Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves

REVIEW · MALTA

Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves

  • 5.015 reviews
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • From $191.04
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Operated by Xlendi Pleasure Cruises · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (15)Duration2 hours (approx.)Price from$191.04Operated byXlendi Pleasure CruisesBook viaViator

Two hours, and Comino feels worlds away. A private speedboat around Comino turns the big-name sights—Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and movie-linked caves—into something you can actually enjoy at human speed. You get swimming time, snorkel gear, and a skipper who can steer you to the best light and calmer water.

Two things I especially liked: first, the water at Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon is crystal-clear enough that your swim feels like you’re reading the ocean with your eyes. Second, the onboard setup makes it feel more like a day on a boat with friends than a cattle-call cruise, with music, an ice box, and snorkeling masks plus a fresh-water shower.

One consideration: this is a speedboat, and it’s not recommended if you’re prone to sea sickness. If waves bother you, you’ll be happier choosing a calmer option or planning medication with your doctor.

Key highlights at a glance

Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves - Key highlights at a glance

  • Private speedboat for your group (up to 9), so you’re not squeezed into someone else’s schedule
  • Crystal Lagoon (about 30 minutes) for calm, clear turquoise water and easy swimming and snorkeling
  • Popeye Cave and cave stops with roofless cave vibes and a darker interior known for very blue water
  • Blue Lagoon (about 45 minutes) with time to swim and enjoy the iconic scenery
  • Snorkeling masks + music + fresh-water shower included, plus an ice box for drinks
  • Optional Mġarr Harbour look-in on Gozo, if you want a quick port-flavored break

Why this Comino speedboat is such a practical way to see Malta’s best water

If you’ve only got a couple of hours to spare, this is a smart use of time. The big draw is simple: Comino’s lagoons look good from the shore, but they’re in another league from the water—especially when you’re not surrounded by a pile of other boats.

I like that it stays focused on what you came for: swimming, snorkeling, and cave viewing. You’re not stuck on a bus, and you’re not waiting around for hours just to get to the first swim stop.

You’ll also appreciate the small comforts that add up on a boat. With snorkeling masks, an ice box, music, and a fresh-water shower, you can actually enjoy the whole cycle: jump in, cool off, rinse, and relax.

The price is for a group up to 9, which is where the value shows. Just remember the extra fuel fee paid to the skipper is separate.

Crystal Lagoon in Comino: calmer water, better visibility, easier swimming

Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves - Crystal Lagoon in Comino: calmer water, better visibility, easier swimming
Crystal Lagoon is the first major water stop, and it’s famous for a reason. The water is calm and clear, which means you get better visibility for spotting fish and looking at the seabed while you swim. It’s also typically described as less crowded than the Blue Lagoon area, which matters when you want relaxed snorkeling rather than constant boat choreography.

You’ll have about 30 minutes here. That’s not long in a vacuum, but it’s enough time to do three useful things: get in quickly, swim or snorkel while the water is bright, and take a breather before you head to the caves.

Practical tip: since your time is short, I’d treat Crystal Lagoon as your first proper swim. Start with snorkeling or a slow swim rather than spending the entire window just taking photos.

Popeye Cave and the “no roof” cave: movie fame meets real geology

Private speed boat trip to Comino, Blue Lagoon and Caves - Popeye Cave and the “no roof” cave: movie fame meets real geology
Between lagoon swims, you’ll pass by and visit cave areas in Comino. One is Popeye Cave, known for being used in the movie Popeye. The cave’s name is tied to the idea of a cave without a roof, which fits the look of this particular spot—more open and atmospheric than the classic “dark cave tunnel” fantasy.

Then there’s another cave stop that people associate with strikingly blue water inside. The effect comes from light filtering into the cave and bouncing around in the water, so the color can look more intense as you position yourself and the sun angle shifts.

Here’s how to make these cave moments feel worth it. Don’t just look once. Use a minute or two to drift into a position where the water turns that deep blue, then get your camera ready. The difference between flat light and strong light is huge in places like this, and a good skipper knows how to time things.

Also note a reality check: caves can mean cramped footing, uneven surfaces, and a bit of spray. If you’re bringing older family members, it’s worth leaning into the slow pace and being ready to hold onto the boat steps carefully.

Blue Lagoon in Comino: how to use your 45 minutes like a pro

The Blue Lagoon is the star name, the one everyone wants to see. It sits between Comino and the smaller Cominotto, and the water is the kind of clear blue that makes you think you’re in a resort brochure—until you’re in it, floating and realizing the visibility is real.

You’ll get about 45 minutes here. That window is long enough to do a full swim loop, try snorkeling once, and still hang out without feeling rushed. It’s also long enough to let the “wow” settle into something calmer—like, you can actually enjoy the sun and the water instead of just sprinting for the best photo.

One key access note: going down to the Blue Lagoon area requires an entry ticket, and the info you’re given says that access ticket is FREE when you book it. In practice, I’d plan on that ticket step early so you don’t lose time on arrival.

What I recommend at Blue Lagoon:

  • Swim first, photos second. The longer you wait, the more the light changes.
  • If you snorkel, don’t chase everything. Pick a small area and watch for movement near the surface.

The optional Mġarr Harbour on Gozo: a quick taste of port life

This tour includes an optional stop connected to Gozo, specifically Mġarr Harbour. It’s Gozo’s main port on the southeastern side of the island and the entry point for ferry services between Gozo and Malta.

Even if you only get a short look, the value is that it shifts you from pure water views to real island rhythms. You’ll see the working port feel, set against scenic hills and the practical maritime scene that keeps Gozo moving.

If you’re the type who likes a photo that shows more than scenery—think people, boats, and the working end of travel—this add-on can make the day feel more complete.

If you want maximum time in the water, you can skip it. It’s optional, so you’re not forced to trade a swim window for a quick look.

What’s included (and what you should plan to pay for)

Let’s talk money in a clear way, because private boats can feel expensive until you break down what’s actually part of the package.

Included:

  • Private 2-hour speedboat tour
  • Entry tickets related to the lagoons (with the Blue Lagoon access note mentioned above)
  • Skipper
  • Ice box
  • Snorkeling masks
  • Music
  • Fresh-water shower
  • Swimming and snorkeling opportunities, plus cave exploration

Not included:

  • Fuel cost of 79 EUR, paid to the skipper
  • Food and drinks

So what’s the real value? You’re paying for (1) privacy, (2) time on the water at the right places, and (3) convenience. Snorkeling masks and a shower mean you don’t have to bring gear or deal with salt-sticky problems after you swim. The music and ice box make it easier to bring drinks and settle in.

If you’re splitting the group cost across up to 9 people, the “per person” feel changes a lot. In a group, the difference between this and crowded public cruises can be one of those travel choices you remember for years.

Skippers make the day: look for the mix of safety, humor, and local timing

On a private boat, the skipper is the difference between a good trip and a great one. The experience is built around water stops and cave viewing, so you want someone who understands when to move, where to stop, and how to keep the ride smooth.

From the range of skippers connected with this operator—names like Agus, Atef, Keith—you can see a pattern in what people value: friendly professionalism, local insight, and the ability to keep things fun without turning it into chaos. There’s also an emphasis on attention and care, including handling needs on board quickly when something unexpected happens.

What you should do before you get on the boat:

  • Ask a simple question about swim timing and what the skipper thinks is the calmest approach on the day.
  • Tell them if your group wants a more relaxed pace or if you want more time in the water.

That’s where a private charter shines. You’re not stuck with a rigid script.

Comfort and logistics: mobile ticket, English, and getting there with less stress

This experience uses a mobile ticket, and it’s offered in English. It’s also listed as being near public transportation, which matters because you don’t want your “dream day on the water” to start with a complicated taxi chase.

The ride is private—only your group on the boat—so it won’t feel awkward if your family prefers quiet time or if you want more conversation time.

Also, this tour is marked as something most travelers can participate in, with the clear caveat about sea sickness. If you’ve had motion sickness before on boats, don’t gamble with your day.

Who should book this Comino boat trip, and who should skip it

This is a great pick if you:

  • Want private time with swimming and snorkeling at Comino’s top spots
  • Prefer avoiding packed public boats
  • Want music onboard and a simple way to manage drinks with the ice box
  • Like caves and want more than just lagoon selfies

You might rethink it if:

  • You’re prone to sea sickness or get queasy with waves
  • You need a long, slow sightseeing day. The whole experience is about water time in 2 hours, so it’s not built for extensive land touring.

If you’re traveling with older family members, a private charter can actually be easier. The skipper can often help your group set a comfortable pace rather than forcing everyone into the same rhythm as a larger crowd.

Is it worth it? My booking advice

If you’re choosing between a crowded public cruise and a private speedboat, I’d lean private for this route—especially because the value isn’t only the sights, it’s the way you use the time. Crystal Lagoon for an easy swim, caves for the wow factor, then Blue Lagoon for the main event.

The price is for up to 9 people, and the included snorkeling gear plus shower makes it feel more complete than you might expect. Just plan on the 79 EUR fuel cost and bring your own food and drinks if you want more than water and whatever you choose to pack.

My “yes” comes down to this: if your goal is to spend your short Malta time in the best water, with less hassle and more control, this is a strong choice.

If your goal is mostly to sit back and watch from the boat with zero swimming, you might find a slower cruise option a better match. This one is built for people who want to jump in.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour?

The tour is approximately 2 hours.

What’s the group size for this private boat trip?

It’s priced per group and can host up to 9 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

What stops are included on Comino?

You’ll visit Crystal Lagoon, cave areas including Popeye Cave, and Blue Lagoon.

Do I need an entry ticket for the lagoons?

Entry tickets for the lagoons are included. The info also notes that if you want to go down at the Blue Lagoon, you’ll need a FREE entry ticket/booking.

What snorkeling items are included?

You get snorkeling masks, plus there are opportunities for swimming and snorkeling during the stops.

What extra costs should I expect?

The listed price does not include fuel. Fuel cost is 79 EUR, paid to the skipper.

Is the tour suitable if I get sea sick?

It’s not recommended for people prone to sea sickness, since it’s a speedboat.

What if the weather is bad?

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

Should you book this trip or skip it? If you want a short, high-impact day focused on swimming, snorkeling, and caves—while keeping the boat uncrowded—book it. If sea motion bothers you, choose carefully or consider a calmer alternative.

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