Luxury RIB Tour in Gozo Coast, Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves

The best reason to book this tour is simple: a private RIB can reach the sea caves and quiet coves that larger boats must skip. You can cruise beneath St. Mary’s Tower, enter Lovers Cave, swim at Crystal Lagoon, and let the skipper adjust the route to suit your group.

I especially like the local knowledge of skippers such as Francesco and Matthew, plus the chance to reach the Blue Lagoon from the water rather than joining a packed public boat. The main catch is the extra €99 fuel charge in cash, and four hours is a brisk amount of time for such a long list of bays, caves, and photo stops.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to 10 people: Your group has the RIB and skipper to itself, with more freedom than a standard group cruise.
• Caves you enter by boat: Lovers Cave, Santa Maria Caves, and other coastal openings are part of the appeal.
• Strong swimming stops: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Marija Bay offer time in clear water.
• Local skippers: Francesco, Matthew, and Nigel are named in the tour details and provide route advice and island background.
• Price needs careful calculation: The listed $419.33 covers the group, but fuel costs another €99, paid in cash.
• Weather matters: The trip can be moved or refunded if poor conditions make the outing unsafe.

Why a private RIB changes the Comino experience

The Blue Lagoon is Malta’s famous water postcard, but it is also the place most likely to feel crowded. A private boat gives you a better way to see it. You can approach from the water, swim from the RIB, and ask the skipper to show you calmer corners before or after the main rush.

The boat is a RIB, so you get speed and a low position close to the water. That matters around Comino, where the best sights are not always on a beach. Caves, arches, narrow channels, and cliff walls reveal themselves properly only when a boat can move right up to them.

This is not a relaxed harbor cruise with a single swimming stop. The route covers Comino, Cominotto, the Gozo coast, and several points around the Blue Lagoon. The pace is active, and you should expect a mixture of short sightseeing passes, cave entrances, photo pauses, and longer swimming breaks.

The private format is especially useful for families, couples, and small groups with different interests. One person can snorkel, another can stay aboard, and the skipper can shape the outing around your comfort level. You will not have to follow a fixed public-tour schedule at every stop.

St. Mary’s Tower and Comino’s film-set caves

One of the first memorable sights is St. Mary’s Tower, the 17th-century fort built by the Knights of St. John. It sits high above the Comino channel and once helped guard the waterway between Malta and Gozo.

The tower also appeared as the Château d’If prison in the 2002 film The Count of Monte Cristo. You get the best sense of its position from the sea, where the fort rises sharply above the cliffs.

Below the tower, the boat enters Lovers Cave. This is a small, water-level cave that can feel quiet and atmospheric, especially compared with the open water outside. It is a good place for photographs, though the captain must work with the sea conditions and the size of the boat.

Next comes L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, known as the cave without a roof. A collapsed ceiling lets sunlight into the chamber, giving it a natural skylight. It is also called It-Tieqa or Taħt il-Ħnejja, and its connection with the 1980s film Popeye adds a bit of movie trivia to the stop.

Do not expect a long walk or a formal cave tour. These are boat-based visits. You see the rock formations from the water, and the skipper handles the approach.

Crystal Lagoon, the P31, and Cominotto Reef

Crystal Lagoon is one of the strongest parts of the route for swimming. High limestone walls shelter clear turquoise water, and the bay offers a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

The planned stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving you time to swim and use the supplied snorkeling equipment. Some nearby caves are large enough for the boat to enter, while others are better reached by swimming. The cliffs also attract people who enjoy jumping into the water, but you should only consider that if the skipper confirms the conditions and the height feels right for you.

The P31 wreck adds a different kind of stop. This former Maltese patrol boat was sunk in 2009 to create an artificial reef. It rests upright in roughly 18 to 20 meters of water, with its highest point about seven meters below the surface.

That shallow upper section means you may be able to see the outline from above when visibility is good. The site supports schools of fish and smaller sea life, giving snorkelers and free divers something unusual to look for beyond caves and beaches. The wreck is not necessarily a full stop on every four-hour route, so ask the skipper how much time the day’s conditions allow.

Cominotto Reef, also called Anchor Reef, is another underwater highlight. Steep drop-offs, overhangs, and swim-throughs reach from about 10 to 40 meters. Octopuses, moray eels, and colorful fish may be found here, although marine life is never guaranteed.

The reef suits people who want more than a quick swim. If your group includes strong snorkelers, ask whether the captain can include this area. If some members are less confident in open water, Crystal Lagoon or Santa Marija Bay may be a better priority.

Cominotto and the famous Blue Lagoon

Cominotto is a small, uninhabited islet opposite the Blue Lagoon. Its rocky coast includes a small sandy beach, clear water, and a sea tunnel that gives confident swimmers a fun route through the rock.

The islet also appeared in Troy and Swept Away. The film connection is secondary to the scenery, but it helps explain why this stretch of coast has attracted so many cameras. From the boat, you see rugged cliffs, open water, and the close relationship between Comino and Cominotto.

The Blue Lagoon receives about 45 minutes in the stated plan. That is enough for a proper swim and photographs, though not enough to claim the entire area for yourself. The private boat helps because you can stay away from the busiest landing points and return to the RIB when the beach area feels too crowded.

This is the place where timing matters most. A private boat may reach a quieter section early in the day, as happened on one highly praised morning outing, but no skipper can make the lagoon empty. Even in October, the main areas can remain busy. If solitude is your top goal, spend more of your time at Crystal Lagoon, San Niklaw Bay, or Santa Marija Bay.

Santa Marija Bay and Comino’s quieter north coast

San Niklaw Bay is a calmer stop on Comino’s northern side. It has clear water, rocky surroundings, and a more peaceful feel than the Blue Lagoon. It works well for a swim from the boat or for simply sitting on deck while the captain points out the coast.

Santa Marija Bay receives about 45 minutes and is one of the better choices for a slower break. The water is calm and shallow, and the sandy beach makes the bay suitable for families. The Santa Marija Chapel, dating from 1618, adds a small but worthwhile cultural detail to the natural setting.

You may also pass the Għemieri Window, a natural limestone arch cut by wind and sea. It is mainly a photo stop, but the view from the water gives you a clear look at the arch and the cliffs around it.

Santa Maria Caves come later in the route. The skipper guides the boat through narrow openings where sunlight reflects off blue-green water and rock walls. These passages can be among the most atmospheric moments of the trip, but they depend on sea conditions, boat traffic, and the captain’s judgment.

Elephant Rock is another quick photo sight. The limestone formation resembles an elephant lowering its trunk into the sea. It is easy to appreciate from the boat, and the surrounding water makes a strong backdrop for photographs.

Gozo’s southeastern coast, from Ħalfa Rock to Hondoq Bay

The route can continue toward Gozo, passing Ħalfa Rock near Qala. This small, uninhabited islet is linked to local folklore about the Ottoman admiral Dragut, who is said to have sworn revenge there after a failed raid on Gozo.

The point is not a lengthy history lesson. It is a brief stop with a story, clear water, and a rugged rock rising from the sea. If conditions allow, it can also be used for a swim or snorkel away from the main Comino crowds.

Hondoq Bay is a sheltered Gozo cove with sand, smooth pebbles, shallow water, and small caves at the edge. It is a practical swimming stop for people who prefer gentler water. You can also look across toward Comino from here.

The bay has a local feel that the famous Blue Lagoon cannot always provide. It is still a popular place, but its scale is smaller and its setting more relaxed. If your group includes children or anyone who wants a calm dip rather than a dramatic swim-through, Hondoq Bay makes sense.

You may also cruise past Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. Fishing boats, private yachts, and Gozo Channel ferries share the harbor, while Lourdes Chapel and Fort Chambray add interest above the waterfront. Xatt l-Aħmar is another possible sight, known for calm water and several wrecks, including MV Karwela, MV Cominoland, and MV Xlendi.

Because this is a four-hour tour with many possible points, do not assume every location receives a full stop. Confirm your priorities with the skipper at the start.

What the boat, crew, and price mean for you

The listed price is $419.33 per group of up to 10 people. That can be good value for a full private boat, particularly if you fill most of the available places. Split between 10 people, the base price is about $42 per person before fuel. With fewer people, the cost per person rises quickly.

You must also budget for the €99 fuel charge, paid in cash to the skipper. This is an important part of the real cost, not a minor optional extra. Bring the correct planning mindset: compare the full group cost, including fuel, with the price of a public cruise.

Bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and an ice cooler are included. Those small provisions are useful on a warm day, especially when the route includes several swim stops. You should still plan your own sun protection and swimwear, since the core appeal is being in and around the water.

Communication is one of the tour’s strongest practical features. Nigel handles arrangements, while Francesco and Matthew are among the named skippers. The crew can discuss what you have already seen, suggest different locations, and share advice about Gozo beyond the boat route.

The boat has been described as clean, comfortable, well maintained, and fast. That combination matters because a faster RIB can cover more coastline, but the ride may feel lively. If you are sensitive to motion, ask where to sit and keep the sea state in mind.

The tour is confirmed at booking, uses a mobile ticket, and is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but this remains a boat and water activity, not a passive sightseeing ride.

Who should book this four-hour outing?

I would choose it for a small group that values privacy, swimming, and coastal scenery more than a fixed sightseeing script. It also suits a first day in Gozo or Comino, when you want to get your bearings from the water and gather ideas for later meals and land visits.

It is a good fit for:

• Couples wanting cave entrances and quiet photo stops
• Families who prefer a private schedule and shallow-water bays
• Snorkelers interested in reefs and the P31
• Repeat visitors who want places beyond the main Blue Lagoon viewpoint
• Groups of six to 10 people who can share the cost

I would hesitate if you dislike fast boat rides, cannot swim comfortably in open water, or want a slow, shore-based cultural tour. The route is packed, and some stops may be brief.

The listed experience is rated 4.9 from 16 reviews, with every recorded recommendation positive. The praise centers on punctual service, clean boats, helpful communication, local island knowledge, secluded swim spots, and skippers who make the outing feel personal rather than mechanical. One particularly useful detail is the crew’s willingness to retrieve a lost earplug from deep water, which gives you a sense of how attentive the service can be.

Book ahead if your dates are fixed. This experience is booked an average of 39 days in advance, which suggests that the private format is popular during the main season.

Should you book the GozoBlu tour?

Book it if you want to see Comino by water, enter real sea caves, swim at several different types of bay, and avoid spending the entire day in the busiest Blue Lagoon area. The private boat, local skippers, and flexible route justify the cost for a full group.

Before paying, make sure everyone understands the extra €99 fuel charge and the active nature of the trip. Ask which stops are likely to receive longer swim time, then name your priorities clearly. If you want the best balance, I would request Crystal Lagoon, a cave entrance, the Blue Lagoon, and Santa Marija Bay, with the remaining route shaped around weather and crowds.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather can also lead to a new date or a full refund. That policy is useful, since sea conditions determine how much of the cave and swimming program can safely go ahead.

FAQ

How long is the private RIB tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private tour is for a group of up to 10 people.

Is fuel included in the listed price?

No. Fuel costs €99 and must be paid in cash to the skipper.

Are snorkeling equipment and water included?

Yes. Bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and an ice cooler are included.

Does the tour visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The Blue Lagoon is scheduled for about 45 minutes, with time to swim, take photographs, and explore nearby coves from the boat.

Can the boat enter the sea caves?

Yes. The route includes boat access to Lovers Cave and Santa Maria Caves, along with other coastal caves when conditions allow.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.