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

Comino’s best feature is its water, and this small boat puts you close to it. You’ll swim at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, paddle through clear shallows, and cruise into sea caves that larger boats must admire from farther out. I like the intimate group size, usually no more than 24 people, and the friendly local guiding from Johnny and his crew. The trip also gives you three chances to get wet, not just a quick photo stop.

I also like the mix of action and easy sightseeing. You can use a paddleboard or swim noodle, then sit under the shaded canopy as the boat passes Gozo, Halfa Rock, Santa Maria Bay, and Elephant Rock. The main consideration is that Blue Lagoon can be crowded, especially in summer, and the meeting point behind Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe can take a little patience to find.

Key points to know before you book

• Three swimming opportunities: Spend time at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay, with the boat available if you prefer not to go ashore.
• Small boat access: A group of about 24 people allows the captain to get close to the Santa Maria Caves and other narrow coastal spots.
• Johnny is part of the appeal: The captain and guide are friendly, entertaining, and good at adding local facts and practical help.
• Blue Lagoon requires a free pass: Get your time slot from blcomino.com before departure if you plan to step onto the island at the lagoon.
• Useful extras are included: A stand-up paddleboard, swim noodles, shaded seats, life jackets on request, and a toilet are available onboard.
• Crystal Lagoon may be the star: Blue Lagoon is famous, but the quieter water and more natural feel at Crystal Lagoon often make the stronger impression.

A small boat is the right size for Comino

This is not a party cruise on a huge vessel. The boat carries up to about 24 people, giving you room to move around without feeling lost in a crowd. That size matters around Comino, where the best views are often tucked into narrow inlets and low cave openings.

The boat has shaded seating, a toilet, and a rear ladder for getting back aboard after a swim. Life jackets are available if you ask the crew. You also get access to a stand-up paddleboard and free swim noodles, which are simple extras but useful when you want to float without constantly swimming.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Johnny is frequently named as the captain and guide, and his style is friendly, practical, and lighthearted. He explains the sights as you go, points out good places to look, and helps people who need assistance with the boat ladder or boarding.

The boat is not a luxury yacht, and first impressions may be modest. One account also described the boat as crowded at the start, while most other feedback praised the limited group size. Expect a straightforward, functional boat built for swimming and close-up sightseeing, not polished resort service.

Finding the boat at Cirkewwa

The meeting point is at Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe, at the northern end of Malta. Look for the stairs behind the café, go down toward the water, and turn left around the corner to reach the boat.

Allow extra time to get there. The meeting area can feel confusing, and the boat may not be immediately visible from the café. If you are taking a bus, leave a generous margin. One useful tip is that a taxi or ride-hailing service may be quicker than relying on a tight bus connection.

You should also arrive early. A few minutes can matter when a small boat is loading, and one late passenger was initially left behind before the captain returned. That worked out, but do not count on it. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and some cash.

The trip lasts about three to four hours, depending on the departure time and conditions. It is long enough to see much of Comino without turning into an all-day commitment. Morning, afternoon, and sunset departures may be available, so check the schedule when booking.

Crystal Lagoon gives you the best first swim

After roughly 15 minutes of cruising, the boat reaches Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side. This is your first main stop and one of the strongest parts of the trip.

The water is famously clear, with shades shifting between green and blue as the light changes. You get about 45 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and looking through the water for marine life. The boat remains close by, so you can use the rear ladder to return after a swim.

Crystal Lagoon feels less built up than Blue Lagoon. That does not mean it will be empty, particularly in high season, but it usually feels more connected to Comino’s rocky coast. If you want to swim in a beautiful setting without immediately stepping into rows of food stalls and beach activity, this is the better stop.

You can also explore part of the rock above the water. One practical point: the shore and cliff area are rocky, and getting to higher ground involves a short scramble before it becomes easier. Wear sensible shoes if you plan to walk around. Flip-flops are fine for the boat but less useful on rough rock.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, though you can rent a snorkel onboard for €5. The crew may point out fish or help you make the most of the water. Bring a waterproof camera if you have one, since the clear water and cave views are among the most memorable photo opportunities of the day.

Blue Lagoon is beautiful, famous, and busy

The next major stop is Blue Lagoon, usually for about one hour. Sunlight hits the sandy seabed here and creates the bright blue color that made the lagoon one of Malta’s most photographed places.

You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, use a swim noodle, or relax on the shoreline. Parasailing may also be available in the area, though it is not listed as part of the tour price. Drinks and food can be bought at the beach stops, while the boat sells cold water for €1.50, soft drinks for €2.50, and large beer for €3.

There is an important rule to handle before you go. If you want to get off the boat at Blue Lagoon, you need a free pass from blcomino.com. Choose the correct morning, afternoon, or sunset slot based on your tour departure, then show the pass to Transport Malta officials at Cirkewwa so you can receive the official wristband.

If you would rather avoid the shore, you can stay aboard and swim directly from the boat. This may actually be the calmer option during the busiest summer periods. Blue Lagoon is striking, but it is also the most commercial and crowded stop. Several people who loved the tour still preferred Crystal Lagoon because Blue Lagoon felt packed.

That contrast is useful when deciding what you want. If your goal is to say you swam at Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon, this tour does it. If your ideal afternoon is quiet water and an empty beach, keep your expectations in check and consider staying on the boat for part of the stop.

Gozo, Halfa Rock, and San Niklaw Bay

After the lagoon stops, the boat shifts into sightseeing mode. You pass the coastline of Gozo and see Promising Rock, also called Gebla tal-Ħalfa. It is a good photo point, especially when viewed from the water, and the captain provides information as the boat goes by.

The cruise also passes the historic Comino Tower, known for its appearance in The Count of Monte Cristo. This adds a little history to a trip otherwise centered on swimming and scenery. You are not visiting the tower as a separate walking stop, so think of it as a coastal view and photo opportunity.

Halfa Rock receives its own sightseeing passage of about 15 minutes. The formation is best appreciated from the boat, where you can take in its shape against the open sea. San Niklaw Bay and the Comino Hotel follow, offering a quieter view of the island’s coast.

These stretches are valuable because they break up the swimming. You can dry off, find a shaded seat, and listen to the guide instead of spending the whole trip in the water. The information is informal rather than a formal lecture, which suits the relaxed scale of the outing.

Santa Maria Bay offers a calmer break

Santa Maria Bay, also called Santa Marija Bay, lies on Comino’s northern side. It is generally quieter than Blue Lagoon and gives you another chance to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply look around.

The supplied schedule describes this as a stop of up to about 45 minutes, while the inclusion details describe a shorter 15-minute visit. Exact time can vary with the day’s running order and sea conditions, so confirm the timing at departure. Either way, it is intended as a scenic and swimming stop rather than a long beach day.

I like having Santa Maria Bay in the plan because it gives you a useful comparison. Blue Lagoon is the famous postcard, Crystal Lagoon is the clear-water favorite, and Santa Maria Bay feels more relaxed. If you want to stretch your legs, sit on the beach, or take a break from the busiest part of Comino, this is the place to do it.

The water can have a current, especially when swimming from the boat. You should be a competent swimmer if you plan to move away from the vessel, and ask the crew if you are unsure. The rear ladder is designed for reboarding, but you still need to be comfortable climbing it from the water.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock finish the route

The final sightseeing section brings you close to the Santa Maria Caves. This is where the smaller boat earns its keep. It can approach the cave entrances more closely than many large excursion boats, giving you a better view of the rock walls and openings.

Depending on sea conditions, the crew may position the boat near or inside suitable cave areas. The caves are primarily a photo stop, so do not expect a long walk ashore. Keep your camera ready, but protect phones and other electronics around the boat.

Elephant Rock follows. The natural formation resembles an elephant’s head and trunk when viewed from the right angle, making it one of Comino’s most distinctive coastal sights. You pass by for photographs before returning to Cirkewwa.

The route is well balanced. You get long enough at the main lagoons to swim, then shorter passages for rock formations, bays, caves, and history. Four hours is enough for the highlights without making the day feel endless.

What the $31 price really covers

At about $31 per person, this is strong value if you plan to swim and see the whole coast. The price includes the boat, crew, shaded seating, toilet, lagoon stops, sightseeing around the island, a paddleboard, and swim noodles. A larger boat trip may offer more seats or a smoother presentation, but it may not get as close to the caves.

You should budget extra for a snorkel at €5, drinks, and food. Water costs €1.50 onboard, soft drinks €2.50, and a large beer €3. The free Blue Lagoon pass is not included automatically because you must arrange it yourself online.

The best value comes from using the boat as an active base. Swim at all three water stops, try the paddleboard, and use the cave and rock passages for photos. If you only want a short scenic cruise and do not plan to swim, the price still works, but you will get more from it as a half-day water outing.

Who will enjoy this Comino tour most

This trip suits families, couples, and solo visitors who want a compact Comino experience without committing to a full day. Children enjoyed the swimming, paddleboard, fish, and relaxed crew atmosphere, while adults appreciated the easy mix of scenery and free time.

It is also a good choice for anyone who prefers a small group. The limited capacity creates a more personal feel and lets the captain maneuver closer to the caves. People with mobility concerns should speak with Johnny or the crew before boarding, since the boat ladder and rocky shoreline require care, though the crew has helped passengers who needed assistance.

This is not suitable for pregnant women or people prone to seasickness. Conditions can change quickly. On rougher days, the boat may bounce, spray may come aboard, and passengers can get wet even when they are not swimming.

The tour is best in warm weather if your main goal is swimming, but it also runs outside the height of summer. In cooler months, the sea may be choppier and the water less inviting. You will still get the caves, bays, and coastal views, but bring layers and do not assume every swim stop will feel comfortable.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want small-group access, several swim stops, and close views of Comino’s caves for a reasonable price. Crystal Lagoon and the Santa Maria Caves are the strongest reasons to choose it over a large boat.

Think twice if you dislike boats, struggle with choppy water, or want a quiet Blue Lagoon beach experience in midsummer. The lagoon is famous for good reason, but it is also crowded and commercial.

For most active visitors, this is a practical way to see Comino in half a day. Arrive early at Cirkewwa, arrange the Blue Lagoon pass, bring sensible shoes and cash, and treat Crystal Lagoon as a highlight rather than merely a warm-up.

FAQ

How long does the Comino boat tour last?

The trip lasts about three to four hours. Check the available departure time because the exact schedule can vary.

Where does the boat leave from?

Meet at Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. Go down the stairs behind the café, then turn left around the corner to reach the boat.

Do I need a pass for Blue Lagoon?

You need a free pass from blcomino.com if you plan to get off the boat at Blue Lagoon. Choose a morning, afternoon, or sunset slot that matches your tour, then show it to Transport Malta officials at Cirkewwa for your wristband.

Can I stay on the boat at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can remain onboard and swim from the boat, and you do not need the Blue Lagoon pass if you do not disembark.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkels can be rented onboard for €5. A stand-up paddleboard and swim noodles are provided at no extra cost.

What is available on the boat?

The boat has shaded seating, a toilet, and life jackets on request. You can buy cold water, soft drinks, large beer, and snorkels onboard. Food is not included, but it can be bought at beach stops.