Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves – swim, snorkel & slide

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here, but the best part is having a boat as your base for more than four hours. You can swim, use the slide, walk onto Comino, return for food or a restroom, and avoid being tied to a short beach stop.

I like the low price, around $36.28 per person, and the easy mix of sightseeing and free time. Captain Kevin provides information along the way, while the upper deck gives you a fine place to watch Malta’s coast pass by.

The catch is simple: this is a large boat, with space for up to 232 people. It can feel crowded in high season, music may play throughout the day, and the Blue Lagoon itself is rarely peaceful. Arrive early if you want a top-deck chair.

Key points to know before booking

• More than four hours at Blue Lagoon: You have time for swimming, snorkeling, the slide, a walk on Comino, and a second swim.
• Captain Kevin narrates the cruise: The route includes St. Paul’s Island, Ahrax Cave, Coral Cove, Comino’s cliffs, and Santa Maria Tower.
• Good value for an active beach day: The ticket includes deck chairs, the slide, restroom use, taxes, and landing fees.
• Optional cave trip: A seasonal speedboat ride costs €15, paid in cash, and takes you into the smaller caves.
• Top-deck seats go early: Boarding early is the practical move if you want a sun lounger and the best open views.
• Cash matters: Food, drinks, rentals, and purchases on Comino or the boat require cash.

A full day on the water from Bugibba

The tour leaves Bugibba Jetty at 10:00 and returns at about 17:00. That gives you roughly seven hours, but this is not seven hours of constant cruising. Most of the value comes from the long stop at the Blue Lagoon.

I see this as a good choice if you want one uncomplicated day around Malta’s northern islands. You do not need to arrange separate transport to Comino, find a beach, or hire equipment before you arrive. You board once, settle in, and use the vessel as your home base.

The boat is not presented as modern or luxurious, and you should not expect a quiet yacht trip. It has the useful basics: shaded seating, an upper sun deck, food and drinks, toilets, deck chairs, a slide, and access to the water. That is enough for a fun day, especially at this price.

Bugibba, St. Paul’s Island, and the northern coast

After leaving Bugibba, the first part of the cruise introduces you to the water and the coast. The route passes St. Paul’s Island, a small island linked to the tradition that St. Paul was shipwrecked in Malta. A statue of the saint now sits on the island.

Captain Kevin gives commentary as the boat moves along, so this opening hour is more than a transfer to Comino. You get a quick look at Malta’s religious past, coastline, and sea routes while finding your preferred spot on board.

The cruise continues past Mellieha Bay, described as Malta’s largest beach, then toward Ahrax Cave. The boat pauses for photographs near the cave, which is useful because the views are best appreciated from the water. You can expect rock shelves, pale cliffs, and clear water rather than a formal shore visit.

Coral Cove is another coastal sight before the boat crosses the southern channel toward Comino. These short stops help break up the journey, though the exact order can change with weather conditions. This is a sightseeing cruise first, not a guided geological tour, so the commentary is practical and light.

Cruising around Comino’s cliffs

Comino is Malta’s smallest major island, covering about 1.4 square miles. The boat makes a 360-degree circuit, giving you changing views of its cliffs, rock shapes, and small bays.

Keep an eye out for the rock formation known as the Elephant’s Head. From a boat, you get a better sense of Comino’s steep edges and exposed coastline than you would from a single beach. The island has very little development, so the contrast between the limestone rock and bright water is the main show.

The boat’s position also matters. A cruise around Comino lets you see parts of the island that are awkward to reach on foot. Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray and keep it secure when the sea is moving.

Blue Lagoon: four and a half hours to use your own way

The boat stays at the Blue Lagoon for about four and a half hours. This long stop is the reason I think the tour offers good value. Many boat trips give you a quick swim and then hurry away. Here, you can build the afternoon around your own energy level.

You can remain on board and swim from the boat, walk onto Comino, or combine both. The vessel has a shaded main deck and an upper deck for sunbathing. If you want the easiest access to facilities, keep your belongings on board and return when you need the restroom, a drink, or food.

The boat’s slide is included, as are the jumping points. These are a major draw for families and anyone who wants more than a passive boat ride. You can also swim in the clear water below the boat, though getting in and out may be less comfortable for people with limited mobility.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not a secret beach. Boats, swimmers, and people moving between the water and shore create a busy setting. If you want a quieter break, walk away from the central lagoon area or use the boat as your retreat. One useful option is Santa Maria Bay, which is about a 20-minute walk away and can feel calmer.

The water may look most inviting from the deck, but bring a towel, sun cream, and suitable footwear for walking over uneven ground. A life jacket is available with a deposit, according to the supplied details, and snorkel equipment can be rented for €5 with a €15 deposit, of which €10 is returned.

Crystal Lagoon and the optional cave ride

Crystal Lagoon is associated with deeper water and snorkeling. It can be reached on foot from the Blue Lagoon in about eight minutes, and the tour may also pass it by boat on the outward or return journey. The timing depends on the weather.

If you want the closest look at the caves, consider the optional speedboat ride. It costs €15, is available seasonally, and must be paid for in cash. The ride is separate from the main ticket, but it adds a more active portion to the day and takes you into the smaller caves.

I would treat this as an extra rather than a required part of the trip. If you are happy swimming and walking around Comino, the main experience already fills the day. If you enjoy fast boat rides and want to see the caves at close range, the extra cost is modest.

Conditions can be rough on the open water. Some people may find the outward cruise uncomfortable when the sea is choppy, so sit where you feel secure and consider taking a life jacket if you prefer extra support.

Santa Maria Tower and the return route

The boat passes Santa Maria Tower, built in 1618 to help defend Comino. It is one of the island’s few notable buildings and adds a strong historical detail to the coastal sightseeing.

The tower also appeared as the Chateau D’If in the film The Count of Monte Cristo. That gives the stop an extra bit of film interest, but the main appeal is its isolated position above the rocky shoreline.

Depending on sea conditions, the boat may show you Crystal Lagoon on the way to Comino or on the way back. The return to Bugibba is scheduled for 17:00. Since the boat returns to its original meeting point, you do not need to arrange a separate ride from another harbor.

Food, drinks, and what to bring

Food and drinks are not included, but the onboard cafeteria is described as reasonably priced. Available choices include meals, snacks, soft drinks, cocktails, and ice cream. Chicken burgers and chips are among the food options mentioned, and pineapple drinks are a popular novelty.

The food is useful because the Blue Lagoon stop is long. You can eat on board instead of paying for a meal on shore, though you should bring cash. Payments on the boat and Comino are cash only.

Bring:

• Towel
• Sun cream
• Cash
• Swimming clothes
• A jacket from October to May
• Warm clothing from March to May or October to December
• A phone or camera protected from water

Lockers are available for €2. A towel is not supplied. If you plan to snorkel, you can bring your own equipment or rent a mask and snorkel on board.

The upper deck is the most sought-after area. Arriving around 8:30 has been suggested as a way to get a good rooftop chair, even though the boat leaves at 10:00. At a minimum, arrive well before boarding opens if a top-deck spot matters to you.

How crowded and lively is the boat?

The boat can carry up to 232 people, so this is not a small-group outing. Space may feel tight during the busiest periods, especially around the best chairs and the boarding area.

The atmosphere is lively rather than hushed. Music plays during the day, and the boat attracts many young adults as well as families and older visitors. If you want a silent sail with only the sound of the water, choose a smaller boat. If you like music, swimming, cocktails, and an easy social mood, the atmosphere may suit you well.

There is one useful advantage to the boat’s size: it has room for several types of activity. You can sunbathe, sit in shade, eat, swim, use the slide, or go ashore. You are not forced into one way of spending the afternoon.

The crew receives particularly strong praise for being friendly and helpful. Captain Kevin’s commentary adds context without turning the day into a formal lecture. The crew also explains times and safety information, which matters when you are free to move between the vessel and Comino.

Is $36.28 good value?

At about $36.28 per person, the price is strong for a seven-hour outing that includes the main cruise, landing and facility fees, deck-chair access on a first-come basis, the slide, and restroom facilities.

You still need to budget for lunch, drinks, a locker, snorkel hire, and possibly the €15 cave ride. Even with one or two extras, the total can remain reasonable compared with arranging separate transport, beach access, and boat activities.

The strongest value comes from the length of the Blue Lagoon stop. You can swim more than once, eat when you like, walk to another part of Comino, and return to the boat. That flexibility is worth more than a short photo stop if you want a full day outdoors.

The trade-off is comfort. You are paying for a practical, busy excursion rather than polished service or a quiet deck. The boat is older, and top-deck chairs are limited. I would book it for access and activity, not for luxury.

Who should book this Comino trip?

I would recommend it to families, couples, groups of friends, solo visitors, and anyone who wants a straightforward day on Malta’s clearest water. The slide, jumping points, snorkeling, and long free period give you plenty to do without signing up for every optional extra.

It is also a good fit if you have already visited Gozo and want to focus on Comino. The tour gives you time to see the coast from the water, swim in the lagoon, and walk farther across the island.

You may want another type of excursion if you dislike crowds, loud music, or rough open-water conditions. The Blue Lagoon is heavily visited, and the boat can be full. For a calmer outing, look for a smaller vessel with fewer passengers and a shorter, quieter route.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a changed date, another experience, or a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta.

What time does the boat leave and return?

The boat leaves at 10:00 and returns to the Bugibba meeting point at about 17:00.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The boat remains at the Blue Lagoon for about four and a half hours.

Is food included in the ticket?

No. Food, drinks, cocktails, and ice cream are available for purchase onboard.

Can I use the boat as a base during the Blue Lagoon stop?

Yes. You can move between the boat and Comino, returning to use the food service, restrooms, shade, and other onboard facilities.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Masks and snorkels can be rented for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned.

How much does the speedboat cave trip cost?

The seasonal speedboat trip costs €15. The ticket is purchased with cash.

Are deck chairs guaranteed?

No. Deck chairs are available on a first-come basis. Arrive early if you want a chair on the upper deck.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and changes are not accepted within that period.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a low-cost, active day on the water with a long Blue Lagoon stop. The best strategy is to arrive early, bring cash, claim a good place on the upper deck, and treat the boat as your base rather than spending every minute on the crowded shore.

Skip it if your idea of Comino is a quiet swim from an empty beach. For everyone else, the combination of Captain Kevin’s coastal commentary, Comino’s cliffs, a boat slide, optional cave ride, and more than four hours of free time makes this a practical way to see Malta’s famous northern waters.