Blue Lagoon: Malta, Crystal Lagoon, Caves, Private Speedboat

Two lagoons, one fast private sea outing. This two-hour trip with 420 Boat Charters gives you a simple way to see Comino’s best-known swimming spots, with time for snorkeling, swimming, cave views, and a little cliff jumping if conditions allow. I like the private boat setup, and I like that you can shape the route with the skipper instead of following a large group.

The two strongest points are the relaxed pace and the chance to stop at both Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. You also get ice, a cooler, noodles, snorkeling masks, WiFi, and a Bluetooth sound system. The main catch is the extra €99 cash charge for fuel and the local skipper, which makes the true cost higher than the advertised $84 group price.

This is a good fit if you want a short, private taste of Malta’s coast rather than a full-day cruise. Two hours goes quickly, and weather can change the route or cancel the outing, so keep your schedule flexible.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to 12 people: The price is listed per group, not per person, which can be strong value for a small party sharing the cost.
• Two swimming stops: Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon each receive about 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.
• Caves and film scenery: You pass Alex’s Cave and see Saint Mary’s Tower, with coastal locations connected to films including The Count of Monte Cristo and Tory.
• €99 extra cash payment: Fuel and the experienced local skipper are not included in the advertised price.
• Cirkewwa meeting point: You meet near the Cirkewwa cafe kiosk, though the boat can also start from Mgarr in Gozo by arrangement.
• Weather controls the plan: The skipper may change swimming stops or the route, and the trip can be cancelled in poor conditions.

Why a private speedboat changes the Blue Lagoon visit

The Blue Lagoon is Malta’s famous postcard stop, known for bright, clear water and dramatic rocky shores. Its popularity is also its problem. A standard public boat can leave you sharing the scene with a large crowd, while a private speedboat gives your group more control over how the two hours are used.

That does not mean you will have the lagoon to yourself. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known coastal sights, and other boats may be nearby. The benefit is having your own skipper, your own seats, and no need to organize your day around strangers.

I especially like the private format for families, couples, and groups of friends who want different things. One person can swim, another can stay aboard with music, and everyone can regroup without losing track of the rest of the party. The boat carries up to 12 people, so the value improves sharply when the full group shares the price.

The trip is also short enough to fit into a day when you are visiting Malta or Gozo for other sights. It is not designed as a leisurely all-day cruise. Think of it as a focused coastal outing with two main swim stops.

Starting at Cirkewwa Cafe

The stated meeting point is near the Cirkewwa cafe kiosk, where the skipper waits for you. Cirkewwa is at Malta’s northern tip, so allow enough time to reach it. The information provided does not include hotel pickup or land transport, so you should arrange your own way to the meeting point.

Parking is available on site, which helps if you are driving. Bring only what you need for the boat. Large bags, luggage, bikes, baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

The operator also notes that the private boat may start from Mgarr in Gozo. Confirm the departure point when booking, since Cirkewwa and Mgarr are on different islands and require different plans.

Saint Mary’s Tower and the opening cruise

The first part of the trip is a short sightseeing cruise of about five minutes. You then reach Saint Mary’s Tower for a photo stop and a guided look at the site.

The tower gives the outing some historical atmosphere before the swimming begins. From the water, you get a useful sense of Comino’s rocky coast and its defensive position. The stop is mainly for sightseeing and photos, not a long land visit, so keep your expectations in line with the two-hour schedule.

This is also where the boat format helps. A private skipper can explain what you are seeing while keeping the group moving. The guide speaks English and Italian.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, limited time

Blue Lagoon is the main event for many people. The water is famous for its pale color and clear visibility, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The planned stop lasts about 20 minutes.

That is enough time for a quick swim and a look beneath the surface, but it is not enough for a slow, extended water session. If Blue Lagoon is your main reason for booking, get ready before the boat arrives. Have your mask nearby, apply sunscreen in advance, and avoid wasting the first minutes deciding what to do.

Snorkeling masks and beach noodles are included, along with life jackets. Towels, swimsuits, sunblock, food, and drinks are not included, so pack them yourself. Ice and a cooler are provided to keep your drinks chilled.

The description also allows activities such as cliff jumping. Treat this as an option, not a promise. Your choices should depend on the conditions, your own comfort, and the skipper’s instructions. The clear water may look inviting, but a short boat trip is not the place to take risks.

Cominotto Reef and Alex’s Cave

After Blue Lagoon, the boat passes Cominotto Reef. This is a sightseeing and photo stop, rather than one of the two planned 20-minute swimming breaks.

The reef adds variety to the route. You are not simply shuttling between two crowded swimming areas. The boat gives you a view of the rocky formations from the water, and you can use the stop to take photos or simply stay seated and enjoy the ride.

Alex’s Cave follows as a pass-by stop with a guided explanation. Caves are one of the best reasons to see this coast by boat. Their shape and position make more sense from the water than from shore, where access may be limited.

The route also includes scenery associated with movie scenes, including The Count of Monte Cristo and Tory. If you enjoy recognizing film locations, this gives the cruise an extra layer. If you do not, the cave remains a worthwhile visual stop on its own.

Crystal Lagoon: the second water break

Crystal Lagoon receives another 20-minute stop for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. The second lagoon gives you a chance to compare two different coastal settings during one compact trip.

I like having two planned swim stops because the experience does not depend entirely on Blue Lagoon. If one area feels too busy or the weather changes the route, the skipper can adjust the plan. The company specifically notes that the route and swimming points may change with conditions.

The lagoon is also a good place to use the snorkeling equipment supplied with the boat. The water is described as clear, and the area is known for marine life, but the trip does not promise a particular species or a lengthy wildlife session. Think of snorkeling here as a pleasant short activity, not a specialist marine tour.

Again, 20 minutes passes fast. If you want both swimming and snorkeling, organize your time. You may prefer to swim first, then put on the mask for a quick look, rather than trying to linger in one place.

The return to Cirkewwa

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat returns to the original meeting point. The activity ends near the Cirkewwa cafe kiosk.

Since the full trip lasts two hours, the return is not a long open-sea cruise. That is useful if you have ferry plans, a dinner reservation, or another activity. It also means you should not book this expecting a full afternoon on the water.

The skipper can change the order of stops or replace swimming locations when weather makes the planned route unsuitable. This flexibility is important around exposed coastal areas, where wind and sea conditions can affect comfort and safety.

What the $84 price really means

The advertised price is $84 per group of up to 12 people. At first glance, that sounds remarkably low for a private boat. But fuel and the experienced local skipper cost an additional €99, paid in cash aboard the boat.

That extra payment changes the calculation. You should treat the cost as the advertised group price plus €99, then divide the total among your party. For a large group, the arrangement can still offer good value. For one or two people, it may be less attractive than a shared boat.

The price includes several useful extras:

• Private boat
• Two-hour cruise
• Marina and lagoon fees
• English and Italian-speaking live guide
• Ice and cooler
• Beach noodles
• Snorkeling mask
• Life jacket
• WiFi
• Bluetooth sound system
• Parking on site

Food and drinks are not supplied, but you can bring them and keep them chilled. You should also bring cash for the skipper and fuel charge. The supplied information does not state the exact currency conversion for the $84 price, so check the current booking total before committing.

The private-group price is strongest when you have several people who want the same coastal experience. It is weaker if you are traveling alone or as a pair and would prefer to pay for a shared excursion.

The onboard setup and comfort

This is a practical rather than luxurious boat outing. The cooler, noodles, and masks cover the basics, while the sound system lets you play your own music. WiFi is also listed as included, though the quality of any connection at sea can vary.

A life jacket is provided. Bring sunglasses and a sun hat, since the boat offers little protection from direct sunlight according to the supplied information. Sunscreen and a towel are your responsibility.

The boat may suit you if you want a mix of activity and downtime. The private format lets you swim, snorkel, take photos, or sit aboard with the views. One favorable account praised the relaxed feel, the two swimming locations, and the fact that the trip worked well for someone with only one day in Malta.

Another particularly positive experience credited Darren for making the trip informative and fun. The booking information does not guarantee that Darren will be your skipper, so consider that name a useful detail from one departure, not a promise.

Weather, motion, and other practical limits

This is a sea trip, and that matters. The operator says it is not suitable for people with motion sickness. If you are prone to feeling ill on boats, a speedboat may be a poor choice, especially in rough conditions.

The trip can be cancelled because of weather. Even when it runs, the skipper may change the route or swimming stops. That is not a flaw in the experience. It is a sensible safety measure, but you should avoid placing an important, nonrefundable plan immediately afterward.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still taking shape.

The experience is not suitable for large luggage, non-folding mobility equipment, or several types of strollers. Pack a small day bag with only your essentials. Bring food, drinks, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, and cash.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this boat for people who value privacy and want Malta’s best-known water stops in a compact format. It works especially well for a group of friends, a family with older children, or a couple willing to pay for private space.

It is also a smart choice if you have only one day available for the water. You see Saint Mary’s Tower, Cominotto Reef, Alex’s Cave, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon without committing an entire day.

I would hesitate if you want a slow cruise, a long snorkeling session, or guaranteed calm water. The two 20-minute swim stops are brief, and the weather can alter the plan. People with motion sickness should consider a land-based coastal activity instead.

The sunset option may appeal if you want a different mood. The experience can be arranged around watching the sunset from Blue Lagoon, but you should check the available starting time and confirm that this is the version being offered for your date.

Should you book 420 Boat Charters?

Book it if your priority is a private, flexible visit to two famous lagoons with a few cave and sightseeing stops added. The best value comes when several people share the boat and the €99 cash fuel and skipper charge.

Skip it if you dislike speedboats, need a fully accessible vessel, or want hours of snorkeling in one quiet bay. For the right group, though, this is an efficient way to see Malta from the water, take a swim, and avoid being tied to a large public boat schedule.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The trip lasts two hours, including the sightseeing cruise, lagoon stops, cave viewing, and return to the meeting point.

Where does the boat leave from?

The stated meeting point is near the Cirkewwa cafe kiosk in Malta. The boat may also start from Mgarr in Gozo, so confirm your departure point when booking.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the original meeting point near the Cirkewwa cafe kiosk.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The experience is for a private group, with space for up to 12 people.

Are Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon included?

Yes. The route includes a swimming and snorkeling stop at Blue Lagoon and another at Crystal Lagoon, with about 20 minutes planned at each.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

A snorkeling mask is included. Beach noodles and life jackets are also provided.

Are towels and sunscreen included?

No. You need to bring your own towel and sunblock.

Is there an extra payment on the boat?

Yes. Fuel for the full trip and the experienced local skipper require an additional €99 cash payment aboard the boat.

Can the route change?

Yes. The skipper may change the route or swimming stops because of weather conditions.

Is the trip suitable for people with motion sickness?

No. The activity is specifically not suitable for people with motion sickness.

What happens if the weather cancels the trip?

The activity may be cancelled because of weather. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund under the stated policy.