REVIEW · MALTA
Private Boat Tour: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Comino and Gozo
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Malta’s blue waters feel private here. This private boat tour is built for time in the sea at Comino, with skip-the-ferry-crowds anchoring so you can actually enjoy the water. You’ll see a lot of coastline fast, but the pace stays human.
What I love most is the way the skipper shapes the day around you. Captains like Justin and Ginger are repeatedly praised for being fun, confident in the water, and flexible when plans change. One possible drawback: plan for a €79 fuel surcharge per booking that isn’t included in the main price.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- A 2-hour Comino circuit that favors swimming, not waiting
- Price and value: what you’re paying for (and what to budget extra)
- Where you meet: Cirkewwa vs Mġarr Harbour (and why it matters)
- Blue Lagoon: the iconic swim stop, minus the big-boat chaos
- Crystal Lagoon: calmer water, caves, and choices for how you spend your time
- Comino Island: one of those rare places that feels car-free on purpose
- Cominotto, reefs, and the “small places” that make the route feel special
- Cominotto and its cave feature
- Snorkel-friendly shallow reef time
- Sea cave stops and the P31 wreck: optional adventure, controlled by conditions
- Alex Cave
- P31 wreck snorkeling
- Your skipper experience: why certain names keep coming up
- What you’ll do on board (and what you should plan yourself)
- What to pack
- Timing tips: how to get the most from those short lagoon stops
- Should you book this private boat tour?
- FAQ
- How many people is the private boat tour for?
- Where does the tour start?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- Is food included?
- Is there an extra fuel cost?
- What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
Key highlights at a glance

- Private speedboat for up to 8 people, so you can move and swim on your own schedule
- Blue Lagoon anchorage chosen to avoid the busiest ferry areas
- Crystal Lagoon + sea cave stops for photos and short swims off the boat
- Snorkeling equipment included, handy for both first-timers and repeat swimmers
- Comino island viewpoints and landmarks like St. Mary’s Tower seen from the water
- Two-hour format that’s great when you want Comino without losing your whole day
A 2-hour Comino circuit that favors swimming, not waiting

This is a short tour on purpose. In about 2 hours, you get a taste of Comino’s famous lagoons and nearby spots without the half-day slog that many people end up doing when they add ferries, lines, and long transfers.
That time crunch actually helps. Instead of “tour-bus time,” you get anchor, swim, and move. Even if you only do one proper swim stop, the experience still feels complete.
Other Blue Lagoon and Comino tours we've reviewed in Malta
Price and value: what you’re paying for (and what to budget extra)

The price is $204.37 per group (up to 8). That works out well if you’re traveling as a family, a couple of friends, or anyone who’d rather split a single private boat than pay per seat on a big tour.
But don’t ignore the one extra cost: a fuel surcharge of €79 per booking. In practice, this is something to plan for up front—especially if you arrive expecting everything to be settled via the booked price alone.
The good news: the package includes snorkeling equipment and it lists admission ticket coverage for the stops along the route, so you’re not constantly paying little extras once you’re on the boat.
Where you meet: Cirkewwa vs Mġarr Harbour (and why it matters)
Your starting point depends on where you’re staying:
- If you’re on mainland Malta, you start at Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal (Mellieħa).
- If you’re on Gozo, you start from Mġarr Harbour (Gozo).
Both options are close to the water, which matters because you’ll be on the boat quickly and you won’t lose most of your day to long transfers. The tour also says you can be picked up either at Cirkewwa marina or Gozo marina if needed.
If you like the idea of minimizing backtracking, you can also ask in advance for a variation where you’re dropped on Malta or Gozo (instead of returning to the exact same meeting point). That flexibility can save time on your own plans afterward.
Blue Lagoon: the iconic swim stop, minus the big-boat chaos
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason: the water turns that unreal turquoise and it’s simply fun to float, swim, and snorkel. On this private format, you’re not stuck in the same schedule as a ferry crowd.
The emphasis is on quiet anchoring. You’re meant to find the calmest area and get straight into the water from the boat, which makes the whole experience feel smoother—especially for kids, people who don’t love waiting, or anyone trying to avoid the busiest moments.
You’ll get about 30 minutes at Blue Lagoon. That’s usually enough time for:
- one solid swim
- quick snorkeling around where visibility looks good
- photos from the boat while everyone’s still energetic
If you’re a “first in, last out” person, consider aiming for an early start when your day allows. Some families specifically recommend going earlier so you get more space in the water and fewer boats nearby.
Crystal Lagoon: calmer water, caves, and choices for how you spend your time
Crystal Lagoon is often where you start noticing why this route works so well. Compared with Blue Lagoon’s intensity, Crystal Lagoon can feel more sheltered and serene, with cliffs and sea shapes that give you plenty to look at between swims.
You’ll have about 20–30 minutes here (the tour info frames multiple short stops, and you’ll generally get quick windows rather than long beach time). The value isn’t just swimming—it’s the option to relax on deck while the water stays glassy and the surrounding cliffs do the scenery work for you.
And then there are the cave-focused moments nearby. The tour includes a stop for L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf (Crystal Lagoon Cave) with ticket coverage listed. The whole point is the visual effect: the cave’s reflections are known for those blue-green tones that make people stop, stare, and take photos from just the right angle.
Other Gozo Island tours we've reviewed in Malta
Comino Island: one of those rare places that feels car-free on purpose
Comino is small, with no cars and basically no fuss. That’s why the water and shoreline feel so accessible—by boat. You’ll see Comino Island from the route and also get a famous viewpoint stop: St. Mary’s Tower (Comino Tower), built in 1618.
From the water, it’s one of those landmarks that instantly gives your brain a timeline. The Knights of St. John built fortifications here, and the tower sits above the cliffs in the way you’d expect from a watch point. Even if you’re not a history person, it helps the trip feel more than “pretty water stops.”
This isn’t a long land excursion. It’s a boat tour, so the tower works as a scenic photo moment and a visual anchor for the day.
Cominotto, reefs, and the “small places” that make the route feel special

If you’re hoping for variety beyond the two headline lagoons, this part of the itinerary is where that happens.
Cominotto and its cave feature
The tour includes Cominotto Island, plus short time at Cominotto Reef. Cominotto is described as uninhabited, and there’s a famous cave shape where the rock has a throughway you’ll see best by boat.
The attraction here is quiet water and a different feel than the Blue Lagoon. Even when you’re only there briefly, you’re getting another shade of blue and another set of rock textures.
Snorkel-friendly shallow reef time
Cominotto Reef is listed as shallow with clear visibility and marine life like octopus sightings. If you like snorkeling, the shallow setup often feels more approachable because you can stay close to the surface and focus on what you see rather than on depth.
One practical note: snorkeling gear is included, but if anything doesn’t fit right, you should speak up early. Some people have had issues with foggy goggles, and the fix is typically to ask to swap equipment on the spot.
Sea cave stops and the P31 wreck: optional adventure, controlled by conditions
The route includes cave options beyond Crystal Lagoon Cave, plus scenic cruising around the Comino islets.
Alex Cave
Alex Cave is known for incredibly blue waters and an air pocket element. It’s one of the areas divers and free divers talk about, but for you it’s still worth it as a viewpoint from the boat and a potential nearby swim stop when conditions are right.
P31 wreck snorkeling
The tour lists the P31 wreck as a stop, described as a shallow shipwreck off Comino. The idea is that visibility can be strong enough for snorkeling directly above or near it, so it becomes one of the more exciting underwater moments on the route.
Important: in a short two-hour tour, these stops usually come down to what the skipper thinks you’ll enjoy most given wind and sea conditions. That’s where the private format shines—you’re not locked into “we must do every item.”
Your skipper experience: why certain names keep coming up
This tour’s biggest repeat story isn’t the water. It’s the human on the helm.
Skippers such as Justin, Ginger, Upie, Chris, Lucas, Francesco, Dani, Sam, Jimmy, and Matt are repeatedly linked with a few standout habits:
- quick, confident driving that keeps everyone feeling safe
- anchor choices that lead to calmer swims
- flexibility with timing when weather or crowd levels shift
- good communication before you even reach the meeting point
One family-style touch that pops up: captains sometimes add small “life moments.” For example, one group described Justin pulling alongside the jetty and singing happy birthday for a child. That’s not guaranteed, but it’s a good sign this operator pays attention to the day’s vibe.
What you’ll do on board (and what you should plan yourself)
This is a swim-and-snorkel boat day. The tour info also notes the operator doesn’t serve food, so you’ll want to bring your own snacks or grab something from kiosks along the coast.
I like that approach. It keeps you from paying for a meal you don’t really want, and you can snack when you’re ready instead of when a schedule says so.
What to pack
You don’t need a beach bag the size of a carry-on, but do bring:
- swimwear and a light cover-up for the ride
- a towel you don’t mind getting sandy/wet
- sunscreen
- a phone in a waterproof pouch or waterproof case
- cash for the €79 fuel surcharge if that’s how your booking handles it in practice
If you’re traveling with kids, it’s smart to arrive with patience and snacks already sorted, since your “land time” is minimal.
Timing tips: how to get the most from those short lagoon stops
Two hours sounds short until you realize the route is designed to maximize “water minutes.”
Here’s how to think about it:
- If you want the most peaceful water, try to start early. Some people specifically recommend an early departure around 8 am for fewer boats near the lagoons.
- If you want the most snorkeling, focus on having gear ready and fitting well before you hit the first swim stop.
- If you care about photos, stand up during brief moments of stillness right after anchoring. That’s when the colors look most dramatic.
Should you book this private boat tour?
Book it if:
- You want Comino’s lagoons and caves without spending your day on ferries and crowds.
- Your group would rather control the pace instead of following a tight schedule.
- You value snorkeling time and want it included.
Skip it if:
- You hate any extra costs on the day and you can’t handle the listed €79 fuel surcharge.
- You’re expecting a long, guided lecture on land. This is mostly a boat-based swim and scenery day, and the value comes from where the skipper takes you and how long you get in the water.
If you go into it knowing it’s a fast, water-first experience with a lot of variety packed in, it’s an easy “yes.”
FAQ
How many people is the private boat tour for?
It’s a private tour for your group, with pricing set for up to 8 people.
Where does the tour start?
If you’re in mainland Malta, it starts at Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal. If you’re in Gozo, it starts at Mġarr Harbour. The operator says you can be picked up at either marina at those locations.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment.
Is food included?
No. The tour states they don’t serve food, and you can bring your own or buy from kiosks around the coast.
Is there an extra fuel cost?
Yes. A fuel surcharge of €79 per booking is listed as not included.
What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
































