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

Comino’s best feature is its water, and this tour gives you three proper chances to get in it. You’ll swim at Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay, with enough time at the main stops to do more than snap a quick photo from the rail.

I like the small boat, limited to about 24 people, because it can approach the caves and rocky inlets that larger vessels must pass by. I also like the value: at $31, you get three to four hours, a guide, paddleboard use, swim noodles, a toilet, shaded seating, and free parking. The main drawback is that the Blue Lagoon can be very crowded, and the boat meeting point at Ċirkewwa needs careful attention.

Key points to know before booking

• Three swimming stops: Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay give you several chances to swim and snorkel.
• Small-group boat: With about 24 people, the boat can get close to Santa Maria Caves and other narrow coastal spots.
• Crystal Lagoon is the star for many visitors: The water is exceptionally clear, and you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or walk along the rocky shore.
• Blue Lagoon requires a free pass: Get one from blcomino.com before arriving if you plan to step ashore.
• Johnny is the guide to look for: He is described as friendly, funny, helpful, and good at explaining the sights.
• Bring practical gear: You need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for drinks, food, or snorkel rental.

Why the small boat matters around Comino

Comino is famous for bright water, pale rock, and sea caves that are best seen from the sea. A large ferry can carry more people, but it cannot always get close to the smaller openings along the coast. This boat is small enough to approach the caves and turn into tight coastal areas for a better look.

That size also shapes the feel of the trip. You are not simply being carried past Comino with hundreds of other people. You have a shaded seating area, room to move toward the front, and a back ladder for getting into the water. The boat is not luxurious, but it is practical and built around swimming.

The group limit is listed as 24 people, though one account describes around 20 aboard. That is still a useful difference from the big excursion boats. It does not make the Blue Lagoon quiet, since the lagoon itself attracts many boats and visitors, but it makes the ride between stops more personal.

The crew speaks English and Maltese. Johnny is frequently named as the guide, and his role includes pointing out landmarks, sharing local information, helping people on and off the boat, and keeping an eye on the schedule. One particularly useful detail for families and older passengers is that he has helped people with mobility concerns use the boat ladder.

Starting at Ċirkewwa Cafe

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

Allow extra time to find the exact boarding spot. The area can feel confusing, especially if you expect to meet directly at the cafe. One account describes a delay caused by people not realizing they had to cross over to the boat area. If you arrive by bus, give yourself more time than you think you need. A taxi or ride-hailing service may be simpler if your schedule is tight.

Free parking is available at the meeting point, which helps if you have a rental car. The tour returns to the same place after the circuit around Comino.

The boat ride begins with roughly 15 minutes of sightseeing. You pass the historic Comino Tower, known for its appearance in The Count of Monte Cristo. This first section is a useful warm-up: get settled, keep your camera ready, and listen for the guide’s explanation of the coast.

Crystal Lagoon: the best first swim

The first major stop is Crystal Lagoon, on Comino’s western side. You get about 45 minutes here, giving you time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply sit on the boat and watch the water.

This is the stop I would prioritize for clear water and a more natural setting. The lagoon has bright blue and green tones, rocky edges, and good visibility for looking at marine life. You can use a complimentary stand-up paddleboard or one of the free swim noodles. Snorkels are not included, but they can be rented onboard for €5.

Strong swimmers may choose to explore beyond the immediate boat area, but stay aware of the current and the crew’s instructions. One person described a manageable current near the Blue Lagoon, and conditions can change with the weather. The water may look calm from the deck while feeling more active once you are in it.

Crystal Lagoon also offers a little shore exploration. A rocky climb leads toward higher ground and views near the tower area. Wear shoes with a firm sole if you plan to leave the boat and walk on the rocks. Flip-flops are poor companions for a scramble over uneven stone.

The Blue Lagoon: famous, beautiful, and busy

The Blue Lagoon gets about an hour, the longest stop on the route. Sunlight over the sandy seabed creates the famous clear blue color, and you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or try activities such as parasailing in the area.

This is the postcard stop, but do not expect solitude. In high season, the shoreline and water can be packed with boats and people. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, yet it is also the most commercial part of the outing. Food, drinks, beach stands, and other activities are available, but the setting feels less peaceful than Crystal Lagoon or Santa Maria Bay.

You have two choices here. If you want to step onto Comino, you must get a free access pass from blcomino.com and select the correct morning, afternoon, or sunset slot. At Ċirkewwa, show the pass to Transport Malta officials so you can receive the official wristband before boarding.

If you do not want to go ashore, you can remain on the boat and swim from the rear ladder. In some ways, this is the better option for avoiding the busiest part of the lagoon. You still get the water and the view, without spending time finding a patch of sand or standing among beach stalls.

Check your tour time before requesting the pass. A morning booking needs a morning pass, and an afternoon or sunset tour needs the matching slot. If you miss the access requirement, you can still stay aboard, but you will not be able to walk onto the island at the Blue Lagoon.

Gozo, Halfa Rock, and the coastal sights

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat continues past Gozo’s coastline and Promising Rock, also called Gebla tal-Ħalfa. This section is mainly for photographs and sightseeing rather than swimming.

The route also passes Halfa Rock and San Niklaw Bay, where you can see the Comino Hotel and the quieter coastline. The boat spends about 15 minutes on these sightseeing sections, so keep your camera close and listen for the guide’s commentary. This is not a stop for a long walk. It is a chance to see how the island changes from busy lagoon to open, rocky coast.

The smaller boat makes a real difference here. It can get closer to rock formations and narrow coastal spaces than a larger vessel. The ride may feel choppy if the weather turns, particularly outside the warmest summer months. Bring a light layer or extra towel, and do not assume the entire trip will be smooth simply because the lagoons are calm.

Santa Maria Bay for a quieter pause

Santa Maria Bay sits on Comino’s northern side and is generally calmer in feel than the Blue Lagoon. The tour schedule allows time for sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The supplied timing is not perfectly consistent: the route describes about 45 minutes here, while the included-stop list says 15 minutes. Confirm the exact duration when you book.

This bay is valuable because it gives you a contrast. The Blue Lagoon is the famous name, Crystal Lagoon is the clear-water favorite, and Santa Maria Bay offers a more relaxed coastal setting. If you want to swim without making the whole day about the busiest attraction, this is the stop to appreciate.

You may see marine life while snorkeling, and the crew may provide tips about where to look. Still, conditions depend on the sea and the weather. If the water is choppy, your time may be better spent enjoying the view from the boat rather than forcing a swim.

The boat has a rear ladder for reboarding, which is easier than climbing over the side. Ask for a life jacket if you need one. Life jackets are available, but they are not necessarily placed on every passenger automatically.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock

The final section brings you close to Santa Maria Caves. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose a smaller vessel. The boat can approach the cave openings and give you a much closer view of the rock walls and water inside.

You should not assume the boat will always enter every cave. Sea conditions, boat traffic, and safety come first. Even from the entrance, the view is worthwhile, and a waterproof camera would be useful if you want photographs near the water.

The final photo stop is Elephant Rock, a striking natural formation that resembles an elephant from the right angle. The boat pauses for sightseeing before returning to Ċirkewwa. These final stops are short, commonly listed at around 10 to 15 minutes each, so be ready when the guide points out the formation.

What is included, and what costs extra

At $31 per person, this is a strong-value outing if you plan to swim. Comparable value comes from the number of stops rather than luxury onboard. You get Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, the caves, Elephant Rock, Promising Rock, Halfa Rock, and San Niklaw Bay in roughly three to four hours.

Included onboard are:

• Stand-up paddleboards
• Swim noodles
• Shaded seating
• Toilet facilities
• Life jackets on request
• Free parking
• Crew guidance in English and Maltese

Food is not included. You can buy snacks at the beach stops, and drinks are sold onboard. Current listed prices are €1.50 for water, €2.50 for soft drinks such as Coke, Kinnie, Sprite, and Fanta, and €3 for a large beer. Snorkels cost €5 to rent.

Bring cash. Even if you plan to stay on the boat, you may want water, a snorkel, or a cold drink. Pack your towel and sunscreen in a small bag that can stay dry, and bring a waterproof phone case if you have one.

Who will enjoy this Comino trip most

This tour suits you if you want a half-day on the water rather than a full-day cruise. Four hours is long enough to swim several times and see the major coastal sights, but short enough to leave room for another activity in Malta or Gozo.

It is a good match for:

• Swimmers who want several water stops
• Families looking for paddleboards and float noodles
• Visitors who prefer a smaller boat
• Photographers interested in caves and rock formations
• Anyone comparing a low-cost cruise with a larger excursion
• People who want a guided introduction to Comino without spending a full day

It is less suitable if you are pregnant or prone to seasickness. The ride can become wet and rough when the weather changes. One autumn trip ended with passengers getting soaked by waves, while another account describes choppy conditions in November. That is part of the risk of a small open boat.

The tour also requires punctuality. One passenger arrived three minutes late and needed to call the crew, who returned to collect them. Do not count on that happening. Be at the meeting point early, especially if you are arriving by bus.

Is the $31 price worth it?

For $31, I think the value is very good if you use the swimming time and appreciate the smaller boat. You are paying for access to several parts of Comino in one outing, not just a ride to the Blue Lagoon. The included paddleboard and swim noodles add real value, especially for families.

The tradeoff is comfort. A larger vessel may offer more space, but it will not get as close to the caves and may carry far more people. The small boat can feel crowded if every seat is full, and the ride is more exposed to wind and spray.

I would not book this solely for a peaceful Blue Lagoon experience. The lagoon is likely to be busy, particularly in summer. Book it for the combination of Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, close-up cave views, and a reasonably priced small-group cruise.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want three chances to swim, close views of Comino’s caves, and a friendly guide-led trip without paying for a full-day sailing excursion. Crystal Lagoon and the cave section are the strongest reasons to choose it, while the Blue Lagoon gives you the famous scenery with a warning: expect crowds.

Before booking, secure the free Blue Lagoon pass if you plan to disembark, arrive early at Cirkewwa Cafe, and bring sturdy shoes for rocky shore areas. If you dislike choppy water, crowded beaches, or strict departure times, choose a larger, steadier vessel or a land-based Comino visit instead.

FAQ

How long is the Comino boat tour?

The experience lasts about three to four hours, depending on the selected departure time and conditions.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe at Ċirkewwa, Mellieħa. Go down the stairs behind the cafe and turn left around the corner.

How many people are on the boat?

The boat carries up to about 24 people. Some departures may have fewer passengers.

Can I swim at Crystal Lagoon?

Yes. The tour includes about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sightseeing.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a free pass from blcomino.com if you plan to leave the boat and enter the Blue Lagoon bay area on foot. Select the correct morning, afternoon, or sunset slot.

Can I stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can remain onboard and swim from the boat without getting the Blue Lagoon pass.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling gear is available to rent onboard for €5.

Are paddleboards included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboards are available for complimentary use during the swimming stops.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food can be purchased at beach stops. Drinks are available onboard, including water, soft drinks, and large beer.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is specifically not suitable for people prone to seasickness. It is also not suitable for pregnant women.