- Crystal Lagoon Boat Trip
Crystal Lagoon Malta Boat Trip – Swim, Snorkel & Explore Comino
Crystal Lagoon is one of those places that makes you understand why Comino is famous for its sea. Tucked into the southern side of the island, this sheltered inlet is surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs, clear Mediterranean water and a collection of natural sea caves that are best appreciated from the water.
A Crystal Lagoon Malta boat trip gives you the freedom to experience this beautiful part of Comino without having to follow a fixed group-tour schedule. Stop for a swim, snorkel in the clear water, explore the caves or simply stay on board and enjoy the scenery.
Ready to plan the perfect day on the water?
With a private boat and an experienced skipper, you can also combine Crystal Lagoon with the Blue Lagoon, Comino’s caves and other coastal spots depending on the time available and sea conditions.
Ready to explore Crystal Lagoon, Malta?
- Quick Info Box
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Comino, between Malta and Gozo |
| Best For | Swimming, snorkelling, caves and coastal scenery |
| Access | By boat or on foot from Comino |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or later afternoon for a more relaxed experience |
| Recommended Tour | 3-hour Full Comino Loop |
| GPS Coordinates (Crystal Lagoon) | 36.0101° N, 14.3280° E |
- Why Choose Us
Why Choose a Private Crystal Lagoon Boat Trip?
Crystal Lagoon is beautiful, but the experience can be very different depending on how you visit.
A private boat gives you more flexibility than travelling as part of a large group. Instead of arriving, taking a quick look and immediately moving on to the next scheduled stop, you can spend more time swimming, snorkelling or exploring if the conditions are right.
With a private boat from GOZOblu, you can:
- Spend more time at Crystal Lagoon
- Swim when conditions are suitable
- Snorkel in the clear water
- Explore nearby sea caves
- Combine Crystal Lagoon with the Blue Lagoon
- Stop at other parts of Comino
- Avoid spending your entire trip in one crowded location
- Change your route according to sea conditions
- Travel with your own family or group
- Ask your experienced skipper about quieter coastal spots
This flexibility is particularly useful during the busy summer months, when Comino’s most famous locations can become very busy.
Private Boat Tours vs Ferry Trips to Comino
Many visitors reach Comino using public ferries, large shared group tours, or private boats. Here’s how the three options compare, so you can decide which is right for you:
Who's on the boat
Flexibility
Swimming Stops
Sea Caves Access
Hidden Beaches
Comfort
Personal Skipper
Photo Opportunities
Price
Overall Experience
Who's on the boat
Flexibility
Swimming Stops
Sea Caves Access
Hidden Beaches
Comfort
Personal Skipper
Photo Opportunities
Price
Overall Experience
Who's on the boat
Flexibility
Swimming Stops
Sea Caves Access
Hidden Beaches
Comfort
Personal Skipper
Photo Opportunities
Price
Overall Experience
A ferry can get you to Comino, but it does not provide the same experience as exploring the coastline by boat. If Crystal Lagoon, caves and swimming are the main reasons for your visit, a boat trip allows you to experience more of Comino’s coastline in one outing.
- Pure Adventure
Choose Your Crystal Lagoon Malta Boat Trip
There isn’t just one way to experience Crystal Lagoon. The right tour depends on how much time you have and whether you want to focus on Comino alone or combine it with Gozo.
Comino Highlights
Discover Malta’s most breathtaking hidden gems on this exclusive private boat tour.
- Private Boat Tour
- 2 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- MOST BOOKED
Full Comino Loop
- Private Boat Tour
- 3 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- Top Choice
Half-Day Tour – Comino & a Touch of Gozo
- Private Boat Tour
- 4 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- MOST POPULAR
Extended Comino & Gozo
- Private Boat Tour
- 5 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- Best Experience
Full Comino & Gozo Highlights
- Private Boat Tour
- 6 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- Most Popular
Full-Day Tour – Comino & Full Gozo Coastline
- Private Boat Tour
- 8 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- Highly Recommended
Sunset Magic
- Private Boat Tour
- 3 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- Crowd Favorite
Custom Adventure
- Private Boat Tour
- 2-8 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- Limited Spots
Comino Highlights
Discover Malta’s most breathtaking hidden gems on this exclusive private boat tour.
- Private Boat Tour
- 2 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- MOST BOOKED
Full Comino Loop
- Private Boat Tour
- 3 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- Top Choice
Half-Day Tour – Comino & a Touch of Gozo
- Private Boat Tour
- 4 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- MOST POPULAR
Extended Comino & Gozo
- Private Boat Tour
- 5 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- Best Experience
Full Comino & Gozo Highlights
- Private Boat Tour
- 6 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- Most Popular
Full-Day Tour – Comino & Full Gozo Coastline
- Private Boat Tour
- 8 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- Highly Recommended
Sunset Magic
- Private Boat Tour
- 3 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- Crowd Favorite
Custom Adventure
- Private Boat Tour
- 2-8 Hour(s)
- Starting 100/hr
- Limited Spots
Local Tip: If Crystal Lagoon is high on your list, the 4-Hour Half-Day Tour gives you plenty of time to enjoy a swim, explore the surrounding caves and discover more of Comino without feeling rushed. It also leaves enough time to include other nearby stops, depending on the sea conditions and what you would like to see.
What's Included in Every GOZOblu Tour
Every single one of our private tours, from the 2-hour highlights trip to the full 8-hour day comes with all of this included as standard:
- Your own private boat: Just your group — no strangers, no shared schedules
- Experienced local skipper: A local who knows every cave, cove, and secret spot
- Snorkelling masks: Provided for everyone on board
- Light local snacks & water: Local light snacks and chilled water included
- Fuel & port fees included: No hidden extras — the price you see is the price you pay
- Fully flexible itinerary: Your day, your pace — we adjust to you
- Local insider knowledge: Stories, history, and hidden spots you won't find in any guidebook
- Free cancellation: If the weather isn't safe, we reschedule or refund in full
Tours start from around €100 per hour for your whole group, not per person. Split between a family or group of friends, a private boat tour often works out comparable to, or even less than, a shared group excursion with an experience that is incomparably better.
Check availability on WhatsApp! We’ll give you an exact quote for your group size and preferred date.
- Our Destinations
Best Places to Visit Around Crystal Lagoon by Boat
Crystal Lagoon is part of a much larger coastal experience. If you have enough time, your skipper can incorporate several nearby attractions into the same trip. Here the places worth visiting:
The Famous Blue Lagoon
Just around the coastline from Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon is Comino’s most recognisable attraction, known for its bright turquoise water and shallow swimming areas. It is understandably popular, particularly during the summer months, but seeing it by private boat gives you more flexibility over when you visit and how long you stay. Rather than spending the entire trip in the busiest part of Comino, you can combine the Blue Lagoon with Crystal Lagoon, nearby caves and quieter bays. Your skipper can also adjust the route according to the number of boats, wind and sea conditions on the day.
Cominotto Island
Sitting directly opposite Comino, Cominotto Island forms part of the scenery around the Blue Lagoon and is easily recognisable from the water. The small, uninhabited islet has rocky coastline, clear surrounding water and its own little beach. The channel between Comino and Cominotto is particularly scenic from a boat, making it a natural addition to a Crystal Lagoon itinerary. Depending on the conditions, your skipper can take you around the islet or include the area as part of a wider swimming and snorkelling route.
Comino Caves
The coastline around Comino is filled with sea caves, rocky arches and small natural openings that are much easier to appreciate from the water. Some caves are tucked into the cliffs and can be easy to miss when exploring Comino on foot. A private boat allows you to cruise close to the coastline and discover some of these formations along the way. Whether a particular cave can be entered depends on the wind, swell and water conditions, so your local skipper will decide which areas are suitable on the day.
St Mary’s Tower & Lovers’ Cave
St Mary’s Tower is one of Comino’s most recognisable historic landmarks. Built in 1618, the imposing watchtower sits high above the coastline and was constructed as part of Comino’s coastal defences. From the sea, you get a different perspective of the tower and the rugged cliffs surrounding it. Nearby, Lovers’ Cave is one of the smaller sea caves around this section of the island. Combining the two gives you a nice contrast between Comino’s history above the cliffs and its natural coastline below.
Popeye's Cave (Għar Bla Saqaf)
Known locally as L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, meaning roughly “the cave without a roof”, Popeye’s Cave is one of the more unusual rock formations around Comino. Its partially collapsed ceiling allows sunlight to reach the water inside, creating a striking combination of limestone, blue water and natural light. The cave is also associated with the filming of the 1980 film Popeye, which was shot around Malta. It is particularly interesting to see from a boat because the shape of the cave and its opening are much easier to appreciate from sea level.
Santa Marija Bay & The Historic Church
On the quieter side of Comino, Santa Marija Bay offers a very different atmosphere from the busy Blue Lagoon. The bay has a sandy shoreline, clear water and a more peaceful setting, making it a useful alternative stop when you want to slow down and enjoy the island away from the main crowds. Nearby, you can also find the small Santa Marija Chapel, adding a little history to this otherwise natural part of Comino. If you have several hours for your private boat trip, Santa Marija Bay can be combined with Crystal Lagoon and other coastal stops rather than treated as a standalone visit.
The Hidden Battery Cove
Away from Comino’s famous lagoons, there are smaller coves and historic sites that many visitors never see during a short island visit. The area around St Mary’s Battery is particularly interesting, as the battery was built in the early 18th century to help defend the channels around Comino. From a boat, the surrounding rocky coastline gives you a different view of this less-publicised part of the island. It is the kind of stop that works particularly well on a private itinerary, where you can spend time exploring beyond the usual Blue Lagoon–Crystal Lagoon route.
The South Coast Caves & Elephant Rock
The southern coastline around Comino becomes increasingly rugged, with limestone cliffs, natural openings and unusual rock formations shaped by the sea over time. Elephant Rock, named for its distinctive profile, is one of the more recognisable formations to look out for when cruising around this side of the island.
San Niklaw Bay
Located on the northern side of Comino, San Niklaw Bay is a quieter coastal stop away from the main Blue Lagoon crowds. The bay is surrounded by rocky scenery and clear water, with small coastal areas that can be explored from the sea. It is also close to the site of the former Comino Hotel, giving the area an interesting connection to the island’s more recent history.
- A Local's Secrets
Best Time for a Crystal Lagoon Malta Boat Trip
The best time depends on what you want from the experience.
The Morning Strategy (Beat the Rush)
An early departure can be ideal if your priority is a quieter experience.
You can reach Comino before the busiest part of the day and make the most of the morning light and calmer atmosphere.
Best for:
- Photography
- Couples
- Families
- Swimming
- Avoiding peak crowds
The Late Afternoon Strategy
Later in the day, many day visitors begin leaving Comino.
The softer afternoon light can also be beautiful along the cliffs and coastline.
Best for:
- Couples
- Photography
- Relaxed swimming
- Sunset cruises
The Midday Strategy (Peak Hours)
Midday can be the busiest period around Comino, particularly during the summer.
If you are travelling at this time, a private boat gives your skipper more flexibility to move between different locations rather than keeping you in one busy spot for the entire trip.
- Happy Customers
What Guests Say About Our Private Boat Tours
Our guests consistently rate GOZOblu as one of the top providers of Malta boat tours. Visitors love the personalised service, local knowledge of our skippers, and the opportunity to explore hidden locations around Comino. Many travellers say their Comino boat trip was the highlight of their visit to Malta.
How to Get to Your Crystal Lagoon Boat Trip Departure Point
Getting to your boat is straightforward, with departure options from both Malta and Gozo depending on where you are staying.
- From Malta (Ċirkewwa): Staying on the main island? We can arrange your departure from Ċirkewwa, at the northern tip of Malta. From here, it is a short boat ride towards Comino and Crystal Lagoon.
- From Gozo (Mġarr Harbour): If you are staying in Gozo, we depart from Mġarr Harbour. The harbour is easy to reach by bus or taxi, and it is a convenient starting point for a private boat trip around Crystal Lagoon and the Comino coastline.
Local Tip for Valletta Guests:
If you are staying in Valletta, travelling by taxi all the way to Ċirkewwa can take considerably longer, particularly during busy summer periods. A more convenient option is to take the Fast Ferry from Valletta to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. From Mġarr, you can head straight out towards Comino and Crystal Lagoon.
What to Pack for Your Crystal Lagoon Adventure
Packing light is key, but a few essentials will make your day much more comfortable.
- Swimwear & Towel: Obvious, but essential!
- Sun Protection: High-factor sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable. The Maltese sun is strong, especially when reflected off the water.
- Reef Shoes or Aqua Socks: Highly recommended. Much of Comino’s coastline is rocky, and these will protect your feet and make it much easier to explore.
- Camera or GoPro: You will want to capture the colour of the water. An underwater camera is perfect for the Crystal Lagoon.
- Light Cover-Up: A t-shirt or kaftan is useful for when you want a break from the sun.
- FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Crystal Lagoon Malta?
Crystal Lagoon is located on Comino, between Malta and Gozo. It can be reached by sea or on foot from other parts of Comino. A private boat is one of the most flexible ways to visit because you can combine the lagoon with other coastal attractions.
Can you swim at Crystal Lagoon Malta?
Yes. Crystal Lagoon is a popular swimming location when sea conditions are suitable. The water is deeper than the shallow areas of the Blue Lagoon, so visitors should follow their skipper’s advice before entering.
Is Crystal Lagoon better than Blue Lagoon?
They offer different experiences. Blue Lagoon is famous for its shallow turquoise water and iconic scenery, while Crystal Lagoon is known for its deeper water, cliffs, caves and a more enclosed coastal setting. Many visitors choose to experience both during the same boat trip.
Can you snorkel at Crystal Lagoon?
Yes, Crystal Lagoon can be a good location for swimming and snorkelling when conditions are suitable. The clear water and rocky underwater environment make it interesting to explore.
How long should I spend at Crystal Lagoon?
There is no fixed amount of time you need to spend there. A short stop works well as part of a wider Comino tour, while a longer private trip gives you more time for swimming, snorkelling and exploring.
Can I visit Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon on the same trip?
Yes. Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are commonly combined as part of a private Comino boat itinerary. GOZOblu’s 3-hour Full Comino Loop is specifically designed to include both locations alongside Comino’s caves.
What is the best time to visit Crystal Lagoon?
Early morning and later afternoon can offer a more relaxed experience than the busiest part of the day. Your skipper can also adjust the route depending on crowds and sea conditions.
Is Crystal Lagoon suitable for families?
Yes, families can visit Crystal Lagoon by private boat. However, the water is deeper than some shallow swimming areas, so children should always be supervised and parents should follow the skipper’s safety advice.
Taste, Explore & Discover Malta & Gozo
There is no better way to spend a day in the Maltese islands than out on the water, and Comino is our crown jewel. It’s a place of pure, natural beauty that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. We’d love to be the ones to show you its secrets.
Ready to dive in? Check Availability on WhatsApp to start planning your perfect day at sea!