Review · BOAT TRIPS IN COMINO

Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves

★ 5.0 · 15 reviews 2 hours (approx.) From $191 Operated by Xlendi Pleasure Cruises · Bookable on Viator
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Comino rewards a boat, not a rush. This private speedboat trip gives your group up to nine people a fast, flexible way to see Crystal Lagoon, the famous Blue Lagoon, and several sea caves in about two hours. I like the quieter swimming stop at Crystal Lagoon and the freedom to set your own pace instead of following a large cruise boat. The main catch is the extra 79 EUR fuel charge, paid directly to the skipper.

I also like the small-group format, which lets you listen to music, use the ice box, stop for a swim, or simply enjoy the coast without sharing the boat with a crowd. Skippers including Agus, Atef, and Keith have been praised for being friendly, attentive, and good at explaining the area. Two hours goes quickly, though, and people prone to seasickness may find the speedboat uncomfortable.

The strongest reason to book is control. You can spend more time in the water, ask for a quieter stop, and visit caves that large boats may pass by. If your group fills most of the boat, the price is quite fair. For only one or two people, it is a much harder value call.

Key points before you book

Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves - Key points before you book

  • Crystal Lagoon comes first: You get about 30 minutes at a calmer, less crowded bay with clear water and good conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
  • The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 45 minutes: This is the star attraction, with shallow, clear water and a white seabed, but it is also the most popular and busiest stop.
  • The private boat fits up to nine people: Your group has the boat to itself, with a skipper, music, an ice box, masks, and a fresh water shower.
  • Fuel costs extra: The advertised group price does not include 79 EUR in fuel, paid to the skipper.
  • Caves add variety: The route includes Popeyes Cave and another cave known for its striking blue water.
  • You can request flexibility: The skipper may take you to a quieter swim area, and Mġarr Harbour on Gozo is an optional visit.

Why a private speedboat changes the Comino day

Comino is small, but its best spots are spread along the coast. A private speedboat makes the trip feel less like a fixed sightseeing ride and more like a short outing built around swimming, scenery, and time on the water.

You are not simply transported to the Blue Lagoon and left there. The route includes two lagoons, cave visits, and chances to swim or snorkel. Your skipper can explain what you are seeing, then give you room to enjoy the boat and the sea.

That balance is important. Some skippers, especially Atef, were praised for knowing when to explain the coastline and when to let a group enjoy its own music and conversation. Keith was also singled out for helping people spot fish and for making the ride lively without turning it into a nonstop lecture.

The boat is private for your party, with room for up to nine people. That makes the trip especially appealing for families, couples traveling with friends, and groups that want to bring drinks, play music, and keep their own schedule.

The drawback is the short duration. Two hours is enough for a brisk taste of Comino, but it is not a full day at sea. You will need to keep an eye on the clock, especially if your group wants long swims at both lagoons and time inside the caves.

Crystal Lagoon: the calmer first swim

Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves - Crystal Lagoon: the calmer first swim

Crystal Lagoon is a strong opening stop because it offers a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon. The water is clear and turquoise, and the bay is known for swimming, snorkeling, and good visibility below the surface.

You have about 30 minutes here. That is enough for a refreshing swim and a quick look beneath the water, but not enough for a relaxed, unhurried beach session. If swimming is your priority, tell the skipper early so your time is used well.

I like Crystal Lagoon because it gives you a chance to appreciate Comino before reaching its most famous site. The Blue Lagoon attracts much of the attention, but Crystal Lagoon can feel more peaceful and natural. The boat can stop in the bay, and you can choose to swim, snorkel with one of the provided masks, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The calmer setting also suits anyone who finds the Blue Lagoon too busy. It is worth remembering, however, that a quieter bay does not mean you have the place entirely to yourself. Conditions and crowd levels can vary, and the tour schedule allows only a limited stop.

Popeyes Cave and the bright blue cave

Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves - Popeyes Cave and the bright blue cave

The cave visits break up the swimming stops and show you a different side of Comino. One is Popeyes Cave, a well-known site associated with the film Popeye. Its local name translates roughly as the cave without a roof, a fitting description because the opening is exposed to the sky.

This is a quick scenic visit rather than a long cave expedition. You will see the formation from the boat, hear its connection to the film, and get a close look at the unusual shape of the coastline.

The route also includes another cave known for the very blue water inside. That color is one of the memorable details of the trip, especially when the boat approaches slowly enough for you to see the difference between the open sea and the sheltered water within the cave.

The exact amount of time at each cave is not fixed in the tour details. Your skipper controls the route according to conditions and the group’s interests. That is one advantage of a private trip, but it also means you should not expect a precisely timed cave tour.

The Blue Lagoon is the main attraction, and the name is well earned. It sits between Comino and the tiny island of Cominotto, with remarkably clear blue water over a pale, sandy seabed.

The scheduled stop lasts about 45 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, or relax aboard the boat while taking in the view. The water is described as calm and shallow, making this the easiest place on the route for a leisurely swim.

If you want to get into the lagoon, you must book the required entry ticket. The ticket itself is free, but the reservation is still necessary for anyone who wishes to go ashore or enter the designated area. This is an important detail, so handle it before the trip rather than assuming the boat price covers every part of access.

The Blue Lagoon is also the least peaceful stop. Its fame brings crowds, and the experience can feel more energetic than secluded. I would use Crystal Lagoon for a calmer swim and save the Blue Lagoon for the clearest water and classic Comino views.

Some people prefer to spend their full swimming time here, and the skipper may be able to adjust the pace within the two-hour outing. Do not count on a long, relaxed stay at both lagoons. With caves and cruising included, your time is divided among several highlights.

More Blue Lagoon and Comino trips:

What the boat includes on the water

The practical equipment makes a difference on a short trip. You get snorkeling masks, an ice box, music, and a fresh water shower. Food and drinks are not supplied, but the ice box gives you a useful place to keep your own refreshments cool.

The music system suits groups that want a more social ride. You can create a festive mood between swimming stops, though you can also ask the skipper to keep things quieter if your group prefers conversation and scenery.

The fresh water shower is useful after swimming. It lets you rinse off salt before sitting back on the boat, a small comfort that matters when you are wearing swimwear for the whole outing.

A skipper is included, and the strongest feedback points to the human side of the service. Agus was praised for taking care of a family and adjusting the outing to suit older relatives. Atef was described as friendly, professional, and good at mixing local information with free time. Keith was praised for his energy, language skills, and attention to the group.

There are also examples of skippers helping when accidents occurred in the water. James provided first aid after a passenger cut a foot and helped arrange an ambulance. That does not make the trip risk-free, but it suggests the crew takes responsibility seriously when something goes wrong.

The price makes sense for a full group

The listed price is $191.04 per group of up to nine people. That sounds attractive until you add the 79 EUR fuel payment required at the end of the trip.

For a group of nine, the base cost works out to about $21 per person before fuel. Even with the fuel charge shared across the group, that can be a reasonable price for a private boat, skipper, swimming equipment, and flexible routing.

For a smaller group, the maths changes. Two people will pay much more per person, and the extra fuel cost becomes more noticeable. I would compare the total cost with a public cruise before booking, especially if you are traveling as a couple.

The private format gives you value that a public boat cannot easily match. You avoid sharing the ride with a large crowd, can play your own music, and have more room to talk, swim, and ask for a quieter stop. One useful booking tip is to contact the company directly and ask about the complete price, including fuel, since direct booking may produce a better overall deal.

The trip is also often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 16 days. That suggests you should not leave it until the last minute during a busy Malta visit.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend it most strongly to groups of four to nine people. The cost is easier to justify, and the private setting gives a family or group of friends plenty of freedom.

It also suits people who care more about swimming and scenery than formal sightseeing. You can use the time actively with snorkeling and cave visits, or simply sit back while the skipper handles the route.

Families may appreciate the ability to set their own pace. The experience has already worked well for a group with grandparents, where the skipper adjusted the trip and offered extra care. Still, the speedboat can move quickly, and people prone to seasickness should choose a calmer boat option instead.

This is less suitable if you want a slow beach day, a long stay on Comino, or a detailed tour of every part of the island. It is a compact coastal outing with several stops, not a full island excursion.

Timing, access, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the departure area is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the operator specifically advises against the trip for anyone prone to seasickness.

The experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive 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 inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.

The price includes the private two-hour speedboat, skipper, lagoon access as described, ice box, snorkeling masks, music, and fresh water shower. Bring your own food and drinks, and remember that the 79 EUR fuel charge is separate.

Should you book this Comino boat trip?

Book it if you have a group, want privacy, and care about getting into the water. Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and the caves give the trip plenty of variety, while the skipper can adjust the mood and route more easily than a public cruise.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling alone or as a couple, dislike fast boats, or want several hours at one beach. In that case, the fuel charge and short schedule may reduce the value.

For a family or friend group that wants a flexible Malta memory, this is a strong choice. Request the complete price before confirming, arrange the free Blue Lagoon entry ticket if you plan to go ashore, and tell the skipper which matters most to you: swimming, caves, scenery, or a quieter stop.

FAQ

How long is the private boat trip?

The advertised tour lasts approximately two hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat can accommodate a private group of up to nine people.

Is fuel included in the listed price?

No. A fuel charge of 79 EUR must be paid directly to the skipper.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, Popeyes Cave, and another cave known for its very blue water. Mġarr Harbour on Gozo is an optional visit.

Is the Blue Lagoon entry ticket included?

Entry is free, but anyone who wants to go down at the Blue Lagoon must book an entry ticket.

Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling opportunities are included, and snorkeling masks are provided.

Are food and drinks provided?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but the boat has an ice box for refreshments you bring yourself.

Is the trip suitable for people with seasickness?

The tour is not recommended for people who are prone to seasickness.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the operator to cancel.

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