Skip the crowds; grab the sea color. This private boat tour around Comino and toward Gozo focuses on the water-view stops people dream about—Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and Cominotto—plus practical extras like snorkeling gear and an iced cooler. You’ll also get flexible pickup from either Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr Marina (Gozo), which makes the whole day feel easy.

Two things I really like: first, this is genuinely no-crowd time on the water, since it’s only your group. Second, the onboard hosting matters—Francesco, for example, is mentioned for showing you lots of places and sharing useful info while still giving you plenty of swim time, with simple comforts like fruit after you’re done in the water.

One thing to think about before you book: there’s a €80 fuel surcharge per booking, and the tour depends on good weather. If conditions are rough, you could be offered a different date or a refund.

Key things to know before you go

• Private for up to 8: you control the pace and the stops feel less like a schedule stampede.
• Pickup from Cirkewwa or Mgarr Marina: starting on the side of Malta (or Gozo) that fits you saves hassle.
• Snorkeling gear included: you’re not hunting for rentals before the water.
• Multiple lagoon stops (Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Cominotto): shorter hops mean you get variety without feeling trapped.
• 30-minute swim slots at each main stop: enough time to enjoy, but plan for quick in-and-out if you’re eager to do more than one activity.

Private boat tour value: why this beats the big Comino crowd

Comino’s most famous sights are popular for a reason. The water really is eye-catching. But the downside of the classic day-trip model is crowding—anchoring, waiting, and squeezing in your swim window.

This tour takes a simpler approach: you’re in a private boat and the timing is built around your group, not mass arrivals. Even if other boats are nearby, you’re not forced to move in a clump the moment someone yells go.

The other value piece is that the hosts actually make the time usable. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and an iced cooler, so you’re not just paying to be transported. You can focus on the water, then relax without immediately scrambling for snacks.

Meeting points and getting on the boat without stress

I like that the pickup options cover both sides of the trip. Depending on what’s easiest for you, you can start from either:

• Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta
• Mgarr Marina in Gozo

That matters because Malta-to-Comino trips can waste time if you’re crossing the island at the wrong moment. With this setup, you choose the closest logical starting point and keep the day moving.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, which is convenient if you’re trying to stay light and not juggle printouts. Also, this is described as near public transportation, so if you’re not staying near the terminal, you should still be able to connect easily.

Watchtower pause: the 1618 Knights of St. John viewpoint stop

Between the water time, you get a land-based breather at a historic watchtower built in 1618 by the Knights of St. John. It was part of a network of coastal towers used for defense and communication, which gives you a neat “why this coastline?” context while you’re looking out over the sea.

This stop is also practical. Even short pauses like this help you get your bearings fast—where Comino sits, what direction the water opens up, and how the coastline is laid out. If you’re the type who likes knowing what you’re seeing, you’ll appreciate the panoramic viewpoint angle rather than just snapping photos and moving on.

The possible drawback: you’re still on a tight, around-two-hour outing overall, so don’t expect a long sightseeing experience. Think of it as a quick orientation stop that adds meaning, not a museum break.

Crystal Lagoon: calmer water for swimming and snorkeling

Crystal Lagoon is one of those spots you’ll understand instantly. The water is clear, the swimming area is shallow-friendly, and the vibe is calmer than the most iconic stop.

This is where you’ll likely feel the benefit of having a private group. You’re given a 30-minute stop with the admission ticket included, so you can plan your swim and snorkeling without feeling like you’re racing a crowd queue.

What you can expect to do:

• Swim in clear, shallow water
• Snorkel around the calm edges
• Enjoy a quieter feel compared with the Blue Lagoon

A consideration: because the stop is 30 minutes, I’d treat it like a focused swim session, not a long lunch-at-the-beach plan. If you’re bringing kids, it helps to agree on timing ahead of entry so nobody feels rushed later.

Blue Lagoon: iconic color, best handled with a private timeline

The Blue Lagoon is the name you hear everywhere for Comino. The color is the draw—turquoise, bright, and photo-friendly. But the real win in this format is how you use the time.

You get another 30-minute slot here, and the admission ticket is included. In a private setup, you’re less likely to feel dragged along by other boats and more likely to find your rhythm: swim first, then snorkel, then settle for photos and floating.

Here’s what I’d watch for:

• The water is the centerpiece, but your experience hinges on how quickly you get in and out.
• If your group is mixed (some strong swimmers, some cautious), you’ll want the host to know who needs extra time before you jump in.

If you’re someone who loves “one perfect stop,” this is probably the highlight. But I’d also avoid the trap of burning all your energy here. Save a bit of time and mental bandwidth, because Cominotto is a different mood entirely.

Cominotto (Kemmunett): a quieter islet for coves and rocky views

Cominotto—also known as Kemmunett—is smaller, more peaceful, and geared toward those who want a breather from the headline spot. It’s an islet off Comino with tranquil sandy areas, secluded coves, and striking rock formations and cliffs.

The tour plan says you’ll pass by and can also stop by, with around 30 minutes and admission ticket included. That means this isn’t just a “look from afar” moment. It’s designed to give you time to enjoy the coastline character up close.

What you can do during this stop:

• Swim
• Snorkel
• Kayak-style exploring may be a fit depending on your comfort and what’s practical on the day

Since the focus here is serenity and scenery, it’s a great place to slow down. If your group includes someone who doesn’t love constant boat motion or prefers calmer water, this is where you’ll likely win them over.

Possible drawback: because it’s an islet with coves and cliffs, your exact experience can vary with conditions. If the day feels choppy, keep your expectations realistic about how long you can enjoy the shallows.

Snorkeling gear and onboard comfort that actually make a difference

This is a small detail that turns into a big deal once you’re in the moment. The tour includes:

• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Iced cooler

That setup reduces friction. You don’t waste the best part of your vacation time tracking gear or managing last-minute rentals. It also helps if you’re traveling light.

A couple of extras stand out from the experience feedback. The hosts are described as friendly and accommodating—one review even notes help getting towels when needed. Another mentions delicious fruit after the swimming. Those touches aren’t guaranteed as “part of the package” in the basic listing info, but they do tell you the crew’s mindset: make the water time comfortable, not just possible.

My practical advice: bring sunscreen, and if you’re the towel-harder type, bring your own as a backup. When you’re traveling with kids or anyone easily cold, pack a bit of dry comfort for after your swim.

Price and logistics: what you’re paying for (and what adds up)

The price is listed as $216.02 per group (up to 8 people) for roughly 2 hours. On the surface, that can sound like a lot until you do the math the way you actually travel—groups share costs, and Comino activities often inflate when you add transportation + entry + gear.

Here’s the value logic I see:

• You’re paying for a private water experience
• You get snorkeling equipment, water, and an iced cooler
• You’re covering multiple famous stops without the crowd shuffle

The extra cost to know: there’s a €80 fuel surcharge per booking. That’s the big “watch the fine print” number. If you’re traveling with a full group of 8, it spreads out quickly. If it’s a smaller group, budget for it as part of the real per-person total.

Also, the experience requires good weather. That’s not just a legal note—it’s the nature of the sea. Plan for the fact that the tour may shift dates if conditions aren’t right.

Who this tour fits best (and when another option might be smarter)

This private boat format works especially well if you want:

• A less crowded day on the Comino coastline
• Time-efficient swimming at multiple points
• Flexibility for families or mixed comfort levels

One review specifically calls out a personalized approach for a birthday trip with a partner, and another mentions it being adapted for young children. That tells me the hosting style aims to match your group’s needs, not just follow a rigid script.

Choose a different kind of tour if:

• You’re allergic to weather-dependency and need something that never changes
• You want a longer, more structured island day (this one is about the water stops and quick enjoyment)

Quick tips to plan your swim time without stress

You’ll have short windows at each main stop, so your success comes from preparation:

• Decide who wants snorkeling versus just floating, and set expectations early.
• Bring a dry bag or waterproof phone option so you can enjoy the water without anxiety.
• If you’re doing multiple swims, rinse and reset in between when possible.

And mentally: go for “good minutes” instead of “perfect completion.” In 30 minutes, the goal is a clean swim, a few calm snorkeling passes, and time to look around.

Should you book this private Comino + Gozo boat tour?

If you’re aiming for the Blue Lagoon region but hate the idea of doing it with a crowd, I think this one is a strong pick. The combination of private group time, snorkeling gear, and short, focused stops at Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and Cominotto gives you variety without dragging out the day.

Book it if:

• You want no-crowd pacing
• Your group values comfort and simple extras like water and an iced cooler
• You’re okay with a tour that depends on good weather and has swim-focused timing

Skip it (or compare first) if:

• The added €80 fuel surcharge makes the total cost feel too high for your group size
• You need a guaranteed long, land-heavy sightseeing schedule rather than sea time

If your ideal Malta day is sea color, clear water, and a crew that keeps things friendly and flexible, this private Comino boat tour is built for exactly that.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

It lasts about 2 hours (approx.).

What is the group size for this private tour?

It’s a private tour for your group only, with a maximum of up to 8 people.

What does the price include?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and use of an iced cooler.

Are there any extra charges?

Yes. There is a fuel surcharge of €80.00 per booking.

Where can pickup happen?

You can be picked up from Cirkewwa Terminal in Malta or Mgarr Marina in Gozo.

Do stops like Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon include admission?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for the listed lagoon/islet stops (Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Cominotto).

Is this tour only offered in English?

Yes. It’s offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.