This private speedboat route turns Comino into a quick-hit tour of Blue Lagoon color and sea caves scenery. You’ll cruise Gozo waters with serious power behind you, then stop often enough to actually enjoy each swim instead of just posing for photos.

I especially like two things about this trip: the private boat setup (your own group, plenty of deck space, Bluetooth music) and the way the itinerary is built around time in the water, not long transfers. Even better, the skipper experience makes the difference—many groups end up talking about skipper Darren by name and praising how he picks the best spots.

One thing to plan for: you’ll have some extra cash costs on board for fuel and a local experiences skipper fee. If you’re not expecting that, it can feel like a surprise rather than a smooth total.

Key points before you go

• Private group of up to 12 means less waiting, more flexibility, and faster transitions between swim stops
• 26-ft boat with twin 200HP Yamaha engines is built for speed and stability on Malta’s open water
• Multiple anchor-and-swim stops give you real time in Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and along the caves
• Bluetooth sound system + cooler with ice helps keep the trip fun even when the sea is a little choppy
• Mask deposit (€10, refunded) and beach noodles are included, but bring your own towel
• Not ideal for motion sickness since it’s a boat ride with speed and open-water movement

Why a private 26-ft speedboat beats day-trip buses

Malta’s lagoon sights are famous for a reason: the water can look unreal when the light is right. The best way to enjoy that without burning half your day is a private charter. You get to focus on swimming and scenery, not schedules.

This boat is a 26-ft vessel with twin 200HP Yamaha engines. That matters because it gives you a quicker connection between Gozo-side waters and Comino’s bays, while the boat design is meant for stability when conditions aren’t perfectly calm. In the real world, that’s the difference between a relaxing swim stop and a rushed one.

Also, your group stays together. The tour is set up for couples, friends, and families up to 12 people, which is a nice sweet spot: big enough to share costs, small enough to feel personal.

The route you’ll follow: St John’s Tower, Cominotto caves, then the lagoons

Even if you only care about the water, I like that the day has built-in scenery beyond the main beaches. Early on, you pass the tower on Comino Island dating to 1618, built during the Knights of St. John. It was part of a coastal defense network meant to watch the Gozo Channel and protect the passage between Malta and Gozo from Ottoman and pirate attacks.

From there, the trip runs through the Comino coastline—first passing Cominotto caves and reefs, then continuing into the area known for the Comino Caves. These aren’t just “look from the boat” moments. The stops are scheduled so you can actually get in the water near the formations and see the texture of the limestone from closer up.

Then you move to the lagoons:

• Blue Lagoon for the classic postcard swim
• Crystal Lagoon for another set of clear-water views and snorkeling time
• San Niklaw Bay (St Nicholas) for a calmer final swim with coastal scenery

Blue Lagoon (plus a jetty option for snacks and comfort)

Blue Lagoon is where most people’s expectations come from, and the plan here matches that. The boat anchors just a few meters from the action, so you’re not stuck far away in deep water or dragging yourself back to the deck.

You’ll have about 45 minutes at Blue Lagoon. That’s long enough to do the basics well: one relaxed swim, a bit of time near the caves area, and then time to just float, sunbathe, and enjoy the atmosphere.

A practical detail I appreciate: there’s an option at Blue Lagoon involving a jetty close to the beach. If you go down, you can buy pineapple cocktails and different food and drinks on site. You’ll also find public toilets there, which is one of those boring details that becomes a lifesaver mid-day.

The one “consideration” here is simple: it’s a famous spot, so the best experience comes when you’re flexible. If the water looks rougher than expected, listen to the skipper and pick your swim time wisely rather than forcing it.

Crystal Lagoon: clear water and good snorkeling time

Crystal Lagoon gets your second swim block, again with about 45 minutes. This is a different vibe from Blue Lagoon—still bright water, still great for getting in, but the visuals feel more “coastline” than “beach party.”

The schedule also sets you up nicely by working through the cave-and-tower scenery on the way. So you arrive with context: you’ve already seen the limestone formations and the Comino defense tower, and now you’re landing in another stretch of water that’s built for swimming and snorkeling.

I like this stop for one main reason: it spreads out your “time in the clearest water.” Rather than doing one lagoon and hoping you can top it, you get two chances. If conditions change—wind picking up, clouds moving in—you still have another good window later on.

Comino Caves and reefs: what you’ll actually see from the water

The Comino Caves area is formed over millennia by waves eroding the island’s limestone cliffs. On a speedboat, you feel that geology more than you would from shore. You pass the rock shapes quickly, but you don’t have to treat it as a drive-by view—this itinerary gives time that lines up with swimming near the formations.

The plan includes time passing Cominotto Caves and Reefs first, which helps you “read” the coastline before you spend time in the Comino Caves zone. From the water, you’ll notice how the shapes differ: some areas look like they’re cut channels, others like irregular archways or broken walls.

Here’s the practical part: limestone areas can come with uneven footing depending on where you enter. Use your life jacket, take it slow getting in, and follow the skipper’s lead on where conditions look easiest.

San Niklaw Bay (St Nicholas): a better ending swim than you expect

The final stop is San Niklaw Bay in the St. Nicholas area, named after the beloved patron saint of sailors and travelers. Like the other stops, you’ll have around 45 minutes, which is enough time to reset without feeling like the day is dragging.

What I like about ending here is that it’s a good “last swim” location. After two lagoon stops and caves, you’re usually tired in the best way. This bay’s clear water and coastal views keep the energy up without forcing you to chase the most crowded conditions.

If you’re photographing, this stop also tends to work well because the focus shifts from the big-name lagoon scenes to a more varied coastline look.

Skipper Darren and the onboard setup: comfort plus control

The biggest consistent praise is the skipper. Many groups highlight skipper Darren for knowing the best spots and staying attentive throughout. That’s exactly what you want on a private water day: someone who can read conditions quickly and still keep the schedule feeling relaxed.

The boat also makes it easy to enjoy the ride itself. You’ll have:

• a Bluetooth sound system for your own music
• a cooler with ice to keep drinks chilled
• life jackets provided
• beach noodles included (great if you want a float instead of a nonstop swim)

It’s also worth noting that masks are handled with a deposit: you’ll get a mask with a €10 deposit, refunded on return. That’s simple, but you should remember the deposit is a separate step—so don’t plan to borrow gear and forget it.

And yes, Darren has been praised for capturing pictures and even sharing drone-style video footage for groups. Even if you don’t care about that, it’s a signal that he’s paying attention to your experience beyond just getting you from stop to stop.

Price and what the total really looks like

The listed price is $207.92 per group (up to 12) for the 3-hour experience. For a private boat day, that can be strong value—especially because the trip includes multiple stops, cooler setup, noodles, and marina/lagoons fees.

But here’s the part I’d want you to know early: there are extra cash costs on board.

• Fuel for the entire trip: €60.00 per booking (paid cash on board)
• Local experiences skipper fee: €45.00 per booking (paid cash on board)

That means the experience isn’t purely “pay once and forget.” Still, it can remain good value because those costs support a private, motor-powered route with real time at several highlights.

If you’re budgeting, I suggest you think in terms of group math:

• If you fill the boat with more people, the extra per person drops.
• If you’re booking just a small group, plan for a higher per-person total once the cash fees are added.

Also: there’s a mobile ticket and you receive confirmation at booking, which helps reduce on-the-day stress.

What to bring (and what to skip)

The essentials are pretty clear from what’s included and not included.

Bring:

• your swimsuit and towel (towels aren’t included)
• sunblock (not included)
• anything you’d want for comfort on deck

Bring also the practical extras:

• some cash for the €60 fuel and €45 skipper fee on board
• the right mindset for water time: you’ll likely spend time in and out, and the deck can get breezy

Included gear to take advantage of:

• mask (with deposit)
• beach noodles
• life jacket
• Bluetooth sound system access
• ice and cooler

One small tip: if you like music, charge your phone and have it ready before boarding. Bluetooth pairing on a moving boat can waste a minute you’d rather spend looking at the water.

Sea conditions and motion sickness: when to reconsider

This is a speedboat charter. That’s fun, but it has consequences.

The tour notes that it is not suitable for people with motion sickness. If you’re someone who gets queasy on cars, boats, or speed, I’d treat that as a hard stop.

Even for people who are fine in everyday travel, weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and if conditions are poor enough to cancel, you should expect a change of date or a full refund. On a windy or overcast day, a good skipper can still drive confidently and keep things safe, but you should assume the water won’t feel the same as a glass-calm morning.

If you’re choosing your day, pick a forecast window with calmer seas.

Who this charter fits best

This tour fits best if you want:

• a private Comino day from Gozo
• frequent time in the water (not just one quick swim)
• a mix of classic lagoon beauty and cave scenery
• onboard comfort: music, cooler, noodles, and life jackets

It’s a great match for:

• couples who want a relaxed, no-sharing experience
• families where kids can use the noodles and adults can float and listen to music
• groups of friends who want to split costs on a private boat

Less ideal if:

• you get motion sick easily
• you expect towels and sunscreen provided
• you don’t want any extra cash fees on board

Should you book this private Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and caves speedboat?

I’d book it if your goal is simple: maximize your time in the water around Comino, with a skipper-driven route that gives you options when conditions shift. The private setup, the boat comfort, and the fact that you get multiple swim blocks (plus music and chilled drinks) make it feel like a full-day experience compressed into 3 hours.

You should think twice if motion sickness is an issue, or if you dislike surprises in the form of on-board cash fees. If you plan ahead with cash for fuel and the local skipper fee, pack your towel and sunblock, and choose a decent weather window, this is one of the most straightforward ways to experience Malta’s standout sea scenery.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat charter?

The trip lasts about 3 hours.

What places will we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and San Niklaw Bay (St Nicholas), plus you’ll pass the Comino cave and reef areas.

How many people can be in the group?

The tour is for a private group up to 12.

Are tickets mobile?

Yes, the experience includes a mobile ticket.

Is snorkeling included?

You’ll have access to a mask (with a €10 deposit refunded on return) and beach noodles, which supports snorkeling and floating, but snorkeling gear is not listed beyond the mask.

What’s included on board?

Included items are ice and a cooler, beach noodles, a Bluetooth sound system, life jackets, and the private boat.

What are the extra costs on board?

You’ll pay fuel (€60.00 per booking, cash) and a local experiences skipper fee (€45.00 per booking, cash) while on the boat.

Are towels and sunblock provided?

No. Towels and sunblock are not included.

What if the weather is bad?

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

Is this tour suitable for motion sickness?

No. It is not suitable for people with motion sickness.

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