When planning a trip to Malta, visiting the world-famous Blue Lagoon on Comino is likely at the top of your itinerary. With crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning coastal scenery, it is a must-see destination. However, the way you choose to get there will completely define your experience.​

Most travelers are faced with a choice: Should you book a private boat charter, or buy a ticket for a shared group tour?

While both options will get you to Comino, the experiences are entirely different. Here is a breakdown of private vs. shared boat tours in Malta to help you decide which is right for your vacation.

Shared Group Tours: The Budget-Friendly Option

Shared group tours and large catamaran ferries are the most common way tourists travel to the Blue Lagoon. These vessels depart daily from areas like Ċirkewwa, Sliema, and Buġibba, carrying anywhere from dozens to hundreds of passengers at a time.

Pros of Shared Tours:

• Cost: Shared tours are the cheapest option, with basic ferry tickets sometimes starting as low as €15 to €35 per person.
• Social Atmosphere: If you are a solo traveler looking to meet people, large party boats or catamarans offer a highly social, lively environment.​

Cons of Shared Tours:

• The Crowds: The biggest downside to a shared tour is the sheer number of people. You will be sharing deck space, swimming zones, and the shoreline with hundreds of others.​
• Rigid Schedules: Group tours operate on fixed timetables and routes. You cannot choose how long you stay at the Blue Lagoon, and if you want to leave early or stay later, you are entirely out of luck.
• Limited Access: Large ferries and catamarans are too big to navigate into Comino’s smaller, hidden sea caves or shallow inlets.​

Private Boat Tours: The Ultimate Island Experience

For those who want to experience the true beauty of Comino without the stress of the crowds, a private boat charter is the superior choice. With a private tour, you rent the entire boat for yourself, your partner, your family, or your friends, accompanied by an experienced local skipper.

Pros of Private Boat Charters:

• Complete Freedom and Flexibility: You dictate the itinerary. If the Blue Lagoon is getting too busy, your skipper can easily pull up the anchor and take you to the quieter, deeper waters of the Crystal Lagoon or Santa Marija Bay.
• Escape the Crowds: Instead of fighting for a square foot of sand on the main beach, you can jump straight into the pristine water right from your private deck.
• Access to Hidden Gems: Private boats are small and agile enough to enter Comino’s spectacular sea caves (like Lover’s Cave) and hidden coves that large ferries simply cannot reach.​
• Surprisingly Cost-Effective for Groups: While the upfront cost is higher than a single ferry ticket, a private charter often becomes incredibly affordable when split among a group of 4 to 8 people.

Cons of Private Boat Charters:

• Higher Price for Solo Travelers or Couples: If it is just one or two of you, a private boat will be noticeably more expensive than a shared ferry ticket.​
• Requires Booking in Advance: Because private boats are in high demand during the Mediterranean summer, you must book your charter well ahead of time to secure your preferred date.​

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

If you are on a strict backpacker budget and do not mind loud music, rigid schedules, and sharing the water with hundreds of other tourists, a shared group tour is an adequate way to see the Blue Lagoon.

However, if you value comfort, privacy, and flexibility, a private boat tour is worth every penny. At Amber Nicholai Boat Charters, we believe Comino is best experienced at your own pace. A private charter turns a stressful, crowded tourist trap into a luxurious, personalized Mediterranean adventure.

Ready to experience the Blue Lagoon the right way? Contact Amber Nicholai Boat Charters today to reserve your private boat.