Comino Private Boat Tours: Blue/Crystal Lagoon, Malta & Gozo

Comino’s best sights are easiest to appreciate from the water, and this private speedboat trip gives you a front-row view of sea caves, narrow coves, Cominotto, Crystal Lagoon, and the famous Blue Lagoon. You can set the pace with your skipper instead of following a large group.

I like the chance to choose your swimming stops and the practical boat comforts: shade, a cooler, Wi-Fi, life vests, and mask-and-snorkel sets. I also like the personal service from Mario, who is repeatedly praised for clear explanations, good communication, and taking excellent photos and videos. The main caution is that the advertised $17 price does not include the €44 skipper fee or €44 fuel charge, and the stated one-hour duration seems tight for all the listed stops.

Key points at a glance

• Private route around Comino: Choose your stops or let the skipper shape the trip around sea conditions.
• Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon swimming: Both allow time for swimming, snorkelling, and views from the boat.
• Mario may be your skipper: He is praised for friendly service, clear explanations, and helping with photos.
• Two easy meeting areas: Depart from Ċirkewwa near the Gozo Channel terminal, or Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.
• Useful onboard extras: Expect shade, seating, a cooler, Bluetooth audio, Wi-Fi, safety gear, and snorkelling equipment.
• Check the real cost: Skipper and fuel are listed separately from the advertised per-person price.

A private boat gives Comino room to breathe

Comino is small, but its coast is packed with things to see. From a boat, you can look into caves, pass rocky points, pause near beaches, and reach clear water without spending the whole outing walking between crowded shore areas.

That privacy is the main reason to consider this experience. A private group can ask to linger at Crystal Lagoon, spend more time taking photos, or favor a swim over a quick pass by a viewpoint. The skipper can also adjust the route if wind, tides, shallow water, or other sea conditions make the planned course unsuitable.

This is not a long cruise. The advertised duration is one hour, while the timed stops add up to longer than that when combined with the speedboat rides. Treat the schedule as a compact route outline rather than a promise of a full hour at every point. Before paying, confirm the exact running time and the total cost for your group.

Starting from Ċirkewwa or Mġarr Harbour

You have two pickup choices. In Malta, the departure point is near Ċirkewwa Kiosk at the Gozo Channel terminal. In Gozo, the meeting area is close to Sicilia Bella Restaurant in Mġarr Harbour’s departure zone.

Arrive 30 minutes early. The operator asks you to be on time, and a late arrival will not add time to the charter. This matters most at Ċirkewwa, where ferry-terminal traffic and general delays can make a short boat outing harder to coordinate.

The boat is a speedboat with seated areas and a sundeck covered by a canopy. That shade is valuable in Malta’s strong sun, especially if you plan to stay out on the water for photos and swimming. Life vests are provided, and the boat carries an ice cooler, snorkelling gear, Wi-Fi, and a Bluetooth speaker.

Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own refreshments if needed. You should also pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some cash. Fishing equipment is not included.

Passing Lantern Point and L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz

The first part of the route is a quick coastal run by speedboat. Lantern Point is listed as a photo stop and pass-by, so expect a short look rather than an extended visit ashore.

L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz follows as another scenic pass. These early points help you settle into the boat and see how quickly the coast changes when viewed from sea level. They are best treated as moving viewpoints, not major stops.

If you want detailed photographs, have your phone or camera ready before leaving the marina. The boat moves quickly, and the passing views may last only a few minutes. Mario has also helped guests with photos and videos, a useful touch if you want pictures of the group rather than another set of shots with someone missing.

Roofless Cave and Comino’s rocky coast

Roofless Cave receives more attention, with time listed for a photo stop, sightseeing, and a guided look from the boat. The name gives you a fair idea of the setting: a dramatic opening in the rock with the sky visible above.

A boat is the sensible way to see this type of formation. You avoid a difficult approach on foot and get a better angle on the cave mouth from the water. The exact route can change with sea conditions, so the skipper may pass by rather than enter closely if the water or tide makes that safer.

This is where a private boat has an advantage over a fixed sightseeing run. You can ask for a slower pass for photographs, though the skipper retains the final say about the route. Safety and sea conditions take priority over a planned photo angle.

Crystal Lagoon is the main swimming break

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled as a longer stop, with time for swimming, snorkelling, photographs, and looking for marine life. Its clear water is the point of the visit, and this is likely to be the most useful place to bring your mask and snorkel.

The boat carries basic snorkelling equipment, specifically masks and snorkels. You still need swimwear, a towel, and sun protection. Food and drink are not supplied, and there is no promise of extensive time in the water, so confirm how long the boat will anchor.

The private format lets your group decide how much of the stop should go to swimming and how much to photographs. If someone in your party does not want to swim, the shaded seating and cooler give them a more comfortable place to wait than a crowded beach.

Do not assume the boat will always anchor in the same spot. The skipper chooses an area intended to provide a quieter experience and may change position because of weather, tides, shallows, or other legitimate conditions.

Cominotto and the Blue Lagoon

Cominotto is included as a scenic visit and pass-by. Its rocky shore and position beside Comino make it a natural part of the coastal circuit, but the schedule does not promise a long landing or beach stay there.

The Blue Lagoon receives another extended section of the route. You can expect time for photos, free time, swimming, snorkelling, marine-life viewing, and sailing past the surrounding scenery. This is the name most people recognize, but it is also the place where conditions can feel busiest.

A private boat does not make the entire lagoon private. It does let you view it from the water and gives your group more control over where to stop. If the Blue Lagoon is crowded, your skipper may be able to favor a quieter nearby position, subject to sea conditions and the agreed route.

The most useful question to ask before departure is how the time will be divided between Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. A one-hour booking cannot provide a long swim at every stop, so your priorities matter. If you want water time, say so early. If your group mainly wants photographs and caves, the skipper can shape the outing differently.

What Mario adds to the trip

Mario is the named skipper associated with many of the strongest comments about this experience. He is praised for friendly service, clear explanations, good communication from start to finish, and making people feel safe on the boat.

That matters on a private charter because the skipper is not simply driving. He helps decide where to pause, explains what you are seeing, and responds to last-minute changes when possible. One recent outing included a change of plan and a Blue Lagoon swim, showing the value of a flexible arrangement.

You should still keep expectations realistic. The skipper has final authority to cancel, postpone, change, or modify the trip because of weather and sea conditions. He can also alter departure or drop-off points when required. Flexibility works both ways: you get a more personal route, but you cannot demand a particular cave or anchorage if conditions are poor.

Comfort, safety, and the private-group advantage

The boat is arranged for a private group, not a shared sightseeing load. That gives you more space to talk, play music through the Bluetooth speaker, and decide how much time to spend in the water.

The included equipment is practical rather than luxurious. You get seating, canopy shade, safety equipment, life vests, a cooler, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth audio, and snorkelling masks and snorkels. Those features can make a real difference on a short outing, particularly for families or groups with mixed interests.

Wheelchair users should not book this activity because it is not suitable for wheelchair access. Anyone with limited mobility should also ask the operator for more details before reserving, since the available access information is limited.

Is the $17 price good value?

The advertised price of $17 per person looks low for a private boat, but it is not the final figure. The skipper fee is listed as €44, and fuel consumption is another €44. Because those charges are separate, the value depends on your group size and how the operator applies the fees.

For a larger private group, fixed charges can be spread among more people, making the outing more appealing. For one or two people, the extra fees may change the calculation considerably. Ask for the full price in advance, including all required charges, before comparing it with shared boat trips.

The value is strongest if you care about privacy, a custom route, and the freedom to swim at chosen spots. It is less compelling if you want a long excursion, a full meal, fishing, or a guaranteed visit to every listed location. Fishing equipment and food are not included.

The activity has a 4.9 rating from 23 published scores, with 100 percent of transport ratings marked perfect. The most consistent strengths are the skipper’s attitude, clear communication, safe handling, clean boat, and willingness to adapt. Mario is the person most often singled out, so request him if the booking system allows it, but do not assume he is guaranteed unless confirmed.

Who should book this Comino charter?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want control over the outing. It works particularly well for people who dislike large group boats, want a quieter anchorage, or would rather spend time swimming than listening to a fixed commentary for the entire ride.

It also suits a group celebrating something special. The Bluetooth speaker, private seating, shade, and photo help give the trip a personal feel without requiring a full-day charter.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling on a strict budget, need wheelchair access, or want a long day at sea. The extra skipper and fuel charges must be added to the headline price. The one-hour duration also means the trip may feel rushed if you expect extended swimming at both lagoons.

Weather can change the plan. The skipper may cancel, postpone, move the departure point, or revise the route when conditions require it. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta or Gozo plans are still shifting.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart from?

You can meet the boat in Malta near Ċirkewwa Kiosk at the Gozo Channel terminal, or in Gozo near Sicilia Bella Restaurant in Mġarr Harbour’s departure area.

How long does the boat trip last?

The stated duration is one hour. The route includes several short passes and stops, so confirm the exact timing with the operator because the listed stop durations add up to more than one hour.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The activity is for a private group, and you can choose your preferred exploration spots or follow the skipper’s suggestions.

Are snorkelling equipment and safety gear included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels, safety equipment, and life vests are included. Fishing equipment is not included.

Are the skipper and fuel included in the advertised price?

No. A professional skipper fee of €44 and fuel consumption of €44 are listed separately. Ask for the complete cost before booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The skipper can cancel, postpone, or change the route, timing, pickup point, or drop-off point because of weather, sea conditions, tides, shallows, or other valid reasons.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if your priority is a private view of Comino from the water, with a chance to swim at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon and adjust the route to suit your group. Mario’s friendly handling, clear explanations, and help with photos add real value.

Before you commit, confirm three things: the full cost after skipper and fuel charges, the exact duration, and which stops will receive swimming time. If those details suit your plans, this is a personable and flexible way to see Comino’s coast without joining a large boat crowd.