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

Comino’s best sights come quickly on this 3.5-hour speedboat trip from Marfa Bay. You race past sea caves, Elephant Rock, old fortifications, and bright lagoons, then have two hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It is a lively way to see a lot without giving up a full day.

I like the fast, varied route, which packs Comino’s coast into one outing, and the fact that cave visits cost nothing extra. I also like the long Blue Lagoon stop, though the lagoon can be extremely crowded, especially in the afternoon. The ride can be wet and bumpy, so this is not the right choice if you need a gentle boat trip or have back problems.

Key points at a glance

• The speedboat covers Comino’s coast: You pass St. Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Bay, San Niklaw Bay, Crystal Lagoon, and several caves.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts two hours: That gives you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and walk toward St. Marija Tower.
• The boat ride is part of the fun: The skipper drives at speed, and you should expect spray and possibly a wet ride.
• Cave visits are included: There is no extra charge for the East and West Hidden Caves or the Santa Maria Caves.
• The $34 price is strong value: You get a coastal boat tour, cave visits, and a long stop at Malta’s most famous swimming spot.
• Afternoon timing has a tradeoff: The 1:00pm departure is convenient, but the Blue Lagoon may be very full by the time you arrive.

A fast introduction to Comino from Marfa Bay

You meet at Blue Waves Watersports, a few minutes from Comino Island, and set off from the Marfa Bay area. The trip is guided in English, and boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so do not arrive at the last moment.

The boat gives you a much closer look at Comino than a simple crossing would. Instead of heading straight to the Blue Lagoon, you circle much of the island, passing bays, rock formations, historic remains, and cave entrances before settling in for your swim stop.

This format suits you if you want a taste of several Comino highlights in one half-day. It is also useful if a full-day cruise sounds too long. You get the coast, the caves, and the lagoon, but the schedule moves briskly and does not leave time for a slow, independent exploration of every stop.

The boat ride itself is energetic. One guide, Augustino, is described as friendly and entertaining, and another guide connected with the trip is from Bali. The exact skipper can vary, but you can expect an English-speaking guide who provides commentary while handling the route.

St. Mary Battery and the eastern side of Comino

One of the first notable sights is Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija, better known as St. Mary Battery. You pass this historic coastal structure from the water, taking in its position above the sea and the rocky shoreline around it.

The stop is mainly scenic rather than a long land visit. That matters because the tour is designed to keep moving. If you want a detailed look inside the battery or a long historical talk, this boat trip will not provide it. You get the useful first impression, the view from the sea, and a quick photograph if conditions allow.

The route continues past St. Mary Bay and St. Nicholas Bay. These bays show two sides of Comino’s appeal: pale rock, clear water, and sheltered coastal curves. The boat gives you changing angles that are difficult to appreciate from one beach or one viewpoint.

The ride can be the highlight for you if you enjoy speed and open water. It is also the part most likely to feel intense. The boat moves quickly, and spray can reach the passengers. Wear beach clothes, protect your phone, and assume that you may get wet rather than treating that as an unexpected problem.

Elephant Rock and Comino’s rock scenery

Elephant Rock is one of the tour’s most memorable quick sights. The unusual formation is viewed from the boat, giving you a clear reason to keep your camera ready. Like St. Mary Battery, it is a pass-by sight rather than a long stop.

This is a good example of how the tour works. You see a series of recognizable places without spending much time waiting between them. The payoff is variety, but the compromise is that photographs may be brief and dependent on the boat’s position and the sea conditions.

You will also pass points around Ghajnsielem and the southern and eastern sides of Comino. The route is not simply a transfer to the Blue Lagoon. It is a coastal circuit, with the skipper showing you different sections of the island before the main swimming stop.

Santa Maria Caves and the hidden cave route

The cave section is where the speedboat has a clear advantage over a larger vessel. A smaller boat can approach the openings and give you a closer look at the East and West Hidden Caves, along with the Santa Maria Caves.

The water and rock colors change as the boat moves near the cave entrances. You get time for sightseeing and photographs, although the tour does not promise a long walk inside the caves. Much of the viewing is from the boat, and the captain may adjust the route to suit sea conditions.

The cave visits are included in the $34 price. That is important when comparing this trip with a basic transport boat that may take you to the Blue Lagoon but offer little sightseeing along the way.

The caves are also one of the reasons I would choose this trip over spending the entire outing at one beach. The Blue Lagoon is famous, but Comino’s character comes from the contrast between open bays, rough rock, quiet cave entrances, and clear water. This tour gives you all of those in a compact format.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop lasts two hours. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photographs, or simply sit by the water while the boat remains part of your day’s base.

The Blue Lagoon is known for exceptionally clear water, and this is the place to bring your mask and snorkel. One especially enjoyable possibility is watching and feeding fish in the water, although you should follow local rules and avoid treating marine life as a petting attraction.

Two hours is enough for a proper swim rather than a rushed ten-minute stop. You can also walk toward St. Marija Tower for broad views over the coast. The tower adds a little history and a change of pace after the boat ride, but the walk takes time from swimming, so decide what matters most to you.

The major drawback is crowding. The 1:00pm departure reaches the Blue Lagoon during a busy part of the day, and the beach area can feel very full. The water itself remains the main attraction, but you should not expect a quiet cove or much personal space.

If you prefer an early start, this tour may not be your best option because the advertised departure is at 1:00pm. An early-morning visit generally gives you a better chance of enjoying the lagoon before it fills, but this particular outing offers the convenience of an afternoon schedule.

Water activities such as kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing may be available at the lagoon, but they are not included in the $34 price. The included package is the speedboat ride, the cave visits, and the two-hour stop. Bring money separately if you plan to buy food, drinks, or an optional water activity.

Crystal Lagoon and the return to Marfa Bay

Crystal Lagoon appears near the end of the route, after the Blue Lagoon stop. The boat passes by for sightseeing and photographs, and conditions may allow a short swim or look at the water in a less crowded area.

This part of the outing can be a welcome change after the busy Blue Lagoon. A guide may stop for a few minutes so you can swim in a more secluded section of Crystal Lagoon, but you should treat that as dependent on the captain and sea conditions, not as a guaranteed separate swimming session.

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat returns to Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay. The route has covered a substantial portion of Comino, but it does so through a series of short scenic moments rather than long shore visits.

What the $34 price really buys you

At $34 per person, this is good value if you want both transport and sightseeing. A basic boat ride to Comino may cost less or offer a simpler transfer, but this outing includes a guided circuit around the island, cave visits, rock formations, bays, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon.

The price is especially fair for a short holiday or a first visit to Comino. You do not need to arrange separate transport to the caves, and you get a skipper who knows the coastal route. The main extras are food, drinks, and any paid activities at the lagoon.

The value drops if you want a quiet beach day. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, the boat is fast, and the timetable leaves little room to linger at each sight. For a relaxed day beside the water, a slower or longer outing may suit you better.

The tour has a 4.7 rating from 45 published ratings, which fits the strongest features: an exciting ride, a friendly guide such as Augustino, good cave coverage, and enough time at the lagoon. The most consistent praise centers on the speedboat itself and the chance to see many sights in a few hours.

What to bring for a wet, sunny ride

Pack as if you are spending the afternoon at the beach, not sitting in a dry cabin. You should bring:

• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen, preferably biodegradable
• Beachwear
• A secure phone case or waterproof pouch

Do not bring large bags or luggage. High heels, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs are also not accepted.

The boat ride is likely to include spray, so keep valuable items protected. You also need clear boarding time in mind: the boat closes boarding 15 minutes before departure.

Who should choose this Comino trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want an active half-day with a lot of scenery and minimal planning. It works particularly well for people who want to see the caves and coast but do not want a full-day cruise.

It is a good match for:

• Strong swimmers and snorkelers
• People who enjoy speedboat rides
• First-time visitors to Comino
• Anyone who wants a two-hour Blue Lagoon stop
• Visitors comparing a guided coastal tour with a simple boat transfer
• People comfortable with sun, spray, and a busy swimming area

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with recent surgeries, or wheelchair users. The supplied safety guidance also says it is not suitable for people over 60, with additional age limits listed for people over 70, 80, and 95. Because those age notes overlap, check the current booking conditions directly if age or mobility is a concern.

The captain can change or cancel the route because of weather, sea conditions, or other safety issues. If the cruise is canceled for those reasons, you are offered another date or a refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps the booking flexible.

Should you book the 1:00pm departure?

Book this tour if you want a fast overview of Comino, included cave visits, and a genuine two-hour swim stop for a modest price. The route gives you more than a Blue Lagoon transfer, and the speedboat adds real energy to the afternoon.

Think twice if your priority is peace and quiet. The 1:00pm Blue Lagoon stop may be crowded, and the boat ride is not gentle. If you are happy with spray, quick scenic stops, and a lively pace, this is one of the better short ways to see Comino’s main coastal sights.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Blue Waves Watersports near Marfa Bay, just a few minutes from Comino Island.

What time does this tour depart?

The described departure is at 1:00pm. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is 3.5 hours.

Is the Blue Lagoon stop included?

Yes. The tour includes a two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

Can I swim and snorkel at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The Blue Lagoon stop includes free time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, and sightseeing.

Are the Comino caves included in the price?

Yes. The speedboat ride around Comino and the cave visits are included, with no extra cave fee stated.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What language is the tour guided in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain can cancel or alter the route because of weather, sea conditions, or other safety issues. If the cruise is canceled for those reasons, you can receive an alternative date or a refund.