Private Boat charter to Crystal & Blue Lagoon, Caves & Comino

Blue water, quiet coves, and your own captain. This three-hour private cruise from Gozo explores the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Comino’s caves, Cominotto Reef, Santa Marija Bay, and Santa Maria Caves. I especially like the chance to stop for swims away from the busiest boats, and the friendly family-run service, with captains such as Albert and Anthony sharing local stories along the way.

The boat also includes snorkeling gear, two stand-up paddle boards, a freshwater shower, a toilet, coolers, and an onboard bar. The main consideration is time: three hours goes quickly, especially if you want long swims, paddleboarding, cave visits, and time at every listed stop.

Key points to know

• Private boat for up to 15 people: You get the boat and captain for your own group, rather than joining a crowded cruise.
• Several swimming locations: The route includes Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Reef, Santa Marija Bay, and the sea caves.
• Cave swimming is the highlight: At Crystal Lagoon and Santa Maria Caves, you may swim beneath rock arches and into a small sandy beach inside a cave.
• Useful equipment included: Snorkels, masks, two paddle boards, coolers, a freshwater shower, and a restroom make the outing easier.
• Local touches matter: Cheese, olives, cold cuts, bread, and crackers have been provided on some trips, but confirm the food arrangement when booking.
• Weather affects the trip: Poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund, while cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable.

What You Get for $419.39

The price is $419.39 per group, with up to 15 people allowed. That makes the value fairly good for a family or group of friends, especially if you can fill several seats. It is less attractive for one or two people unless privacy is a major priority.

A private boat changes the mood of the outing. You are not tied to the pace of a large group, and the captain can spend more time at the places your group actually wants to enjoy. If everyone wants to swim, you can focus on swimming. If the water turns choppy, the captain can slow down and adjust the route.

That flexibility is the real reason to consider the price. You are paying for the boat, fuel, captain, equipment, and private use, not only for transport between photo stops. The boat has shade, according to one family’s experience, along with a toilet and space for drinks. Those details become valuable once you are out on open water in the Maltese sun.

The tour lasts about three hours. That is enough for a lively introduction to Comino’s coast, but it is not a full-day charter. You should think of it as a compact morning or afternoon on the water, not a leisurely expedition with unlimited time at each bay.

Setting Out Around Gozo and Comino

The exact pickup point is not fully detailed, but transportation from your hotel to the pickup location can be arranged. Ask about this before paying for a taxi, particularly if you are staying away from the harbor.

The boat heads toward Comino, the small island between Malta and Gozo. The route combines famous places with quieter corners, so you get both the postcard views and a chance to escape the busiest patches of water.

The captain is an important part of the outing. The family behind the operation has fishing experience, and that local background gives the trip a more personal feel than a standard sightseeing cruise. Albert and Anthony are names associated with the crew, and the service has been praised for patience, kindness, and clear explanations of the coast.

You should expect commentary about the islands, cliffs, towers, film locations, and unusual rock shapes. The captain may also adjust the plan based on weather, water conditions, and how your group is feeling. That is especially helpful if someone in your party is uneasy on choppy water.

Blue Lagoon: Famous, Beautiful, and Busy

The Blue Lagoon is usually the first major stop, with about 45 minutes scheduled here. Its clear blue water is the main attraction, and you can swim, use the snorkeling equipment, or simply enjoy the view from the boat.

This is Comino’s best-known swimming area, so it can be busy. Food kiosks and cocktail bars operate nearby, and there are sandy patches and watersports such as parasailing. Those facilities are convenient, but they also mean this is not the quietest stop on the route.

The private boat helps. Instead of searching for a place among a large group, you can swim from your own boat and return when you wish. The captain may also position the boat away from the thickest crowd, depending on conditions and access.

A short walk can take you toward Saint Mary’s Tower, sometimes called Comino Tower. The tower was built in 1618 to help defend Comino and later appeared in The Count of Monte Cristo. The walk from the Blue Lagoon area is about five minutes, but time is limited on this charter, so ask the captain if a shore visit fits the schedule.

For many people, the Blue Lagoon is the visual high point. I would not make it the only reason to book, though. The quieter bays and caves often offer a better swim.

Crystal Lagoon and the Cave Swim

Crystal Lagoon receives about 45 minutes, and this is likely the strongest stop for anyone who wants a more natural setting. The inlet is enclosed by cliffs and sea caves, with clear water that works well for swimming and snorkeling.

One of the unusual features is the chance to swim beneath a cave from one side to another. You may also reach a small sandy beach inside a cave, a memorable spot that is difficult to appreciate from a large vessel passing offshore.

The area was used for filming The Count of Monte Cristo, adding a bit of screen history to the rock walls. You do not need to be a film fan to enjoy the setting, but the connection gives the captain another useful story to share.

There are also several brief scenic points around the coast. One rock formation resembles an elephant’s head, while another stop offers a quiet beach. A 13-meter-deep wreck rests in clear water near Comino Tower. These are quick viewing or swimming points rather than full stops with long shore visits.

Pay attention to the water conditions here. Cave swimming requires comfort in open water and good judgment. Stay close to the boat’s instructions, use the supplied equipment, and do not assume every cave passage will be suitable at every moment.

Cominotto Reef for Clear Water and Snorkeling

Cominotto Reef is scheduled for about 15 minutes. It is a brief stop, but the clear water makes it a useful place to put on a mask and look below the surface.

The supplied snorkeling equipment removes one packing problem. You can also use one of the two stand-up paddle boards if conditions allow. Since only two boards are provided, larger groups will need to take turns.

Fifteen minutes is not a long time for an underwater stop. I would treat Cominotto Reef as a quick look rather than a major snorkeling session. If your group cares most about time in the water, ask at the start of the trip where the captain expects to spend the longest swimming periods.

The private format helps here because the captain can get your group in and out without waiting for dozens of people. For a couple or small family, that can make a short stop feel worthwhile.

Santa Marija Bay, a Calmer Break

Santa Marija Bay receives about 20 minutes. It is described as a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon, with a small sandy beach, food kiosks, and a little church about two minutes from the beach.

This stop suits you if you want a slower setting and less noise. You can swim, look toward the shore, or make a quick walk to the church if the schedule permits. It is not presented as a long beach visit, so do not expect enough time for a full afternoon ashore.

The bay also gives the tour a useful change of pace. The Blue Lagoon is famous and active, Crystal Lagoon is enclosed by cliffs, and Santa Marija offers a more peaceful pause. That mix keeps the cruise from feeling like a string of identical swimming stops.

The medieval tower is another nearby point of interest. Built in 1618, it helped protect Comino and was also used in The Count of Monte Cristo. A visit on foot is possible from the Blue Lagoon area, but the short charter means you should choose carefully between walking and staying on the boat.

Santa Maria Caves: The Most Memorable Finish

The final major stop is Santa Maria Caves, with about 30 minutes scheduled. The coastline here shifts from small coves to large natural chambers carved into Comino’s cliffs.

The captain can take you close to the cave openings, and you may get the chance to explore a cave with a pool inside it. This is the sort of place where a smaller boat makes a real difference. You can see into narrow spaces that are difficult to appreciate from a larger sightseeing vessel.

The caves also provide some welcome shade. On a hot day, the contrast between the bright water outside and the cooler rock interiors can be a relief. Keep your phone secure if you bring it into the water, and use the boat’s freshwater shower afterward to rinse off salt.

Cave access depends on sea conditions. Even on a calm day, you should follow the captain’s directions and avoid treating the caves like a swimming pool. The appeal comes from their natural shape, not from rushing through them.

Snacks, Drinks, and Practical Comforts

The boat has a bar, ice coolers, a restroom, and a freshwater shower. Those features make the charter much more comfortable than a basic open boat, particularly for families or anyone who wants to swim more than once.

Traditional Maltese food is part of the advertised offering in some descriptions, including cheeses, olives, cold cuts, bread, and crackers. At the same time, the booking information lists the traditional platter under meals not included. That is a point worth checking before departure.

The local snacks are a nice touch when available. They give you something salty after swimming and add a taste of Malta without turning the boat into a formal lunch cruise. Bring any special food or drinks you need if you have dietary restrictions, since the exact catering arrangement is not clearly fixed.

The two paddle boards are useful for calm-water play and give non-swimmers another way to enjoy the stops. Snorkels and masks are included as well. You will still want sun protection, a swimsuit, a towel, and secure storage for valuables, though the supplied information does not specify how much dry storage is onboard.

Who Will Enjoy This Charter Most

I would recommend this boat for families, couples, and small groups who want privacy and a relaxed pace. It also suits people staying in Malta for only a short time, since three hours covers many of Comino’s main coastal sights without taking an entire day.

The trip works particularly well for groups that do not want a loud party boat. The service is described as friendly and laid-back, with no pressure to rush from one stop to the next. A captain who notices when the water becomes rough is a genuine advantage for families and first-time boat passengers.

It is less suitable if you want a long beach stay, a full meal, or extensive underwater time. The route includes many locations, so the schedule is active. You may need to choose between a shore walk, an extra swim, and more time at the caves.

The tour is private, but the boat can hold up to 15 people. If your party is large, personal space will naturally be less generous than it is for two, five, or six people. The smaller your group, the more noticeable the private-boat advantage will be.

Timing, Weather, and Cancellation Details

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is normally sent when you book. If you reserve within one hour of departure, confirmation is subject to availability.

Good weather is required. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own cancellation, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time to receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The experience is near public transportation, and private transportation from your hotel to the pickup location can be arranged. Ask about the pickup plan, food, and the day’s expected sea conditions before setting out.

Should You Book the Blue Lagoon Charter?

I would book this tour if you want a private, flexible way to see Comino’s coast and value swimming more than spending hours on land. The strongest reasons are the family-run feel, the useful onboard equipment, the cave access, and the chance to avoid the tight conditions of a large boat.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a full-day beach holiday or a long snorkeling session. Three hours passes quickly, and the Blue Lagoon may still be busy. For the best value, bring a group large enough to share the $419.39 cost and confirm whether the Maltese food platter is included.

For a couple, the price is a splurge. For a family or group of friends, it becomes much easier to justify. If Albert, Anthony, or another local captain can tailor the route to your pace, you will get more from this short charter than from a standard boat ride that simply follows a fixed circuit.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat is private for your group and can accommodate up to 15 people.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Reef, Santa Marija Bay, and Santa Maria Caves. It also passes rock formations, a quiet beach, Comino Tower, and a 13-meter-deep wreck.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddle boards included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and the use of two stand-up paddle boards are included.

Is food included on the boat?

The experience may provide a traditional platter with Maltese cheeses, olives, cold cuts, and bread, but the booking information also lists meals as not included. Confirm this detail before departure.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.