Mellieha: Speedboat Trip Round Comino Caves 2h @ Blue Lagoon

Comino makes the most sense from the water. This 3.5-hour speedboat trip circles the island, slips past St. Mary Battery and Elephant Rock, and brings you close to the East and West caves before giving you two full hours at Blue Lagoon. It is a quick, lively way to see Comino’s cliffs and clear water without spending the whole day aboard.

I like the no-extra-charge cave visits and the flexibility at Blue Lagoon. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, or walk toward St. Marija Tower. The main consideration is the lagoon’s popularity: it can become very crowded, and a speedboat ride is not a good match if you have motion sickness, back problems, or dislike fast movement.

Key points to know before you book

• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: Enough time for a proper swim, snorkeling, sunbathing, or a walk ashore.
• Comino from every angle: The route passes St. Mary Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, San Niklaw Bay, Crystal Lagoon, Elephant Rock, and Santa Maria Caves.
• Speed with a safety-minded skipper: Captains adjust the pace for the group, with Augustino and Valentino receiving especially warm praise.
• Caves included: The East and West hidden caves are part of the trip, with no separate cave fee.
• A good $35 value: You get a boat ride around Comino, cave sightseeing, and a two-hour Blue Lagoon stop in one outing.
• Small practical catch: Food and drinks are not included, and boarding closes 15 minutes before departure.

Why a speedboat is a smart way to see Comino

Comino is a small island, but its best features are scattered around the shoreline. From land, you see only a slice of it. From a boat, the cliffs, inlets, rock arches, and bright water fit together as one long coastal tour.

This trip begins at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, on Malta’s northern side. Marfa Bay is about 3 kilometers from Blue Lagoon, so the boat starts near Comino rather than wasting much of the outing on a long crossing.

The speedboat gives the trip energy. You get the wind, the spray, and the quick change from open water to narrow cave entrances. That makes this more exciting than a slow sightseeing cruise, though it also means you should bring a secure hat, sunglasses, and clothes you do not mind getting a little wet.

The captain is central to the experience. Augustino is repeatedly singled out for friendly explanations, careful handling, photo stops, and adjusting the speed to suit the group. Valentino is also praised for looking after adults, teenagers, and children. The exact captain depends on the day, but the trip clearly benefits from an active skipper rather than a driver who simply points at the shore.

The first sights: Elephant Rock and Comino’s eastern shore

After leaving Marfa Bay, the boat begins its circuit with scenic views along Comino’s coast. One of the first distinctive sights is Elephant Rock, a rock formation shaped, with a little imagination, like an elephant reaching into the sea.

This is a pass-by stop rather than a long landing. You will want your camera ready because the boat keeps moving, and the view changes quickly as the skipper turns along the shore.

The route then reaches the Santa Maria Caves. These are part of the cave portion of the trip, with time for sightseeing and photographs from the boat. The value here is access: you can see the cave openings and the water around them without arranging a separate excursion or paying another fee.

Do not expect a long underground walk. This is a boat-based look at Comino’s coastal caves, with the captain explaining what you are seeing as the boat moves along. At times, the skipper may slow down for pictures or bring the boat close enough to give you a better view, subject to sea conditions and safety.

St. Mary Battery, Santa Maria Bay, and San Niklaw Bay

St. Mary Battery, also called St. Mary Battery Arch in the tour description, adds a man-made feature to the natural scenery. The boat passes the battery and its arch as part of the island circuit, giving you a view that is hard to get from the Blue Lagoon area alone.

Santa Maria Bay follows, with its quieter shoreline and open water. The trip does not treat this as a separate long stop, but the pass-by is useful because it shows you a different side of Comino. The Blue Lagoon gets most of the attention, yet the bays and coves around the rest of the island are a major reason to take the full circuit.

The boat also passes San Niklaw Bay, sometimes referred to as St. Nicholas Bay. Again, this is mainly sightseeing from the water. If your goal is to collect a broad view of Comino in one outing, this route does the job well. If you want long swims at several separate coves, the two-hour Blue Lagoon stop may feel like the main event rather than one stop among many.

The hidden caves and what the skipper adds

The East and West hidden caves are among the strongest reasons to choose this trip over simply taking a transfer to Blue Lagoon. You see parts of Comino’s coast that are easy to miss when you arrive only to swim.

The captain’s commentary matters here. Augustino is praised for explaining the caves and the surrounding sights in clear, friendly fashion. That turns the boat ride into more than a fast shuttle. You get names, visual points to watch for, and a better sense of how the shoreline is shaped.

The exact path into or beside the caves can change with wind and sea conditions. The captain has the right to alter the route for safety, so treat the advertised cave circuit as the plan rather than a guarantee that every approach will look identical.

There are also chances for photographs. One captain is praised for taking family pictures so everyone could appear in the frame, while other outings included extra swimming from the boat. Those added moments depend on the captain, schedule, and conditions, but they show how the experience can feel personal rather than rigid.

Two hours at Blue Lagoon

The longest stop is Blue Lagoon, where you have two hours of free time. That is a useful length of stay. You are not limited to a rushed ten-minute swim, but you also do not lose half a day waiting around after you have had enough sun.

The water is the star. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, or walk toward St. Marija Tower for a wider view. If you prefer not to get in the water, the tower walk gives you another way to use the stop, though the time available for walking depends on your pace and the conditions.

Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat. Food and drinks are not included, so plan ahead. The supplied information does not promise a meal or drink service during the trip.

Blue Lagoon has a tradeoff. Its bright water and famous setting are exactly why it attracts so many people. The area can become very busy, especially as the day progresses. One practical tip is to choose an earlier departure when possible, since the lagoon may offer more room to swim before the crowds build.

At 11:00 a.m., the booking guidance says to select the morning time slot running from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Check the available departure times carefully rather than assuming every morning booking means an 11:00 departure.

Crystal Lagoon and the ride back

After Blue Lagoon, the boat passes Crystal Lagoon before returning to Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay. This final sightseeing section gives you one more look at the water and rock formations from offshore.

Crystal Lagoon is a photo stop and scenic pass-by, not a listed two-hour swimming break. That distinction matters if you are comparing this outing with a tour that promises several long beach stops. Here, the time is concentrated at Blue Lagoon, while the rest of Comino is presented as a moving coastal tour.

The return journey completes the island circuit. You see Comino as a whole rather than treating the Blue Lagoon as an isolated destination. For a first visit to Malta, that broad view is a strong advantage.

How the $35 price measures up

At $35 per person, this is good value if you want both transportation and sightseeing. The price covers the speedboat ride around Comino, the cave visits, and two hours at Blue Lagoon. You are not paying a separate cave fee or booking a second boat for the island circuit.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport and then find another way to see Comino’s bays and caves. The speedboat also saves time compared with trying to walk between widely spaced coastal viewpoints.

The price does not cover food or drinks, and no hotel transfer is included in the information provided. You should also account for your own beach supplies and any spending connected with your time at Blue Lagoon.

The 5.0 rating from 61 reviews reflects especially strong praise for the captains and the overall value. The recurring strengths are clear: punctual operation, friendly handling, good explanations, a fun speed, and a strong balance between adventure and swimming time.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this outing if you want a half-day Comino experience with plenty of scenery and one proper swim stop. It suits couples, families with children, and anyone who likes a little speed mixed with sightseeing.

Families received especially encouraging feedback. Children enjoyed the ride, and captains were praised for helping younger passengers feel safe. One captain even let children experience steering the boat under supervision, though you should treat that as an occasional extra, not a guaranteed feature.

The trip may also suit you if you want a captain who talks through the sights. Augustino is repeatedly praised for explaining the caves, adjusting the speed, helping with photos, and keeping the mood friendly.

This is not the right pick for everyone. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people with motion sickness, and people over 65. The supplied information also lists several older age limits, including over 70, 75, 80, and 95, so anyone in those age groups should check eligibility before booking.

Electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Oversize luggage, large bags, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Arrive early enough to board without rushing. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, and missing that cutoff could spoil an otherwise simple outing.

Wear beachwear under light clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Keep bags small. Large luggage is not permitted, and the boat ride is easier when you are not managing bulky belongings.

Expect some spray and movement. The speed is part of the appeal, but the boat can feel lively on the water. If motion sickness is a concern, this is worth taking seriously rather than hoping the sea stays calm.

The skipper can cancel or change the tour because of weather, sea conditions, or other safety concerns. If the cruise is cancelled for those reasons, you receive an alternative date or a refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps payment flexible.

If you plan to step onto Comino from Blue Lagoon and explore on foot, note the rule effective May 1, 2025. You must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com. The boat tour includes the Blue Lagoon stop, but you should check the current entry requirements before your visit if you intend to leave the boat and walk around.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want the full Comino picture in 3.5 hours: fast coastal sightseeing, caves, famous rock formations, and two hours at Blue Lagoon. At $35, the combination is hard to beat for a first visit, especially with a captain such as Augustino or Valentino adding explanations and personal attention.

Skip it if you need a slow, quiet boat ride, several long beach stops, or a fully accessible activity. Also think twice if you are prone to motion sickness or do not enjoy crowded swimming spots.

For most active visitors who want a fun half-day on the water, this is a practical and memorable choice. Book an earlier slot if you can, bring only what you need, and treat the Blue Lagoon stop as the centerpiece of a wider tour around Comino.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat trip start?

The trip starts at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, Malta.

How long does the activity last?

The total duration is about 3.5 hours.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $35 per person.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the speedboat ride around Comino Island, cave visits, and a two-hour stop at Blue Lagoon.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

How long do I stay at Blue Lagoon?

You have two hours of free time at Blue Lagoon.

Can I swim and snorkel at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The two-hour stop allows time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, photos, or a walk toward St. Marija Tower.

Which sights does the boat pass?

The route includes Elephant Rock, St. Mary Battery Arch, Santa Maria Caves, Santa Maria Bay, San Niklaw Bay, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon.

Is a guide available during the trip?

Yes. The activity includes a live English-speaking guide. Captains named Augustino and Valentino have led highly praised trips.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.