Comino looks better from a fast RIB. This private luxury boat tour links Gozo and Comino with sea-cave cruising, photo stops, and time in the water. I love how the skipper guides you to the calmer corners first, so the experience feels relaxed instead of like a conveyor belt. I also love the mix of movie-scout details with genuine swim-and-snorkel breaks—plus a boat setup that feels premium from the start.

The main thing to consider is cost flexibility: the listed price covers the tour, but there’s a 99 euro fuel payment in cash to the skipper. And like most Comino days, the ride depends on good weather, so plan for that. Still, when conditions are right, this is a strong value way to see far more than the usual Blue Lagoon-only stops.

Key highlights I’d bet on

• St. Mary’s Tower + Lovers Cave: cruise past the Knights of St. John fort, then go into a cave only accessible from the water.
• L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf (the cave without a roof): a “skylight” effect inside the cave that’s great for photos.
• Crystal Lagoon for a calmer swim: a turquoise bay that’s quieter than the main hot spots.
• P31 wreck stop for beginner-friendly viewing: a deliberately scuttled patrol boat with its highest point just 7 meters down.
• Blue Lagoon from the best vantage points: private timing and positioning so you spend more time enjoying, less time waiting.
• Gozo add-ons beyond Comino: Hondoq Bay, Halfa Rock folklore, and Red Shore wreck sites work as variety within the same tour.

Luxury RIB comfort: what makes this tour feel “premium”

This is a private RIB (rigid inflatable boat) experience with a group size capped at up to 10. That matters because you get a more personal ride pace and a skipper who can shift plans to the sea conditions and crowd levels. You’re not just watching the coastline from one fixed spot.

The included basics are also the sort of details that make a 4-hour tour smoother: bottled water, an ice cooler, and snorkeling equipment. In practice, it means you can focus on the water time instead of spending effort on gear shopping or improvising.

From what you can expect operationally, the company runs like a family business (small team energy), with communication that stays active before and during the outing. People also describe the boat as clean, comfortable, and fast, which fits the RIB style: you get that quick “pop” between coves without feeling bounced around all day.

Price and the real cost of the day (including the fuel cash)

The price is $419.33 per group (up to 10), and the tour runs about 4 hours. That pricing structure is important: if you’re traveling as a small group or couple, the cost per person can work out better than you’d think compared with larger shared tours.

But don’t miss the add-on: there’s a fuel cost of 99 euros paid in cash to the skipper. Even so, this still can feel like good value because your stops are not just “see and leave.” You get multiple cave viewpoints, at least one meaningful swim/snorkel window, and several water-access experiences that are simply hard to replicate on your own.

If you’re a solo traveler hoping to “spread the cost,” private tours are usually less efficient than small-group public boats. If you’re a duo, family, or group of friends, the pricing becomes much more tempting—especially because the tour is designed to reach quieter spots.

First cruise: St. Mary’s Tower and Lovers Cave

You start with a coastal cruise past St. Mary’s Tower, a 17th-century Knights of St. John fort that once guarded the channel between Malta and Gozo. It’s a cool orientation moment because it gives you the geography right away: cliffs, channel views, and that sense of scale between islands.

Then comes the water-access-only payoff: Lovers Cave. This sea cave is reached by boat directly under the cliff where the tower stands, which is exactly why it works. You get that “arrive at the scene from the sea” feeling, plus clean photo angles because you’re not dealing with foot traffic.

Time here is short—about 15 minutes—so think of it as a calm interlude and a camera moment more than a long hangout. If you want leisurely cave time, that’s where a longer tour option could make sense, but for a 4-hour day, it’s well paced.

The cave without a roof: L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf

Next is L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, known locally as the cave without a roof—often linked in conversation to Popeye’s Cave because it appeared in the 1980s movie Popeye. The standout feature is the collapsed ceiling, which creates a natural skylight effect.

Practically, that means the cave interior lighting looks dramatic even in daylight. It’s also a great stop for anyone who likes photography more than constant swimming. You’ll get enough time to take photos, look around, and understand why this cave is famous among people who plan Comino trips around scenery.

It’s also described as a favorite spot for exploration and photos, and since your access is by boat cruising, you’re not wasting energy finding the right approach from land. Expect another about 15 minutes here, mostly focused on visuals and short boat-side viewing.

Crystal Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: picking the best water moments

If Blue Lagoon is the headline, Crystal Lagoon is the cool-side story. It’s on Comino’s western side and is famous for clear turquoise water and limestone cliffs. The key difference is the vibe: Crystal Lagoon is presented as more peaceful and more secluded than the main hot spots.

You’ll anchor for around 30 minutes for a swim and snorkeling break. That anchor time is where the tour earns its keep. You’re not rushed through the water, and you can choose your pace: float, swim, or snorkel around nearby sea cave zones.

There’s also a practical payoff for snorkelers here: some caves nearby are large enough to enter with the boat, while others are perfect for quiet dip moments. Even if you don’t plan to swim into caves, you get the value of the scenery during your swim break.

Then you move to Blue Lagoon, and this is where your “private” advantage really shows up. Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason—turquoise water, white sandy seabed, and postcard surroundings between Comino and Cominotto. But the crowds can be intense on busy days.

With this tour, the point is that you’re on a private boat, so you can enjoy the lagoon from better positions and spend time in quieter sections rather than staying trapped in the busiest viewing lanes. Blue Lagoon gets about 45 minutes, which is a solid chunk for swimming and relaxing.

The P31 wreck: a snorkelable “underwater page” for beginners

One of the most interesting stops on this route is the P31, a former Maltese patrol boat intentionally scuttled in 2009 to create an artificial reef and a marine attraction. The wreck sits upright on a sandy seabed at depths around 18 to 20 meters, with its highest point about 7 meters below the surface.

That depth detail is a big deal for you if you’re not a confident advanced swimmer. On days with good visibility, the whole structure can be seen from the surface, which means even casual snorkelers can enjoy the scene without needing special skills. It’s also described as a strong option for beginner divers, since the clear water and shallow top make it easier to find.

Even if you don’t go underwater, this stop still helps the day feel like more than just swim-and-sun. It adds a real “what is that?” factor that keeps the tour interesting during transitions.

Cominotto Reef and Cominotto: more caves, more underwater variety

After Crystal Lagoon and the wreck stop, the route continues with underwater scenery focus through Cominotto Reef and then Cominotto.

Cominotto Reef, also called Anchor Reef, is known for underwater structure like steep drop-offs, overhangs, and swim-throughs. It ranges from about 10 to 40 meters, and it’s described as full of marine life such as octopus, moray eels, and colorful fish. If you enjoy “walk-in-by-water” exploring with a mask, this kind of reef topography can feel much more interesting than flat sandy spots.

Then you head to Cominotto, just off Comino’s side, an uninhabited islet with crystal-clear water, rugged cliffs, and swim-through caves. It’s also known for a secluded sandy beach and a sea tunnel area that’s made for swimming and snorkeling. Cliff jumping is popular here too, with different heights, so it’s a better stop for thrill seekers than families who only want calm water.

Cominotto and Cominotto Reef are each given shorter windows (around 15 minutes each in the schedule). That keeps your day efficient, but it does mean you’ll want to be ready to jump in quickly when you arrive.

Northern Comino quiet time: San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay

Comino’s northern coast is where you can feel the difference between “famous” and “peaceful.” Two bays in this route—San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay—are presented as calmer alternatives to Blue Lagoon.

San Niklaw Bay is described as serene and lesser-known, with crystal-clear water and a tranquil atmosphere. You’ll get enough time to swim, snorkel, or just relax from the boat, and the setting includes rugged cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation.

Then Santa Marija Bay adds a small cultural bonus: the historic Santa Marija Chapel (dating back to 1618). The bay’s shallow, calm waters are also noted as suitable for families and people who want a more relaxed swim. Both bays receive around 45 minutes, which is a helpful change of pace if your group is split between photo people and water people.

Limestone arches and cave cruising: Għemieri Window, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock

Some Comino stops are about getting the view from the sea, and this one does that well. The route includes Għemieri Window, a limestone arch shaped by centuries of wind and sea erosion. Approaching by boat helps you see the arch and the details that are hard to appreciate if you’re on land.

Next are Santa Maria Caves. These are a cave network on Comino’s northeastern coast, known for narrow tunnels and formations. Your entry is by boat, so you’re “in” the caves looking at the light reflections on the water and rock walls. This stop is about the feeling of being inside the geometry of the coast, not about swimming hard.

Finally, there’s Elephant Rock, a limestone formation said to resemble an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea. It’s a photo-friendly natural arch, and the surrounding clear water makes the shape easier to spot as you approach by boat.

Some of these are short stops (often around 15 minutes), so the best strategy is to decide quickly what you want from each: one perfect photo, quick look around, then back to the boat.

Into Gozo: Halfa Rock, Hondoq Bay, Mġarr Harbour, and Xatt l-Aħmar

The route isn’t only Comino. You also get a Gozo angle that helps the day feel like a full island loop instead of just one bay-hopping afternoon.

Ħalfa Rock (near Qala) is described as an uninhabited islet with deep folklore. The name means oath in Maltese, tied to a legend involving Dragut, an Ottoman admiral said to have sworn revenge after a failed raid on Gozo. You cruise by for the story and the views, with an option for a refreshing swim or snorkel stop in the calm, clean waters.

Then there’s Hondoq Bay, a sheltered cove on Gozo’s southeastern coast with clear turquoise water and a mix of soft sand and smooth pebbles. It also has small sea-level caves near the rocky edges, adding a touch of adventure for snorkelers. Families often like this one because the bay feels protected and easy to access for a calm dip.

You also pass Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. It’s a practical and scenic stop: you see fishing boats, private yachts, and the Gozo Channel ferries. The view from the harbor area includes the Lourdes Chapel and nearby Fort Chambray, plus plenty of places to eat if you’re continuing your day on land.

Finally, there’s Xatt l-Aħmar (Red Shore) near Għajnsielem. It’s a quiet bay with calm, clear water and shallow entry points. For people who plan underwater exploration, this area includes well-known scuttled shipwrecks such as MV Karwela, MV Cominoland, and MV Xlendi. Even if you’re not focusing on wrecks, the view plus the historic fort presence at Fort Chambray helps break up the day.

What to bring (and the small choices that make snorkeling easier)

Since snorkeling equipment is included, you mainly need the stuff you’ll forget first: sun protection, comfortable swimwear, and a plan for your phone. Bring a lightweight towel and something to keep your belongings dry during cave cruising.

If you’re noise-sensitive underwater, you might consider ear protection. One review mentioned ear plugs under water, which is a smart personal comfort tweak if you’re prone to discomfort.

Also, bring cash for the 99 euros fuel payment. And if you want photos, keep your camera ready during the short cave and arch stops—those are timed tightly, so you’ll capture more by acting fast than by waiting for the perfect moment.

Finally, think about your energy level. With lots of stops, the real payoff is in the swim windows: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and the quieter bays. If you treat every stop as a long activity, you’ll feel rushed. If you treat most as “see, photo, and move,” you’ll enjoy the pace.

Should you book this GozoBlu luxury RIB tour?

I’d book this if you want a private boat experience that mixes famous Comino sights with quieter water time, and you’re happy with a day that’s more “guided moments” than “one long beach.” It’s especially well suited for couples, families, and small groups who want to get to multiple cave-and-bay settings without dealing with finding transport or timing yourself.

Skip it (or at least rethink timing) if you’re mostly after one extended beach day, because the schedule works by stacking several scenic stops with a few bigger swim breaks. Also, if weather is unpredictable during your visit, keep a flexible mindset—this experience requires good conditions.

For the best value, come with a group up to 10, be ready with the fuel cash, and treat the boat ride as part of the magic. When the sea cooperates, this is one of the more efficient ways to see both Comino and Gozo in a single afternoon while still getting real time in the water.

FAQ

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How many people are in a group?

The tour is priced per group of up to 10 people.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and an ice cooler.

Is there any extra cost during the tour?

Yes. There is a fuel cost of 99 euros, paid in cash to the skipper.

How long is the tour?

It’s about 4 hours (approx.).

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.