Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Sea Caves Boat Tour

Crystal water, small boat, big views. This Comino cruise packs the island’s best swimming spots and rock formations into three to four hours, with a maximum of about 24 people. I especially like the small-group boat, which can get close to Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock, and the generous time for swimming at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. The main catch is that Blue Lagoon now requires a free entry pass if you plan to step ashore.

I also like the friendly, hands-on crew, especially guide and captain Johnny, who has earned praise for his local stories and practical help. You get paddleboards, swim noodles, shaded seats, a toilet, and three chances to get in the water. Still, Blue Lagoon can feel crowded and commercial in high season, and the meeting point behind Cirkewwa Cafe is not as obvious as it should be.

Comino in a few useful facts

• Only about 24 people fit aboard, giving you a quieter ride and a better chance of reaching narrow cave openings.
• Crystal Lagoon gets the best swimming praise, with clear water, cliff views, and time to explore near shore.
• Blue Lagoon is beautiful but busy, so the boat itself may be more relaxing than the beach.
• Santa Maria Bay adds a calmer third swim stop, away from the main Blue Lagoon rush.
• Johnny and the crew make the trip personal, with stories, help boarding, and useful advice at each stop.
• The $31 price covers a lot, including three to four hours, several stops, a paddleboard, noodles, parking, and onboard facilities.

Why this small Comino boat makes sense

At $31 per person, this is a strong-value way to see Comino from the water. You are not paying for a full-day sailing package or a fancy meal. You are paying for a focused half-day outing that combines sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and access to parts of the coast that larger boats may pass at a distance.

The boat carries only around 24 people. That number matters. You can move around more easily, get closer to the caves, and hear the guide without competing with a huge crowd. Several passengers especially liked being able to enter tighter areas around the island, something a large excursion boat cannot always do.

The tradeoff is that this is still a working excursion boat, not a luxury yacht. At busy times, the seating can feel close together, and one passenger found the boat crowded at first. The overall experience depends partly on sea conditions, too. In rougher weather, spray and waves can make the ride wet.

Johnny is frequently praised for being friendly, funny, and helpful. He has assisted older passengers, helped people with mobility concerns, and even returned for passengers who missed the departure by a few minutes. His young helper, sometimes called Captain Johnny Junior, has also helped with boarding and port duties. That family-run feel is part of the charm.

Finding the boat at Cirkewwa

The meeting point is behind Cirkewwa Cafe at the northern tip of Malta. Go down the stairs behind the cafe, then turn around the corner on the left to reach the boat.

Give yourself extra time here. The area can be confusing, and one passenger found that some people thought the cafe itself was the meeting point while the boat was across the road and down by the water. If you are arriving by bus, allow more time than you think you need. One person found a ride-hailing car quicker and easier than the bus connection.

Free parking is available at the meeting point, which is useful if you have a rental car. The tour begins with a short cruise of roughly 15 minutes before reaching the first main stop. Have your swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel, sunscreen, and cash within reach.

Crystal Lagoon is the best reason to book

The first major stop is Crystal Lagoon, on Comino’s western side. You get about 45 minutes here, enough for a proper swim rather than a quick photo stop.

The water is famous for its clarity, and this is where the tour feels most natural. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, use the complimentary paddleboard, or float with one of the free noodles. The crew can also help provide life jackets if you need one.

The lagoon is surrounded by pale rock and clean blue-green water. Several people found this stop more peaceful and more beautiful than Blue Lagoon. You might also choose to climb toward the top of the nearby rocky area for a higher view. Wear sensible shoes if you plan to do that, since the first section is rocky and requires a short scramble before the path becomes easier.

Snorkeling gear is not included, but you can rent a snorkel onboard for €5. Fish may be visible around the boat, and one captain used fish food to bring them closer for a better look. That detail is not guaranteed on every departure, but the area is well suited to mask-and-snorkel swimming.

The main limitation is the ladder back onto the boat. It is manageable, but you should be comfortable climbing out of the water. Johnny has helped passengers who needed assistance, and one person with mobility concerns found the crew particularly considerate.

Blue Lagoon: famous, lovely, and crowded

The boat continues to Blue Lagoon for about an hour. This is the name most people recognize, and the water can be spectacular when sunlight reaches the pale seabed. You can swim, snorkel, use the paddleboard, float with a noodle, or simply enjoy the view from the boat.

Blue Lagoon is also the busiest part of the outing. In summer, the shoreline can feel heavily commercial, with food stalls, drinks, and beach businesses competing with the natural setting. Several people preferred swimming from the boat rather than getting off, since the water around the boat can feel less cramped than the beach.

If you want to disembark at Blue Lagoon, you must first obtain a free pass through blcomino.com. Choose the correct Morning, Afternoon, or Sunset slot to match your tour time. At Cirkewwa, show the pass to Transport Malta officials so you can receive the official wristband before departure.

This requirement is easy to overlook, so handle it before you arrive at the boat. If you stay onboard, you do not need the pass. You can still swim from the boat and enjoy the lagoon from the water.

For many people, the best plan is to treat Blue Lagoon as one part of the tour rather than the whole event. The famous name does not automatically make it the quietest or most enjoyable stop. Crystal Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay can offer a more relaxed swim.

Gozo, Halfa Rock, and San Niklaw Bay

After Blue Lagoon, the boat shifts back into sightseeing mode. You cruise past the coastline toward Gozo and the rock formation known as Promising Rock, or Gebla tal-Halfa. This is a good point to stay seated with your camera ready, since the changing angle from the water gives you views that are difficult to get from land.

Halfa Rock receives about 15 minutes of sightseeing time. You do not get off here, but the boat passes close enough for photographs and a clear look at the unusual natural formation.

The route then passes San Niklaw Bay and the Comino Hotel. This section is quieter than Blue Lagoon, with calm water and a more open coastal view. The guide usually provides information as you go, though the amount of commentary can vary. One passenger felt the driver gave little explanation, while most praised the captain’s stories and clear instructions.

That difference is worth noting if you want a nonstop guided lecture. This trip is primarily a boat outing with live commentary, not a formal history tour. You will get local facts and stories, but swimming and scenery remain the main attractions.

Santa Maria Bay offers a calmer swim

Santa Maria Bay, also called Santa Marija Bay, lies on the northern side of Comino. The tour includes time for sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding here. The schedule gives this stop a substantial portion of the afternoon, although the exact time can vary with conditions and the departure selected.

I like this stop because it gives you a useful contrast with Blue Lagoon. The setting feels less hectic, and you can appreciate Comino’s shore without the same level of commercial activity. The beach is picturesque, and the water provides another chance to swim if you did not feel ready at Crystal Lagoon.

Current conditions matter. One person found the current manageable but advised that you should be a competent swimmer if you leave the boat. Pay attention to the crew’s instructions and do not drift far from the boat.

If you prefer dry land, Santa Maria Bay also works as a simple sightseeing stop. You can enjoy the beach, take photographs, or use the paddleboard. Bring cash if you want to buy food or drinks at a beach stop, since those costs are not included.

Caves and Elephant Rock from the water

The final sightseeing section brings you to Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. This is where the smaller boat earns its keep.

A large vessel may need to remain farther offshore, but this boat can approach the cave openings more closely. You can see the shapes inside the rock and take photographs from a much better angle. If the sea is calm and the crew allows it, you may be able to look into the caves from close range. Bring a waterproof camera or phone case if cave views and swimming photos are important to you.

Elephant Rock is an instantly recognizable formation shaped like an elephant reaching into the sea. The boat passes by for photographs rather than a long stop. Keep your camera ready, since the viewing angle changes quickly as the boat turns.

These final stops help turn the tour into more than a beach shuttle. You get a sense of Comino’s rocky coast, not just its famous lagoons. The water and rock formations are the real scenery here, and the close approach makes the trip feel more intimate.

What is included, and what should you bring?

The package includes several small extras that improve the value:

• Complimentary stand-up paddleboard
• Free swim noodles
• Life jackets available from the crew
• Shaded seating
• Onboard toilet
• Free parking at the meeting point
• English and Maltese commentary
• Swimming stops at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay

Drinks are sold onboard. Cold soft drinks cost €2.50, water costs €1.50, and a large beer costs €3. Snorkels cost €5. Food is not included, but you can buy it at the beach stops.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beach clothing, and cash. Sensible shoes are useful if you plan to walk on the rocky area near Crystal Lagoon. A waterproof camera is worth packing, especially for the caves.

The boat has shaded seating, but you should still protect yourself from the sun during stops. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not the right choice. Pregnant women are also advised not to take the tour.

How the timing affects your day

The whole outing lasts three to four hours, depending on the departure and conditions. That is a useful length. You get enough time to swim in several places without spending an entire day on a boat.

A typical route includes a short cruise to Crystal Lagoon, about 45 minutes there, an hour at Blue Lagoon, sightseeing past Halfa Rock and San Niklaw Bay, time at Santa Maria Bay, and final cave and rock stops before returning to Cirkewwa.

The schedule can shift slightly. Sea conditions, boarding, and the number of people getting on or off at Blue Lagoon may affect the exact departure time. Some departures are offered in the afternoon or around sunset. Sunset trips can be cooler and less crowded, though you should check the available time slot carefully before booking.

The tour is best for people who want variety. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, take photographs, and listen to local stories in one compact outing. If you want several hours lying on one beach, a land-based visit may suit you better.

Is $31 good value?

Yes, for most people. At $31, you receive several hours on the water, three swimming areas, a close look at caves and rock formations, a paddleboard, swim noodles, shaded seating, a toilet, and parking. You would pay extra for snorkeling gear and drinks, but those costs are modest.

The value is strongest if you use the swimming stops. Someone who stays seated for the entire cruise may find a cheaper sightseeing boat sufficient. Someone who swims at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay gets much more from the price.

The small group also improves the deal. You are not just buying transport to Blue Lagoon. You are paying for access to a wider route and for a boat small enough to approach the caves. That is the feature that separates this trip from a basic large-boat cruise.

Who should book this Comino tour?

I would choose this trip if you want a short, active introduction to Comino without committing to a full day. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and anyone who likes mixing swimming with sightseeing.

It is also a good pick if you dislike huge excursion boats. The smaller group makes boarding, listening, and moving around easier, though it does not guarantee empty seats or silence.

You should think twice if you get seasick, dislike swimming from a boat, or want a quiet beach day. Blue Lagoon can be crowded, the sea can turn choppy, and the boat is practical rather than luxurious.

The crew is another reason to choose it. Johnny’s friendly approach, local information, and willingness to help have made a strong impression. Still, arrive early, confirm the exact boat location, and sort out your Blue Lagoon pass before you leave.

Should you book it?

Book this Comino boat tour if your priority is seeing many of the island’s best sights in a few hours, with three chances to swim and a small boat that can approach the caves. Crystal Lagoon is likely to be your favorite stop, while Blue Lagoon gives you the famous view and Santa Maria Bay provides a calmer finish.

I would not book it purely for a peaceful Blue Lagoon beach visit. The lagoon is crowded at busy times, and the free shore pass adds one more step to your planning. For a well-priced mix of swimming, snorkeling, rock formations, and personal crew service, though, this is an easy recommendation.

FAQ

How long does the Comino boat tour last?

The tour lasts about three to four hours. Departure times vary, so check the available schedule when booking.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is behind Cirkewwa Cafe at Cirkewwa, Mellieha. Go down the stairs behind the cafe and turn the corner on the left to reach the boat.

Do I need a pass to visit Blue Lagoon?

You need a free pass from blcomino.com if you plan to get off the boat at Blue Lagoon. Select the correct Morning, Afternoon, or Sunset slot, then show the pass to Transport Malta officials at Cirkewwa for your wristband.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkels can be rented onboard for €5. The tour does include a complimentary paddleboard, free swim noodles, and life jackets if you need one.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Sensible shoes are useful if you plan to walk on the rocky area near Crystal Lagoon.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is not recommended for people prone to seasickness or for pregnant women. Sea conditions can be choppy, and spray may reach the boat.