Comino Private Boat Tours: Blue/Crystal Lagoon, Malta & Gozo

The best way to see Comino is from the water. This private cruise gives you your own boat, a flexible route, quiet coves, sea caves, and time to swim at the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. I like the private setting and the skipper’s freedom to adjust the route. I also like the practical touches, including shade, snorkelling gear, an ice cooler, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth music. The main caution is that the advertised $17 price does not include the professional skipper or fuel, each listed separately at €44, so confirm your real total before booking.

The tour is designed for couples, families, friends, and solo visitors who want a short, personal outing rather than a large group cruise. Skipper Mario receives especially warm praise for clear explanations, friendly service, safety, and help with photos and videos. The stated duration is only one hour, though the detailed stop times add up to longer than that, so ask the operator to confirm exactly how much time you are getting.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat, private route: You can choose your stops or let the skipper plan around sea conditions and your interests.
• Crystal Lagoon swimming: The 20-minute stop offers time for swimming, snorkelling, and spotting marine life.
• Roofless Cave visit: This dramatic Comino stop combines a photo opportunity with a short guided look at the coastline.
• Blue Lagoon access: You get time for swimming, snorkelling, sailing, and photos in Comino’s most famous waters.
• Useful onboard equipment: Shade, life vests, snorkelling masks, an ice cooler, Wi-Fi, and a Bluetooth speaker are included.
• Strong skipper feedback: Mario is repeatedly praised for being friendly, helpful, clear, and attentive to safety.

A private way into Comino’s coastal scenery

Comino is small, but its shoreline is packed with the sort of sights that are easy to miss from land. The private boat lets you view the island from the water, where pale cliffs, narrow inlets, caves, and bright swimming spots form the main show.

I like the sense of control here. You can ask for particular stops, or you can leave the route to the skipper. That matters around Comino because weather, tides, shallows, and boat traffic can affect where it is safe and comfortable to stop.

The boat has seating under a canopy, along with a sundeck. You can sit out for the views, then move into the shade when the Maltese sun becomes too strong. Snorkelling equipment is included, though food and drinks are not, so bring your own refreshments if you want more than what fits in the cooler.

This is a private group experience, not a shared excursion. That makes it easier to set the pace for your party. A family can focus on a short swim, a couple can spend more time taking pictures, and a group of friends can use the Bluetooth speaker for its own soundtrack.

Starting at Ċirkewwa or Mġarr Harbour

You can meet the boat at either end of the Gozo Channel crossing. At Ċirkewwa, the meeting area is near the kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal. On Gozo, the departure area is close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant at Mġarr Harbour Terminal.

Arrive about 30 minutes early. That is not wasted advice for this trip. The operator asks passengers to be ready on time, and lateness does not extend the charter. If you are connecting with the ferry, allow extra breathing room rather than trying to arrive at the last minute.

The boat ride out to the first sights is by speedboat. The listed transfer time is about 10 minutes, giving you a quick start and a good first look at the coast. Seating and safety equipment are provided, and life vests are available onboard.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. If mobility is a concern, check the boarding arrangement before paying, since the provided information does not describe an accessible vessel or boarding system.

Lantern Point and L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz

The first coastal sights are short photo stops rather than long visits. At Lantern Point, the boat passes close enough for pictures and a quick look at the rocky shoreline.

Next comes L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz, another scenic point with time to photograph and view the coast. These stops are useful because they help you understand Comino’s shape from the sea. You are not simply being carried straight to a swimming place. The route includes the rougher cliffs and small coastal details that make a boat trip worthwhile.

Do not expect a full shore visit at either point. The schedule gives about five minutes at each, so have your camera ready and listen for the skipper’s instructions. The short stops work best as part of a moving coastal tour, not as independent attractions.

Roofless Cave and Comino’s cliffy shoreline

The Roofless Cave is listed as a 10-minute stop with a guided visit, sightseeing, and photo time. It gives the cruise a little more variety than a simple series of swimming breaks.

From the boat, you can take in the open rock formations and the way the sea has cut into the coast. The skipper shares historical information about Malta, Gozo, and the surrounding archipelago during the trip. That commentary can turn a scenic ride into a more useful introduction to the islands.

The stop is brief, so this is not a long cave exploration. It is better understood as a boat-level visit and photo opportunity. If caves are your main reason for booking, ask how close the boat can get and how much time is planned there on your chosen day.

Crystal Lagoon: the best place to swim

The Crystal Lagoon receives about 20 minutes in the listed route. This is where the tour shifts from sightseeing to activity, with time for swimming, snorkelling, and viewing marine life.

I like this stop because it gives you a clear reason to bring swimwear and a towel. The operator supplies a mask and snorkel, which saves you from packing your own equipment. Still, bring sunscreen and sunglasses, and remember that conditions can change. The skipper has the final say on where the boat anchors and can alter the route if the sea is rough or the water is too shallow.

The private format is most useful here. Instead of following a large group’s fixed schedule, your party can make the most of the available swimming time. Twenty minutes is not a long beach day, but it is enough for a refreshing swim if everyone is ready before the boat stops.

You may see marine life while snorkelling, but the operator does not promise particular species. Treat that part as an opportunity rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Cominotto and the approach to Blue Lagoon

Cominotto comes next as a short photo and sightseeing stop. The boat passes by the islet, giving you another angle on the waters around Comino.

This section of the cruise helps break up the swimming stops. You get open-water views, rocky formations, and the chance to take pictures without leaving the boat. The itinerary allows about 10 minutes here, so the emphasis is on looking and photographing rather than landing for a walk.

The boat then heads to the Blue Lagoon, the most famous stop on the route. The schedule allows about 20 minutes for photos, free time, swimming, snorkelling, sailing, and marine life viewing.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is also the place where crowd levels matter most. The private boat gives you a quieter base on the water, but it does not make the wider lagoon empty. Your skipper can look for a suitable anchoring spot away from the heaviest activity, though the final location depends on conditions and local traffic.

What the skipper adds to the trip

A private boat is only as good as the person running it. Mario is praised for friendly service, clear explanations, good communication, and a strong sense of safety. He has also helped passengers with excellent pictures and videos, a small service that can make the day more memorable.

The skipper can explain the coast as you pass it and share historical information about the Maltese islands. You are also free to ask for a preferred route or accept the captain’s suggestions.

That flexibility comes with a practical limit. The skipper can cancel, postpone, shorten, or change the trip because of weather and sea conditions. The route may also change because of tides, shallow water, or other legitimate safety concerns. This is sensible, but it means you should not treat every listed stop as guaranteed.

The operator may also adjust your booked time to find better conditions or fit your needs. Ask about any changes as soon as possible, especially if your day is built around a ferry connection or another timed activity.

The boat’s comfort and useful extras

The onboard setup is simple but well chosen for a short coastal charter. You get:

• Comfortable seating
• A sundeck with canopy shade
• Safety equipment and life vests
• Mask and snorkel
• Ice cooler
• Bluetooth speaker
• Wi-Fi

The canopy is important. A boat can feel wonderfully breezy at sea, but the sun remains intense, especially during a stop. Shade lets you enjoy the ride without spending the entire hour exposed.

The ice cooler is useful for your own drinks and snacks, since food and beverages are not included. Bring cash as well, since it is listed among the recommended items. The Bluetooth speaker is a nice extra for private groups, though the best soundtrack may still be the water and the skipper’s commentary.

Is $17 a good price?

At $17 per person, the advertised price looks very low for a private boat. The value depends on the size of your party and the final charges. A private boat can be excellent value for a group splitting the cost, but less attractive for a solo visitor if the skipper and fuel fees are added on top.

The professional skipper is listed at €44, and fuel consumption is also listed at €44. The information does not clarify whether those charges apply once per boat or in another way, so confirm the full price before booking. Do not judge the experience on the headline rate alone.

If the final total is divided among several people, you are paying for privacy, route flexibility, equipment, and a dedicated skipper rather than simply a seat on a shared boat. That can make sense for a family or group celebrating something special.

The one-hour duration also deserves attention. The detailed route includes several five to 20-minute stops, plus two 10-minute speedboat transfers. Those listed times exceed one hour when added together. Ask for the exact charter length and the expected time at the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. This is the most important value question.

Who will enjoy this Comino charter?

I would choose this trip for:

• Couples wanting a private outing with swimming and photos
• Families who prefer their own boat and a flexible pace
• Friends splitting the cost of a charter
• Solo visitors who value privacy and do not mind the added fixed fees
• Swimmers and snorkellers who want access to Comino’s clear coastal waters
• Visitors with only a short window near Ċirkewwa or Mġarr

It is less suitable if you want a full-day cruise, a long beach stay, fishing, or a fully planned meal at sea. Fishing equipment is not included, and food and drinks are not supplied.

It may also disappoint you if your main goal is a long walk around Comino. This is a water-focused trip. The attractions are seen from the boat, with swimming and snorkelling taking priority over time ashore.

Practical advice before you book

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Have your camera ready for the quick stops, and arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Wear something comfortable for a speedboat and keep personal items secure. The boat has shade, but you should still prepare for strong sun. If you want drinks or snacks, bring them yourself for the cooler.

Ask three questions before confirming:

• Is the charter truly one hour, or longer?
• Are the €44 skipper and €44 fuel charges paid once per boat?
• Which meeting point and departure time best fit your ferry connection?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility, especially when sea conditions are uncertain.

Should you book it?

Book this Comino charter if you want a private, flexible boat ride with swimming, snorkelling, caves, and scenic coastal stops. Mario’s friendly service and careful handling add real value, and the included gear keeps the packing list short.

I would be cautious if you are comparing prices only by the $17 headline rate or if you need a guaranteed one-hour schedule with no changes. Confirm the extra fees and timing first. For a small group that wants its own boat and a quick taste of Comino from the sea, it can be a strong choice. For a longer, more relaxed day, look for a charter with clearly stated extended hours.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart?

You can depart from Ċirkewwa near the kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal, or from Mġarr Harbour on Gozo near Sicilia Bella Restaurant at the Mġarr Harbour Terminal.

Where does the tour finish?

The listed drop-off points are Ċirkewwa and the Gozo Channel Ferry area.

How long is the boat tour?

The activity is advertised as lasting one hour. The detailed stop times add up to longer than one hour, so confirm the exact duration with the operator before booking.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The experience is arranged for a private group rather than a shared group.

Is a professional skipper included?

A professional skipper is listed separately at €44. Confirm how this fee is applied to your booking.

Is fuel included?

Fuel consumption is listed separately at €44. Check the final price before booking to understand how this charge is calculated.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are included. Swimming and snorkelling are planned at both the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, subject to sea conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own if needed.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The skipper can change the route, stops, departure point, or timing because of weather, tides, shallow water, or other legitimate safety reasons.