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

Comino’s best scenery comes from the water, and this small boat tour gives you plenty of it in about four hours. You swim at Crystal Lagoon, spend an hour near Blue Lagoon, stop at Santa Maria Bay, and pass close to caves and rock formations that larger boats may only show from a distance.

I like the limited group size of about 24 people, which makes boarding, swimming, and getting close to the caves easier. I also like the three proper water stops, plus the free paddleboard and swim noodles. The main catch is that Blue Lagoon is much busier than Crystal Lagoon, and anyone prone to seasickness may find the open-water ride uncomfortable.

Key points to know before booking

• Crystal Lagoon gets the best swimming time: You have 45 minutes in clear water that is often the most memorable part of the trip.
• Blue Lagoon now requires a QR code for shore access: From May 1, 2025, you need a free time-specific code if you plan to step onto Comino.
• The boat carries only about 24 people: That is small enough for a quieter ride and closer views of the caves.
• Santa Maria Bay adds a sandy beach stop: You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk around instead of spending the whole trip afloat.
• Useful extras are included: A stand-up paddleboard, swim noodles, shaded seating, toilet, parking, and life jackets are available.
• The price is strong for a half-day outing: At $27 per person, you get several stops rather than one quick cruise to Blue Lagoon.

Why the small boat matters around Comino

Comino is a small island, but its shoreline packs in a surprising amount of scenery. From a boat, you see pale cliffs, narrow inlets, bright water, sea caves, and rock shapes that are hard to appreciate from land.

This boat holds only about 24 people. That does not make it private, but it does give the trip a more relaxed feel than a large sightseeing vessel. You have a better chance of finding a seat in the shaded area, getting a clear view over the side, and moving through the boat without a crush of people.

The smaller size matters most at the caves. The boat can get close enough for proper photographs and a good look inside the openings. One of the most useful tips is to bring a waterproof camera or phone case. You may have the chance to swim toward the caves, and the water-level view is far more interesting than a photograph taken from the deck.

The crew speaks English and Maltese. Johnny is noted as a particularly helpful crew member, including when assisting older people on board. That practical care matters on a boat with swimming stops, wet steps, and passengers of different ages.

Leaving Ċirkewwa and passing Comino Tower

The meeting point is behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. Go down the stairs behind the café, then turn left around the corner to reach the boat. Free parking is available at the meeting point, which is useful if you are driving to the northern end of Malta.

Once aboard, the boat begins with a short sightseeing cruise of about 15 minutes. You pass historic Comino Tower, a stone fortification associated with the filming of The Count of Monte Cristo. It is a good early reminder that Comino is more than a place for swimming. The island’s cliffs and forts have long made it useful as a lookout point.

The boat ride is part of the experience, not just transport between stops. You get changing views of Malta, Comino, and Gozo, with time to take photographs before the first swim. Sit where you can see the coastline, but remember that shade is valuable during the warmer part of the day.

Crystal Lagoon gives you the clearest water

The first main stop is Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side. You get about 45 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, marine-life viewing, and scenic photographs.

This is likely the strongest stop for people who care most about water color and clarity. The sea shifts through clear greens and blues, and the pale seabed helps create that glassy look. The water is the main attraction, so bring your swimwear on under your clothes and have your towel within easy reach.

A stand-up paddleboard is provided at no extra charge. You also get swim noodles, which are useful if you want to float without constantly treading water. Life jackets are available from the crew if you need one, though you should ask rather than expect one to be placed on every swimmer.

Snorkeling gear is not included. You can rent it on board, or bring your own equipment. Food is not included either, so do not count on a meal during the boat ride. Drinks can be purchased on board or at the beach stops, and carrying cash is sensible.

The 45-minute stop is long enough for a swim and a little snorkeling, but it is not an all-day water session. I would swim first, then use the last part of the stop for photographs or the paddleboard. Crystal Lagoon can feel more peaceful than Blue Lagoon, but conditions and crowd levels can change.

Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but expect more people

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat continues to Blue Lagoon for about an hour. Sunlight over the sandy seabed creates the famous bright blue water, and this is the place many people most want to see.

You can swim, snorkel, use the paddleboard, try parasailing, or relax near the shoreline. The range of choices makes this the busiest and most active stop. If you prefer a quiet swim, use Crystal Lagoon for that and treat Blue Lagoon as the iconic photo and sightseeing stop.

There is an important rule from May 1, 2025. Anyone stepping onto Comino at Blue Lagoon must have a free QR code obtained in advance from www.blcomino.com. Entry is assigned to a time slot, listed as morning, afternoon, or sunset. You need to select a slot that matches your boat departure and arrival time.

If you prefer to stay on the boat, you do not need a QR code. This may suit you if the shore is crowded, if you want to keep swimming from the boat, or if you simply prefer a shaded seat and a clear view of the lagoon.

The hour gives you enough time to enjoy the place, but do not assume that all of it will be calm. Blue Lagoon is the most popular stop, and the water may feel much busier than Crystal Lagoon. That contrast is useful to know before you book. You get the famous sight, but Crystal Lagoon may deliver the more relaxed swim.

Gozo, Halfa Rock, and San Niklaw Bay

After Blue Lagoon, the boat turns toward Gozo’s coastline and passes Promising Rock, also called Gebla tal-Ħalfa. This is mainly a sightseeing and photo section rather than a long shore visit.

Halfa Rock is allotted about 15 minutes of cruising and viewing. The boat’s smaller size helps here because you can move for a better angle without losing sight of the formation. Keep your camera ready, since the boat does not stop for a long land visit.

The route then passes San Niklaw Bay and the Comino Hotel. This section offers a quieter look at the island, with sheltered water and fewer demands on your time. You are not being rushed from one swim to the next. Instead, the cruise gives you a chance to take in Comino’s less famous corners.

The sightseeing portions are especially useful if you have already seen photographs of Blue Lagoon and want a fuller picture of Comino. They also break up the swimming, which can be welcome if you are traveling with children or older relatives.

Santa Maria Bay adds sand, space, and a slower stop

Santa Maria Bay is the final major swimming stop, with about 45 minutes ashore or in the water. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe on the sandy beach, use the paddleboard, or walk around the area.

This stop feels different from the lagoons. Crystal Lagoon is about clear water, Blue Lagoon is about the famous setting, and Santa Maria Bay gives you a beach. If you want to dry off, stretch your legs, or take a short walk, this is your best chance.

The 45-minute time limit means you should keep your plans simple. Swim and sunbathe, or swim and walk. Trying to do everything may leave you watching the boat’s departure time instead of enjoying the bay.

The beach can also be a practical place to buy food or drinks, since neither is included in the tour. Still, bring cash. The activity specifically recommends it, and cash is useful for purchases at the beach or on board.

Santa Maria Bay is a good fit for families and mixed-age groups because not everyone needs to snorkel. One person can float with a noodle, another can sit on the sand, and another can take a short walk. The crew has also been praised for helping older people, which adds reassurance for groups that do not all move at the same pace.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock finish the route

The final part of the outing is a cruise past Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock. Each stop is mainly for viewing and photographs, with roughly 10 to 15 minutes allotted in the route.

Santa Maria Caves are one of the reasons a smaller boat is useful. The vessel can get close to the openings, giving you a better sense of their size and shape. Depending on sea conditions and the crew’s approach, you may be able to swim toward the caves. Do not assume that cave access is guaranteed, but bring a waterproof camera in case the opportunity is available.

Elephant Rock is one of Comino’s most recognizable natural formations. From the right angle, its outline resembles an elephant leaning into the sea. The boat pauses for photographs before returning to Ċirkewwa.

These final stops work well because you can enjoy them without needing to leave the boat. After several swims, you may be ready to stay dry, sit in the shade, and watch the coastline slide past.

What is included, and what you still need to bring

The practical inclusions add real value to this trip. You get a shaded seating area, an onboard toilet, free parking at the meeting point, a stand-up paddleboard, swim noodles, and access to life jackets if needed.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be rented on board. Food is also excluded. Drinks are available for purchase on board or at the beach stops.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and beachwear
• Cash for food, drinks, or equipment
• A waterproof phone case or camera
• Your Blue Lagoon QR code if you plan to go ashore

You should also pack lightly. Wet swimwear, towels, and sunscreen take up enough space, and a large bag can get in the way on a compact boat.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people prone to seasickness. That is worth taking seriously. This is a boat trip with several hours on the water, not a short ferry crossing. If you are uncertain about motion sickness, ask a medical professional about suitable preparation before booking.

Is $27 good value for a four-hour Comino trip?

At $27 per person, this is a good-value way to see several of Comino’s main sights in one outing. You get around four hours on the water, three substantial swim or beach stops, several sightseeing sections, and a crewed boat with shade and a toilet.

The value is strongest if you want variety. A simple transfer to Blue Lagoon may cost less, but it will not give you Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, the caves, Halfa Rock, and Elephant Rock in the same trip.

You should also judge the price against the group size. About 24 people is small enough to make the boat feel personal without paying for a private charter. The free paddleboard and swim noodles are small extras, but they mean you can try another activity without adding another charge.

The tradeoff is that food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and any paid activity such as parasailing cost extra. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, and budget for refreshments.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most?

I would choose this trip if you want to swim in several places, see Comino’s coastline, and keep the day fairly compact. The 3 to 4-hour duration leaves room for other plans in Malta or Gozo.

It suits:

• People who want a small-group boat rather than a large cruise
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want repeated water stops
• Families and mixed-age groups
• Photographers interested in caves, cliffs, and rock formations
• First-time visitors who want the main Comino sights in one outing
• Anyone looking for a reasonably priced half-day activity

I would think twice if you dislike boat motion, want a completely quiet beach day, or have no interest in swimming. The tour includes sightseeing, but its rhythm centers on getting in the water.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available schedule carefully, especially when arranging the Blue Lagoon QR code.

Should you book the Comino Land Charters tour?

Book it if you want three different water experiences rather than one quick look at Blue Lagoon. Crystal Lagoon is the likely highlight for calm swimming and clear water, while Santa Maria Bay gives you a sandy beach and Blue Lagoon supplies the famous view.

The small boat, shaded seating, onboard toilet, and free water equipment make the $27 price easy to justify. Just plan around the Blue Lagoon QR code, bring cash and a towel, and remember that the most famous stop is also the busiest.

If you are comfortable on the sea and want a well-rounded Comino outing in half a day, this is a sensible choice. If you are prone to seasickness or want to avoid crowds altogether, stay on board at Blue Lagoon or choose a different kind of activity.

FAQ

Where does the Comino boat tour start?

The tour starts behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe at Ċirkewwa, Mellieħa. Descend the stairs behind the café and turn left around the corner to reach the boat.

Where does the tour end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe.

How long does the boat tour last?

The experience lasts about 3 to 4 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is a Blue Lagoon QR code required?

You need a free QR code obtained in advance from www.blcomino.com if you plan to step onto Comino at Blue Lagoon. Time-specific morning, afternoon, and sunset slots are available.

Do I need a QR code if I stay on the boat?

No. You can remain aboard during the Blue Lagoon stop without a QR code.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling gear can be rented on board. A stand-up paddleboard and swim noodles are included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food can be bought at the beach stops, while drinks are available on board or at the beach stops.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or for pregnant women.