Comino: private charter to Crystal & Blue lagoon & Caves

Planning a day around Malta’s stunning waters? This private boat tour around Comino promises to take you past its most iconic spots—crystal lagoons, secret caves, and rugged coastlines. From what we’ve gathered, it’s a flexible, scenic experience perfect for those who want a personalized touch, especially if you enjoy snorkeling and exploring less crowded beaches.

What really catches our eye about this tour? First, the customizable itinerary means you get to tailor your day, and second, the knowledgeable guides seem to bring the sights to life with their local insights. On the flip side, the crowds at Blue Lagoon can be a bit of a downside if you’re seeking total tranquility, but that’s the trade-off for visiting such a popular site.

This tour is best suited for those who are comfortable spending a few hours on a boat and enjoy discovering hidden spots. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a relaxed, yet active, day out on the water—families with older kids, groups of friends, or couples seeking a memorable Maltese experience. If you’re after a private, flexible adventure with scenic views and some snorkeling, this could be a great pick.

Key Points

• Private group experience offers personalized service tailored to your preferences.
• Includes snorkeling gear and paddleboards, making it easy to explore underwater life.
• Stops at iconic spots like Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves.
• Flexible duration and starting times allow you to fit this tour into your Malta itinerary.
• Cost-efficient for groups up to 20 people, offering good value for a private cruise.
• Knowledgeable guides help you appreciate the significance of each location.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is This Tour All About?

This private boat tour around Comino looks like an excellent way to explore the island’s natural beauty from the water. It’s a three-hour journey, which might sound short, but it packs in plenty of highlights. The tour takes you to the most famous spots—Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon—while also offering chances to see caves, reefs, and rugged coastlines. It’s a flexible, customizable experience designed for small groups up to 20 people, making it more intimate than large cruise ships.

The tour starts from two convenient points, either Cirkewwa or Mgarr, both accessible by public transport. If you’re based in Valletta, you can hop on a fast ferry to Mgarr, which adds to the ease of planning. From there, the boat will take you on a scenic route, making multiple stops for swimming, snorkeling, and photo ops.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Pearl Lagoon Boat Charters

Your journey begins at Pearl Lagoon Boat Charters, a friendly base that sets the tone for a relaxed adventure. The crew here is central to making sure you feel comfortable and prepared.

First Stop: Crystal Lagoon

This spot is typically the first highlight. Known for its two stunning coves, Crystal Lagoon is a peaceful place to snorkel and enjoy the waters. You’ll have around 45 minutes here, which is enough to explore the marine life, including a military wreck, with masks provided. The calm, shallow waters make it suitable even for less experienced snorkelers, and the scenery is inviting enough to tempt you into a swim just about anywhere.

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Second Stop: Blue Lagoon

Arguably the most famous location, Blue Lagoon is a picture-perfect stretch of water. Yes, it tends to be crowded, but the clarity and beauty of the water make it worth sharing. This spot is ideal for relaxing, swimming, and snapping those classic Maltese photos. The tour offers about 45 minutes here, giving you enough time to soak in the views and cool off.

Other Beaches: San Niklaw Bay & Santa Marija Bay

Less crowded but equally scenic, these beaches are perfect for a more laid-back experience. Both spots have inviting clear waters and are less visited than Blue Lagoon. They’re good options if you prefer a more peaceful swim or want to avoid the busiest spots.

Exploring the Northern Coast & Caves

The boat will cruise past high cliffs and sea caves along Comino’s northern coast. If the weather is good, you might even swim into one of these caves, which is a truly memorable experience. The caves are embedded in towering cliffs, creating dramatic backdrops and fantastic photo opportunities. Multiple reviews highlight the stunning views from inside the caves, making this segment one of the tour’s highlights.

Coastal Views & Natural Formations

The boat continues along the rugged coastline, pointing out interesting rock formations and natural windows. If you’re into scenery, this part of the trip is a feast for the eyes, with lots of photo stops like Elephant Rock—named for its unique shape.

Final Stop and Return

After about 15 minutes at various scenic points, you’ll head back to the starting point, with ample time to reflect on the day’s highlights and maybe plan your next Maltese adventure.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Duration & Flexibility

The tour lasts around 3 hours, but check specific starting times, as they vary. The flexible schedule is a plus if you’re trying to fit multiple activities into a day.

Group Size & Comfort

With a boat capable of holding up to 40 guests and private groups up to 20, you won’t feel crowded. This makes for a more personalized experience, and you can request customization based on your interests.

Cost & Value

At $329 per group, this works out to roughly $16-17 per person if you’re maxed out at 20, which is quite reasonable for a private, guided boat trip with all the included gear. The price covers the skipper, fuel, restroom, onboard bar, and equipment like paddleboards and masks, adding value for a tour that combines relaxation and active exploration.

Accessibility & Meeting Points

The tour departs from a quay behind the Kiosk at the ferry terminal, an easy spot to reach. The convenience of public transport options and the ferry from Valletta makes it accessible without renting a car.

Amenities & Extras

The boat is well-equipped with restrooms, a bar, and gear for snorkeling, fishing, and paddleboarding. The coolers with ice keep drinks cold, and masks are provided for snorkeling, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you’d like to.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Multiple reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides, noting how they enhance the experience with interesting facts and local stories. Comments like “The guide was very friendly and knew all the best spots” appear often, confirming that the crew makes a difference.

On the downside, some mention that Blue Lagoon can get crowded, which might detract from the serenity some travelers seek. However, many say that their guides helped find quieter spots nearby, balancing the experience.

The scenery, especially the caves and rugged coastline, receives frequent praise for its dramatic beauty. The ability to snorkel around wrecks and reefs is a definite bonus, with many enjoying the additional activities provided onboard.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you love scenic boat rides, exploring caves, and swimming in clear waters, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly suited for those who want a private, customizable trip rather than a large-group cruise. Active travelers who enjoy snorkeling and being on the water will find plenty to love.

It’s also a good fit for people who appreciate natural beauty and don’t mind sharing famous spots with others, as Blue Lagoon can be busy. The flexibility and personalized touch make it appealing for couples, small groups, or families with older children.

However, if you’re seeking total tranquility without crowds, you might find the popularity of Blue Lagoon a little overwhelming. Still, the chance to see caves and rugged coasts from a boat is hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts around 3 hours, with specific start times that you should check beforehand.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the skipper, fuel charges, restroom, onboard bar, and equipment such as snorkeling masks, paddleboards, and fishing gear.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour can be tailored to your requests, making it a flexible way to explore Comino.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Pearl Lagoon Boat Charters, with the same location serving as the return point.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Masks are provided for snorkeling, and there are paddleboards available onboard for additional fun.

What weather conditions are necessary?
Good weather is needed, especially if you want to swim into caves, as rough seas could make it unsafe.

Is this suitable for families?
While the tour is private and flexible, it’s best suited for older children comfortable on boats and in water, as the focus is on exploration and active swimming.

Final Thoughts

This private boat tour around Comino offers a fantastic way to see Malta’s lesser-known coastlines and iconic beaches without the crowds. The ability to customize your trip, combined with a knowledgeable crew and the chance to snorkel and explore caves, makes it a compelling option for those seeking an active yet relaxed day on the water.

While it leans toward being more suitable for older children and active travelers, the overall value—especially considering the privacy and included gear—makes it worthwhile. Just keep in mind that some spots like Blue Lagoon can be busy, and the trip might be more enjoyable if you embrace the lively atmosphere.

If your Malta trip includes a love of coastal scenery, snorkeling, and personalized adventures, this tour could be a highlight of your visit. It balances scenic beauty, fun activities, and convenience, providing a memorable day out on Malta’s shimmering waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: