The water in Comino looks unreal from up close. This 2-hour private boat trip links Blue Lagoon time with Crystal Lagoon stops and cave scenery, with the big advantage of getting away from the busiest shores.

I love the small group feel, up to six people, because you spend more time in the water and less time waiting around. I also like the onboard basics that make a difference, including snorkel gear and shade for hot-weather comfort.

One watch-out: the skipper may adjust the route for sea conditions, and there’s a 79 EUR fuel fee paid in cash on arrival (so check your total budget).

Key things I’d plan around

• Private up to 6 passengers, so your swimming pace and photo stops are yours
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon with quick photo breaks and time to actually snorkel
• Cave country (Lovers Cave and Popeye Cave are in the mix when conditions allow)
• Comfort on board: canopy shade, ice cooler with ice, snorkel equipment
• Captain-led flexibility, routes can change based on weather and sea state
• Optional add-ons like a weather-dependent look at the P31 wreck

Why a small private charter beats the big-boat rush

Comino and the Blue Lagoon are famous for a reason. The water is that clear, turquoise, almost unreal look that makes you want to jump in before you even grab your phone.

What changes everything here is the format. Instead of riding in a big pack, you’re in a private speedboat environment with you and the captain, for a group up to six. That matters because Comino day-trippers move fast. With a small boat, you get the chance to linger at the best moments, not just line up at the next stop.

I also like that the skipper is not only driving. They act as your guide, so you get context for what you’re seeing, not just a slideshow of coordinates.

Meeting point at Cirkewwa, what you get on board

You meet at Malta Jet Ski Rental, Tours & Safaris to Blue Lagoon, next to the wooden kiosk with the umbrellas. The info notes it’s the only kiosk in the area, which helps when you’re arriving near a ferry terminal zone.

Your boat day is built around comfort for two hours. You’ll have canopy shade on board, plus an ice cooler with ice flakes to keep drinks chilled. You also get snorkeling equipment, so you don’t have to rent gear on top of your tour cost.

A big plus is the rhythm. The itinerary is paced with short cruising segments between stops, then real time for photos and swimming. Reviews also mention captains doing a quick check that everyone is decent swimmers, which is exactly what you want when you’re heading into open-water bays.

Comino start, a quick cruise to set the tone

The tour begins with a short hop to Comino, about ten minutes of cruising. Think of this as the warm-up stretch. You’ll get a feel for how the boat moves, where you can see the best water color, and what kind of stops you can reach smoothly that day.

This is also where the captain’s strategy shows. If conditions are calm, you often get more time for the famous water. If it’s choppy, the captain tends to favor safer entry points and caves accessible by a smaller boat.

For you, the win is simple: you’re not spending your only time simply traveling. The schedule is designed so that the swimming moments happen before you’re bored.

Blue Lagoon swim time, timing tricks that make it feel calmer

The Blue Lagoon stop is listed as about 25 minutes, with a photo stop, free time, and swimming and snorkeling. This is the heart of the trip, and it’s where a private format pays off.

If you can choose your departure time, I’d aim for late afternoon when your schedule allows. One passenger who started around 17:00 described the Blue Lagoon as much quieter. That’s believable because the tour crowds peak in the middle of the day, and the water looks just as stunning later when the light softens.

When you arrive, you’ll be able to swim directly from the boat. Several write-ups praise how clear the water is and how easy it is to enjoy without constant shore-hopping. If you snorkel, the equipment is included, and captains often help with where to look.

Practical heads-up: the boat scene is casual, but it’s still Med open water. If you are not a strong swimmer, tell the skipper early. They may suggest an alternative plan that still gets you to great views.

Crystal Lagoon and Cominotto, the “two lagoons” advantage

After Blue Lagoon, you head to a short secret stop for swimming and snorkeling (about five minutes), then on to Crystal Lagoon for another photo stop and roughly 25 minutes of water time. The idea is smart: you get one major postcard lagoon, then you move on to a second inlet that often feels less crowded.

Crystal Lagoon is described as dramatic, with cliffs and hidden cave areas. In practice, this stop works well because it gives you another chance to snorkel in clear water, but in a different setting. If you’re the type who likes comparing shades and textures, you’ll appreciate seeing the differences instead of doing one lagoon over and over.

Then comes Cominotto Island, with about 20 minutes including a photo stop and sightseeing. This is less about long swimming and more about positioning, scenery, and catching the reef areas from the right angle. Even if you only do a quick dip, you’ll get a sense of Comino’s layout from the water.

If you want a trip that feels like more than one shoreline visit, this “two lagoons plus Cominotto” structure is a strong reason to book.

Caves and photo stops, Lovers Cave to Popeye Cave

This itinerary includes cave territory and short photo breaks at multiple viewpoints. Some of the names you may encounter include Lovers Cave and Popeye Cave, and the experience is designed to make them accessible by small boat.

Lovers Cave is described as a 40-meter cave with a hidden white sandy beach inside, a spot that’s especially good for photos. Popeye Cave is another famous rock feature, shaped like an arch similar to the Blue Grotto look.

In addition, you may see Comino caves and Lantern Point, where you can view unique rock formations. There are also multiple short photo stops (the schedule lists several brief “photo stop” and “hidden” style segments), plus one stop connected to Saint Mary’s Tower.

A cave note that matters: access can depend on wind, wave height, and how your captain judges safety and approach angles. That’s why the schedule is flexible and why you should expect route adjustments if sea conditions change.

One small but memorable perk from people who have done similar days with this operator: some skippers bring music via a speaker. Bluetooth has shown up in a few accounts, and that little atmosphere boost can make the photo stops feel less like a checklist and more like a day on the water.

Optional P31 wreck and other weather-dependent choices

The tour highlights mention an optional stop at the P31 wreck, weather permitting. It’s not guaranteed, and you should treat it as a bonus if conditions are right. That’s a fair trade because this entire experience is only useful if the captain can safely position the boat for swimming and cave access.

If the day is rougher, you may still get excellent water time, just with fewer or shorter “reach” stops. In other words, the itinerary is designed to protect the main goal: good swimming and clear water, not racing through every highlight no matter what.

Price and value, including the 79 EUR fuel fee

The price is listed at $187 per group up to 6 for two hours. That sounds like a single price because you’re booking a private boat charter, not paying per person like on many group cruises.

To judge value, you have to factor in what’s included. Snorkeling gear, an ice cooler with ice, lagoon and marina fees, and the national park fee are all included. That cuts down on surprises once you’re on the day.

The main addition is the 79 EUR fuel fee paid in cash on arrival. That is the one part that can change your all-in cost, especially if you’re comparing to other tours that bundle fuel. If you split that across six people, it often becomes reasonable. If you’re only two people, it’s more noticeable, so it’s worth budgeting for it early.

Also, transportation quality gets strong marks, with a note that 92% of reviewers gave it a perfect score. I treat that as a clue that the boats and driving approach are not shaky and chaotic, which is exactly what you want for cave-proximity cruising.

In plain terms: if you’re a small group or a couple who wants quiet swim time, the pricing can be a win. If you’re traveling solo and price-per-person is your only metric, you might compare it to shared boat options before committing.

Who this trip is best for (and who might want something else)

This is a strong choice if you want privacy, direct swimming from the boat, and a day that feels flexible. It’s also a great fit for people who care about timing, like getting the Blue Lagoon with fewer people around.

Families can work too, but you should be honest about swimming comfort. One write-up even mentions a parent letting a child steer the boat, which hints at a relaxed-but-safe attitude from some skippers. Still, the captain checks who can handle the water, so plan around that.

If you have limited interest in swimming or snorkeling, you might find it a bit pricey for only scenery. The tour is built around water time in multiple lagoons, so it shines when you genuinely plan to get in.

And if you hate boat days when the water is rough, you should check the day’s sea conditions. The skipper can change or adjust route for safety, which is smart, but it can mean less of the cave-or-reach plan.

Should you book this Comino and Blue Lagoon private boat tour?

I’d book it if you fit one of these situations:

• You’re traveling as a couple or small group and want the calmer, hands-on experience that comes with a private boat.
• You care about snorkeling time in more than one lagoon.
• You want a skipper who can share local context and adapt the day based on conditions.

I’d think twice if:

• You’re only looking for a quick look from shore, since this tour is designed for water time.
• You’re budget-sensitive and traveling with just one or two people, because the 79 EUR fuel fee is a meaningful add-on.

If you want the most memorable version of the day, align your departure time when possible for quieter Blue Lagoon conditions, and bring a plan to float, swim, and take photos without rushing. This is exactly the kind of Malta experience where the small-boat format turns “great views” into a real half-day worth remembering.

FAQ

How many people are on the private boat?

The tour is a private group with space for up to six people on the boat, plus the captain.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet next to the wooden kiosk with the umbrellas, and it is the only kiosk in the area.

What snorkeling and on-board items are included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with an ice cooler with ice flakes and canopy shade on board.

Is the fuel cost included in the price?

Fuel is not included. A 79 EUR fuel fee is paid in cash on arrival.

Can the tour start from Malta or Gozo?

Yes. The tour can start from Malta (Ċirkewwa) or Gozo. If you don’t specify a preference, it assumes departure from Ċirkewwa, Malta.