REVIEW · MALTA
Comino Islands Private Boat Tour Ebsons Ferry
The best part of this Comino outing is the freedom of a private boat for up to 10 people. Instead of following a large group, you can swim at the Blue Lagoon, snorkel at Crystal Lagoon, and pause at caves or quiet corners of the coast with your own skipper. Mario and Brendon are among the skippers associated with the service.
I like the clean, well-kept boat and the practical extras: bottled water, a cooler with ice, Bluetooth speakers, snorkeling gear on request, and a stand-up paddleboard on request. I also like that the crew can adjust the outing to suit a family, birthday group, or sunset plan.
The main catch is the price structure. The listed rate is $216.29 per group, but you must add a €75 fuel surcharge per booking. The two-hour schedule also gives you only about 45 minutes at each main swimming stop, so this works best as a compact private outing rather than a full-day cruise.
Key points to know before booking

- Private boat for up to 10 people: The price can work well for a family or group that would rather split one boat than buy separate seats.
- Two main swimming stops: You get about 45 minutes at both Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.
- Crystal Lagoon offers a quieter change of pace: Its deeper water and surrounding cliffs suit snorkeling and a more peaceful swim.
- Mario and Brendon receive strong praise for personal service: The crew is described as polite, patient, skilled, and willing to adjust the route.
- Useful onboard equipment: Snorkeling gear and a SUP are available on request, while water, a cooler, ice, and Bluetooth speakers are included.
- Budget for the fuel charge: The €75 surcharge is separate from the listed group price, and Maltese platters cost €10 per person when requested.
A private way to see Comino in two hours

Comino is small, but its coastline packs in bright water, cliffs, caves, and odd natural shapes. A private boat makes sense here because the most enjoyable parts of the island are often reached from the water. You can look into sea caves, stop for a swim, or simply sit back while the skipper handles the route.
This is not a long expedition. It is a short, focused outing with two main stops and several quick sights along the coast. That timing makes it easy to fit into a day in Malta, but you should set realistic expectations. You will not have hours at every location.
The private format is the real selling point. Your group alone takes part, with capacity for up to 10 people. That gives you more room to shape the mood of the trip. A family can focus on easy swimming. Friends can request time for snorkeling and music. A couple or small group can choose a more relaxed sunset outing.
The boat is equipped with a cooler and ice, and bottled water is included. Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard are available upon request, so ask for them when booking rather than assuming they will appear automatically.
More Private Transfers in Malta:
- Gozo: Full-Day Quad Tour with Private Round-Trip Boat
★ 4.8 · 1,674 reviews - The Gozo in a Day Jeep Tour w/ Private Boat ride to Gozo & return
★ 4.0 · 59 reviews - Malta: Gozo Private Chauffeured E-Jeep Tour with Ferry
★ 4.4 · 11 reviews
Blue Lagoon: famous water, limited time

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s headline sight. Its shallow, clear turquoise water is made for swimming, floating, and easy snorkeling. For many people, this will be the moment they picture when booking a Comino boat tour.
You receive about 45 minutes here. That is enough time for a swim and a look around, especially if you arrive ready to get into the water. It is not enough for a slow, unhurried beach day, so bring a simple plan. If swimming matters most to you, change quickly and use the stop well.
The private boat helps because the skipper can pay attention to your group rather than moving a large crowd through the same routine. Mario is specifically praised for being patient and for finding a better spot away from the heaviest crowds during an evening Blue Lagoon swim. That sort of flexibility matters at Malta’s most famous swimming stop.
Still, do not expect the lagoon to feel private simply because your boat is private. The Blue Lagoon is iconic, and its popularity is part of the experience. The advantage here is not that you have the whole lagoon to yourself. It is that your own boat and crew can make the stop more comfortable and less rigid.
If you want calm photographs, a quieter swim, or plenty of personal space, Crystal Lagoon may suit you better. Blue Lagoon is the essential first taste, while Crystal Lagoon provides a useful second act.
Crystal Lagoon for snorkeling and quieter water
Crystal Lagoon is included as a second 45-minute stop. It is a quieter alternative to Blue Lagoon, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and known for deeper water. That makes it a better match for confident swimmers and anyone interested in snorkeling.
The contrast between the two stops gives this short tour a good rhythm. At Blue Lagoon, you get shallow, bright water and the famous Comino setting. At Crystal Lagoon, you can focus more on the cliffs, underwater views, and a less crowded feel.
Because the water is deeper, you should be comfortable with your swimming ability before heading in. The tour includes snorkeling equipment upon request, but the available information does not specify sizes or the exact equipment range. If you need gear, request it in advance and confirm that it suits your group.
I like the fact that Crystal Lagoon is not treated as an afterthought. A visit here keeps the outing from being only a quick stop at Comino’s best-known spot. You get another setting, another view of the coast, and a better chance to enjoy the water at your own pace.
The 45-minute limit is again the key consideration. It gives you enough time for a proper swim, but you may have to choose between snorkeling, using the SUP, taking photographs, and simply relaxing. For a group with different interests, agree beforehand how you want to use the stop.
Santa Maria Caves and Comino’s rocky shoreline

The Santa Maria Caves are natural sea-carved openings along Comino’s coast. The listed stop lasts about five minutes, so think of this as a scenic boat pass rather than an extended cave visit.
That short pause can still be worthwhile. From the water, you get a close look at the rock formations and the way the sea has shaped the coastline. It adds texture to the trip between the longer swimming stops.
The boat also passes a distinctive rock formation that resembles an elephant lowering its trunk into the sea. This is a quick sight rather than a timed stop, but it gives the cruise a playful detail. You will want to keep your camera ready because the best view may last only a moment.
Another coastal sight is a 17th-century watchtower perched on Comino’s cliffs. The tower provides a picturesque view from the boat and adds a human mark to the otherwise rugged shore. Since the itinerary keeps you on the water, do not expect a tower visit or a walk ashore. The appeal is the view from below.
These short sights matter because the tour is more than two swims. You get a quick tour of Comino’s character: clear water, steep rock, sea caves, unusual formations, and an old watchtower. The boat itself becomes your viewing platform.
A few more ferry trips around Malta worth a look
- Sliema/St. Paul’s: Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Ferry Cruise
★ 4.1 · 1,137 reviews - Malta: Roundtrip Ferry to Comino Blue Lagoon w/Gozo Option
★ 4.7 · 539 reviews - Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry
★ 5.0 · 78 reviews - Evening Catamaran Ferry Cruise To The Blue Lagoon
★ 4.2 · 75 reviews
What the crew adds to the experience

A private boat depends heavily on the skipper. The strongest praise for this outing focuses on the crew’s manner and flexibility rather than on a long list of formal commentary.
Mario is described as professional, friendly, patient, and attentive to what each group wanted. He took one family to caves that had not been included on earlier boat charters and helped another group find a quieter place to swim. Those details suggest a skipper who pays attention instead of treating the route as fixed.
Brendon and his son are also associated with the service and are described as accommodating, with strong customer care. The available comments do not establish which skipper you will have, so you should not book on the assumption that a particular person is guaranteed. If a named skipper matters to you, ask when arranging the trip.
The crew’s approach seems especially useful for families and small groups celebrating something. One outing was arranged for a birthday, while another private trip focused on an evening swim. The boat can also suit friends who want to control their own pace and atmosphere.
Bluetooth speakers are included, which may help create a party mood. Use them with some thought, especially when other boats and swimmers are nearby. The cooler and ice are more universally useful, keeping drinks cold during a warm spell on the water.
The boat, equipment, and onboard comfort

The boat has been described as clean and in excellent condition, which is important on a short private outing. You are spending much of the experience onboard, moving between stops, so a tidy boat and comfortable seating make a real difference.
Bottled water is included. A cooler and ice are also provided, giving you a simple way to keep personal drinks or snacks cold. The tour does not list a full meal as standard.
Traditional Maltese platters can be requested for €10 per person. They are not automatically included, so add this cost only if you want local food served during the outing. Ask about the platter when booking, since the wording indicates it is available upon request.
Snorkeling gear is available upon request, as is a SUP. These extras can add variety, but they also compete for time. With only 45 minutes at each main swimming stop, a group that wants to swim, snorkel, paddle, and take photographs may need to divide the time carefully.
The equipment is best viewed as an option rather than the main reason to book. The heart of the experience is the boat access and private routing around Comino. The gear simply lets you make better use of the water.
Is the group price good value?

The listed price is $216.29 per group of up to 10, which looks attractive when shared among a full group. At the maximum size, the base price works out to about $21.63 per person before the fuel surcharge. With the separate €75 fuel charge added, the final amount is noticeably higher.
For a group of 10, the fuel charge adds €7.50 per person. For a small group of two or three, the same charge has a much larger effect on the individual cost. This is the first figure I would clarify before booking.
The private format improves the value if you want control over the route, music, stop length, or general pace. It may also be useful for a family with mixed swimming abilities, since you are not sharing the boat with strangers.
If you are alone or traveling as a couple, a shared excursion may cost less, though it would not offer the same privacy. This tour makes the most financial sense for a larger group that will actually use the boat together.
Remember that the two-hour duration is approximate. The tour gives you a compact look at Comino, not a full coastal day. If you mainly want a Blue Lagoon swim and a second snorkeling stop, the time is efficient. If you want a slow cruise with long meals and many stops, you may find it too short.
Who should book this Comino boat tour?

I would consider this outing for a family, birthday group, or circle of friends who want a private boat without arranging a full-day charter. The capacity of up to 10 makes it practical for a group that can share the cost.
It also suits people who value personal service. The skippers are praised for being polite, attentive, and willing to adjust the experience. That matters more on a private trip than a formal commentary program would.
Swimmers and snorkelers will get the most from it, especially at Crystal Lagoon. You can still enjoy the scenery if you prefer to stay onboard, but the two main stops are built around time in the water.
This is less suitable if you need a long, slow schedule, a guaranteed specific skipper, or a full meal included in the base price. It is also worth checking the weather forecast. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions may lead to a new date or a full refund.
A mobile ticket is provided, and the activity is near public transportation. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Confirmation is normally sent at booking, though reservations made within 12 hours of departure are confirmed as soon as possible, subject to availability.
Should you book it?
Book this Comino tour if you have a group, want privacy, and care more about swimming and flexible service than a long sightseeing cruise. The combination of Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, the Elephant Rock formation, and the watchtower gives you a pleasant sample of Comino in about two hours.
Before paying, ask for the final total with the €75 fuel surcharge, confirm whether you want snorkeling gear or the SUP, and request Maltese platters if needed. If your group can fill most of the 10 seats, the price is easier to justify. If you are only two people, compare the final cost with other boat options.
For a compact private outing with a clean boat and attentive skippers such as Mario or Brendon, this is a strong choice. Just arrive knowing that the famous lagoon may be busy, the schedule is short, and the real value comes from sharing the boat with your own group.
FAQ
How long is the Comino private boat tour?
The tour lasts approximately two hours.
How many people can join the private boat?
The private boat can accommodate a group of up to 10 people.
Which places does the tour visit?
The main stops are Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves. The boat also passes an elephant-shaped rock formation and a 17th-century watchtower on Comino.
Are snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard included?
Snorkeling gear and a stand-up paddleboard are available upon request. Bottled water, a cooler, ice, and Bluetooth speakers are included.
Is fuel included in the listed price?
No. A €75 fuel surcharge applies per booking. Traditional Maltese platters are also extra at €10 per person and must be requested.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.
Just added around Malta
- Golden Comino Escape to Blue Lagoon round trip ferry from Sliema★ 3.5 · 5 reviews
- Roundtrip Ferry to Comino Blue Lagoon with Gozo Option★ 3.5 · 3 reviews
- Blue Lagoon Ferry and Caves Tour★ 4.5 · 15 reviews
- Malta: Gozo Private Chauffeured E-Jeep Tour with Ferry★ 4.4 · 11 reviews
- iSeeGozo Day Pass with Ferry & Gozo Bus Hop-On Hop-Off (CMO)★ 3.6 · 10 reviews
- Gozo Day Pass Ferry and Hop-on Hop-off buses with audio Tour★ 3.0 · 19 reviews
- From Valletta or Sliema: Sail to Science with Boat Transfer★ 4.8 · 5 reviews
- Ferry service to Blue Lagoon (opt. stop in Gozo)& Caves trip★ 3.6 · 11 reviews
Malta Ferry Trips, compared.

Gozo: Full-Day Quad Tour with Private Round-Trip Boat
Read our review →
Sliema/St. Paul’s: Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Ferry Cruise
Read our review →
Roundtrip Ferry to Comino Blue Lagoon w/Gozo Option
Read our review →
Gozo Full-Day Jeep with Lunch and Boat Transfers
Read our review →
Okikoki Banis – Comino Blue Lagoon Speedboat Trip- Fast Ferry
Read our review →
Evening Catamaran Ferry Cruise To The Blue Lagoon
Read our review →
From Sliema or Bugibba: Comino Blue Lagoon Round Trip Ferry
Read our review →
The Gozo in a Day Jeep Tour w/ Private Boat ride to Gozo & return
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in
