Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Sea Caves Boat Tour

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1 A Guide to the Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Sea Caves Boat Tour

2 What You Can Expect from This Scenic Cruise

A Guide to the Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Sea Caves Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of Malta’s shimmering waters, this boat tour to Comino offers an accessible way to soak in some of the most beautiful coastal sights. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on extensive reviews and detailed tour info, it’s clear this trip delivers a crisp, scenic experience perfect for those who love a mix of stunning scenery, gentle adventure, and a relaxed pace.

What we love about this tour? First, the small group size of just 24 people means you’re not lost in a crowd — you get close-up views and a more personal experience. Second, the crystal-clear waters at both Lagoon stops are genuinely spectacular and make for memorable swimming and snorkeling sessions. The only consideration? The boat’s duration is just enough to leave you wanting more. If you’re a water lover, plan to bring your waterproof camera or snorkeling gear (which you can rent onboard).

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing in beautiful surroundings. It’s ideal for those who appreciate small-group tours, easy-paced activities, and the chance to see iconic landmarks without the fuss of a longer, more intensive excursion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Intimate group size ensures personal attention and easier access to caves and beaches.
Stunning water clarity makes for excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
Multiple scenic stops including the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Bay.
Cultural and natural highlights such as Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock.
Flexible schedule and affordability at just $27 per person for a 3-4 hour trip.
Family-friendly and suitable for most travelers, but not for pregnant women or seasick-prone visitors.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mellieha.

What You Can Expect from This Scenic Cruise

This tour packs a lot into 3 to 4 hours, giving you a well-rounded taste of Comino’s coast. Starting from Cirkewwa, you’ll board a comfortable boat with a small group, which immediately feels more personal and less rushed than larger tours. The crew, often praised as friendly and knowledgeable, will guide you along the route, sharing insights about the sights and the geology behind formations like Elephant Rock.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Departure from Cirkewwa: This meets behind the kiosk café, which is easy to access—just descend stairs behind the café and turn left. From here, the boat departs for a gentle cruise past the historic Comino Tower—famous for its appearance in “The Count of Monte Cristo.” This first leg is mostly about setting the scene and enjoying the breeze.

Crystal Lagoon (45-minute stop): Your chance to dip into one of Comino’s most striking features. Known for vibrant turquoise waters and incredible clarity, this is a favorite for swimming and snorkeling. The review from Alison captures the magic: “The water colours were amazing. Crystal Lagoon was beautiful.” You might even see marine life in these protected waters.

Blue Lagoon (1-hour stop): The most famous of the stops, the Blue Lagoon is postcard-perfect. The water here shimmers with dazzling blue hues, especially when the sun hits just right. You’ll have plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or just relax on the sandy shoreline. One note: from May 2025, visitors need a QR code to step foot on the Lagoon, which you should obtain in advance unless you plan to stay on the boat.

Gozitan Coast and Promising Rock: As you cruise past Gozitan coastline, you’ll get a good look at Promising Rock, which makes for excellent photo opportunities and adds a touch of natural drama to the scenery.

Santa Maria Bay (another 45-minute stop): Less crowded than the Blue Lagoon but just as scenic, this bay offers a peaceful environment for swimming, sunbathing, or exploring its shoreline. Reviewers like Karen highlight the beauty: “Stunning views of Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay, despite slightly cloudy weather.”

Santa Maria Caves & Elephant Rock: These iconic formations are perfect for snapshots. The caves give you a chance to see the natural rock formations up close, while Elephant Rock’s unique shape is a definite photo magnet.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The small boat size is a big plus. When we say “small,” we mean just 24 people, which means you can get closer to caves and enjoy a more relaxed pace. Alison noted that “going on a smaller boat meant we could go right into the caves,” making for a more immersive experience.

The quality of the water draws many reviewers, who consistently mention the crystal-clear waters and vibrant colors. It’s rare to find such transparency in saltwater swimming spots, and it makes snorkeling here particularly rewarding.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

Cost-wise, this trip at $27 per person offers exceptional value. The tour includes complimentary stand-up paddleboards and floatation noodles, which elevate the fun factor and encourage active water play. The crew’s friendliness and their knowledge help you get the most out of each stop—whether you’re floating lazily or exploring caves.

While snacks or drinks aren’t included, you can buy food at the beach stops or bring your own. Renting snorkeling gear is an option on board if you don’t have your own.

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The Experience in Practice

Expect a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or just soak up the sun. The tour’s total duration (around 4 hours) strikes a good balance—long enough to enjoy multiple stops but not so long that you’ll feel exhausted. The reviews echo this; Joey mentions, “We got to swim a couple of times and the boat was a good size so it only had about 20 people on it, but small enough to get close to the caves.”

The crew’s friendliness stands out as a highlight for many. Janine appreciated Johnny’s helpfulness, especially with older travelers. This personal touch can make a big difference in how comfortable and enjoyable your trip feels.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $27, the tour’s price is quite reasonable considering the quality of the scenery and the diversity of stops. You get a good chunk of time at each site, with options to snorkel, paddleboard, or just relax. The small-group aspect means fewer crowds, more personalized attention, and better access to caves and secluded beaches.

The Authenticity and Atmosphere

Unlike larger, commercialized excursions, this tour seems rooted in providing a genuine experience. The focus on natural beauty, combined with knowledgeable guides, ensures you’ll learn a bit about the sights without feeling overwhelmed. Many reviews mention the friendly staff and the beautiful waters, which keeps the experience feeling authentic and memorable.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is perfect for water lovers and travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day without the hassle of large crowds. It’s great for families, couples, or solo adventurers who appreciate small-group intimacy. Since the stops are mainly about swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing, it’s suitable for most ages—except pregnant women or those prone to seasickness, as per the tour’s guidelines.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, adventure-packed outing, this might not be the best fit. But if you want gentle exploration, stunning views, and quality time in turquoise waters, this tour hits the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, especially for the Blue Lagoon, as since May 2025, a QR code is required to visit. It’s best to reserve ahead of time to secure your preferred time slot.

Can I stay on the boat at the Blue Lagoon? Absolutely. If you prefer not to swim or snorkel at Blue Lagoon, you can remain onboard during that stop.

What should I bring? Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for purchases. If you want to snorkel, you might rent gear onboard.

Is this tour suitable for children? Generally yes, the relaxed pace and shallow waters make it family-friendly. However, check if children are comfortable with boat rides and swimming.

Are there any restrictions? Yes, pregnant women and people prone to seasickness are advised against participating, and littering or fireworks are not allowed onboard.

What about time flexibility? The tour operates on a schedule, with starting times available throughout the day. You can check availability to choose your preferred slot.

Is there parking available? Yes, free parking is provided at the meeting point, making logistics easier.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour to Comino’s famous lagoons and sea caves offers an excellent balance of scenic beauty, water activities, and cultural sights. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, while the stunning water clarity and iconic landmarks keep travelers captivated. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a straightforward, enjoyable way to experience Malta’s coast.

The value for the price is hard to beat, especially considering the inclusion of paddleboards and floatation noodles, and the flexibility to relax or explore as you wish. Whether you’re visiting Malta for a week or just a few days, this excursion promises a memorable splash of natural beauty and coastal charm.

To sum it up, if you’re after a relaxed, scenic adventure that combines swimming, gorgeous views, and natural wonders without the crowds, this tour hits the mark. It’s well-suited for travelers who value intimate settings, friendly guides, and authentic experiences. Just remember to book ahead for the Blue Lagoon and come prepared to enjoy Malta’s sparkling waters.