Comino’s blue water, minus the crowds. This private boat tour is built around Comino and the Blue Lagoon, with a skipper guiding you to the best swimming spots while you keep your own space on the water. It’s the kind of plan that lets you slow down for photos, time in the sea, and a day that can end near sunset.

I like the private-group setup, especially if you’re traveling with family or a bigger circle. I also like that you get snorkelling equipment and safety gear so you can focus on being in the water, not running around for supplies.

One thing to watch: communication can be uneven, so message ahead with clear questions and your preferences.

Key things I’d book this for

• A private boat restricted to your group (no public mixing)
• Blue Lagoon time with swim and snorkel plus photo stops
• Comino cruising for extra water time and scenic stops
• Snorkelling equipment and safety gear supplied
• A captain-led experience that can match your pace
• English/Italian/French hosts for easier coordination

Why Comino and the Blue Lagoon feel better by private boat

The Blue Lagoon on Comino is famous for a reason: the water is clear and the light is usually excellent for both swimming and photos. What changes on a private boat is the feeling. Instead of sharing limited space and timing with a crowd, you can settle into the water when you want, stay a bit longer if conditions are good, and move when your group is ready.

This tour also gives you a guided route across Malta’s rock-and-sand coastline, with Comino as the centerpiece. It’s not just a drive-by stop. You get time to actually enjoy the sea—swimming, snorkelling, and taking in the views from the boat.

The best part for many groups is the captain’s flexibility. Some captains will encourage you to get out a little further or try snorkelling even if you’re not a confident swimmer. That kind of personal coaching can turn a “pretty water” outing into a real experience.

Meet at Cirkewwa and get a 4–7 hour sea day

Your day starts at Cirkewwa cafe, which makes logistics simple if you’re staying in northern Malta. From there you transfer to the boat area (it’s about 15 minutes). Expect the total time to run 4 to 7 hours, depending on what starting time you choose and how your group wants to spend the water time.

The schedule is built around two main water blocks—one for the Blue Lagoon and one for Comino. That structure matters because it prevents the classic problem with day trips: you spend more time traveling than swimming. Here, the time is split so you get real chances to get in the water more than once.

Also keep in mind you can tailor the experience as you go. Times and the overall pace are meant to be catered to your preferences, so if your group wants more swimming versus more sightseeing, you can lean that way.

Blue Lagoon stop: swimming, snorkel time, and photo-friendly pacing

The Blue Lagoon portion is about 2 hours. You’ll get a mix of:

• a photo stop and scenic views on the way,
• free time,
• and then swimming and snorkelling with a safety briefing.

That safety briefing isn’t just formality. Comino’s water conditions can change with wind and boat traffic, and it helps if everyone knows what to do before jumping in. I like that the briefing happens at the start of your Blue Lagoon time rather than after you’re already in the water.

If you’re into photos, the timing works. You don’t have to sprint from boat to beach and back. You can take pictures first, then actually enjoy a long swim without feeling like you’ll miss the next stop.

One practical note: bring a towel and sunscreen. With clear, bright water, sun exposure adds up fast—especially if you’re in and out of the sea more than once.

Comino cruising: caves, coves, and the second swim block

After the Blue Lagoon, the tour shifts to Comino for another 2-hour session. This is the part where you typically feel the “explore” side of the day: cruising past scenic areas, stopping for views, then getting more time for swimming and snorkelling.

The tour description points to multiple locations around Comino, including Santa Marija Caves and San Nikolaus Beach, along with time to see and visit them depending on conditions. Even when you’re not stepping out onto land, these kinds of stops change the whole vibe of the trip. You’re not just looking at one iconic spot—you’re getting a wider Comino view.

Some captains also adjust the plan based on your group’s comfort. In one booking, the captain encouraged people to try snorkelling even if they weren’t strong swimmers, and helped with a jellyfish sting quickly and calmly. That’s the kind of “human factor” that makes a private tour feel safer and more personal.

Snorkelling gear and safety: what you get and why it matters

You get snorkelling equipment and safety equipment supplied during the tour. That’s a big value point because it removes a common hassle: buying gear or packing your own. It also means the tour operator can plan around gear use from the start.

In at least one reported trip, extra items were on board like float aids and additional swim gear. You might also find extras such as an SUP board and music equipment on some boats. Still, don’t assume it’s guaranteed—if those details matter to you, ask before you go.

What you should assume is this: the captain will run the swim portion with safety in mind. If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll likely appreciate the guidance on where to snorkel. If you’re not, you’ll probably appreciate the extra reassurance and practical direction.

Food and drinks: plan for options, not everything included

The tour aims to connect your day with sunset timing, with the idea of finishing while enjoying local food and drink. But here’s the important practical detail: food and drinks on board are not included and come with an additional fee.

That means you should think of this as a sea-and-snorkel day first. If you want the full sunset food/drink experience, plan to add it on. Also remember there’s bottled water available and snacks can be added as an optional extra on the transport/boat side.

What to bring is simple: towel and sunscreen. If you’re adding drinks or snacks, bring any personal favorites you want, since your included plan is mainly about swimming time and equipment.

Captains and group vibe: the real difference in a private tour

A private tour lives or dies on the captain, and the reported experiences are very consistent on one point: friendly, accommodating service goes a long way.

You’ll see captain names like Jimmy and Johnny highlighted in bookings, with comments about kindness, patience, and making sure people were comfortable in the water. You’ll also see Martin mentioned for being helpful and friendly, especially with patient pacing during swimming stops.

Communication quality is the main swing factor. One experience flagged communication issues with the guide. So I’d treat this as a “do your part to get clear” tour: send your preferences ahead of time (swim level, any must-see stops, your group’s timing needs), and ask questions in advance rather than assuming everything will be explained perfectly on the day.

Also, if your group has different swim comfort levels, this kind of private setup is where you’ll feel the benefit. A captain can often steer the plan so everyone gets a good time, instead of forcing the whole group to match one person’s pace.

Price and value: $589 per group up to 20

The price is $589 per group, up to 20 people, with a total duration typically 4 to 7 hours depending on the run you choose. That number looks steep if you’re thinking per person, but it makes a lot more sense when you spread it across a full group.

Here’s a useful way to look at value:

• If you book as a full group near the cap, you’re effectively paying far less per person than a per-person tour.
• If you’re only a couple people, the price is harder to justify, unless privacy and flexibility are the top priorities for your trip.

So the question isn’t just “is it expensive?” It’s “what are you buying?” You’re buying:

• a private boat restricted to your group,
• guided snorkel and swim stops,
• and a pace that can match your comfort level.

For bigger groups (families, wedding parties, friend groups), the value is usually strong because you can keep everyone together while getting a high-reward day with minimal hassle.

Timing, weather, and how to protect your day

Sea plans can shift when weather changes. This tour can be rescheduled or completely cancelled depending on weather conditions up to a day before. That’s normal in Malta, but it still matters because Comino trips are all about water conditions.

My practical advice: treat this as a planned “best-conditions day.” If your dates are flexible, pick days when you have a little cushion. If your trip schedule is tight, communicate your availability clearly early and ask what happens if conditions change.

And because communication can be inconsistent in one reported experience, I’d build in redundancy: confirm meeting details, starting time, and your preferences so you’re not improvising on the morning of your sea day.

Who this private Comino and Blue Lagoon tour suits best

This is a great match if you:

• want privacy and don’t want to share your boat and swim time with strangers,
• have a group large enough that the per-person value improves,
• want snorkelling and swimming time without gear-hunting,
• and like the idea of two main water stops rather than a quick sightseeing hit.

It’s also good for couples and smaller groups if your top goal is comfort and control of your time. The private format helps you plan around your pace, especially if one or two people are less confident swimmers.

If your goal is the lowest cost possible, a private boat may not be the best fit. But if your goal is a high-quality, flexible Comino day, this one has the right bones.

Should you book this private boat tour?

If you’re traveling to Malta with a group and you care about a smooth, private experience around Comino and the Blue Lagoon, I’d say it’s worth booking—especially with snorkel gear included and enough time to swim at more than one stop. The reported captains like Jimmy and Johnny show up in bookings for a reason: patience and accommodation make a huge difference in how comfortable people feel in open water.

Book it if you can bring a towel and sunscreen, you’re ready to add on food/drinks if you want the sunset meal, and you’ll communicate your preferences clearly. Skip it if your group is only one or two people and cost per person is your top issue, or if your schedule is so tight you can’t handle a weather-based shift.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The duration is listed as 4 to 7 hours, depending on the starting time and how the day runs.

Where does the tour start?

The starting location is Cirkewwa cafe.

Is this tour private or shared?

This is a private group experience restricted to your group.

What snorkelling gear is included?

Snorkelling equipment is supplied during the tour, along with safety equipment.

Are food and drinks included on the boat?

No. Food and drinks are not provided on board. You can add them for an additional fee.

Can I arrange pickup from anywhere in Malta?

Pickup and return from anywhere in Malta are available for an additional fee.

What languages are offered?

The host or greeter is available in English, Italian, and French.

What should I bring with me?

You should bring a towel and sunscreen.

What happens if weather is bad?

The tour can be rescheduled or completely cancelled depending on weather conditions, up to a day before.