Comino & Gozo: Blue & Crystal Lagoons Cruise with Sea Caves

The best part of this trip is its small boat. With space for about 25 people, the captain can get close to Comino’s caves and rock formations, then turn the boat so everyone gets a view. I like the 30-minute swim at Crystal Lagoon and the full hour at Blue Lagoon, which gives you more than a quick photo stop.

I also like the friendly, funny style of Jose and his family crew, plus the sensible route around Comino and Gozo. The main drawback is that the famous lagoons can still be crowded, especially in summer, and the smaller boat has less room than a standard ferry.

Key points

• Small-group boat: About 25 passengers means easier viewing and better access to narrow sea caves.
• Two strong swim stops: Crystal Lagoon gets 30 minutes, while Blue Lagoon gets a full hour.
• Good value at $27: You see Comino’s coast, Gozo Harbour, caves, bays, and rock formations in three to four hours.
• Helpful skipper: Jose adds short facts, humor, and clear instructions throughout the cruise.
• Sunset option: The later trip offers beautiful evening light, but skips Gozo Harbour and Santa Marija Bay.
• Seasonal changes: Santa Marija Bay is left out from October through December, and winter tours may replace swims with shore visits.

A small boat makes Comino easier to enjoy

Sea Life Cruises leaves from Ċirkewwa, at the northern tip of Malta, and packs a lot into a half-day or sunset outing. This is not a long island tour with hours spent sitting on board. It is a brisk coastal cruise built around swimming, short photo stops, and close views of caves and rock shelves.

The boat holds roughly 25 passengers. That number matters. You are not wandering between several decks or trying to peer around a crowd at every rock formation. The captain can turn the boat at viewpoints, and the crew can bring you closer to cave entrances than a large ferry usually can.

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than party-focused. Jose, the skipper, is often singled out for his humor and short explanations about the islands. The family-run feel is part of the appeal. You get a captain who talks to the group, points out sights, and keeps the route moving without turning every minute into a formal lecture.

The boat has a toilet, pool noodles, and drinks for purchase. Snorkeling masks can be rented onboard. Life jackets are available for emergencies, and you can ask to wear one during the trip if that helps you feel more secure.

Leaving Ċirkewwa and passing Comino Tower

Your meeting point is at the dock behind the Ċirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. Look for the white and blue Sea Life Cruises boat. Arrive at least 15 minutes early, since the boat leaves on time and will not wait for late arrivals caused by traffic or transport delays.

The opening cruise gives you views of Malta’s northern coast and Comino. One early landmark is Comino Tower, a stone watchtower made famous by its appearance in The Count of Monte Cristo. The short ride is not the main event, but it sets the tone: you are seeing the islands from the water, where cliffs, inlets, and rock shelves make more sense than they do from shore.

Sea conditions can affect the route and timing. The captain may change the order of stops, departure point, or return point for weather or operational reasons. That is normal for a small boat in open water, but it is worth keeping in mind if you are planning a tight connection afterward.

Crystal Lagoon gives you the first swim

The first main stop is Crystal Lagoon, on Comino’s western side. You get about 30 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. The water is clear enough to make this one of the strongest parts of the trip, especially if you bring or rent a mask.

This stop works well early in the outing. You can get into the water before the day feels rushed, then return to the boat for the short ride to the Blue Lagoon. Pool noodles are available, and the crew has been especially helpful to people who are not strong swimmers.

There are a few practical points. Use sunscreen before boarding, bring a towel, and keep your phone or camera protected from splashes. Jellyfish can sometimes be present at Crystal Lagoon, so look carefully before entering and follow the crew’s advice.

Thirty minutes is enough for a swim and a look beneath the surface, but not enough for a long snorkel session. If underwater time is your main goal, you may wish this stop were longer. The tradeoff is that the schedule also includes Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay on eligible tours, and the caves.

Blue Lagoon gets the longest stop

The boat then heads to Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon for about an hour. This is the central attraction, with bright water over a sandy seabed and the dramatic pale rock of Comino around it.

An hour gives you real free time. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, stay onboard, or walk around the Blue Lagoon area. That flexibility is useful for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can enjoy the water, while anyone who prefers not to swim can concentrate on photos and views.

Blue Lagoon is also the busiest stop. The color is striking, but you should not expect solitude in the main season. The smaller Sea Life boat may find a less crowded position, and the crew tries to place the boat where the group has room, but Comino’s most famous waterway remains a popular place.

From 1 May 2025, a free QR code is required to visit the Blue Lagoon under Maltese rules. Check your booking voucher for the current instructions and arrange it before you arrive. This is an important detail, since it can affect access even if you have already paid for the cruise.

Gozo Harbour adds a quick change of scene

After Blue Lagoon, the boat cruises toward Gozo Harbour, officially Mgarr Harbour. You get roughly 10 minutes for a photo stop and views of the fishing village and rugged Gozo coast.

This is not a land visit. You remain on the boat, so think of it as a scenic pass rather than time to explore Gozo on foot. Still, it breaks up the swimming stops and gives you a glimpse of Gozo’s harbor setting without committing to a full-day trip across the island.

The harbor section is excluded from the sunset package. If seeing Gozo from the water matters to you, choose a regular half-day departure rather than the later option.

San Niklaw Bay and Comino’s quieter side

The route continues past San Niklaw Bay and the Comino Hotel. This is a slower sightseeing section, with calm water and a less famous stretch of coast.

You do not stop here, but the pass-by helps you see how different Comino can feel away from Blue Lagoon. The captain may point out features along the shore, and the boat gives you a good angle for photos without the need to leave your seat.

This kind of short cruise segment is useful because it lets you rest between swims. Bring a hat and sunglasses, since there may be little shade on the boat. Drinks are available to buy, but food and drinks are also available at beach stops, so carrying some cash is sensible.

Santa Marija Bay is the calmest swim stop

On regular tours, the boat stops for about 30 minutes at Santa Marija Bay. Located on Comino’s northern coast, it is quieter and more open than the Blue Lagoon area.

You can swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the beach and the surrounding rock. I see this as the stop that gives the itinerary some balance. Blue Lagoon is famous and busy, while Santa Marija offers a more peaceful setting and a chance to slow down.

This stop is not included on sunset tours. It is also excluded from half-day tours between October and December. In winter, swimming stops may be replaced by short island-hopping or shore visits, depending on conditions. If you are booking outside the main swimming season, read the exact departure details carefully.

The regular daytime route gives you two or three water opportunities, depending on the season. The sunset trip includes Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, but not Santa Marija Bay, so it is better for evening scenery than for maximum swimming time.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock finish the route

Near the end, the boat visits the Santa Maria Caves. The small vessel is an advantage here. It can move closer to cave openings and narrow coastal sections, giving you a better view of the rock walls and dark passages.

The crew points out details and explains the area as you go. You will not be walking into the caves, but the boat-level view is the point. Keep your camera ready, since the light can change quickly around the entrances.

Elephant Rock is another photo stop. The natural rock formation has a distinctive shape, and seeing it from the water makes its outline easier to appreciate. These stops are brief, about 10 minutes each, but they add variety after the longer swims.

The return cruise offers one more chance to photograph Comino’s cliffs and coves. On a sunset trip, this is the visual payoff. The softer light and changing colors can make the later departure feel special, though you give up the Gozo Harbour and Santa Marija Bay sections.

What the $27 price really gives you

At $27 per person, this is priced close to a basic boat transfer, but it includes much more than transportation to Blue Lagoon. You get a three to four hour route, a Crystal Lagoon stop, a one-hour Blue Lagoon stop, coastal views of Comino and Gozo, cave visits, Elephant Rock, and a crew-led sightseeing experience.

That is strong value if you want several stops in one outing. A ferry may take you to the Blue Lagoon, but this boat adds the western coast, sea caves, San Niklaw Bay, and a view of Gozo Harbour. The small-group size also gives the trip a more personal feel than a large passenger vessel.

The price does not include food, drinks, or snorkeling equipment. You can buy refreshments at beach stops, drinks may be available onboard, and masks can be rented from the crew. Bring your own towel, sunscreen, camera, beachwear, and some cash to keep extra costs under control.

The main value question is your priority. If you want a quiet beach day with long time on land, this is not the right outing. If you want to see a lot of coastline and swim at the headline lagoons without giving up half a day, the price makes sense.

Choosing between the morning, afternoon, and sunset departures

The morning departure is a smart choice if you want cooler conditions and a full daytime route. It also gives you the best chance of fitting in every listed stop, including Gozo Harbour and Santa Marija Bay when the season allows.

An afternoon trip offers the same basic attractions with a later start. This can suit you if you do not want an early morning, though traffic toward Ċirkewwa can be heavy, so leave extra time.

The sunset tour is the most scenic option. The return across the water can be beautiful, and later light may make Comino’s cliffs and caves especially photogenic. The cost is reduced sightseeing time: Gozo Harbour and Santa Marija Bay are excluded, and the trip may be closer to three hours.

Choose the sunset version for atmosphere. Choose a regular daytime departure if swimming and the complete route matter more.

Who should book this Comino cruise

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want:

• A short introduction to Comino and nearby Gozo
• Several swim stops without booking a full-day excursion
• A smaller boat with room for about 25 passengers
• Cave and rock views that are difficult to get from shore
• A friendly crew with commentary, humor, and clear instructions
• Good value for a half-day on the water

It may not suit you if you are pregnant, have back or mobility problems, use a wheelchair, or are over 70. Large bags, oversized luggage, non-folding strollers, and intoxication are not allowed.

You should also think about the ladder used to get into the water. It has been manageable for older passengers, but you need enough balance and mobility to board and exit safely. If you are unsure, ask the crew before entering the water.

Practical tips before you leave Malta

Arrive early at the dock behind the Ċirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. Traffic on Malta can be heavy, especially during the warmer months, and the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

Wear comfortable clothes and beachwear. Pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, towel, camera, cash, food, and drinks. A light layer is useful if the wind picks up on the return journey.

Do not rely on the boat to provide snorkeling equipment. Masks can be rented onboard, but you can bring your own if you prefer. Pool noodles are available, and life jackets can be requested.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta schedule is still taking shape.

Should you book Sea Life Cruises?

Yes, if you want a well-priced, small-boat tour that combines Comino’s best swimming spots with caves, rock formations, and a short look at Gozo. The strongest reasons to book are the 25-passenger format, the full hour at Blue Lagoon, the separate Crystal Lagoon stop, and Jose’s lively approach to guiding.

Choose the regular daytime trip for the most complete route. Choose sunset for the best evening views, but accept fewer stops. Just remember that Blue Lagoon is still busy, weather can change the route, and the boat is designed for active shore and water access rather than total ease.

For a three to four hour introduction to Comino at $27, this is a practical choice with plenty of scenery and swimming built in.

FAQ

Where does the Sea Life Cruises boat leave from?

The boat leaves from the dock behind the Ċirkewwa Kiosk Cafe in Mellieħa. Look for the white and blue Sea Life Cruises boat.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about three to four hours, depending on the departure and operating conditions.

How many people can the boat carry?

The boat carries approximately 25 passengers, creating a smaller group than many large sightseeing boats.

How long is the stop at Crystal Lagoon?

The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts about 30 minutes and includes time for swimming and snorkeling.

How long is the stop at Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about one hour. You can swim, snorkel, remain onboard, or walk around the area.

Is Santa Marija Bay included on every tour?

No. Santa Marija Bay is excluded from sunset tours and from half-day tours between October and December. Winter swimming stops may also be replaced with shore exploration.

Is Gozo Harbour included on the sunset tour?

No. The Gozo Harbour sightseeing section is excluded from the sunset package.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be rented onboard. Swimming noodles are available.

Is a Blue Lagoon pass required?

From 1 May 2025, a free QR code is required to visit Comino’s Blue Lagoon under Maltese law. Check your voucher for current instructions.