Malta: Comino, Gozo, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, and Caves Cruise

Comino’s best scenery is viewed from the water, where bright limestone cliffs, sea caves, and clear swimming spots come together in a short, well-priced cruise. Captain George, who has operated these trips since 1988, takes you around the island aboard a smaller boat that can approach the caves more closely than a large ferry.

I like the two proper swimming stops, especially the chance to jump from the top deck at Crystal Lagoon. I also like the welcome drink, watermelon, onboard toilet, and padded sun deck included in a $28 fare. The main catch is crowding at Blue Lagoon, and the exact route and stop times can change with weather, boat choice, and season.

Key points to know before booking

• Two different swimming locations: Spend about an hour at Blue Lagoon and around 30 to 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, depending on the selected trip.
• Captain George’s long experience: The same operator has run Comino cruises since 1988, with an English-speaking crew.
• Small-boat cave access: The boat visits Santa Maria, Popeye’s, Lovers’, and other Comino caves, plus Elephant Rock.
• Gozo is mainly a photo stop: The described trips pass or briefly stop at Mġarr Harbour, but do not offer a full Gozo visit.
• Good value at $28: The fare includes the cruise, cave visit, swimming stops, welcome drink, watermelon, toilet, and sun deck.
• Bring your own swim gear: Snorkel equipment costs €5 to rent, and drinks from the bar cost extra.

Why this Comino cruise is worth considering

At $28 per person, this is one of the easier ways to see several of Malta’s famous coastal sights without committing to a full-day boat trip. You get a useful mix: a sightseeing cruise, time in the water, cave views, a short look at Gozo, and the option to spend part of the trip ashore at Blue Lagoon.

The timing also works well for people with limited holiday time. The cruise lasts about three to four hours, so you can fit it into a morning or afternoon and still have room for another activity. A shorter sunset version is available too, though it does not circle all of Comino.

I would choose this trip for scenery and swimming rather than for a quiet island escape. Comino is popular, and Blue Lagoon can be crowded. The boat helps you see more of the coast, but it cannot remove the crowds from Malta’s most famous swimming spot.

Finding the boat at Ċirkewwa

The boat leaves from Ċirkewwa, at the northern tip of Malta. Meet at the jetty behind the only kiosk in the area, near the café, with umbrellas and tables as landmarks. The instructions are simple once you are there, but the pier can take a little finding, so arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Departure times are treated strictly. Traffic, parking trouble, or a late bus will not normally lead to a refund, and late arrivals can miss the boat. This matters at Ċirkewwa because the area serves several ferry and boat services, so do not arrive at the last minute and assume every jetty is the same.

The operator provides an English-speaking host or greeter. The crew welcomes you aboard with a drink, and watermelon is served during the trip. You can also buy drinks at the onboard bar with cash or card.

Pick the right boat and route

The experience is offered in more than one format, and the difference affects your day.

Trip A, on Sea Haven, is designed to show you Comino from all sides in under four hours. It begins with Elephant Rock and the Santa Maria sea caves, passes Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay, and then reaches Blue Lagoon. You get about an hour there, followed by a visit to Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour and roughly 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.

Trip B, on Xlendi III, follows a different order. It begins at Crystal Lagoon for about 30 minutes, visits Comino’s caves, stops briefly at Mġarr Harbour, and ends with about an hour at Blue Lagoon. The order can make a practical difference. Starting at Crystal Lagoon may give you a calmer first swim, while ending at Blue Lagoon leaves the most famous stop until later.

Do not assume that a booking includes time to explore Gozo. On the described routes, Mġarr Harbour is mainly a short scenic stop for photos. One version specifically says there is no stop in Gozo, and another only visits the harbour. A separate Trip C may offer a proper Gozo stop, so check the selected option carefully before paying.

The sunset cruise is shorter and does not go all the way around Comino. It suits you if warm evening light matters more than seeing every side of the island. If your priority is the full cave circuit and both lagoons, choose a daytime route instead.

The opening cruise around Comino

Once the boat leaves Ċirkewwa, the sightseeing begins quickly. The coast around Comino is made for a boat tour because many of the best sights are cliffs, sea arches, and narrow inlets viewed from offshore.

Elephant Rock is one of the first recognizable formations. The name comes from the shape of the limestone, and it makes a quick but memorable photo stop as the boat passes.

The Santa Maria caves are another early highlight. The boat heads close enough for you to see the rock shapes and changing colors in the water. The crew shares historical and amusing facts about the caves, which adds useful context without turning the trip into a formal lecture.

You also pass Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These bays are quieter alternatives to the famous Blue Lagoon, at least in feel and appearance, and they help you understand that Comino has more to offer than one postcard view.

Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray. The boat’s movement, bright sun, and pale rock can make photographs tricky. A waterproof pouch is sensible if you plan to swim straight from the boat.

Blue Lagoon gives you the longest stop

Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece of the cruise, with about one hour for swimming, snorkeling, walking, or photography. The water is famously clear, and you can enter directly from the boat or go ashore, depending on the route and your choice.

The direct-from-boat option is often the smoothest. You avoid the shore crowds and can swim in the clear water without spending much of your hour finding a place to stand. The upper deck is also used for jumping, though you should follow the crew’s instructions and check the landing area before entering.

If you want to walk around Comino, you can disembark at Blue Lagoon. In 2025, anyone going onto the island must reserve a free ticket through blcomino.com and validate it. The ticket costs nothing, but it is still required, so arrange it before the cruise rather than trying to sort it out at the jetty.

Blue Lagoon can be busy, especially in peak summer. Food stalls and other facilities are available ashore, but the atmosphere is not likely to feel secluded. I would treat this stop as your chance for a beautiful swim and a short walk, not as a peaceful beach day.

A towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and water-friendly shoes are useful. Snorkel gear is not included, though you can rent equipment for €5. If you already own a mask, bring it. The clear water makes even a short swim more interesting.

Crystal Lagoon and the Comino caves

Crystal Lagoon is smaller and enclosed by dramatic cliffs. Depending on the trip, you receive about 30 or 45 minutes here. That is enough for a swim, some snorkeling, photographs, or a jump from the top deck, but it is not enough for a long shore walk and a leisurely meal.

This stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose the cruise instead of a simple ferry crossing. The boat lets you enjoy the lagoon without arranging separate transport, and the cliffs give you a more enclosed setting than Blue Lagoon.

The water is clear enough for fish viewing, and the crew may stop so you can swim directly from the boat. If you prefer staying dry, Crystal Lagoon still works as a scenic photo stop. The cliffs and sea colors look good from the upper deck, especially when the boat is positioned near the entrance.

The route also includes Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave. These names are useful landmarks, but the main appeal is the rock itself: openings, shadows, and colored water that change as the boat moves past. You may also pass other Comino caves during the circuit.

Cave access is a real advantage of a smaller boat. A large vessel may have trouble getting close to narrow openings, while this trip is built around seeing the formations from the sea. Still, the captain may skip or alter parts of the route if wind and waves make them unsafe.

The brief look at Gozo’s Mġarr Harbour

The cruise passes Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port, and usually allows about 10 minutes for photographs and views. It is a pleasant change from open water, with boats, harbor buildings, and Gozo’s coastal setting providing a different sort of picture.

Keep your expectations in check. This is not a Gozo sightseeing tour, and you will not have time to visit the island’s villages, churches, or inland sights. Think of Mġarr as a scenic pause and a chance to say you have seen Gozo from the water.

The harbour stop is especially useful for photographers because it breaks up the swimming portions of the day. If you want a full Gozo visit, book a separate trip or confirm that you have selected the correct option with a longer island stop.

Comfort, safety, and what is included

The boat has a padded sun deck, toilet facilities, and two levels. That makes the three to four hours easier than a basic open boat ride, especially for anyone who wants a break from sitting in direct sun.

Life jackets are available, and the boat is described as feeling safe throughout the ride. The crew also helps with boarding and gives clear instructions. You should still expect a marine setting: steps, movement, wet surfaces, and a need to hold on while the boat is underway.

The fare includes the sightseeing cruise, cave visit, both lagoon stops, welcome drink, watermelon, and the chance to jump from the top deck. Drinks from the bar cost extra, and snorkel equipment is €5 to rent.

The accessibility information needs care. One part of the activity information describes the cruise as wheelchair accessible, while another says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. A person who had difficulty boarding was helped by staff, but that does not guarantee easy access for every wheelchair or mobility aid. Contact the provider before booking if this affects you, and ask specifically about the jetty, boarding steps, and movement on deck.

Weather, crowds, and seasonal choices

The captain can change the route, swimming stops, or timing because of wind and sea conditions. That is normal for a coastal cruise, but it means the advertised order is not guaranteed.

Crowds are another factor. The operator may try to avoid the busiest periods, yet it cannot control the number of people at Comino. For a quieter feel, consider spring, autumn, or the sunset option, though swimming conditions may be cooler and the sunset route is shorter.

The water can remain swimmable outside summer. One December trip had sea temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, but you should still bring weather-appropriate clothing and judge your own comfort. Even when you skip swimming, the caves, cliffs, and harbor views make the ride worthwhile.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend it to first-time Malta visitors who want to see Comino without spending a full day on a boat. It also suits families, couples, photographers, and anyone who prefers a shorter outing with several changes of scene.

Children who enjoy swimming and jumping from a boat should have fun, provided they follow the crew’s instructions. The two-level layout gives you some choice between sun and shade, though the boat can still feel lively during busy periods.

This is less suitable if you want solitude, a long walk on Gozo, or a quiet beach with plenty of personal space. It is also not the right pick if you dislike boats, cannot manage boarding steps, or want a fully predictable schedule.

Is $28 good value?

At $28, the value is strong. A basic ferry might get you to Comino, but this cruise adds cave viewing, two swimming stops, a pass by Elephant Rock, Mġarr Harbour, a welcome drink, watermelon, a toilet, and use of the sun deck.

The price does not cover bar drinks or snorkel equipment, so budget a little extra if you want either. You also need to arrange the free Blue Lagoon shore ticket yourself if you plan to disembark.

The best value comes from using the stops well. Bring your own mask if you have one, arrive early, keep the free island ticket ready, and decide in advance if you prefer swimming from the boat or walking ashore.

Should you book it?

Book this Comino cruise if you want a compact, affordable introduction to Malta’s northern coast, with real swimming time and plenty of scenery between stops. Captain George’s long-running operation, friendly crew, practical facilities, and small-boat cave access add up to a well-rounded half-day.

Choose Trip A or Trip B based on the order of the lagoons, and do not expect a full Gozo visit unless your selected option clearly says so. If you can accept crowds at Blue Lagoon and a route that may shift with the weather, this is a very good use of three to four hours.

FAQ

How long does the Comino cruise last?

The cruise lasts about three to four hours, depending on the selected route and conditions. The sunset option is slightly shorter and does not travel all the way around Comino.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Ċirkewwa in Malta. Meet at the jetty behind the only kiosk in the area, near the café with umbrellas and tables.

Do I need a ticket to visit Blue Lagoon?

You need a free ticket if you plan to disembark at Blue Lagoon and go onto Comino. Reserve it through blcomino.com and validate it as required. You do not need to go ashore to swim from the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkel equipment can be rented for €5. You can also bring your own mask and snorkel.

Are drinks included?

A welcome drink and a slice of watermelon are included. Additional drinks from the onboard bar cost extra and can be paid for with cash or card.

Does the cruise stop in Gozo?

The described routes visit or pass Mġarr Harbour for sightseeing and photographs, usually for about 10 minutes. They do not provide a full Gozo visit, so check the chosen trip if spending time ashore matters to you.