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

The water is the star here. In three to four hours, you see Comino’s sea caves, Elephant Rock, Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and the Crystal Lagoon, with time to swim straight from the boat. Captain George, who has operated cruises since 1988, keeps the trip moving without turning it into an all-day ordeal.

I like the two swimming stops, since you are not limited to the famous Blue Lagoon alone. I also like the small-boat feel, padded sun deck, onboard toilet, welcome drink, and slice of watermelon. The main drawback is crowding around the Blue Lagoon, especially in peak season, and the route or stop times can change with the weather.

Key points to know before you book

• Two turquoise-water swimming stops: Spend about an hour at the Blue Lagoon and roughly 30 to 45 minutes at the Crystal Lagoon, depending on the boat and route.
• Caves viewed from the water: The cruise includes Santa Maria sea caves, Popeye’s Cave, Lovers’ Cave, and other rock formations.
• A compact half-day outing: The cruise lasts about three to four hours, making it easy to fit into a Malta itinerary.
• Two boat plans: One route visits the Crystal Lagoon first and Blue Lagoon later. The other reverses the order and allows more time at both.
• Gozo is a photo stop, not a Gozo tour: You pass or briefly stop at Mġarr Harbour, but you do not visit Gozo’s inland sights.
• Bring your own swim gear: Snorkel equipment costs €5 to rent, and drinks from the bar cost extra.

Why this Comino cruise works well as a half-day plan

At $28 per person, this is a good-value way to see several of Malta’s most photogenic coastal sights without hiring a boat or arranging separate transfers. You get the cruise, cave views, two swimming areas, a welcome drink, watermelon, and use of the sun deck and toilet. Drinks at the bar are extra, but you can pay by cash or card.

The real value is time. Comino’s lagoons are the sort of places that can swallow an entire day if you try to organize every stop yourself. This cruise gives you a broad look at the island, then protects about an hour for the Blue Lagoon and another swimming break at the Crystal Lagoon.

I would not book it expecting a quiet private outing. Comino is popular, and the Blue Lagoon can be busy. The crew tries to avoid the worst crowding, but no boat operator controls how many people arrive on the island or how many boats are nearby.

The experience suits you best if you want a straightforward coastal trip with swimming, rather than a long historical tour or a full day on Gozo. Families, couples, first-time visitors, and anyone with only a few hours to spare should find the format useful.

Finding the boat at Ċirkewwa

The boat leaves from Ċirkewwa at the northern tip of Malta. Meet at the jetty behind the only kiosk in the area, near the Cirkewwa Cafe, recognizable by its umbrellas and tables. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The meeting point can take a little finding, and departure times are strict.

That matters because late arrivals are not covered by refunds. Traffic, parking, and road delays are your responsibility, so build in extra time if you are coming from another part of Malta.

The boat used depends on the selected trip. One option is described as a luxury yacht, while another uses XLENDI III. Both provide a padded sun deck, toilet facilities, a top deck for jumping, and an onboard bar. A smaller boat is useful here because it can get closer to the caves than a large ferry.

The crew speaks English. Captain George and his assistant are regularly involved in the trip, and the style is friendly and practical. You receive clear instructions, life jackets are available, and the boat feels set up for a relaxed family outing rather than a formal sightseeing lecture.

The first coastal views: Elephant Rock and Comino’s caves

The cruise begins with a sightseeing run around Comino. You pass Elephant Rock, a natural rock formation that is best appreciated from the water, then continue toward the Santa Maria sea caves.

The caves are not a long underground exploration. You stay on the boat and look into the openings, rock walls, and changing water colors. That still makes a difference, because the view from sea level shows details you miss from the island’s walking paths.

The crew points out historical and fun facts along the way. Comino Tower is another notable sight later in the route. It is linked with the film The Count of Monte Cristo, giving the cruise a small film-history angle alongside the natural scenery.

You also pass Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These quieter coves help break up the focus on the Blue Lagoon. The water is usually the visual highlight, but the bays give you a better sense of Comino as an island with several separate inlets, not just one famous swimming spot.

Crystal Lagoon: the calmer swimming stop

The Crystal Lagoon is often the more appealing stop for people who want a little breathing room. The boat pauses here for about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the selected plan and sea conditions. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, take photographs, or use the time for a top-deck jump.

The lagoon is surrounded by pale rock and clear water. Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave are visible nearby, adding recognizable points of interest to the swim. If you prefer not to get in, this is still a useful photo stop, since the cliffs and water are easy to enjoy from the deck.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent it for €5, or bring your own. The provided information does not promise a guided snorkeling session, so think of this as independent swimming and mask-and-snorkel time.

The top-deck jump is a fun extra, but it is optional. If you choose to jump, follow the crew’s instructions and check the water first. Parents should keep in mind that this part is more suited to confident swimmers, while younger children can simply use the boat ladder or stay on deck.

The order varies. On one route, Crystal Lagoon comes first, with about 30 minutes there, followed by Mġarr Harbour and then the Blue Lagoon. On the other, you spend about an hour at the Blue Lagoon first and finish with approximately 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.

Mġarr Harbour: a quick look at Gozo

The cruise passes Gozo’s main harbor, Mġarr, and usually allows about 10 minutes for photographs and sightseeing. This is a scenic pause, not a visit to Gozo.

You will see the harbor from the boat and have time to photograph the port, surrounding cliffs, and small-island setting. It is a nice change from the open water and gives you a glimpse of Gozo without committing to a separate day trip.

Be clear about the distinction when choosing your tour. You do not get off to explore Gozo on these routes. The supplied information refers to a longer Gozo stop only for another trip option, while this experience visits or passes the harbor. If Gozo’s villages, churches, or archaeological sites are your priority, book a dedicated Gozo outing instead.

The Blue Lagoon: one hour and plenty of choices

The Blue Lagoon is the main event for many people. You have about one hour here, enough for swimming, snorkeling, photographs, or a short walk if you disembark.

You can swim directly from the boat, which avoids the scramble of finding a place on the island. This is often the simplest choice. You step down from the boat, enjoy the water, then climb back aboard without carrying your things onto shore.

If you want to walk around Comino, you may disembark. There is an important requirement for 2025: you must reserve a free government ticket at blcomino.com and validate it if you go onto the island. The ticket costs nothing, but you need to arrange it before the trip.

The Blue Lagoon can be very busy. The water remains beautiful, but the setting may feel less peaceful than photographs suggest. That is why I like the option of swimming from the boat. You can enjoy the color of the water without spending the whole stop in the busiest part of the shore.

Food stalls are available at the Blue Lagoon, and one experience described them as reasonably priced for a major attraction. Still, I would bring sunscreen, a towel, and water for the day rather than rely on finding everything at the stop.

What the onboard setup is really like

This is a sightseeing boat, but the practical features matter. The padded sun deck gives you a place to lie back between stops, and the toilet is useful on a three to four-hour trip. The onboard bar sells drinks, with cash and card accepted, but purchases are not included in the price.

A welcome drink and slice of watermelon are included. It is a modest touch, but welcome after swimming and sitting in the sun. One family particularly appreciated the snack for a child, and that points to the easygoing nature of the outing.

The boat has two levels, giving you a choice between sun and shade depending on the layout and conditions. You will want sunscreen even on a cooler day, since the open deck reflects plenty of light.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Your own snorkel gear, or €5 for rental equipment
• Cash or a card for onboard drinks

The sea can be cool outside the main summer period, but swimming is not limited to midsummer. One December outing had water around 20 degrees Celsius, and swimming still took place. Your comfort will depend on the day, so do not treat the swimming stops as compulsory.

The sunset option is shorter

The sunset cruise offers a different mood and a shorter route. It does not go all the way around Comino, so you should choose it for evening light and a compact outing, not for the fullest sightseeing circuit.

The sunset option makes sense if you have already seen the island during the day or want a brief boat experience after visiting Malta’s other sights. If this is your only Comino trip, choose the full route if your schedule allows. You will see more caves, bays, and coastal landmarks.

The captain can adjust the route, swimming stops, or timing for safety. Sea conditions may affect which caves the boat enters, how long you stay at each lagoon, or whether a swimming stop is possible at all.

Crowds, access, and who should skip it

The cruise is a good match for swimmers and casual sightseers, but it is not ideal for everyone. You should be comfortable boarding a boat, using a ladder for water access, and moving around a marine setting.

There is conflicting information about wheelchair access. The activity details describe the experience as wheelchair accessible, while other information says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. One person who booked it reported that boarding was not accessible but that staff helped them get aboard. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact the provider before paying and ask about the exact boat, dock, boarding method, and toilet access.

You should also reconsider this trip if you want a silent, private cruise. The boat includes other passengers, and Comino’s most famous lagoon can be crowded. On the other hand, the smaller boat, clear instructions, and short transfers between sights make it easier than a large ferry excursion.

The cruise is especially suitable for:

• First-time visitors who want a quick overview of Comino
• Families who prefer a short outing
• Swimmers who want two separate water stops
• Photographers looking for caves, cliffs, and bright water
• Visitors who do not want to spend a full day on a boat
• People visiting outside peak summer who still want to see the lagoons

Is this Malta boat trip worth booking?

Yes, if you want good coverage in a short time and swimming matters to you. The $28 price is hard to criticize when it includes the cruise, cave viewing, two lagoon stops, a welcome drink, watermelon, and use of the boat facilities.

Choose the full half-day route for the best balance of swimming and sightseeing. Pick the sunset version for a shorter evening outing. Expect crowds at the Blue Lagoon, bring your own towel and sunscreen, and reserve the free Blue Lagoon shore ticket if you plan to get off the boat.

I would book this tour for a first visit to Malta, especially if you want to see Comino without spending an entire day away from the rest of your itinerary. I would skip it only if you need a fully accessible boat, want a private experience, or are hoping to explore Gozo beyond a quick harbor stop.

FAQ

How long does the Comino cruise last?

The cruise lasts about three to four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the boat leave from?

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

Can I swim at both the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?

Yes. The cruise includes swimming stops at both lagoons, usually for about one hour at the Blue Lagoon and approximately 30 to 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.

Do I need a ticket to get off at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. In 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must reserve a free ticket at blcomino.com and validate it.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Does the cruise stop in Gozo?

The cruise visits or passes Mġarr Harbour for photographs and sightseeing. It does not provide time to explore Gozo’s inland sights on foot.

What happens if the weather changes?

The captain may change the route or swimming stops for safety. The trip can also be adjusted or canceled because of weather and sea conditions.