There’s something about Comino by boat. You get the turquoise views up close, with a calm, private pace instead of a crowd circus. I like that this tour is genuinely private for up to 8, and I also love the way you’re given time to actually swim and snorkel, not just pose for photos. One thing to consider: it’s weather-dependent, and the water schedule means your timing is less flexible than a self-drive day.

My other favorite part is the human touch. Our guide Francesco (friendly, relaxed, and clearly tuned in) shared useful context at stops, and the whole trip felt tailored—especially helpful for a birthday celebration and for families traveling with young children. The only real drawback is the extra cost: there’s a fuel surcharge of €80 per booking that’s not included in the base price.

You’ll come away with those signature Comino colors, plus a more peaceful alternative at Crystal Lagoon. And if you want a short, high-impact outing without committing all day, this is a strong option.

Quick Hits Before You Go

• Private boat, up to 8 people: you set the vibe, and you don’t wait behind strangers.
• Pickup options from Malta or Gozo: Cirkewwa Terminal or Mgarr Marina, depending on what’s easiest for you.
• Three lagoon/islet stops with swim time: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Cominotto (Kemmunett).
• Snorkeling equipment included: plus bottled water and an iced cooler for the ride.
• Guide-led, practical pacing: Francesco-style commentary and time that fits what you want to do.
• Expect a fuel surcharge: plan for the additional €80 per booking.

Private Boat Time in 2 Hours: What the Experience Really Feels Like

This is the kind of trip that works because it’s focused. In about 2 hours, you hit the postcard lagoons that people come to Malta for—without turning the day into a long logistics puzzle. You’re not stuck on a big group schedule. You’re on a boat with your own small circle, with the guide handling the navigation and timing.

What you’ll notice right away is the pace. Each stop is built around short, satisfying water time. You don’t feel rushed like you do on some super-tight day tours, but you also aren’t floating around for hours just to say you were there. That balance is a big part of the value.

Also, you get more than just scenery. The guide’s explanations make the coastal landscape make sense—why the watchtower exists, why the lagoons look the way they do, and where to look while you swim. It’s not “lecturer mode.” It’s the kind of info that helps you pay attention.

Price and Logistics: What You Pay, What You Don’t, and Why It Still Works

The base price is $216.02 per group (up to 8 people), so the math works best if you’re traveling as a family or a small group. For a private boat outing, that’s usually the key question: are you paying for an experience, or paying for empty seats? Here, you’re paying as a group, and the trip’s short duration means you’re not sinking money into a half-day with slow transitions.

That said, don’t ignore the one cost that isn’t included: there’s a €80 fuel surcharge per booking. Since it’s per booking, not per person, you’ll want to think about how many seats you’ll fill. If you have 6–8 people, the per-person impact drops a lot.

On the “what’s included” side, this tour is refreshingly practical:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Iced cooler
• Admission tickets for the stops where they’re listed

So when you add it up, you’re not paying extra for basics like gear or water. That matters, especially if you’re arriving by foot or by bus and you don’t want to scramble for rental equipment.

Finally, this experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. And if your plans change, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance (based on local time). In other words: you’re not locked in forever, but you do need to stay realistic about sea conditions.

Where You Meet: Cirkewwa Terminal vs Mgarr Marina Pickup

This tour gives you a real choice for pickup. You can start from:

• Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta, or
• Mgarr Marina in Gozo

That’s more than a convenience detail. It can shape your entire day. If you’re already based in Malta, Cirkewwa makes the trip simple. If you’re spending time in Gozo, Mgarr Marina can cut down transfer time and keep the outing from eating up your schedule.

You don’t need to overthink it—you just tell them which pickup point is easiest. From there, the goal is a smooth start, with the tour being private for just your group.

One more helpful detail: the meeting areas are near public transportation, so you’re not stuck if you don’t have a car.

The 1618 Watchtower Stop: A Quick History Lesson with Real Views

The first notable stop is at a historic coastal watchtower built in 1618 by the Knights of St. John. It was part of a network of coastal defenses used for communication and warning.

In plain terms: this isn’t just a “look at a building” moment. These towers were placed for visibility along the coastline, so you get panoramic sea views that explain why the Knights cared so much about this stretch of water. Even if you’re not into history, the geography will still click.

Practical tip: this is a great moment to grab your bearings. Before you jump into lagoon mode, take a minute to look around. When you later see the water colors and the coastline shape, you’ll understand what you’re seeing.

Crystal Lagoon Swim Break: Clear Water and a Calmer Feel

Crystal Lagoon is one of those places where the water looks shallow and glassy even before you get in. You get about 30 minutes here, and the admission ticket is included.

What I like about Crystal Lagoon as a first water stop is that it often feels more relaxed than the most famous spot. The lagoon’s clear, shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and you’re not fighting as hard for space.

The downside is also simple: with only around 30 minutes, you’ll want to be ready to move quickly once you’re in. If your plan is to do a slow, long snorkel session, consider using the time in stages:

1) get in and float first

2) then spend your second half actively looking around

That way you don’t lose the best visibility time to fumbling with gear.

Blue Lagoon: Iconic Color, Short and Sweet Time

Then comes the main event: the Blue Lagoon. It’s famous for a reason—crystal-clear turquoise water that looks almost unreal from the boat. You get another 30 minutes here, again with the admission ticket included.

This is the stop where you do the classic water moments: swimming, snorkeling, and just soaking in the view from where you can see the lagoon open up around you.

The trade-off is time. Thirty minutes is enough for a solid swim and a meaningful snorkel loop, but it’s not enough if you want to treat this as a full beach day. If you’re the type who likes to linger, you’ll have to choose: either swim early and keep the snorkel portion active, or accept that your time here will be brisk.

If you care about photos, you’ll also notice that boat position matters. Since you’re on a private boat, you can feel less like you’re waiting for your turn. You’re not rushing because the schedule says you must move every five minutes.

Cominotto (Kemmunett): Quiet Coves and a Different Kind of Scenery

Cominotto—also called Kemmunett—is a small islet off Comino. Here, the experience is a bit flexible. You’ll pass by, and you can also stop and spend time there (listed as another 30 minutes stop).

This is the calmer, more scenic counterweight to the bigger-name lagoons. Cominotto offers:

• tranquil sandy beaches
• secluded coves that work great for kayaking and snorkeling
• dramatic rock formations and cliffs
• wide Mediterranean views back toward the Blue Lagoon area

One practical note: the focus here is on stillness and landscape shapes—rocky edges, cliff lines, and small sheltered water pockets. If you love quiet places and you want a change from the “most famous water color” vibe, Cominotto is where you’ll feel it.

And if you’re traveling with kids, this can be a win. The islet feel makes the experience feel like an adventure, but it doesn’t demand long swimming times like some remote spots do.

Snorkeling Gear, Water, and an Iced Cooler: Small Comforts That Add Up

I love including snorkeling equipment because it removes one of the most annoying travel frictions. You don’t need to rent gear at the last minute, and you don’t need to pack it yourself.

The other small luxuries are the basics:

• bottled water
• an iced cooler

On a short boat tour, those details matter more than you’d think. You stay comfortable, you don’t get dehydrated, and you can focus on the water instead of shopping for supplies mid-trip.

If you’ve brought your own snorkel gear, you’ll still be fine. But if you’re coming light, this inclusion is a real convenience.

Also, service animals are allowed, and the tour is described as something most travelers can participate in. Still, this is a boat environment—so if you’re sensitive to getting in and out of the water, you’ll want to take that into account.

What Makes This Tour Special: No Crowds, Real Attention, and Guide-Driven Pacing

The most praised aspect of this experience is the privacy and the way it avoids crowd pressure. When you’re not jammed into a big-group boat schedule, you tend to enjoy the water more. You’re not stuck thinking about who’s behind you or whether the next group is about to arrive.

Another big win: Francesco. In multiple ways, the tour feels like it’s guided, not just driven. You’ll get good information tied to what you’re seeing, and he adapts to what your group wants—whether that’s a birthday celebration pace, a family-friendly flow, or just more time at the spots you like best.

And yes, it’s the friendly details that stick. One review mentioned help getting towels when they didn’t have any. That might sound minor, but it’s exactly the kind of practical hospitality that makes a short outing feel easy.

That’s the real value here: you get a private, guided, low-stress version of the Comino experience, not just transportation to famous water.

Who Should Book This Private Boat to Comino, Blue Lagoon, and Gozo?

This is ideal for:

• Couples who want a romantic, quieter outing
• Families with kids who need a schedule that feels flexible and considerate
• Small friend groups who can fill up to 8 seats and share the cost
• Travelers who want Comino highlights without committing to a full day

It may not be ideal if:

• You want a full beach-style day with long lounging time
• You’re extremely sensitive to sea conditions (the tour needs good weather)
• You’re traveling solo and don’t want to deal with a group-based pricing model

If you’re short on time but still want the iconic lagoon colors, this tour hits a sweet spot.

Should You Book This Tour? My Practical Take

Book it if you want high payoff in a short window and you care about avoiding crowds. The private format is the key ingredient. So is the guide attention—Francesco’s approach turns the stops into something you understand while you enjoy it.

Also, the included snorkeling gear, water, and iced cooler make it feel like a complete outing rather than a bare-bones transfer.

Just do two things before you commit:

1) plan for the €80 fuel surcharge per booking

2) keep an eye on the day’s weather, because this experience really does depend on it

If those check out, this is a smart, enjoyable way to see Comino’s best water and add Cominotto’s quieter scenery without spending your whole day in transit.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

It runs for about 2 hours (approx.), including time at each of the listed stops.

What is the price and group size?

The price is $216.02 per group, for up to 8 people.

Where can you be picked up?

You can be picked up at either Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta or Mgarr Marina in Gozo (based on your preference).

Which lagoon stops are included?

You’ll have time at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Cominotto (Kemmunett), with listed time at each stop.

What’s included in the tour cost?

Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and an iced cooler are included, and admission tickets are included for the listed lagoon stops.

Is there any extra fee besides the $216.02 price?

Yes. There is a fuel surcharge of €80.00 per booking that is not included in the base price.