Malta: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Sea Caves Boat Tour

Comino is best seen from the water, and this small 24-passenger boat gives you a useful mix of swimming, sightseeing, and close-up cave views without committing a full day. You get 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, an hour at Blue Lagoon, and shorter stops around Santa Maria Bay and the caves.

I like the friendly, hands-on crew, especially Captain Johnny, who is often praised for clear explanations and careful boat handling. I also like the free paddleboard and swim noodles, small touches that make the swimming stops easier. The main catch is simple: Blue Lagoon can be packed in summer, and rough seas may force the crew to shorten or skip a swimming stop.

What makes this Comino boat trip worth your time

• A 24-passenger boat: Small enough to reach tighter cave openings and get people on and off quickly.
• Two proper lagoon stops: You have 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and one hour at Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling.
• Free water toys: A stand-up paddleboard and swim noodles are included.
• A full Comino circuit: The route includes Ħalfa Rock, San Niklaw Bay, Santa Maria Bay, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock.
• Useful onboard comforts: Shade, a toilet, life jackets, and drinks for sale make the half-day outing easier.
• Good value at $29: For three to four hours, several swimming areas, and a guided coastal cruise, the price is hard to fault.

Leaving Cirkewwa for Comino

The meeting point is behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe, near the ferry area in Mellieha. Go down the stairs behind the café and turn left around the corner to reach the boat. Free parking at the meeting point is included, which is handy if you are driving to Malta’s northern tip.

The boat carries up to 24 people. That is not a private charter, but it is far more manageable than the large sightseeing boats that crowd the Comino route in high season. You can expect quicker boarding, easier access to the water, and a better chance of getting close to the caves.

The first part is a sightseeing cruise of about 15 minutes. The crew points out Comino Tower, a sturdy coastal watchtower made famous as a filming location for The Count of Monte Cristo. From the water, you see the contrast between the pale stone shore and the clear blue-green sea.

Captain Johnny is the named skipper associated with this experience. He is described as upbeat, helpful, and willing to explain the sights. That matters on a short tour because the route moves quickly. You are not left guessing which rock or bay you are passing.

Crystal Lagoon gives you the best first swim

Crystal Lagoon is on Comino’s western side and is usually the first major stop. The boat remains near the lagoon for about 45 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, watch fish, or use the paddleboard.

I like this stop because it often feels more relaxed than Blue Lagoon. The water is exceptionally clear, and the steep rock walls make the setting feel sheltered and dramatic. You can stay onboard if you prefer, but this is the time to bring your swimwear into action.

The included swim noodles are useful for anyone who is not a confident swimmer. The paddleboard is also free to use, although you may need to share it with other people on the boat. Snorkels are not included, but they can be rented onboard for €5.

If you bring your own mask and snorkel, pack them in an easy-to-reach bag. The time at Crystal Lagoon is limited, and you do not want to spend half the stop searching through dry bags or towels.

Blue Lagoon is beautiful, busy, and now regulated

After another short cruise, the boat heads to Blue Lagoon for around one hour. Sunlight reaches the shallow sandy bottom here, creating the brilliant shades of blue that made the lagoon Malta’s most famous swimming stop.

The water is the star. You can swim from the boat, snorkel around the shallows, use the paddleboard, or go ashore if you want to walk around and buy food or drinks. The crew provides free noodles, and there is shade on the boat for anyone who needs a break from the sun.

You should set your expectations correctly. In summer, Blue Lagoon is very crowded, especially along the shore. Several people who prefer a calmer setting choose to remain on the boat, where the view is still excellent and the water is often easier to enjoy.

From 1 May 2025, anyone stepping onto Comino at Blue Lagoon needs a free QR code from www.blcomino.com. Entry is tied to a time slot: morning, afternoon, or sunset. You need to choose the slot that matches your boat departure. If you stay aboard, you do not need the QR code.

This new rule makes advance planning important. Do not assume you can simply walk onto the beach when the boat arrives. If you only want to swim from the boat or enjoy the view, staying onboard avoids the permit requirement.

Ħalfa Rock and San Niklaw add useful variety

Once the main lagoon stops are over, the boat continues past Ħalfa Rock, also known as Gebla tal Ħalfa. This is a sightseeing stop rather than a long shore visit, so you have time to look, take photographs, and hear about the area without breaking the pace of the trip.

The boat also passes San Niklaw Bay, home to Comino’s old and only hotel. This part of the route helps you see that Comino is more than a pair of famous swimming spots. Its coves, rock formations, and limited development give the island much of its appeal.

The boat’s size helps here. It can approach rocky points and cave entrances more closely than larger vessels. You still need to follow the crew’s instructions, but the smaller craft gives you a more direct view of the shoreline.

Santa Maria Bay is quieter but gets a short stop

Santa Maria Bay is on Comino’s northern side and is one of the island’s calmer coves. The scheduled stop is about 15 minutes, enough for a quick swim, a look at the beach, or a few photographs.

This is a pleasant contrast after the intense color and crowds of Blue Lagoon. The drawback is the short timing. Fifteen minutes goes quickly, especially if the sea is choppy and boarding takes a little longer.

In warm weather, that length is probably enough for a quick dip. In cooler months, you may prefer to stay on the boat and enjoy the view. One winter visitor felt this stop could have been shorter when swimming was not appealing, so the season makes a real difference.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock finish the route

The final section focuses on the coast rather than swimming. The boat spends about 10 minutes around Santa Maria Caves, passing close enough for a good look inside the rock openings.

The smaller boat is a real advantage here. It can get nearer to some cave entrances than larger vessels, and the crew can angle the boat so people on board have a chance to photograph the rock formations. Sea conditions control how close you can safely go, though.

The last photo stop is Elephant Rock, a distinctive natural formation along the coast. It is a quick stop, but it gives you one more memorable image before returning to Cirkewwa.

The tour normally takes three to four hours, though exact timing depends on the departure and sea conditions. The crew has sometimes adjusted the route when the water became rough. That is the right call, even if it means missing one planned swimming area.

What the $29 price really gets you

At $29 per person, this is strong value for a half-day on the water. The price includes the boat, crew, marina fees, parking at the meeting point, the two main lagoon visits, the Comino sightseeing stops, a toilet, shade, and use of the paddleboard and swim noodles.

The main extra cost is snorkeling equipment at €5. Drinks are also sold onboard: water costs €1.50, soft drinks cost €2.50, and a large beer costs €3. Food is not included, though you can buy it at beach stops.

Compared with a large boat cruise, you are paying for a smaller group and a more flexible feel rather than luxury. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but this is still a basic sea excursion. Bring your own food, towel, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear if you have it.

The value is strongest if you want several sights in a short period. You see two lagoons, three named coastal areas, caves, a rock formation, and filming-related sites without spending the entire day on the water.

Sea conditions can change the plan

The biggest practical issue is the sea. In calm weather, the trip gives you three chances to swim and a close look at the caves. In rough weather, the crew may shorten a stop or keep the boat moving for safety.

Winter can still bring sunny, pleasant days. Several January and February departures had good weather and clear water, but the colder season naturally makes swimming less appealing. Wind and waves can also make the ride bumpy.

If you suffer from motion sickness, this tour is specifically not recommended. The boat is smaller than the large ferries, which improves access but can also make the movement of the sea more noticeable. Sit where the crew suggests and bring any personal remedy you normally use, though the tour does not list motion-sickness treatment as an included service.

Pregnant people, wheelchair users, and anyone over 95 are also listed as unsuitable for this activity. The boat requires boarding by stairs and is built around swimming and coastal movement, so it is not designed for limited mobility.

How to prepare for the best half-day

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. You will want these items ready before the first lagoon stop.

A dry bag is useful for phones and wallets, but it is not listed as included, so bring your own if you have one. Keep your phone secure when moving around the boat, especially during boarding and swimming stops.

Bring snacks if you need more than the food available at the beach stops. Drinks are easy to buy, but having cash avoids a small hassle. The onboard toilet is a welcome feature, particularly for families and anyone spending several hours away from the port.

The crew supplies life jackets for emergencies and can provide them if needed. Ask if you want one for swimming or for extra reassurance. Do not litter, and follow instructions around the boat, caves, and swimming areas.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this trip if you want a lot of Comino in half a day. Couples, friends, families with older children, and solo visitors can all make good use of the format.

It suits confident swimmers and people who want to snorkel, but you do not have to enter the water. You can stay onboard at the lagoons, use the shade, and focus on the coast and caves.

It is also a good choice if you dislike large group cruises. The boat is not private, but 24 passengers is a reasonable limit, and the smaller vessel can reach places that bigger boats cannot.

I would think twice if your main goal is a long, quiet beach visit. The tour gives you several short stops rather than one extended stay. Blue Lagoon is also not peaceful in peak season, and the Santa Maria Bay stop is brief.

The crew’s timing has been praised repeatedly, including punctual departures and returns. That helps if you have evening plans or need to connect with another ferry, although you should still allow a sensible buffer around any important onward journey.

Should you book the Comino Land Charters tour?

Book it if you want a well-priced, small-boat introduction to Comino with real swimming time and plenty of coastal sightseeing. The combination of Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, the caves, Elephant Rock, and free paddleboard use gives you more variety than a simple transfer to the Blue Lagoon.

Choose a different option if you want a private boat, a long beach day, or guaranteed calm water. No captain can control wind, waves, or summer crowds.

For most people, the best plan is to bring your own snorkeling gear, reserve the correct Blue Lagoon QR time slot if you intend to go ashore, and treat Crystal Lagoon as the quieter highlight. At $29, this is an efficient way to see Comino, and the small boat makes the route more personal and practical.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

It starts behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe in Mellieha. Descend the stairs behind the café and turn left around the corner to reach the boat.

How long does the tour last?

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

How many people can the boat carry?

The boat accommodates up to 24 passengers.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkels can be rented onboard for €5. Swimming and snorkeling are included at the lagoons, but the equipment itself is an extra cost.

Is the paddleboard free to use?

Yes. A stand-up paddleboard and swim noodles are free to use during the swimming stops.

How long do you spend at Crystal Lagoon?

The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts about 45 minutes.

How long do you spend at Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop is scheduled for about one hour. Some departures may have a different timing, so check the specific schedule for your booking.

Do I need a QR code for Blue Lagoon?

You need a free QR code if you plan to step onto Comino at Blue Lagoon from 1 May 2025 onward. Get it in advance from www.blcomino.com and select the time slot that matches your tour. You do not need a QR code if you remain on the boat.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food can be bought at beach stops. Drinks are available onboard or at the stops, including water, soft drinks, and large beer.

Is parking available at the meeting point?

Yes. Free parking is available at the meeting point in Cirkewwa.