Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Comino Caves Private Boat Tour

The best part of this tour is the freedom of having a private RIB boat in one of Malta’s busiest coastal areas. Instead of following a large group, you can ask the captain to adjust the pace, spend more time in the water, or make the most of a short visit. The route packs Comino’s main sights into two hours, with stops at the Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, caves, and rocky coast.

I especially like the small-group format for up to eight people and the strong boat, powered by a Yamaha V6 250 engine. The tour also includes snorkeling gear, bottled water, and an ice cooler, which means fewer things to arrange before you set off.

The main drawback is the short running time. Two hours goes quickly, and the listed fuel surcharge of 99 euros is extra, so the final cost is higher than the headline price. This is best for a focused taste of Comino, not a slow full-day cruise.

Key things to know before you book

• A real private boat experience: The boat is reserved for your group, with pickup options at Ghajnsielem, Mellieha, Cirkewwa Terminal, or Mgarr Marina depending on the arrangement.
• Several swimming stops in two hours: Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are the main water stops, with additional swimming time near Elephant Rock and Comino’s coast.
• Francesco may be your captain: Past guests specifically praised Francesco and his brother for being friendly, adaptable, and willing to shape the trip around the group.
• The caves are a major highlight: The captain takes the RIB through narrow coastal passages and grottos where sunlight plays across the water.
• The price works best for a group: The advertised rate is $234 for up to eight people, but you must add the 99-euro fuel surcharge.
• Bring proper swim gear: Pack a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and beachwear. The operator supplies snorkeling equipment and water.

Why a private RIB makes a difference around Comino

Comino’s best-known waters are beautiful, but they are not a secret. The Blue Lagoon can draw plenty of boats, especially in the warmer months. A private RIB gives you a more personal way to see the area and avoids the fixed rhythm of a large sightseeing boat.

You can sit with your own group, ask questions in English or Maltese, and decide how much time to give each stop. The powerful Yamaha 250 V6 engine also matters because the boat can move quickly between coves and landmarks. That helps the captain cover a lot of ground during a two-hour outing.

A RIB is not a luxury yacht with a shaded cabin and a wide, padded deck. It is a fast, open boat built for access and speed. You will feel the movement of the sea, especially if conditions are choppy, and you should expect sun exposure. The reward is a closer connection to the water and easier access to narrow coastal areas.

The group limit of eight is a useful middle ground. It works for a family, two couples, or a group of friends, while still leaving the trip feeling personal. If you are traveling alone or as a pair, the cost is less attractive because the price is set per group rather than per person.

Crystal Lagoon gives you the first proper swim

The first major water stop is Crystal Lagoon, where the water is calm and clear enough for swimming and snorkeling. You can use the supplied mask and snorkel, take photographs, or simply cool off while the boat sits in the sheltered water.

I like this stop because it gives you a chance to settle into the boat and the sea before reaching the more famous Blue Lagoon. The time listed here is about 20 minutes, so you should not expect a long beach break. It is enough for a quick swim and a look beneath the surface, but you will need to be ready to get back aboard when the captain calls time.

The clear water is the attraction, but the boat cannot guarantee perfect swimming conditions. Weather, wind, and sea conditions can change the feel of any Maltese coastal stop. If you are bringing children, keep in mind that the schedule is active and includes getting in and out of the water several times.

Blue Lagoon is the signature stop

The Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and Cominotto and is the image most people associate with this part of Malta. The water is famously turquoise, and the boat cruise gives you a view of the lagoon from the sea before you stop for swimming or snorkeling.

The planned visit lasts around 20 minutes. That is enough for a refreshing swim, but it is not enough for a long, unhurried afternoon. You will want to have your towel, sunscreen, and camera ready before the boat reaches the lagoon. The GoPro mentioned by the operator can help you record time in the water, although you should confirm its availability and use with the crew before setting off.

The Blue Lagoon is a scenic highlight, but it is also the place where the tour may feel least secluded. The private boat gives you control over your own group, not exclusive use of the lagoon. I would treat this stop as a chance to swim in a famous setting, then enjoy the quieter coves and rock formations elsewhere along the route.

Comino’s caves bring the most character

The Comino caves are where this trip becomes more than a quick lagoon visit. The RIB can approach narrow passages and coastal grottos that are difficult to appreciate from a larger boat. Light reflects off the water and rock, creating changing patterns as you move through the openings.

The route includes Santa Maria Caves for about 10 minutes, with time for a close look and photographs. The captain’s handling matters here. The supplied description promises guidance through tight passages, but access depends on sea conditions and the boat’s safe operating limits. If wind or swell makes a passage unsuitable, the captain may need to alter the route.

One past account described swimming into deep caves and jumping from rocky ledges. Those details show the sort of active outing this can become, but they should not be treated as guaranteed parts of every trip. Do not jump unless the captain says it is safe, and ask before swimming near any cave entrance.

The caves are also one reason to bring a dry bag or waterproof phone case, although neither is listed as included. You will be near spray and water throughout the trip, and a camera is useful only if you can protect it.

Saint Mary’s Tower, Santa Marija Bay, and Elephant Rock

Saint Mary’s Tower gives the tour a strong visual landmark on Comino’s rugged coast. The stop is listed as a short 10-minute visit for photographs, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. You will mainly see the tower from the boat, with the captain adding context about the area.

Santa Marija Bay follows as a brief five-minute visit. This is more of a scenic pause than a long beach stay, so use it to take photographs and enjoy the quieter view before the boat moves on.

Elephant Rock is given the longest listed stop, around 30 minutes. Its distinctive shape makes it one of the route’s most memorable sights, and the area also allows swimming and snorkeling. This is likely your best chance to spend extra time in the water after the two lagoons.

The schedule shows how tightly arranged the trip is. Saint Mary’s Tower, Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, Cominotto, and a pass by Gozo all fit into a short period. I would expect a brisk outing with little wasted time, not a leisurely cruise with long pauses at every point.

Cominotto and the view toward Gozo

Cominotto is visited for about five minutes, mainly for photographs, sightseeing, and a boat cruise. It is close to the Blue Lagoon and helps you understand the shape of the small islands around Comino. This is a quick look rather than a shore excursion.

The route then passes by Gozo for about 10 minutes. The wider tour description also refers to the southern coast of Gozo and a secluded beach, but the detailed schedule describes Gozo as a pass-by stop. I would therefore confirm with the operator if reaching a beach on Gozo is important to you.

That distinction matters. You should book this trip for Comino’s water and caves first, with Gozo as an added coastal view. If your main goal is to spend time on a Gozo beach, a longer Gozo-focused boat trip would be a better fit.

What the captain adds to the experience

A private boat is only as good as the person running it. Francesco is specifically associated with this experience, and past guests praised his friendly manner, local knowledge, and willingness to adapt the outing. His brother may also be involved, and the pair made one family’s trip work well for children aged 3, 8, and 11.

That family detail is useful. The tour can suit children, but parents should still consider the open RIB, repeated boarding, swimming stops, and fast movement across the water. It is not suitable for people with back problems or heart problems, and anyone uneasy on a small fast boat should choose a gentler option.

The guide speaks English and Maltese. Expect information about Comino’s history, rock formations, and sea life as you move between stops. The setting does much of the work, but good commentary helps you notice why the coast looks the way it does.

Price, fuel surcharge, and overall value

The advertised cost is $234 for a private group of up to eight people. Split among eight, that is a strong price for a private boat. Split between two people, it becomes a much more expensive way to spend two hours.

You must also account for the 99-euro fuel surcharge. This is not a minor add-on, so include it when comparing this outing with shared boat trips. The final value depends on your group size, pickup needs, and how much you care about avoiding a crowded boat.

The included snorkeling gear, bottled water, and ice cooler are practical touches. You do not need to hire basic equipment separately, and the cooler is useful in Malta’s strong sun. Some past outings also included fresh snacks, but snacks are not listed as a standard inclusion, so do not count on them.

I would consider the price worthwhile for a group of five to eight people that wants privacy and a fast route through Comino. For a couple, the private setting may still be worth it, but you should compare the total price with a shared cruise or a longer charter.

Timing, pickup, and what to bring

Pickup and drop-off options include Ghajnsielem and Mellieha, with the operator also offering arrangements at Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta or Mgarr Marina in Gozo. Confirm your preferred meeting point when booking, since the starting location affects how easy the outing is to fit into your day.

The tour lasts two hours, with starting times available based on the date. Extra hours can be requested in advance. I would ask about this before booking if you want a slower pace, more swimming time, or a longer look at Gozo.

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear. Wear something that can handle spray and sun, and keep valuables secure. The boat supplies snorkeling equipment and water, but personal water shoes, a waterproof phone case, or a dry bag may make the outing easier.

Bad weather can lead to cancellation. That is sensible for an open boat, and you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. The operator also offers reserve-now, pay-later booking, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to families, small groups of friends, and couples who place a high value on privacy. It suits people who want several famous Comino sights in a short time and who are happy to swim from the boat rather than spend hours on shore.

It is also a good choice if you have been warned away from crowded group cruises. One past guest changed plans after seeing an overcrowded option suggested by a hotel, then found this private trip much more personal. That is a useful comparison point, especially in the busy summer season.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking a quiet, slow cruise, a large shaded deck, or a full day on Gozo. People with back or heart problems should not book it, and anyone who dislikes fast open boats may be more comfortable on a larger vessel.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon private boat tour?

Book it if you are traveling with a group, want your own boat, and care more about variety than long stays at one beach. The caves, Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Elephant Rock, and Saint Mary’s Tower create a busy but rewarding route, while Francesco and his crew can adjust the feel of the trip around your group.

Before paying, calculate the full cost with the 99-euro fuel surcharge and confirm the pickup point. If you can accept the short two-hour schedule and open-boat conditions, this is a practical way to see Comino’s best coastal sights without joining a large cruise.

FAQ

How long does the private boat tour last?

The tour lasts two hours. Additional hours may be requested in advance if you want more time on the water.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers a private group of up to eight people.

What locations does the route include?

The route includes Saint Mary’s Tower, Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, Cominotto, and a pass by Gozo.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and an ice cooler are included.

Where can pickup and drop-off take place?

Pickup and drop-off options include Ghajnsielem and Mellieha. The operator also offers pickup arrangements at Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta or Mgarr Marina in Gozo.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The reservation may be cancelled because of adverse weather conditions. The operator says safety comes first and will notify you if the plans change. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.