Mellieha: Speedboat Trip Round Comino Caves 2h @ Blue Lagoon

Comino is best seen from the water, and this trip gives you the full coastal show in one brisk outing. You’ll skim past Elephant Rock, St. Mary Battery, Santa Maria Caves, and quiet bays before getting two hours at the Blue Lagoon. I like the mix of fast boat travel and unhurried swimming time, plus the chance to see Comino’s east and west caves without paying extra for each stop.

I also like the captains’ personal touch. Augustino is frequently praised for explaining the caves, adjusting the speed, helping with family photos, and making children feel included. The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon crowd, especially later in the day, and the speedboat ride can be a poor fit if you have motion sickness, back trouble, or dislike a bumpy sea.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk to St. Marija Tower after the boat circuit.
• A full Comino coast tour: See Elephant Rock, St. Mary Battery Arch, Santa Maria Caves, Santa Maria Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.
• Caves included in the fare: The east and west cave areas are part of the ride, with no separate cave charge.
• A lively captain-led ride: Augustino is often the captain, with Valentino also praised for looking after families and explaining the coast.
• Good value at $35: You get about three and a half hours, a speedboat ride, cave sightseeing, and a long Blue Lagoon stop.
• Not a sedate cruise: Bring swimwear and sunscreen, but expect wind, spray, speed, and a boat ride that may feel lively.

Why this Comino trip works so well

The clever part of this outing is its balance. A large boat or ferry can get you to Comino, but a speedboat lets you see more of the shoreline in less time. You will pass cliffs, arches, caves, and bays that are difficult to appreciate from the main landing point alone.

The ride begins at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, on Malta’s northern tip. Marfa Bay is only about 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon, so you do not spend a long time plodding across open water before reaching Comino. The full outing lasts about 3.5 hours, with two of those hours set aside for the Blue Lagoon.

At $35 per person, I consider this strong value if you want several experiences in one booking. You are paying for the speedboat circuit, the cave stops and views, and a substantial swimming break. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own water and plan for the fact that the trip is built around scenery and swimming, not a meal.

The boat is open enough for the sea air and views, which also means you need to take the weather seriously. Expect wind, sun, and possibly some spray while the boat is moving. One person described the ride as including the speed, wind, and a little water while speeding, which is a fair picture of the experience.

From Marfa Bay to Comino’s rocky shoreline

Arrive at Blue Waves Watersports with time to spare. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, an important detail if you are relying on a bus, taxi, or another activity before this one. For the 11:00 a.m. departure, the booking information says to choose the morning time slot from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Once aboard, the captain takes you around Comino rather than simply dropping you at the Blue Lagoon. That distinction matters. The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, but the coastal circuit gives you the context and scenery that make the island worth visiting by boat.

The speed is part of the fun, though you should not expect a quiet sightseeing launch. Captain Augustino has been praised for changing the pace to suit the people on board, which is useful for families or anyone who wants a little less excitement. Captain Valentino has also been singled out for keeping adults, children, and teenagers comfortable and involved.

Elephant Rock and St. Mary Battery Arch

Elephant Rock is one of the most memorable early sights. The rock formation rises from the water in a shape that gives the place its name, and the boat provides a good angle for photographs without requiring a walk along the coast.

You will also see St. Mary Battery and its arch from the water. The battery is a fortified coastal structure, while the arch adds a strong frame to the view. From a boat, you get a sense of how exposed and rugged Comino’s shoreline is. The stop is mainly scenic and photographic rather than a land visit, so keep your phone ready before the boat moves on.

This is where the skipper’s commentary adds real value. The captain can point out what you are seeing while the boat is close enough for the rock shapes and openings to make sense. Without that help, it would be easy to photograph a cliff and miss the story of the place.

Santa Maria Caves and Comino’s quieter corners

The Santa Maria Caves are part of the coastal sightseeing and are one of the main reasons to choose this boat trip over a simple transfer to the Blue Lagoon. The boat approaches the cave areas for views and photographs, giving you a look at Comino’s pale rock, sea openings, and narrow coastal spaces.

The advertised route includes both east and west hidden caves, with no extra charge. That does not mean every cave becomes a long stop for an on-foot exploration. It means the cave visits are folded into the boat circuit, so you see them from the water and hear the captain explain the formations as you pass.

The route also takes you past Santa Maria Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These quieter stretches give you a break from the famous Blue Lagoon and show that Comino is more than one bright swimming spot. The changing angles are useful for photographs, since the shoreline looks different from each bay.

Keep your expectations sensible here. The itinerary lists a photo stop at Santa Maria Caves with no fixed minutes assigned, so the time is part of the moving sightseeing ride rather than a long cave walk. If you want a full land visit to Comino, this experience is not designed around that.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the main scheduled break, with two hours of free time. That is long enough to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photographs, or walk toward St. Marija Tower for a wider view.

I like the two-hour timing because it gives you more than a quick jump overboard. You can swim without watching the clock every few minutes, then dry off, sit in the sun, or walk to the tower. The clear water is the star attraction, and the stop gives you time to enjoy it rather than merely photograph it from the boat.

The catch is the crowd. The Blue Lagoon is famous, and it can become very busy. One useful piece of advice from the trip feedback is to choose a morning departure if you want more room in the water. The boat may leave just as the lagoon is filling up, so an earlier start can make the swimming part feel less cramped.

The Blue Lagoon stop also requires a little planning. Food and drinks are not included, and the activity advises bringing a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and beachwear. Pack light, since oversized luggage, large bags, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

From May 1, 2025, anyone who wants to step onto Comino at the Blue Lagoon and explore by foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com. Check that requirement before you go, especially if you plan to leave the beach area and walk toward St. Marija Tower. The boat ride itself still includes the two-hour Blue Lagoon stop, but the government entry rule matters for going ashore.

Crystal Lagoon on the return route

After Blue Lagoon, the boat passes Crystal Lagoon for another scenic look and photo opportunity. The route returns to Marfa Bay, so you finish where you started rather than needing to arrange a separate transfer from Comino.

Crystal Lagoon adds another change of color and shape to the trip. It is not presented as a second two-hour swimming stop, so think of it as part of the return sightseeing rather than a place where you will have extended free time. The value is in seeing a different section of Comino’s coast after you have already spent time in the Blue Lagoon.

The full circuit makes good use of the 3.5-hour duration. You are not simply paying for a short ride to a crowded swimming area. You get the island from several angles, followed by enough free time to enjoy the water.

The captains make a real difference

The strongest personal detail in the feedback is the repeated praise for Captain Augustino. He is described as friendly, punctual, and willing to explain the caves and coastal sights throughout the ride. He has also helped take family photographs so everyone can appear in the picture, a small courtesy that matters when you are traveling with children.

Several families found the boat both exciting and reassuring. Children were sometimes allowed to experience steering under supervision, though this should be treated as something the captain may offer, not a guaranteed part of the tour. One child-friendly detail is the captain’s effort to adjust the speed to the group rather than treating the ride as one fixed thrill.

Captain Valentino also received warm praise for making room for different preferences. Some people wanted to swim, some wanted photographs, and others simply wanted to sit and enjoy the ride. That flexibility is important on a shared boat, where not everyone wants the same level of action.

The tour is in English. The captain-led explanations mean you get more than a silent transfer, but the exact guide may vary. Augustino is often mentioned, while Valentino is another name connected with the experience.

Who should book it, and who should skip it

This suits you if you want Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon but also want to see Comino’s caves and shoreline. It is especially good for couples, families with older children, and active visitors who prefer a lively ride to a slow ferry crossing.

You should also consider it if your Malta schedule is tight. In 3.5 hours, you cover the island by boat, see named coastal sights, and have two hours for swimming. That combination saves you from arranging several separate activities.

It is less suitable if you want a peaceful, quiet cruise. A speedboat brings wind, engine noise, movement, and the possibility of spray. People with motion sickness, back problems, or pregnancy are specifically advised not to take it. Wheelchair users are not considered suitable for the activity, and the information also lists people over 65 as unsuitable, so check the age and mobility rules carefully before booking.

The weather call is also important. The captain can cancel or change the trip for safety if sea or weather conditions are poor. If that happens, you are offered another date or a refund.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans are uncertain: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Is $35 a fair price?

At $35, this is one of the better-priced ways to combine a Comino circuit with a long Blue Lagoon stop. A simple transfer would get you to the water, but it would not necessarily include the same close views of Elephant Rock, the caves, St. Mary Battery, San Niklaw Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.

The main value comes from the route, not just the destination. You get a captain who explains the sights, a fast ride around much of Comino, cave visits without an extra charge, and two hours to swim. If you would otherwise book a separate cave tour and Blue Lagoon transfer, the combined price is attractive.

The value is weaker if your only goal is to sit quietly by the water. The Blue Lagoon itself can be crowded, and the boat trip is active. You are paying for movement, scenery, and variety, not solitude.

Should you book this Comino speedboat trip?

I would book it if you want to see Comino from the sea and still have real time at the Blue Lagoon. The combination of caves, coastal rock formations, English commentary, and a two-hour swim makes the day feel usefully full without being an all-day commitment.

Choose the morning slot if you want the best chance of finding more room at the lagoon. Bring only the basics, wear beachwear, protect yourself from the sun, and keep valuables secure from spray. If you are prone to motion sickness or need easy access for mobility reasons, choose a calmer and more accessible way to see Comino instead.

FAQ

How long does the Comino speedboat trip take?

The total activity lasts about 3.5 hours, including the boat circuit and a two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

Where does the boat depart from?

The trip starts and ends at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, Malta.

What places can I see from the boat?

You can see Elephant Rock, St. Mary Battery and Arch, Santa Maria Caves, Santa Maria Bay, San Niklaw Bay, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon.

Is time at the Blue Lagoon included?

Yes. The activity includes a two-hour stop for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, and photographs.

Are the cave visits included in the price?

Yes. The speedboat ride around Comino and the cave visits are included, with no extra cave charge stated.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. If the captain cancels because of weather or sea conditions, you are offered an alternative date or a refund.