Comino’s colors beat any postcard. I love the way this feels truly private, with your own skipper getting you to quiet anchorages away from the main ferry mess. I also like that you still get real time in the water at multiple lagoons, with snorkeling gear included so you can switch from soaking to swimming fast.

The one thing to plan for is the extra fuel surcharge. The tour price is per group, but there is a €79 fuel charge per booking, and it is commonly noted as cash at the end.

Key takeaways before you book

• Smaller boat feel, more access than big party tours, so you can reach tight spots and calmer swim areas.
• Blue Lagoon plus Crystal Lagoon in one short outing, so you get variety without burning a full day.
• Skipper-led flexibility: stops can shift to match your pace, and several captains are praised for smooth, safe handling.
• Snorkeling gear included for your group, plus the chance to ask for swaps if you need better fitting kit.
• Many Comino side-stops like caves, reefs, and a shallow wreck area, which turns this into a photo and swim circuit.

From Cirkewwa to Comino, this tour is built for water time

This is the kind of Malta day that starts with a quick transfer to the northern coast and ends with you talking about colors, not logistics. Your trip centers on Comino and the famous lagoons, but the private speedboat format matters. You are not trapped waiting for schedules or funneled with hundreds of people into the same exact patch of sea.

You will typically depart from Cirkewwa on Malta or Mġarr Harbour on Gozo, depending on where you are staying. From there, you cruise out toward Comino fast enough that the day does not feel like an all-day commute. Many people book this when they want a big payoff in a short time window.

And yes, the name checks out. You spend your time at the places that look like they were edited for Instagram, including Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, plus the in-between spots around Comino.

Pickup and meeting points: the part that makes or breaks the day

This tour is designed to be easy to start, especially if you are not staying right next to the ferries.

• If you are on mainland Malta, pickup starts from Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal (Triq Il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa).
• If you are on Gozo, pickup starts from Mġarr Ferry Harbour.

You can also arrange pickup at the marina itself if that is easier for you. The operator notes that the start point can be either Cirkewwa marina or Gozo marina. If you want, the trip can be a round trip, or you can request drop-off on Malta or Gozo after the outing. That last option is handy if you are juggling a hotel transfer later.

For navigation, you get a mobile ticket and a clear English-running experience. One of the most praised parts in the reviews is communication from captains and the team before boarding, with multiple guides named, including Justin, Ginger, Upie, Lucas, and Dani.

Blue Lagoon stop (30 minutes): the classic swim, minus the crowd chaos

The Blue Lagoon stop is the anchor of the day (pun fully intended). It lasts about 30 minutes, which is perfect for a swim loop: get in, acclimate, snorkel a bit, grab a photo from the boat deck, then repeat if you feel like it.

What makes a private boat version worth it here is where you park and anchor. Instead of doing the ferry crowd shuffle, you get a chance to drop anchor in quieter water. One review highlighted that the skipper helped them reach really good anchorages when it got busy, and that is exactly what you want at the most famous spot on Comino.

A practical tip: if you can influence your departure time, aim for early. One review specifically suggested an early start around 8:00 am for fewer boats and more relaxed swimming. If you are someone who hates crowds at the waterline, time-of-day is everything.

Potential drawback to know about: you still share the sea with other boats in the area, especially at peak times. Private helps with anchoring and access, but it does not erase reality.

Crystal Lagoon stop (around 20 to 30 minutes): why some people like it more

The route includes Crystal Lagoon twice in spirit. You get one stop on the Comino side where the water sits under cliffs and you can swim or snorkel in calmer conditions, then another Crystal Lagoon stop on the way back toward Malta’s side of the route.

The key value is that Crystal Lagoon often feels quieter and more sheltered than Blue Lagoon. Multiple reviews praise the colors and the clarity, and several people basically treated Crystal Lagoon like the highlight of their day. In plain terms, it can feel like the less hectic version of the Comino party.

You are looking at two different vibes:

• Blue Lagoon for the signature postcard swim
• Crystal Lagoon for the calmer, cave-and-cliff scenery and a more restful water break

Either way, you get a real chance to be in the water, not just hover near it.

Comino Island and the Comino Tower (St. Mary’s Tower) photo moment

Between stops, the boat ride itself is part of the experience. Comino is small, car-free, and feels remote in the way only a tiny island can. The info you are given ahead of time also notes it has only one resident and no cars, which is part of why Comino feels different from every other island you will visit in Malta.

You will also see St. Mary’s Tower, known as the Comino Tower. It was built in 1618 by the Knights of St. John. From the boat, it is a simple but effective reminder that this area is not only scenery. It is part of Malta’s maritime defense and coastal history.

Even if you do not care about fortifications, the tower is a great landmark for photos. It sits high above the cliffs, with wide views across the Gozo Channel.

The Cominotto and reef circuit: short stops that add up

After the big lagoons, you keep moving through smaller pockets of water around Comino and across to Cominotto. These are the moments that turn the trip from two swims into a full “coastline tour.”

Cominotto Island and Cominotto Reef

Cominotto Island is an uninhabited stop with very clear water and a secluded sandy area. You also get close to a famous cave feature that passes through the island. Then you shift to the Cominotto Reef area, which is shallow and clear enough for snorkeling and underwater photos.

Why you might care: shallow water tends to mean more comfortable snorkeling, especially if you are not a strong swimmer. In one family-focused review, the captain made it easy for kids by using flotation aids, and the overall vibe was that everyone could participate.

Time note: these stops are shorter, so you should treat them as snack-sized water moments. That is fine. The payoff is that you are not stuck in one place for the entire trip.

L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf (Crystal Lagoon Cave)

This is one of the most photographed stops. The cave is known for glowing blue and green reflections, and you get the chance to swim right off the boat in crystal-clear water. It is described as accessible only by private boat, which is exactly why a private speedboat format matters here.

Real talk: sea caves can be finicky with conditions. If it is calmer, you will usually feel the magic more. If it is rough, you may still get the water beauty and a photo or two, just with less time in the water.

Alex Cave and the nearby islets

Alex Cave is another sea cave stop, famous for its air pocket and intensely blue water. It is also a popular area for experienced swimmers when conditions are right. Your skipper can help you time a nearby calm-water moment if you want a quick swim.

Then you cruise around the Comino Islets, a group of rocky mini-islands with rugged coastlines and tons of color. Depending on conditions, you may stop for a swim or a cliff jump style moment. (No need to force it. You can always just watch and take photos from the boat.)

Imriek Reef and the P31 wreck

Imriek Reef is a quiet shallow area for snorkeling and marine life viewing. It is the kind of stop that makes a snorkeler grin because you are not spending your time looking for where to get in. The water is close, clear, and meant for short exploration.

Then there is the P31 wreck, a former patrol boat resting under clear water off Comino. This is one of the most exciting options if you like the idea of snorkeling above something real and historical. The info given with the trip notes it is a shallow wreck, and you can ask the skipper to anchor above it so you can snorkel directly from the boat.

Captains and service: the names you’ll hear, and why it matters

A lot of boat tours promise views. Fewer deliver smooth handling, good anchoring decisions, and a vibe that works for kids and adults in the same group. This tour stands out because captains are repeatedly praised for being friendly, flexible, and focused on safety.

In reviews, you will see names like:

• Justin, praised for high energy, professionalism, and making the family trip feel special, including playful moments for kids.
• Ginger, praised for fun, experience, and getting to the quiet anchorages when things got busier.
• Upie, praised for helping with ferry logistics and offering a small-boat experience that feels close to the scenery.
• Lucas, praised for feeling reassuring, especially for people who are not comfortable on boats.
• Dani, praised for being super nice on smaller-boat style trips.

One useful detail that pops up: skippers sometimes help with boarding and disembarking in a careful, practical way. That matters in Comino areas where boats are not always doing the same dock routine you might expect.

There is also a small but meaningful service culture: one review mentioned the skipper communicated well before the day, another mentioned extra flotation help for kids, and another mentioned the captain helping with taxi timing so the day stayed stress-free.

Snorkeling gear and comfort: what you get, and what to check

Snorkeling equipment is included. That is the big win because it means you show up ready to swim without shopping for gear on the way.

Still, you should know what to do if something feels off:

• If your mask or snorkel setup is not comfortable, ask the skipper for a swap. One review had foggy goggles and the response from the operator noted there should be enough sets and that you can ask for replacements.
• If you are traveling with kids, ask what flotation options are available for your specific child. One family review mentioned the captain provided floats and a life vest.

What to bring is mostly simple:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Water and snacks
• A dry bag if you want to protect phone and camera

Food reality check

There is no food served on the boat. The tour info says this is due to COVID-era transport guidelines. You can bring your own food, or you can buy snacks from kiosks along the coast. If you want lunch included in the plan, you will need to arrange it outside the boat portion.

Price and value: what $204.37 per group really means for your day

The headline price is $204.37 per group, up to 8 people, for about 2 hours. That is per booking, not per person.

But you should budget one more line item: a €79 fuel surcharge per booking. One review also flagged that this felt not fully transparent at first. The safest approach is to assume you will pay it and bring cash (since the review patterns point that way).

Here is the value math in plain terms:

• If you fill the group (8 people), you split the base price and the fuel. The per-person cost lands much lower than typical per-person tours.
• If you book as a small group, you feel the fuel surcharge more, because it is spread across fewer people.

So who gets best value?

• Families and small groups that actually use the full capacity
• People who would otherwise pay for multiple tickets or taxis just to reach the right water spots
• Couples who want the “we do not wait, we just swim” feel without spending a full day

Also consider the time. Two hours sounds short, but multiple reviews say it was enough for Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon without rushing. If you are the type who wants every second of sea time, this format keeps you moving. If you want a long beach nap, you may want a different style of Malta day.

When this tour is the smartest choice (and when it is not)

You should book if you want…

• Maximum water time without ferry lines
• A private boat experience for up to 8 people
• A day focused on swimming, snorkeling, caves, reefs, and a wreck stop
• A skipper who can adjust to your pace

You might choose something else if…

• You want a full guided history lecture on every stop. Some reviews note that the skipper focus can be mostly on navigation and keeping the day flowing.
• You want a long, slow itinerary with extended time at just one beach. This trip is a circuit.

Weather matters too. Your day is described as weather dependent. If it is rough, plans can change.

Quick decision guide: should you book this private Comino boat tour?

If you are aiming for Comino’s famous water with the least stress and the most swimming, I think this is a strong pick. The combo of Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, plus the extra cave and reef circuit, gives you a full “Comino highlights” day in about 2 hours.

My main advice is simple: budget the €79 fuel surcharge up front, bring cash, and pick a time slot early in the day if you can. Then show up ready to swim, because the stops are designed for getting in the water, not just staring from the deck.

If you want names to aim for when booking, several captains are repeatedly mentioned positively, including Justin, Ginger, Upie, Lucas, Dani, and Brenden. Skipper personality clearly shapes the vibe, so if your operator offers any input on the captain, it is worth paying attention.

FAQ

How many people can this private boat tour include?

It is a private tour/activity for your group, with pricing shown per group up to 8 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start on Malta?

If you are on mainland Malta, the start point is Cirkewwa (Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, Triq Il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa, Malta). Pickup can be at Cirkewwa marina.

Where does the tour start on Gozo?

If you are on Gozo, pickup starts from Mġarr Harbour. Pickup can be at Gozo marina.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, the tour includes use of snorkeling equipment.

Is there an extra fuel charge?

Yes. Fuel surcharge is listed as €79.00 per booking.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes, mobile tickets are offered.

What happens if weather is bad?

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