Malta: Gozo, Comino, Sea Caves, and Blue Lagoon Cruise

The best thing about this Comino cruise is its small 24-passenger boat. It can get close to caves and rocky corners that larger vessels may pass by, while still giving you three proper stops for swimming, snorkeling, or shore time. You see a lot of Comino in a short outing, rather than spending the whole trip at one crowded lagoon.

I like the generous swim breaks at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, and I like that skipper Johnny gives clear timings and explains what you are seeing. The free stand-up paddleboard and swim noodles are useful extras, too. The main consideration is weather: rough water can force changes, and the boat is not suitable for people prone to motion sickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Small boat access: A 24-passenger boat can approach the Santa Maria Caves and other rocky inlets more closely than many larger craft.
• Three water stops: You get 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, one hour at Blue Lagoon, and 45 minutes at Santa Maria Bay.
• Good-value extras: Shade, an onboard toilet, a free paddleboard, swim noodles, life jackets, and an experienced crew are included.
• Blue Lagoon rule: From May 1, 2025, you need a free, time-specific QR code from blcomino.com to step ashore at Blue Lagoon.
• Simple meeting point: Find the boat behind Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe, down the stairs and around the left corner.
• Bring your own basics: Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for food, drinks, or rented snorkeling equipment.

Why this small boat makes a difference

Comino is famous for clear water and pale rock, but its popularity can make the Blue Lagoon feel more like a busy transport hub than a quiet island escape. This cruise works best because it spreads your time around the coast. You get the headline stop, then two other places where you can swim or walk with a little more breathing room.

The boat carries up to 24 people. That is not a private charter, but it is a far more personal scale than the large excursion boats that shuttle big groups across the channel. You can hear the guide, move around without a fight for space, and get closer to the caves.

The crew also keeps the practical side simple. There is shade for breaks from the sun, a toilet onboard, and free use of a stand-up paddleboard and swim noodles. Snorkeling equipment is not included in the stated package, though it can be rented onboard. Some outings have included masks at no extra cost, but I would not rely on that. Bring your own if snorkeling is important to you.

Leaving Cirkewwa and passing the Comino Tower

The meeting point is behind Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe in Mellieha. Go down the stairs behind the cafe and turn left around the corner to find the boat. Free parking at the meeting point is included, which is useful if you are driving to Malta’s northern tip.

The first part is a sightseeing cruise of roughly 15 minutes. You pass the Comino Tower, a square stone fort familiar from The Count of Monte Cristo. It gives the trip a small film-location connection, but the tower is also a good reminder that Comino’s rocky coast was once watched for military and maritime reasons.

From the water, the island quickly changes character. Golden rock and low scrub meet intensely blue-green water, with cliff faces cut by small inlets. The boat ride itself is part of the tour, so keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray if the sea is choppy.

Crystal Lagoon: the best early swim

Crystal Lagoon sits on Comino’s western side and is usually the first major stop. The boat remains here for about 45 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, look for marine life, or use the paddleboard.

This is a very good first stop because the water is known for its clarity. Sunlight reaches the shallow sandy bottom, creating the bright color people associate with Comino. It is a place for getting straight into the sea rather than simply taking a photograph from the rail.

You can also stay onboard if you prefer not to swim. The crew provides shade, and the boat offers a better view of the cliffs than you get from the water. If you want a quiet start, let other people rush into the lagoon and use the first few minutes to enjoy the setting.

The main limitation is that 45 minutes passes quickly. Allow time to collect your belongings, get your mask adjusted, and climb back aboard. The paddleboard is shared, so you may need to wait for a turn.

Blue Lagoon and the new shore-entry rule

Next comes Blue Lagoon, the most famous stop and the one most likely to shape your decision to book. The boat spends about an hour here. You can swim, snorkel, use the paddleboard, take a noodle into the water, or sit on shore if you have the required entry QR code.

The shallow seabed lets the sunlight produce striking shades of blue. Fish can be seen in the water, and the stop gives you enough time to do more than take a quick dip. Some schedules and conditions may allow around two hours at this part of the outing, but the stated plan is one hour, so check your departure details carefully.

From May 1, 2025, anyone stepping onto Comino at Blue Lagoon must present a valid QR code. You obtain it free from www.blcomino.com, with a specific morning, afternoon, or sunset slot. Match the slot to your boat departure. If you stay on the boat, you do not need the QR code.

This rule matters because a Blue Lagoon stop from the water is not the same as shore access. If you want to walk on the island, sunbathe on the beach, or buy something at the shore, arrange the code in advance. If your priority is swimming from the boat, you can remain aboard and avoid that extra step.

Blue Lagoon is also the busiest part of the route. The small boat helps, but it cannot make the lagoon private. I would treat this stop as the famous centerpiece, not the entire reason for coming.

Halfa Rock, San Niklaw, and Comino’s quieter side

After Blue Lagoon, the boat passes the area known as Halfa Rock, or Gebla tal Halfa. This is a sightseeing section rather than a long shore visit. The stop lasts around 15 minutes, with scenic views and time to photograph the rock from the water.

You also pass San Niklaw Bay and the hotel on Comino. These shorter passages break up the swimming and let you see how different parts of the island fit together. They are especially useful if you want a broad coastal tour rather than a simple ferry ride to Blue Lagoon.

The captain may alter the route if the sea becomes rough. That is a sensible safety decision, but it means the exact order or length of a stop can change. Past outings have skipped a feature in choppy conditions while still reaching other caves and viewpoints. Pack a light layer even on a warm day, especially if you are wearing only swimwear after a long swim.

Santa Maria Bay gives you another choice

Santa Maria Bay is the third main stop, with about 45 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or going ashore. Compared with Blue Lagoon, this stop gives the outing a different rhythm. You can walk along the beach, look around, or stay near the boat and swim.

I particularly like having this second beach stop. If Blue Lagoon feels too busy, Santa Maria Bay gives you another chance to enjoy the water without making the whole day depend on one famous location. It also suits families and mixed groups because some people can swim while others stay dry on shore.

In cooler months, 45 minutes at a beach may feel long if you are not entering the water. That is worth considering for a winter trip. In warm weather, the time is more useful, especially if you want to paddleboard or snorkel.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy them at beach stops, and drinks are also available onboard, but I would carry cash and bring a snack and water. There is no reason to leave a comfortable swim early because you are hungry.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock

The final sightseeing section visits the Santa Maria Caves for about 10 minutes. The small boat is a real advantage here. It can move closer to the openings and rocky walls than a larger vessel, giving you a better look inside and a stronger sense of the shape of the coast.

This is a photo stop, not a long cave walk. You stay with the boat and view the formations from the water. Sea conditions affect how close the skipper can safely go, so do not expect the exact same route every time.

The cruise then pauses at Elephant Rock for another 10 minutes. The rock gets its name from its outline, which becomes easier to recognize from the correct angle. Have your camera ready, since the boat may not linger for long.

Finally, you return to Cirkewwa Cafe and the original meeting point. The advertised duration is 3 to 4 hours, though timing can shift with weather, sea conditions, and the pace of the group. If you have a flight, ferry, or another fixed appointment, leave a sensible buffer rather than planning a tight connection.

What the $32 price really covers

At $32 per person, this is strong value if you want a sightseeing cruise plus several chances to swim. The price includes marina fees, lagoon permits, the crew, shade, a toilet, parking at the meeting point, life jackets, the paddleboard, swim noodles, and the three main stops.

The value comes from the range. A basic boat trip that only visits Blue Lagoon would give you the famous water, but not the same look at Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, caves, Halfa Rock, and Elephant Rock. Here, you are paying for both transport and time on the water.

There are extra costs to keep in mind. Food is not included, drinks cost extra, and snorkeling gear is rented onboard rather than supplied as standard. Bring cash, especially if you plan to buy anything at the beach stops.

The boat has shade, but this remains a very sunny outing. Sunscreen, a towel, and a cover-up are not optional comforts. You will be wet, exposed to wind, and moving between boat, beach, and water for much of the trip.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this for a first visit to Malta when you want to see several Comino highlights in half a day. It suits couples, friends, and families who like a flexible mix of swimming, photos, and short shore visits.

It is also a good match if you dislike large group excursions. The 24-person limit keeps the atmosphere manageable, and the boat can approach the caves more closely. The crew, especially skipper Johnny, is part of the appeal. He gives clear instructions, explains each sight, and tells you how long you have at every stop.

Families should note that children can enjoy the shorter boat ride, calm-water swimming, and noodles, but the sea may still be rough. Life jackets are available for emergencies and can be requested from the crew. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with motion sickness, or anyone over 95.

If you want a silent, slow cruise with no swimming, this may not be your best choice. The schedule is built around water time, and the boat can feel lively when people are climbing in and out. If you dislike waves, choose a calmer day if possible, since conditions can change the route and make the ride uncomfortable.

Practical ways to make the day better

• Arrive at the Cirkewwa meeting point with time to find the stairs behind the cafe.
• Get the Blue Lagoon QR code before leaving for the boat if you want to step ashore.
• Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, beachwear, cash, food, and water.
• Carry snorkeling gear if you already own it, since rental equipment costs extra.
• Keep a dry layer nearby for the return ride.
• Listen carefully to the crew’s return-time instructions at every stop.
• Do not litter. The coast is open, exposed, and easy for rubbish to carry into the sea.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make this easier to fit around a changing Malta schedule. Still, check the available departure time carefully, especially if you need to connect with transport afterward.

Should you book the Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a compact tour of Comino with real swim time, close views of caves, and a smaller boat rather than a large ferry-style outing. The $32 price is especially fair because the paddleboard, noodles, permits, parking, shade, and toilet are included.

Think twice if you are prone to seasickness, need guaranteed shore time at Blue Lagoon, or want a completely fixed route in all weather. For most active visitors, though, this is a well-balanced way to see the island. You get the famous lagoon, but also Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, caves, rock formations, and the pleasure of moving along the coast with a friendly crew.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and ends behind Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe in Cirkewwa, Mellieha. Descend the stairs behind the cafe and turn left around the corner to find the boat.

How long does the cruise last?

The stated duration is 3 to 4 hours. Check the available departure times when booking, and allow extra flexibility because sea conditions can affect the route and timing.

Do I need a QR code for Blue Lagoon?

You need a free, time-specific QR code from www.blcomino.com if you want to step onto Comino at Blue Lagoon. You do not need one if you remain on the boat.

What swimming stops are included?

The cruise includes about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, one hour at Blue Lagoon, and 45 minutes at Santa Maria Bay. Swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding are possible at the stops.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is not included in the stated price. You can rent it onboard. The stand-up paddleboard and swim noodles are free to use.

Is the cruise suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with motion sickness, or people over 95 years old. It also depends on sea conditions, and the crew may change part of the route if the water is rough.