Private Boat Tour: Discover Comino’s Blue and Crystal Lagoon

Comino looks best from the water. This short private cruise takes you past Lantern Point, Cominotto, sea caves, Crystal Lagoon, and the famous Blue Lagoon, with time for swimming and snorkeling. I like the private boat for only your group and the captain, and I like the fast route between stops, which gives you more time for photos and a quick swim.

The one-hour schedule is tight, and the extra cash charges need careful checking before you book. The advertised price is $22 per person, but the skipper and fuel are each listed as €34 extra, paid after the trip. Also confirm the meeting and finishing points, since the details mention Cirkewwa, Mgarr in Gozo, and Xlendi Pleasure Cruises.

Key points at a glance

• A private boat means no shared group: You have the boat with your party and the captain only, a useful setup for couples, families, or friends who want a quieter outing.
• Crystal Lagoon gets its own swimming stop: You have about 15 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and marine-life viewing.
• The Blue Lagoon stop is brief but useful: The schedule allows about 15 minutes there, with an additional 20-minute swim or snorkel period described for summer departures.
• The boat reaches several coastal sights quickly: Lantern Point, L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz, Cominotto, and sea caves are included along the route.
• The price needs a final check: The $22 fare does not appear to cover the listed €34 skipper fee and €34 fuel fee.
• The tour has strong early feedback: Eight recorded ratings give it five stars, with special praise for friendly skippers and quick travel between sites.

A private hour around Comino

This is not a full-day cruise. It is a compact look at Comino’s best-known water sights, designed for people who want a short outing rather than several hours at sea.

The private format changes the mood. You are not sharing the boat with a large crowd, and the captain can adjust the route to avoid the most packed areas. That matters at the Blue Lagoon, where the water may be beautiful but the shoreline and boats can be very busy.

You should think of this experience as a fast coastal sampler. You get scenic passes, short photo stops, and time in the water. You do not get a long, lazy anchorage or a full snorkeling expedition.

The boat’s speed is one of its practical strengths. Lucas, who took the trip in July 2024, said the quick boat made it possible to move between sites faster and spend more time in the water or taking photos. That is useful during a one-hour trip, since every minute counts.

The skipper is also part of the experience. Jacob specifically praised Joe as a great guide, while Lucas described Claivion as friendly and helpful with advice for the rest of his trip. Sebastien also singled out the skipper’s pleasant manner. The names suggest that the crew can add a personal touch, although your own captain may be different.

Starting at Cirkewwa and getting organized

The stated meeting point is Cirkewwa Cafe at Cirkewwa Port. You should allow enough time to find the cafe and make contact before departure, especially since the operator asks anyone who booked within the last 24 hours to reach out by WhatsApp.

There is an important detail to settle before you go. One part of the tour information names Cirkewwa as the start, while the route also refers to Xlendi Pleasure Cruises as the starting and ending location. The broader description says you may finish at Cirkewwa or Mgarr in Gozo if you state your preference when booking.

Those details do not line up perfectly. I would send a WhatsApp message and confirm four things:

• The exact place where you meet the captain
• The exact place where the boat finishes
• Your preferred endpoint, Cirkewwa or Mgarr
• The total price after the skipper and fuel charges

This is not needless fuss. A trip ending at Mgarr could fit well with a day in Gozo, while a return to Cirkewwa is more useful if you are staying in Malta or connecting with transport there.

Lantern Point and the first coastal views

The first listed stop is Lantern Point, with about 10 minutes for a break, photos, guided sightseeing, and a look around from the water.

A short stop like this works well at the beginning. It gives you time to settle into the boat and take in Comino’s pale rock, open water, and sharply cut shoreline before the swimming stops begin.

Do not expect a long visit ashore. The route describes this as a photo and sightseeing stop, not a beach stay. Your best use of the time is to keep your camera ready and listen to the captain’s explanation.

Because the whole trip lasts just one hour, the captain may keep the boat moving rather than pause for long. That is part of the bargain. You see more places, but each place receives only a few minutes.

L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz and Cominotto

The boat then passes L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz, a five-minute section intended for guided sightseeing, marine-life viewing, and coastal scenery.

This is a passing view rather than a full stop. You may spot fish or other marine life from the boat, but the trip does not promise a dedicated wildlife encounter. Keep your expectations sensible and enjoy this part as a scenic link between the larger stops.

Cominotto is included in the wider route as a quieter part of the Comino area. It offers another angle on the coast and helps the trip feel like more than a simple run straight to the Blue Lagoon and back.

The benefit of a private boat is clearest here. If the captain sees a pleasant, less crowded stretch of water, the route can favor that area instead of following a fixed shared-boat pattern. The description says the route is flexible and aims to avoid packed spots, though exact choices depend on conditions and the captain.

Crystal Lagoon: the best swimming balance

Crystal Lagoon receives about 15 minutes in the listed schedule. Here you can stop for photos, swim, snorkel, and look for marine life.

For many people, this may be the most rewarding stop. The Blue Lagoon gets most of the attention, but Crystal Lagoon offers another chance to enjoy clear water with a little less focus on the famous name. The time is short, so be ready before the boat stops.

The tour provides masks and snorkels, which saves you from packing your own equipment. You should still bring a towel and sunglasses, as advised. The information does not mention fins, flotation gear, lockers, or changing facilities, so do not assume those are included.

If you want a proper snorkeling session, one hour may feel rushed. You need to board, listen to instructions, enter the water, swim, and return on time. If your priority is simply a refreshing swim and a look below the surface, the stop should suit you better.

The private setup helps families and mixed groups. One person can swim while another stays aboard and takes photos. Since the boat is not filled with strangers, you can also discuss the timing with the captain more easily.

Sea caves and the Blue Lagoon

The route continues through L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, It-Tieqa, and Taħt il-Ħnejja. The scheduled time is about five minutes for passing through, sightseeing, coastal views, and marine-life viewing.

These names refer to striking formations along Comino’s rocky coast. From the boat, you can see openings, overhangs, and water-level passages that are difficult to appreciate from land. The five-minute allocation tells you what to expect: a scenic cruise-by, not a long cave exploration.

The Blue Lagoon follows, with about 15 minutes for a boat cruise, sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and marine-life viewing. The wider description also refers to a 20-minute swim or snorkel session during summer, so confirm the precise timing with the captain on the day.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear turquoise water, and you will understand why as soon as the boat reaches it. The catch is crowding. This is Comino’s headline attraction, and its beauty often comes with plenty of boats and people.

The tour tries to avoid the busiest sections and guide you toward calmer water. That is a worthwhile promise, but it cannot guarantee an empty lagoon. Weather, sea conditions, and the number of boats already in the area will affect what the captain can do.

The Blue Lagoon stop is best for a quick swim, a few photographs, and a look at the coast from the boat. If you want long time on a beach or several relaxed swims, choose a longer Comino outing instead.

What the one-hour schedule really means

The route lists 10 minutes at Lantern Point, 5 minutes at L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz, 15 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, 5 minutes around the caves, and 15 minutes at the Blue Lagoon. That totals 50 minutes, leaving roughly 10 minutes for movement between locations.

This is a tightly packed plan. The fast boat makes it workable, but you should not expect long pauses at every stop. Put on your swimwear before arriving, keep your towel close, and have your camera ready.

The short duration is a major advantage if you have only a small gap in your Malta or Gozo plans. It also works for families who may not want to spend half a day on a boat.

The same timing is a drawback for anyone who wants a slow, quiet cruise. You will spend much of the hour moving, boarding, and preparing for the next stop. The trip delivers variety rather than plenty of time in one place.

Equipment, comfort, and practical needs

A mask and snorkel are included, along with permits, marina fees, and the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon entrance fees. A Bluetooth speaker is also provided, though music may not be important on such a short scenic trip.

Bring a towel and sunglasses. The supplied information does not list food, drinks, sunscreen, changing rooms, or a toilet, so plan on bringing only what you need and do not count on extra onboard services.

The private boat is described as an exclusive charter for you and the captain. That makes it easier to relax, ask questions, and choose how much attention you give to swimming or sightseeing.

You should also allow for sea conditions. The tour includes swimming and snorkeling, but no claim is made that every stop will be available in every condition. A flexible route can help, yet the captain’s judgment will guide the final plan.

Price and the real value

The advertised base price is $22 per person. On its own, that is attractive for a private one-hour boat trip that includes equipment, permits, marina fees, and access fees for both lagoons.

The extra charges are the point to examine. The information lists a €34 skipper fee and €34 fuel fee, both paid in cash after the trip. It does not clearly state whether each amount applies to the whole boat or to each person.

Ask for the total cost for your group before you commit. If the two €34 charges are shared across the booking, the tour could offer very good value for a private outing. If they are charged per person, the final bill would be much higher than the headline price.

The private format can be especially worthwhile for a couple or small family that values privacy. A larger group may also find the cost easier to justify if the extra charges are applied to the boat rather than each person.

You also receive several included items that might otherwise add small costs: snorkeling equipment, lagoon entrance fees, permits, and marina fees. The main value is not the number of inclusions, though. It is the ability to see several coastal sites without joining a large shared boat.

Who should book this Comino cruise?

I would consider this tour if you want a quick look at Comino and prefer a private boat to a standard group cruise. It suits couples, families, and friends who want control over the atmosphere and a chance to avoid the thickest crowds.

It also fits a flexible Malta and Gozo plan. If you are already near Cirkewwa or want to finish around Mgarr, the boat may fit neatly into your day. Confirm the endpoint first, since the meeting and finish information needs clarification.

This is less suitable if you want a long snorkeling session, a beach day, or a slow cruise with plenty of time at anchor. The one-hour duration is the central limitation.

Late arrivals are another concern. Lucas’s group arrived 20 minutes late and still had a good time, with the fast boat helping them see the main sites. I would not treat that as a guarantee. A late start could easily reduce swimming time or force the captain to shorten the route.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a private, fast, flexible introduction to Comino and you are happy with short stops. The friendly skipper comments, strong five-star rating record, and quick boat make this an appealing option for a compact outing.

Before paying, confirm the meeting point, endpoint, and the exact meaning of the €34 skipper and €34 fuel charges. If the final price is clear and reasonable for your group, this should be a good way to see the Blue and Crystal Lagoons without committing half a day.

Skip it if your main goal is extended swimming or snorkeling. For that, a longer cruise will give you more time in the water and less pressure to move on.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The stated meeting point is Cirkewwa Cafe at Cirkewwa Port. If you booked within the last 24 hours, contact the provider through WhatsApp.

Where can the tour finish?

The tour information gives Cirkewwa and Mgarr in Gozo as possible endpoints, but another route detail names Xlendi Pleasure Cruises. Confirm your exact finish point when booking.

How long does the boat tour last?

The tour lasts one hour.

Is the boat private?

Yes. It is described as a private group experience with only your party and the captain on the boat.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are planned at Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon, with the exact timing depending on the tour schedule and conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are included.

What extra fees must be paid?

A €34 skipper fee and a €34 fuel fee are listed as extra charges, paid in cash after the tour. Ask whether these fees apply to the whole boat or to each person.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also allows you to reserve now and pay later.