Malta: Comino Blue Lagoon Boat Tour, Sea Caves & Swim Stops

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here, but the smaller boat and long swimming stop make this more than a quick photo run. You cruise from Bugibba along Malta’s coast, see Crystal Lagoon and St. Mary’s Caves, and have enough time to swim, snorkel, eat, or simply sit in the sea air.

I like two things in particular: the generous time at Comino and the boat’s modest size. The Mermaid can get closer to some caves than larger vessels, and its open-air shaded area is a welcome refuge from Malta’s strong sun. The crew also gets warm marks for being friendly, punctual, and helpful.

The main catch is the Blue Lagoon’s popularity. The water may be gorgeous, but the shoreline and surrounding boats can be crowded, especially in summer. Cave visits depend on wind and sea conditions, and the Comino access ticket must be arranged separately through the Maltese government website.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours at the Blue Lagoon: This is a swimming-first trip, not a rushed photo stop.
• The Mermaid is a smaller boat: That can mean a calmer feel and closer views of certain caves.
• Crystal Lagoon and St. Mary’s Caves depend on weather: The captain may change the route for safety.
• Bugibba is the departure point: You cruise past Mellieħa Bay, Comino, Elephant Rock, and St. Paul’s Island.
• Shade, toilets, and a snack bar are onboard: Drinks and light meals cost extra.
• The price is $29 per person: Good value for a 5.5-hour coastal cruise, though the Comino entry ticket is not included.

Why this Comino cruise works well

At $29 per person, this is one of the easier ways to combine Malta’s coast, Comino’s famous water, and several sea sights in one outing. You are not paying for a polished luxury cruise. You are paying for a practical boat day with a long stop where you can actually get in the water.

That distinction matters. Some boat trips treat the Blue Lagoon as a short stop for photographs before moving on. Here, the plan gives you about three hours at Comino. That is enough time to swim, snorkel, walk around a little, and buy or bring something for lunch.

The overall trip lasts 5.5 hours. Roughly one hour is spent cruising out from Bugibba, followed by the Blue Lagoon stop, a short cave and coastal sightseeing section, and another hour returning to the jetty. You get a proper day on the water without committing to a full-day excursion to both Comino and Gozo.

The tour operates in English, with a live guide and crew onboard. Specific guide names are not provided, but the captain and deckhand are repeatedly praised for their friendly manner, punctual operation, and willingness to point out sights and local stories.

Boarding The Mermaid at Bugibba Jetty

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty, where you look for The Mermaid. It is the smaller red, blue, and white boat in the harbor, so allow time to identify it rather than arriving at the last moment.

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and boarding closes 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. That cutoff is firm. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, and no refund is offered if you miss it.

Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sun hat, beachwear, and some cash. The cash is useful for drinks and food from the snack bar, as well as any other costs connected with the day. Food and beverages are not included.

The boat has a toilet, which is a small but important comfort on a 5.5-hour outing. You also get safety equipment, including life jackets for use if needed. The open-air shaded area is especially useful, since a boat deck in the Maltese sun can become tiring long before the scenery does.

The cruise from Bugibba to Comino

The first sightseeing cruise takes about an hour. You head across the clear Mediterranean past Malta’s northern coast and toward Mellieħa Bay, with wide views of the coast from the water.

This first stretch sets the rhythm for the day. You are not being hurried from one attraction to the next. Instead, you have time to sit, take photographs, listen to the guide, and enjoy the boat ride itself.

A smaller vessel can make this part feel more personal than a large excursion boat. It also gives the captain more flexibility around certain coastal formations, though the tradeoff is that a smaller boat may move more in rough water. If you are prone to seasickness, sit in a stable central area and keep your eyes on the horizon.

The crew adds background about the coastline and the sights ahead. Do not expect a long formal lecture. This is a relaxed boat outing, with the emphasis on views, swimming, and a pleasant atmosphere.

Three hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The main stop is the Blue Lagoon, the pale turquoise inlet between Comino and nearby islands. The water is the reason most people choose this cruise, and the schedule gives you time to enjoy it rather than simply photograph it from the rail.

You can swim from the boat, snorkel, relax on deck, or go ashore and walk around. The water is calm and shallow in parts, making it suitable for families and people who are not strong swimmers, though you should still follow the captain’s instructions and use a life jacket if needed.

One appealing feature is the option to jump directly from the boat into the water. That gives the stop a simple, fun feel. You can swim around the boat, climb back aboard, dry off in the sun, and repeat the process without hauling beach gear across a crowded shoreline.

Snorkeling equipment is available to rent, not included in the basic price. If you already have your own mask and snorkel, bring them. The clear water can make this a better-value stop for people who want to spend most of the day in the sea.

The Blue Lagoon is also the point where expectations need adjusting. It is famous because it is beautiful, but fame brings crowds. In July and August, boats and swimmers can gather around the inlet, and the experience may feel less peaceful than photographs suggest.

Timing can help. One departure was especially appreciated for reaching Comino after 5 p.m., when the area was less crowded. The exact schedule can vary, so do not book this trip assuming every departure will have that quieter late-day feel. If you care most about atmosphere, check the available start time before booking.

You can also use part of the stop to walk around Comino. About three hours gives you room to stretch your legs and see more than the water, but this is not a dedicated hiking tour. If your main goal is a long island walk, choose a trip designed around walking rather than swimming.

Crystal Lagoon and St. Mary’s Caves

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat continues along Comino’s rougher coast. The exact cave route depends on weather, wind, and sea conditions, but the planned sights include Crystal Lagoon Caves and St. Mary’s Caves.

Crystal Lagoon is known for clear water enclosed by rocky walls. From a boat, you get the best sense of how the cliffs frame the water. On a calm day, the captain may take the boat close enough for a good look inside the openings and along the rock faces.

St. Mary’s Caves provide another short scenic stop. The listed schedule allows about 15 minutes for the cave area, so think of this as a boat-level visit and photo opportunity, not a long exploration on foot. The captain may pass through, pause near the entrance, or alter the approach if the sea is not suitable.

This is where The Mermaid’s smaller size helps. Larger vessels may need to remain farther out, while a smaller boat can sometimes get closer to the cave mouths. Still, the sea makes the final decision. If conditions are rough, the captain may skip entering the caves or view them from a safer distance.

The cave portion is one of the tour’s strongest additions because it breaks up the long swimming stop. You get a different view of Comino, with pale rock, dark openings, and water changing color around the cliffs.

Elephant Rock and St. Paul’s Island

The boat also passes Elephant Rock, a distinctive coastal formation shaped by erosion. It is primarily a photo stop from the water, so keep your camera ready and listen for the guide’s explanation as you pass.

St. Paul’s Island is another scenic pass-by during the return route. The stop is brief, but it adds variety to the cruise and gives you another piece of Malta’s coastal story without requiring a separate excursion.

These sights are best treated as bonuses rather than the reason to book. If you expect long stops at every landmark, you may find the schedule light. If you want to swim at Comino and enjoy a moving view of the coast between stops, the balance works well.

What the boat feels like during the day

The Mermaid is described as comfortable without being oversized. The smaller scale means fewer people than on some larger boats, more direct contact with the crew, and a better chance of getting close to parts of the coast.

There is also an open-air shaded section. That detail deserves attention. Shade is not a luxury in Malta during the summer. It lets you cool down between swims and gives you a place to sit when the sun becomes too strong.

Music helps create a relaxed mood, according to the available feedback, but this is still a sea excursion rather than a party boat. The crew has been praised for keeping the atmosphere friendly and easygoing.

The snack bar sells drinks and light meals, though food and beverages cost extra. One useful point is that the onboard offering should not be treated as a full lunch service. Bring cash and consider carrying your own small snacks if you need something specific, while following any boat rules.

The real value of the $29 price

The price is attractive because it covers the core transport and sightseeing: departure from Bugibba, the boat ride to Comino, the long Blue Lagoon stop, cave viewing, and the return cruise.

You should add a few possible costs when comparing this with other Malta boat trips. Drinks and food are extra. Snorkeling equipment is rented separately. The government access ticket for Comino is not included, and you must sign up through the Maltese government website to receive it.

Even with those additions, the trip offers solid value if you want a simple coastal day and do not need a private boat or a large meal included. It is less appealing if you dislike shared boat excursions, want guaranteed cave access, or expect an uncrowded Blue Lagoon in peak summer.

The 4.4 rating from 272 reviews points to a generally strong experience, but the most consistent praise centers on the crew, boat size, relaxed mood, and generous swimming time. Those are the features to value. The tour is not trying to be a luxury cruise, and it should not be judged by that standard.

Who should book this Malta boat trip

I would recommend it to families, couples, solo visitors, and first-time Malta visitors who want to see Comino without arranging several separate activities. The calm water, long stop, onboard toilet, and shaded seating make it practical for a broad range of ages.

It suits you especially well if swimming is a main goal. You can spend much of the Comino stop in the water, rent snorkeling gear, or jump from the boat rather than staying onshore.

It is also a good fit for photographers. The caves, Elephant Rock, St. Paul’s Island, and changing views along the coast offer plenty to photograph, though the boat will not linger at every sight.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet beach day. The Blue Lagoon is popular, and you may share the water with many other boats. I would also think twice if you need a guaranteed cave visit, since the captain can change the route according to sea conditions.

Finally, this tour is not ideal for anyone who wants a full Gozo experience. Gozo is not part of the main itinerary, and the available time is focused on Comino and the coastal sights around it.

Practical tips for a better day

Arrive early. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and the boat closes boarding 10 minutes before departure.

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. You will save time at the Blue Lagoon and can get into the water without searching for a changing area.

Bring a towel, hat, strong sunscreen, and cash. The boat provides a snack bar, but meals and drinks are extra.

Take your own snorkeling gear if you have it. Rental is available, but your own equipment may fit better and avoids an extra charge.

Keep a light layer or dry cover-up handy for the ride back. Sea air can feel cooler after swimming, even on a warm day.

Check the weather before you go. The captain may cancel or change the trip, and cave access is especially dependent on wind and sea conditions.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta plans are still changing, but they do not protect against arriving late at the jetty.

Should you book The Mermaid?

Book this trip if you want a good-value Comino swimming day with a smaller boat, friendly crew, cave views, and enough time to enjoy the Blue Lagoon properly. The strongest reasons to choose it are the three-hour stop, shaded seating, onboard toilet, and relaxed scale.

Skip it if your top priority is solitude, guaranteed cave entry, or a visit to Gozo. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, the caves depend on conditions, and the Comino access ticket is separate.

For most people comparing Malta boat tours, this is a sensible middle ground: more personal than a large ferry-style outing, less costly than a private charter, and long enough at Comino to feel like more than a quick stop.

FAQ

Where does the Comino Blue Lagoon boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Bugibba Jetty. Look for The Mermaid, a smaller red, blue, and white boat docked in the harbor.

How long does the tour last?

The total duration is 5.5 hours. The route includes about one hour of cruising to Comino, around three hours at the Blue Lagoon, sightseeing near the caves and coast, and about one hour returning to Bugibba.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $29 per person.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase from the onboard snack bar, but they are not included in the tour price.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment can be rented at the Blue Lagoon stop.

Is the Comino entry ticket included?

No. The government entry ticket for access to Comino is not included. You must sign up through the Maltese government website to receive the ticket.

Are the sea caves always visited?

No. The caves are weather and sea dependent. The captain may alter the route or view the caves from a different position for safety.

What language is used during the tour?

The live guide and boat tour are in English only.

What happens if I arrive late?

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure and closes 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. The boat cannot wait for late passengers, and late arrivals are not eligible for a refund.