Explore Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves – Private speed boat

Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon is only the beginning of this private speedboat trip. In roughly three hours, you can swim at two striking lagoons, look into sea caves, pass quiet bays, and take in Gozo from the water without sharing the boat with another group.

I like the private format, which gives your group up to nine people room to settle into its own pace. I also like the mix of swimming and sightseeing: you are not parked at one beach for the whole outing, but keep moving along Comino’s rocky coast.

The main point to check is the extra €79 fuel charge, which is not included in the advertised group price. The supplied masks have also received mixed feedback, so serious snorkelers may want to bring their own equipment.

Key points to know before booking

• Two main swimming stops: Plan about an hour at the Blue Lagoon and another hour at the Crystal Lagoon.
• Private boat for up to nine: Your group has the skipper and boat to itself, rather than joining a large cruise.
• Several Comino viewpoints: The route includes San Nikolai Bay, San Marija Bay, Santa Maria Caves, and Half Rock.
• Gozo appears at the end: The trip reaches Mgarr Harbour for a scenic look at Gozo’s main sea gateway.
• Bring your own food and drinks: An ice box is provided, but refreshments are not.
• Good value for a full group: The listed price is $322.86 per group, plus the €79 fuel charge.

Why a private speedboat changes the day

A private boat makes sense here because Comino is best appreciated from the water. The rocky shoreline, narrow inlets, pale cliffs, and clear swimming spots are spread across several points, and this outing links them without asking you to organize separate boat rides.

You pay $322.86 for the group, with up to nine people included. Add the €79 fuel charge, then divide the total among your party. For a full group, that can be a fair way to see Comino, especially if you value privacy and want the boat to yourself. For two or three people, the cost per person is much higher, so the value depends on how strongly you prefer a private outing.

The trip lasts about three hours, including time spent cruising between stops. That is long enough for a useful taste of the coast, but not a full-day cruise. You should think of it as a compact water excursion with two major swim stops and several short sightseeing moments.

The boat comes with a skipper, an ice box for food and drinks you bring, snorkeling masks, and swimming stops. Food, drinks, hotel transfer, and fuel are separate. Since no hotel pickup is included, you need to arrange your own way to the departure point.

Blue Lagoon: the headline stop

The Blue Lagoon sits between Comino and Cominotto. Its clear, shallow water and pale rock walls create the classic Malta scene: bright sea, limestone, and open sky.

You get about an hour here, with time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply sitting on the boat and looking around. The shallow water makes the stop appealing to people who want an easy swim, while the clarity gives you a chance to spot marine life close to the surface.

This is the most famous part of the route, so it naturally carries much of the visual appeal. I would treat it as the place for your best photographs and your first proper swim. If you prefer quiet coves, though, the Blue Lagoon may feel less personal than the smaller stops later in the trip.

The private boat helps because you are not tied to a large vessel’s schedule. Still, the total time is fixed at about an hour, so use it well. Have your swimwear ready, keep a towel nearby, and decide before arrival whether you want to swim, snorkel, or stay dry for photographs.

Crystal Lagoon: a calmer second swim

The Crystal Lagoon offers a different mood. It is set along Comino’s rugged coast and is described as more secluded, with clear water enclosed by rock.

You get another hour here, which is generous for a three-hour trip. This is the stop where snorkeling may feel most rewarding, since the water is clear and the rocky edges provide places to look for marine life. The cove also gives you a break from the more famous Blue Lagoon.

I like the decision to include both lagoons. You see the well-known Comino scene, then have time at a second setting that feels more tucked away. The two stops also give you flexibility. If you are not keen on swimming at the first lagoon, you still have another proper chance later.

The boat provides masks, but the equipment may be worn. If snorkeling matters to you, bring your own mask and snorkel if possible. You will get more from the clear water with equipment that fits well.

San Nikolai Bay and the Comino Hotel

San Nikolai Bay is a short sightseeing stop along Comino’s coast. The cove has clear blue water, and the boat passes by the Comino Hotel, seen from outside.

This part is less about getting ashore and more about seeing the island’s coastline from a good angle. The hotel adds a useful point of reference as the boat moves around Comino. You can also use this section for photographs, especially if you want a broader view of the bay rather than close-up shots from a swimming stop.

The exact time spent here is not specified, so I would not expect a long visit. It is best understood as part of the cruising route, with scenic views and a chance to ask the skipper about the area.

San Marija Bay and the quieter side of Comino

San Marija Bay offers another change of pace. Its clear water, sandy beach, and rocky shore make it suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and a short look at Comino away from the main lagoon.

The bay is presented as a peaceful stop, but the schedule does not assign it a fixed hour. You may spend only a short time here while the skipper points out the coast or pauses for photographs. That is still worthwhile because a private boat lets you see more than one famous location in a single outing.

I would keep your expectations practical. This is not described as a long beach visit or a shore excursion. You are mainly seeing San Marija Bay from the water, perhaps stopping briefly, then continuing along the coast.

Santa Maria Caves by boat

The Santa Maria Caves are carved into Comino’s rocky shoreline by the sea. The boat can move through the cave openings and show you the rock formations, shaded passages, and bright water inside.

This is one of the more distinctive parts of the route. Lagoons are about swimming and color, while the caves give you a closer look at the island’s geology. Sunlight entering through openings in the rock can create strong contrasts between dark stone and clear water.

The caves also make a good photography stop, but protect your phone from splashes. The itinerary describes swimming and snorkeling around the caves, though the precise time is not stated. Listen to the skipper’s instructions, since conditions inside a cave can differ from those in open water.

A private speedboat is particularly useful here. A smaller vessel can approach the coast and give your group a better view than a large sightseeing boat might. The experience remains dependent on sea and weather conditions, which is why poor weather can lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.

Half Rock and the Gozo coastline

Half Rock is another swimming and snorkeling point, linked with views toward Gozo’s unusual coast. The water is described as clear, with marine life visible below the surface.

Like San Marija Bay, this stop appears to be part of the wider sightseeing route rather than a fixed one-hour visit. You may stop for a swim, take photographs, or simply enjoy the boat ride while the skipper points out the coast.

This section helps the outing feel like more than a ride to the Blue Lagoon and back. You get a broader look at the islands, with time in the water and time spent passing cliffs, coves, and rock formations.

Mgarr Harbour: a glimpse of Gozo

The route reaches Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, a scenic port with fishing boats and views across the water. You do not appear to get a long shore visit here. Instead, the harbor is part of the sightseeing circuit and a chance to see Gozo from the sea.

Mgarr is a useful final point because it gives the trip a wider reach. You are not only circling Comino’s best-known waters, but also seeing the approach to Gozo and its maritime character.

The harbor is a natural place for photographs. Keep your camera ready as the boat approaches, but remember that the experience is built around cruising and swimming rather than a guided walking visit in Gozo.

Skippers, service, and what to expect onboard

The most warmly praised part of the service is the skipper. Atem, also referred to as Adam, is described as easygoing, professional, and good at explaining the area. James is also singled out for safe boat handling, a friendly manner, and strong local knowledge.

Those details matter on a private trip. You are spending several hours in a small boat, so a skipper who communicates well can make the outing feel relaxed. One account also describes the skipper taking particular care when a passenger became sick, which is useful to know if someone in your group is not fully comfortable on the water.

The boat has been described as new and comfortable by some people who used the service. Another account found the boat only average, so I would keep expectations sensible rather than treating it as a luxury yacht. The main benefit is the route, the privacy, and the access to swimming spots.

The activity has a 4.9 rating from 19 ratings, with 95 percent recommending it. That is a strong result, but the sample is small. One important complaint involved a pickup mix-up between Gozo and Malta, followed by a 45-minute delay. Confirm your departure point carefully before the day, especially if you are staying on Gozo.

What to bring for the best experience

The operator supplies an ice box and snorkeling masks, but you need to provide your own food and drinks. Bring enough water for the group, especially since there is no food service included on the boat.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a dry bag for phones and valuables. A spare mask and snorkel are sensible if you care about seeing marine life clearly, since the supplied masks may be worn.

You should also bring a light layer if you are sensitive to wind after swimming. The tour is short, but the boat spends much of the time moving between sites, and conditions can feel different on the water than on land.

Who will get the most from this outing

This trip suits a group of friends or family members who want swimming, photographs, and a private boat without committing to a full day. It also works well for people who would rather set their own mood than join a large shared cruise.

The two one-hour lagoon stops make it a strong choice for swimmers. The caves and coastal bays add interest for anyone who prefers sightseeing. Since most participants can take part and service animals are allowed, it is broadly accessible according to the supplied details, though the operator does not provide a full mobility assessment.

It may not suit you if you want a long visit on a beach, a guided tour on land, or included meals and transfers. It is also less attractive for a very small group if the per-person price becomes difficult to justify.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience is offered in English. It is available near public transportation, but hotel transfer is not included, so check how you will reach the meeting point.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff follows local Malta time.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. This is worth remembering when planning around a tight Malta itinerary.

Should you book the Comino private boat trip?

I would book it if your group can share the cost and wants a compact, active outing focused on clear water, sea caves, and Comino’s coastline. The route covers a lot in three hours, and the private setup gives you a more personal experience than a standard shared cruise.

Before paying, confirm the departure location and budget for the €79 fuel charge. Bring your own snorkeling gear if that activity matters to you, and do not expect food, hotel pickup, or a long stop ashore.

For up to nine people, the price can be sensible. For just two people, compare it with shared boat options. If you value privacy, swimming time, and a skipper such as James or Atem/Adam, this is a strong choice. If you mainly want to see the Blue Lagoon quickly, a cheaper shared trip may do the job.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat trip?

The experience lasts approximately three hours, including cruising time and stops.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private boat can accommodate a group of up to nine people.

What is included in the tour?

The price includes the private boat, skipper, an ice box for food and drinks you bring, snorkeling masks, and swimming stops.

Is fuel included in the advertised price?

No. A €79 fuel charge is added per booking.

Are food and drinks provided?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can bring your own items and store them in the provided ice box.

Which swimming locations are included?

The main swimming stops are the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. The route also includes swimming opportunities at places such as Half Rock, depending on the outing.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.