Malta: Comino, Gozo, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, and Caves Cruise

The sea does most of the entertaining here. This half-day cruise around Comino packs the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, sea caves, and Gozo views into three to four hours, with enough time for swimming, snorkeling, and a little cliff jumping. I like the small-boat feel and the friendly service from Captain George and his crew, who have operated cruises since 1988. I also like the welcome drink, watermelon, padded sun deck, and toilet onboard. The main drawback is the crowds around the Blue Lagoon, especially in the busy season, and the exact route can change with weather and sea conditions.

You depart from Ċirkewwa in northern Malta, not from Valletta or Sliema, so you need to plan your way to the pier. I would arrive at least 15 minutes early because the boat leaves from the dock behind the Ċirkewwa Cafe, near the kiosk with umbrellas and tables. At about $28 per person, this is a strong-value outing, though snorkeling gear, drinks, transport to the meeting point, and any food ashore cost extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Two beautiful swimming stops: You get time at both the famous Blue Lagoon and the quieter Crystal Lagoon, with swimming directly from the boat.
• A compact route with plenty to see: The cruise includes Elephant Rock, Santa Maria caves, Popeye’s Cave, Lovers’ Cave, Comino Tower, and views of Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour.
• Two boat options: Trip A spends about an hour at the Blue Lagoon and 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon. Trip B reverses the order, with about 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and an hour at Blue Lagoon.
• Good onboard comforts: Expect a welcome drink, watermelon, a padded sun deck, toilets, a bar, and a top deck suitable for jumping into the water.
• You must plan for the Blue Lagoon: If you want to step ashore, book the free government ticket at blcomino.com. Swimming from the boat does not require that island-entry ticket.
• Best for a short Malta outing: This suits you if you want the main Comino sights without spending a full day at sea.

What this Comino cruise actually offers

This is a sightseeing cruise first, with swimming added at the best moments. You are not spending hours crossing open water to reach one beach. Instead, the boat keeps moving around Comino, slips past caves and rocky points, pauses in two lagoons, and makes a short stop for photos at Gozo’s main harbor.

The advertised price of about $28 is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The trip includes the cruise, cave viewing, a welcome drink, watermelon, swimming stops, and use of the boat’s facilities. You can rent snorkeling equipment for €5, or bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Drinks from the bar are extra, but payment is accepted by cash or card.

The cruise is also short enough to fit neatly into a busy Malta schedule. You can spend the morning or afternoon on the water and still have much of the day left. The sunset version is shorter and does not travel all the way around Comino, so check the exact departure option before booking.

Finding the boat at Ċirkewwa

The meeting point is at the jetty behind the only kiosk in the area, identifiable by its umbrellas and tables. More specifically, look behind the Ċirkewwa Cafe. The departure point can take a little finding, so I would not cut this close.

Ċirkewwa is Malta’s northern ferry area, and traffic, parking, or a delayed bus is not considered a reason for a refund. Departure times are kept strictly. Late arrivals can miss the boat, and no refund is provided for that reason.

The crew speaks English, and Captain George is named as the main operator. His long experience is reassuring, but the real benefit is practical: the crew keeps instructions clear, helps people board, and makes the outing feel relaxed rather than formal. The boat is described as comfortable and not too large, which matters because a smaller vessel can get closer to the caves than a large sightseeing ship.

Trip A: the longer route around Comino

Trip A is the fuller version, taking you around Comino in under four hours. You begin by cruising toward Elephant Rock, one of the island’s recognizable natural formations. This is mainly a viewing and photo moment, but it gives you an early sense of Comino’s rough coast and clear water.

The boat then passes the sea caves of Santa Maria, along with Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay. The crew may point out historical or film-related details as you go. You are not simply being ferried from one lagoon to another, so keep your camera ready while the boat is moving.

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon. You have about one hour here, which is enough time for a swim and a little exploring, but not enough for a long walk across Comino. You can swim directly from the boat, which is the simplest option and avoids the extra step of going ashore.

If you want to leave the boat and walk on Comino, you must reserve a free government ticket through blcomino.com. The ticket costs nothing, but it is required in 2025 for island access. This is an important distinction: you can swim from the boat without that ticket, but you cannot simply step onto the island without arranging it.

The Blue Lagoon is the famous stop for good reason. The water is strikingly clear, and the enclosed setting makes swimming easy to understand even if you are not a strong swimmer. The drawback is popularity. The area can become very busy, and the cruise operator cannot control how many people are ashore or on nearby boats.

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat passes Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour. This is a photo stop rather than a Gozo visit. You will see the harbor, take pictures, and continue on. Do not book this trip expecting time to explore Gozo itself. The boat does not stop there for a walk.

The final swimming pause on Trip A is Crystal Lagoon, where you get about 45 minutes. For many people, this is the more rewarding stop because it feels less tied to the crowds and commercial activity around the Blue Lagoon. You can swim from the boat, snorkel among the fish, or use the time for photographs.

Crystal Lagoon is also the setting for views of Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave. The cliffs and rock openings give this part of the coast a more sheltered, dramatic feel. You may also be able to jump from the top deck, an activity that several people particularly enjoyed. It is a simple thrill, but it adds energy to what could otherwise be a quiet photo stop.

On the way back, the boat passes Comino Tower, known for its appearance in The Count of Monte Cristo, and a tuna fish farm. These are brief sightseeing moments, so you should treat them as added details rather than full stops.

Trip B: Crystal Lagoon first

Trip B, aboard the Xlendi III, takes a slightly different approach. It begins at Crystal Lagoon, where you get about 30 minutes for photos and a swim. The shorter stop works well if your main goal is to see the water and cliffs before moving on.

The boat then cruises past Comino’s caves and continues to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo for a short scenic stop of roughly 10 minutes. This is enough for harbor photographs, not enough for a proper visit to Gozo.

The final main stop is the Blue Lagoon, where you get about one hour. You can swim from the boat, explore the island if you have the required free ticket, or take an optional walk during the quieter winter season. Trip B is a good choice if you prefer to finish at the best-known lagoon and want a longer final stop there.

The two trips are not identical, so look carefully at the selected option when booking. Trip A gives Crystal Lagoon a longer pause and follows it with Blue Lagoon. Trip B starts at Crystal Lagoon, spends less time there, and finishes with the longer Blue Lagoon stop.

Caves, cliffs, and the value of a smaller boat

The caves are not an afterthought. They are one of the reasons this cruise offers good value in a short time. The boat passes into or close to several coastal openings, allowing you to see color changes in the rock and water that are hard to appreciate from land.

A smaller boat also helps here. Large vessels may need to stay farther out, while this cruise can give you a closer view of formations such as Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave. The route includes Santa Maria caves as well, so the cave viewing is spread through the trip rather than confined to one brief stop.

The crew adds context with historical and fun facts about the caves and landmarks. The information appears to be light and accessible rather than a formal lecture, which suits a half-day outing. You get enough background to make the sights more interesting without losing time that could be spent swimming.

Swimming, snorkeling, and jumping from the top deck

You can swim at both lagoons directly from the boat. This is a major practical advantage because it lets you avoid crowded access points ashore and return to the boat when you want. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but rental is available for €5. The water is clear, and the stops are intended for snorkeling among fish, but the experience is still dependent on the weather and sea conditions on your departure date.

The top deck allows jumping into the water. This is optional, of course, and you should use sensible judgment about your own ability and the conditions. Life jackets are available, and the boat has been described as feeling safe during the ride.

The swimming stops are not long beach days. The Blue Lagoon stop is about an hour, while Crystal Lagoon ranges from about 30 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the trip. That gives you enough time for a proper swim, but you will want to get ready before arrival rather than losing half the stop searching for your towel or equipment.

Comfort onboard, including the small extras

This is a straightforward boat trip, but the small comforts make a difference. You get a welcome drink and a slice of watermelon, which is a pleasant touch on a warm day. The padded sun deck gives you a place to sit between stops, and the onboard toilet saves you from waiting until you reach land.

There is also a bar selling drinks, with cash and card accepted. Since drinks are not included, I would carry a payment card or some cash, along with your own water if you prefer to avoid buying everything onboard.

The boat has two levels, and families can use the extra space to spread out. The upper deck is useful for sun and photographs, while the lower areas may be more comfortable when the boat is moving or the sun is strong.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Captain George and his assistant are frequently praised for being friendly, clear, and considerate. The boat is kept clean, the instructions are easy to follow, and the atmosphere is non-pushy. That matters on a compact cruise, where poor organization can quickly sour the experience.

Crowds, seasons, and changing conditions

Comino is popular, and the Blue Lagoon can be crowded. The cruise company tries to avoid the worst congestion, but it cannot control other boats or the number of people visiting the island. If you want a quieter feel, the winter months or a less busy departure may suit you better.

The water can still be swimmable outside summer. One December outing had sea temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, though that will not feel warm to everyone. Spring can be beautiful for sightseeing, but swimming may be less appealing if you are sensitive to cold water.

The captain can change the route or swimming stops for safety. Sea conditions may affect how close the boat gets to caves, how long you remain in a lagoon, or whether a swim is possible. The sunset cruise is also shorter and does not circle all of Comino, so it offers a different experience from the full daytime route.

Accessibility and who should choose this

The activity information gives conflicting accessibility details. One part describes the trip as wheelchair accessible, while another says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. A customer with mobility needs needed staff assistance to board and still enjoyed the trip, but that should not be treated as a guarantee.

If you use a wheelchair or need help with steps, contact the operator before booking and ask about the exact boat, boarding conditions, and help available on your date. Boat access can vary even when the route is the same.

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want:

• A short introduction to Comino and its lagoons
• Swimming without committing to a full-day boat trip
• A reasonably priced outing with several sights included
• A family-friendly activity with a toilet and easy onboard refreshments
• A chance to see caves and coastal formations close up
• A simple way to combine Malta, Comino, and Gozo harbor views

I would choose a different plan if you want several hours exploring Gozo on foot, a quiet beach day, or complete control over your schedule. The Mġarr stop is only for sightseeing and photographs, and the Blue Lagoon may feel crowded.

Is this Comino cruise worth booking?

Yes, for most first-time visitors to Malta, this is a good-value way to see Comino. You get both major lagoons, several caves, Gozo harbor views, historical landmarks, swimming time, and basic comforts for about $28. The trip is short enough to stay enjoyable, and the crew’s friendly style earns much of the positive impression.

Book Trip A if you want the longer Crystal Lagoon stop and the full route around Comino. Choose Trip B if you prefer to finish with a one-hour Blue Lagoon stop. For the quietest possible experience, consider a less busy season, but remember that swimming conditions may be cooler.

Before you pay, check the meeting point, arrange the free Blue Lagoon island ticket if you plan to disembark, and allow extra time to reach Ċirkewwa. Do those three things, and this cruise gives you a lot of Malta’s best coastal scenery in one compact outing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Ċirkewwa in Malta, from the jetty behind the Ċirkewwa Cafe and behind the only kiosk with umbrellas and tables.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about three to four hours. The sunset option is slightly shorter and does not travel all the way around Comino.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can swim directly from the boat during the Blue Lagoon stop. You can also go ashore, but you must reserve a free government ticket at blcomino.com.

Do I need a ticket to swim from the boat?

No. The free ticket is required if you want to disembark and enter the island. Swimming from the boat does not require that ticket.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be rented for €5. You can also bring your own equipment.

Are drinks included?

A welcome drink and a slice of watermelon are included. Other drinks can be purchased at the onboard bar, with cash or card accepted.

Does the cruise stop in Gozo?

The cruise stops at Mġarr Harbour for sightseeing and photographs. It does not provide time to explore Gozo itself on foot.

Can the route change?

Yes. The captain may change the route or swimming stops because of weather and sea conditions. The captain may also cancel or adjust the trip for safety reasons.