Mellieha: 1:00pm Speedboat round Comino Caves 2h Blue Lagoon

Comino is at its best from the water, and this 3.5-hour speedboat tour gives you a fast, lively look at the island without committing to a full-day cruise. You race past St Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, quiet bays, and sea caves before spending two hours at the famous Blue Lagoon.

I like the way the trip combines real sightseeing with swimming time, rather than keeping you on the boat all day. I also like the quick departure from Marfa Bay, which puts you close to Comino and leaves more time for the island itself.

The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon stop. It can become very crowded, especially later in the day, and the ride is open to sun, spray, and sharp movement. If you want a quiet boat trip or have back problems, this is not your outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours at the Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or try water activities during the longest stop.
• A proper speedboat ride: The skipper keeps the pace lively, and you should expect to get wet.
• Caves at no extra charge: Santa Maria Caves and Comino’s east and west cave areas are part of the boat trip.
• Comino from every angle: The route passes St Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.
• A 1:00pm start: This timing may suit your schedule, but the Blue Lagoon is often fuller later in the day.
• Simple, focused value: At $34 per person, the tour bundles transport, cave visits, island sightseeing, and two hours of free time.

Why this Comino speedboat trip works well

This excursion is built for people who want the highlights of Comino in half a day. You are not simply ferried to the Blue Lagoon and left there. The boat circles much of the island, stopping for views and photos while the skipper points out natural and historic sights.

The route begins at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, only a short distance from Comino. That location matters. You avoid a long approach from farther away, so the tour can spend its time on the island’s coast rather than using the first part of the trip just to get there.

The boat ride is part of the attraction. The speedboat moves quickly, and the water spray is part of the deal. One guide, Augustino, is described as friendly and fun, while another guide from Bali is noted for keeping the trip entertaining. The exact skipper may vary, but you can expect an English-speaking guide and a more energetic ride than you would get on a large, slow ferry.

At $34 per person, the price is reasonable for the amount included. You get the speedboat ride around Comino, visits to the caves, scenic passes by the island’s main bays, and a full two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon. Food and drinks are not included, so bring what you need or plan to buy something separately.

Marfa Bay to St Mary Battery

The trip starts at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so do not arrive at the last moment. You should also leave large bags and luggage behind, since they are not allowed on the boat.

Once underway, the first views include St Mary Battery, also called Santa Marija Battery. The fortification sits above the water and gives the coast a touch of military history alongside its sea views. On this trip, it is mainly a sightseeing pass rather than a long historical visit, so expect a quick look from the boat.

That limited time is both a benefit and a limitation. You get to see more of Comino, but you will not have the leisurely chance to study every fortification or read detailed information on site. If your priority is historic buildings, you will want a separate visit to Comino or Gozo. If your priority is seeing the island’s coast, the brief stop is enough to place the landmark in the wider setting.

The speedboat also passes points around Ghajnsielem and the southeastern side of Comino. These sections are about changing views, clear water, and the shape of the island’s rocky shore rather than formal stops. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray.

Elephant Rock and the Santa Maria Caves

Elephant Rock is one of the more memorable natural features on the route. The rock formation is best appreciated from the water, where its outline makes sense and the boat gives you a changing angle as you pass.

The trip then reaches the Santa Maria Caves, with time for photos and sightseeing. Comino’s caves are a major reason to choose a small speedboat rather than simply taking transport to the Blue Lagoon. The boat can bring you close to openings in the rock, giving you a look at the colors and shadows inside.

The cave visits are included in the $34 price. That is important, since some island outings charge separately for add-on cave trips or only offer a brief coastal pass. Here, the caves are part of the main route.

Do not expect a long walk through dry caves. This is a water-based visit, and the skipper controls how close the boat can go according to sea conditions and safety. You may get a photo stop and a close view, but the exact amount of time in each area can change.

The ride then continues past Santa Maria Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These bays show a quieter side of Comino than the Blue Lagoon. Their water can look inviting from the boat, and the contrast helps explain why Comino attracts so many swimmers, boaters, and snorkelers.

The Blue Lagoon stop: two hours in the busiest place

The Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece of the day, with two hours set aside for free time. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk, and take photos. The water is famously clear, and even a short swim gives you the main reason people come to this part of Malta.

Two hours is a useful amount of time. You can get changed, swim, sit in the sun, and still have a little room to repeat your favorite activity. One practical point is that the time can pass quickly if you spend part of it finding a place to settle in or walking around the shore.

The setting is beautiful, but the Blue Lagoon is not a quiet secret. It can become very crowded, especially around the middle of the day and later in the afternoon. The 1:00pm departure means you should not book this tour expecting an empty shoreline. The boat ride and the nearby caves may be the strongest parts of the experience if you dislike crowds.

You may find water activities such as kayaking, parasailing, and jet skis in the area. These are not included in the tour price, and the supplied information does not promise a particular activity or operator. Treat them as possible extras, not part of your booking.

Snorkeling is included only in the sense that you have free time to swim and snorkel. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, since food, drinks, and personal equipment are not listed as included. The water is also a good place to watch small fish, so a mask can add a lot to the stop.

If you want to walk to St Marija Tower, check the current access rules before you go. From May 1, 2025, anyone stepping onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon to explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com. This new rule applies to all operators. The boat trip itself still includes the Blue Lagoon stop, but island access and a walk to the tower require the registration described above.

Crystal Lagoon and the return to Marfa Bay

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat passes Crystal Lagoon, another clear-water area on Comino. This section is valuable because it can offer a different feel from the main lagoon. One skipper stopped for a few minutes so passengers could jump into Crystal Lagoon in a more secluded spot, but you should not assume every departure will include a swim there. The itinerary specifically lists a photo stop, visit, sightseeing, and pass by.

Crystal Lagoon is a good example of why the boat route adds value. A land visit to the Blue Lagoon alone does not give you the same view of the island’s other coves and sea caves. From the boat, you get a wider sense of Comino’s coastline in a short time.

The return to Blue Waves Watersports completes the loop. Since the tour runs for about 3.5 hours, you still have part of the day available afterward. That makes it useful for a short Malta stay or for anyone who wants Comino without giving up a full day.

Sea and weather conditions can change the route. The captain may cancel or alter the trip for safety, and a weather cancellation brings an alternative date or a refund. The speedboat’s movements can also be sharp, especially at speed, so keep both hands free when needed and expect water spray.

What the $34 price really buys you

The value here comes from combining several small experiences in one outing. A separate boat ride around Comino, a cave visit, and transport to the Blue Lagoon can quickly add up. This tour puts all three together for $34, with two hours of independent time at the main swimming spot.

You are paying for efficiency more than luxury. Food and drinks are not included, and this is not a slow sightseeing cruise with a long commentary program. The focus is on movement, scenery, swimming, and a little history.

The strongest value is for someone who does not want a full-day boat trip. You get a broad look at Comino, but the schedule stays compact. If you only want to swim at the Blue Lagoon, a simple transfer may be enough. If you want the caves and the island’s coastal sights too, the added boat circuit makes this price more convincing.

The two-hour stop also gives you control. You can spend it in the water, on the shore, or simply resting after the ride. Just remember that the busiest conditions may occur during this part of the afternoon.

Who should choose this tour

I would recommend this trip to active adults, couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy a fast boat and want a mix of sightseeing and swimming. It suits you especially well if you want to see Comino’s caves but do not want a long cruise.

It is less suitable if you need a smooth, quiet ride. The boat can move fast, and you should be prepared to get wet. Pregnant people, those with back problems or recent surgery, and wheelchair users should not book it. The activity information also lists people over 60 as unsuitable, with further age limits repeated for older age groups, so older passengers should take that restriction seriously rather than assuming the boat will be comfortable.

The equipment list is simple: sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear. Biodegradable sunscreen is a sensible choice around clear-water swimming areas. High-heeled shoes, weapons, sharp objects, large bags, alcohol, drugs, and intoxication are not allowed. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Malta plans are still shifting, but it does not remove the need to check the forecast. The captain has the final say when sea conditions are unsafe.

Practical ways to enjoy the afternoon

Arrive early enough to board before the 15-minute cutoff. Wear beach clothes under something light, since the tour moves between open water, sun, and swimming time. Keep your belongings small and secure.

If you want the best chance of enjoying the Blue Lagoon before it becomes too full, an earlier departure may be wiser than the 1:00pm option. The exact starting times depend on availability, so compare them before booking. The afternoon departure remains useful if you have morning plans or want a later start.

Bring your own water and snacks, since food and drinks are not included. Do not count on large storage space for bags. A towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof way to protect your phone are practical choices, though only the first items are specifically required in the activity information.

For the island walk, register at www.blcomino.com if you plan to step off at the Blue Lagoon and explore Comino on foot. This is particularly important if St Marija Tower is one of your goals. A registration rule introduced on May 1, 2025 means that the boat booking alone does not replace the official entry ticket.

Should you book the Comino speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a short, energetic Comino trip with caves, coastal views, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon. The $34 price is fair because the boat ride around the island and cave visits are included, not treated as optional extras.

Choose another option if you want a peaceful, spacious cruise, dislike getting wet, or mainly want a quiet swim away from crowds. For most active visitors, though, the boat circuit is the reason to go. The Blue Lagoon is famous, but Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, St Mary Battery, and Crystal Lagoon give the outing more substance than a simple beach transfer.

FAQ

How long does the Comino speedboat tour last?

The activity lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the tour depart?

The tour starts and ends at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, Malta.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get a two-hour stop with time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, and photos.

Are the cave visits included in the price?

Yes. The speedboat ride around Comino and the cave visits are included, with no extra charge listed for the caves.

Do I need an entry ticket to walk on Comino?

From May 1, 2025, anyone who steps onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon to explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through www.blcomino.com.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The captain may cancel or change the trip because of weather, sea conditions, or safety issues. If the cruise is cancelled for those reasons, you receive an alternative date or a refund.