Crystal water plus a private boat is hard to beat. This half-day cruise strings together the Gozo ferry views, Comino’s Crystal Lagoon, and the classic Blue Lagoon in about two hours, with a captain who can adjust the pace based on wind and crowds.

I especially like the value of going private for a group up to 7. You get safety gear, snorkeling equipment, an ice box with ice, and all port fees included, so you can focus on swimming and soaking up the sea air instead of planning add-ons.

The one real consideration is conditions. Bad weather can change the plan, and on windy days the sea can feel choppy, which may make you want to stay a bit closer to the boat than you would on calmer water.

Key points to know before you go

Private means just your group and the captain onboard, so you get more control over where you stop and how long you linger.

Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are short, focused stops, built for swimming and snorkeling rather than a long beach day.

Snorkeling equipment and safety equipment are included, but you should still confirm the gear is on board right away.

The captain can tailor the route, and some trips are adjusted to avoid the busiest areas.

Weather matters here, since the itinerary can be adapted for safety and comfort.

Private Boat for Up to 7: Why This Feels Personal

This is a small-group cruise, price-set per group for up to 7 people, not per person. That matters because you are paying for a boat day that would normally be much pricier in larger settings. Even better, the boat is described as exclusive, meaning it is only you and your captain onboard, not a shared crowd with strangers rotating in and out.

In plain terms, this setup gives you flexibility. One captain, Noel, is noted for being friendly and working hard to show as much as possible even when the winds were high. Another experience highlights that the skipper can tailor the trip to your needs and take you to less crowded locations, so you are not stuck just doing the standard photo stop grind.

It is also a nice fit if you want a lighter travel day. Two hours is long enough to feel like you did something real, but short enough that you can still enjoy the rest of your day in Malta or Gozo without getting stuck on a full itinerary.

Mgarr Harbour to Comino: How the Timing Actually Plays Out

Your tour starts at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. You have about 20 minutes there, which is enough time to get your bearings, take photos with the cliffs and hills in the background, and then move on to Comino.

From there, you head to two Comino-area stops. Crystal Lagoon gets roughly 25 minutes. Blue Lagoon gets about 1 hour. This is not a slow, all-day cruise. It is a “hit the highlights” plan designed to maximize sea time in the most famous water spots.

That timing is both a strength and a constraint:

• Strength: You get variety, and the schedule keeps you from wasting hours in transit.
• Constraint: If you want a long, extended snorkel session, you may feel a bit rushed during the shorter lagoon stop.

If you show up eager, ready, and dressed for the water, the timing works well. If you want to take your time, bring a calm mindset and focus on enjoying one good swim and one good snorkel session at each stop.

Crystal Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: What Each Stop Is Best For

Both lagoons are about the same theme, clear turquoise water and marine life you can see with a mask. The difference is how each stop is positioned in the schedule and what you can realistically do in the time given.

Crystal Lagoon: Best for quick exploration and active water time

Crystal Lagoon is described as a standout spot with clear turquoise water and caves nearby. You are given enough time to swim, snorkel, and even do cliff-style jumps if you are comfortable with that kind of action. The cave area also suggests there is some exploring to do around the edges, not just floating in open water.

Because this stop is shorter than Blue Lagoon, I treat Crystal Lagoon as your “get in, get your photos, get your snorkel done” stop. If you are the type who wants to maximize time underwater, go at it right away after you anchor.

Blue Lagoon: Best for your longest calm-water window

Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and Cominotto, and it is given the longer chunk of time, about an hour. This is your chance to slow down, snorkel at a steadier pace, and relax while the boat sits nearby.

If you are going with someone who prefers floating and watching the water, Blue Lagoon is often the more comfortable stop because you are not rushing through it.

Captain-Led Route Changes: When Winds Make or Break the Day

This is one of the big reasons to choose a private boat. When the sea has high winds, the captain can adapt to protect safety and keep your experience enjoyable. One of the best-rated notes includes a day with high winds that made the sea rougher than desired, but the captain and crew worked to make it work anyway.

You also have flexibility baked into the product. If weather is unfit, the itinerary can be adapted. The local guide gives details of changes before the tour starts, so you are not left guessing on the day.

On a calmer day, the experience can feel like a smooth, relaxed loop between signature waters. On a rough day, it becomes more about choosing the right spot to swim comfortably and spending your energy where the water is manageable.

And yes, sometimes it gets memorable in a human way. One experience mentions Captain Noel bringing his first mate, Bobo the chihuahua puppy, and that small detail became a highlight. If you are an animal person, this is the kind of warm, personal touch you rarely get on larger boat tours.

Snorkeling Gear, Safety, and What You Need to Bring

The included items are exactly what you want for a short cruise:

• Safety equipment
• Snorkelling equipment
• Ice box with ice
• All port fees included

That is practical value because you are not paying for rentals or extra fees at the dock. It also means you can show up with travel clothes and be ready quickly.

One important note for peace of mind: there was at least one disappointing case where a group reported no snorkel equipment on board. That sounds like an exception, but it is still smart to check on arrival. Ask the captain to confirm your snorkeling gear is with you before you go into the water.

What is not included:

• Towels
• Swimwear
• Fuel consumption

So come prepared. Pack swimwear and a towel, and if you plan to change after the water, bring something you can actually use in practice. Also consider a dry bag for your phone and camera.

Drinks and food: plan like you might be on your own

The information you are given does not promise meals or snacks. One experience specifically called out that there was no food or drink available, though the cooler with ice was there. The good news is the cooler suggests you can bring your own drinks.

My advice: bring water and any simple drinks you want, and do not assume you will buy something onboard.

Price and Value for a 2-Hour Private Malta Getaway

At $120.41 per group (up to 7), the price looks like a bargain if you are traveling with friends or family. The math gets better when you split the group cost, because you are paying for the boat and captain as a unit.

What improves the value:

• Private boat experience rather than sharing with strangers
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Safety gear included
• All port fees included
• Short duration means you are not paying for a full day you might not need

What can affect your total cost: fuel consumption is listed as not included. The tour may still be priced to cover what is expected for this route, but if you customize heavily, you might run into extra costs for add-ons. The good part is customization is allowed, so you can ask for what you want and confirm any extra expense before you commit.

For couples and small groups, this is one of the cleaner “value-for-your-time” options in the Malta sea-sightseeing universe, as long as weather cooperates.

If You Arrive by Cruise Ship: Logistics Can Be Tricky

If you are doing Malta as a cruise stop, build extra time into your day. One cruise-related experience warned that getting to Cirkewwa was hard, and going to Gozo was described as impossible in that specific situation. Uber and Bolt cancellations also added stress, and taxis were said to want full-day payment because drivers would not do short hop schedules.

The practical takeaway: treat transportation as your responsibility. This tour is private, but it does not mean it magically solves cruise schedules and transit constraints. You may need to plan a meeting point, arrange reliable transport, and protect your return timing so you do not risk missing your ship.

Also, on one cruise day, high winds and then a cruise line cutting the day short made the schedule feel compressed. The company still worked to make it enjoyable, but the day became less of a carefree float and more of a “make the best of it” situation.

So if you are on a cruise, I recommend you:

• Choose a time window that gives you buffer for delays
• Confirm the pickup or starting point expectations in advance
• Plan for changing conditions without assuming you will reach every stop exactly as written

Should You Book It? The Best Fit and the Smart Cautions

Book this private boat cruise if you want:

• A fast, sea-based highlight of Comino without a full-day commitment
• Snorkeling with gear included
• A captain who can adjust based on wind and crowd levels
• A small-group feel where you are not squeezed into a big shared schedule

Skip it or at least be cautious if:

• You are tied to a cruise schedule with limited time and complicated transport
• You expect long stays at each lagoon
• Your group is sensitive to choppy water on windy days
• You need guaranteed on-board amenities like food or drinks

If you go with realistic expectations, this is a memorable, efficient way to experience the Comino water you came for. Two hours can sound short, but when you are swimming in the right places with your own captain, it can feel like you packed in a whole lot.

FAQ

How long is the boat cruise?

The duration is about 2 hours.

What is the group size limit?

The price is per group for up to 7 people.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.

What are the main stops during the cruise?

You visit Crystal Lagoon in Comino and the Blue Lagoon between Comino and Cominotto, with the trip starting at the Gozo ferry port area.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, along with safety equipment.

What should I bring since towels and swimwear are not included?

Bring your own swimwear and a towel. You may also want a dry bag for valuables.

Is the tour only for my group?

Yes, it is a private tour. Only your group participates.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The itinerary can be adapted in unfit weather conditions to ensure safety and keep the experience enjoyable, with details shared before the tour starts.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and changes within 24 hours are not accepted.