Review · BOAT TRIPS IN COMINO

Private Boat Tour to Blue Lagoon Comino Caves and Gozo

5.0 · 79 reviews 2 hours (approx.) From $216 Operated by Gozoblu Private Boat Tours · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Meet Comino from the water. This private boat trip links Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Cominotto in about two hours, with pickup at either Cirkewwa Terminal or Mgarr Marina. I like the freedom to shape the outing around your group, and I like that snorkeling gear, water, and an iced cooler are included. The main catch is the extra €80 fuel surcharge, which is charged per booking.

The private format is especially useful for families and small groups. You are not sharing the boat with strangers, and the guide can adjust the pace for young children or give swimmers more time. If Francesco is your host, you may also benefit from the friendly, flexible approach praised in the tour feedback. The short duration means you should see this as a focused coastal outing, not a full-day exploration of Gozo.

Key points to know before you book

Private Boat Tour to Blue Lagoon Comino Caves and Gozo - Key points to know before you book

  • Three water stops in roughly two hours: You get time at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, plus a pass by or possible stop at Cominotto.
  • Private boat for up to eight people: The cost can make good sense for a full group, especially if you value privacy.
  • Two practical pickup choices: Start at Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta or Mgarr Marina in Gozo.
  • Snorkeling equipment is supplied: You do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.
  • The €80 fuel charge is extra: Add this to the advertised group price when working out your real cost.
  • Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why a private boat makes Comino easier

Private Boat Tour to Blue Lagoon Comino Caves and Gozo - Why a private boat makes Comino easier

Comino’s famous water is not a secret. The Blue Lagoon can become crowded, particularly when several boats arrive at once. A private trip gives you something more valuable than a longer list of stops: control over your time and company.

You can spend less time waiting for a large group to gather and more time swimming. If some people in your party want to snorkel while others prefer to sit aboard with a drink, the private setting should make that easier to manage.

The boat holds up to eight people, so this works best for a family, a group of friends, or a small celebration. The price is listed per group rather than per person. At the maximum group size, the base price works out to about $27 per person before the €80 fuel surcharge, though the total depends on your group size and the exchange rate.

That pricing needs a clear look. A solo visitor or couple may find the total high compared with a shared boat. A group of six to eight can get much better value, especially if a private setting, flexible timing, and swimming stops matter more than the lowest possible fare.

Starting at Cirkewwa or Mgarr Marina

You can begin at Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta or Mgarr Marina in Gozo. That choice is useful because it lets you fit the boat ride around your wider island plans rather than forcing you to cross between Malta and Gozo just to reach the meeting point.

Cirkewwa is the practical choice if you are staying on Malta or arriving by ferry on the northern end of the island. Mgarr Marina suits you if you are already exploring Gozo. The operator asks you to state your preferred pickup point so the start can be arranged in advance.

The boat is described as easy to find, which matters at a working harbor where several vessels and operators may be nearby. You receive confirmation at booking, and a mobile ticket is accepted. The tour is offered in English.

One useful detail from the available feedback is that the boat experience worked well for a family with young children because the route and pace could be adapted. That is a good reason to choose private transport over a fixed group outing, though you should still tell the operator about your children and preferences before departure.

Crystal Lagoon: a calmer first swim

Private Boat Tour to Blue Lagoon Comino Caves and Gozo - Crystal Lagoon: a calmer first swim

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about 30 minutes. It has clear, shallow water and is generally a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon. For many people, this may be the best swimming stop of the trip because it offers a little more calm before you reach Comino’s most famous bay.

The shallow water is helpful if you want to get comfortable before snorkeling. It also makes the stop appealing for families, although the tour information does not give details about changing areas, toilets, or special child flotation equipment. Bring any extra items your family needs.

You receive snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and access to an iced cooler. Those inclusions simplify a short outing. You can focus on getting into the water rather than arranging gear in advance.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. If snorkeling is your main goal, use your time well. Have your mask ready, decide who is swimming first, and keep in mind that the boat still needs to follow the planned route. The private format may allow some adjustment, but the total tour lasts only about two hours.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, famous, and often busy

Private Boat Tour to Blue Lagoon Comino Caves and Gozo - Blue Lagoon: beautiful, famous, and often busy

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s star attraction. Its turquoise water and bright coastal setting explain why it appears on so many Malta itineraries. You get another 30-minute stop here for swimming and snorkeling, with the striking views that make the place famous.

The tradeoff is popularity. A private boat does not make the Blue Lagoon private. Other boats and visitors may be present, and the water can feel much less peaceful than Crystal Lagoon. You should choose this tour for access and flexibility, not for a guarantee of solitude.

Still, arriving by boat gives you a better view of the lagoon than simply approaching from land. You see the changing colors of the water and the rocky shoreline from the sea. That is part of the appeal, even when the main bay is busy.

If you are planning photographs, have your camera ready before the stop begins. Thirty minutes allows time for a swim, a look around, and a few pictures, but not an unhurried beach day. I would treat the Blue Lagoon as the signature scene and Crystal Lagoon as the more relaxed swim.

Cominotto and the smaller coves of Comino

Private Boat Tour to Blue Lagoon Comino Caves and Gozo - Cominotto and the smaller coves of Comino

Cominotto, also called Kemmunett, is a small islet near Comino. The route passes by it and may stop there, depending on the conditions and the way your private outing is arranged.

This islet offers sandy shoreline, quiet coves, rock formations, and views back toward the Blue Lagoon and the Mediterranean. It has a more secluded feel than the main lagoon areas. If the boat stops, you may find this the most peaceful part of the route.

The wording here matters: Cominotto is not guaranteed as a full 30-minute shore visit in the same way Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are described. It is listed as a possible stop or pass-by. Ask about the likely plan when you confirm your pickup and departure details.

The islet is also associated with kayaking, snorkeling, and diving in the supplied description. No kayak rental is listed as part of this tour, so do not assume that equipment is available. Snorkeling gear is included, but any activity beyond that should be confirmed directly with the operator.

The watchtower and Malta’s defensive coast

Private Boat Tour to Blue Lagoon Comino Caves and Gozo - The watchtower and Malta’s defensive coast

The route also includes a historic watchtower built in 1618 by the Knights of St. John. It formed part of a chain of coastal towers used for defense and communication. From the tower, the surrounding sea and islands help explain why this narrow stretch of water mattered so much.

The tower adds a useful change of pace to a trip centered on swimming. You are not only moving from one attractive bay to another. You are also seeing how Malta’s coast was watched and protected.

The supplied tour details do not name the tower or specify a dedicated entry stop. For that reason, think of it as a sight along the route unless the operator confirms otherwise. You may get views and a short explanation rather than a formal visit inside the structure.

That uncertainty is minor if your main goal is swimming. It matters more if you are booking because of Malta’s military and maritime past. Ask whether the boat pauses near the tower and whether any admission is involved.

What the two-hour schedule feels like

Private Boat Tour to Blue Lagoon Comino Caves and Gozo - What the two-hour schedule feels like

The tour lasts approximately two hours. The listed stops allow about 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, 30 minutes at Blue Lagoon, and up to 30 minutes connected with Cominotto, leaving the rest for travel between points and any scenic viewing.

That is enough time for a strong introduction to Comino’s water, but it is not enough for a slow day at sea. You should expect a compact route with several highlights rather than long stretches at one beach.

I would plan your priorities before boarding. If your group cares most about swimming, say so. If you want photographs, coastal views, and the watchtower, make that clear. The private setup is most useful when you communicate what you want instead of expecting a fixed sightseeing script to cover every interest equally.

The feedback includes an account of a birthday outing with stops at many spots, plenty of time in the water, fruit served after swimming, and help finding towels. Fruit and towel assistance are not listed as standard inclusions, so treat those as examples of friendly flexibility rather than promised features. Bottled water and the iced cooler are the reliable listed provisions.

Snorkeling, comfort, and what to bring

Private Boat Tour to Blue Lagoon Comino Caves and Gozo - Snorkeling, comfort, and what to bring

Snorkeling equipment is included, which is a real convenience for a short tour. You avoid buying or carrying basic gear, and you can use the stops for a quick look beneath the surface.

Bring your own towel unless the operator confirms otherwise. One outing included help arranging towels, but towels are not listed among the standard inclusions. You should also bring swimwear, sun protection, and any personal items you need for a few hours on the water, though the supplied details do not specify storage or changing facilities.

The cooler is useful for keeping drinks cold, while bottled water helps after swimming. The tour information does not promise food, although fruit was provided on one reported birthday outing. If you need a meal or have dietary requirements, arrange that separately.

Service animals are allowed. The tour is near public transportation, and most people can participate, but no detailed accessibility information is provided. If you have mobility needs or require special boarding assistance, contact Gozoblu Private Boat Tours before booking.

Friendly hosting and room for personal plans

The strongest praise centers on the personal service. Francesco is singled out as a particularly good host who took a group to places it would not have seen on another tour. Another outing was described as friendly, accommodating, and well adapted to young children.

That personal touch is the main reason to choose this experience over a larger shared cruise. You have room to explain your group’s pace, swimming confidence, and interests. A birthday, family outing, or small celebration fits the private format well.

Keep expectations sensible. A two-hour trip cannot cover every cove around Comino and Gozo. The route has named highlights, but the exact order and any extra stops may depend on sea conditions and your group’s wishes.

The 100 percent recommendation rate and five-star score across 79 reviews suggest a strong record, especially for service and the no-crowd feel of a private boat. I would place the most weight on the repeated practical strengths: friendly hosting, flexible planning, and access to places a standard trip may skip.

Weather, cancellation, and the real cost

The base price is $216.02 per group of up to eight, with an additional €80 fuel surcharge per booking. Since the fuel fee is not included in the headline price, calculate the full amount before comparing this tour with other boat outings.

For a full group, the cost can be reasonable. You are paying for a private experience rather than a seat on a shared boat, and the per-person price drops as more people join. For two people, the same fee becomes much harder to justify unless privacy and flexible stops are your top priorities.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, and cut-off times use local time.

Because the trip is built around swimming, weather is more than a minor detail. Check the forecast before your final cancellation window closes, and keep your schedule flexible if possible.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

  • Families who want a private pace and simple pickup
  • Groups of friends splitting the cost among six to eight people
  • Couples marking a birthday or special occasion
  • Swimmers and snorkelers who want several water stops
  • Visitors staying near Cirkewwa or Mgarr Marina
  • People who prefer a small, personal outing to a large cruise

You may want another option if you need a full-day tour, guaranteed time on Cominotto, a formal historic-site visit, or the lowest price for one or two people. The advertised stops are appealing, but the schedule is short and the fuel charge raises the total.

Final verdict: a strong small-group choice

Book this private boat tour if you want a compact, friendly way to see Comino’s best-known water spots without sharing the boat with a crowd. Crystal Lagoon gives you a calmer swim, the Blue Lagoon supplies the famous scenery, and Cominotto adds a quieter coastal stop when conditions and timing allow.

The best value comes with a full group. Confirm the €80 fuel surcharge, ask how Cominotto and the watchtower fit into your specific departure, and bring your own towel unless told otherwise. For a family outing, birthday, or small group that values personal service, this is an appealing choice. For a budget-conscious couple seeking a long day at sea, the short duration and added fuel fee deserve more thought.

FAQ

How much does the private boat tour cost?

The listed price is $216.02 per group of up to eight people. An additional fuel surcharge of €80 per booking is not included.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

Where can the tour pick me up?

Pickup is available from Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta or Mgarr Marina in Gozo. You can state your preferred location.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your own group participates, with space for up to eight people.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Are snorkeling items included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is bottled water provided?

Yes. Bottled water is included, along with an iced cooler.

Does the tour visit Crystal Lagoon?

Yes. The plan includes about 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, where you can swim and snorkel.

Does the tour visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The plan includes about 30 minutes at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the views.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

More Private Boat Charters in Malta

More like this

Boat Trips in Comino, compared.

The full Boat Trips in Comino list →
Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 5,496 reviews· from $62

Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

Read our review →
Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 3,792 reviews· from $40

Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Read our review →
Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 3,461 reviews· from $41

Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Read our review →
Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves Cruise
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 2,882 reviews· from $34

Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves Cruise

Read our review →
Boat Trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Caves
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 2,061 reviews· from $47

Boat Trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Caves

Read our review →
Gozo, Comino & The Blue Lagoon Boat & Bus Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.4· 1,931 reviews· from $51

Gozo, Comino & The Blue Lagoon Boat & Bus Tour

Read our review →
Comino & Gozo: Blue & Crystal Lagoons Cruise with Sea Caves
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 1,536 reviews· from $33

Comino & Gozo: Blue & Crystal Lagoons Cruise with Sea Caves

Read our review →
Comino, Gozo, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, and Caves Cruise
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 1,408 reviews· from $28

Comino, Gozo, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, and Caves Cruise

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Explore Malta

What there is to do on Malta, Gozo and Comino, and the best of each.