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

Comino’s famous lagoons are best seen from the water, where you can swim straight from the boat and slip into sea caves that larger vessels cannot reach. This cruise packs a lot into three to four hours, including Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon stops, views of Elephant Rock, Comino Tower, and a quick look at Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour.

I like the sensible length and the friendly, hands-on style of Captain George, who has run cruises since 1988. I also like the useful extras: a welcome drink, watermelon, padded sun deck, toilet, and the chance to jump from the upper deck. The main catch is crowding at Blue Lagoon, especially in high season, and the exact route can change with the sea.

Quick points to know

• Two lagoons, two different moods: Blue Lagoon is famous and lively, while Crystal Lagoon feels more enclosed, with cliffs, caves, and clear water.
• Captain George has decades of experience: The crew gives simple instructions in English and keeps the trip moving without making it feel rushed.
• The boat is small enough for caves: That matters when you want close views of Comino’s sea arches and rock walls.
• Swimming is from the boat: You can get into both lagoons directly from the deck, with a ladder for climbing back aboard.
• Gozo is mainly a photo stop: The standard cruises visit Mġarr Harbour briefly, but they do not provide time to tour Gozo.
• The price is hard to beat: At about $28 per person, this is a good-value way to see several coastal highlights in one short outing.

Why this Comino cruise works so well in a short visit

This is a practical choice if you want Malta’s best-known sea views without spending a full day on a large party boat. The cruise leaves from Ċirkewwa in northern Malta, runs for roughly three to four hours, and returns to the same pier.

For $28, you get transport by boat, a welcome drink, watermelon, visits to caves, and swimming time at both major lagoons. Drinks from the onboard bar cost extra, and snorkeling gear can be rented for €5, but you can also bring your own mask and snorkel.

I especially like the balance between riding and stopping. You are not left sitting on the boat for hours waiting for the next attraction, but you also do not spend the entire trip rushing from one photo stop to another. The crew allows about an hour at Blue Lagoon on the longer itinerary and around 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon. The alternate boat schedule gives Crystal Lagoon about 30 minutes and Blue Lagoon about an hour.

The shorter sunset version is a different product in feel. It does not circle all of Comino, so you get less sightseeing, but the lower light can make the caves and cliffs especially appealing. Check the exact departure time and route when booking.

Finding the pier at Ċirkewwa

The meeting point is at the jetty behind the only kiosk in the area, near the Ċirkewwa Cafe. Look for the kiosk with umbrellas and tables, then walk behind it toward the dock.

Give yourself at least 15 minutes to find the pier. Ċirkewwa is a transport hub, and the boat leaves on schedule. The operator does not cover missed departures caused by traffic, parking trouble, buses, or late arrival, and there are no refunds for arriving after the boat has gone.

Boarding is usually straightforward, and the smaller boat helps keep things moving. You will find a padded sun deck, shaded or open seating depending on the boat, a toilet, and a bar that accepts cash or card. The complimentary drink and slice of watermelon are modest, but they are welcome on a warm day.

The activity is described as wheelchair accessible in one part of the booking information, while another note says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. A customer also reported needing staff help to get aboard. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact Xlendi Pleasure Cruises before paying. Do not assume normal step-free access.

Cruising past Elephant Rock and Comino’s caves

The first part of the ride is not just a transfer to the lagoon. The boat passes Elephant Rock, a distinctive natural formation that makes an easy first photograph, then heads toward the sea caves near Santa Maria.

The smaller vessel is important here. It can move close to the openings and let you see the changing colors on the rock walls. The crew points out caves and shares historical or lighthearted facts in English. The exact caves visited depend on sea conditions, but this is one of the more memorable parts of the outing because you see Comino from water level rather than from a crowded viewpoint.

You will pass Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay as the boat works around Comino. These bays are quieter in character than Blue Lagoon, with clear water and rocky shores. The boat may pause for photographs, but they are primarily scenic passages rather than long shore visits.

The route can be adjusted for wind, waves, or safety. That is worth remembering if a certain cave or swimming stop is the reason you booked. The captain has final say, and a weather-related route change is not a fault with the trip.

Crystal Lagoon: the better swimming stop for some people

Crystal Lagoon is often the calmer and more rewarding stop for people who want clear water without the full Blue Lagoon scene. The boat pauses for about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the selected trip and conditions.

You can swim directly from the boat, snorkel near the cliffs, or stay on deck and take photographs. The water is shallow-looking and brilliantly clear in good light, though the swimming area is still open sea, so bring basic confidence in the water. A ladder lets you climb back onto the boat after your swim.

The setting includes steep rock, open water, and views toward Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave. You may also be able to jump from the top deck, an activity that receives a lot of attention from families and younger adults. Listen to the crew before jumping, and use the designated area rather than choosing your own ledge.

If you prefer walking to swimming, Crystal Lagoon can still be worthwhile. The surrounding rock gives you good angles for pictures, and the stop feels more scenic than commercial. You are not getting a long hike, though. This is a boat excursion with a short shore experience, not a coastal walking tour.

A quick look at Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour

The cruise continues to Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. The stop is brief, usually around 10 minutes, and works best as a photograph break.

You will see the compact harbor, boats, and the surrounding Gozo coastline from the water or near the port. The schedule does not give you time to explore Gozo’s streets, visit a church, or see the interior of the island. Keep your expectations narrow here: this is a scenic glimpse, not a Gozo day trip.

The supplied trip descriptions differ slightly. One version cruises past Mġarr Harbour without stopping, while another includes a short scenic stop. A separate option may offer more of a Gozo stop, so check the boat name and trip description at booking. If Gozo is your main goal, book a dedicated Gozo tour instead.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, famous, and often busy

Blue Lagoon is the main event for many people. The water is famously clear, and the pale seabed gives it the intense color seen in Malta photographs. The cruise allows about one hour here, enough for a swim, a little snorkeling, or a short walk on Comino.

On the longer trip, you may swim from the boat or disembark. If you want to step onto Comino, you must book and validate a free government ticket at blcomino.com. The ticket costs nothing, but it is required in 2025 for access to the island. This rule is easy to miss, so arrange it before boarding.

There are food stalls on shore, and you can use the free time for a drink, a snack, or a quick look around. Still, do not picture an empty cove. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular places, and the operator cannot control how many people arrive. In summer, the water and shoreline can feel crowded.

Swimming from the boat is often the smarter choice if you want to avoid the tightest shore area. You can get into the clear water, enjoy the view from a less congested position, and return aboard without spending your whole stop looking for a place to stand.

The winter season can feel more peaceful, and some visitors have swum in December when the sea was still around 20 degrees Celsius. Water temperature is personal, so pack a towel and a warm layer for the ride back even if you plan to swim.

Comino Tower, tuna pens, and the ride home

After the lagoon stops, the boat continues past Comino Tower, a historic coastal landmark also associated with the film The Count of Monte Cristo. You will also pass a tuna fish farm before returning to Ċirkewwa.

These sights add context to the coastline. You are not only moving between swimming spots, you are also seeing the island’s defensive buildings, working waters, and unusual rock formations. The captain may slow down for photographs, but this is sightseeing from the boat rather than a guided history walk.

The ride back is a good time to use the sun deck, buy a drink, or simply watch the changing angle of the cliffs. If the sea is choppy, sit low and hold on. The captain may shorten or alter the route if conditions change.

What the boat setup means for you

The boats used for the different trips are described as SEA HAVENSEE IT ALL IN UNDER 4 HOURS and XLENDI III. Both are set up for a compact sightseeing cruise rather than a huge floating resort.

A smaller boat has two advantages. It can enter caves more easily, and boarding or disembarking tends to be quicker. It also helps the crew keep the group together. The tradeoff is less room than you would find on a full-size ferry, especially when people gather around the swim ladder or top deck.

The padded sun deck is useful if you want to stretch out between stops. Bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and weather-appropriate clothing. There is a bar onboard, but drinks are not included. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for €5, though bringing your own saves time.

The crew has been praised for being friendly, clear, and not pushy. Captain George is the name to look for, and his long operating history is reassuring on a water-based activity. The tone is simple: safety instructions, a few facts, time to swim, then on to the next view.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want to see Comino’s coastline, swim in two lagoons, and return to land within half a day. It suits first-time visitors, families with older children, couples, and anyone who does not want to spend all day at sea.

It is also a good fit if you want a manageable introduction to snorkeling. You can rent equipment, swim directly from the boat, and skip the water if conditions do not suit you. The crew provides life jackets, and the boat feels secure during the ride.

I would think twice if your priority is a quiet beach day. Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the free time there is shared with many other visitors. I would also skip it if you want a full Gozo visit, a long hike, or a private boat experience.

The sunset trip suits photographers and people who care more about the evening light than completing the full circuit. The standard daytime trips make more sense if you want the widest range of caves, bays, and coastal landmarks.

Is the $28 price good value?

Yes, for most people. At roughly $28, the cruise combines boat transport, several sightseeing passes, cave visits, two swimming stops, a drink, watermelon, and three to four hours on the water. Paying separately for a boat transfer, lagoon access, and a short coastal cruise could easily cost more, while giving you less variety.

The value is strongest when you swim from the boat and make use of the Crystal Lagoon stop. If you only want to sit on deck and take photographs, the price is still fair, but the trip is designed around getting into the water.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is offered. Changes and refunds are not available within 24 hours, so watch the weather forecast and confirm your plans early.

Should you book it?

Book this Comino cruise if you want a well-priced, compact outing with two lagoon swims and close cave views. Captain George and the crew offer a practical way to see Comino without committing a full day, and the complimentary drink, watermelon, toilet, and padded deck make the price even easier to justify.

Go in knowing that Blue Lagoon is popular, the exact route depends on the sea, and Gozo is only a short harbor visit on the standard options. Arrive early, bring your swimming gear, arrange the free Blue Lagoon ticket if you plan to go ashore, and choose the sunset option only if you are happy with a shorter Comino circuit.

FAQ

How long is the Comino cruise?

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

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Ċirkewwa in Malta. Meet at the jetty behind the only kiosk in the area, near Ċirkewwa Cafe.

Does the cruise stop at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The cruise allows about one hour at Blue Lagoon. You can swim from the boat, and some trip options allow you to disembark and walk around Comino.

Do I need a ticket to go ashore at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. In 2025, you must book and validate a free government ticket at blcomino.com if you want to disembark at Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be rented onboard for €5. Drinks from the bar are also extra.

Is Gozo included in the tour?

The cruise visits or passes Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbor. Standard options do not provide time to tour the island, and the exact stop depends on the selected trip.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. You may also want to bring your own snorkeling gear.

Can the route change?

Yes. The captain may change the route or swimming stops because of weather and sea conditions. The captain can also cancel or adjust the trip when conditions are unsafe.