Private Boat Tour Experience with Snorkeling Blue Lagoon and Comino

The best part of this private Malta boat tour is control. You are not tied to a large group’s timetable. Your skipper can linger at Blue Lagoon, move on when the water gets crowded, or steer toward a quieter cove for a swim. I especially like the private boat and the chance to shape the day around your group.

I also like that snorkeling gear and bottled water are supplied, and that skippers such as Daniel, Johnny, Martin, David, and Geoffrey have been praised for being friendly and accommodating. The catch is important: the boat is not fixed. You may receive a shaded touring boat with good seating, or a smaller open speedboat with few facilities.

At about $295.66 per person, this is not a bargain for a solo visitor. It makes more sense for families and groups splitting the cost, especially if you value privacy, flexible swim stops, and a skipper who can take you where larger boats cannot.

Key points before you book

• Blue Lagoon is the headline stop: Expect about two hours around Comino’s famous clear water, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
• The boat may vary: Shade, seating, storage, and onboard facilities depend on the boat assigned to your group.
• Private means flexible: Your group can usually decide how long to swim and which bays deserve more time.
• Pickup costs extra: You start and finish at the Comino Ferries Co-Op meeting point unless you arrange paid transport in advance.
• Early departure helps: Earlier starts usually mean calmer water and fewer people around Blue Lagoon.
• Bring extra drinks: Bottled water is supplied, but the hot Maltese sun makes additional water and personal snacks sensible.

Blue Lagoon for two hours, with room to set your own pace

Blue Lagoon is the main reason most people book this outing. Its clear, bright water around Comino is ideal for a long swim, and two hours gives you enough time to get in the water without treating the stop as a quick photo pause.

The private format matters here. Blue Lagoon can become crowded, particularly during the busiest part of the day. A private skipper can adjust the timing, and several successful trips have included swimming at quieter points away from the thickest crowds. You should not expect to have the lagoon to yourself, but you have a better chance of finding a calmer corner than you would on a large scheduled boat.

Snorkeling equipment is included. That saves you from renting a mask and snorkel separately, and it makes spontaneous swim stops easier. Still, bring your own equipment if you need a particular mask fit or have a strong preference for fins.

The lagoon is not just a place to look at from the rail. The point is to get into the water. Pack a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry bag for phones and valuables. Some boats offer shade, but you should not assume it. One small boat had enough room for three people but lacked much shade, so the difference between a pleasant day and a tiring one can come down to the boat assigned.

Coral Lagoon and the quieter side of Comino

Coral Lagoon is scheduled for around 30 minutes. That is a short stop, but it adds variety after the open water around Blue Lagoon. The area is known for its striking rock formations and clear water, and the skipper may use the stop for a swim, a look into the water, or a quick picture break.

I would treat this as a flexible sightseeing stop rather than a guaranteed half-hour swim. Boat conditions, sea traffic, and the wishes of your group can affect the timing. The advantage of a private charter is that you can ask to stay longer if the water suits you, or move on if your group would rather spend its time swimming elsewhere.

This is also where a local skipper can add value. Captains such as Johnny, John, and Atef have been praised for showing favorite coves and unusual rock formations rather than simply following a fixed route. The quality of the day depends heavily on that personal judgment, so it is worth asking for a skipper who enjoys explaining the area as well as driving the boat.

Santa Marija Bay and the caves near Comino

Santa Marija Bay receives about an hour in the planned route. It is a useful change of mood from Blue Lagoon, with a quieter setting and access to caves around the bay. Some outings include time to swim, while others combine the water with a short walk or a look at the surrounding rock.

The cave visits are one of the most memorable parts of the trip. The boat can take you close to openings and arches that are difficult to appreciate from shore. One particularly unusual swim described by a guest involved going under a large arch into a cave with an opening overhead. Details depend on sea conditions and the skipper, but this gives you a good idea of the kind of feature to expect.

Take care getting in and out of the boat. The tour is suitable for most people, and a family with a nine-month-old baby found the private arrangement workable, but a boat day still involves boarding from the water or a dock, wet surfaces, sun, and movement at sea. Tell the operator about infants, older relatives, or mobility concerns before the day.

Comino and San Niklaw Bay, where flexibility matters most

The route allows about an hour around Comino and another hour at San Niklaw Bay. These times are not rigid instructions. Your skipper may combine them with nearby caves, beaches, or a longer swim if your group prefers water time to sightseeing.

San Niklaw Bay is especially useful for getting away from the most famous swimming area. It has clear water and a more peaceful feel, though the exact experience depends on the weather and boat traffic. The appeal of this private trip is not simply seeing five names on a route. It is having someone decide how to link the stops on the day.

Several groups used the boat to swim, snorkel, and explore rather than remain seated for a formal commentary. That suits families with children and groups of friends who want a relaxed day. You can also ask to get off the boat where practical, as one larger group did, although the details depend on the boat and location.

A seven-hour booking gives you more room for this unhurried style. A four-hour version is better for a compact outing, especially if you are visiting Malta from a cruise ship or have other plans in the afternoon. Do not expect the shorter option to deliver the same amount of swimming and sightseeing as the full day.

The skipper makes or breaks the day

The most consistently praised part of this outing is the captain. Daniel was described as friendly and informative. Johnny was praised for making a poor-weather day worthwhile, including time for boating, swimming, and walking. Martin received warm comments for preparing snacks and giving the group a relaxed afternoon. David was singled out for his friendly manner with a family traveling with children.

Other captains named by customers include Geoffrey, Jimmy, John, Atef, Nicholas, and Jeffrey. The important point is not the name alone. Ask the company if you can request a particular skipper, and tell them what matters to you: quiet coves, cave visits, plenty of swimming, family pacing, or more explanation about the area.

A good skipper also knows when to change plans. Weather can alter the route, and one captain still made an enjoyable day out of overcast conditions and rain near the end. This is a sea excursion, not a guaranteed script. If the captain judges the conditions unsafe, the trip can be canceled and you are offered another date or a refund.

Boat size, shade, and comfort are the real unknowns

The biggest weakness is the uncertainty over the boat. The operator uses a mixture of boats, including smaller speedboats and shaded touring boats. The assigned boat can depend on weather, availability, group size, and the type of boat the company believes will work best for your party.

That makes the boat worth discussing before you pay. A 21-foot boat was enough for a group of three, but the passengers missed having more shade and onboard facilities. Another group of eight received a 20-foot speedboat with no cover and felt the cost was hard to justify. By contrast, a group of nine described a clean boat with seating, sun protection, a large cooler, and a stand-up paddleboard.

The practical lesson is simple: do not rely on the promotional image. Ask what boat is planned for your date, how much shade it has, whether there is a toilet, and how many passengers it comfortably carries. If those details matter to you, get the answer in writing.

The boat’s facilities affect the value more than the route does. Blue Lagoon and Comino are beautiful from any boat, but a small open craft can feel hot after several hours. A shaded boat with space to stretch out is a major advantage for families, older adults, and anyone who does not want to swim at every stop.

Water, food, and what to pack

Bottled water is provided, and the boat may have snacks onboard. Snacks can also be added for an extra fee per person. The description of the food is not a full meal, so do not book this expecting a restaurant lunch.

Bring more water than you think you need. The sun, salt, and repeated swimming can leave you thirsty, and one small group received only a few bottles. You can bring your own drinks and snacks, and some boats have a cooler where you may keep them cold.

Pack lightly but sensibly:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Extra drinking water
• Personal snacks
• Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
• A light cover-up for the boat ride
• Any preferred mask, snorkel, or water shoes

A local drink or simple Maltese snack may be available on some outings, but the exact food varies. Treat the supplied refreshments as a convenience, not a promised lunch.

Getting to the meeting point without confusion

The standard meeting point is Comino Ferries Co-Op Ltd. at X8QH+2RG, Triq Il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa. The tour returns to that same meeting point.

Pickup is not included in the listed price. After booking, message the operator with your location and ask for a quote if you want pickup and drop-off. This detail needs attention, especially if you are staying at a hotel or arriving by cruise ship. Several problems arose from confusion about transport, including one party that had trouble reaching the ferry area and another that expected hotel pickup to be included.

If you are coming from a cruise ship, leave extra time. Confirm the meeting point, pickup arrangement, and return plan before the day. A private car service can be arranged for an added fee, but it is not part of the base fare.

Public transport is nearby, but the information supplied does not promise a particular bus connection or travel time. Check your route to Il-Mellieħa in advance rather than assuming the ferry meeting point is close to your accommodation.

Is $295.66 per person good value?

At $295.66 per person, the price is high for one person or a couple, especially when transport to the meeting point is extra. The value improves when you have a larger group and can share the private boat. Group discounts may also be available.

You are paying for more than a ride between beaches. You get a boat reserved for your group, a skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and the ability to alter the pace. A large public boat may cost less, but it will not give you the same control over swim times or stops.

The price is harder to justify if you receive a small open boat with little shade and no facilities. It is easier to justify when you have six to ten people, want a full seven hours, and care about avoiding a fixed group schedule. For a family, the private setting can also be worth paying for because children can swim when they are ready rather than when a tour leader says it is time to leave.

The published score is 4.5 out of 5 from 67 ratings, which fits the overall picture: the route and captains are usually the strong points, while boat assignment, transport communication, and weather create the main risks.

Who should book this private Comino tour?

I would recommend it to a group of friends, a family with children, or a multigenerational party that wants a full day on the water. It is also a good fit if you care more about swimming and caves than formal sightseeing.

It suits you particularly well if:

• You can split the cost among several people.
• You want a private boat rather than a large shared cruise.
• You prefer flexible swim stops.
• You are comfortable with the possibility of a different boat than expected.
• You can organize your own transport to Il-Mellieħa.
• You are happy to bring extra drinks and food.

I would hesitate if you are on a tight budget, need guaranteed shade or a toilet, or are not willing to confirm the boat details in advance. I would also avoid building an unmovable schedule around it during unsettled weather. The company requires good conditions, and cancellations for unsafe weather can happen even when the water near shore looks calm.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, unless the operator cancels because of poor weather.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if privacy and flexibility matter more to you than a low price. The best days combine a capable skipper, a comfortable boat, calm weather, and a group willing to swim and adjust the route. Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Coral Lagoon, and San Niklaw Bay give you plenty to see, but the skipper’s choices are what turn the route into a good day.

Before confirming, ask three direct questions: Which boat is planned? How much shade and seating does it have? What will pickup cost from your location? If the answers suit your group, this can be one of Malta’s most enjoyable ways to reach Comino’s clear water without following a crowded timetable.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 to 7 hours. The longer option allows more time for swimming, caves, and several bays.

What places does the boat visit?

The planned route includes Blue Lagoon, Coral Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Comino, and San Niklaw Bay. The exact timing can be adjusted with your skipper.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Roundtrip transport to the meeting point is not included. You can message the operator after booking with your location and request a pickup and drop-off quote.

Where does the tour begin and end?

The standard meeting point is Comino Ferries Co-Op Ltd., X8QH+2RG, Triq Il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa, Malta. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Are food and drinks included?

Bottled water is supplied, and snacks may be available or added for an extra fee per person. You can also bring your own drinks and snacks.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The activity is restricted to your own group, with no other customers assigned to your boat.

Can children and infants join?

Most people can participate, and one group successfully brought a nine-month-old baby. Tell the operator about young children or special needs before the tour.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If the operator cancels because conditions are unsafe, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.