Two hours on Malta’s clear-blue water. That’s the big pull here: you’re not stuck on a long, crowded boat day, you’re moving between the best spots of Comino and Gozo with a private crew. What makes it interesting is the mix of swim-and-snorkel time plus the Comino cave scenery from up close, guided by Francesco and his brother, who know how to set a comfortable pace.

What I like most is the way the trip builds like a hit list—Saint Mary’s Tower, Crystal Lagoon, then the Blue Lagoon—so you’re constantly changing scenery, not repeating the same view. The second thing I like is the attention to hands-on fun: snorkeling gear is included, and you can even use a GoPro to capture underwater moments.

One thing to think about before you book: the price doesn’t include a 99 euro fuel surcharge, so your final budget will be a bit higher than the headline amount.

Key takeaways before you go

• Private RIB ride with a Yamaha V6 250 engine gives fast, smooth hops between lagoons.
• Two swim-and-snorkel zones on Comino (Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon) plus cave time.
• Francesco and his brother are flexible with timing, including when families are on board.
• GoPro use and regular photo stops help you get real shots, not just quick snapshots.
• Short, active itinerary means quick visits, then back to water time.

Why this Blue Lagoon and Comino trip feels different from the big boats

If you’ve ever done a Comino day on a packed charter, you’ll understand why private matters fast. Here, you’re in a powerful RIB, and the whole schedule is built around getting you into the water at the right places, with fewer interruptions from other groups. That changes the vibe: you can focus on swimming, snorkeling, and photos instead of squeezing around strangers.

The other big difference is the guidance style. You’re not just dropped at a “swim here” buoy. A live guide shares info as you cruise and at stops, covering things like geology and marine ecology, and you’ll hear it in a practical, onboard way while you’re actually seeing the coast.

Your private RIB setup: fast crossings and easy access to the water

The tour uses a RIB with a Yamaha V6 250 engine, which is a fancy way of saying you’ll cover distance quickly without the slow, wallowing feeling some boats have between Comino points. In practice, that matters because the whole experience is only 2 hours—you don’t have time for long stretches of “just traveling.”

And because it’s a private group (up to 8), you get a calmer rhythm when the water time starts. You’ll be using the included snorkeling equipment, and you’ll likely find the entry points and timing are chosen to match the conditions the day you go.

Pickup and timing: how to choose Ghajnsielem vs Mellieha

This tour includes pickup and drop-off with two options: Ghajnsielem or Mellieha. Pickup is arranged depending on what’s easiest for you, and the plan connects to the area around Malta’s Cirkewwa terminal and Gozo’s Mgarr marina.

Why this matters: the route is already tightly packed, so minimizing transfer stress keeps the day from feeling rushed. If you’re staying closer to the pickup point, choose that option—it’s the simplest way to protect your swim time.

Also note that starting times vary by availability, and the experience may be cancelled due to adverse weather. In that case, you’re notified right away, because safety comes first.

The itinerary at a glance: fast stops, lots of water

Even though it’s a short tour, the sequence is thoughtful. You’ll typically see:

• Saint Mary’s Tower area (quick photo + short water window)
• Crystal Lagoon (more swimming/snorkeling time)
• Blue Lagoon (the famous one between Comino and Cominotto)
• Comino viewpoints and cave passages
• Cominotto and Elephant Rock viewpoints
• Santa Marija Bay and Santa Maria Caves
• A pass-by of Gozo, plus a chance to unwind on a secluded stretch of coast

There’s a pattern here: photo stop and sightseeing briefly, then back to water. If you like a day that moves, this schedule feels fun. If you want lots of walking, a land-based day tour might suit you better.

Saint Mary’s Tower: the photo stop with real momentum

You start with Saint Mary’s Tower (about 10 minutes). You’ll get a photo stop and sightseeing from the boat, plus a chance for swimming and snorkeling for a short window.

This is a smart opener because it gives you an immediate “Malta from the water” feeling before you head into the more iconic lagoons. You also get early context for what you’ll be seeing later around Comino—tower views act like a reference point for the coastline.

Crystal Lagoon: the calmer swim before the main spotlight

Next up is Crystal Lagoon (around 20 minutes). Expect another short photo stop and guided explanation as you cruise, then time for swimming and snorkeling.

This is where you can switch gears from sightseeing to water time. The lagoon setting tends to feel more sheltered than open bays, which makes it a good place to settle in. If you’re bringing kids or you just want an easy, confidence-building swim stop, this is often the highlight because it feels inviting and approachable.

Practical tip: bring your sunscreen and set yourself up fast—two rounds of water time later in the tour can make you forget how quickly sun adds up.

Blue Lagoon: the famous color, with swimming time that actually counts

Then you reach Blue Lagoon (about 20 minutes). It’s the famous stretch between Comino and Cominotto, known for clear turquoise water. You’ll have another photo moment from the boat, then time to swim and snorkel.

What makes this stop work in a private format is that you’re not fighting for space, and you’re not stuck watching other groups go first. You can get your swim in, get your photos, and still have enough energy left for the cave areas later.

If you’re the type who loves underwater photos, this is also the moment to use that GoPro time well. Even if you’re not an expert swimmer, you can still frame shots from the surface while you’re enjoying the clarity.

Comino caves and cave passages: narrow waterways and light patterns

Comino’s caves are a big part of the “wow” factor, and the tour includes guided cave sightseeing and navigation through narrow passages. You’ll spend time around Santa Maria Caves as well (around 10 minutes), with brief photo moments and boat cruise time.

This is the stop that feels more like an experience than a swim. You’re watching rock formations, seeing light play across water, and getting guided context while the boat moves through the cave areas.

One consideration: cave time is shorter than lagoon time, so it’s not the place for a long swim plan. It’s more about the scenery and the guided cruise through the passages.

Elephant Rock and Santa Marija Bay: views plus a softer break

After the main cave sightseeing, you’ll hit two scenic points:

• Elephant Rock (about 30 minutes): photo stop, guided viewing, then a boat cruise plus a longer swimming/snorkeling window.
• Santa Marija Bay (about 5 minutes): more of a brief visit and guided stop for scenery.

Elephant Rock is a great “reset.” The longer water time here means you’re not only doing quick in-and-out swims. You can breathe, relax, and spend real time in the water.

Santa Marija Bay is short by design. It gives you a change in coastline and another angle on Comino’s character before you continue to the cave and Cominotto areas.

Cominotto and the Comino coastline: close-range sightseeing

The tour also includes Cominotto (about 5 minutes) with a photo stop and guided sightseeing from the boat. Even though the time is brief, these short viewing moments help you connect the coastline pieces into one mental map.

This is a big deal for visitors who want the Comino story to make sense. When you leave, you’re not just thinking of one lagoon—you can picture how the islands relate.

Gozo pass-by and a secluded southern coast moment

You’ll pass by Gozo (about 10 minutes) and spend time along the southern coast of Gozo, with a chance to unwind at a more secluded beach area. From there, the focus is simple: stroll a little, swim if you want, and soak up a quieter shoreline moment compared with the busiest tourist stretches.

Because the tour is short, this Gozo time doesn’t turn into a full land day. But it’s enough to add variety and make the whole trip feel like more than just “Comino only.”

Snorkeling gear, GoPro, and how to make the most of your water time

Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included, and you’ll also have an ice cooler onboard. That sounds basic, but it makes a difference when you’re moving between water stops quickly.

You’ll also have a chance to use a GoPro for underwater shots. The best approach is to treat it like a tool for short bursts rather than a one-time setup. When you know you’ll have a swim window (Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Elephant Rock), you’ll get more usable footage by planning where you’ll stand or float for a few minutes.

From what you can gather about the experience style, the guides encourage active fun without turning it into chaos. If you’re jumping from rocky ledges, you’ll only do that where conditions allow and only when you feel comfortable.

What’s included (and what to budget): price value and the fuel surcharge

The headline price is $234 per group up to 8 for a 2-hour private tour. For families or small groups, that can be good value because you’re paying for private access rather than a per-person ticket on a crowded boat.

But there’s one important add-on: a 99 euro fuel surcharge is not included. Budgeting for that upfront keeps you from doing the math later when you’re tired and sunburned.

So here’s the value equation I’d use:

• You’re paying for a private RIB experience, snorkeling gear, and a guide-led route between multiple iconic spots.
• The time is short, but the variety is high—lagoons, caves, viewpoints, and a Gozo coastline moment.
• The fuel surcharge is the tradeoff, so include it in your planning total.

Who should book this Comino Caves and Blue Lagoon private tour

This is a great fit if you want:

• A private, active day focused on water time, not long sightseeing on land
• A group of up to 8 who want control over the pace
• Clear planning: lagoons, caves, and a few viewpoints in a tight schedule

It’s also a strong choice for families who want a guide that adapts. In particular, Francesco and his brother have shown they can work with families where kids have different stamina, keeping the day enjoyable for everyone.

Who should think twice

The tour is listed as not suitable for people with back problems or heart problems. A fast RIB ride and water hopping can be rough for some bodies, so if any of that applies to you, it’s better to choose a different style of tour with gentler movement.

Quick packing list that matches the reality of the trip

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

And I’d add a simple mindset: treat this like a water day first, sightseeing day second. You’ll spend enough time in the water that comfort and sun protection matter more than fancy clothes.

Should you book?

Book this private Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Comino caves tour if you want a short, well-paced experience with real swim and snorkeling time, plus guided cave cruising and photo stops. It’s especially worth it for small groups because private access is the point, and the schedule is designed to make the most of the 2 hours you have.

Skip or rethink it if you’re working with a tight comfort level for RIB movement, if you want long beach lounging, or if you dislike budget add-ons like the 99 euro fuel surcharge.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Comino Caves private boat tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

What is the price, and how many people can fit in the group?

It costs $234 per group and is for a private group up to 8 people.

Where do you get picked up and dropped off?

Pickup and drop-off options include Ghajnsielem and Mellieha.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water and an ice cooler.

Is the fuel surcharge included in the price?

No. There is a 99 euro fuel surcharge that is not included.

What language is the live guide?

The live guide provides commentary in English and Maltese.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Can the tour be cancelled, and what is the cancellation window?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Reservations may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, and you’ll be notified right away.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for people with back problems or people with heart problems.