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

The best part of this cruise is simple: you get two excellent swimming stops and a close look at Comino’s caves without giving up a full day. Captain George has operated these trips since 1988, and the route packs a lot into three to four hours.

I like the chance to swim straight from the boat at the Blue and Crystal Lagoons, and I like the smaller vessel, which can get closer to the caves than a large ferry. The main catch is that Blue Lagoon access requires a free government ticket if you want to step ashore, and Comino can be very busy.

Key points to know before you book

• Two lagoon swims: Spend about an hour at the Blue Lagoon and around 30 to 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, depending on the selected trip.
• A cave-focused route: See Elephant Rock, Santa Maria’s caves, Popeye’s Cave, Lovers’ Cave, and other formations from the water.
• Two route choices: Trip A gives more time at Crystal Lagoon, while Trip B visits Crystal Lagoon first and gives a short photo stop at Mġarr Harbour.
• A compact half-day outing: The cruise lasts three to four hours, making it easy to fit into a Malta itinerary.
• Swimming extras cost extra: Snorkel gear can be rented for €5, and onboard drinks are available for cash or card.
• Good value at $28: A welcome drink, watermelon, cave sightseeing, two lagoon stops, a toilet, padded sun deck, and top-deck jumping are included.

Why this short Comino cruise works so well

Comino is small, but its coast is packed with cliffs, narrow inlets, bright water, and sea caves. Seeing it by boat saves you from treating the island as a long walking day. You can swim, take photos, listen to the crew’s explanations, and return to Ċirkewwa before the day gets away from you.

At $28 per person, the price is particularly strong for a trip that includes the boat ride, two swimming areas, a welcome drink, and a piece of watermelon. You still pay for drinks and optional snorkeling equipment, but the main experience is covered.

I would choose this outing if you want Malta’s famous water without committing to a long day at sea. It also suits families and mixed groups, since one person can swim, another can use the sun deck, and others can focus on photos and the caves.

The boat has two levels, padded sunbathing space, a toilet, and a top deck suitable for jumping into the water. The smaller size is useful inside the caves, though it also means space may feel limited when the boat is full. Comino is popular, especially around the Blue Lagoon, so do not expect an empty cove in peak periods.

Finding the boat at Ċirkewwa

The departure point is at Ċirkewwa, Malta, near the café area. Look for the jetty behind the only kiosk, identifiable by its umbrellas and tables. The boat is behind the Ċirkewwa Café, not simply at the main ferry boarding area.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The departure time is strict, and traffic, parking, and road delays are your responsibility. The trip ends at the same meeting point, which makes planning a return journey easier.

The welcome drink is a nice start, and the crew also serves a slice of watermelon during the trip. Onboard drinks are sold separately, with cash and card accepted. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a light layer for the ride back.

Trip A: the fullest route around Comino

Trip A is the better choice if you want the most time at Crystal Lagoon and a wider circuit around Comino. The boat begins with a sightseeing cruise toward Elephant Rock, a distinctive rock formation that makes a good early photo stop.

The route then passes the sea caves near Santa Maria. The crew points out the rock shapes and shares historical or amusing details about the caves. A smaller boat helps here, since it can approach the openings and walls more closely than a large passenger ferry.

You continue past Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay before reaching the Blue Lagoon. The setting is the classic Comino scene: pale rock, clear water, and a narrow inlet framed by cliffs. You get about one hour here.

You can swim from the boat, use the water around the vessel for snorkeling, or go ashore to walk around Comino. If you plan to leave the boat, book the free ticket at blcomino.com and validate it as required. The ticket costs nothing, but you still need it in 2025 to enter the island at the Blue Lagoon.

That one-hour stop is long enough for a proper swim rather than a quick photo pause. It is also the busiest section of the trip, so expectations matter. The water may look peaceful from a distance, but the area can be crowded with boats and people.

After Blue Lagoon, the boat passes Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour. This is a photo stop rather than a visit to Gozo. You will see the harbor from the boat and have a chance to photograph its compact waterfront, but you will not go ashore or tour the island.

The final main stop is Crystal Lagoon, where Trip A pauses for about 45 minutes. The water is bright and clear, and the cliffs give this stop a wilder feel than the Blue Lagoon. You can swim straight from the boat, snorkel near the rocks, or use the time for photographs.

The cruise then passes Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave before heading back toward Ċirkewwa. Along the return route, you see Comino Tower, known for its connection with the film The Count of Monte Cristo, and pass a tuna fish farm.

Trip B: Crystal Lagoon first, Blue Lagoon last

Trip B, aboard XLENDI III, changes the order and gives you a slightly different rhythm. It begins at Crystal Lagoon with around 30 minutes for photos, swimming, and quiet views of the cliffs.

From there, the boat passes Comino’s caves and continues to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The harbor stop lasts about 10 minutes and is designed for sightseeing and photographs. Again, this is not a Gozo shore visit.

The final stop is Blue Lagoon, with about one hour to swim, walk, photograph the water, or explore part of Comino. Choosing Blue Lagoon last can work well if you want to finish with the island’s most famous sight.

The route and timing can change with wind, waves, and other sea conditions. That is normal for a small-boat trip. The captain may shorten, reorder, or remove a swimming stop when conditions make it unsafe.

The swimming stops: what the time really means

The Blue Lagoon stop gives you the longest water break. You can jump in from the boat, and life jackets are available. If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask or rent equipment for €5.

Do not assume that every passenger will want to swim. The padded sun deck gives non-swimmers a comfortable alternative, and the upper deck offers views of the coast. Families can split their time without needing to leave the boat.

Crystal Lagoon feels more focused on swimming and scenery. The stop is shorter on Trip B, at about 30 minutes, and longer on Trip A, at about 45 minutes. Check the trip name and schedule carefully when booking if Crystal Lagoon is your main reason for going.

The top-deck jumping is part of the fun, but it is optional. You should bring footwear and personal items you can secure easily, since the trip includes movement between the deck, water, and seating areas.

Caves, cliffs, and the Comino coastline

The cave section is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise instead of simply taking a transfer to Blue Lagoon. The boat passes formations along Santa Maria, Comino, Popeye’s Cave, and Lovers’ Cave, giving you views that are difficult to get from inland paths.

The crew provides historical and fun facts as the boat moves along. This adds context without turning the trip into a formal lecture. You still get plenty of open time for swimming and photos.

The coast changes quickly. One minute you are looking at a broad bay, and the next you are near a narrow cave entrance or a tall rock wall. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray, especially if the sea is choppy.

How comfortable is the boat?

The boat is described as a luxury yacht, with padded sun deck space, a toilet, two levels, and an onboard bar. The size is useful because it can enter or approach sea caves, and boarding is quicker than on a very large vessel.

The tradeoff is that a smaller boat has less spare room. If you want the best seat or a quiet place on the upper deck, arrive early and follow the crew’s instructions. The boat is not a private charter, so expect a shared outing.

The crew, including Captain George and his assistant, is a major part of the experience. They keep the tone friendly and practical, explain the stops clearly, and provide life jackets. The English-language service is useful for visitors who want straightforward instructions before swimming or leaving the boat.

The accessibility information needs careful attention. The activity details describe the boat as wheelchair accessible, but they also say it is not suitable for wheelchair users. One passenger was helped aboard despite the difficulty, but you should contact the provider before booking if anyone in your group uses a wheelchair or has limited mobility.

Sunset option and seasonal timing

The sunset cruise is a shorter version and does not travel all the way around Comino. It is a good pick for warm evening light and a more compact outing, but it is not the best choice if your priority is seeing the full coast or spending maximum time at both lagoons.

Swimming depends heavily on the season. The trip can still run in cooler months, and sea temperatures may occasionally be comfortable enough for a swim, but you should pack weather-appropriate clothing and avoid assuming that the water will suit everyone.

Spring can be a pleasant compromise if you want milder conditions and fewer peak-summer pressures. Still, the captain controls the route based on weather and sea conditions at the time.

Is $28 good value?

Yes, especially if you plan to swim. The price includes the sightseeing cruise, the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon stops, cave viewing, a welcome drink, watermelon, toilet access, padded seating, and the chance to jump from the top deck.

You will need to budget for drinks if you want them, and snorkeling equipment costs €5 to rent. Food beyond the included watermelon is not listed as part of the package.

The real value is the amount of coastline covered in a short window. A normal ferry transfer would get you near Comino, but it would not provide the same cave route, two swimming stops, or close views of the coast. At the same time, this is not a full Gozo tour. Mġarr Harbour is only a short sightseeing stop, so do not book it expecting time in Gozo.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it for first-time Malta visitors who want an easy introduction to Comino. It works especially well for couples, families, photographers, and anyone who wants a half-day activity instead of a long all-day boat trip.

It is also a good fit if your group has mixed interests. Swimmers get clear water and jumping, photographers get caves and harbor views, and non-swimmers can stay on the boat and enjoy the coast from the deck.

I would look elsewhere if you want a quiet, private experience, a full day in Gozo, or long periods on land. The Blue Lagoon may be crowded, and the boat follows a shared schedule with firm departure times.

Book this cruise if you want strong value, two lagoon swims, and a well-packed route from Ċirkewwa. Choose Trip A for more time at Crystal Lagoon and a fuller circuit. Choose Trip B if you prefer Crystal Lagoon first, a brief Mġarr Harbour photo stop, and Blue Lagoon as the final major stop. For the shortest version and evening light, choose sunset.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Ċirkewwa, Malta. Meet at the jetty behind the only kiosk in the area, near the umbrellas and tables. The boat is behind the Ċirkewwa Café.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about three to four hours. The exact starting time and duration depend on the selected option and current conditions.

Can I get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, but you must book and validate a free government ticket at blcomino.com. Tickets are required to go onto the island at the Blue Lagoon in 2025.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for €5. You may also bring your own equipment.

Are drinks included?

A welcome drink and a slice of watermelon are included. Other drinks are available from the onboard bar and can be paid for with cash or card.

Does the cruise stop in Gozo?

The cruise passes or briefly stops at Mġarr Harbour for sightseeing and photographs. It does not include a Gozo shore visit on the routes described here.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The captain may change the route, timing, or swimming stops because of weather and sea conditions. The sunset option also follows a shorter route that does not go all the way around Comino.