Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves

Exploring Malta by Speed Boat: A Deep Dive into the Comino, Blue Lagoon, and Caves Tour

If you’re considering a boat trip around Malta, a private speed boat tour to Comino, Blue Lagoon, and the caves promises a unique way to see some of the most stunning spots on these small but captivating islands. From what we’ve learned, this experience offers the chance to relax in crystal waters, explore hidden caves, and soak up breathtaking scenery—without the crowds found on busier tours. It’s tailored to those who want a personalized, up-close experience, with the option to customize your stops.

What really stands out about this tour are two key things: the personalized nature of a private boat, giving you space and flexibility, and the chance to see lesser-known spots like Crystal Lagoon and Popeyes Cave, which often get overshadowed by the Blue Lagoon’s fame. The one potential downside? The tour duration is quite short—about two hours—which means you’ll need to move efficiently and choose your highlights wisely. If you’re after a relaxed, long-layover style trip, this might feel a bit rushed.

This experience is well-suited for travelers who enjoy scenic, water-based adventures and prefer a more intimate, flexible outing over crowded group tours. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or small families looking to explore at their own pace, especially if you love snorkeling, swimming, or just soaking in incredible views. If you’re after a quick but comprehensive taste of Malta’s coast, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: Only your group participates, making it a flexible and intimate experience.
• Expert Skipper: You’ll have a knowledgeable guide who can share stories and customize stops.
• Great Value: For around $208, you get a dedicated 2-hour trip with multiple stops, plus snorkel gear and refreshments.
• Highlights Abound: The Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Popeyes Cave, and other caves are all on your route.
• Snorkeling and Swimming: Plenty of opportunities to cool off and explore underwater life in clear waters.
• Additional Costs: Fuel (€79) must be paid directly to the skipper, and entry tickets for the Blue Lagoon are free but must be booked separately if you want to disembark.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point and Duration

The tour kicks off from either Mgarr in Gozo or Cirkewwa in Malta—both convenient pick-up points depending on your location. The whole experience lasts around two hours, so it’s a quick but action-packed ride. This tight timeframe means you’ll need to be mindful of the schedule, but it also keeps things lively and avoids fatigue.

Stop 1: Crystal Lagoon

This first stop is one of the lesser-known gems—a peaceful, secluded bay with super clear turquoise waters. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed swim or snorkeling without the crowds. The calmness and transparency of the water mean you’ll have excellent visibility of marine life. The fact that it’s less crowded than Blue Lagoon makes it a peaceful start, according to reviews, giving you a nice balance between adventure and tranquility.

The admission tickets are included, so you can jump in with confidence. Expect about 30 minutes here—more than enough time to dip in, snap some photos, and maybe do a quick snorkel.

Popeyes Cave and Unique Caves

Next, you’ll visit Popeyes Cave, famous for its appearance in the movie Popeye. Its name translates to “the cave without a roof,” and it’s a cool, distinctive feature that makes for a fun photo op. The boat will also stop at a cave known for its deep blue waters—an eye-catching sight that’s perfect for a quick exploration.

Stop 2: Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is undeniably the highlight for many visitors. Located between Comino and Cominotto, this lagoon is famed for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy seabed. It’s the classic Malta image—shallow, calm, and ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

A key note: disembarking land at the Blue Lagoon requires a separate free ticket, which must be booked beforehand. If you plan to step onto the sand and relax there, be sure to organize that in advance. The lagoon’s beauty draws large crowds, but since your boat is private, you’ll have the flexibility to spend your time enjoying the water or exploring nearby caves without the typical throngs.

Optional Visit to Marr Harbour

The tour description mentions an optional visit to Marr Harbour on Gozo, the main port of the island. While not explicitly included in the 2-hour itinerary, it could be a quick stop if your skipper arranges it. The harbor is picturesque and bustling, with scenic hills around it, offering a nice contrast to the calm lagoons.

What Travelers Say

From the reviews, it’s clear that this tour tends to impress. One traveler mentioned, “Our guide Atef was an amazing balance of informative and just leaving us to have our own fun,” highlighting the importance of a good skipper. Several reviews praise the professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge of Atef, making the trip both smooth and engaging.

Many reviewers emphasize how stunning the views are, with comments like “The views were stunning,” and note that the boat was “immaculate.” The inclusion of snorkeling masks and the chance to explore caves adds a layer of fun that many travelers enjoy. The sound system and ice box are little touches that make the ride more comfortable, especially if you like to relax with music or cold drinks.

A recurring theme is the personalized approach—”Atef allowed us to change the trip if needed,”—which appeals to those who want to tailor their experience rather than follow a rigid schedule.

Is the Price Justified?

At roughly $208 per group (which accommodates up to nine people), this tour offers pretty good value, especially considering it’s private. For what you get—exclusive access, a knowledgeable skipper, snorkeling gear, and multiple stops—that price is reasonable. Keep in mind the €79 fuel fee paid directly to the skipper, which is standard for private tours.

While it’s a short trip, the variety of sights packed into two hours makes it worthwhile. If you’re after a more relaxed, longer day, you might need to supplement this with other activities. But for a quick, scenic jaunt, it hits the sweet spot.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying Your Trip

• Book in advance—most travelers book around 22 days ahead, and spots tend to fill up quickly.
• Prepare for the weather—the trip is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, the tour can be canceled with a full refund.
• Bring your own snacks and drinks—the boat has an ice box, but you might want extra snacks.
• Plan for the Blue Lagoon land visit if you want to disembark—tickets are free but need booking in advance.
• Sea-sickness: Not recommended for those prone, as the ride is about two hours, which could be challenging for sensitive stomachs.
• Snorkeling: Masks are provided, so bring your enthusiasm for underwater exploration.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re keen on a fast-paced, personalized boat experience with plenty of scenic stops, this trip is ideal. It’s perfect for small groups who value intimacy and flexibility, and it suits those who want to see both popular and quieter spots without sharing the boat with strangers. It’s also great if you’re interested in snorkeling or exploring caves, as these are integrated into the experience.

However, if you’re looking for a leisurely, all-day adventure, or you’re traveling with children who need more space and longer activities, you might want to look for longer tours or those with more comprehensive amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The trip is approximately 2 hours, making it a quick but packed adventure.

Where does the tour depart from?
You can choose to depart from either Mgarr in Gozo or Cirkewwa in Malta, depending on your location.

How many people can join?
The tour is private for up to 9 guests, offering plenty of space for your group.

What’s included in the price?
You get the private speed boat, a skipper, snorkeling masks, music, fresh water shower, and entry tickets to lagoons (though Blue Lagoon disembarkation tickets are separate).

Are food and drinks included?
No, you’ll need to bring your own snacks or drinks if desired; the boat has an ice box for cooling.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
While the reviews don’t specify, generally, water-based activities like snorkeling and swimming are family-friendly, but the short duration and boat ride should be considered for young children.

What about the fuel cost?
The €79 fuel fee is paid directly to the skipper on the day of the tour.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund. Less notice means no refund, so plan accordingly.

Wrapping Up

This private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon, and the caves is a fantastic choice if you’re after an intimate, scenic outing that hits many of Malta’s top water spots. It offers a great balance of flexibility, comfort, and adventure, especially with an experienced skipper who can tailor the experience and share stories along the way. The stops at Crystal Lagoon and the caves add variety, giving you both serenity and a touch of thrill.

It’s best suited for small groups who want to enjoy Malta’s stunning coastline away from the crowds, appreciate good value, and aren’t in a rush. If you love snorkeling, exploring caves, or simply soaking in striking views from the water, this tour will tick those boxes.

For anyone wanting a memorable, well-organized, and personalized boat trip, this experience from Xlendi Pleasure Cruises is definitely worth considering. Just remember to plan for the Blue Lagoon landing separately, and prepare for a fun, scenic ride that showcases Malta’s more peaceful coastal corners.

Happy sailing, and enjoy your Maltese adventures!