Malta: Blue Lagoon and Comino Island tour

A few hours on a private boat in Malta can feel like a reset button. This charter focuses on the islands’ best swimming spots, with a local captain who shapes the day around your pace and the sea conditions, plus gear onboard so you can get in the water fast.

I especially like the small, private setup (just you and the captain, up to 6 people), and I love that the stops are built around real time in the Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon with snorkelling gear included. The main drawback to plan around is weather and wind, because the captain may adjust where you spend time and what you can fully enjoy on any given day.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter for up to 6 keeps the day calm and flexible.
• Pickup at Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr Harbour (Gozo) lets you start where it’s easiest.
• Crystal Lagoon (about 1 hour) is timed for photo stops and a long snorkel session.
• Blue Lagoon (about 1 hour) is the headline swim, but conditions can affect viewing.
• Comino Caves area plus a quick break gives you both sights and downtime.
• Onboard Bluetooth music and USB charging mean your playlist is part of the trip.

Why a private Blue Lagoon boat charter feels different

The Malta Blue Lagoon can be stunning, but it also attracts crowds and big group schedules. A private boat changes the tempo. You’re not stuck waiting your turn to swim or line up for the next photo.

What you’re paying for is time and control. Your captain brings the plan, the safety gear, and the know-how, while you bring the energy. On the kind of days where the sea is rough, that captain skill matters, and you’ll feel it fast.

Choosing Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour, and how the 2 to 3 hours flow

This trip is short on purpose, usually 2 to 3 hours, so you spend your time where it counts: in the water, not in transit loops. You can start from Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, depending on what you select.

A typical rhythm goes like this:

• Crystal Lagoon first (with a photo stop and sightseeing, then swimming and snorkelling for about an hour)
• Blue Lagoon next (swimming and snorkelling for about an hour)
• Comino area (scenic cruise, caves area sightseeing, then a brief guided window and break)
• A Gozo leg (another chance to swim and snorkel, plus scenic cruising on the way back)

Drop-off is listed as multiple points around Cirkewwa, including the Fisheries Office, Cirkewwa café, and Ċirkewwa. That flexibility can make it easier to continue your day without backtracking.

Crystal Lagoon: best spot for first swims and clear-water photos

The first water stop is Crystal Lagoon, and it’s set up as a mix of cruising, photo moments, and getting wet. Expect time for a photo stop and sightseeing, then about 1 hour for swimming and snorkelling.

Why I like this order: Crystal Lagoon often works well as your warm-up. You get comfortable in the water, you try the snorkelling gear, and you still have enough energy left for Blue Lagoon afterward.

Also, this part of the day is where the calm moments can feel extra rewarding. If you’re traveling with a mix of swimmers and snorkellers, a longer early swim time helps everyone settle into the experience without rushing.

Blue Lagoon, Malta: the main swim and the one weather caveat

Blue Lagoon, Malta is the signature stop, with about 1 hour for swimming and snorkelling. This is the moment most people picture when they choose Comino and the lagoons, with big, open-water views and that famous bright color.

Here’s the only thing to be honest about: sea state matters. The tour info notes that the skipper plans based on daily weather conditions, and that matches what you might experience in real life on a windy day. Even if you still get swimming time, choppy water can change the ride and sometimes limit what you see clearly from the boat.

If you want the best shot at calm conditions, I’d pick the earliest starting time you can. One of the most useful hints from real travel planning is that starting earlier often helps you enjoy the water before it gets busy and before wind picks up.

Comino and the caves: scenic cruising plus short guided time

Comino is where the scenery starts to feel more like a mini adventure. On this route you’ll spend time around Comino with scenic views on the way, then a caves-focused segment listed as hidden caves sightseeing.

The itinerary gives you time in two pieces:

• about 1 hour for Comino sightseeing and scenic views
• plus a short window (listed as about 5 minutes) for break time and a guided moment

I like that structure because it avoids turning Comino into one long, exhausting sit-and-wait. You get viewpoints from the water, then you get a break so you can reset your legs, sunscreen, and camera batteries.

A final leg near Gozo: one more swim and a different coastline feel

After Comino, the tour includes Gozo with about 1 hour for swimming and snorkelling plus scenic views on the way. This last leg is valuable because it adds variety. You see more of the coastline approach, and you get a second chance to swim without it feeling like the whole day is one repeat loop.

If you’re someone who gets anxious about missing out, this extra stop helps. Even if the sea is less cooperative at one lagoon, you may still end with a strong swim session later.

What’s actually on board, and how to pack smarter

This charter is set up to handle the “gear part” of the day. Included items:

• Snorkelling equipment
• Floaties
• Safety equipment
• Shower
• Bluetooth audio (so you can play your own music)
• USB charging point
• Ice box
• Sun shade
• Cushions
• All port fees included

What you bring yourself:

• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Towel
• Camera
• Your own food and drinks (food and drinks are not included)

A small planning trick: bring a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch if you have one. The boat includes a shower, but during the swim segments you’ll still want to protect your phone and camera.

Also check the rules: unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and weapons or sharp objects are not allowed. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so if accessibility is a concern, you’ll want to choose a different style of tour.

Price and value: $164 per group up to 6

At $164 per group (up to 6 people) for a 2 to 3 hour private boat, this can be good value for a few different reasons.

First, you’re not paying per person for the boat experience. With a group of 4 to 6, the cost per person drops fast, and you stop competing with strangers for attention or swim time.

Second, you’re getting included extras that other tour styles often charge for separately, like snorkelling gear, floaties, Bluetooth audio, and an ice box. Those are small items, but they add up when you’re trying to travel light.

One more practical note: the info says captain and fuel are paid as a group, not per person, even though the activity also describes an expert local captain. Because that phrasing can be confusing, I’d confirm the all-in total before you show up, so there are no surprises at the dock.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a more private, peaceful way to see the Comino lagoons
• flexibility if the captain is adjusting routes for wind and conditions
• a short, high-impact trip that still includes real swimming time
• a boat experience with practical comforts like shade, cushions, and a shower after

It can be especially good for families, couples, and small groups because the boat size is small and the captain can tailor the pace. In the kind of situations where kids feel nervous, many captains take a careful approach to getting everyone comfortable, including helping with life jacket confidence before water time.

It’s less ideal if you:

• have mobility limitations that make boarding or movement on a small boat difficult
• need a tour that is entirely weather-proof, because the sea can change how the day plays out

Should you book this Malta Blue Lagoon and Comino charter?

If your priority is swimming in Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon with real privacy and included gear, I think it’s an easy yes, especially if you can go with 3 to 6 people to make the boat cost efficient.

I’d hesitate only if you’re set on perfect conditions. Wind can change the experience, and the captain may adjust stops based on the day. If you’re flexible and you pick a time that gives you the best chance at calmer water, you’ll likely feel like you got exactly what you paid for.

FAQ

Where is the pickup for this tour?

You can choose your pickup point as Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr Harbour (Gozo).

How long does the tour last?

The duration is listed as 2 to 3 hours, depending on the selected starting time and the day’s conditions.

Is this a private boat or a shared cruise?

This is a private group experience. The boat is described as exclusive, with you and the captain onboard, and the group size is up to 6.

What swimming and snorkelling gear is included?

The tour includes snorkelling equipment and floaties, plus a shower onboard.

Can I listen to my own music on the boat?

Yes. The boat includes Bluetooth audio equipment and USB charging.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can bring your own.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring one.

What should I bring for the swim day?

Bring swimwear, sun cream (sunscreen), a towel, and a camera. You should also bring your own food and drinks.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

The activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are unaccompanied minors allowed?

No. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.