Reviewed · BLUE LAGOON SWIM STOPS
Comino Blue Lagoon and Gozo-Sea Star Boat Private Tour
Blue Lagoon daydreams start here. This private Comino and Gozo sea tour strings together the island highlights into one smooth half-day to full-day outing, with swimming stops and time for easy snorkeling. You get Comino’s most famous waters plus Gozo bays, all paced by the boat, not by a bus schedule.
I really like the practical side: snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew runs multiple water stops so you are not stuck just staring at the map. I also like that the plan includes both big-name locations and quieter breathing space, like Santa Maria Bay, so the day does not feel like one long photo sprint.
One consideration: the best time in this area depends on weather and sea conditions. This trip requires good weather, so if the day is rough, the operator may reschedule or refund.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around
- A private Comino and Gozo boat day that actually feels paced
- Timing, duration, and what 2 to 6 hours means in real life
- The meeting point and the pickup choice you should think through
- Blue Lagoon stop: the must-do swim with a good anchor spot
- Crystal Lagoon: caves, free masks, and movie-story cave vibes
- Gozo south coast around Qala: beaches plus a gorge reached by boat
- Santa Maria Bay: the quieter sandy break on Comino
- Elephant Rock: a quick photo pass worth keeping your camera ready
- Santa Maria Caves: a short cave-system visit with filming connections
- Snorkeling gear, masks, and the practical “pack for the sea” checklist
- Price and value: what $1,130.75 per group gets you
- Service quality: what matters once you are on the water
- Who this tour suits best
- Should you book this Comino Blue Lagoon and Gozo tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Comino Blue Lagoon and Gozo private boat tour?
- What group size is this private tour for?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- Is lunch included?
- Do you offer pickup from residences?
- What is the cancellation policy if the weather is bad?
Key things I’d plan around

- A private group setup for up to 15 people means you can keep your schedule tighter than on a large shared boat.
- Two major Comino swim stops (Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon) plus a bonus beach option give you variety without rushing.
- Snorkel masks and gear are on the list, so you can travel lighter.
- Gozo’s Qala coast and Bemberin Gorge add a different feel from Comino, with beaches and caves reached by boat.
- Santa Maria Caves are brief but memorable, with cave entrances used in filming.
- Optional pickup is available for an added cost, which matters if you do not want to self-transport to the boat.
A private Comino and Gozo boat day that actually feels paced

Comino and Gozo are the kind of places where everyone wants the same shots. The smart move is to do it by boat, with anchoring time at a few key spots and the flexibility to spend your energy in the water instead of on transit.
This tour works because it mixes the headline sights with some breathing room. You hit the big Comino water stops first, then shift to Gozo beaches and cave country, and finish with another Comino area where you can admire cave systems. If you like variety, you get it in one trip.
More swim stops at the Blue Lagoon:
Timing, duration, and what 2 to 6 hours means in real life

The listed duration is about 2 to 6 hours, and the route itself totals around 6 hours of planned stop time. Blue Lagoon is set at 2 hours, Crystal Lagoon at 1 hour 30 minutes, Gozo at 1 hour, Santa Maria Bay at 1 hour, and Santa Maria Caves for about 30 minutes.
In practice, the exact flow depends on sea conditions and how long you linger in the water. If the sea is calm and everyone is enjoying snorkeling, you will likely use the time well. If the conditions are choppy, the crew will prioritize safe cruising and anchoring.
Because it is a private tour, you do not have to share the boat with strangers who might be slow to get back on board. That is a small thing, but it often makes the day feel smoother.
The meeting point and the pickup choice you should think through

The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you are not signing up for a one-way transfer day. The operator offers optional private taxi, van, or coach transfers to and from your residence for an additional cost.
If you are traveling with a group and you want an easier day, pickup can be worth it. If you are staying near public transport, you may decide to handle getting to the meeting point on your own to keep costs down.
Also worth noting: confirmation is received at booking time, and the tour runs in English. Service animals are allowed, and the trip is described as safe and suitable for most guests.
Blue Lagoon stop: the must-do swim with a good anchor spot
Blue Lagoon by Comino is the centerpiece of the day. You are going to West Comino, on the coast between Malta and Gozo, where the water is shallow and clear enough for snorkeling to feel worthwhile.
The key detail is that the boat anchors at what the operator calls the best spot in the lagoon. That matters because in places like this, the difference between a good and okay anchoring position can affect how easy it is to hop in, see fish, and avoid the hassle of trying to swim too far.
You get about 2 hours here. That is long enough to do more than one swim, rinse off, and still have time to take photos without feeling rushed. If you want to snorkel, use that first chance to get comfortable early, before the water and sun conditions change.
Practical tip: bring water shoes if you have them. Even where the water looks perfect, the seabed can be uneven in real life.
Crystal Lagoon: caves, free masks, and movie-story cave vibes
Next comes Crystal Lagoon, on the northwest side of Comino. This stop is about crystal-clear turquoise water, cave areas, and swimming or snorkeling over sandy patches.
You spend about 1 hour 30 minutes here, and the operator provides snorkeling masks free. That is useful because it removes the need to rent gear elsewhere or worry about bringing your own.
Two things make this stop feel special. First, the caves can be shallow in places with sandy beds, which helps if you want an easier snorkeling experience. Second, there is a cave storytelling element built in, with references to filming locations such as Lovers Cave and Popeye’s Cave. Even if you are not a movie person, it helps you know what to look at when you see entrances and rock textures.
The operator also notes that bream fish is very common here. You might spot them, and even if you do not, the water clarity is usually the star.
More of Gozo, by boat and by road:
- Malta: Gozo, Comino, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, & Caves Cruise★ 4.6 · 5,092 reviews
- From Malta: Full-Day Gozo UTV Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride★ 4.6 · 4,408 reviews
- From Sliema: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise★ 4.5 · 3,461 reviews
- From Malta: Gozo Day Trip Including Ggantija Temples★ 4.2 · 2,399 reviews
- Sliema: Boat Trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Caves★ 4.8 · 2,061 reviews
Gozo south coast around Qala: beaches plus a gorge reached by boat
After Comino, you shift to Gozo, cruising by the south coast in the Qala area. This is where the day changes pace. You are no longer chasing the most crowded bay in Malta, you are moving through a stretch of coastline with beaches, small inlets, and hidden rock formations.
You get about 1 hour on this portion, with stops and visits described around Tal-Halfa beach, Hondoq Bay, and Bemberin gorge.
- Tal-Halfa beach sits behind a big solitary rock called Halfa Rock, which is described as full of history. The value here is the setting. You are swimming in a clay-rich beach area, with a dramatic rock backdrop.
- Hondoq Bay is another swimmable option with pebbly shore and blue-turquoise water. The pebbles can be a good excuse to slow down and enjoy the water temperature and light rather than treating it like a speed stop.
- Bemberin gorge is the standout if you like cave views. It is described as a hidden inlet only accessed by boat, with magnificent caves. The operator also points out that this is a spot for cliff-jumpers, so if you prefer calmer swimming with fewer spectators, you might want to time your swim window carefully.
If you are thinking about what to bring for this part: pack light, because one hour moves by fast.
Santa Maria Bay: the quieter sandy break on Comino

Then you get Santa Maria Bay, a small sandy beach on Comino that is described as quieter than the better-known Blue Lagoon, with about a 20-minute walk between the two areas.
This is your chance to slow down. The waters are shallow and clear, and the setting includes tamarisk trees that provide shade from the summer sun. There is also a small detail that helps the logistics: the bay sits next to Comino’s police station, which keeps control of boats around Comino.
The possible drawback is also part of the reality here. The operator notes there might be dead algae on the shore due to currents. That does not usually mean the water is bad, but it can affect how you feel about sitting right at the edge.
Practical move: if you find algae at your feet, shift slightly to a cleaner patch. The bay is small enough that you can adjust without feeling like you are starting over.
Elephant Rock: a quick photo pass worth keeping your camera ready
On the way, the boat passes an Elephant Rock, a natural arch on the east side of Comino. It is shaped like an elephant with its head dipping in the water for a drink.
This is not described as a stop you get off for. Still, it is the sort of structure that photographs better when you are ready. If you like instant, satisfying coastline shots, keep your camera accessible and be ready for the moment when the boat swings past.
Santa Maria Caves: a short cave-system visit with filming connections
The day finishes with Santa Maria Caves on the north side of Comino. This is described as a popular spot because of its cave systems, specifically shallow caves that form a series of five.
The time here is about 30 minutes, so think of it as an admiring-and-snapping-on-the-water stop, not a long exploration. The settings and cave entrances were also used for filming, including the movie Count of Monte Cristo.
If you love the feeling of being near rock formations that look like they were carved by time, this last stop delivers without draining your energy. It is also a good way to end a day that has already included plenty of swimming.
Snorkeling gear, masks, and the practical “pack for the sea” checklist
This tour includes snorkeling equipment, and at Crystal Lagoon you also get snorkeling masks free. That is one of the easiest value wins in the plan. Instead of checking multiple rental places or relying on borrowed gear, you show up and get ready right away.
You also get a cooler box with complimentary cooling ice. That is specifically helpful if you bring your own snacks or drinks for the day.
Lunch is not included, and food and drinks are not part of the package. The plan gives you two realistic options: bring your own, or stop at Gozo Mgarr Harbour to buy. If you want to keep the day stress-free, I recommend bringing something simple that does not melt quickly, plus water.
Small comfort note: with multiple swim stops, you will want dry socks and maybe a light towel. Those little extras can turn a good day into a comfortable one.
Price and value: what $1,130.75 per group gets you
The price is $1,130.75 per group, up to 15 people. That sounds steep if you think per person, but it only really makes sense when you treat it as a private boat cost you split.
If you fill the full group size of 15, the math works out to roughly $75 per person, before optional transfer costs. If you are a smaller group, your per-person cost rises, but you are paying for privacy, pacing, and a crew focused on your group’s timing.
This tour also includes fuel surcharge and snorkeling equipment, and the stop admissions are listed as free at the time windows above. The practical value is that you are buying time at the water, not just transportation to a single beach.
Also pay attention to the optional pickup. If your group is big enough, it can still be a reasonable add-on. If you are only a couple of people, it might be smarter to handle getting to the meeting point on your own.
Service quality: what matters once you are on the water
The biggest praise in this kind of tour usually has nothing to do with the view and everything to do with how the day runs. Here, the tone is about communication and attention to detail.
On past trips, the crew includes Joseph and Frankie, and the vibe described is kind and attentive without being intrusive. You can expect the boat to feel clean and spacious, which matters when you are putting towels, bags, and snorkel gear in the same area for hours.
The other big quality signal is that the swimming locations chosen are described as the right places, with everyone in the group benefiting. When a crew gets the anchoring and timing right, you waste less time and see more.
Who this tour suits best
This is a great fit if you want a classic Comino-and-Gozo day but hate the feeling of being herded. You get a private setup, English service, and enough stop time to actually swim and snorkel more than once.
It also works well for groups up to 15 that want a shared plan. Families or mixed-age groups can often enjoy it too, since the trip is described as safe and suitable for all type of guests.
If you are the kind of person who wants a single long beach lounging block, you might feel the day moves between stops. But if you like variety, this itinerary is built for you.
Should you book this Comino Blue Lagoon and Gozo tour?
Book it if you want a private, boat-led route that hits the best water stops, provides snorkeling gear, and gives you enough time at each location to enjoy the sea rather than just tour it.
Skip it or rethink if you are traveling as a small party that would pay a high per-person cost, or if you hate the idea that weather affects the day. This experience requires good weather, and that can change plans.
If you want an authentic Malta day that feels like you are exploring rather than commuting, this is a strong choice. Just plan on bringing snacks, water, and a camera you can access quickly when Elephant Rock comes into view.
FAQ
How long is the Comino Blue Lagoon and Gozo private boat tour?
The duration is listed as approximately 2 to 6 hours, depending on the day and conditions.
What group size is this private tour for?
It is a private tour for your group only, with a price set per group of up to 15 people.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and snorkeling masks are provided for free at Crystal Lagoon.
Is lunch included?
No. Food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own, or the tour includes an option to stop at Gozo Mgarr Harbour to buy.
Do you offer pickup from residences?
Optional private taxi, van, or coach transfers are available to and from your residence to the boat for an additional cost.
What is the cancellation policy if the weather is bad?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
More Boat Trips in Malta
- From Sliema: Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise
★ 4.5 · 3,792 reviews - Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves Cruise
★ 4.7 · 2,882 reviews - From Sliema: Cruise Around Malta’s Harbours & Creeks
★ 4.5 · 2,292 reviews - Malta: The Three Fortified Cities Tour including Boat Trip
★ 4.5 · 1,952 reviews
Just landed: new Malta pages
Blue Lagoon Swim Stops, compared.

Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour
Read our review →
Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Seacaves Tour
Read our review →
Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran
Read our review →
Gozo, Comino, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, & Caves Cruise
Read our review →
Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise
Read our review →
Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves Cruise
Read our review →
Boat Trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Caves
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in










