REVIEW · BLUE LAGOON BOAT TRIPS

Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves – Private speed boat

★ 5.0 · 19 reviews 3 hours (approx.) From $322 Operated by Xlendi Pleasure Cruises · Bookable on Viator
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Comino by speed boat feels like movie magic. This private 3-hour ride stacks the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon with cave time in Comino, plus multiple swim stops and photo breaks. You get to cover a lot of shoreline without spending your day bouncing between tour queues.

I also like the simple, private setup. You bring your own food and drinks, the operator provides an ice box, and you get snorkeling masks along the way. One catch to plan for: fuel is an extra €79 per booking, and you should double-check the meeting point and timing since pick-ups can vary depending on where you start from.

Key things to know before you go

Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves - Private speed boat - Key things to know before you go

  • Private speed boat for up to 9 with your own skipper and your group only
  • Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon admissions included so you are not adding surprise costs
  • Snorkeling masks + swimming stops with an ice box for drinks you bring
  • Santa Maria Caves and Half Rock give you both cave scenery and good water time
  • Skipper-led pacing and photo stops so you are not rushing between locations

Every Blue Lagoon boat we have been out on

Why a private Comino speed boat is worth it

Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves - Private speed boat - Why a private Comino speed boat is worth it
Comino looks small on a map, but it can feel busy in peak hours. A private speed boat lets you move around the island’s best water spots on your own schedule, and you spend more time in the sea than waiting on transfers.

This is also one of those tours where the details matter. You are not just cruising past views, you are getting real swim breaks at multiple bays and then cave time at Santa Maria Caves. With the skipper running the day, the pacing tends to feel relaxed.

The guides named in past outings, like Atem/Adam and James, were praised for keeping things calm and safe. That matters on this kind of route because you are doing repeated stops, quick get-on-and-off swims, and cave passages where timing matters.

Blue Lagoon: first swim, first wow

Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves - Private speed boat - Blue Lagoon: first swim, first wow
The Blue Lagoon is the headline for a reason, with clear turquoise water and limestone cliffs that make the whole spot look postcard-clean. For you, the payoff is simple: this is where you want your first swim, your first photos, and your first chance to see how bright the water really gets.

The tour includes admission here, and you get about an hour at the lagoon. That time is long enough to do a swim and then sit back and watch the color shift as the light moves. If you want photos, aim to be ready early so you can catch the best light before everyone else stacks into the same angles.

What to watch: Blue Lagoon can be crowded compared with the other coves on the route. A private boat helps you avoid some of the long lines, but you may still see plenty of other swimmers once you arrive.

Crystal Lagoon: where the vibe turns calmer

Next up is Crystal Lagoon, another Comino water stop with very clear, bright water and dramatic cliff edges around the shoreline. The big practical difference from Blue Lagoon is the feel. You get your own time on the water without spending your whole hour fighting for space on a packed beach.

You get about an hour here as well, and admission is included. Snorkeling time tends to feel more peaceful when you are not squeezed between groups on the same narrow shoreline. Bring your calm. This stop rewards slow swimming and careful looking.

If you are sensitive to strong crowds, this is the one you will likely enjoy more. It gives you a similar “wow” water look, but with a quieter rhythm.

San Nikolai Bay and San Marija Bay: short stops with big payoffs

Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves - Private speed boat - San Nikolai Bay and San Marija Bay: short stops with big payoffs
Between the bigger lagoon stops, you get two Comino bays: San Nikolai Bay and San Marija Bay. These are more about the scenery and water feel than a long beach hang.

At San Nikolai Bay, you get a view of the Comino Hotel from outside and clear water to enjoy. It is a nice break from the main lagoon energy, and it gives you more chances to get in the water without burning all your time in one place.

Then San Marija Bay is the kind of stop you appreciate once you are already on the water. It is described as a quieter cove with clear blue water and a softer sandy area, so it works well for swimming and sunbathing in a calmer setting. If you like stepping out of the boat, stretching, and not feeling rushed, these bays are built for you.

Comino, the rest of the ways across

Santa Maria Caves: cave time that works for photos and swimmers

Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves - Private speed boat - Santa Maria Caves: cave time that works for photos and swimmers
Santa Maria Caves is one of the stops that makes this tour more than a “just swim” day. The caves are carved by the sea, with passageways and formations that you can see best by boat. Light filtering through openings above can create dramatic colors on the rocks, and the water around the cave areas is typically clear enough to make snorkeling rewarding.

For you, the value is twofold. First, you get to see the rock formations in context, not from a distant viewpoint. Second, the caves create naturally interesting photo angles without needing you to hunt for them.

Practical tip: wear swim shoes if you have them. Even when the water is clear, cave and rocky areas can mean uneven steps and slick surfaces when you go in and out.

Half Rock and Gozo scenery: a swim stop with a wider feeling

Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves - Private speed boat - Half Rock and Gozo scenery: a swim stop with a wider feeling
Half Rock is included as another memorable swimming and snorkeling area. The description points to Gozo’s coastal look, which is a nice change of scenery. Instead of only focusing on Comino’s lagoons, you get a moment that feels more open and coastal.

The water is described as crystal-clear here too, and that matters. Clear water makes it easier to spot what is around you while you snorkel, and it also makes your photos look sharper since you are shooting through less haze.

This stop is a good match for people who want a mix. You get caves and lagoons, but Half Rock gives you the chance to snorkel and swim in a different type of scenery.

The 3 hours on the water, paced like a pro

Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves - Private speed boat - The 3 hours on the water, paced like a pro
This tour runs for about 3 hours including cruising time, stop time, and breaks. That timing is important because you are not planning a full day. You are planning a focused splash and scenery sprint.

A good sign here is the structure: two major lagoon stops around an hour each, plus additional bays, cave time, and a photo and scenic-view pause. That means you get variety without the day turning into a marathon of waiting.

If you are the kind of person who worries you will only see a location for a few minutes, this itinerary is built to avoid that. The lagoon hours are meaningful, and the cave and rock stops add the “why Comino looks famous” factor.

Price and value: what you pay for, and what you might add

Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves - Private speed boat - Price and value: what you pay for, and what you might add
The price is listed as $322.86 per group (up to 9) for a private speed boat, skipper, and core stops. That structure is great for families or small friend groups because you can spread the cost instead of paying per person.

Here is where the value shows up:

  • You get a private boat and skipper, which usually means less waiting and less overcrowding pressure
  • Admission tickets are included for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon
  • Snorkeling masks are provided, and you get multiple swim stops
  • The ice box is included for drinks and food you bring

Where you need to plan ahead:

  • Fuel is an extra €79 per booking, not included in the base price
  • Food and drinks are not included, so you will want to bring your own
  • Hotel transfer is not included, so you may need to get yourself to the meeting point

Also note the mobile ticket. That is typically helpful if you want to keep everything simple on the day.

Gear and comfort tips that make a difference

Snorkeling masks are included, but one caution is worth flagging. In past experiences, some masks were described as less than fresh. I would treat that as a “check before you commit” moment.

If you have your own mask, bringing it is a good idea for comfort and hygiene. If you do not, still take a minute to inspect the fit before you jump in. A mask that sits wrong can turn a great lagoon hour into an annoying one fast.

What I recommend you pack:

  • Your own swimwear and a towel
  • Sunscreen (water-resistant if possible)
  • A simple dry bag for phones and keys
  • Water and snacks you can eat between swims
  • Swim shoes if you want easier footing around rocky areas

Also, the tour gives you an ice box for your food and drinks, so you are not stuck paying for water on land mid-route.

Logistics in Malta: meeting, weather, and staying flexible

There is no hotel transfer included, but the tour is listed as near public transportation. In practice, that usually means you can get close enough to the meeting area without needing a private car.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, which is reassuring if your group includes someone who needs that flexibility. Since this is a speed boat day, you should still plan for some motion and get yourself ready for quick boarding and swim transitions.

One more practical point: the experience requires good weather. If the tour gets canceled due to poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That matters because the caves and open-water cruising depend on sea conditions.

If you are coming from Gozo, double-check the pickup plan. One experience mentioned a pickup mismatch and a delay compared with the expected departure point. I do not say this to scare you, I say it because confirming the exact meeting spot in advance can save you a lot of stress.

Who should book this Comino, Blue Lagoon, and caves private tour

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

  • A private day on the water with your group only
  • Multiple swims, not just one quick stop
  • A mix of lagoon swimming and Santa Maria Caves scenery
  • Clear water time with snorkeling masks provided

It also makes sense for first-time Comino visitors who want the “greatest hits” without doing a complicated ferry and land routine.

If you are traveling solo, it can still work, but the cost is per group. In that case, you might only feel great about booking if you have a small group size that shares the boat price.

If you are very sensitive to crowds, plan to enjoy the calmer bays and lagoons where you can. Even on a private boat, Comino’s best-known spots can have plenty of swimmers when you arrive.

My decision guide: book it or skip it

Book this tour if you want a focused Comino day that blends Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, bays, and Santa Maria Caves without turning it into a whole-day logistics project. The private setup, plus the included admissions and snorkeling kit, makes it good value if you can share the group price.

Consider another option if you hate extra costs at the end. Between the €79 fuel charge and bringing your own food and drinks, your final spend can be a bit higher than you first expect. Also, if you are very particular about mask cleanliness, bring your own so you do not have to gamble.

FAQ

How long is the private speed boat tour in Comino?

It runs for about 3 hours, including cruising time and time at the stops.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a private boat, a skipper, an ice box for food and drinks you bring, snorkeling masks, and swimming stops.

Are admissions to the lagoons included?

Yes, admission tickets are included for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

What is not included?

Hotel transfer, food and drinks, and fuel charge are not included. Fuel is listed as €79 per booking.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.