Luxury RIB Tour in Gozo Coast, Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves

The best part of this private RIB tour is the freedom to move beyond the famous Blue Lagoon. You can cruise into sea caves, stop at clear-water coves, and let the skipper adjust the route when one bay is crowded. I especially like the access to Lovers Cave and Santa Maria Caves, plus the chance to see P31, a patrol boat resting below the surface.

I also like the small-group setup and the local guidance from skippers such as Francesco and Matthew. You get a fast, comfortable boat, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and an ice cooler. The main drawback is simple: the €99 fuel charge is extra and must be paid in cash, and even a private boat cannot make the Blue Lagoon completely free of crowds in high season.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 10 people: Your group stays together, with no strangers sharing the RIB.
• A full Comino circuit: Expect caves, reefs, wreck views, swimming bays, Cominotto, Gozo’s coast, and the Blue Lagoon.
• Four hours on the water: The skipper can shape the stops around swimming, snorkeling, photos, and quieter coves.
• Fuel is separate: Bring €99 in cash for the skipper, in addition to the advertised group price.
• Local skippers make a difference: Francesco, Matthew, Nigel, and the wider Gozoblu team are praised for clear communication, timing, island knowledge, and personal service.
• The Blue Lagoon is not the whole story: The quieter bays and caves often provide the more relaxed part of the day.

Why a private RIB is a better way to see Comino

Comino is small, but its coast is packed with cliffs, arches, narrow caves, reefs, and swimming spots. A standard boat trip often gives you a fixed route and a fixed swimming stop. This private RIB gives you more room to shape the outing around your group.

The boat can carry up to 10 people, making the cost easier to justify for a family or group of friends. At $419.33 per group, the base price works out to about $42 per person if you fill every seat. Add the €99 fuel charge, and the final cost is higher, but still reasonable when divided among a full group.

You also gain time. Instead of waiting for a large boat to load and unload, you can move from one cave or bay to the next with less fuss. The RIB is described as comfortable, clean, well maintained, and fast, though a fast boat can mean a bumpier ride when the sea is not calm.

The private format matters most at the Blue Lagoon. You cannot remove the crowds from Malta’s most famous swimming spot, but your skipper can take you to a better position or shift you toward quieter water. On one morning tour, the group reached the lagoon before the busiest part of the day. That kind of timing is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private departure.

St. Mary’s Tower and two remarkable caves

The cruise past St. Mary’s Tower gives the tour a useful dose of Maltese history. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 17th century, the fort guarded the channel between Malta and Gozo from its high position on Comino.

Film fans may recognize the tower as the Château d’If prison in The Count of Monte Cristo. You will see it from the water rather than tour its interior, so think of this as a scenic and historical pass-by, not a fort visit.

Below the cliffs, the boat enters Lovers Cave. This small sea cave has a quieter, more sheltered feel than the open coast, and the low light can produce good photos. The skipper’s ability to approach by boat is important here, since the cave is accessible from the sea.

The next cave, L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf, is much more dramatic. Its name means cave without a roof, and the collapsed ceiling creates a large opening above you. Sunlight comes through the natural skylight, changing the color of the water and rock as the boat moves inside.

The cave is also called It-Tieqa or Taħt il-Ħnejja, and its other nickname, Popeye’s Cave, links it to the 1980s film Popeye. This is a good example of what the tour does well: it combines natural scenery, film locations, and local names without requiring a long walk in the heat.

Crystal Lagoon, P31, and Cominotto Reef

Crystal Lagoon is one of the best swimming stops on the route. High limestone cliffs frame clear turquoise water, and the setting feels more enclosed than the Blue Lagoon.

You can swim and snorkel here for about 30 minutes, with nearby caves adding variety. Some openings are large enough for the RIB, while others are better explored from the water. The cliffs also attract people who want to jump, with different heights available, though you should only do so if conditions and your comfort level allow it.

A quiet caution is useful here. Cliff jumping looks easy from the boat, but heights and water conditions can be hard to judge. If you would rather keep the day relaxed, Crystal Lagoon is just as worthwhile for a swim, a snorkel, or photos from the deck.

P31 is an unusual stop because it adds an artificial reef to a route otherwise shaped by natural rock. The former Maltese patrol boat was sunk in 2009 and now rests upright on the seabed at about 18 to 20 meters. Its highest point is only around 7 meters below the surface, so strong swimmers, snorkelers, and free swimmers may be able to see part or all of it from above when visibility is good.

Fish and colorful small sea life now use the wreck. You will not get a full wreck exploration from the surface, but P31 gives the water stop a sense of purpose and makes snorkeling more than a quick look at rocks.

Cominotto Reef, also called Anchor Reef, brings a more underwater-focused stop. The reef has drop-offs, overhangs, and swim-throughs, with depths from about 10 to 40 meters. Octopuses, moray eels, and smaller fish may be seen in the clear water.

This site suits confident snorkelers and qualified scuba divers best, although the boat can make the stop worthwhile for anyone who prefers to look from the surface. The sea is not an aquarium, so sightings are never guaranteed. The appeal is the mix of rock formations and marine life rather than a promise of a particular animal.

Cominotto and the famous Blue Lagoon

Cominotto is a small, uninhabited islet just across from the Blue Lagoon. It has rugged cliffs, a small sandy beach, clear water, and a sea tunnel that makes a fun swimming target.

The islet has appeared in films including Troy and Swept Away. You will not be visiting a film set in the formal sense, but knowing the coastline has been used on screen adds interest to the view.

Cominotto is also a good place to appreciate the value of arriving by private boat. Its beach and caves can feel more peaceful than the main lagoon, and the skipper can choose a suitable place for a short swim or photo stop.

Then comes the Blue Lagoon, the signature sight of Comino. The pale seabed and shallow turquoise water create the postcard color people come to Malta to see. Swimming here is easy to understand: the water is beautiful, sheltered, and inviting.

The challenge is popularity. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, particularly during the warmest months. A private boat helps by giving you access to quieter edges and by allowing the skipper to time the visit well, but you should not expect complete solitude.

The planned stop is about 45 minutes, enough for a swim, floating, photos, and a look at nearby coves. If the lagoon is too busy for your taste, tell the skipper. The strongest part of this experience is the ability to seek a calmer alternative instead of accepting one fixed patch of water.

San Niklaw, Santa Marija Bay, and Comino’s quieter side

San Niklaw Bay is a useful contrast to the Blue Lagoon. It has clear water, rugged cliffs, and a more peaceful setting. You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the view without the pressure of a famous landmark.

Santa Marija Bay provides another 45-minute stop and is particularly appealing for families or anyone who prefers shallow, calm water. The sandy beach is quieter than the Blue Lagoon, and the historic Santa Marija Chapel, dating from 1618, adds a cultural detail to the otherwise natural setting.

This is where the tour feels less like a checklist of famous sights. You have time to slow down, swim without rushing, and enjoy the coast at water level. The bay is not completely untouched, but it offers a more restful rhythm than the main lagoon.

The boat may also pass the Għemieri Window, a natural limestone arch along Comino’s rough coast. It is mainly a photo stop, but arches and sea windows are best appreciated from the water, where you can see their shape against the cliffs and turquoise sea.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock

The Santa Maria Caves are one of the more atmospheric sections of the cruise. The skipper guides the boat into narrow passages where light reflects off the water and colors the rock walls in shades of blue and green.

Conditions and boat traffic can affect how far inside you go, but the experience is about entering the cave system rather than simply pointing at it from offshore. Keep your camera ready, though protect it from spray and avoid blocking other people’s view.

Elephant Rock is another natural formation best seen from the water. Wind and wave erosion shaped the limestone into a form that resembles an elephant lowering its trunk toward the sea. From the right angle, you can make out the curved trunk and an eye-like hollow.

These stops require little physical effort, which makes them valuable for mixed groups. Someone who does not want to snorkel can still enjoy the scenery, photography, and short stories from the skipper.

Gozo’s southern coast, from Ħalfa Rock to Hondoq Bay

The route then turns toward Gozo, where Ħalfa Rock offers a small history lesson. The islet sits near Qala and is linked to a local story about the Ottoman admiral Dragut, who is said to have sworn revenge there after a failed raid on Gozo.

The rock itself is stark and uninhabited, rising from clean water. Depending on the route and conditions, it can be a pass-by or a place for a short swim and snorkel. It is not a major attraction in the way the Blue Lagoon is, but it gives the cruise a local story and a sense of the coast beyond the usual postcard stops.

Hondoq Bay is more immediately inviting. This sheltered cove has a mix of sand and smooth pebbles, shallow clear water, and small caves along the rocky edge. It works well for a quick swim, a photo stop, or a quiet pause on the boat.

Families may find Hondoq Bay easier than the deeper reef areas. Snorkelers can explore close to shore, while anyone who prefers not to enter the water can enjoy views across to Comino.

The boat may also pass Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. Fishing boats, yachts, and Gozo Channel ferries share the harbor, while Lourdes Chapel and Fort Chambray rise above it. The waterfront cafés and working harbor provide a pleasant change from cliffs and open sea.

Xatt l-Aħmar is another possible coastal sight. Its calm water and rocky shore make it a peaceful bay, while the deeper water below is known for wrecks including MV Karwela, MV Cominoland, and MV Xlendi. Those wrecks are mainly for certified scuba activity, so from this tour you should treat the area as a scenic coastal pass unless the skipper advises otherwise.

The skipper and the small details that matter

The human side of this tour is a major part of its appeal. Nigel handles much of the communication, while skippers including Francesco and Matthew have been singled out for friendly service, clear explanations, punctuality, and strong knowledge of Gozo and Comino.

That local connection matters when conditions change or a famous stop becomes too crowded. The best use of a private boat is not simply having the whole vessel to yourself. It is having a skipper who can suggest a quieter cave, a better swimming bay, or a different order for the stops.

Communication before and after the outing is also handled carefully by the Gozoblu team. One particularly personal touch involved Nigel recovering a lost blue earplug from roughly 20 feet of water. You should not expect every trip to include such a rescue, but it reflects the hands-on service this small family-run company aims to provide.

The boat carries snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and an ice cooler. Bring your own towel, sun protection, and anything you need for the water, since those items are not listed as included.

Price, fuel, timing, and who should book

The advertised cost is $419.33 for the group, up to 10 people, for about four hours. The additional €99 fuel charge must be paid in cash to the skipper. For a full group, the price can be strong value compared with booking several separate seats on a large boat, especially since you gain privacy and route flexibility.

For only two people, the price feels much harder to justify. You are paying for the boat, skipper, fuel, and private use rather than simply a seat. Couples who place a high value on quiet stops and personal service may still find it worthwhile, but budget-conscious pairs should compare it with a shared cruise.

This tour suits groups of friends, families, and anyone who wants swimming time without spending a full day at sea. It also works well as a first-day reset in Malta, since the route gives you a broad view of Comino and Gozo without asking you to walk from sight to sight.

It is less suitable if you want a land-based historical tour, a guaranteed secluded lagoon, or a very slow cruise. The RIB is built to cover ground, so the ride can feel active. Good weather is required, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.

Should you book the Gozoblu private RIB tour?

I would book this tour if your priority is seeing the coast from the water while keeping control of the day. The strongest reasons are the private group, the access to caves, the choice of quieter bays, and the skipper’s ability to avoid the worst crowds around the Blue Lagoon.

Book it for a group of six to 10 and the value looks much better. Bring the €99 fuel money in cash, expect the Blue Lagoon to be popular, and tell the skipper early if you care more about snorkeling, caves, photos, or peaceful swimming.

Skip it if you want the cheapest way to reach Comino, dislike fast boat rides, or plan to spend most of your time on land. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded half-day on the water, with enough history, scenery, and swimming to make the famous lagoon only one part of the experience.

FAQ

How long is the private RIB tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The private boat can accommodate up to 10 people, and only your group participates.

What is included in the tour price?

Bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and use of an ice cooler are included.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel costs €99 and must be paid in cash to the skipper.

Does the tour visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The Blue Lagoon is scheduled as a main stop, with time for swimming, snorkeling, floating, and exploring nearby coves.

Can you enter the sea caves by boat?

Yes. The route includes boat access into Lovers Cave and the Santa Maria Caves, along with other caves around Comino and Cominotto.

Is the P31 wreck suitable for snorkeling?

The P31 rests at about 18 to 20 meters, with its highest point around 7 meters below the surface. In good visibility, the wreck may be seen from the surface by snorkelers and free swimmers.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins.