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

Turquoise water is only the beginning. This private boat trip gives you a skipper, your own group, and the freedom to shape three to four hours around Comino, the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Gozo. I like the chance to stop for proper swims rather than rush past the best coves, and I like that snorkeling masks, floats, a cooler, ice, and wine are included.

The main catch is the extra €79 fuel charge, paid when you board. The short tour also means you cannot give every island attraction equal time, especially if you want both long swims and a walk or meal on Gozo. Still, for a group of up to seven, the price can work well.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to seven: You avoid a large shared group and can discuss the day’s priorities with your skipper.
• Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: Expect famous turquoise water at the first, and sea caves and excellent snorkeling at the second.
• Flexible route: Other locations can be requested, so your outing is not locked into one rigid schedule.
• Swimming gear included: Masks, floating noodles, float boards, a cooler, ice, and safety equipment are provided.
• Gozo option: You can spend time near Gozo’s coast, visit Santa Maria Bay, or choose an island stop such as Victoria’s Citadel.
• Plan for the fuel charge: The advertised $227 covers the private group, but €79 fuel is paid separately on boarding.

Why a private boat makes sense around Comino

Comino is small, largely car-free, and best appreciated from the water. Its coast is cut with limestone cliffs, little bays, and sea caves. A boat also lets you see the famous blue water without committing your whole day to one beach.

I like the private format here because it gives you room to set the pace. If your group wants to swim, you can spend longer in the water. If everyone prefers a short stop and more coastline, you can keep moving. The skipper is also your guide, so you have someone to help with the route and safety rather than simply piloting the boat.

That flexibility matters most for families, couples, or friends who do not all want the same kind of day. You can combine swimming, snorkeling, a beach walk, and views from the boat. On a shared excursion, you usually accept the group’s timetable. Here, your group has more say.

The trade-off is that private does not mean unlimited time. The trip lasts three to four hours. That is enough for several water stops, but not enough for a full tour of Comino and Gozo with a long lunch, extensive walking, and relaxed swimming at every bay.

Blue Lagoon: Malta’s famous first stop

The Blue Lagoon is the obvious star of this part of Malta. Its water is a striking turquoise, framed by pale rock and sandy patches. From a private boat, you can enjoy the view without needing to make the boat your base on shore.

This is a good place for a swim or a gentle snorkel. The supplied masks let you look below the surface, while the noodles and float boards make it easier to relax in the water. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask the skipper about the safest place to enter and stay close to your group.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but fame brings attention. Do not expect solitude simply because you have booked a private boat. The advantage is having your own vessel and skipper, not owning the entire lagoon. Your skipper may be able to help you spend time in a less hectic area, depending on conditions and the day’s route.

I would treat this as a visual highlight and an easy first swim. Take a few photos, enjoy the color of the water, then be ready to move on. Crystal Lagoon often provides the more interesting water experience for people who want sea caves and snorkeling.

Crystal Lagoon and the limestone caves

Crystal Lagoon is less famous than its neighbor, but it may be the stronger stop for active time in the water. The water is described as transparent, and the surrounding limestone has formed sea caves that add shape and shelter to the coast.

You can snorkel here with the provided mask, look into the clear water, and explore the cave openings from the sea. The trip information also allows for jumping into deeper water if you feel comfortable. That part is optional, and you should follow the skipper’s instructions closely before entering the water.

I like this stop because it gives the trip a little more character than a simple sightseeing cruise. You are not just looking at Malta’s coast from a distance. You have time to swim, inspect the rock formations, and choose how active you want to be.

Conditions still matter. Water activity depends on weather and sea state, and the trip can be changed, rescheduled, or canceled in bad weather. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and camera. Saltwater and expensive electronics are poor companions.

Comino from the water, then Santa Maria Bay

Comino is known for its quiet, car-free setting and rugged coastal cliffs. From the boat, you get a different view than you would on a walking route. The cliffs, openings in the rock, and small bays make the short cruise feel varied even when the islands are close together.

One useful feature of this trip is the option to go ashore. A previous outing included a walk at Santa Maria Bay, where the sandy beach and broad view offered a change from swimming. That kind of break is valuable. Three or four hours entirely in the water may sound perfect at first, but your skin and shoulders may disagree later.

Santa Maria Bay also gives you a chance to see a quieter side of Comino. The Blue Lagoon is the headline attraction, while a sandy bay can feel more relaxed and practical for a short walk. You can ask the skipper how much time is realistic for a shore visit without losing the best swim stops.

Do not expect a long Comino hike. The available time is limited, and the main purpose of the trip is the coast and water. If you want to walk across the island at length, you need a longer outing.

Gozo: a flexible choice, not a full island tour

Gozo adds variety, but it requires sensible expectations. The island has attractive towns, coastal views, traditional restaurants, and landmarks such as the Citadel in Victoria. You can also choose a beach or bay instead of sightseeing on land.

In a three-to-four-hour boat trip, Gozo works best as a selected stop. You might choose a short visit to a coastal area, a walk, or time for lunch if that fits the route. Trying to cover the Citadel, a traditional restaurant, and several beaches would make the day rushed.

This is where the private setup has real value. You can tell the skipper what matters most to your group. If you care about swimming, keep Gozo coastal and brief. If you have already seen enough water for one morning, use the island for a short walk or meal.

The phrase tailored journey is important, but it does not erase geography or time. Ask at the start how the skipper would divide the hours between Comino and Gozo. Clear priorities will produce a better day than trying to fit in every named location.

What is included on the boat

The included equipment is simple but useful:

• A private boat and professional skipper-guide
• Snorkeling masks
• Cooler and ice
• Safety equipment
• Floating noodles
• Swimming float boards
• One complimentary bottle of wine

The cooler and ice are especially handy because food and other drinks are not included. Bring water and snacks. You can also bring your own drinks, but take care with glass and personal belongings around the boat.

The wine is a pleasant extra, though it should not replace water in the Maltese sun. If you plan to swim often, keep alcohol for later in the trip and follow the skipper’s advice.

You need to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, a camera, water, snacks, and some cash. Comfortable clothes suited to water activities are the sensible choice. A waterproof bag is strongly recommended for wallets, phones, and cameras.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the meeting point yourself and arrive 15 minutes before departure. The exact starting time depends on availability, so check the booking details before planning other activities that day.

Price and value for a group of seven

The listed price is $227 for a private group of up to seven. At the maximum group size, that works out to roughly $32 per person before the separate €79 fuel cost. Split across seven people, the fuel charge adds about €11.30 per person, though the final value depends on exchange rates and how many people join your group.

For seven people, this is a sensible way to share a private boat. You receive a skipper, gear, ice, safety equipment, and a route that can be adapted to your interests. A smaller group pays more per person, so couples should compare the total with other private and shared boat options in Malta.

The extra fuel fee needs attention. It is not a small detail, and it must be paid when you board. Bring cash, as cash is specifically listed among the recommended items. Confirm the payment method and exact meeting instructions before departure so the cost does not catch you by surprise.

I see the best value for families or friend groups that want privacy. You are paying for control, not just transport. If you only want a quick look at the Blue Lagoon and do not care about a private setting, a shared boat could cost less. If you want the skipper to adjust the day around swimming, caves, and a short Gozo stop, the private price becomes easier to justify.

Timing, weather, and comfort on the water

Three to four hours passes quickly when the route includes several stops. You should decide before boarding what matters most: Blue Lagoon photos, snorkeling at Crystal Lagoon, a sandy bay, Gozo, or a longer swim. Trying to do everything may leave each stop feeling too short.

Weather controls the experience. The trip may be rescheduled or canceled in poor conditions, which is sensible for a small boat and open-water activity. Keep some flexibility in your Malta schedule rather than placing this tour on the final few hours of your holiday.

The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If that describes you, a private boat does not remove the motion of the sea. The tour is also not suitable for wheelchair users, and the water-based format may be difficult for anyone who needs level, step-free access.

Wear sun protection from the start. A hat, sunscreen, water, and a towel are basic needs, not optional extras. Secure loose belongings, and use a waterproof bag for anything you bring near the swim stops.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this boat trip to:

• Families who want their own pace and easy access to swimming gear
• Friends sharing the cost of a private boat
• Couples who prefer coves and coastline to a crowded sightseeing cruise
• Confident swimmers and snorkelers who want time in the water
• People who want a flexible mix of Comino, Gozo, beach time, and caves

It is less suitable for anyone seeking a full historical tour of Gozo. The trip may include places such as Victoria’s Citadel, but three to four hours is not enough for a detailed island tour alongside several swim stops.

It is also a poor match if you dislike boats, struggle with seasickness, or need wheelchair access. The appeal is the sea itself, so you should be comfortable with boarding, swimming, and changing between boat and shore.

Booking advice and final verdict

The strongest part of this experience is the combination of privacy and choice. You can swim at the Blue Lagoon, snorkel around Crystal Lagoon, see Comino’s cliffs, and decide how much attention Gozo receives. The skipper’s role adds guidance and safety, while the small group keeps the mood relaxed.

The main limitations are clear: the €79 fuel charge is extra, food and drinks are not included, hotel transfers are absent, and the short duration forces choices. None of these is a deal breaker, but you should budget and plan honestly.

I would book it if you have up to seven people, want a half-day on the water, and care more about swimming and scenery than a long land tour. Ask your group to choose its top two priorities before boarding. With that simple bit of planning, Comino Waves Boat Charter Malta offers a strong way to see Malta’s most famous water spots without being tied to a large group schedule.

FAQ

How long does the private boat trip last?

The trip lasts three to four hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers a private group of up to seven people.

Is the fuel cost included in the advertised price?

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

What equipment is provided?

The boat includes snorkeling masks, a cooler with ice, safety equipment, floating noodles, and swimming float boards. One complimentary bottle of wine is also included.

Can I visit both Comino and Gozo?

The experience includes access to Comino locations such as the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, with Gozo available as part of the route. Since the trip lasts three to four hours, the exact balance of stops should be discussed with the skipper.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.