Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Sea Caves Boat Tour

Comino’s best feature is its water, and this small-boat tour puts you in it three times. You can swim and snorkel at Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay, then squeeze close to caves and rock formations that larger boats often view from farther out. I like the group size, advertised at no more than 24 people, and I like the useful extras: paddleboards, swim noodles, shaded seats, and a toilet onboard.

The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon itself. The water is lovely, but the shore can be extremely busy and commercial in high season. You also need to collect a free entry pass in advance if you plan to get off there, and the meeting point can be confusing if you arrive in a hurry.

Key points at a glance

• Three swimming stops: Spend time in the clear water at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay.
• Small boat access: A group of up to 24 people allows the captain to get nearer to Santa Maria Caves and other coastal formations.
• Johnny’s local commentary: The guide and captain, commonly called Johnny or Jonny, provide stories, directions, and practical help along the route.
• Useful onboard gear: Use a stand-up paddleboard and swim noodles at no extra charge. Snorkels cost €5 to rent.
• Blue Lagoon planning matters: A free pass from blcomino.com is required to disembark at the lagoon.
• Good value at $31: The price covers several swim stops and a full circuit of Comino, not just a quick ride to one beach.

Why the small boat makes a difference

The biggest choice here is not simply Comino or no Comino. It is small boat or large boat.

This boat carries up to 24 people, which gives the outing a more personal feel and makes it easier to move around during photo stops. The captain can also approach the Santa Maria Caves and other narrow coastal areas more closely than a large sightseeing vessel. That matters most if you want pictures of the rock walls or hope to look into the caves from the water.

You should still keep your expectations sensible. A small boat is not the same as a private charter. The boat can feel busy when everyone is seated, and one four-star account described it as crowded at first. Most of the time, though, the smaller scale is a clear advantage over a packed excursion vessel.

The boat has shaded seating, a toilet, and an easy rear ladder for getting back in after swimming. Life jackets are available if you ask the crew. A paddleboard and floating noodles are included, which is a nice touch at this price.

Finding the boat at Ċirkewwa

The meeting point is at Cirkewwa Cafe in Ċirkewwa, at the northern tip of Malta. The boat is behind the café. Go down the stairs behind the café and turn left around the corner.

Give yourself extra time here. The meeting area can be hectic, and some people have misunderstood where to meet the boat. You may need to cross toward the water rather than wait directly at the café. The clearest practical plan is to arrive early, find the stairs, and confirm the boat with the crew before departure.

Parking at the meeting point is free. If you are taking a bus, allow more time than you think you need. One useful tip from the experience is that a taxi service such as Bolt may be quicker than waiting for a bus, though the tour information itself does not include transportation from your hotel.

Once aboard, the first cruise lasts about 15 minutes. You pass Comino Tower, known to film fans from The Count of Monte Cristo, before reaching the first major stop.

Crystal Lagoon: the best swim for clear water

Crystal Lagoon is on Comino’s western side, and for many people it is the strongest part of the trip. The water is clear and green-blue, with a rocky shoreline and a more natural feel than the Blue Lagoon.

The scheduled stop lasts about 45 minutes. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, use a paddleboard, or float with a noodle. The crew may provide help and local information, but bring your own mask if you prefer a particular fit. Otherwise, snorkels can be rented onboard for €5.

The shore is rocky, so sensible shoes are useful if you plan to climb out and explore. One practical detail is easy to miss: the area around Crystal Lagoon can involve a scramble over uneven rock before it levels out. This is not a simple sandy beach stop, and it may not suit anyone who is uncomfortable on rough ground.

The water itself is a major reason to choose this tour. You might see fish while snorkeling, and the clear conditions make this a good place to bring a waterproof camera. The boat’s position also lets you swim without committing to a shore visit.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shore

The boat then continues to the famous Blue Lagoon for about an hour. Sunlight catches the sandy seabed and gives the water its famous bright blue color. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or relax on the boat.

Here is the important rule: if you want to step onto the Blue Lagoon shore, you need a free pass from blcomino.com. Choose the correct Morning, Afternoon, or Sunset slot for your tour. At Ċirkewwa, show the pass to Transport Malta officials so you can receive the official wristband before boarding.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds, stay on the boat. You can still swim from the rear ladder and enjoy the water without needing the pass. This is more than a minor detail. Several people found the Blue Lagoon crowded and commercial, while others enjoyed it as the highlight of their Malta visit.

The shore has places to buy food, drinks, and cocktails, but you pay separately. Staying aboard gives you more peace and avoids the business of getting ashore, although you will miss the beach atmosphere and facilities.

I would treat the Blue Lagoon as a water stop first and a beach stop second. The color is impressive, but the setting can be busy, especially in summer. Crystal Lagoon often feels more special because it is less developed.

Gozo, Halfa Rock, and Promising Rock

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat returns to sightseeing mode for roughly 15 minutes before passing Halfa Rock and the Gozo coastline. Promising Rock, or Gebla tal-Ħalfa, is a notable natural formation and a good photo stop.

This section is not a long shore visit. You stay on the boat and listen to the guide while the captain positions the vessel for views. That makes it a useful breather between swims. If you have had enough sun, this is the time to sit under the shade and enjoy the coast without rushing.

The captain’s commentary is one of the tour’s more personal touches. Johnny is described as friendly, funny, and willing to explain the places along the route. The information is not presented as a formal lecture, so expect relaxed stories and facts rather than a detailed archaeological tour.

San Niklaw Bay and the quieter side of Comino

The boat passes San Niklaw Bay and the Comino Hotel, taking in the calmer side of the island. Depending on the exact schedule, this is mainly a sightseeing section rather than a major swim stop.

San Niklaw helps show why a boat trip is useful even if you are not a keen swimmer. Comino is small, but its coves and rock shelves look different from the water. A coastal cruise lets you see several sides of the island in one outing without spending the day walking over rough, exposed ground.

The guide also gives you a sense of how the bays fit together. That context makes the later stops easier to appreciate, especially if you have only seen the Blue Lagoon from shore.

Santa Maria Bay: a calmer place to swim

Santa Maria Bay sits on Comino’s northern side and generally feels quieter than the Blue Lagoon. The tour includes time here for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and paddleboarding, with the exact stop length described as roughly 15 to 45 minutes in the supplied schedule.

That timing difference is worth noting when you book. The overall trip lasts about three to four hours, and the captain may adjust the pace to suit the day, the sea, and the other stops.

Santa Maria Bay is a good choice if the Blue Lagoon feels too crowded. The beach is picturesque, and the water gives you another chance to snorkel without spending the entire tour at the island’s busiest spot. If you want to get off the boat, check the crew’s instructions for the time available and the safest route back aboard.

The rear ladder is designed for returning after a swim, but you should still be comfortable climbing a short ladder from the water. The crew can help, and one account specifically praised Johnny for assisting an older passenger and someone with mobility concerns. Still, this is an active boat tour, not a fully step-free excursion.

Caves and Elephant Rock from the water

The final sightseeing section brings you to Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. The boat can get close to the caves, which is one of the clearest reasons to choose this smaller vessel.

Santa Maria Caves are best appreciated from the water. You can look into the openings, photograph the rock surfaces, and see how the sea has shaped the coast. The stop is primarily for passing by and taking pictures, though the small boat may provide a closer view than a large cruise ship.

Elephant Rock is another photo stop before the return to Ċirkewwa. Its outline is easy to recognize from the sea, and it provides a memorable final image. Neither stop is a long walk or beach visit, so keep your phone or camera ready before the boat arrives.

A waterproof camera is especially useful if you want pictures during the swim stops. The caves, clear water, and fish are the sort of scenes that are hard to capture with a phone kept safely inside a dry bag.

What is included, and what you should pack

At $31 per person, the tour offers strong value because it combines transport, coastal sightseeing, and several chances to swim. You are not paying for a single transfer to the Blue Lagoon. You are paying for a circuit of Comino with Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, caves, rock formations, and Gozo views.

Included:

• Stand-up paddleboard
• Swim noodles
• Shaded seating
• Toilet onboard
• Life jackets on request
• Free parking at the meeting point
• English and Maltese guide service

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and a rental snorkel costs €5. Drinks are also extra: cold water is €1.50, soft drinks are €2.50, and a large beer is €3. Food can be bought at the beach stops.

I would pack water protection for your phone, secure footwear for Crystal Lagoon, and a light cover-up for the ride. The boat has shade, but you will still spend several hours outdoors.

Timing, weather, and who should book

The tour lasts three to four hours, so it works well as a half-day activity. A morning departure gives you the rest of the day elsewhere in Malta. An afternoon or sunset departure may bring softer light and, according to the schedule, a cooler feel, but you should check the exact time before booking.

Sea conditions can change the experience. In calm weather, the boat can get close to the caves and swimming is easy. In rougher conditions, the ride may be wet and choppy. A few people found November and spring conditions unsettled, while the captain handled the boat well. If you are prone to seasickness, this tour is specifically not recommended.

You should also skip it if you are pregnant, according to the activity restrictions. Strong swimmers will get the most from the swim stops, but you do not need to enter the water at every location. You can remain onboard and enjoy the views.

Families can use the noodles and paddleboard, and children may enjoy seeing fish near the boat. The tour is also a good fit for couples and solo visitors who want more personal contact with the crew than a large boat usually allows.

Is $31 a fair price?

Yes, with a few conditions.

At this price, you get a small-group boat, several swimming opportunities, basic onboard facilities, equipment for floating and paddling, and a guided circuit of Comino. A larger boat may offer more room or a smoother ride, but it may not get as near the caves or feel as personal.

The value drops if you only want to sit on a beach. The tour spends much of its time on the water, and the Blue Lagoon shore requires advance planning. It is best for someone who wants a mix of swimming, snorkeling, photographs, and island scenery.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now-pay-later terms make booking less risky, but you should still check the forecast and your exact start time.

Should you book the Comino boat tour?

Book it if you want to see several sides of Comino in half a day, especially if swimming at Crystal Lagoon and getting close to the caves sound better than spending all your time at the Blue Lagoon shore.

I would choose this tour over a large boat if group size matters to you. The strongest features are the clear water at Crystal Lagoon, the three swim opportunities, the close cave access, and Johnny’s friendly help on the boat.

Choose another plan if you dislike choppy water, need a fully accessible vessel, or want a quiet beach day with no schedule. Also remember to arrange the free Blue Lagoon pass before you go. Done properly, this is a practical, good-value way to experience Comino without limiting your day to its busiest beach.

FAQ

Where does the Comino boat tour start?

It starts at Cirkewwa Cafe in Ċirkewwa. Go down the stairs behind the café, then turn left around the corner to reach the boat.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about three to four hours, depending on the departure time and schedule.

How many people are on the boat?

The boat is advertised for a maximum of 24 people. Some departures may have fewer passengers.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a free pass if you want to disembark at Blue Lagoon. Get it from blcomino.com, choose the correct time slot, and show it to Transport Malta officials at Ċirkewwa to receive the wristband.

Can I stay on the boat at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can remain onboard and swim from the boat, and you do not need a Blue Lagoon pass if you do not go ashore.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkels can be rented onboard for €5. Swimming and snorkeling are available at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay.

Are paddleboards included?

Yes. A stand-up paddleboard and swim noodles are available at no extra charge during the swimming stops.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food is available at the beach stops. Onboard drinks include water for €1.50, soft drinks for €2.50, and a large beer for €3.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yes. The boat has free onboard toilet facilities.

Who should avoid this activity?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people prone to seasickness. You should also consider that boarding, swimming, and using the ladder require a reasonable level of mobility.