Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Comino Caves Private Boat Tour

The best part of this private boat tour is the freedom to see Comino by water rather than being tied to a large group’s schedule. In two hours, you reach Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, the Santa Maria Caves, Elephant Rock, Saint Mary’s Tower, and the coast of Gozo aboard a fast RIB boat.

I like the small private group, which can include up to eight people, and I like the flexible approach of guides Francesco and his brother. Families can ask for more swimming time, while keen snorkelers can focus on the caves and clear water. The main drawback is the short duration, especially once you add the required €99 fuel surcharge to the $234 group price.

Key points at a glance

• A Yamaha 250 V6 RIB boat: The powerful boat makes the ride quick and exciting, while still allowing close access to caves and rocky inlets.
• Several swimming stops: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Elephant Rock, and the Santa Maria area give you repeated chances to get in the water.
• A genuinely private outing: Your group controls the pace more than it would on a shared boat tour.
• Francesco and his brother: Both are described as friendly and adaptable, with Francesco offering lively insight into Comino and its surroundings.
• Useful equipment included: Snorkeling gear, bottled water, an ice cooler, and access to a GoPro make packing easier.
• A clear extra cost: The €99 fuel surcharge is not included, so check the full price before you book.

Why a private RIB is a smart way to see Comino

Comino is small, but its coast is packed with places that are easiest to appreciate from the water. A private RIB lets you move between them quickly, stop for a swim, and view narrow rock passages that are not practical for a large excursion boat.

The Yamaha V6 250 engine is an important detail here. This is not a slow sightseeing craft. You get an energetic ride between stops, with enough power to cover Comino’s main sights in a short window. If you enjoy speed on the water, the boat adds to the experience. If you prefer a gentle cruise, tell the captain early so the pace and time in the water suit your group.

The boat is also small enough to approach the Comino Caves and other rocky areas closely. That gives you a more intimate view of the coast than you get from a crowded vessel. The tradeoff is that a RIB can feel exposed in strong sun and rough conditions. People with back or heart problems should not book this activity.

Pickup from Malta or Gozo

The tour offers pickup options connected with Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta and Mgarr Marina in Gozo, with the listed meeting areas also covering Mellieha and Ghajnsielem. Confirm your preferred location when booking, since the most convenient choice depends on where you are staying and whether you are already on Gozo.

This flexibility matters. Cirkewwa is Malta’s main ferry point for Comino and Gozo, while Mgarr is Gozo’s ferry harbor. Starting from either side can save you from arranging another transfer. It also makes the tour practical if your day already includes the ferry crossing.

The exact departure time depends on availability. Since the activity lasts two hours, check the start time carefully and allow enough time to reach the pickup point. You do not want to spend your short private cruise watching the clock.

Saint Mary’s Tower and the first look at Comino

Saint Mary’s Tower is one of Comino’s most recognizable sights. The large stone watchtower sits above the island’s rough coast and gives the boat route a strong sense of place. You get about 10 minutes for sightseeing, photographs, and possibly a swim or snorkel nearby.

From the boat, the tower helps explain Comino’s strategic position between Malta and Gozo. The guide also shares information about the area’s history and natural features, so this first stop is more than a quick photo pause.

Ten minutes is not enough for an extended visit on land, and the tour does not promise a full interior visit to the tower. Think of this as a coastal viewing stop. It works well if you want a picture and a quick introduction before reaching the lagoons.

Crystal Lagoon: a quieter swim before Blue Lagoon

Crystal Lagoon gets around 20 minutes, with time for a photo stop, a swim, and snorkeling. It is a good early pause because you can get into the water before the main focus of the day, Blue Lagoon.

The name reflects the clear water and pale rock around the inlet. With snorkeling equipment provided, you can look below the surface rather than simply float beside the boat. The guide can also point out the shape of the cove and the surrounding rock formations.

Bring your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel within easy reach. The tour provides bottled water and an ice cooler, but you should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and your own towel. There is no reason to waste part of the two hours searching for items you could have packed in advance.

Blue Lagoon between Comino and Cominotto

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. It sits between Comino and Cominotto, with pale rock and clear turquoise water that makes swimming and snorkeling especially appealing.

You get roughly 20 minutes here, which is enough for a refreshing swim and photos, but not enough for a long beach session. The private boat helps because you can make the most of the water rather than spend much of your time waiting for a large group to board or gather.

Blue Lagoon is also the point where expectations matter most. Its fame means it is one of the most sought-after places in Malta. The private format gives you a better chance to enjoy the water on your group’s terms, but it does not turn a famous site into an empty one. The boat may pause near the lagoon rather than offer a long stay on shore.

If you want the most time at Blue Lagoon, tell the captain. The route includes many attractions, and the guide may be able to adjust the balance between photos, swimming, and cruising.

Santa Marija Bay and Elephant Rock

Santa Marija Bay receives a short five-minute visit, making it more of a scenic pause than a full stop. Its calmer setting gives you a change from the more famous lagoon areas. You can take photographs and hear more about Comino’s coast before moving on.

Elephant Rock receives much more time, about 30 minutes. Its unusual shape makes it one of the route’s most memorable coastal formations, and the boat cruise here includes options for swimming and snorkeling. This is likely to be one of the best places for an active stop.

The longer time at Elephant Rock is useful for a private group. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while others can stay aboard and take photographs. The captain can also position the boat for better views of the rock and nearby coast.

Take care around rocky ledges and entries into the water. One guest described jumping from rocky ledges and swimming into caves, but those activities depend on conditions, your comfort, and the captain’s advice. Do not treat a fun possibility as a requirement.

Santa Maria Caves and Cominotto

The Santa Maria Caves receive about 10 minutes. Here, the boat moves close to rock walls, openings, and shaded passages where sunlight reaches the water in changing patterns.

This is where the RIB design earns its keep. A large boat cannot offer the same close approach to narrow coastal formations. The captain guides you through the passages, but conditions determine how far the boat can go. If the sea is unsettled, the route may need to change for safety.

Cominotto appears as another five-minute sightseeing stop. The small island helps frame the Blue Lagoon and gives you a different angle on the surrounding water. This is a brief visit, but it adds variety to the route and helps you understand how the islands fit together.

The tour description also refers to Comino Caves more broadly, so you should expect a mix of boat access, photographs, and views into the rock rather than a long cave walk. You remain on the boat for the cave section.

A passing view of Gozo’s southern coast

The route passes along the southern coast of Gozo for about 10 minutes. This is not a full Gozo visit, and the schedule does not include an extended stop on the island. You get coastal views from the water instead.

That distinction matters when you plan your day. If you want beaches, villages, or inland sights on Gozo, you need a separate visit. Here, Gozo works as part of the wider coastal picture, giving you a look beyond Comino before the boat returns.

The overview describes the chance to relax at a secluded beach, but the detailed route lists Gozo as a pass-by section. I would treat a beach stop as something to request in advance, not something to assume is guaranteed within the standard two-hour schedule.

What the guide adds to the short schedule

A two-hour route can easily become a simple boat transfer between photo spots. The guide makes a difference because you receive context about Comino’s history, rock formations, and sea life while moving between stops.

Francesco is singled out for his passion for Comino and its surrounding waters. He also provided fresh snacks and conversation on one outing, although snacks are not listed as a standard inclusion, so do not count on them. Bottled water is included, along with an ice cooler.

Francesco and his brother are also described as willing to adapt to a family group. One family with children aged 3, 8, and 11 enjoyed the lagoons, photographs, and swimming, with the guides adjusting the outing to suit them. That is useful if you are traveling with children, though you should still judge sea conditions and boat movement for your own family.

The listed tour languages are English and Maltese. If your group has specific communication needs, confirm them before booking.

Price, fuel surcharge, and what you receive

The advertised price is $234 per private group of up to eight people, but it does not include the €99 fuel surcharge. That extra charge changes the value calculation, so look at the complete cost rather than the headline figure.

For a full group, the base price works out more favorably per person than for a couple or a small family. You are paying for privacy, a fast boat, a flexible pace, repeated swimming opportunities, and access to several coastal sights in one outing. A small group may still prefer it if avoiding a crowded shared boat is a priority.

Included items are practical rather than lavish: snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and an ice cooler. The tour also says you can use a GoPro to record underwater activity. Bring your own towel, beachwear, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

At only two hours, this is best viewed as a focused coastal outing rather than a full-day boat charter. You can request additional hours in advance if you want more time around Comino, Gozo, or the swimming areas. Ask about the added cost before committing.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would choose this tour for a family, group of friends, or couple that wants privacy and a lively ride. It is especially useful for people who want to combine sightseeing with swimming instead of spending the entire day on a beach.

It suits you if:

• You want to see several Comino sights in a short time.
• You prefer a private boat to a large shared excursion.
• You enjoy swimming and snorkeling.
• You value a captain who can adjust the pace.
• You are staying near Mellieha, Cirkewwa, Ghajnsielem, or Mgarr.
• You are comfortable with a fast RIB ride and boat movement.

It is less suitable if you need a slow, highly stable boat, have back or heart problems, or want a long beach stay. It is also not the right choice if your main aim is to tour Gozo on land. Gozo is only a short coastal pass-by on this route.

Practical advice before you go

Pack light, but keep the essentials close. You need beachwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Water is supplied, and the cooler helps keep drinks cold, but you should not expect a full meal service.

Ask about the planned balance of swimming, cave access, and sightseeing at the start. The route includes many stops, and the captain may need to shorten one pause to protect time for another. Your group will get more from the tour if you agree on priorities early.

Weather matters. The operator may cancel when conditions are unsafe and will notify you if the reservation changes. The water can look calm from shore while conditions farther out are less comfortable, so let the captain make the final call on cave passages and swimming areas.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a private, active introduction to Comino with several chances to swim and a captain who can tailor the outing. The powerful RIB, close cave access, and stops at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Elephant Rock, and Santa Maria make good use of a short two-hour window.

Before paying, confirm the €99 fuel surcharge, pickup point, and whether any extra beach time is possible. If you want a long, slow day at one lagoon, choose a longer charter. If you want a fast, personal route through Malta’s most striking coastal sights, this is a strong option, especially for a group of up to eight.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The standard tour lasts two hours. Additional hours can be requested in advance.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $234 per private group of up to eight people. A €99 fuel surcharge is not included.

Is the boat tour private?

Yes. The experience is for a private group, with a maximum group size of eight people.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available from the Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta or Mgarr Marina in Gozo. The listed pickup areas also include Mellieha and Ghajnsielem. Confirm your preferred point when booking.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is offered in English and Maltese.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water and an ice cooler.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Is the tour suitable for people with back or heart problems?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with back problems or heart problems.

Can the tour be cancelled because of weather?

Yes. Reservations may be cancelled because of adverse weather conditions. The operator will notify you if the reservation changes.