Malta turns to blue glass on this boat. You’ll get a private speedboat for up to 8, with quiet anchoring in Comino’s best water and classic cave views along the way. It’s the kind of trip where the route matters almost as much as the scenery.

I love the way the skipper, like Justin, keeps things flexible and adjusts to your group. I also love the direct swim time at the Blue Lagoon, with snorkeling gear ready so you can get in fast and spend more time in the water.

One thing to plan for: a fuel surcharge of €79 per booking is not included, and it’s paid in cash. Also, the whole experience is about 2 hours, so you’ll want to focus on swimming and photos rather than a long, slow sightseeing day.

Key things to know before you go

• Private for up to 8: no sharing your boat day with strangers
• Pick your pace: the itinerary can be customized to what you want to see and do
• Short stops, big payoff: timed swims at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon
• Caves and curiosities: you’ll get close to sea cave openings and key Comino spots
• Snorkeling included: you get snorkeling equipment with the tour
• Early helps: an 8 am start is often a smart way to reduce crowds at the lagoons

Private Comino boat time is really about your stop choices

This tour is built for people who want the Comino coastline without the stampede. The big value is that you’re not funnelled toward the busiest ferry zones, and you can anchor where the water feels calmer and the views are cleaner.

I also like the short, focused timing. You’re not stuck touring all day. You’re out there long enough to swim at more than one lagoon, then you still have time to do your own Malta plans afterward.

Finally, it’s private. That means your group’s needs drive the day. If you’re traveling as a family, you’ll likely value the ability to pause, take photos, and keep little ones happy without waiting for a long line of people.

Getting to Cirkewwa or Gozo Mġarr Harbour (and why it matters)

Your trip starts at a northern Malta dock at Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal (Triq Il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa). If you’re staying in Gozo, you’ll start from Gozo Mġarr Harbour. Either way, you’re heading toward Comino quickly, instead of spending your limited tour time in transit.

Pickup is offered. If you live on mainland Malta, the start is from Cirkewwa, and if you live in Gozo, the start is from Mġarr. The activity can also be arranged as a round trip, returned to the same starting point, or you can request a drop-off on Malta or Gozo in advance.

Practical tip: if you’re not sure how you’ll get to the dock, plan a little buffer. Even with pickup options, you want to arrive with time to park, find the meeting point, and get everyone settled before boarding.

The 2-hour route: Blue Lagoon to Crystal Lagoon and back

In a 2-hour private format, the day runs on a simple rhythm: cruise, stop for swimming or photos, cruise again. You’ll spend dedicated time at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, then you’ll cruise past Comino highlights like St. Mary’s Tower and the quieter Comino-side coves.

Along the way, you may also check out spots around Cominotto, sea caves such as L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf (Crystal Lagoon Cave) and Alex Cave, plus shallow reefs and a well-known wreck site. The exact mix can shift with conditions, because water access depends on how calm it is that day.

If you like a day that stays fun and light, this format works well. If you’re the type who wants deep guided history at every stop, you might find yourself doing more “look and learn from the views” than listening for a full lecture.

Blue Lagoon swim stop: classic color, private anchoring

Blue Lagoon (Comino) is Malta’s most famous swimming spot, known for clear turquoise water and a sandy bottom you can see through. With a private boat, you’re aiming to avoid the busy ferry crowds and anchor in a quieter part of the lagoon.

You’ll get about 30 minutes here. That’s enough time to swim, snorkel, and take a bunch of photos without feeling rushed out the moment you climb back onboard. And because snorkeling equipment is included, you can go straight from boat to water.

One consideration: Blue Lagoon’s popularity means conditions can still be busy depending on the day and hour. Going early can help. If your schedule allows, I’d treat a morning departure as a smart strategy so you spend your best minutes in the water before the peak crush.

Crystal Lagoon: calmer water, cave-adjacent views

Next is Crystal Lagoon, another Comino standout where the scenery feels more cliff-and-cave shaped and the bay can be wonderfully sheltered. You’ll get around 20 minutes (sometimes longer depending on timing and weather) for swimming and snorkeling.

This stop tends to please people who find the Blue Lagoon too intense. Crystal Lagoon often feels calmer, and the cliffs give you more dramatic views from the boat and from the water.

Drawback to keep in mind: if your snorkeling expectations include seeing lots of fish everywhere, you might not get that at every moment. Visibility and sea life change. Still, the color of the water and the sheltered feel usually make the stop worthwhile even if you’re not spotting a postcard school of fish.

St. Mary’s Tower: history you can see without hiking

You’ll pass St. Mary’s Tower, also called the Comino Tower, built in 1618 by the Knights of St. John. Even if you don’t dock anywhere, you’ll see it from the water as an iconic landmark perched above the cliffs.

This is also a good photo moment. From the boat, you get wide views across the island and toward the Gozo Channel, which helps you understand where Comino sits in the bigger Maltese picture.

Because this is a photo stop rather than a long shore visit, it works well inside a tight 2-hour window. It scratches the “I want history and photos” itch without turning your day into a hike.

Comino and the Cominotto contrast: a quieter shore feel

Comino is tiny and car-free, and that emptiness is part of the appeal. On a private boat tour, you get that sense of space without dealing with footpaths or ferry schedules.

You’ll also get a side trip to Cominotto Island. It’s small and uninhabited, facing Comino, and known for a secluded sandy beach area plus a famous cave that passes through it. You’ll spend about 10 minutes here, which is short but practical: enough time to swim, look around, and snap photos without eating up the whole day.

The vibe difference is the key. Blue Lagoon is the headline. Cominotto is often where people feel like they found a quieter pocket, especially if conditions keep the area from being crowded.

L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf and Alex Cave: seeing caves and staying safe

For cave fans, L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf (Crystal Lagoon Cave) is one of the most photographed stops. It’s known for glowing blue-green reflections that make it look almost painted.

You’ll usually get about 10 minutes here. It’s also described as accessible only by private boat, which helps explain why you’re seeing it without the big-tour bottleneck.

Then there’s Alex Cave, known for an air pocket underwater and for being popular with divers and free divers. On calmer days, you may have opportunities nearby to swim off the boat.

Important reality check: cave stops often mean you get close to the openings and experience the water in front of them, rather than expecting a full-on cave visit like you’re touring a museum. Conditions and access rules matter, and your skipper will choose the safest approach that still gives you the best view.

Reefs and the P31 wreck: snorkeling when you want an extra challenge

If your group loves snorkeling and doesn’t mind short stop-and-go moments, this tour has optional-feeling extras.

You may visit Imriek Reef, a shallow area suited to snorkeling and exploring marine life. This stop is described as quiet, so it can feel like a calmer alternative when the main lagoons get busier.

Another fan-favorite is the P31 wreck, a former patrol boat sitting in clear, shallow water off Comino. It’s popular for snorkeling because visibility can be strong and the wreck becomes part of the underwater scene. You’ll typically have a chance to anchor above the wreck if the skipper judges conditions as suitable.

What to expect: a wreck stop can be amazing if the water is clear. On the wrong day, you may still enjoy snorkeling around it, but visibility and current will shape what you see.

Skippers and safety: why people keep returning

This is one of those tours where the skipper can make a big difference, not just in navigation but in pacing and comfort. Many people highlight captains like Ginger, Justin, and Lucas for being friendly, proactive, and flexible about where to anchor and how long to linger.

You’ll also see evidence of family-friendly handling in the way some skippers work with kids. One recurring theme is making sure everyone boards and disembarks comfortably, and that the day stays fun rather than stiff.

My practical advice: if you have kids, weaker swimmers, or anyone who gets nervous on boats, tell the skipper early. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and it’s often possible to request flotation help for the less confident swimmers (reports mention options like life vests for children). You’ll get a better experience when the skipper knows what your group needs.

Price and the €79 cash fuel surcharge: the math you should do

The price is listed as about $204.37 per group for up to 8 people, for an approximately 2-hour private tour. That’s not just paying for “a boat.” You’re paying for private time on Comino water, the ability to anchor away from crowds, and the skipper’s decisions about where the best water access is that day.

Two cost notes matter:

• Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not paying extra for mask and snorkel use.
• Fuel surcharge is €79 per booking, paid in cash, and it is not included in the upfront price.

So, do the quick check: if you fill the group, your cost per person drops a lot compared to a per-person boat tour model. If it’s only two of you, the fuel surcharge still hits the same total amount, and you’ll feel that more.

Also plan for food. The tour does not serve food, and you can bring your own or buy from kiosks around the coast. This is a short outing, so you might just pack snacks and water, then save real meals for Malta or Gozo later.

Who should book this Malta private boat tour

This is a strong match if:

• you want Comino’s lagoon swimming without dealing with big-group chaos
• you have a tight schedule and want the highlights in about 2 hours
• you’re traveling as a family or small group up to 8
• you care about being on the water quickly from Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mġarr (Gozo)

It may be less ideal if:

• you want a long, in-depth walking itinerary and lots of shore time
• you expect every cave stop to include going inside the cave (often it’s closer access, photos, and swims near the openings)
• you’re highly sensitive to boat motion and rough water, since this experience depends on “good weather” conditions

If you’re the type who checks the weather and then chooses your best swim hour, you’ll get the most out of it.

Should you book it?

Yes, I’d book this if your priority is Blue Lagoon + Crystal Lagoon swimming time with a private skipper who can shift the route to fit your group. The short duration keeps it efficient, and the private format is what turns Comino from a crowded day trip into something that feels like it’s yours.

Just go in eyes open about two things: the €79 fuel surcharge paid in cash and the fact that cave moments are about close viewing and safe water access more than a full cave tour.

If you can, book early in the day. It’s an easy way to maximize your time in the clearest, least crowded conditions.

FAQ

How many people are included in the private boat tour?

The tour is private for your group, up to 8 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start in Malta?

In Malta, the start point is the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal in Triq Il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa.

Where does the tour start in Gozo?

If you’re starting from Gozo, the tour begins at Gozo Mġarr Harbour.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered. If you live in mainland Malta, it starts from Cirkewwa, and if you live in Gozo, it starts from Gozo Mġarr Harbour.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. A fuel surcharge of €79 per booking is not included and is paid in cash.

Do they provide food on the boat?

No food is served. You can bring your own, or you can buy from kiosks around the coast.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.