Mellieha: 3:00pm Speedboat round Comino Caves 2h Blue Lagoon

The best part of this trip is the way it shows you Comino from the water before giving you two full hours at the famous Blue Lagoon. You zip past St Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, quiet bays, and sea caves, with the boat getting close enough for good photographs and a clear look at the rock walls.

I like the short run from Marfa Bay, only about 3 kilometers from Blue Lagoon, and the fact that cave visits and the full boat circuit are included in the $34 price. I also like the practical two-hour stop, which gives you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk toward St Marija Tower. The main consideration is the fast, open-boat ride. It can be lively on the waves, so it is a poor match for anyone with back problems, recent surgery, pregnancy, or a strong dislike of speed.

Key points to know before booking

• A 3.5-hour Comino circuit: You see the island’s main coastal sights rather than simply being dropped at Blue Lagoon.
• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: You have enough time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or a walk to St Marija Tower.
• Close views of caves: Santa Maria Caves, Crystal Lagoon, and other coastal caves are visited without an added cave fee.
• A fast speedboat feel: The ride is part sightseeing and part thrill, with waves and turns adding excitement.
• Departure at Marfa Bay: The starting point is close to Comino, helping keep the boat time focused on the island.
• Bring your own beach supplies: Food and drinks are not included, and you need a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and beachwear.

Why this Comino speedboat trip works well

Comino is small, but its best sights are scattered along a rugged coast. A boat lets you see much more than you would on foot from Blue Lagoon. In one outing, you pass old stone defenses, unusual rock formations, narrow cave openings, clear lagoons, and several bays.

The trip costs $34 per person and lasts about 3.5 hours. That is good value if you want both a scenic boat ride and time to swim. A simple transfer to Blue Lagoon would get you there faster, but it would not give you the full coastal circuit or the cave visits.

The boat leaves from Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay. Since the departure point is only around 3 kilometers from Blue Lagoon, you spend less time crossing open water and more time seeing Comino’s coast. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so arrive early rather than treating the listed start time as the time to walk up.

The experience is led in English by a professional skipper. Names connected with the crew include Augustino and Thomas. Augustino is described as a friendly guide who stopped the boat for photographs, while Thomas was praised for handling the waves well and adding playful circles for children. Your actual skipper may differ, but these details give you a useful sense of the service and ride style.

Leaving Marfa Bay for Comino

The opening stretch is the speedboat ride itself. This is not a slow sightseeing launch. You should expect a brisk trip with wind, spray, and movement, especially if the sea is lively.

That energy is a big part of the appeal. The boat can get close to the coast in places where larger vessels cannot, and the captain can turn for views of the cliffs and cave entrances. It also means you should hold on, keep loose items secure, and avoid bringing large bags.

The ride is likely to suit families with older children who enjoy a little excitement. One crew assessment specifically praised the skipper’s handling of the waves and the fun turns that made children smile. The same advice was clear: if this is your first powerboat ride, or if you have back trouble, choose a slower and larger boat instead.

St Mary Battery and Arch

One of the first major sights is Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija, commonly called St Mary Battery. The boat passes the structure rather than offering a long land visit, so think of this as a coastal viewing stop.

The battery adds a human story to the rock and sea scenery. From the water, you can see how the defensive position commands the surrounding bays. You will not have much time to study the building in detail, but it gives the route variety and helps break up the cave and beach views.

The nearby arch, listed as St Mary Battery Arch, is another good photo subject. The boat’s position matters here. From sea level, the opening and surrounding rock formations take on a different shape than they do from land.

Elephant Rock and the east coast

Elephant Rock is one of Comino’s most recognizable natural formations. The name comes from its shape, so have your camera ready as the boat passes. This is a scenic pass-by, not a separate landing.

The eastern side of Comino feels more exposed than Blue Lagoon. You see open water, pale rock, and a coastline shaped by wind and waves. The skipper’s route gives you a wider view of the island than you get from a crowded swimming area.

The boat also passes St Mary Bay and St Nicholas Bay. These stops are mainly for sightseeing, but they help you understand Comino’s layout. You see coves that are easy to miss if your whole visit is spent beside Blue Lagoon.

Santa Maria Caves and the hidden cave route

The Santa Maria Caves are among the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a basic Blue Lagoon transfer. The boat visits the cave area and gets close to the rock, allowing you to photograph the openings and walls from the water.

Conditions affect exactly how close the boat can go. Sea state and safety come first, and the captain can change the route when needed. Still, the plan includes the east and west cave areas, not just one quick look at a single opening.

The caves are best enjoyed as part of the moving route. You are not signing up for a long walking exploration underground. Instead, you get changing views as the boat approaches, passes, and turns away from the rock.

Bring biodegradable sunscreen, especially if you will swim or snorkel later. Sunglasses and a hat are also useful on the open boat, though you should secure them well in the wind.

The two-hour Blue Lagoon stop

Blue Lagoon is the main break, with two hours of free time. This is enough for a proper swim rather than a rushed dip, and you can choose how active you want the stop to be.

You can:

• Swim in the clear water
• Snorkel
• Sunbathe
• Take photographs
• Walk toward St Marija Tower for the view

The two-hour limit creates a useful balance. You have time to enjoy the water, but the stop is not so long that the day becomes only a beach visit. If you prefer sightseeing to swimming, the walk toward St Marija Tower gives you another way to use the break.

The tradeoff is that Blue Lagoon is famous and can feel crowded. One account described the beach as very crowded while still praising the nearby caves and the boat handling. You should go for the water and setting, not for solitude.

The activity says visitors who step onto Comino Island from Blue Lagoon to explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com, effective May 1, 2025. This matters if you plan to leave the swimming area and walk around. Check the current registration rules before departure, since the requirement applies to operators generally.

The boat stop itself and the rules for going ashore are separate practical details. Ask the operator what you need for your planned visit, especially if your goal is to walk to St Marija Tower rather than remain near the water.

Crystal Lagoon on the return route

After Blue Lagoon, the boat begins the return journey toward Marfa Bay. The route includes Crystal Lagoon, another scenic water area surrounded by pale rock and caves.

This section is a photo stop and pass-by rather than a second long swimming break. That is useful because you get another look at Comino’s coast without giving up the two-hour Blue Lagoon stop.

The caves around Crystal Lagoon add a final change of scenery. If the light is good, the contrast between the water and the rock can make this one of the most attractive parts of the trip. As always, the exact approach depends on the sea and the captain’s safety judgment.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At $34 per person, the trip offers a strong package for someone who wants several sights in one outing. The price includes the speedboat ride around Comino, cave visits, the island circuit, and the two-hour Blue Lagoon stop.

Food and drinks are not included. Plan accordingly, especially because the activity lasts 3.5 hours and the Blue Lagoon stop is free time rather than a catered beach break.

You should bring:

• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• A towel
• Sunscreen, preferably biodegradable
• Beachwear

Do not bring large luggage or large bags. High-heeled shoes, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, and intoxication are not allowed. Electric and non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.

The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, people with back problems, or people recovering from recent surgery. The published conditions also list age restrictions for people over 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 95. Since the wording repeats several age brackets rather than giving one clear limit, contact the provider before booking if anyone in your party is over 60.

Weather, sea conditions, and the skipper

A speedboat tour depends heavily on the sea. The captain can cancel or alter the outing for weather, sea conditions, or other safety concerns. If the cruise is cancelled for those reasons, you receive an alternative date or a refund.

That policy is reassuring, but it also tells you not to treat the route as fixed in stone. Cave approaches, speed, and the exact order of sights may change. A professional skipper’s first job is to keep the ride safe, not to force every planned maneuver.

The crew feedback points to two qualities worth valuing: friendly service and confident handling. Augustino was noted for being welcoming and for stopping to take group photographs. Thomas was praised for managing the waves and making the ride enjoyable for children. These are small details, but they matter on a fast boat where a calm, attentive skipper improves the whole outing.

Who should book this trip

I would choose this tour if you want an active half-day around Comino and do not want to spend the whole visit at one beach. It suits swimmers, snorkelers, photographers, families with children who enjoy speed, and anyone who wants to see the caves without paying for a separate activity.

It is also a good pick if you are staying in or near Mellieha and want a departure point close to Comino. The short distance from Marfa Bay keeps the outing efficient.

I would look elsewhere if you need a gentle cruise, have back or mobility concerns, or want a quiet beach day. The boat is designed for speed and fun, not a padded, slow-moving ride. Blue Lagoon itself may also feel crowded, so people seeking calm should set their expectations carefully.

The overall rating is 4.9 from 17 reviews, with especially strong praise for the skipper, the cave scenery, the lagoon views, and the friendly guidance. One account even described a sunset ending, though you should not assume every departure will include sunset. Starting times vary, so check availability if that matters to you.

Should you book the Comino speedboat?

Book it if you want the most scenery for a modest price and enjoy a ride with some kick. The combination of a full Comino circuit, close cave views, Elephant Rock, the bays, Crystal Lagoon, and two hours at Blue Lagoon is hard to beat at $34.

Skip it if you need a slow boat, have health or mobility limits, or would rather spend a full day in one peaceful place. For the right passenger, this is a lively and efficient way to see Comino from the water, with enough beach time to make the trip feel unhurried.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour depart from?

It departs from Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay in Mellieha. The departure point is about 3 kilometers from Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

How long does the activity last?

The total duration is about 3.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What sights are included?

The route includes St Mary Battery and Arch, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, St Mary Bay, St Nicholas Bay, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon. The boat also visits other cave areas around Comino.

How long do you stay at Blue Lagoon?

You have two hours of free time at Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, photography, or walking toward St Marija Tower.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so plan your supplies before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The captain may also cancel or alter the trip because of weather or sea conditions, with an alternative date or refund offered if the cruise is cancelled.