Private Boat Tour: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Comino and Gozo

Malta’s blue water runs the whole show. This private boat tour for up to 8 focuses on crowd-free anchoring and swim time at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. The one drawback to plan for is the €79 fuel surcharge per booking, paid in cash.

Pickup can make the day easy, with departures from Cirkewwa on Malta or Mġarr Harbour on Gozo. English-speaking skippers also seem to be a big part of the appeal, with people calling out captains like Justin, Ginger, Upie, and Lucas for keeping things fun, smooth, and safe.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel on the Water

• Private charter for up to 8 people, so you can move at your group’s pace
• Blue Lagoon time without the ferry crush, anchored in quieter water
• Crystal Lagoon plus sea caves including L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf for photo-ready blue reflections
• Comino Island scenery from the water, including St Mary’s Tower (Comino Tower) views
• Extra snorkeling options like Cominotto Reef, Imriek Reef, and the P31 wreck (conditions permitting)

How This 2-Hour Private Boat Day Works

This tour is built for one thing: maximizing time in Comino’s clear water without wasting hours in transit or waiting in crowds. With a private speedboat setup for a small group (up to 8), you get to hop between anchorages and snorkel spots on the skipper’s plan, with the option to tweak the itinerary to your interests.

The whole experience runs about 2 hours, so it’s not a slow, sightseeing-only cruise. It’s more like a carefully timed water day: a couple of real swimming stops, plus short look-and-photo moments for the scenery.

One smart tip that shows up again and again in how people recommend this kind of tour: if you can, go early. An early start around 8 am tends to mean calmer water and less chaos around the Blue Lagoon area.

Price and Value, Plus the €79 Fuel Surcharge Reality

The headline price is $204.37 per group (up to 8). That’s what makes this a strong option for families and small friend groups, because you are paying for the boat and skipper, not per person. If you split the cost across 6-8 people, it can feel like a no-brainer compared to the cost of multiple tickets and transfers.

But there’s an important cost note: there is a €79 fuel surcharge per booking. People specifically mention paying this in cash, and the operator response also confirms it is shown in exclusions and confirmation details. So if you book, plan ahead and have cash ready.

What you do get for your money:

• Snorkeling equipment included
• Admission tickets included for several of the listed stops
• A modern boat with shade and space to relax
• A private group so you avoid long waits and crowded anchorages

What you do not get:

• Food served on board (more on that soon)

In short, the pricing makes sense if you want a private boat experience for a small group and you are okay handling that fuel surcharge detail up front.

Cirkewwa or Mġarr Harbour: Your Meeting Point Choice

This is one of those practical tours where logistics matter, because Comino is only accessible by boat. On Malta, the start point is Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, Triq il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa, Malta. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

If you’re staying in Gozo, the departure is from Mġarr Harbour. Pickup can be arranged at either Cirkewwa marina or Gozo marina, depending on where you’re based.

There’s also flexibility worth knowing: the tour can be arranged as a round trip back to your start point, or you can request a drop on the other island. If you are hopping between Malta and Gozo that day, that flexibility can save time and reduce taxi juggling.

For anyone coming from a cruise port, the dock location can be on the opposite side of the island from where you’re staying. Plan time for the ride so you’re not rushing your boat boarding.

Blue Lagoon Stop: Swimming With a Real Escape From Crowds

The Blue Lagoon in Comino is the star for a reason: bright turquoise water and a white sandy seabed that looks unreal. On a ferry day, the area can feel jammed. On a private boat plan, the value is that you can anchor in quieter water, and you’re not squeezed into the same feeding pattern as the day-trippers.

You get about 30 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, with an admission ticket included for that stop. This is the window for:

• Swimming from the boat
• Snorkeling, if you want to explore the seabed
• Just drifting in and enjoying the water color

To make this stop work for your group, think about timing and readiness. Have towels accessible, get your swim gear on quickly, and decide in advance who wants a longer swim versus who is happy with a quick dip and photo.

Also, if you want better water time and fewer waves of people, this is the stop where an early departure can make a noticeable difference.

Crystal Lagoon: Calm Water, Cliff Views, and Cave-Stop Photography

If Blue Lagoon is the postcard, Crystal Lagoon is where you often feel the mood shift. The bay is sheltered, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, with sparkling turquoise water. It’s a great place for people who want swimming time but prefer it less chaotic.

The scheduled time is about 20 minutes, with admission included. This stop is ideal for:

• Quick swims and snorkeling
• Relaxing in calmer water
• Watching the rock walls and caves from above and from the water

Then the tour leans into photos and sea-cave scenery with a stop at L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, also called the Crystal Lagoon Cave. That segment is around 10 minutes, again with admission included. This is one of those places where the cave area creates eye-catching reflections, so it’s worth bringing your phone charged and ready.

A balanced note: people talk about the cave experience as being more about getting close and viewing than actually going deep inside. So set expectations as a boat-side photo moment and a quick swim if conditions allow, not a long cave tour.

Comino Tower and the Island Feel You Can Only Get by Boat

Comino is tiny, car-free, and mostly experienced from the water. Even from the boat, you get that sense of a place that stays quiet compared to the main island bustle.

One of the key scenery moments is St Mary’s Tower, also known as the Comino Tower. The tower was built in 1618 by the Knights of St John. From the boat, you’ll see it perched above the cliffs, and it’s an easy photo stop.

This is also a place that shows why the private angle matters. On a crowded day, you often rush through photos. Here, you get the chance to slow down, frame the tower against the water, and take in views across the Gozo Channel.

Cominotto, Reefs, and Shallow Snorkel Options

Comino’s neighbor on the map is Cominotto Island, a small uninhabited spot opposite Comino. It’s known for a secluded sandy beach and a famous cave passage. Your stop is about 10 minutes, with an admission ticket included.

Cominotto is often described as quieter than the bigger lagoon areas, so it can feel like a mini reset: fewer people, more calm, and an extra chance to swim and snorkel near dramatic limestone edges.

The tour also lists several shallow reef and snorkeling zones:

• Cominotto Reef, known for shallow clear water and sightings such as octopus
• Imriek Reef, a quiet snorkeling area with clear blue water
• Comino Islets cruising, where you may get another swim or a quick jump-in moment depending on conditions
• P31 Wreck, a former patrol boat resting underwater off Comino, popular for snorkeling

A practical expectation to keep: snorkel results depend on visibility, water conditions, and the day’s currents. Even with good equipment, the fish and clarity can vary.

P31 Wreck: A Fun Bonus if the Day Allows It

The P31 Wreck is one of Comino’s best-known underwater sites, especially for people who like a little adventure mixed with relaxation. It’s described as a shallow shipwreck, so it can work well for snorkeling from the boat.

The tour plan includes the option to ask the skipper to anchor above the wreck and snorkel directly from the boat. If you want that extra wow factor beyond just lagoon swimming, this is the stop that can deliver it.

But it’s also a stop that is more weather-dependent than the bigger “anchor in lagoon” style locations. If the sea is rough, your skipper may prioritize calmer anchorages.

Snorkeling Gear, No-Food Plan, and What to Bring

Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to pack your own set. That said, I recommend arriving as if you might want backups. One common complaint in this category is goggles that fog up or not having the exact fit someone expects. If anything feels off, ask your skipper to help you swap gear or fix the fit.

Food is the biggest surprise for first-timers. There is no meal served on board, and you’ll need to plan your own snack strategy. You can bring your own food, or buy from kiosks around the coast.

So what should you bring?

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A small water bottle for the ride
• A snack you like, especially if you are traveling with kids
• Cash for the €79 fuel surcharge

One bonus detail from the real-world experience is that some captains have provided float aids or life vests for children and less confident swimmers. Still, if your child needs a specific type of support, bring what makes you comfortable.

Skippers Make It Work: Justin, Ginger, Upie, Lucas, and More

This is one of those tours where the skipper isn’t just driving. They shape the day through anchor choices, pacing, and how much story time you get.

Names that come up clearly include:

• Justin, praised for making kids laugh and still keeping the trip professional and safe
• Ginger, noted for friendly energy and getting to great anchorages when it gets busier
• Upie, described as helpful with boarding and disembarking, with a smaller boat able to access certain areas
• Lucas, highlighted for safety and making the tour enjoyable for families

Many people also mention that communication before the tour helps, and that the skipper explains what will happen on board. That matters because you want everyone comfortable before you’re out in open water with swim stops coming up fast.

A fair caveat: if you expect a deep guide lecture the entire time, you might find the vibe varies by skipper. Some focus on navigation and getting you to the right spots, while others add more commentary. The fix is simple: ask questions early, especially while you are cruising between islands.

Weather, Water Conditions, and the Realistic Limits

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, it will be canceled and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Even with good weather, water conditions affect how comfortable swim stops feel. Wind and waves can change what anchoring feels like, and that can slightly alter the pace of short stops.

Also, since the itinerary includes reefs and a wreck, it’s worth thinking of those as bonus opportunities rather than guaranteed “always happens” moments. The core value of the day remains Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon time.

Who Should Book This Private Comino and Gozo Boat Tour

This is a strong fit if:

• You want private boating without the chaos of large group day boats
• You have limited time in Malta and want to hit Comino’s best water spots in about 2 hours
• You are traveling with a family or mixed-age group and want the skipper to manage pacing
• You care about swim time and want snorkeling equipment included

It may be less ideal if:

• You want a full day experience with long guided explanations and nonstop stops
• You dislike the idea of planning for a cash fuel surcharge
• You expect every cave area to be explored like a land attraction (you should think boat-side views and quick swims, not deep cave entry)

It’s also a nice option for solo travelers, because the “private boat” concept still lets you move through the day without feeling like you’re stuck in someone else’s group itinerary.

Should You Book This Tour, or Choose Another Malta Option?

My bottom line: if your priority is water time in Comino, and you want to do it with a small private boat instead of waiting your turn at crowded spots, this is the kind of tour that fits.

Book it if you:

• Want Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon time in a tight schedule
• Appreciate flexibility from a skipper like Justin or Ginger
• Plan for the €79 fuel surcharge and bring cash

Consider another option if you:

• Need food included (this tour does not serve it)
• Expect a long, narrative-style guided tour on every stop
• Are not comfortable with weather-dependent changes

If you go in with the right expectations, this is one of the most practical ways to experience Comino’s clear water, caves, and island views without turning your day into a queue.

FAQ

How many people are on the private boat?

The tour is private for your group and supports up to 8 people.

How long is the boat tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

On Malta, it starts at Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal (Triq il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa) and ends back at the meeting point. If you are on Gozo, it starts from Mġarr Harbour.

Do you offer pickup?

Yes. Pickup is offered if you live in mainland Malta (from Cirkewwa) or live in Gozo (from Mġarr Harbour). You can also pick up at either Cirkewwa marina or Gozo marina.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Is food included?

No food is served. You can bring your own food or buy from kiosks along the coast.

Is there any extra cost besides the tour price?

There is a fuel surcharge of €79.00 per booking, and it is not included in the base price.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.