Malta: Blue Lagoon and Comino Island tour

The best part of this Malta boat trip is simple: you get the whole boat to yourself, with only your group and the captain aboard. Instead of following a fixed crowd, you can spend more time swimming, stop for photos, play your own music, or ask to see more caves and quiet corners around Comino.

I especially like the choice of departure from Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour, and the useful onboard kit: snorkels, floaties, an ice box, a shower, shade, and USB charging. The captains also add real value. Momo, Adin, Noel, Elton, and several others are praised for taking photos, helping nervous swimmers, and adjusting the route to the weather.

The main catch is that the price needs careful checking. The advertised rate is $164 per group of up to six, but the information also says fuel and the captain are paid separately as group costs. Ask for the full total before booking, as one four-star rating specifically flagged unexpected extra charges.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to six: You pay by group, not by person, making the trip especially appealing for families and small groups.
• Two famous swimming stops: Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are the main attractions, with snorkelling gear and floaties supplied.
• Local captains shape the day: Momo, Adin, Noel, Elton, and others have helped with photos, cave visits, swimming confidence, and route choices.
• Two convenient starting points: Pick Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, depending on where you are staying.
• Useful comforts onboard: Expect a sun shade, cushions, shower, ice box, Bluetooth stereo, USB charging, and safety equipment.
• Best for active groups: You should be comfortable getting into the water and moving around a small boat. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Why a private boat changes the Blue Lagoon experience

The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous sights, but fame brings crowds. A shared cruise can give you the same bright water and cliff views, yet it may leave you waiting for everyone else to board, swim, or take photos.

This private charter gives you more control. You can tell the captain what matters most: longer swims, more sightseeing, cave visits, a relaxed pace, or an early start. You still visit popular places, but you are not locked into the rhythm of a large group.

That flexibility matters most for families and small celebrations. A couple can keep the trip quiet. A family can give a child time to feel comfortable before getting into the water. A group celebrating a birthday or bachelorette event can connect a phone to the Bluetooth stereo and set its own mood.

The boat carries up to six people plus the captain. That is a small enough group for personal attention, but large enough to make the group price attractive. At the listed $164, the base rate works out to about $27 per person for six people, before any separately charged captain or fuel costs. For two people, it becomes much less of a bargain, so group size is central to the value.

Choosing Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour

You can start at Cirkewwa on Malta or Mgarr Harbour on Gozo. This is useful because the tour fits naturally into a day on either island, rather than forcing you to cross to the other side before the boat trip begins.

If you are staying in Malta, Cirkewwa is the practical choice. If you are spending time on Gozo, Mgarr Harbour avoids an unnecessary land transfer. Confirm the exact meeting point and final drop-off details before you go, since the departure option affects the way you plan the rest of your day.

The listed information also gives three possible drop-off references around Cirkewwa: the Fisheries Office, Cirkewwa Cafe, and Ċirkewwa. Ask the captain which point applies to your booking.

Tour times can be adjusted if you contact the captain in advance. The usual choices run for two or three hours, with availability determining the start time. If swimming is your main goal, the three-hour option is the safer pick. One person who chose two hours wished they had booked three because there was so much to see.

An early start can help. A 9am departure was described as less crowded and less hot, while still providing good swimming conditions. It will not make Blue Lagoon empty, but it can give you a calmer first hour than a later departure.

Crystal Lagoon: cliffs, clear water, and the first swim

Crystal Lagoon is generally the first major stop. The boat pauses for photographs, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkelling, with about an hour allocated in the stated itinerary.

This is a strong opening because you get a scenic view before the busiest part of the day. The water is celebrated for its clarity, and the surrounding cliffs and caves give you plenty to look at from the boat as well as from the water.

The supplied snorkels let you see below the surface without bringing your own equipment. Floaties and pool noodles are useful in open water, especially if you want to relax without constantly treading water. The boat’s shower is handy after a swim, though you should still bring your own towel.

The captain may adjust the stop based on conditions. Wind and waves can affect which areas are comfortable or safe. One October trip took place on a windy day, and the captain’s handling of the waves became an important part of the experience. That is a reminder that the route is not entirely fixed.

If you are taking photos, the first stop is a good time to use the camera before everyone is wet. Captains have also taken photos and videos for people onboard, a small service that makes a difference when nobody wants to stay behind the camera.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shoreline

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and you will have time to swim and snorkel there. The color is the main attraction, with pale water contrasting against the rock and surrounding island views.

It is also the place most likely to feel crowded. A private boat does not make the lagoon private. Other boats and swimmers may still be present, especially later in the day.

The advantage is that your captain can choose an anchor position with a good view and easier water access. One family said their captain found a prime place despite the crowds, allowing them to swim in a particularly attractive section of the lagoon.

A morning departure is worth considering if Blue Lagoon is your priority. The earlier 9am trip had fewer people than later visits, though it was not completely quiet. You will also avoid some of the strongest midday heat.

For children or hesitant swimmers, the private format is useful. Captains have helped young swimmers from the boat into the water while they wore life jackets, and one captain encouraged a nine-year-old who was nervous at first. That does not replace adult supervision, but it can make the first step easier.

The listed equipment includes safety gear, snorkels, and floaties. Bring sunscreen and reapply it often. The water may feel refreshing, but you are exposed to the sun while floating, swimming, and sitting on deck.

Comino’s caves and the scenery between stops

The boat trip is not only about getting from one lagoon to another. The route includes sightseeing around Comino, with views of cliffs, caves, and the coastline.

The exact caves depend on the weather and the captain’s judgment. Several captains are described as stopping by caves, explaining the area, and, in some cases, swimming with the group through cave areas. Treat this as a possible part of the outing rather than a guaranteed cave exploration in a particular location.

The boat gives you a better view of the rock formations than you get from shore. You can look back at the cliffs, watch the water change color, and take wide photographs of Comino and nearby Gozo.

This is where the local captain matters. The captains come from the area or have strong knowledge of the route, and several have shared facts about Gozo, Comino, and the caves. Their role is not a formal historical tour in the usual sense. It is more like having a local driver on the water who knows which view is worth a pause.

A short five-minute stop is also listed for a visit, guided sightseeing, or sunset, depending on the selected timing. Do not plan the whole trip around sunset unless that option is confirmed, since the standard experience is only two to three hours.

Gozo views and a flexible route

The itinerary includes scenic views toward Gozo, with another opportunity for swimming and snorkelling. This may be part of the route when conditions and timing allow, particularly for trips leaving or returning through Mgarr Harbour.

Gozo adds variety to the trip. Instead of seeing only the two famous lagoons, you can look across the water toward the island and take in the coast from a different angle. Ask the captain how much time is available if you want to spend more of the tour swimming near Gozo.

The route is shaped by weather. That is a good thing for safety, but it also means you should not expect every trip to look identical. Wind can make some cave areas uncomfortable, and waves may prevent access to a particular lagoon. One trip could not reach Blue Lagoon because of the conditions, although the rest of the private cruise still went ahead.

That possibility is worth accepting before you book. The water and scenery are the draw, but the captain must make the final call. A flexible attitude will make the trip better.

What is provided, and what you should pack

The boat includes more than just a seat and an engine. You get safety equipment, snorkelling gear, floaties, cushions, a sun shade, an ice box, a shower, Bluetooth audio, USB charging, and port fees.

The ice box is not stocked with food or drinks. Bring your own refreshments, and do not forget that food and beverages are excluded. Some people have brought snacks and connected their own music, which makes the private boat feel more like a personal outing than a standard excursion.

Pack:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Camera or phone
• Food and drinks
• Any personal swimming aids you prefer

The boat has a sun shade, but you should not assume you will be covered every minute. Sunscreen is essential, especially during the swimming stops. A towel is not provided, and the shower is useful for rinsing off rather than replacing one.

Weapons and sharp objects are not allowed. Unaccompanied minors are also not allowed, and the experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Captain service is a major part of the value

The boat itself is only half the experience. The captain determines how safe, relaxed, and personal the trip feels.

Momo is repeatedly praised for friendly energy, family support, photos, music, and finding attractive swimming spots. Adin is noted for careful handling in windy conditions and for helping place the boat well at Blue Lagoon. Noel has been praised for a warm welcome, local information, and a relaxed approach.

Elton has taken groups to scenic places and even swum with them near caves. Other captains, including Lyndon, Martin, Nick, Ryan, Owen, Zlatko, Feby, Joe, Lindon, Reby, and Mamat, are also named in positive accounts for kindness, humor, local facts, or practical help.

You should not expect one identical style from every captain. Some are chatty and playful. Others may focus more on navigation and scenery. If you have a strong preference for swimming time, music, photos, or cave visits, say so at the start.

The captain is also responsible for judging conditions. That may mean changing the route, shortening a stop, or skipping a cave. It is a safety feature, not a failure of the tour.

Price, extra costs, and real value

The listed price is $164 per group of up to six. That makes the tour most attractive for a full group. Six people sharing the base price pay far less each than two people sharing it.

The inclusions add value: equipment rental, port fees, onboard storage for refreshments, music, charging, and a private captain-led route. A shared cruise may cost less per person, but it will not give you the same control over timing or swimming.

Read the cost details carefully. The information also says fuel and the captain are not included and will be paid as group costs rather than per person. This conflicts with the simple headline price, so ask for a complete price breakdown before confirming.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 198 reviews, with a 93 percent perfect score for transport. That strong record fits the most consistent strengths: clean boats, friendly captains, smooth communication, good swimming stops, and a sense of personal space.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta schedule may change, but you should still confirm the weather policy and final extras directly before the trip.

Who should book this boat trip

I would recommend it most strongly to families, couples, and groups of friends who want time in the water without sharing a large boat.

It is particularly good for:

• Families with children who may need extra help entering the water
• Small groups celebrating a special occasion
• Couples who want a quieter outing
• Snorkellers who want flexible swim time
• People who enjoy taking photos and playing their own music
• Visitors staying near Cirkewwa or Mgarr Harbour

It is less suitable if you want a formal, long historical tour, a fully accessible boat, or a guaranteed route regardless of wind. It is also less economical for only one or two people if the separate fuel and captain charges remain high.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and Comino tour?

Book it if you value privacy, swimming time, and a flexible route more than the lowest possible price. The private boat, personal captain, snorkelling gear, floaties, music, and photo help create a relaxed day around Comino that a large cruise cannot easily match.

Choose three hours if your schedule allows. Start early if Blue Lagoon is your main goal. Confirm the full price, meeting point, and weather plan before paying.

If those details suit you, this is a strong way to see Malta’s most famous water from the right angle: close to the sea, free to set your own pace, and with enough room for the captain to make the day feel personal.

FAQ

How much does the private boat tour cost?

The listed price is $164 per group of up to six people. The information also says fuel and the captain are separate group costs, so confirm the complete total before booking.

How long is the boat trip?

The experience lasts two to three hours. A three-hour option gives you more time for swimming, caves, and sightseeing.

Where does the tour depart?

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

Which places will the boat visit?

The route includes Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Comino, nearby caves, and scenic views toward Gozo. The exact route can change with weather and sea conditions.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment and floaties are included, along with safety equipment.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own refreshments. An ice box is provided onboard.

Can I play my own music?

Yes. The boat has Bluetooth audio equipment and a USB charging point.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a camera. Food and drinks are also useful since they are not included.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. Unaccompanied minors are also not allowed.