Private Boat Tour: Discover Comino’s Blue and Crystal Lagoon

Clear water, quiet coves, quick boat. This private Comino trip gives you just you and the captain on board, with stops at the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto area, and sea caves. I like the small private setup and the fast boat, which lets you see several sights in one hour. I also like the flexible route, since the skipper can avoid the thickest crowds instead of following a fixed sightseeing loop.

The main consideration is time. One hour passes quickly, and the advertised $22 price does not include the €34 skipper fee or €34 fuel fee, both paid in cash after the tour. You should also confirm the meeting and finish points, since the directions mention Cirkewwa Port while the route information names Xlendi Pleasure Cruises.

Key points at a glance

• Just you and the captain: This is a private boat, not a shared cruise with a full passenger load.
• Four main sightseeing areas: The route includes Lantern Point, Crystal Lagoon, sea caves, and Blue Lagoon.
• Swimming time is brief: The plan allows about 15 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and 15 minutes at Blue Lagoon.
• Fast boat, more sights: The speed helps you move between stops quickly, leaving more time for photos and swimming.
• Extra cash costs matter: The €34 skipper fee and €34 fuel fee are not included in the advertised price.
• English-speaking guide: Skippers such as Joe and Claivion have been praised for friendly service and useful Malta advice.

Why this private Comino trip works

Comino is famous for water so clear that the boat can seem to hover above the seabed. It is also famous for crowds. The Blue Lagoon can become a packed stretch of sunbathers, swimmers, boats, and floating inflatables, especially in summer. A private speedboat changes the experience by giving you more control over where you stop and how long you linger.

I like this tour most for its simplicity. You are not committing to a long day at sea. In one hour, you get a quick look at several coastal sights, plus time in the water if that is your priority. The boat is private, so you do not have to share your swim stop or negotiate the route with a large group.

The tradeoff is that this is a sampler, not a full Comino day. If you want a relaxed beach afternoon, a long snorkel, or plenty of time on shore, one hour will feel short. I would choose it as a focused introduction to the island, or as a smart add-on while moving between Malta and Gozo.

Starting at Cirkewwa Port

The meeting point is listed as Cirkewwa Cafe in Cirkewwa Port. This is a practical area for a Comino outing, but the directions deserve careful attention before you go. The experience details also name Xlendi Pleasure Cruises as the starting and ending location, creating a possible mismatch.

I would message the operator through WhatsApp before setting out, especially if you booked within the last 24 hours. Confirm the exact meeting point, departure time, and where the boat will return. The tour can finish at Cirkewwa or Mgarr in Gozo according to the booking details, but the route section says Xlendi Pleasure Cruises. That is not a small distinction when you are planning a ferry connection.

Arrive ready to move. Bring a towel and sunglasses, and wear swimwear under your clothes if you plan to enter the water. Since the tour lasts only an hour, you will not want to spend half of it changing or searching for supplies.

Lantern Point and the Cominotto coast

The first listed stop is Lantern Point, with roughly 10 minutes for a break, photos, and sightseeing. This is a useful opening stop because it gives you time to take in Comino from the water before the swimming portion begins.

The appeal here is the coastal view rather than a long activity. You can take pictures, listen to the guide, and get a sense of the rocky shoreline. I would keep your camera ready, since 10 minutes is enough for a few good shots but not enough for a slow photo session.

Next comes L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz, with around five minutes for coastal views and marine life viewing. This is a short passing section, so think of it as part of the boat ride rather than a formal stop. The skipper points out features along the coast while the boat moves toward the lagoons.

The route then passes near Cominotto and the sea-cave area. Comino’s shoreline is marked by openings, rock arches, and sheltered water, and seeing these from a small boat gives you angles that are hard to get from land. The five-minute visit to L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, It-Tieqa, and Taħt il-Ħnejja is brief, but it adds variety to a route that could otherwise focus only on the two famous lagoons.

Crystal Lagoon, 15 minutes in the water

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about 15 minutes. This is one of the best parts of the trip if you want a quick swim or snorkel in clear water without spending the whole day on a larger cruise.

The boat provides a mask and snorkel, and marine life viewing is part of the planned stop. Fifteen minutes is enough for a refreshing swim and a short look below the surface. It is not enough for a careful snorkeling session, so set your expectations accordingly. Get your mask ready before the boat stops, and use every minute once you are in the water.

The lagoon also works well for people who prefer to stay on board. You can take pictures, watch the water, or simply enjoy the quieter setting from the boat. The route is flexible, so if a particular area is too busy, the skipper can steer toward another scenic section of Comino.

That flexibility is a real benefit. A private boat does not guarantee an empty lagoon, especially in summer, but it gives you a better chance of avoiding the most crowded patches. The operator specifically presents the route as a way to reach calmer parts of the Blue Lagoon and nearby coves.

Sea caves and the ride toward Blue Lagoon

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat passes L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, It-Tieqa, and Taħt il-Ħnejja. The names refer to coastal formations and openings, and the stop includes sightseeing, marine life viewing, and scenic views from the boat.

I like this middle section because it breaks up the swimming. You are not simply taken from one crowded bathing area to another. Instead, the route gives you a quick look at the rock formations that make Comino’s coast interesting from the sea.

The boat’s speed is important here. One French couple arrived 20 minutes late and still managed to see the different sites because the fast boat shortened the travel time between them. That does not mean you should plan to arrive late, but it shows why this type of boat can cover more ground during a short outing.

A late start can still reduce your swimming and photo time, so punctuality is the safer plan. The boat may be quick, but the lagoons cannot be rushed once you are in the water.

Blue Lagoon, with only 15 minutes to spare

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and the schedule allows about 15 minutes for sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and photos. Its pale turquoise water is the reason many people come to Comino, and seeing it from a private boat gives you a better view than simply standing on a crowded shoreline.

The Blue Lagoon is also where the tour’s short duration becomes most obvious. You may have time for a quick swim, a few underwater looks, and photographs from the boat. You will not have time for a leisurely beach visit, a long lunch, and an unhurried afternoon in the sun.

The summer swimming plan is described as a 20-minute session in one part of the tour overview, while the detailed route gives 15 minutes at Blue Lagoon. I would plan conservatively and expect about 15 minutes at this stop. If the captain gives you a little more time, treat it as a bonus.

The private format helps here. You can relax on board while others swim, and the captain can choose a less crowded position when conditions allow. You are not tied to a large boat’s loading schedule or a group’s preferred activity. That makes the stop feel more personal, even though the time remains limited.

What the captain adds

The captain matters more on a one-hour private tour than on a long sightseeing cruise. You have limited time, so a friendly skipper who keeps the route moving and gives clear advice can make the outing feel much more useful.

Joe received especially warm praise for being a good guide. Claivion was also described as friendly and generous with advice for the rest of a Malta trip. Those details suggest that the experience can be more than a boat transfer, especially if you ask about the coast, swimming stops, or what to see next.

The stated guide language is English. The skipper is responsible for the private route, navigation, and sightseeing commentary, but the tour is not described as a long, formal history lesson. I would expect practical explanations and coastal information rather than an extended lecture.

The boat includes a Bluetooth speaker, which may suit a couple or small private group that wants music during the ride. Use it with some courtesy, since the coast and the sound of the water are part of the appeal.

Is the price good value?

The advertised price is $22 per person, which sounds inexpensive for a private boat. But you must add the €34 skipper charge and €34 fuel charge, paid in cash after the tour. Because those fees are not included, the true cost depends on how many people share the boat.

For one person, the extra charges make the outing much more expensive than the headline figure suggests. For a couple, family, or group of friends, the fixed fees are spread across more people and the private format becomes easier to justify. You should calculate the full amount for your party before booking, and carry the required cash.

The value is strongest when you care about privacy and time. A shared cruise may cost less per person, but you will have less control over the route and may spend more time waiting for other people. Here, the fast boat and private group can make a one-hour outing efficient.

The value is weaker if you want a long swim. You are paying for access to a private boat, a skipper, equipment, marina and permit costs, and a compact route around Comino. You are not paying for hours on the beach.

Who should choose this boat tour?

I would recommend it to couples who want a short, private coastal outing, families who prefer not to join a large boat, and friends who want a quick swim with plenty of photo opportunities. It also suits people using Cirkewwa or Mgarr as part of a wider Malta and Gozo plan.

The tour is a good fit if you like flexible sightseeing. You can ask to spend more time in a scenic area, avoid the busiest sections, or focus on swimming when conditions and timing allow. The exact route is not described as completely fixed, which is useful on a private charter.

I would be more cautious about booking it for anyone who dislikes boats, needs a long break between activities, or wants a full beach day. The route includes swimming, but it does not promise a long stay at any one lagoon.

People with mobility concerns should ask the operator about boarding and water access before booking. The supplied details do not explain those arrangements, and a small private boat may require a different level of movement than a larger vessel.

Booking details worth checking

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. That is helpful if your Malta plans depend on weather or ferry connections.

The experience is private, with an English-speaking live guide. Masks and snorkels are provided, along with permits, marina fees, and stated entrance fees for the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. Bring a towel and sunglasses, and plan for the additional cash payments.

The departure information needs confirmation because Cirkewwa Cafe, Mgarr, and Xlendi Pleasure Cruises all appear in the supplied details. Contact the operator on WhatsApp if your booking was made in the previous 24 hours, and ask for one clear meeting point in writing.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a private, fast look at Comino rather than a full day beside the water. The captain-only setup, flexible route, snorkel gear, and quick access to both lagoons give you a lot in a short time. Joe and Claivion are names worth requesting if they are available, based on the friendly guiding and useful local advice connected with this experience.

Skip it if your main goal is a long swim or several hours at Blue Lagoon. Before paying, confirm the meeting point and add the €34 skipper fee plus €34 fuel fee to the advertised price. With those details understood, this can be a sharp little outing for seeing Comino without committing your whole day.

FAQ

How long is the private Comino boat tour?

The tour lasts one hour. The route includes several sightseeing areas, Crystal Lagoon, sea caves, and Blue Lagoon.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is listed as Cirkewwa Cafe in Cirkewwa Port. The information also refers to Xlendi Pleasure Cruises, so you should confirm the exact location with the operator before departure.

Where can the tour finish?

The tour information gives Cirkewwa or Mgarr in Gozo as possible endpoints. You should specify your preferred endpoint when booking.

Is this a private boat?

Yes. The boat is for you and the captain only, creating a private group experience.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming is planned at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, with roughly 15 minutes listed at each stop in the detailed route.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are included.

What extra fees must I pay?

The skipper fee is €34, and fuel is €34. Both are paid in cash after the tour and are not included in the advertised $22 per-person price.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.