REVIEW · CRYSTAL LAGOON TRIPS
Comino Private Boat Tours: Blue/Crystal Lagoon, Malta & Gozo
Crystal-clear water in a one-hour private cruise. I like the private feel, with stops built around what you want to see, plus the included snorkelling equipment so you can get in the water fast. The main tradeoff is simple: with only 1 hour total, your swim time at the big spots is short.
This is a speedboat charter that focuses on Comino and the best lagoon scenery, with cave and photo stops along the way. You’ll also get comfort touches that make a quick trip feel easier, like shaded seating, an ice cooler, and onboard Wi-Fi.
One more thing to consider: the skipper can adjust the route for weather and sea conditions, so think of it as flexible by design, not a rigid checklist.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll actually care about
- What this Comino and Blue Lagoon boat trip feels like in real life
- Getting to the boat: Ċirkewwa or Mġarr Harbour, and why 30 minutes early matters
- The 1-hour route: how the timing works and what to expect at each segment
- Lantern Point and L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz: quick photo wins with big scenery payoff
- Roofless Cave: a cave stop with guided time, not just a photo from the rail
- Crystal Lagoon: your first real swimming and snorkelling window (20 minutes)
- Cominotto: a scenic stop that’s more about views than hanging around
- Blue Lagoon, Malta: free time plus sailing and another snorkel chance (20 minutes)
- Comfort and onboard extras: shade, ice cooler, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth music
- Price and value: what $17 per person really means with the added skipper and fuel
- Who this private charter suits best, and who might want a different option
- Tips to get the best 1-hour experience (and avoid common mistakes)
- Should you book the Comino private boat tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the private boat charter?
- Where do I meet for pickup?
- What are the main stops during the trip?
- What snorkeling equipment is included?
- What’s included on the boat besides the private charter?
- What extra fees should I expect?
- What should I bring with me?
- Can the skipper change the itinerary?
- Is it wheelchair accessible?
- Is there a cancellation option for a full refund?
Key highlights you’ll actually care about

- Private charter momentum: quick speedboat hops mean more water time and fewer “sit and wait” moments
- Crystal Lagoon plus Blue Lagoon: two lagoon experiences in a tight schedule
- Cave and point photo stops: Roofless Cave and several scenic lookouts keep your camera busy
- Included comfort and tech: shade, ice cooler, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth speakers with your music
- Skipper-led choices: you can pick your priorities, but the captain can redirect when conditions are best
What this Comino and Blue Lagoon boat trip feels like in real life

This tour is built for people who want the famous Comino scenery without the full-day grind. In practical terms, you’re on a compact private boat, moving quickly between photo-worthy points and the two main lagoon areas. That matters because Comino and the Blue Lagoon can get crowded, and the whole point of a private charter is control.
I also like that the experience is not just “ride to the lagoon, drop you, good luck.” The captain gives guidance, and you can follow the day’s best options. The boat has shaded seating, an ice cooler, snorkel gear, and safety equipment, so you’re not scrambling to find basic stuff once you’re out on the water.
The other “value” element is the vibe. This is a relaxed cruise, not a strict sightseeing script. If your group is into swimming and snorkeling, the schedule supports that with dedicated time at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. If your group is more into photos and caves, the stop pattern still gives you plenty of windows to look around.
More Boat Tours in Comino
- Sliema: Cruise to Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon
★ 4.5 · 6,855 reviews - Malta: Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise – swim & sightsee
★ 4.7 · 6,564 reviews - From Sliema: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise
★ 4.5 · 3,461 reviews
Getting to the boat: Ċirkewwa or Mġarr Harbour, and why 30 minutes early matters

You get pickup from one of two meeting points, depending on where you’re starting:
- Gozo option: Gozo Channel Ferry, at the Mġarr Harbour Terminal departure area near Sicilia Bella Restaurant
- Malta option: Ċirkewwa, near the Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal
You’ll also return to one of those drop-off points at the end, so you’re not dealing with a long, separate transfer back.
Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early. The operator explicitly asks for that buffer to handle traffic or unexpected delays. With a speedboat schedule that moves in segments, being late can cut into your time on the water, and the charter will not run long to compensate.
Also, there is a separate entrance to help you skip the line, which is helpful when you’re trying to get moving and not standing around.
The 1-hour route: how the timing works and what to expect at each segment

The total duration is listed as 1 hour, and the itinerary is designed around short, high-impact stops.
Here’s the flow in plain terms:
- A speedboat hop to start (about 10 minutes)
- Several quick photo or sightseeing moments (usually 5 to 10 minutes)
- Two main swim and snorkel windows (about 20 minutes each)
- Another speedboat segment back (about 10 minutes)
That means you should mentally switch from “full beach day” to “best-of highlights with water time.” You’ll see a lot from the boat, you’ll get some time on foot or at cave stops where allowed, and you’ll get brief, focused water sessions at the lagoons.
Also, the skipper chooses anchoring spots before you stop. That’s how you get a more exclusive feel and avoid feeling like you’re just one more dot in a crowded anchorage.
Lantern Point and L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz: quick photo wins with big scenery payoff

You start with small, high-value stops meant for orientation and photos.
- Lantern Point: a photo stop and pass by for about 5 minutes
- L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz: also about 5 minutes, with photo stop, sightseeing, and scenic views as you pass
These are short by design. The goal is to set the visual tone early so the rest of the trip feels worth it. If you like snapping pictures from the boat, these moments are useful. If you’re prone to getting seasick, these early pauses can also help you settle in before the water time.
More Boat Tours in Gozo
- Comino & Gozo: Blue & Crystal Lagoons Cruise with Sea Caves
★ 4.8 · 2,190 reviews - Sliema: Boat Trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Caves
★ 4.8 · 2,061 reviews - From Sliema: Gozo, Comino & The Blue Lagoon Boat & Bus Tour
★ 4.4 · 1,931 reviews - St Paul’s Bay: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Gozo, & Caves Boat Tour
★ 4.5 · 1,436 reviews
Roofless Cave: a cave stop with guided time, not just a photo from the rail

Next comes Roofless Cave, scheduled for around 10 minutes, with a guided tour component and sightseeing.
This is one of the stops that changes the experience from pure “lagoon hopping” into “actually seeing the coastline and formations up close.” A guided element matters because it helps you notice things besides the obvious shape of the cave.
One practical consideration: since the itinerary is short, you only have a limited window to soak it in. Go with the flow, listen to the captain, and if photos are your thing, do a quick sweep early before you get distracted.
Crystal Lagoon: your first real swimming and snorkelling window (20 minutes)

The first big water stop is Crystal Lagoon, timed at about 20 minutes with:
- Swimming
- Snorkelling
- Marine life viewing
- Photo stop and sightseeing on the way
This is where the included snorkel gear earns its keep. You’ve got mask and snorkel provided, plus safety equipment and life vests. If you want to see fish and rock edges up close, this is the moment to make it happen.
In practical terms, manage your time inside those 20 minutes:
- Get your mask on early so you don’t waste the best visibility window
- If you’re with a group, agree quickly who’s going in first
- Have your towel and sunscreen ready so you’re not “drying and reapplying” when the group wants to move on
The captain also selects where you anchor to keep things exclusive and away from crowds. That’s not just a nice idea, it affects what the water feels like once you’re in it.
Cominotto: a scenic stop that’s more about views than hanging around
Cominotto is scheduled at about 10 minutes with photo stop, visit, and sightseeing, plus scenic views as you pass.
Think of this as the “between stops” connector. It gives your eyes something to chew on while you transition from caves and lagoon time. If you’re hoping for long walking time, this is not that stop. It’s more of a quick sightseeing breather.
Still, it’s a good chance to grab a few photos from a slightly different angle than the main lagoon shots. If your group is heavy on camera time, this is where you can do a little rolling.
Blue Lagoon, Malta: free time plus sailing and another snorkel chance (20 minutes)
The main finale is Blue Lagoon, Malta, another 20-minute window with:
- Photo stop
- Visit and free time
- Swimming and snorkelling
- Marine life viewing
- Sailing
- Scenic views on the way
This is the big name on the map, so your expectations should match the time you’ll actually have. It’s enough time for a swim, a snorkel session, and a quick regroup, but it’s not enough for a full beach day. Come prepared to switch between water and boat quickly.
What makes it work is that you have a private setup: you’re not rushing between lines. Plus, the boat includes shade on the sundeck, and the ice cooler helps you stay comfortable between water moments.
For photos, do a fast round before you go in the water if you can. Water time tends to slow your pace, and you’ll want at least a couple shots that aren’t taken through a damp mask.
Comfort and onboard extras: shade, ice cooler, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth music
The boat setup is practical and fairly complete for a short charter. You’ll find:
- Sundeck with canopy for shade
- Ice cooler
- Bluetooth speaker for your preferred soundtrack
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Snorkelling equipment (mask and snorkel)
- Safety life vests
This is one of those details that makes a difference. When your total time is 1 hour, you don’t want to waste it trying to figure out logistics. The shade and cooler help you stay comfortable in between swimming sessions.
Wi-Fi sounds like a luxury, but it also helps you document the trip instantly, rather than waiting until you’re back on land.
And yes, the Bluetooth speakers are a real perk. A good playlist makes the short ride feel like a trip, not a transfer.
Price and value: what $17 per person really means with the added skipper and fuel
The listed price is $17 per person for the 1-hour experience. But two important costs are not included:
- Professional skipper: €44
- Fuel consumption: €44
That means the true total depends on how many people you book with and how the operator charges the skipper and fuel on your specific reservation. The best way to judge value is simple:
- If you’re splitting those extra fees with a group, you can get a genuinely private, high-impact outing for the cost of a couple of standard activities.
- If you’re booking solo or with just one other person, the add-on fees can weigh more heavily on the per-person math.
Where you do get value is in the included equipment and comfort. Snorkel gear, safety equipment, shade, Wi-Fi, and the boat itself are bundled with the charter. You’re paying to control the itinerary and get to the right water spots without crowd stress.
If you love snorkeling but hate the “group tour shuffle,” this format can be a strong deal.
Who this private charter suits best, and who might want a different option
This fits best if you want:
- A private boat experience with a captain
- Quick, scenic stops plus two lagoon swim windows
- To bring a small group of friends, a couple, or a family member who enjoys being on the water
It is not suitable for wheelchair users, so if mobility access is a priority, you’ll need another plan.
Also, if you’re the type who wants lots of time to lounge on shore, this schedule may feel tight. The payoff is motion and water time, not slow beach time.
Tips to get the best 1-hour experience (and avoid common mistakes)
Here’s what helps most, based on the practical setup and what you’re told to bring:
- Bring swimwear and a towel so you can switch quickly from boat to water and back
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. The trip includes outdoor sun exposure even with canopy shade
- Bring cash, since it’s listed as needed
- Plan to be on time, ideally 30 minutes early, so you don’t lose minutes to a late arrival
Also, expect the skipper to adjust timing or route based on weather and sea conditions. That’s not a bait-and-switch, it’s how safety and access work in the water. If you’re flexible and trust the captain’s call, you’ll likely end up with the best version of the day that conditions allow.
Finally, keep expectations realistic about the stop durations. With 5 to 10 minutes at many points, you’ll get the highlights. You won’t get endless lingering, and that’s why the charter feels energetic.
Should you book the Comino private boat tour?
I’d book this if you want a private, water-focused outing that hits Comino and both lagoons in a compact time window. The included snorkel gear, shade, and onboard comfort make it feel efficient, and the itinerary is built to give you photos, cave sights, and real swim moments without dragging your day into an all-day schedule.
Skip it if you need long shore time, or if mobility access is essential, since it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. And if you’re going solo, do the quick math on how the skipper and fuel add-ons affect per-person cost before you commit.
If you match the vibe, this is the kind of Malta day that feels like a secret, even though it’s right there in full view of the coast.
FAQ
How long is the private boat charter?
The duration is listed as 1 hour.
Where do I meet for pickup?
You have two options: Gozo Channel Ferry at the Mġarr Harbour Terminal departure area near Sicilia Bella Restaurant, or Ċirkewwa near the Kiosk in the Gozo Channel Terminal.
What are the main stops during the trip?
The itinerary includes photo and sightseeing stops such as Lantern Point and L-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz, a cave visit at Roofless Cave, swimming and snorkelling time at Crystal Lagoon, a stop at Cominotto, and swimming and snorkelling free time at Blue Lagoon, Malta.
What snorkeling equipment is included?
Snorkelling equipment is included, specifically a mask and snorkel.
What’s included on the boat besides the private charter?
Included items are a private boat with seating, safety equipment, a sundeck with canopy, an ice cooler, a Bluetooth speaker, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
What extra fees should I expect?
The professional skipper fee is €44 and fuel consumption is €44. Fishing equipment and food and drink are also not included.
What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.
Can the skipper change the itinerary?
Yes. The skipper can cancel, postpone, change, or modify the charter based on weather and sea conditions, and may alter routes and departure or disembarkation locations when needed.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Is there a cancellation option for a full refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
More Crystal Lagoon Runs
- Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Seacaves Tour
★ 4.6 · 5,673 reviews - Malta: Blue lagoon, Gozo, Comino & Crystal Lagoon Sea Caves
★ 4.6 · 2,172 reviews - Malta: Comino, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, Gozo & Seacaves
★ 4.7 · 2,122 reviews - Malta: Comino, Gozo, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Caves Tour
★ 4.5 · 1,923 reviews
More Private Boat Charters in Gozo
- Private Boat Tour: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Comino and Gozo
★ 5.0 · 1,077 reviews - Malta Private Charter from Mellieha: Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon
★ 5.0 · 364 reviews - Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip
★ 4.9 · 307 reviews - From Malta/Gozo: Comino & Crystal Lagoon Private Boat Trip
★ 4.9 · 281 reviews
Just added to our Comino list
- From Malta: Gozo TukTuk Tour with Comino Mini Cruise★ 4.5 · 15 reviews
- Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers★ 4.0 · 38 reviews
- Sunset Private Boat Trip, Charter Malta Gozo Comino Blue lagoon★ 5.0 · 37 reviews
- Snorkeling in Blue Lagoon Beaches and Bays Trip Comino★ 4.0 · 5 reviews
- Roundtrip Ferry to Comino Blue Lagoon with Gozo Option★ 3.5 · 3 reviews
- Comino Private Boat with Snorkeling and Cave Sightseeing★ 5.0 · 11 reviews
- Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves★ 5.0 · 15 reviews
- Golden Comino Escape to Blue Lagoon round trip ferry from Sliema★ 3.5 · 5 reviews
Crystal Lagoon Trips, compared.

Cruise to Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon
Read our review →
Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Seacaves Tour
Read our review →
Blue lagoon, Gozo, Comino & Crystal Lagoon Sea Caves
Read our review →
Comino, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, Gozo & Seacaves
Read our review →
Comino, Gozo, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Caves Tour
Read our review →
Private Boat Tour: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Comino and Gozo
Read our review →
Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise inc Photo Stop at Crystal Lagoon
Read our review →
