also included (with the Blue Lagoon entry handled as a free ticket to go down).
What is not included?
Fuel cost is not included and is listed as 79 EUR to be paid to the skipper. Food and drinks are also not included.
Do I need snorkeling equipment?
Snorkeling masks are included, so you don’t need to bring or rent masks for this activity.
Is a Blue Lagoon entry ticket required?
If you want to go down at the Blue Lagoon, you must book an entry ticket, and it’s described as free.
Is the tour suitable if I get sea sick?
It’s not recommended for people prone to sea sickness.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.































