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

Clear water, close-up caves, and a small boat make this Comino trip appealing. From Ċirkewwa, you cruise past Comino Tower, swim at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, see Santa Maria Caves, and finish with Elephant Rock. I especially like the small group of about 24 people and the chance to use a paddleboard or swim noodle without paying extra. The main drawback is that the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, and you need a free access pass if you want to step ashore there.

I also like the generous mix of swimming and sightseeing. You get three opportunities to enter the water, plus views of Gozo, Halfa Rock, San Niklaw Bay, and Comino’s quieter northern coast. The meeting point behind Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe can be confusing, and the boat may feel less comfortable in choppy weather, so arrive early and check the sea conditions.

Five things to know before you book

• The boat carries about 24 people: This is a much more personal outing than the large excursion boats, and the smaller size lets the captain approach the caves closely.
• Crystal Lagoon is often the swimming highlight: The water is clear, the stop lasts about 45 minutes, and you can swim, snorkel, or use the paddleboard.
• Blue Lagoon requires a free pass to go ashore: Reserve a morning, afternoon, or sunset slot at blcomino.com before arrival.
• Santa Maria Bay gives you a quieter alternative: It is generally less hectic than Blue Lagoon and adds another chance to swim or relax.
• Johnny is a hands-on guide: He provides local information, helps passengers with the boat ladder, and keeps the mood friendly and relaxed.
• Bring sensible footwear and cash: Rocky ground at Crystal Lagoon can be awkward, while drinks and snorkels cost extra onboard.

Why this small Comino cruise is worth considering

At $31 per person, this is one of the better-value ways to see several Comino sights in half a day. You are not paying only for a ride to Blue Lagoon. The price includes a 45-minute stop at Crystal Lagoon, an hour at Blue Lagoon, time around Santa Maria Bay, close passes by caves and rock formations, a toilet, shaded seating, and use of a stand-up paddleboard and swim noodles.

The boat size matters. A large vessel may carry far more people and have more space, but it cannot get as close to narrow cave entrances. On this trip, the captain can take you near Santa Maria Caves and other rocky inlets, giving you a better view from the water. You also spend less time waiting for a big group to board.

The experience is still simple rather than luxurious. Food is not included, drinks cost extra, and snorkeling gear is available to rent for €5. You will find cold water for €1.50, soft drinks for €2.50, and large beer for €3. Cash is useful for these purchases and for beach stops.

The advertised maximum is 24 people, though the exact number can vary. Some departures have had around 20 people, while one account described the boat as crowded at first. If personal space is a top priority, ask about the expected group size before booking.

Finding the boat at Ċirkewwa

The meeting point is behind Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. Go down the stairs behind the café, turn left around the corner, and look for the boat.

This sounds easy, but the area can be confusing. One departure was delayed because some people understood the café as the meeting point while others crossed the road to the boat. I would arrive early and allow extra time to walk from the bus stop or parking area. Free parking is available at the meeting point.

The boat leaves from Ċirkewwa, at the northern end of Malta. If you are using public transport, leave more time than you think you need. A late arrival can create real stress, and the boat may already be preparing to leave. One passenger was helped after calling the crew, but that should not be your plan.

The first cruise: Comino Tower and the open water

Once aboard, you begin with about 15 minutes of sightseeing cruise. The trip passes Comino Tower, a historic watchtower known to film fans because it appeared in The Count of Monte Cristo.

This first section gives you time to settle in. You can sit in the shaded area, listen to the guide, and watch Malta recede behind you. The crew speaks English and Maltese, and Johnny is frequently praised for giving useful facts without making the ride feel like a formal lecture.

The boat has an onboard toilet, which is a small but important advantage on a three to four-hour outing. Life jackets are available if you need one, and the crew can help with the ladder at the back of the boat. That ladder is fairly easy to use for most swimmers, but getting back aboard still requires a little strength and balance.

Crystal Lagoon: the best place to swim

The first major stop is Crystal Lagoon, on Comino’s western side. You get about 45 minutes here, enough time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and look for marine life in the clear water.

This stop is often the strongest part of the trip. The water is known for its clarity and blue-green color, and the smaller boat can get you close to rocky sections that are difficult to reach from a larger vessel. Some passengers also walk toward higher ground near the lagoon, but the terrain is rocky. Wear proper shoes if you want to explore instead of flip-flops.

You can enter the water directly from the boat or use the complimentary swim noodles. The stand-up paddleboard is also included, which gives you another way to enjoy the stop without renting equipment. Snorkels are not included, but you can rent one onboard for €5.

This is not a soft-sand beach stop. Expect rocks, a boat ladder, and open water. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about a life jacket before getting in. Strong swimmers should still pay attention to the current, particularly if the weather has changed.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, famous, and busy

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat continues to Blue Lagoon for about an hour. This is Comino’s best-known swimming area, with bright water over a sandy seabed and plenty of space for photos from the boat.

The catch is crowding. Blue Lagoon can feel commercial and packed, especially in the busy summer months. Several passengers found Crystal Lagoon more enjoyable because it felt calmer and less developed. I would treat the Blue Lagoon stop as a chance to swim in an iconic setting, not as a quiet beach escape.

There is an important access rule. To get off the boat and enter the Blue Lagoon area, you must obtain a free pass at blcomino.com. You choose a morning, afternoon, or sunset slot that matches your tour. At Ċirkewwa, show the pass to Transport Malta officials so you can receive the official wristband.

Check this before you leave for the tour. If you do not have the correct slot, you can remain on the boat and swim from it, but you may not be able to disembark. Staying aboard is not a bad option. It avoids the busiest part of the shore, and you can still swim, use the paddleboard, or relax in the shade.

Blue Lagoon also has food and drink stalls, but these are not included in the tour price. If you want a proper meal, plan around the cruise rather than assuming the beach stop will provide a full lunch.

Gozo, Halfa Rock, and San Niklaw Bay

After Blue Lagoon, the boat returns to sightseeing mode. You pass the coastline of Gozo and Halfa Rock, also known as Gebla tal-Ħalfa. The stop around Halfa Rock lasts roughly 15 minutes and is mainly for photos and views from the boat.

This part of the trip breaks up the swimming stops. You are not rushed from one swim straight into another, and the guide points out coastal features along the way. The rock formations are best appreciated from the water, where you can see their shape and position against the shoreline.

The cruise also passes San Niklaw Bay and the Comino Hotel. This is a quieter section of the route, with calm views and little need to do anything except watch the coast. If the sea is choppy, this is where you may appreciate the shaded seats and the chance to stay inside the boat.

Santa Maria Bay gives you breathing room

Santa Maria Bay, on Comino’s northern side, is presented as a more peaceful alternative to Blue Lagoon. The schedule describes a stop of about 45 minutes, while the included-services information lists 15 minutes, so confirm the exact timing when you book. In practice, the duration may depend on the departure and operating conditions.

The bay is suitable for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or a little time on the beach. It does not have the same fame as Blue Lagoon, which is exactly why many people prefer it. If your ideal Comino afternoon involves fewer crowds and more room to look around, this stop may suit you best.

The water can still have a current, and the boat may be anchored away from the shore. Follow the crew’s instructions and do not swim farther than you can comfortably return. If you prefer not to enter the water, Santa Maria Bay is still worthwhile for coastal views.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock

Near the end of the route, the boat makes its way toward Santa Maria Caves. The smaller vessel is a real advantage here. It can approach the cave openings more closely than many large boats, giving you a better look at the rock walls and dark entrances.

Depending on the sea and the captain’s judgment, you may get close enough for strong photographs. The caves are a sightseeing stop rather than a long shore visit, so keep your camera ready. A waterproof camera or phone case would be useful if you want pictures from the water.

The final landmark is Elephant Rock, a natural formation shaped like an elephant when viewed from the right angle. It is a quick photo stop, but it gives the route a memorable finish. Afterward, you cruise back to Ċirkewwa.

What the crew adds to the experience

A good small-boat trip depends heavily on the captain, and Johnny receives repeated praise for his friendly manner, local explanations, and practical help. He has been described as entertaining without losing track of the schedule, and he has helped older passengers and people with mobility concerns use the boat ladder.

The family feel is part of the charm. One departure included Johnny’s young son helping around the boat, which gave the outing a relaxed, personal character. The crew also uses fish food at times to attract fish near the boat, though this should not be treated as a guaranteed part of every departure.

Communication is not perfect on every trip. One passenger found the driver quiet and felt passengers were simply dropped at stops and collected later. That seems to be the exception, but if you want detailed commentary at every landmark, ask questions directly.

Timing, weather, and comfort

The advertised duration is three to four hours, depending on the departure. Four hours feels about right for this route. You get enough time to swim at several locations without spending the entire day on a boat.

Weather matters. In calm conditions, the boat ride is pleasant and the cave approach is a highlight. In rougher conditions, the ride can be wet and uncomfortable. The sea was choppy on some autumn and spring outings, and one passenger reported getting soaked by waves. People prone to seasickness should skip this tour, and the experience is not suitable for pregnant women.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. I would add sturdy footwear for Crystal Lagoon, a waterproof pouch for valuables, and a light cover-up for the ride back. You have shaded seating, but the sun can still be strong during the swimming stops.

Who should book this Comino tour?

I would choose this outing if you want a compact half-day on the water, three chances to swim, and close views of the caves without joining a huge boat party. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, and anyone who values a friendly crew and a relaxed schedule.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet, empty Blue Lagoon. The famous bay is busy, and the shoreline has food stalls and other boats. It is also not ideal for anyone uncomfortable with boat ladders, open-water swimming, or changing sea conditions.

At $31, the value is strong. The price covers several landmarks, two major lagoon stops, a Santa Maria Bay stop, a toilet, shade, paddleboard use, swim noodles, and a small group. The main extra costs are drinks, food, and snorkeling equipment.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is seeing a lot of Comino in three to four hours while staying on a relatively small boat. Crystal Lagoon, the close approach to Santa Maria Caves, and the friendly help from Johnny are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Skip it if you dislike choppy water or want to spend the day quietly on a beach. Before booking, confirm your departure time, arrange the free Blue Lagoon pass, and arrive early at the café meeting point. With those details handled, this is a practical, good-value way to see Comino’s best water and rock formations.

FAQ

How long is the Comino boat tour?

The tour lasts about three to four hours. The schedule includes sightseeing cruises, swimming stops, and visits around Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock.

Where does the boat leave from?

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

Do I need a pass for Blue Lagoon?

You need a free pass from blcomino.com if you want to leave the boat and enter Blue Lagoon bay. Choose the correct morning, afternoon, or sunset slot, then show the pass to Transport Malta officials at Ċirkewwa for the official wristband.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkels can be rented onboard for €5. A stand-up paddleboard and swim noodles are included, and life jackets are available if you ask the crew.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Sensible shoes are useful at Crystal Lagoon because the ground is rocky.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The tour is specifically not suitable for people prone to seasickness. It is also not suitable for pregnant women, and rough weather can make the ride wet and uncomfortable.