Private Boat charter to Crystal & Blue Lagoon, Caves & Comino

Reviewed · COMINO & THE BLUE LAGOON CRUISES

Private Boat charter to Crystal & Blue Lagoon, Caves & Comino

5.0 · 40 reviews 3 hours (approx.) From $419 Bookable on Viator
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A private boat day in Comino feels like Malta at full volume. You’ll hop from Blue Lagoon to caves and cliffs with your own captain and time to swim without the big-boat crush. It’s only about three hours, but the stops are packed with the kind of water you came for.

What I like most is the privacy: this is just your group, so you’re not trying to squeeze past strangers when the water gets crowded. The second big win is the onboard extras—snorkeling gear, two stand-up paddle boards, a freshwater shower, and local cheese-and-olive snacks to keep you fueled.

One thing to consider: this outing depends on good conditions. If the sea gets choppy, you’ll feel it, and the route can be a bit more “hold on and enjoy” than “float around slowly.”

Key things I’d plan around

Private Boat charter to Crystal & Blue Lagoon, Caves & Comino - Key things I’d plan around

  • Private boat time: fewer people, more room to swim and paddle.
  • Two standout water stops: Blue Lagoon plus Crystal Lagoon, both timed so you can actually enjoy the water.
  • Caves and film spots: Santa Maria Caves and locations tied to The Count of Monte Cristo.
  • Stand-up paddle boards included: great when the water is calm and you want a slower pace.
  • A wreck and a tower view: a 13m-deep wreck paired with Comino’s tower area for serious photo ops.

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

Why a private charter in Comino is worth it

Comino and its lagoons can be gorgeous in photos, but they can also be chaotic once boats pile in. The private format is the real value here. You get your own boat and your own captain, which changes the whole vibe: you move with fewer interruptions, you can linger when the water is perfect, and you’re not herded from one stop to the next.

For a short Malta stay, this is also a smart length. You’re not committing to an all-day schedule that cuts into other plans on Gozo or Malta. Instead, you get a tight circuit of the best-known water and cliff scenes—plus a couple of quieter bays—within about three hours.

And then there’s the practical stuff that makes a difference when you’re actually in the water: restrooms on board, an onboard freshwater shower, ice-coolers, and snorkel and mask gear. It’s the difference between a nice swim and a full reset before your next activity.

Getting from Gozo to Comino without the headache

Private Boat charter to Crystal & Blue Lagoon, Caves & Comino - Getting from Gozo to Comino without the headache
This is a private tour based out of Gozo, Malta, aimed at Comino’s most famous spots. If you want it smoother, you can have pickup arranged from your hotel to the meeting point. That means less stress with taxis, time wasted, and parking searches.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. That may sound small, but it matters when you’re trying to align timing with tides and boat departures—especially for a trip that’s only a few hours long.

Plan on being on the water for short swims and explorations, not long ferry-like transfers. The itinerary is built around several 15–45 minute blocks, which keeps the day flexible and helps you sample multiple areas instead of spending all your time at one lagoon.

Blue Lagoon: swim first, then choose your pace

Private Boat charter to Crystal & Blue Lagoon, Caves & Comino - Blue Lagoon: swim first, then choose your pace
The Blue Lagoon stop is the classic Comino moment: bright water, places to swim, and the option to grab a snack or drink at nearby kiosks and cocktail bars. What you’ll notice right away is how much the color changes depending on where you enter the water and how the light hits.

This stop is listed at about 45 minutes, which is just long enough to do something real:

  • swim without feeling rushed
  • dip in and out if the sun shifts
  • wander briefly toward nearby viewpoints or features

There’s also the optional hike toward Comino’s tower, built long ago (and later described as a tower built in 1618 for island defense). Even if you don’t make it all the way, the idea is simple: you’re not only looking at the lagoon—you’re also getting a sense of why this island was worth guarding.

One practical note: Blue Lagoon can be busier than some other spots on the route. Your private boat doesn’t eliminate crowds around the shoreline, but it does help you avoid the crush that comes from stacking too many groups onto one boat at a time.

Crystal Lagoon: cliffs, caves, and a swim with views

Private Boat charter to Crystal & Blue Lagoon, Caves & Comino - Crystal Lagoon: cliffs, caves, and a swim with views
Next up is Crystal Lagoon, another 45-minute swim stop, but with a different mood. Instead of a wide-open lagoon feel, this one is defined by inlet walls, cliffs, and caves. The best part is the kind of swim route that feels like you found the scenic shortcut—swimming under a cave from one side to another and making your way into a small sandy area tucked inside.

This stop is also tied to film locations connected with The Count of Monte Cristo. Even if you’re not chasing movie trivia, it helps explain the dramatic rock shapes you’ll see around you.

Drawback to consider: because it’s cave and cliff territory, you’ll want to pay attention to where you enter and exit the water. Snorkeling gear is included, but you should still treat it as a “go slow and look first” environment—especially if the water is cooler or there’s some chop.

The elephant’s head rock and the quieter beaches in between

Private Boat charter to Crystal & Blue Lagoon, Caves & Comino - The elephant’s head rock and the quieter beaches in between
Not every stop is a scheduled headline. You’ll also pass or visit a naturally formed rock shaped like an elephant’s head, plus a quiet, peaceful beach stop that’s meant for calmer downtime. This is where your private charter starts to feel less like a checklist and more like a day shaped around your mood.

If you’re traveling with family, older kids, or anyone who wants a breather between swims, these calmer pauses are what keep the trip from feeling like nonstop effort. It also helps if you’re not doing constant snorkeling—you can still enjoy the scenery and settle in.

The 13m wreck and the tower viewpoint

One of the itinerary highlights is a 13m deep wreck sitting out in clear water. It’s described as visible from above with Comino’s tower overlooking the area. Even if you don’t plan a full underwater session, the wreck stop is valuable because it adds variety. You’re not only swimming in “pretty water”—you’re seeing something that feels like part of the island’s story.

What makes this part especially good on a private charter is timing. When the boat anchors and everyone gets a window for photos or a careful swim, you’re not competing with dozens of people for the same angle.

If you do use the snorkeling equipment, keep your expectations practical. A wreck isn’t always picture-perfect from every angle, and conditions matter. But the fact that the water is described as clear is a strong sign you’ll at least get a great look around the area.

Cominotto Reef: short stop, strong swimming energy

Cominotto Reef is listed as a 15-minute stop, and it’s described as a good spot for people who like scuba-style underwater time. Since the stop is short, it’s best treated as a quick “make it count” moment.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to switch between swim styles—surface snorkeling, quick check for fish, then paddle—this fits well. If you prefer long swims, you may find yourself wanting more time here, which is why the earlier 45-minute lagoons matter.

My advice: use this as a refill stop. Hydrate, reset your gear, and decide fast what you want to do. Your captain can help guide what’s worth your time based on the conditions.

Santa Marija Bay: calm water and an easy walk to the church

Santa Marija Bay is built for a relaxing pace, described as less busy than some other Comino shore spots. It’s about a 20-minute stop, and it includes access to a small church nearby—roughly two minutes from the sandy beach.

This is also where you’ll feel the “Comino off the main channel” side. Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are the headline acts, but Santa Marija gives you breathing room: more sitting, fewer transitions, and an easy place to keep things simple.

If you like scenic strolls without turning it into a full hike, this is a nice compromise. You can spend your time on the water and then get a quick change of scenery on land.

Santa Maria Caves: the big cliff scenery experience

The last major water-and-rock moment is Santa Maria Caves with about 30 minutes. Here, the focus is on caves carved into the high cliffs, from smaller coves to larger cave spaces. You’ll get a chance to see multiple cave sections and explore at least one cave with a pool just inside.

This is where Comino really feels like a different world from the open lagoon stops. The rocks shape the water movement, and the cave openings frame views in a way that flat shorelines can’t. Even if you don’t swim in every cave section, anchoring near them and watching the light shift is worth the time.

You’ll also likely connect this to the broader film-location feeling around the island. The tower and the cave areas are tied in the route to The Count of Monte Cristo, so the day has a consistent “storytelling scenery” thread.

What’s included onboard (and what’s not)

This charter is built to reduce friction. You get:

  • a restroom on board
  • fuel surcharge included
  • 2 stand-up paddle boards
  • snorkeling equipment
  • ice-coolers
  • a freshwater shower
  • a bar on board (you can buy drinks)
  • the Blue Lagoon Pass
  • private transportation can be arranged from your hotel to the pickup location

The snacks are also part of the experience. Onboard, you’ll have local specialties like cheese and olives. Some operators also provide small snack platters (in the style of local Maltese treats like crackers and cheese) to keep everyone comfortable between swims.

What’s not included is a full traditional meal. Specifically, a traditional food platter (cheeses, olives, cold cuts, and bread) is listed as not included, so plan on either snack-only for the day or buying additional food separately if you want a heavier lunch.

Captains and the family-run feel: the difference you’ll notice

One of the strongest themes from the experience details is that this is a family-run operation, and you’ll likely feel that in the rhythm of the day. Captains are described as friendly, patient, and highly focused on helping you enjoy the water even when conditions get less than perfect.

If you’re booking for a group that values conversation and small details, you’ll appreciate the way the captain shares context about the islands. Some captains named Albert and Anthony are mentioned as leading the tour, with a history background tied to what you see around the lagoons and caves.

There are also little touches that make it feel personal. For example, one note includes a salt-harvesting stop where the captain shares that they harvest their own salt and even offers a small container as a gift. That’s the kind of add-on that doesn’t show up in a brochure, but it’s the reason private tours often feel more memorable.

Value check: $419.39 per group up to 15 people

At $419.39 per group (up to 15), this isn’t cheap if you’re thinking per-person with just two travelers. But it can be a smart value if you’re splitting among family or friends.

Here’s how to think about it:

  • You’re paying for a private boat, fuel, and equipment (snorkel gear and two paddle boards).
  • You’re also paying for the time structure that hits multiple major Comino stops in one outing.
  • The onboard amenities (restroom, shower, ice-coolers, bar access) reduce your need for extra rentals or purchases.

So the value depends on your group size and how much you care about privacy. If you want the big lagoons but hate big crowds, the math usually starts making sense quickly. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, you may want to compare this against other shared tours—but also consider that the calm, room-to-move feeling is often the whole point of booking private.

Who this charter suits best

This is ideal if:

  • you want Comino’s big water moments without the chaos of packed boats
  • you care about privacy and flexibility in how long you swim at each stop
  • you like active time in the water (snorkeling and paddle boarding)
  • you want a short day that still feels like a real island outing

It might be less ideal if:

  • you expect an all-day “everywhere at once” adventure
  • you need long, uninterrupted time at one single beach
  • you’re easily bothered by boat motion, since conditions can get choppy at times

Should you book this private Crystal & Blue Lagoon charter?

If you’re weighing a shared boat versus private time, I’d lean private—especially for Comino. The combination of Blue Lagoon + Crystal Lagoon, plus caves, a wreck area, quieter bays, and even the tower views adds up to a day that feels full without being exhausting.

Book it if you’ll actually use the included gear and you’ll value a captain who adjusts to real conditions. The onboard setup helps a lot, and the family-run tone means the trip often feels personal, not transactional.

If you’re traveling as just two people and want only one lagoon experience, this might feel pricier than it needs to be. But if you want multiple iconic swims in one clean 3-hour loop, this is a very strong way to do Comino on your own terms.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The tour duration is about 3 hours.

How many people can be on the private boat?

The charter is priced per group and is listed for up to 15 people.

Is this tour private or shared with other groups?

It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What are the main stops during the trip?

You’ll visit Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Reef, Santa Marija Bay, and Santa Maria Caves, plus you’ll also see features like the elephant’s head-shaped rock, a quiet beach, and a 13m deep wreck area.

What’s included onboard?

Included items are a restroom on board, fuel surcharge, 2 stand-up paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, bar on board, ice-coolers, a freshwater shower, and the Blue Lagoon Pass. Private transportation from your hotel to the pickup location can also be arranged.

Are meals included?

No. A traditional food platter is listed as not included.

Is the tour language English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

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