Malta: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Sea Caves Boat Tour

The best thing about this Comino trip is its small 24-passenger boat. It can get close to caves and rocky corners that larger vessels must pass, while boarding and swimming stops stay fairly quick. You get the big sights without spending the whole day on a crowded ferry.

I like the generous water time at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, and I like that a stand-up paddleboard and swim noodles are free to use. Captain Johnny also gets repeated praise for his friendly manner, clear explanations, and careful handling of the boat. The main catch is that sea conditions can change the route, and Blue Lagoon itself can be very crowded in summer.

Key points at a glance

• Two proper swim stops: Spend about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and an hour at Blue Lagoon.
• A small boat with cave access: The vessel can approach Santa Maria Caves and other rocky inlets more closely than larger boats.
• Useful equipment included: Swim noodles and a stand-up paddleboard cost nothing extra; snorkels are available to rent for €5.
• A full Comino circuit: See Ħalfa Rock, San Niklaw Bay, Santa Maria Bay, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock.
• Good half-day value: At $29 per person, you get swimming, sightseeing, a guide, onboard shade, a toilet, and marina fees.
• Blue Lagoon entry now needs planning: From May 1, 2025, you need a free, time-specific QR code if you plan to step ashore there.

Why the smaller boat matters around Comino

Comino is not large, but its coastline is full of small coves, arches, cliffs, and sea caves. The boat used for this trip carries up to 24 people, giving it a more personal feel than the large excursion vessels that gather around the Blue Lagoon.

That size matters most near the caves. You can get a better look at the rock formations, and the boat may pass into or close to openings that are off-limits to bigger craft. It also makes the practical side easier. You are not waiting for hundreds of people to board, and the captain can keep the group moving through a lot of sights during a three to four-hour outing.

You should not expect a private charter. Twenty-four passengers can still feel busy, particularly when everyone wants a paddleboard or a place near the rail. Still, it is a sensible middle ground between a private boat and a packed sightseeing cruise.

Captain Johnny is the name most closely associated with the trip. His role goes beyond steering. He explains the places along the way, gives clear instructions about stop times, and helps people getting in and out of the boat. That practical attention is especially useful at slippery rocks and swim ladders.

Starting at Cirkewwa and passing the Comino Tower

The meeting point is behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. Go down the stairs behind the café and turn left around the corner to reach the boat. This is worth noting because the boat is not simply waiting in front of the café, and a few extra minutes will help you find the correct access point without rushing.

Cirkewwa is at Malta’s northern tip, near the ferry route to Gozo. The cruise begins with roughly 15 minutes of sightseeing on the way toward Comino. One early landmark is the Comino Tower, a sturdy coastal watchtower made familiar by The Count of Monte Cristo.

This opening section gives you time to settle in and take photographs before the swimming begins. There is shade on the boat, but you should still bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and a light beach cover-up. The sun can feel strong even when the air is comfortable.

The sea can also be choppy. Several winter outings went ahead in windy conditions, but some swimming stops had to be shortened or skipped. If you are prone to motion sickness, this is not the right excursion for you. The boat is stable enough for normal conditions, but no small vessel can remove the movement of the sea.

Crystal Lagoon, the quieter first swim

Crystal Lagoon is on the western side of Comino and is usually the first major stop. The boat stays for about 45 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, use the paddleboard, or simply look into the clear water from the deck.

I consider this the more relaxed swimming stop. It is smaller and often feels less pressured than Blue Lagoon, where the shoreline can become packed. The water is known for its clarity, and the pale seabed helps create the strong blue and green tones that make this part of Comino so photogenic.

The stop is also flexible. You can enter the water from the boat, and the free noodles are helpful if you are not a confident swimmer. The stand-up board gives you another way to enjoy the lagoon without paying an extra activity fee. Snorkeling gear is not included, but a snorkel can be rented onboard for €5.

Do not treat 45 minutes as a long beach visit. This is primarily a boat-based swim stop, and the rocky setting may not suit anyone hoping to spread out on a wide sandy beach. For most people, though, the time is enough for a swim and a quick look at marine life.

Blue Lagoon and the new shore-access rule

The boat then heads to the famous Blue Lagoon for about an hour. Sunlight reaches the shallow sandy bottom here, producing the clear, bright water that made the lagoon one of Malta’s most popular sights.

You have two choices. Stay aboard and swim from the boat, or go ashore and explore the Blue Lagoon area. Staying onboard can be the smarter option at peak times. You avoid the tightest part of the crowd, keep access to the paddleboard and noodles, and still get the view from the water.

If you want to step onto Comino at Blue Lagoon, you must obtain a free QR code in advance from www.blcomino.com. The code is tied to a time slot, listed as morning, afternoon, or sunset, so match it carefully to your tour departure and arrival time. You do not need a QR code if you remain on the boat.

This rule is easy to overlook, but it changes how you should plan the day. Do not assume that booking the boat automatically gives you shore access. If your main goal is to walk around Blue Lagoon, check the available QR time before committing to a tour slot.

The lagoon can be extremely busy in summer. That does not make it unworthy, but it does affect the mood. You get the famous color and shallow water, yet you may find the shoreline less peaceful than the photographs suggest. The boat offers a useful escape from the thickest crowd.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy food at beach stops, while onboard prices include cold water for €1.50, soft drinks for €2.50, and a large beer for €3. Bring cash, especially if you want a snack, a drink, or the €5 snorkel rental.

Ħalfa Rock, San Niklaw Bay, and the northern coast

After Blue Lagoon, the trip returns to sightseeing mode. The boat passes Ħalfa Rock, also known as Gebla tal-Ħalfa, and continues toward San Niklaw Bay. These stops are viewed from the boat rather than treated as long shore visits.

Ħalfa Rock is a good example of why a boat tour helps you understand Comino. From land, you see only parts of the island. From the water, the shape of the cliffs, the low rock shelves, and the contrast between pale stone and deep water become much clearer.

At San Niklaw Bay, you pass the old and only hotel on Comino. The itinerary allows about 15 minutes for sightseeing in this area. You are not spending the afternoon at a resort or walking a long trail. Instead, this is a quick coastal look that keeps the cruise moving.

This portion can feel less exciting if your only aim is swimming. If you enjoy seeing the whole coast and hearing brief explanations from the captain, it adds useful context. Captain Johnny’s commentary is one of the tour’s strengths, particularly for visitors who want more than a simple boat transfer.

Santa Maria Bay, a short beach break

Santa Maria Bay is one of Comino’s calmer coves and receives a stop of about 15 minutes. You may swim, snorkel, use the paddleboard, or step onto the beach, depending on the conditions and the captain’s instructions.

Fifteen minutes is enough for a quick swim or a few photographs, but it is not enough for a leisurely beach afternoon. In cooler months, the stop may feel longer than necessary if you do not plan to enter the water. In warm weather, the short visit works better as a final swim before the cave section.

I like the variety here. Crystal Lagoon gives you a rocky swim setting, Blue Lagoon gives you the famous view, and Santa Maria Bay provides a quieter cove. You are not repeating the same stop three times.

The timing can change if the water is rough. On some outings, choppy seas have made it impossible to stop at every planned place. The crew has adjusted the route rather than forcing an unsafe landing, which is the right call. You should see the schedule as a plan, not a guarantee that every swim will happen exactly as printed.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock

The last major sightseeing section focuses on Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. The boat spends around 10 minutes around the caves, followed by about 10 minutes for Elephant Rock and photographs.

Santa Maria Caves are especially well suited to this boat. The vessel can approach the openings closely, allowing you to study the rough limestone, shaded recesses, and changing color of the water. A larger boat may give you a wider view, but a smaller craft gives you a better sense of the cave entrances.

Elephant Rock is a natural rock formation with a distinctive profile. This is a photo stop rather than a place for a long walk or swim. Keep your camera ready, but also watch the coastline as the boat turns. The approach and departure often give you better views than a single posed photograph.

The cruise then returns to Cirkewwa. The listed duration is three to four hours, although weather, sea conditions, and the exact route can affect the timing. A few excursions have run longer under unusual conditions, so allow some flexibility if you have a tight connection afterward.

What the $29 price really includes

At $29 per person, this is strong value for a half-day on the water. You are paying for a small-group cruise, an experienced crew, several sightseeing passages, two main lagoon stops, a bay stop, cave viewing, marina fees, shade, and an onboard toilet.

The free paddleboard and swim noodles improve the deal. On many boat trips, water equipment comes with an added charge or is unavailable. Here, you can use the board without paying more, while snorkels remain a modest €5 rental.

The price does not include food, drinks, or snorkeling gear. Those extras are inexpensive by excursion standards, but your real cost will rise if you buy several drinks and a meal. Pack what you can, and bring cash for the items you cannot.

The strongest value comes from the amount covered in a short time. You see much of Comino’s coast, swim in two well-known lagoons, visit Santa Maria Bay, and get close to caves and rock formations. If you want a slow beach day, this will feel rushed. If you want an efficient introduction to Comino, the price is hard to fault.

Who should book this Comino cruise?

I would choose this trip for couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who wants a manageable half-day rather than a full-day cruise. A family group with teenagers and a six-year-old has enjoyed the format, though every participant needs to manage boat steps, swimming access, and changing sea conditions.

It is a good match for confident swimmers and for people who like switching between activities. You can swim, snorkel, paddle, photograph cliffs, or stay dry on deck. The onboard toilet and shaded area make the outing more comfortable than a basic open boat.

I would be cautious if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, have serious motion sickness, or are over 95. The activity is not listed as suitable for those groups. It is also not ideal if you want a quiet, private cruise or guaranteed calm water.

Book it when your priority is variety and value. Choose something else if your priority is a long, peaceful stay on one beach.

Practical tips before you go

• Arrive at the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe with enough time to find the stairs behind the café.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash.
• Obtain the Blue Lagoon QR code in advance if you plan to step ashore there.
• Check the QR time slot against your tour departure and expected Blue Lagoon arrival.
• Stay onboard at Blue Lagoon if you want to avoid the busiest shore crowds.
• Rent the €5 snorkel if you do not have your own equipment.
• Use the free noodles if you are unsure in open water.
• Expect the captain to change a stop if wind or waves make landing unsafe.
• Do not litter. The rule is simple and especially important in the lagoons and caves.
• If you have a flight or another fixed appointment, leave extra time after the cruise.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want to see Comino’s main coastal sights and fit in real swimming time without paying for a private charter. The small boat, free paddleboard, helpful crew, and close approach to the caves make this more useful than a basic ferry ride.

The decision is less clear if you dislike waves, need step-free access, or want several quiet hours at Blue Lagoon. In summer, Blue Lagoon may feel crowded, but you can remain on the boat and still enjoy the water.

For most visitors, the sensible plan is to treat this as a lively, well-priced introduction to Comino. Bring your swimming gear, arrange the shore QR code if needed, and expect the sea to have the final word.

FAQ

How long does the Comino boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three to four hours. The exact duration can depend on the starting time, sea conditions, and route changes.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Cirkewwa Cafe in Cirkewwa, Mellieha. Find the boat behind the café by going down the stairs and turning left around the corner.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes the boat ride, an experienced crew, shade, an onboard toilet, marina fees, life jackets, swimming stops at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, and sightseeing at the listed bays, rocks, and caves.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkels can be rented onboard for €5. Swim noodles and a stand-up paddleboard are free to use.

How long do you stop at Crystal Lagoon?

The stop at Crystal Lagoon lasts about 45 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, view marine life, use the paddleboard, or enjoy the scenery from the boat.

How long do you stop at Blue Lagoon?

The planned stop at Blue Lagoon lasts about one hour. You can stay on the boat or go ashore if you have the required QR code.

Do I need a QR code for Blue Lagoon?

You need a free QR code if you plan to step onto Comino at Blue Lagoon. The code must be obtained in advance from www.blcomino.com and is linked to a morning, afternoon, or sunset entry slot. You do not need one if you remain on the boat.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food can be bought at beach stops, and drinks can be purchased onboard or at beach stops. Onboard prices listed for drinks include €1.50 for water, €2.50 for soft drinks, and €3 for a large beer.

Is the tour suitable for people with motion sickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with motion sickness. The sea can be choppy, especially when the weather changes.

Can wheelchair users join the tour?

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or people over 95 years old.