Malta: Comino Blue Lagoon Boat Tour, Sea Caves & Swim Stops

Comino looks best from the water. This 5.5-hour cruise from Bugibba gives you plenty of time to swim at Blue Lagoon, while the smaller Mermaid boat can get closer to caves than larger vessels. I also like the friendly crew, shaded open-air area, onboard toilet, and snack bar. The main catch is that Blue Lagoon can be very busy, and cave visits depend on sea and weather conditions.

For $29, you get a lot of Malta scenery in one outing: a coastal cruise, several hours at Comino, sea caves, and views of Elephant Rock and St. Paul’s Island. You will need to buy food and drinks separately, and a Maltese government entry ticket for Comino is not included. The boat tour is in English only, so keep that in mind when booking.

Key points to know before you book

• The smaller Mermaid boat gets closer to the caves: The red, blue, and white boat is smaller than many cruise vessels, which helps with views and access near the rocky coast.
• Blue Lagoon is the main event: You get roughly three hours there, with time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, lunch, or a walk.
• The boat is not just a transport link: The route includes a cruise along Mellieħa Bay, Comino’s coast, St. Mary’s Caves, Elephant Rock, and St. Paul’s Island.
• The crew earns strong praise: Friendly staff, good timing, music, and a relaxed mood are repeated strengths of this trip.
• The sea controls the cave route: Crystal Lagoon Caves and St. Mary’s Caves may be viewed from outside or entered only when conditions allow.
• Arrive early: Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure and closes 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

Starting at Bugibba Jetty on the Mermaid

You meet the boat at Bugibba Jetty, where you should look for The Mermaid, a smaller red, blue, and white boat. This detail matters because several boats may be operating around the harbor, and the name and colors make the correct one easier to identify.

Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure. Do not cut it close. Boarding closes 10 minutes before departure, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals. There are no refunds for missing the departure, so arriving with time to spare is one of the simplest ways to protect your day.

The cruise begins with a scenic run from Bugibba toward Comino. You travel along the Maltese coast and across the Mediterranean, with views toward Mellieħa Bay and the islands ahead. The first sightseeing cruise lasts about an hour, so the journey itself forms a useful part of the outing rather than feeling like a short transfer to the swimming stop.

The boat has toilets and a snack bar. Drinks and light meals are available to purchase, but food and drinks are not included in the $29 price. Bring cash, as it is listed among the recommended items.

Three hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is the reason most people book this trip. Its clear turquoise water is excellent for swimming and snorkeling, and the calm, shallow sections make the stop suitable for families, couples, and people who are not strong swimmers.

You get about three hours here. That is a generous amount of time compared with boat trips that offer only a quick swim. You can swim from the boat, relax on deck, snorkel with rented equipment, or use the time for lunch and photos. Some departures have allowed passengers around three and a half hours for swimming and time on Comino, depending on the exact timing.

The boat also lets you jump directly into the water. That is a fun option, but you should bring a towel and swimwear that you can move around in comfortably. Pack sunscreen, a sun hat, and beachwear. Malta’s sun can be strong, and a shaded open-air area on the boat is useful when you need a break from it.

Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not a quiet secret. During the busy season, the water and shore can feel crowded. One useful timing detail comes from a later afternoon trip: the lagoon was noticeably less crowded after 5 p.m. Exact departure times vary, so check availability if a quieter swim matters to you.

The long stop gives you flexibility. If you love being in the water, you will have time to swim more than once. If you prefer dry land, you can walk around the island, sit in the sun, eat lunch, and return to the boat when you are ready. The only drawback is that the stop is long enough to feel repetitive if you do not enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or casual time by the sea.

Crystal Lagoon and St. Mary’s Caves by smaller boat

After Blue Lagoon, the route continues along Comino’s rough coastline. The boat passes dramatic cliffs and sea caves, including the Crystal Lagoon Caves and St. Mary’s Caves. The water and rock formations are the photo stars here, especially when the boat moves close enough for a clear view into the openings.

The smaller size of The Mermaid is a real advantage. It can provide a closer look at some caves than a large vessel, and the crew can point out sights along the route. The captain also shares information about the area and its history, although the tour language is English only.

Do not treat the cave section as guaranteed swimming or entry. The crew may enter or view the caves according to the sea and weather. The activity information specifically notes that the caves are weather-dependent, and the captain can change the route for safety.

The scheduled cave stop is about 15 minutes. That is enough for a photo stop and a close look, but not enough for a long exploration on foot. In some conditions, you might cruise past the entrances rather than go inside. This is one reason to see the caves as an attractive bonus, not the single reason to book the boat.

Elephant Rock and St. Paul’s Island

The boat also passes Elephant Rock, a distinctive natural formation along Comino’s coast. This is mainly a photo stop from the water, not a landing. Have your camera ready because the boat may not remain in place for long.

St. Paul’s Island is another scenic pass-by. It adds more coastal views to the return route and helps turn the trip into a wider tour of the waters around Malta rather than a simple ride to Blue Lagoon and back.

These short stops are best understood as sightseeing moments. You will not have extended time at either location, but they offer a change of scenery after the long swim at Comino. The return sightseeing cruise takes about an hour, giving you time to sit back, dry off, and watch the coast.

What the boat atmosphere is like

The Mermaid is smaller than many boats serving Comino. That can make the trip feel less crowded, and the smaller vessel is especially helpful around the caves. Previous passengers also praised the shaded open-air area, which gives you protection from the sun without locking you inside a closed cabin.

The crew receives some of the strongest praise connected with this trip. They are described as friendly, welcoming, punctual, and helpful. The captain points out sights and shares information about the area, while the overall tone is relaxed rather than formal.

Music is part of the atmosphere. That will suit you if you like a casual day at sea with background sound. If you want a silent nature cruise, you may find it less suited to your taste.

The toilet is another small but important plus on a 5.5-hour trip. You also have a snack bar for drinks and light meals, although one practical note is that food and drinks cost extra. The safety equipment includes life jackets for the unlikely event they are needed.

Is $29 good value?

At $29 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want several parts of Malta in one outing. You get the boat cruise from Bugibba, the trip to Comino, about three hours at Blue Lagoon, cave viewing, and scenic passes by Elephant Rock and St. Paul’s Island.

The price is especially fair for anyone who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to Comino and a separate boat ride around the caves. You also get a toilet, snack bar, shaded seating, and an English-speaking crew.

The price does not cover your food, drinks, or the Maltese government entry ticket required to access Comino. Add those costs before making your budget. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent rather than included.

This is not a private boat trip, and Blue Lagoon can be crowded. You are paying for a shared sightseeing cruise, not exclusive access to the water. Still, the smaller boat and strong crew reputation help the trip feel more personal than some large group cruises.

The tour has a 4.4 rating from 272 reviews, which supports the general picture: very good value and a pleasant crew, with crowding and conditions as the main variables.

Who will enjoy this Comino cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly if you want one easy outing that combines swimming, views, caves, and time on the water. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a relaxed boat day without booking a private charter.

It is also a good fit if Blue Lagoon swimming is your top priority. Three hours gives you far more freedom than a short photo stop, and you can split the time between the water, deck, lunch, and a walk around Comino.

You should think twice if you dislike busy swimming spots, do not enjoy sitting in the sun, or want a quiet archaeological or walking tour. The stop at Comino is mainly about the sea, and the cave section is short and weather-dependent.

The English-only format works well if you are comfortable following a live guide in English. If you need another language, this is not the right choice.

Practical packing advice for a day at sea

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and beachwear. I would also pack a dry bag or other protection for small valuables, though no such item is specifically supplied by the operator.

Bring cash for drinks, light meals, and any other purchases. Snorkeling equipment can be rented, so you do not need to bring your own gear unless you prefer it.

Arrive at Bugibba Jetty at least 30 minutes before departure. The boat closes boarding 10 minutes before departure, and late passengers cannot expect the captain to wait.

Keep your schedule flexible. The captain may alter or cancel the outing because of weather, and cave access can change with sea conditions. If the caves are important to you, think of them as a bonus rather than a promise.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your Malta plans.

Should you book the Mermaid’s Blue Lagoon tour?

Book it if you want a well-priced, water-focused day from Bugibba, especially if you value a long Blue Lagoon stop and a smaller boat around the caves. The crew, shaded area, clean toilet, music, and relaxed mood add real comfort to a simple cruise.

Do not book it expecting an empty lagoon or a guaranteed cave entry. Blue Lagoon may be busy, food and drinks cost extra, and the captain must follow sea conditions.

For $29, this is a strong choice for swimming, island views, and an easy introduction to Comino. If you want to see Gozo as well, choose a different or longer trip, since this outing focuses on Comino and the surrounding bays rather than a full Gozo visit.

FAQ

How long is the Comino Blue Lagoon boat tour?

The tour lasts 5.5 hours, including the cruises from Bugibba, time at Blue Lagoon, and sightseeing around Comino.

Where does the boat tour start?

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty. Look for The Mermaid, a smaller red, blue, and white boat.

How early should I arrive?

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. Boarding closes 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?

No. The live guided tour is conducted in English only.

How much time do I get at Blue Lagoon?

The planned stop at Blue Lagoon lasts about three hours. Depending on the exact departure and timing, some trips may provide around three and a half hours on Comino.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent, but it is not included in the tour price.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Drinks and light meals can be purchased at the onboard snack bar.

Are the sea caves guaranteed to be open?

No. Visiting or entering the caves depends on weather and sea conditions. The captain may alter the route for safety.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.