Mellieha: 1:00pm Speedboat round Comino Caves 2h Blue Lagoon

Comino’s coastline is best seen from the water, and this fast speedboat tour packs its finest caves, rocky landmarks, and bright lagoons into three and a half hours. You’ll pass St. Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and Crystal Lagoon before getting two hours at the Blue Lagoon.

I like the efficient route and the chance to see both the east and west sides of Comino without committing to a full-day cruise. I also like the lively ride, with guide Augustino singled out for being especially fun. The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon itself: by afternoon, its small shore can feel very crowded, so the boat sightseeing may be the strongest part of your outing.

Key points to know before booking

• The 1:00pm departure gives you two hours at the Blue Lagoon, with time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and a walk toward St. Marija Tower.
• The speedboat circles Comino, visiting Santa Maria Caves, Elephant Rock, St. Mary Battery, Crystal Lagoon, and several bays.
• The ride can be wet and lively, so bring a towel, secure your sunglasses, and expect spray at speed.
• The tour costs $34 per person, a fair price if you want a compact Comino visit rather than a long cruise.
• Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, and the captain can change the route or cancel for safety reasons.
• Blue Lagoon access rules changed in May 2025, and anyone stepping onto Comino at the Blue Lagoon must register through the official government system.

A quick, lively way to see Comino

This outing is built around contrast. For the first part, you are on a small speedboat, skimming past pale cliffs, sea caves, narrow inlets, and old military stonework. Then the pace changes at the Blue Lagoon, where you have two hours to get into the water or find a patch of sun.

The tour begins at Blue Waves Watersports in the Marfa Bay area, only a short distance from Comino. That location matters. You do not spend a long time crossing from Malta before the sightseeing starts, so much of your paid time goes toward the island itself.

The boat is guided in English, and the skipper handles the route around Comino. This is not a quiet sightseeing launch. The boat moves quickly, and the ride can be part of the fun. One useful warning comes through clearly: you may get wet. Wear swimwear, leave large bags behind, and keep anything fragile protected.

At $34 per person, I consider this good value for a focused half-day outing. The price includes the boat ride around Comino, cave visits, and the two-hour Blue Lagoon stop. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand or bring only what the operator permits. Large bags, alcohol, sharp objects, and weapons are not allowed.

Leaving Marfa Bay for Comino’s eastern shore

After boarding at Blue Waves Watersports, the boat heads toward Comino and begins the coastal circuit. Boarding closes 15 minutes before the stated departure, so for a 1:00pm trip you should arrive well before 12:45pm.

The first sights include St. Mary Battery, also called Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija. This low stone fortification sits above the water and gives the coast a sense of Malta’s defensive past. You see it mainly from the boat, so think of this as a scenic pass rather than a formal fort visit.

The boat also passes St. Mary Bay and St. Nicholas Bay. These coves show the quieter side of Comino, away from the main Blue Lagoon crowd. From the water, you get a broad view of the rocky shore and the clear sea around the island.

The route does not stop at every bay. That is useful if you want to cover a lot of ground, but less useful if your priority is lingering at one quiet cove. The skipper keeps the boat moving so you can see much of Comino within the limited time.

Elephant Rock and Comino’s unusual coastline

Elephant Rock is one of the tour’s memorable photo sights. The rock formation resembles an elephant leaning toward the sea, and the boat passes close enough for a clear look and photographs.

This is a good example of why a boat trip works well here. From land, you cannot easily appreciate every shape along Comino’s shoreline. From the water, the view changes every few minutes, with arches, cut-out cliffs, and small inlets appearing from different angles.

The route then brings you toward Santa Maria Caves, also known as the Comino Caves. These are among the central attractions of the tour. You visit and view the cave area without an extra cave fee, and the boat provides angles that a walk along the coast cannot offer.

The word explore should be understood in the context of a speedboat outing. The listed plan includes a photo stop and sightseeing at the caves, but the tour does not promise a long land visit inside every cave. You should expect the skipper to bring you close for views and photographs, then continue along the coast.

Seeing the bays before the main stop

San Niklaw Bay and Santa Maria Bay are included as scenic stops or pass-by views. Their appeal is simple: clear water, pale rock, and a less developed setting than the main Blue Lagoon area.

You may appreciate this section most if you enjoy coastal scenery rather than only beach time. The boat gives you a moving view of the island, and the guide can point out places that are easy to miss when you are focused on swimming.

The route also includes additional Comino viewpoints identified by local map references. These passes fill out the circuit around the island and help explain why the experience lasts around three and a half hours, even though the main swimming stop takes two hours.

One account of the trip describes a guide from Bali as entertaining, while Augustino is specifically praised by name for his friendly, fun manner. The guide’s energy matters on a short speedboat trip. You are not signing up for a formal lecture, but a good skipper can make the quick turns, cave approaches, and coastal landmarks feel more engaging.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece. You have two hours of free time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, photographs, and a walk toward St. Marija Tower.

The water is the main attraction. Bring your swimsuit, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat. Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included, so you should confirm what is available before departure or bring your own gear if permitted.

Two hours is enough for a swim and some time on shore, but it can pass quickly. One person wanted even longer after spending time feeding fish and enjoying the water. If you want a slow beach day, this tour may feel brief. If you want a taste of the lagoon combined with a full Comino circuit, the timing is more useful.

You should also set your expectations about the shore. The Blue Lagoon is famous for good reason, but the beach area can become very full, especially later in the day. The 1:00pm departure is not the best choice if your only goal is to find a quiet patch of sand. Some of the available water activities, such as kayaking, parasailing, and jet ski outings, can take you away from the most crowded area, but they are not included in this tour.

The boat portion may be the highlight for you. A short stop at the Crystal Lagoon offers a more secluded chance to get into the water when conditions allow, and one tour account describes the guide stopping briefly there for a swim. The formal itinerary lists Crystal Lagoon as a photo stop, visit, and pass-by, so do not treat a swim there as guaranteed.

Walking toward St. Marija Tower

The Blue Lagoon stop also gives you the chance to walk toward St. Marija Tower, a historic landmark on Comino. The tower provides wide views over the island and surrounding water.

This walk is optional, and it competes with your swimming time. If you like historic sites and views, take the walk early in the two-hour stop, then return to the water. If your priority is snorkeling, you may prefer to stay near the lagoon.

The tour description presents the tower as a place for spectacular views, but it does not promise a guided interior visit. Think of it as a short independent walk connected to your beach break.

That choice is part of the tour’s appeal. You can shape the two hours around your own interests instead of following a fixed group activity. Just keep track of the return time. The boat will not be able to wait for a late arrival.

Crystal Lagoon and the return to Malta

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat passes Crystal Lagoon before returning to Blue Waves Watersports. Crystal Lagoon is known here as a scenic stop and photo point, with the possibility of a short swim depending on the skipper and sea conditions.

The order and exact movements can change. The captain reserves the right to alter the route or cancel the trip when weather, sea conditions, or other safety issues make it necessary. If the cruise is canceled because of the sea or weather, you are offered another date or a refund.

This flexibility is sensible for a small, fast boat. Calm conditions affect both comfort and safety, especially when the ride includes exposed coastline and quick travel between bays. A rough sea can also make the boat ride less pleasant for anyone prone to motion sickness.

What the $34 price really buys you

At $34, this is not a luxury cruise with meals or long guided visits ashore. It is a compact sightseeing and swimming trip, with the boat doing most of the work.

The value comes from combining several separate experiences:

• A speedboat ride around Comino
• Passes by historic St. Mary Battery and St. Marija Tower
• Views of Elephant Rock
• Visits to Santa Maria Caves and other coastal formations
• Scenic passes by St. Mary Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and Crystal Lagoon
• Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

If you arranged separate transport to Comino and then tried to see the caves and bays on your own, you would need to manage more timing and local transport. Here, the skipper keeps the route compact and returns you to the starting point.

The price is less attractive if you want to spend nearly the entire day swimming, eating, or relaxing on a beach. Food and drinks are excluded, and the two-hour lagoon stop is fixed. You are paying for variety and speed, not a long, unhurried beach stay.

Practical comfort and safety advice

This is an active boat trip, not a gentle harbor cruise. It is specifically not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, recent surgery, wheelchair users, or people over 60 according to the stated restrictions. The information also lists restrictions for people over 70, 80, and 95, so older participants should check eligibility directly before booking rather than assume the age policy is flexible.

Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. High heels, large bags, alcohol, drugs, sharp objects, and weapons are also prohibited.

Bring only what you need:

• Towel
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen, preferably biodegradable
• A small, secure personal item

Because the boat can move fast and spray is expected, keep loose belongings to a minimum. You should also consider how comfortable you are with a brisk ride before booking. The speed is a major part of the appeal, but it will not suit someone seeking a calm, slow cruise.

The 2025 Blue Lagoon entry rule

A new rule took effect on May 1, 2025. Anyone who wants to step onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com.

This matters because the tour includes free time at the Blue Lagoon and mentions a walk toward St. Marija Tower. If you plan to leave the boat and walk on Comino, check the current registration process before setting out. The rule applies to all operators, and it may affect your ability to use the shore portion of the stop.

The boat circuit itself still gives you coastal views even if you do not go ashore. But if walking to the tower is important to you, treat the registration as part of your planning, not as an optional detail.

Who should book this Comino trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a short, active introduction to Comino and prefer a speedboat to a slow vessel. It suits you especially well if you want to see caves, bays, rock formations, and the Blue Lagoon in one outing.

It also works well for a second visit to the Blue Lagoon. You get the familiar swimming stop, but the boat route adds caves and coastal views that a simple transfer would miss.

I would choose another plan if you dislike fast boats, need a quiet beach day, or want a long guided visit to historic sites. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, the sea may be choppy, and the cave visits are mainly boat-based sightseeing rather than long walks ashore.

Should you book it?

Book this $34 Comino speedboat tour if you want maximum scenery in a short afternoon and you are happy to trade a little comfort for speed. The best parts are the complete circuit around Comino, the caves and Elephant Rock, and the two-hour chance to swim at the Blue Lagoon.

Skip it if your ideal day means shade, a quiet beach, or a leisurely meal by the water. For most active visitors who want to combine sightseeing with a swim, the route offers a sensible amount of Malta scenery for the price. Just arrive early, expect spray, check the Blue Lagoon entry rule, and do not count on finding an empty shore in the afternoon.

FAQ

Where does the Comino speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Blue Waves Watersports near Marfa Bay in Malta.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is three and a half hours. Check availability for the exact starting time.

What time does this tour depart?

This experience is listed as a 1:00pm departure. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure.

Is the Blue Lagoon stop included?

Yes. The tour includes two hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, photographs, and walking.

Which Comino sights are included?

The route includes St. Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, St. Mary Bay, San Niklaw Bay, Crystal Lagoon, and views around Comino Island.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the captain cancels because of weather or sea conditions, you are offered an alternative date or a refund.