Comino Island: including Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & sea caves

Comino’s Crystal Lagoon is the star of this boat trip. Its clear water, steep cliffs, and sea caves make it feel far more special than a simple ferry ride. You can swim from the catamaran, use its three slides, or float near the rocks before heading to the famous Blue Lagoon.

I like the comfortable boat with cushioned sun loungers, toilets, showers, bars, and a large top-deck slide. I also like the route itself, which includes Malta’s cliffs, St. Paul’s Island, several sea caves, and the unusual Elephants Head rock formation. The main drawback is simple: Blue Lagoon gets extremely crowded, especially in summer, and the best loungers go quickly.

Key points to know before you book

• Crystal Lagoon is the quieter highlight: You get about an hour there from June through October, with time for swimming and snorkeling in clear water.
• Blue Lagoon time varies by season: The stop lasts roughly two to four hours on the daytime trip, with about two hours on the shorter sunset sailing.
• The catamaran is your floating base: Sunbeds, slides, toilets, showers, bars, and an air-conditioned main deck are all available onboard.
• Arrive early for the best seats: Loungers are free but assigned on a first-come basis. The front of the upper deck offers the most appealing positions.
• Plan for extra costs: Food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and lockers cost extra. Snorkeling equipment is listed at €5, while personal lockers cost €2.
• Weather controls the schedule: Crystal Lagoon operates from June 1 through October 30 and only in fair conditions. The captain can change the route for safety.

Setting out from Bugibba Jetty

The trip begins at Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, a practical departure point for a day on the water. From Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s, take a bus toward St. Paul’s Bay and get off at the Moll stop. Parades is also listed as the nearest stop to the departure area, so check the exact directions and listen for onboard instructions about return times.

You should arrive early, especially if you want a cushioned lounger. Some people arrive 30 minutes before departure and still find the queue well underway. An hour gives you a much better chance of claiming a comfortable spot near the front.

The boat is a modern catamaran designed for stability, with a maximum capacity of 250 people. That is not a small group, but the wide layout gives you room to move around. The upper deck is mainly made up of sunbed-style loungers. On the lower deck, the outside seats face the sea, while the inner seats are more like ordinary chairs.

The seating numbers do not mean you have a reserved sunbed. You still need to claim your place early. Some loungers sit close to the railings, and not all offer the same view, so take a quick look before settling in.

The coastal cruise to Comino

The ride to Comino takes about an hour. Along the way, the catamaran cruises close to Malta’s coast, giving you a good look at tall cliffs, rocky inlets, and small hollows worn into the shore.

The onboard commentary is offered in English, Italian, French, German, and Polish. It adds useful context without turning the ride into a lecture. You also pass St. Paul’s Island, marked by the tall statue of the apostle Saint Paul, a striking sight from the open sea.

The route includes several large sea caves, which are mainly viewing and photo stops. This is important: the standard tour does not promise that you can swim inside every cave. If you want a closer look, an optional speedboat ride into the caves may be offered for about €15 per adult and €10 per child. That cost is separate from the tour, so keep some extra money available if cave access is a priority.

The boat may also have underwater viewing windows, known as submarine vision. These are available depending on the vessel, season, departure time, and sea conditions. Visibility can be poor when the water is rough, and from November through April a large sailing catamaran may be used without these windows.

Crystal Lagoon, Comino’s best swimming stop

From June through October, the catamaran spends about an hour at Crystal Lagoon on the daytime trip. The evening and sunset sailing usually stops for about 30 minutes. From November through May, the stop is reduced to roughly 15 minutes for photos and cave views rather than a full swimming session.

Crystal Lagoon is reached by boat, with steep cliffs enclosing its clear water. This makes the stop feel more secluded than Blue Lagoon, although it can still be busy in good weather.

You can swim directly from the catamaran, and the boat is positioned near a cave for easier access. The water is deep, so life jackets are available for anyone who is not a confident swimmer. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Equipment may be available to rent, but availability and pricing can vary, and buying gear on or near Comino can cost more than expected.

There are three waterslides on the boat. You can use the large slide from the top deck or the two smaller slides. There are also jumping platforms for confident swimmers. The slides are a real part of the fun here, particularly for families and anyone who wants more than a quiet swim.

The water around the cliffs is the main attraction. You might see fish and underwater features near the rocks, but conditions change with the weather. Water shoes can be helpful around the rocky edges of the Blue Lagoon and other swimming areas.

Blue Lagoon, beautiful and very busy

The catamaran moors in a prime position at Blue Lagoon, giving you a broad view of the famous water. You can swim from the boat or walk ashore to explore the small island.

On the daytime trip, you get roughly two to four hours at Blue Lagoon, depending on the season and operating plan. The 5:00 PM Seabird tour is shorter, lasting about four hours in total, with approximately two hours at Blue Lagoon and a shorter Crystal Lagoon stop.

Blue Lagoon is exceptionally clear and bright, but the setting is no secret. In summer, the shoreline and water can be packed. Walking around may feel cramped, and swimming away from the busiest patch can take patience. The boat is often the better base. You can keep your lounger, use the facilities, and swim directly from the side without fighting for space on shore.

This is where the catamaran’s facilities matter. You get:

• A large top-deck waterslide and two smaller slides
• Jumping platforms
• Cushioned sun loungers
• Toilets, including an accessible toilet with a changing area and showers
• An air-conditioned main deck
• Two onboard bars
• Hot and cold food and drinks for purchase
• Snorkeling equipment for hire
• Personal lockers for €2

The free loungers are first come, first served. If you leave the boat for a long time, you risk losing your position or finding the boat’s access arrangements changed. The vessel may need to move or raise the boarding bridge, so listen carefully to announcements and note the required return time.

You can also walk ashore for food and drinks, but the boat’s kitchen and bars are convenient if you prefer not to leave. Outside food and drinks are not permitted onboard, so budget for purchases during the six-hour outing. Lines can become long when many people order at once, particularly at the busiest part of the day.

Santa Maria Caves and the return to Bugibba

As the day winds down, the boat begins its return journey to Bugibba. The route passes through the Santa Maria pirate caves and the rock formation called Elephants Head.

These are short scenic stops, lasting only a few minutes, but they give you a final look at Comino from the water. Keep your camera ready. The best views may come quickly, and the boat’s position can change with wind and sea conditions.

The full daytime trip lasts about six hours. The sunset option lasts about four hours and gives you the chance to see the sun dropping over the sea. In cooler months, the evening ride can feel chilly on the upper deck, even when the day began pleasantly. Bring a light jumper or wrap, and remember that wind can make the sun feel less intense than it really is.

Is the $36.20 price good value?

At about $36.20 per person, this is a fair price if you want a full boat day that combines transport, swimming, sightseeing, and onboard facilities. You are not just paying for a ferry ticket. The catamaran provides loungers, slides, toilets, showers, commentary, and access to Crystal Lagoon, which is not always included on simpler Comino transfers.

The value is strongest from June through October, when Crystal Lagoon receives a proper swimming stop. You also get several hours at Blue Lagoon, though the crowd level can reduce the pleasure of the shore visit.

The value is weaker if you only want to reach Blue Lagoon and spend the day on land. A basic ferry may cost less, and this tour can feel like a long transfer with a few scenic pauses if you skip the swimming, slides, and boat facilities.

Budget for extras. Food and drinks are not included. Snorkeling equipment costs extra, and the supplied information lists €5 for hire, while some onboard or island sales may differ. Lockers cost €2. Towels are not provided, so bring one.

The optional cave speedboat is another separate expense. It can make the cave portion more memorable because the small boat can travel farther inside, but you should not assume it is part of the advertised fare.

Choosing the right season and departure

Summer gives you the fullest Crystal Lagoon stop and the warmest water, but it also brings the largest crowds. If your main aim is swimming and using the slides, June through October is the safest choice.

Spring and autumn can still be pleasant for swimming. Several departures in November had calm, warm weather, while late March brought cold wind for some passengers. The boat operates year-round, but sea conditions can change the plan quickly.

From November through May, Crystal Lagoon is generally a short photo stop rather than a full swim. The vessel may also be different, with no underwater viewing windows. If submarine vision is important to you, ask which boat is scheduled before departure.

The sunset trip suits you if you want a shorter outing and cooler light over the water. It gives you less time overall, but the later sailing can feel calmer and less demanding than a full six-hour day. The daytime trip is better for families, swimmers, and anyone who wants plenty of time at both lagoons.

What to pack and how to make the day easier

Pack a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a light layer. The wind on a moving catamaran can be surprisingly cool, while the sun remains strong. Reapply sunscreen often, since the breeze can hide how much sun you are getting.

Bring water shoes if your feet are sensitive to rocks. A personal snorkel and mask can save money and avoid equipment problems. Life jackets are available, but you should still tell the crew if you are not a strong swimmer.

Keep your booking QR code accessible. It may be needed for access arrangements at Comino, and losing track of it can cause unnecessary trouble. Pay attention to the crew’s announcements, especially if the route changes or the boat temporarily leaves the lagoon.

Smoking is not allowed onboard. Vaping is limited to designated areas. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but swimming stops depend on safe sea conditions.

The operator’s main contact method is email, with WhatsApp as a secondary option. Check both before the trip, particularly if you need an update about a departure time or weather change.

Who will enjoy this Comino boat trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a well-equipped swimming boat, not just a ride to an island. Families will appreciate the slides, toilets, showers, air-conditioned indoor space, and life jackets. Couples and friends may prefer the sunset departure, especially if they want a shorter cruise with sea views.

It also suits first-time visitors who want to combine the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and sea caves in one outing. You get a broad introduction to Comino without arranging separate ferries or boat rides.

I would think twice if your priority is peace and quiet. Blue Lagoon is heavily visited, and a boat carrying up to 250 people will never feel private. Independent walkers may also find the fixed schedule restrictive, especially if four hours on Comino sounds too long on a windy or cool day.

The biggest practical choice is where you spend your time. You can walk ashore at Blue Lagoon, but staying aboard lets you keep your lounger and use the slides. For many people, swimming from the boat is more comfortable than squeezing into the crowded shoreline.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want an easy, active day on the water with two lagoons, sea caves, and plenty of boat facilities. Crystal Lagoon gives the trip its strongest reason to exist, while the slides and comfortable loungers make the long day more enjoyable.

Choose the daytime trip in good weather if swimming is your main goal. Choose the sunset sailing if you prefer a shorter outing and evening views. Arrive early for a good lounger, bring a towel and warm layer, and expect to buy food and drinks onboard.

I would not book it solely for a quiet visit to Blue Lagoon. For that, a smaller boat or simple transfer may suit you better. But for a first Malta boat day, this offers a practical mix of scenery, swimming, fun, and comfort at a reasonable price.

FAQ

Where does the Comino tour depart from?

The tour departs from Bugibba Jetty at Dawret Il-Gzejjer in San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. From Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s, take a bus toward St. Paul’s Bay and get off at the Moll stop. Parades is also listed as the nearest bus stop.

How long does the tour last?

The daytime trip lasts about six hours. The evening or sunset trip lasts about four hours. The 5:00 PM Seabird tour is the shorter option.

Is Crystal Lagoon included?

Yes. Crystal Lagoon is included, but the length of the stop changes by season and departure. From June through October, the daytime stop lasts about one hour. From November through May, it is generally a short photo stop.

How long do you spend at Blue Lagoon?

You spend about two to four hours at Blue Lagoon on the daytime trip, depending on the season and operating plan. The shorter sunset trip includes about two hours there.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase from the onboard bars and kitchen. Outside food and drinks are not allowed onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for an additional fee, listed as €5. You can also bring your own equipment. Towels are not provided.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The tour requires good weather, and the captain may cancel or change the route for safety. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.