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

Comino’s best feature is its water, and this tour puts you in it three times. You get a 45-minute swim at Crystal Lagoon, an hour at Blue Lagoon, and another chance at Santa Maria Bay, with a small boat that can get close to the caves and rock formations.

I like the limited group size, usually around 20 to 24 people, and the friendly, entertaining guidance from Captain Johnny. I also like the practical extras: a shaded seating area, toilet, paddleboard, swim noodles, and free parking. The main drawback is that Blue Lagoon can feel crowded and commercial, especially in summer, and the meeting point can be confusing if you do not allow extra time.

Key points to know before you book

• Three water stops: Swim and snorkel at Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay.
• Small boat access: A group of about 24 people lets the boat approach caves and narrow coastal spots that larger vessels may miss.
• Captain Johnny’s local commentary: Expect stories, practical tips, and help getting on and off the boat.
• Blue Lagoon pass required: You need a free time-slot pass from blcomino.com if you plan to step ashore.
• Useful equipment onboard: Paddleboard, swim noodles, shaded seats, toilet, and life jackets are available.
• Good value at $31: The price covers a three to four hour cruise, several swim stops, and a full circuit of Comino’s main sights.

Why this small Comino boat tour works so well

For $31, this is an unusually active way to see Comino. You are not simply sitting on a ferry, taking a few photographs, and returning to Malta. The schedule gives you real swimming time, coastal sightseeing, and close views of caves and rock formations.

The boat carries only about 24 people, though one account describes a busier departure than expected. That smaller scale matters. It feels more personal than a large excursion boat, and the captain can bring you nearer to the Santa Maria Caves and other tight coastal areas.

Captain Johnny is the name that comes up most often in the experience details. He handles the boat, explains the sights, and keeps the mood light. His young helper has also assisted with boarding and port duties on some trips. The tone is informal and family-run rather than polished and corporate.

You should still keep your expectations practical. This is a modest boat trip, not a luxury yacht cruise. Some departures have had choppy water, late starts, or limited commentary. But the combination of price, swimming time, and access to Comino’s coves is hard to dismiss.

Starting at Ċirkewwa Cafe

The meeting point is behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe at Ċirkewwa, Mellieħa. Go down the stairs behind the cafe, then turn left around the corner to reach the boat.

Give yourself extra time. The cafe and road area can be confusing, and one departure had people unsure where to meet after crossing the road. If you arrive by bus, allow more time than you think you need. A taxi or Bolt may be faster, especially if your timing is tight.

Free parking is available at the meeting point. Bring cash for drinks, snacks, and equipment. Cold water costs €1.50, soft drinks cost €2.50, large beer costs €3, and a snorkel costs €5. Food can be bought at the beach stops, but you should not count on a full meal onboard.

The boat has shaded seating, an onboard toilet, and life jackets available if you ask. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a light beach cover-up. Sensible shoes are useful if you plan to walk around the rocky shore near Crystal Lagoon.

Crystal Lagoon gives you the best first swim

After roughly 15 minutes of cruising, the boat reaches Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side. This is often the strongest part of the trip. The water is exceptionally clear, with green and blue tones that show why Comino is famous.

You have about 45 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. A paddleboard and swim noodles are available at no extra cost, which gives you more options if you do not want to swim continuously. You can also look for marine life in the clear water.

Crystal Lagoon is not only a place to float beside the boat. The surrounding rock can be uneven, and some people use the stop to climb toward higher ground for a view. Wear footwear that can handle rough stone if you want to explore beyond the waterline.

The boat’s size helps here. It can reach closer to the shore and rocky edges than a large vessel. You will have a better chance of seeing the water up close rather than viewing it from a crowded deck.

Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but expect crowds

The Blue Lagoon receives the headline treatment, with a full hour for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and general sightseeing. Sunlight catches the pale seabed, giving the water its famous bright blue color.

This is the most recognizable stop, but it is also the busiest. In summer, the shore can feel packed with boats, beach stalls, food, drinks, and people arriving from other parts of Malta and Gozo. Several visitors found Crystal Lagoon more peaceful and more enjoyable than Blue Lagoon for exactly this reason.

You have two choices. If you want to step onto Comino, you must obtain a free pass from blcomino.com and select the correct morning, afternoon, or sunset slot. At Ċirkewwa, show the pass to Transport Malta officials so you can receive the official wristband.

If you prefer to stay aboard, no pass is needed. You can swim directly from the boat and avoid the shore crowds. This is a smart option if your main goal is clear water rather than beach time. Watch the current, though. One swimmer found it manageable but said competent swimming ability was useful.

The Blue Lagoon stop also gives you access to nearby commercial facilities if you go ashore. You might find food, drinks, cocktails, and toilets there, while the boat provides its own toilet for anyone who stays aboard.

Halfa Rock and the Gozo coastline

After the main lagoon stops, the boat returns to sightseeing mode. The route passes Halfa Rock, also known as Promising Rock or Gebla tal-Ħalfa, with about 15 minutes for views and photographs.

This part of the trip is a welcome change of pace. Your arms may be tired from swimming, and the boat lets you sit back while the captain points out coastal features. You also pass along the Gozo coastline, where the open views provide a useful sense of how close the two islands are.

The cruise also passes San Niklaw Bay and the Comino Hotel. This is a quieter stretch, with less focus on swimming and more on seeing the coves from the water. Listen to the guide here, since the value comes from the local explanations as much as the scenery.

Santa Maria Bay offers a calmer stop

Santa Maria Bay is on Comino’s northern side and is generally quieter than Blue Lagoon. The tour allows time for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and paddleboarding.

There is an inconsistency in the supplied timing: one schedule gives Santa Maria Bay 45 minutes, while the included-stop summary lists 15 minutes. Confirm the exact timing when you book or board. Either way, this stop is intended to be more relaxed than Blue Lagoon.

I like Santa Maria Bay as a counterpoint to the famous lagoon. You get a chance to see another side of Comino, with a more peaceful cove and fewer commercial distractions. If you are choosing where to spend your swimming energy, Crystal Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay may offer the most satisfying water time.

The boat returns here after the larger Blue Lagoon stop, so this is also a good chance to use the swim noodles or paddleboard without the pressure of the most famous location. If the sea is choppy, the captain may adjust how long the boat stays or how close it comes to shore.

Santa Maria Caves are where the small boat earns its keep

The Santa Maria Caves come near the end of the route. The boat makes a photo stop, passing close to the openings and rocky walls. Depending on sea conditions, the small vessel may be able to move into tighter areas than a large cruise boat.

This is one of the clearest reasons to choose this tour over a budget ferry or big sightseeing boat. You see the rock from water level, and some departures allow passengers to swim toward or into parts of the caves. Bring a waterproof camera if you have one, but keep it secure around the boat ladder and moving water.

The caves can look different in changing light and weather. On a calm day, the water inside and around them can appear very clear. In rougher conditions, the boat ride becomes wetter and less comfortable. The captain has handled changing weather well on past trips, but you should not expect the sea to stay flat.

Elephant Rock closes the circuit

Elephant Rock is another short sightseeing stop before the return to Ċirkewwa. Its unusual shape makes it an easy photograph, though the view is brief rather than a full shore visit.

The final section is best treated as a scenic cruise. You have already had the main swims, seen the important lagoons, and visited the caves. Sit under the shade, dry off, and keep your camera ready as the boat completes the return route.

The full experience takes about three to four hours. That is long enough to feel worthwhile without turning into an exhausting full-day outing. One afternoon departure described four hours as the right length, while another person enjoyed a sunset schedule because the later timing brought cooler temperatures and fewer people.

What the $31 price really includes

The cost is strong for an active half-day on the water. You receive transport by boat, three main water stops, coastal sightseeing, a guide, shaded seating, a toilet, free parking, a paddleboard, swim noodles, and life jackets on request.

You still need to budget for snorkel equipment if you do not bring your own. Rental is €5. Drinks are extra, and food is not included. The Blue Lagoon pass is free, but you must arrange it yourself before arrival.

At this price, I would not expect premium seating, a gourmet lunch, or a quiet private charter. You are paying for access and variety. The boat gets you to multiple parts of Comino in one outing, and the small size lets it approach the caves. That is where the value lies.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this for swimmers, snorkelers, families with older children, couples, and anyone who wants more than a simple ferry crossing. It also suits people who prefer a small group and like hearing local stories while moving between stops.

It is less suitable if you dislike boats, are prone to seasickness, or want a completely dry sightseeing experience. Pregnant people are advised not to take this tour. Choppy conditions can make the ride wet, particularly later in the year.

Mobility needs deserve some thought. Captain Johnny has helped people with mobility issues board and return to the boat, but you still need to manage a boat ladder after swimming. Shore areas, especially around Crystal Lagoon, can be rocky and uneven.

The tour is offered in English and Maltese. If you want an especially quiet trip, avoid assuming that the smaller boat will always be empty. One departure felt crowded at first, though the group later became more comfortable.

Practical tips for a better day

Book the Blue Lagoon pass before you arrive if you plan to go ashore. Choose the slot that matches your tour time, and keep the pass ready at Ċirkewwa.

Arrive early at the cafe meeting point. The boat may leave from behind the cafe rather than directly beside the road, and a late arrival can create real stress. One late party was collected after calling, but you should not rely on that.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, cash, and sensible shoes. A waterproof phone pouch or camera is useful around the caves. If you plan to walk near Crystal Lagoon, flip-flops may be uncomfortable on rough rock.

Listen carefully when the captain gives return times. A few minutes matter, especially when the boat is serving several stops. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay close to the boat, use a noodle, and ask for a life jacket.

Should you book the Comino Land Charters trip?

I would book it if you want a low-cost, small-group boat tour with real swimming time and close views of Comino’s caves. Crystal Lagoon is likely to be the highlight, and the boat size gives this outing an advantage over larger cruises.

Choose another option if your priority is a peaceful Blue Lagoon beach day, luxury seating, or a fully predictable schedule. Blue Lagoon can be crowded, weather can affect comfort, and the meeting instructions need closer attention than they should.

For $31, this is a practical and active way to see Comino. Bring your swimming things, arrive early, get the free Blue Lagoon pass if needed, and treat Crystal Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay as more than filler stops. They may become the best part of your day.

FAQ

How long does the Comino boat tour last?

The tour lasts about three to four hours, depending on the scheduled departure and conditions.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe at Ċirkewwa, Mellieħa. Go down the stairs behind the cafe and turn left around the corner to reach the boat.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a free pass from blcomino.com if you plan to get off the boat at Blue Lagoon. Select the correct morning, afternoon, or sunset slot and show the pass to Transport Malta officials at Ċirkewwa.

Can I stay on the boat at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. If you remain aboard, you do not need the free pass. You can swim from the boat instead.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkels can be rented onboard for €5. You may also bring your own equipment.

What is available free onboard?

The tour includes a stand-up paddleboard, swim noodles, shaded seating, a toilet, parking, and life jackets if you ask the crew. The boat also has an experienced crew and English and Maltese guidance.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is not recommended for people prone to seasickness. It is also not suitable for pregnant women, and rougher sea conditions can make the ride wet and uncomfortable.