Malta: Private Boat Trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon & Gozo

The best part of this trip is simple: you get your own boat around Comino and Gozo, instead of trying to squeeze into a crowded group outing. The skipper can shape the route around swimming, snorkeling, caves, beaches, or a short look at Gozo.

I like the chance to spend real time in the water at both the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and I like the private group size, which works well for families or friends. The main thing to consider is the short 3 to 4-hour duration. It gives you a fine taste of the islands, but not enough time for a full tour of Gozo.

The trip is also weather dependent, and the extra €79 fuel charge is paid when you board. If you are prone to seasickness, or need wheelchair access, this is not a good fit.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to seven people: Your group gets the boat and skipper to itself, with more freedom than a standard shared cruise.
• Two excellent swimming stops: Blue Lagoon offers famous turquoise water, while Crystal Lagoon is quieter and lined with sea caves.
• Gozo is possible, but time is limited: You can visit towns, the Citadel, a beach, or a restaurant, but you cannot cover much of the island in a few hours.
• Useful water gear is included: Snorkeling masks, floating noodles, swim boards, a cooler with ice, and safety equipment come with the boat.
• The fuel charge is separate: Add €79 to the advertised group price when working out the real cost.
• The skipper can tailor the route: Other locations may be available on request, depending on conditions and time.

Why a private boat makes Comino easier

Comino is small, rugged, and largely free of cars. Its appeal comes from clear water, pale limestone, small bays, and the feeling of being away from Malta’s busier streets. A private boat lets you see the coast from the water, where the cliffs and caves make more sense than they do from land.

The private setup matters most if you are traveling with up to seven people. You do not have to match the pace of a large party, wait for strangers to finish swimming, or spend the whole trip following a fixed schedule. You can ask for more time in the water, a quieter cove, or a stop on shore.

That freedom has limits. The skipper still has to work within the weather, fuel, and the 3 to 4-hour schedule. Also, a private boat does not turn a short outing into a full-day island tour. You will need to choose your priorities.

For most people, the best use of the time is to focus on Comino’s coves and allow only a short visit to Gozo. If seeing Gozo’s Citadel or eating at a traditional restaurant matters most to you, say so before setting off.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, famous, and often the busiest stop

The Blue Lagoon is the name most people recognize, and the water earns its reputation. It is a natural pool of bright turquoise water, framed by white sandy shores and pale rock. From the boat, you get a fine view of the color and the surrounding coast before deciding how much time to spend swimming.

This is a good first stop if you want the classic Malta experience. Bring your mask and take a look below the surface, or use the floating noodles and swim boards for a less active break. You can also stay aboard and enjoy the view if the water feels too busy or the sun is strong.

The practical catch is that the Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, so it can feel less peaceful than the quieter parts of Comino. A private trip helps because you can enjoy the water from your own boat rather than searching for a patch of beach. Still, do not expect solitude simply because your boat is private.

The crew provides snorkeling masks, but you should bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, water, and a waterproof bag. A hat is useful during the parts of the trip when you are sitting in the sun.

Crystal Lagoon and the sea caves

Crystal Lagoon offers a different mood from the Blue Lagoon. Its clear water and limestone sea caves make it a strong choice for snorkeling and exploring from the boat. If you like looking into underwater rock formations or swimming near the cliffs, this may become your favorite stop.

The caves are one reason a private skipper adds value. You can ask for time to look around instead of being hurried through a quick photo stop. The supplied information also notes that more adventurous swimmers can enter the deeper water, but you should follow the skipper’s safety instructions and stay within your comfort level.

Crystal Lagoon is not just another version of the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon gives you the broad, postcard view. Crystal Lagoon gives you more texture, with caves, cliffs, and places to investigate in the water. The two stops work well together because they offer different kinds of scenery.

Do not treat the included floats and snorkeling equipment as a substitute for care. Wear comfortable clothes suited to water activities, keep personal items in a waterproof bag, and use the boat’s safety equipment as directed.

Comino’s Santa Maria Bay and quieter shore time

The trip can include time at Santa Maria Bay, which has a sandy beach and a pleasant view across the coast. One useful feature of a private outing is the chance to get off the boat for a short walk rather than spending every minute swimming.

That walk can break up the day nicely. After time in the water, a sandy shore gives you a chance to stretch your legs, take photographs, and see Comino from another angle. It also gives non-swimmers something to enjoy, although the tour is still built around the sea.

The key word here is short. The total outing lasts only 3 to 4 hours, and each beach stop takes time away from the lagoons or Gozo. Tell the skipper what matters most to your group early in the trip. A family with children may prefer a sandy beach and floating time. A group of keen snorkelers may want to stay near Crystal Lagoon.

Adding Gozo without pretending it is a full island tour

Gozo is Malta’s larger neighbor and has enough sights for several days. On this boat trip, you get a brief taste rather than a complete visit. Possible plans include seeing Victoria’s Citadel, visiting a town, stopping for a traditional Gozo lunch, or relaxing at a beach or bay.

The Citadel is the clearest choice if you want a little history and a strong view. A restaurant stop suits you better if food is part of your reason for visiting Gozo. If your priority is swimming, you can stay by the coast instead of using precious time inland.

The tradeoff is distance and time. This trip is not designed for a long drive around Gozo, and no land transport is listed as part of the experience. You should not expect to see many towns, landmarks, and beaches in one short outing.

I would treat Gozo as an optional extra unless your group has already decided what it wants to see. The water stops are the core of the experience. Gozo works best when you want one focused shore visit, not a broad island tour.

What the skipper adds to the day

Your skipper is also your guide, and the private format lets you ask for advice as you go. You can discuss the balance between swimming, snorkeling, beach time, caves, and Gozo before or during the cruise.

This is especially useful because the route is not presented as one rigid plan. Other locations may be available on request, though the final choice depends on time and weather. A good approach is to arrive with two priorities rather than a long wish list.

For instance, you might say that Crystal Lagoon and a sandy beach matter most, with Gozo only if time allows. Or you might choose the Blue Lagoon, a cave stop, and the Citadel. Clear priorities make the private format work better.

The skipper also manages the safety side of the trip. Safety equipment is included, but you remain responsible for telling the crew if you are uncomfortable in the water or feeling unwell. This is not a suitable outing for people prone to seasickness.

What is included, and what you still need to bring

The equipment list is practical rather than lavish. You receive a private boat tour, a professional skipper and guide, snorkeling masks, a cooler with ice, safety equipment, floating noodles, swimming float boards, and one complimentary bottle of wine.

The cooler is useful for keeping your own water and snacks cold, but food and drinks are not included beyond the bottle of wine. Pack enough water for the group, along with snacks if you expect to feel hungry after swimming.

Bring these basics:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water
• Snacks and cash
• A camera in a waterproof case or bag
• Comfortable clothing suitable for water activities
• A waterproof bag for phones, wallets, and other small items

You should arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the exact meeting point should be confirmed when you book.

Price, fuel, and the real value

The advertised price is $227 for a private group of up to seven people. That makes the base cost attractive when divided among a full group. For seven people, it works out to about $32 per person before the fuel charge. Add the required €79 fuel cost, and the total becomes notably higher, though still potentially fair for a private boat and skipper.

For two people, the math is less favorable. You are paying for the privacy and flexibility of the whole boat, not simply for two seats on a shared cruise. For a family or group of friends, the price makes more sense, especially if you value controlling the pace.

The included equipment also saves you from arranging snorkeling gear and floats separately. The cooler, ice, and safety equipment are small but useful touches on a short water outing.

Be sure to budget for the €79 fuel cost, which must be paid upon boarding. Food, extra drinks, and hotel transportation are also your responsibility. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option can help if your plans are still changing, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This is a strong choice for a small group that wants Malta’s best-known water sights without joining a large boat party. Families, couples traveling with friends, and groups celebrating a special occasion can all make good use of the private setup.

It also suits people who want a flexible mix of activity. You can swim at the Blue Lagoon, snorkel around Crystal Lagoon, look into caves, float beside the boat, take a short walk at Santa Maria Bay, or request a stop connected with Gozo.

You should think twice if you want a full-day visit to Gozo, need wheelchair access, or dislike being on open water. The tour is also a poor match if you want a land-based sightseeing day with long visits to historical sites.

The outing is conducted in English. If everyone in your group is comfortable with English instructions, that should be straightforward. If you are bringing children or weaker swimmers, make sure they understand that the main focus is water activity.

Weather, comfort, and timing

The trip can be rescheduled or canceled in bad weather. This is normal for a boat outing, but it matters if you have arranged a tight schedule around the departure. Keep some flexibility in your Malta plans.

A morning or afternoon departure can change the feel of the water and the amount of sun you face, but the available starting times depend on the date. Check availability before building the rest of your day around it.

Seasickness is another real concern. Bring only what you need aboard, protect your belongings in a waterproof bag, and tell the skipper if you feel unwell. Comfortable clothing is more useful than a formal beach outfit, and a hat and sunscreen are essential.

The complimentary wine is a pleasant extra, but it should not replace water, particularly after swimming under the sun.

Is this private Comino and Gozo trip worth booking?

Book it if you have a group of up to seven, want swimming and snorkeling to be the main event, and value a skipper who can adjust the pace. The strongest parts are the private boat, the contrast between Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and the chance to add Santa Maria Bay or one focused Gozo stop.

Skip it if you want an exhaustive tour of Gozo, require accessible facilities, or often feel seasick. Also compare the full cost carefully: $227 per group sounds appealing, but the €79 fuel charge is mandatory and paid separately.

For the right group, this is a well-focused way to spend a few hours around Malta’s clearest water. Go in with realistic expectations, choose your top two or three stops, and you will get far more from the private format.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The trip lasts 3 to 4 hours. Available starting times depend on the date you select.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private group can include up to seven people.

Which places does the trip visit?

The planned highlights include the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Comino Island, and Gozo Island. Other locations may be available upon request.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The trip includes time for swimming at locations such as the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included, along with floating noodles and swimming float boards.

Is the fuel cost included in the advertised price?

No. A €79 fuel cost must be paid upon boarding.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. The boat does include a complimentary bottle of wine, and you should bring your own water and snacks.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off provided?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can the trip be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The trip is subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled in bad weather. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.