half Day Malta, Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Cruises

Reviewed · COMINO & THE BLUE LAGOON CRUISES

half Day Malta, Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Cruises

★ 4.5 · 12 reviews 2 hours (approx.) From $120 Operated by SunReel Malta Private Boat Trips & Charters · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Two hours, three islands, zero waiting. This half-day private boat cruise from Gozo strings together Mgarr Harbour views with Comino’s Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon, in a way that feels personal and flexible. I especially like that the captain can tailor the route to what the sea and your group need.

The other big win for me is the snorkeling setup. You get snorkelling equipment plus safety gear on board, so you’re not scrambling once you’re out on the water. It also helps that the trip is private, meaning only your group rides with the captain.

One caution before you book: getting to the meeting point can be tricky for tight schedules like cruise ship days. Because there’s no mention of organized hotel-style pickup, you’ll want to plan transportation early, especially if you’re sailing and need to be back on time.

Key highlights

  • Private boat for up to 7 with you and the captain onboard
  • Mgarr Harbour start for classic Gozo coastal views
  • Crystal Lagoon time for swimming, snorkeling, cave exploration, and cliff jumps
  • Blue Lagoon stop focused on easy swimming and marine-life spotting
  • Snorkelling gear + safety equipment included
  • Ice box with ice so you can keep drinks cool

More Comino and Blue Lagoon boat trips we have swum and snorkelled off

Why this 2-hour private boat trip feels worth it

half Day Malta, Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Cruises - Why this 2-hour private boat trip feels worth it
If you want the famous Comino water without spending all day commuting, this format makes sense. In about two hours, you get a tight route that hits the two most talked-about areas on Comino: Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. And since it’s private, you’re not stuck waiting for other groups to finish packing up.

The value also shows up in how the trip is built. You’re paying for a private boat experience (up to 7 people) rather than a per-person ticket on a crowded cruise. Split across a small group, that can feel like a practical way to buy comfort and flexibility rather than just sightseeing.

The best part is that the captain isn’t locked into a rigid script. In real-world conditions—like wind and rougher water—the skipper can adjust locations so you still get meaningful time in the best spots.

Mgarr Harbour (Gozo ferry port) start: views and a calm begin

half Day Malta, Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Cruises - Mgarr Harbour (Gozo ferry port) start: views and a calm begin
The trip kicks off at Mgarr Harbour, a scenic start with hills and cliffs framing the water. Even before you reach Comino, you get that slow, coastal feeling that makes Gozo special. It’s a short start (about 20 minutes), but it’s enough time to get photos and reset from the rest of your day.

This is also where timing matters. If you’re coordinating with public transport, ferry schedules, or a cruise ship timetable, this is the point where your plan either works smoothly or becomes stressful. You’ll have a much easier day if you arrive early, rather than treating it like a last-minute pickup.

Crystal Lagoon in Comino: swimming, snorkeling, caves, and cliff jumps

half Day Malta, Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Cruises - Crystal Lagoon in Comino: swimming, snorkeling, caves, and cliff jumps
Crystal Lagoon is the turquoise stop that people chase, and it’s earned. You’ll get about 25 minutes there, enough time to actually do things rather than just drift past. This is where the experience leans more active: you’ll have time to swim, snorkel, and explore caves in the area. It’s also specifically set up for cliff jumps, which can be a fun add-on if you’re comfortable with it.

A practical note: snorkeling is a main feature of this tour, and the provided info says snorkelling equipment is included. That’s what you want for a short stop—gear ready to go means you spend your limited lagoon time in the water, not hunting for a mask.

Still, build in flexibility. If the conditions aren’t ideal, expect the captain to adjust the plan to keep things safe and enjoyable. One review highlighted that the captain worked hard to show as much as possible when winds were high, and that kind of competence matters most in shorter tours like this.

More Gozo day trips we have caught the ferry across for

Blue Lagoon (between Comino and Cominotto): the classic calm stop

half Day Malta, Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Cruises - Blue Lagoon (between Comino and Cominotto): the classic calm stop
Next comes the Blue Lagoon area, tucked between Comino and Cominotto. You’ll have about an hour there, which is a more comfortable chunk of time. This is the stop for relaxed swimming, snorkeling, and taking in the water’s color from multiple angles.

Why the Blue Lagoon works on a private boat is simple: you can settle in and linger longer at the moments that look best. In windier weather, the captain’s route choices can make the difference between feeling slammed by waves and still getting a smooth, enjoyable water session.

If marine life spotting is part of your wish list, this is where it tends to happen because the water conditions are built around snorkeling. And since you’ll have your snorkel kit onboard, you can switch between floating, swimming, and short snorkel checks without waiting on anyone else.

The private-boat perks: what you truly get on board

half Day Malta, Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Cruises - The private-boat perks: what you truly get on board
This is an exclusive private boat—meaning only your group rides with the captain. That alone changes the feel of the day. You can move at a pace that suits you, and the captain can focus on you instead of managing a crowd.

Onboard inclusions are practical, not gimmicky:

  • Safety equipment is included (important for a small boat day in open water).
  • Snorkelling equipment is included, which saves time at the water.
  • Port fees are covered.
  • There’s an ice box with ice, handy for keeping drinks cooler.

What’s not included is also important because it affects what you pack:

  • Towels and swimwear aren’t included, so bring what you need.
  • Fuel consumption isn’t listed as included. If you customize the route beyond the standard flow, ask ahead about what that could mean cost-wise.

Captain Noel and the human touch on the water

A lot of boat trips live or die by the captain’s attitude. On this one, Captain Noel is specifically called out as friendly and funny, and he worked hard to show people as much as possible even when winds were high. That matters because Comino time is always short—when weather pushes back, a skipper who stays calm and creative can protect your experience.

One charming detail that came up in feedback: Noel’s first mate, Bobo, a chihuahua puppy, sometimes joins the ride. If you like animals, it’s exactly the kind of small, unexpected moment that makes a short trip feel memorable.

There’s also mention of staff support, including Mahmoud and Martin, suggesting the company tries to keep things running smoothly when conditions or schedules get messy.

Wind, rough seas, and weather changes: how the plan adapts

This tour requires good weather, and that’s not just legal wording. In Comino, wind can turn a “pretty swim” day into a bouncy ride fast. The good news is that the itinerary can be adapted in case of unfit conditions, and the guide (or captain) shares changes before the tour starts.

You should treat that adaptability as a feature, not a failure. A captain who adjusts routes to find safer water—or swaps to less busy spots—can still deliver the main goal: clear-water time and real snorkeling.

If you’re prone to sea sickness, I’d still plan smart: consider ginger or motion-sickness meds, and try to sit where the boat motion feels least intense. The trip is short, but the sea can still make the difference between fun and misery.

Price and value: $120.41 per group for up to 7

At $120.41 per group (up to 7) for about 2 hours, the math changes depending on how many people you bring. For couples or small friend groups, it can be a cost-effective way to buy privacy and flexibility without paying for individual tickets on a larger boat.

What makes it feel like better value is that several costs are bundled in, including port fees, plus practical gear like snorkeling equipment and safety gear. You’re also getting an ice box with ice, which reduces the need to improvise snacks and drinks on the fly.

Where you should be cautious is customization and additional cruising. The info says fuel consumption isn’t included, so if you want extra stops or significant route changes, ask questions early so there are no surprises.

Logistics reality: cruise-ship timing and self-arranged transport

half Day Malta, Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Cruises - Logistics reality: cruise-ship timing and self-arranged transport
The biggest real-world risk for this kind of short private outing isn’t the sea—it’s the clock. If you’re coming from a cruise ship day, you can’t assume rides will behave or that you’ll easily zigzag between islands. One important detail: there’s no mention of pickup and drop-off as part of the service, so you’ll need to get yourself to the correct meeting area and be ready to return on time.

If you’re traveling independently, that’s easier. The tour is near public transportation, and that makes it a lot more flexible for local arrivals.

My practical advice: if you’re on a tight schedule, build a buffer. If you can only do half a day to guarantee the return, you’ll want to align your plans to the boat’s timing rather than the other way around.

Who this trip is best for (and who should think twice)

This is a great match if you want:

  • a private boat feel without a full-day commitment
  • snorkeling time with equipment included
  • a quick, focused route to Crystal Lagoon + Blue Lagoon

It’s also ideal if your group includes a mix of interests: some people can swim and snorkel while others just hang out, take photos, and enjoy the water from the boat.

You might think twice if your main priority is a highly structured agenda with guaranteed cave access and lots of snorkeling time no matter what. Since the captain adapts when conditions change, the exact experience can shift with wind and safety needs. For most people, that flexibility is a plus—but if you’re aiming for a very specific underwater goal, communicate your priorities clearly.

Should you book this Blue Lagoon private boat cruise?

If your dream is short, scenic, and focused—Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon with snorkeling gear ready—this private cruise is a strong choice. The price per group for up to 7, plus the included safety and snorkeling equipment, makes it feel more practical than many pricier private charters.

I’d book it when you can handle basic logistics on your own and you’re okay with weather-driven adjustments. For cruise-ship days or very tight schedules, it’s smarter to plan transportation carefully and give yourself extra time to reach Mgarr Harbour.

If you want the kind of day where Captain Noel and the boat crew can steer you toward the best options for the conditions, this is the setup that tends to deliver.

FAQ

How many people are on the private boat?

The boat is private for your group, with capacity for up to 7 people.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Mgarr Harbour (Gozo ferry port).

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes use of snorkelling equipment.

Is food or drink included?

Food isn’t included. An ice box with ice is provided, and you can bring your own drinks.

What happens if the weather is rough?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If conditions require changes, the itinerary will be adapted before the tour starts.

Can the route be customized?

Yes. The private boat tour can be customized to your liking if you want to visit other attractions along the route.

Wondering what else is on? More Malta and Gozo trips from our own notebook