Why Booking a Private Boat Tour is the Best Way to Experience the Blue Lagoon Malta
Have you ever seen those stunning photos of the Blue Lagoon Malta with its impossibly turquoise waters and thought, “I need to go there”?. This breathtaking natural wonder sits between Malta and Gozo on tiny Comino Island and attracts thousands of tourists yearly.
But there’s a catch that many travellers discover too late. Those serene, uncrowded photos you see on Instagram? They’re either taken at 6 AM or carefully framed to exclude the hundreds of other tourists jostling for space.
As a family run business in Malta with 12 years of experience in the tourism sector, here’s one of the undeniable truths: private blue lagoon malta tour transform this experience from potentially disappointing to genuinely magical. Let us show you why booking your own private blue lagoon Malta tour is worth every penny when visiting this Mediterranean paradise.
What to Expect When Visiting Blue Lagoon Malta?
Location and Accessibility
Before diving into blue lagoon Malta tour options, let’s understand what makes this place so special.
The Blue Lagoon, Malta is a natural phenomenon. This sheltered inlet features a sandy seabed that reflects sunlight through crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, creating that iconic blue hue that seems almost unreal in person. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and the barren landscape of Comino Island, the contrast between the water and surroundings is simply dramatic.
We’ll be honest—visiting the Blue Lagoon via standard transportation can be disappointing, especially during peak season (June through September). Here’s what typically happens:
You board a large ferry from Sliema, Buġibba, or Gozo with 100+ other passengers. After arriving at the Blue Lagoon around 10:30 AM (along with dozens of other boats), you’ll find:
- A small beach area completely packed with sunbathers
- Standing-room-only conditions in the water during peak hours
- Beach chairs and umbrellas filling every inch of available space
- Loud music from competing boat parties
- Food vendors creating a carnival-like atmosphere
One tourist on Reddit summed it up perfectly: “It was like trying to enjoy a natural wonder in the middle of a music festival.”
The standard boats operate on strict schedules, typically allowing 3-4 hours at the lagoon before departing. This fixed timeline means you’re stuck there during the most crowded midday hours, with no flexibility to visit during quieter morning or evening periods.
Even worse, many tourists report feeling rushed and unable to truly appreciate the beauty around them. Most public boats focus exclusively on the main lagoon, missing the other gems Comino has to offer. When you factor in the often-crowded vessels with limited shade and facilities, the overall experience can fall far short of expectations.
Why Choose Private Malta Boat Trips?
Starting in May 2025, the Maltese government has introduced a new visitor management system for the Blue Lagoon to protect its fragile ecosystem and improve the overall experience. Under the theme “Book, Protect, Enjoy”, visitor numbers are now limited to 4,000 at any one time. You can check the full article in Times of Malta website.
If you’re planning to set foot on land at the Blue Lagoon you’ll now need to pre-book a time slot using the official website. The system offers three daily time slots:
- 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Once you book, you’ll receive a unique QR code which must be presented at the access points, and you’ll be issued a wristband for entry during your time slot.
It’s important to note that this restriction primarily targets large commercial boats that disembark hundreds of tourists onto the shore at once which is the main source of overcrowding. However, if you’re visiting the Blue Lagoon on a private boat and choose to stay onboard or swim around the area without going ashore, you’re not affected by this new regulation.
When you book a private blue lagoon Malta tour from GOZOblu Private Boat Tours, you gain:
Complete Schedule Freedom
With your own boat, you control departure and return times. Want to arrive before the crowds at 8 AM? No problem. Prefer to visit in the late afternoon when most day-trippers have left? That works too.
Create Your Own Custom Malta Boat Tour Itinerary
This is perhaps the biggest advantage. Instead of being locked into a preset route, you can:
- Spend as long as you want at each location
- Visit multiple spots around Comino in one day
- Change plans on the fly based on conditions or preferences
- Include stops at Gozo’s coastline for a more comprehensive day
Superior Comfort
Private blue lagoon boat trips offer significantly more space per person, proper seating with shade options, and often cleaner facilities than crowded public vessels. Many include:
- Comfortable seating with cushions
- Dedicated shade structures
- Coolers for your food and drinks
- Swimming platforms and ladders for easy water access
Exclusive Access to Hidden Spots
This is what truly separates the experiences. At GOZOblu, our private Malta boat tours can access:
- Tiny coves that large vessels can’t enter
- Crystal Lagoon without the crowds
- Santa Maria Caves for spectacular swimming and snorkelling
- Secluded spots known only to experienced skippers
Why This Makes Private Boat Tours an Even Smarter Choice
With new limitations in place when visiting the blue lagoon Malta, private boat tours offer unmatched freedom. You can still explore the crystal-clear waters, snorkel in hidden coves, and soak in the views — all without the need for a wristband or a pre-booked time slot.
Whether you’re watching the crowds come and go from your own peaceful corner of the lagoon or heading to quieter, lesser-known spots only your skipper knows about, a private boat tour ensures your experience stays uninterrupted and stress-free.
Who Gets the Most Value from Private Blue Lagoon Malta Tour?
While everyone can appreciate a better experience, these groups particularly benefit from private blue lagoon Malta tour options:
Families with Children
Parents consistently report that private Malta boat trips make the Blue Lagoon actually enjoyable with kids. You’ll appreciate:
- The ability to leave when children get tired (not when a schedule dictates)
- More space for children to move around safely
- Proper shade to prevent sunburn
- Clean facilities
- The option to visit calmer, shallower areas ideal for younger swimmers
Photography Enthusiasts
If capturing stunning photos is important to you, private blue lagoon malta tour is non-negotiable. You’ll get:
- Access during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon
- The ability to visit when the water is calmest for those perfect reflection shots
- Unobstructed views without crowds of swimmers
- Multiple vantage points around the lagoon
- Time to wait for perfect lighting conditions
Couples Seeking Romance
Private Malta boat trips can turn your Blue Lagoon Malta tour into a truly romantic experience:
- Intimate settings away from crowded areas
- Possibility for secluded swimming in your own private cove
- Customisable touches like champagne or special meals
- Sunset return journeys with spectacular lighting
- Stress-free environment to enjoy each other’s company
Looking to surprise your partner with a truly unforgettable day in Malta? Our Romantic Blue Lagoon Malta Tour guide is designed with couples in mind.
Download our Romantic Blue Lagoon Boat Tour Itinerary (PDF) to explore a sample schedule, add-ons, and tips for the perfect couple’s day out.
Private boat trips create an intimate setting far from the tourist crowds, perfect for making special memories together.
Friend Groups
When the cost is split among 4-8 friends, private Malta boat trips often become surprisingly affordable per person while offering:
- Your own music and atmosphere
- Space to socialise comfortably
- No strangers to contend with
- The perfect setting for celebrations
Featured Destinations on a GOZOblu Private Boat Tour
While the Blue Lagoon is the star attraction, a private tour allows you to experience so much more:
The Main Blue Lagoon
Our experienced skippers will select access points away from the main ferry docks, finding quieter swimming areas with the same stunning water clarity. They’ll time your visit to avoid peak crowds and position the boat for optimal swimming and photography.
Crystal Lagoon Exploration
Just around the corner from the Blue Lagoon lies the equally beautiful but far less visited Crystal Lagoon. Surrounded by higher cliffs and featuring deeper water, this spot offers impressive snorkelling opportunities along its rock walls.
Many visitors consider the Crystal Lagoon even more beautiful than its famous neighbour, with fewer people and more dramatic surroundings. Your private boat can anchor directly in the lagoon for easy access to the best swimming spots.
Santa Maria Caves and Bay
These impressive sea caves offer a completely different swimming experience. The interplay of light through the cave openings creates mesmerising effects underwater, while the rocky overhangs provide welcome shade during hot days.
The nearby Santa Maria Bay features a small beach and exceptionally clear water, often with better visibility for snorkelling than the main Blue Lagoon. It’s also home to more marine life, making it perfect for underwater exploration.
Secret Coves and Beaches
Some of Comino’s most beautiful spots don’t even have official names, they’re simply small, hidden coves known primarily to experienced skippers. These secluded spots often feature the same crystal waters as the main lagoon but might be completely empty even during peak season.
How to Book Your Private Malta Boat Trip with GOZOblu
Securing your private Blue Lagoon tour adventure is straightforward:
The Booking Process
GOZOblu offers an intuitive online booking system where you can select your preferred date, boat size, and package type. For more customised experiences, direct contact through Whatsapp provides personalised assistance.
Once you’ve selected your options, you’ll receive immediate confirmation along with detailed information about meeting points, what to bring, and contact details for any questions that arise before your blue lagoon tour.
Customisation Options
Every private Malta boat tour allows for customisation, from simple adjustments to complete bespoke experiences:
- Choose your departure time and duration
- Select specific destinations around Comino
- Add catering packages from basic refreshments to full meals
- Request specialty equipment like premium snorkeling gear or underwater cameras
- Arrange special touches for celebrations
Pricing Structure
GOZOblu maintains transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Standard packages include the boat, captain, fuel, safety equipment, bottled water, gopro camera, and basic snorkelling gear.
Optional add-ons are clearly priced, allowing you to build an experience that matches both your wishes and budget. Group size significantly affects per-person costs. A full boat of 8-10 people often makes private Malta boat tours surprisingly affordable when compared to premium group tour options.
What Our Guests Say About Their Private Malta Boat Tour Experience?
“Such a great experience! The boat tour of the Blue Lagoon was beautiful, and our guide was super friendly and informative. He even surprised us with drone photos (which came out amazing) and brought snacks on board. Highly recommend this tour if you’re in Malta!” – Rebecca Mann
“We really enjoyed the 2-hour private boat tour, starting from Mgarr (Gozo) and taking us to the Blue Lagoon. We would highly recommend it to anyone! We were a group of 6, including my parents (age 70+), so we were a bit nervous about booking the tour. The guys at GOZOblu were really helpful and advised us on the best time to do the trip and they were really accommodating throughout the journey. Communication via WhatsApp and during the trip was perfect. We definitely appreciated the personal approach!” – Ilse Hermans
“We felt very welcome and looked after by Nigel and Francesco. The two are very friendly and accommodating and were able to show us many hidden places on Comino. They also listened to our wishes and allowed us to swim and showed us the island. In addition, they filmed us with their drone and made the images available to us. Overall, we can only recommend the trip with the two of them 🙂 “ – Jördis
Our commitment to providing personalised, high-quality Malta private boat tours while preserving the natural beauty of the islands is remarkable. Every journey with GOZOblu is an adventure filled with stunning scenery, rich history, and genuine hospitality.
Why a Private Boat Tour is the Ultimate Malta Experience
Beyond just avoiding crowds, private Malta boat tours create signature memories that last a lifetime:
Time Optimisation During Limited Vacations
Most visitors have limited time in Malta. A private boat maximises this precious resource by:
- Eliminating waiting for other passengers
- Avoiding overcrowded spots that diminish the experience
- Creating efficient routes between destinations
- Focusing on quality experiences rather than checking boxes
When you consider the value of your vacation time, the efficiency of private transportation becomes an important factor.
Long-Term Memory Value
Years after your trip, which will you remember more vividly—fighting crowds for space at a beach, or having a secluded cove all to yourself? When we calculate the “cost per memory” of travel experiences, private boat tours often provide the best return on investment.
As one visitor put it: “I don’t remember what our hotel in Malta cost, but I’ll never forget swimming in that empty blue cove our captain showed us.”
Environmental Consideration
There’s also an environmental aspect to consider. Smaller vessels generally have less impact on the fragile marine ecosystem than the large ferries carrying hundreds of passengers. Private tours can:
- Use more environmentally friendly practices
- Anchor responsibly away from sensitive areas
- Educate visitors about conservation
- Access areas without needing built infrastructure
By choosing operators committed to sustainable practices, your private Malta boat tour can actually help preserve the Blue Lagoon for future generations.
Beyond the Blue Lagoon: Expanding Your Private Boat Experience
While the Blue Lagoon deserves its fame, your private boat opens up much more of Malta’s coastal wonders:
Comino's Complete Experience
With private transportation, you can properly explore all of Comino’s highlights in one day:
- Blue Lagoon for that iconic turquoise water
- Crystal Lagoon for dramatic cliff scenery
- Santa Maria Caves for unique swimming experiences
- Santa Maria Bay for relaxed beach time
- Comino’s historic tower for panoramic views
Adding Gozo to Your Itinerary
Extended private Malta boat tours can include Gozo’s spectacular coastal features:
- Dwejra Bay (where the Azure Window once stood)
- Ramla Bay with its distinctive orange-red sand
- Mġarr ix-Xini, a narrow fjord-like inlet
- Hondoq ir-Rummien’s clear waters and caves
- San Blas Bay with reddish sand and a steep valley backdrop.
- Wied il-Għasri, narrow inlet with high cliffs and clear water.
Adding Northern Malta to Your Itinerary
Malta private boat tours can also explore the stunning northern coastline, where fewer crowds and raw natural beauty await:
- Għadira Bay ideal for swimming and relaxing in Mellieħa’s calm, shallow waters.
- Golden Bay, a scenic and popular beach with golden sand and great conditions for swimming and water sports.
- Għajn Tuffieħa, a tranquil spot offers dramatic cliffs and gorgeous sunsets.
- Ġnejna Bay, a peaceful alternative with clay slopes, perfect for snorkelling and nature lovers.
- Ħad-Dingli Cliffs, Malta’s highest point, best admired from the sea for its towering limestone cliffs.
- Fomm ir-Riħ Bay, a remote, pebbly beach with crystal-clear water and untouched natural surroundings.
- Popeye Village, a quirky photo stop with a view of the film set nestled in a charming cove.
- St. Paul’s Islands, an uninhabited islet, are rich in history and great for a short swim or quick exploration.
Northern Malta is often overlooked in favour of Comino and Gozo, but it offers spectacular scenery, quiet coves, and some of the island’s best beaches, all easily accessible by private boat.
Is a Private Boat Tour Worth the Investment?
Let’s address the elephant in the room—yes, private Malta boat tours do cost more than public options. Depending on the boat size, route, and season, prices can range from €600–€1200 for a full-day private experience, compared to €25–€40 per person on crowded public tours.
But here’s the difference: with a private tour, you’re not just buying a seat; you’re investing in a personalised, flexible, and comfortable adventure. You get your own skipper, control over your itinerary, the freedom to swim in secluded bays away from tourist crowds, and a relaxed pace tailored to your group. Whether it’s a romantic day for two or a family celebration, the exclusivity and unforgettable moments often far outweigh the extra cost.
For groups of 4-10 people, the per-person cost becomes much more reasonable, often comparable to “premium” group tours. And when you consider what you’re actually buying, not just transportation but a completely transformed experience, the value becomes clear.
Ask yourself: How often will you visit Malta? If this is potentially your only chance to see one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic natural wonders, does it make sense to compromise the experience to save money?
As one visitor told us, “I almost chose the public ferry to save €40 per person. Looking back, I would have paid triple what the private boat cost for the day we had. Some experiences are worth stretching your budget for.”
FAQ
How much does a private boat tour to Blue Lagoon Malta cost?
Private boat prices range from €600-1200 for a full day depending on boat size, season, and included amenities. For groups of 6-8 people, this typically works out to €70-100 per person, comparable to premium group tours. Most operators require a deposit at booking (typically 20-30%) with the balance due before departure.
What is the best time to visit Blue Lagoon Malta?
For the ideal balance of good weather and fewer crowds, visit in late May, June, September, or early October. Water temperatures remain comfortable (22-25°C/72-77°F) while avoiding July-August peak crowds. Early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) provide the calmest, least crowded experiences regardless of season.
How do I get to Blue Lagoon from Valletta or Sliema?
From Valletta to Blue Lagoon, you can take a public ferry (€20-30 round trip, 45-minute journey) from nearby Sliema. From Sliema to Blue Lagoon, direct ferries depart throughout the day (35-minute journey). Private boats offer pickup from both locations with journey times of 30-45 minutes depending on sea conditions.
Is Blue Lagoon Malta worth visiting?
Absolutely, but how you visit makes a huge difference. The Blue Lagoon Malta offers genuinely spectacular water clarity and colour that photos don’t exaggerate. However, during peak times with standard transportation, extreme crowding can diminish the experience. With proper timing or private transportation, it’s unquestionably one of Malta’s must-see attractions.
Can you swim at Blue Lagoon Malta?
Yes! Swimming is the main activity at Blue Lagoon. The water is typically calm, clear, and ranges from shallow near the small beach to moderately deep in the center. The sandy bottom creates ideal swimming conditions. Water temperatures range from 16-17°C (61-63°F) in winter to 25-27°C (77-80°F) in summer, making comfortable swimming possible from May through October.
How do I avoid crowds at Blue Lagoon Malta?
The best strategies are:
- Visit during shoulder season (May-June or September-October)
- Arrive before 10 AM or after 4 PM
- Consider weekdays instead of weekends
- Book a private Malta boat tour that can access less crowded areas
- Visit the nearby Crystal Lagoon as an alternative with similar water quality but fewer people
What should I bring to Blue Lagoon Malta?
Essential items include:
- High-SPF waterproof sunscreen (there’s little natural shade)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Water shoes (rocky entry points in many areas)
- Snorkelling equipment (though many tours provide this)
- Cash for any on-site purchases (limited card facilities)
- Water and snacks (especially on public boats where options are limited)
- Towels and dry clothes for the return journey
How long should I spend at Blue Lagoon?
For the main Blue Lagoon only, 2-3 hours provides sufficient swimming and relaxation time. To properly explore Comino’s other attractions (Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, etc.), a full day (6-8 hours) is ideal. Private boats allow you to divide this time optimally based on your interests and conditions.
What's the difference between Blue Lagoon Malta and other famous beaches in Malta?
The Blue Lagoon differs from Malta’s other beaches in several key ways:
- Water clarity exceeds most other locations due to its protected position and sandy bottom
- It’s not actually a proper beach but rather a sheltered inlet with limited shore access
- It’s located on Comino Island, requiring boat transportation
- The bright turquoise color is more vibrant than most other Maltese swimming spots
Other excellent Malta beaches include Golden Bay (traditional sandy beach), Għajn Tuffieħa (natural setting), and Mellieħa Bay (family-friendly with facilities), but none offer the same striking blue water that gives Blue Lagoon its name.
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