Malta: Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo & Crystal Lagoon Sea Caves

The best part of this Malta boat trip is the generous swim time: 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon and another hour at Crystal Lagoon. You also pass Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Battery, sea caves, and several bays, so this is more than a quick photo stop.

I like the spacious boat, rooftop sun deck, freshwater shower, and lively water slide. I also like the price, about $29 per person, for a half-day on the water. The main catch is that Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and boarding at Marfa Jetty may feel poorly organized, so arrive early and have every QR code ready.

Key points to know before booking

• Two long swim stops: You get 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon and 1 hour at Crystal Lagoon.
• A scenic route: The boat passes Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Battery, Santa Maria Bay, Saint Nicholas Bay, and sea caves.
• Shared boat, not a private charter: The boat can fill up, though it has open decks, tables, and deck chairs.
• Island access needs advance planning: You need a separate Comino ticket if you want to get off and walk around.
• Bring food, a towel, and cash: Snacks and drinks cost extra, and onboard drinks can be pricey.
• Weather matters: Rough seas can change the route, shorten a stop, or prevent the boat from entering Crystal Lagoon.

What this €29 Comino boat trip really gives you

For the money, this is a straightforward way to see the coast around Comino without arranging several separate boats or ferries. You get a four-hour cruise, an experienced captain, a deckhand, two swimming areas, views of Gozo, and a short visit to Mgarr Harbour.

The value comes from the time in the water. Many boat outings spend only a few minutes at a famous bay before moving on. Here, you have enough time to swim, use the slide, sit in the sun, or simply stay aboard if you do not want to get wet.

This is not a polished luxury cruise. It is a practical shared excursion with music, a cash bar, simple seating, and a friendly crew focused mainly on running the boat safely. That makes it a good fit if you want scenery and swimming rather than a formal guided tour.

The boat is described as wheelchair accessible, but getting onto Comino itself may involve climbing over rocks. If you need a smooth landing, check the boarding and disembarking arrangements before you book. You can also stay aboard and enjoy the lagoons from the water.

Starting at Marfa Jetty

The Malta departure point is Marfa Jetty, near the northern end of the island. You must arrive at least 15 minutes early, and I would allow 20 to 30 minutes if you want time to sort out tickets and boarding.

Have your booking QR code ready, along with the separate Blue Lagoon QR code required for access. The boarding area can be confusing, and a few minutes of extra time will help if staff need to scan or recheck your documents. The boat will not wait for late passengers.

The schedule changes by season:

• From November through March, there is one trip, leaving Gozo at about 10:15 a.m. and Malta at 11 a.m.
• From April through October, departures are listed around 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Malta, with corresponding Gozo departures.
• The 5 p.m. trip lasts only three hours and does not visit the island of Gozo.

Check the exact departure time when booking. Schedule changes can happen, and one reported change from 1 p.m. to 10 a.m. caused problems for some passengers.

The first coastal views: Elephant Rock and Santa Maria Caves

Once you leave Marfa Jetty, the boat spends about 10 minutes cruising before reaching the first sights. Elephant Rock is a quick photo stop, with five minutes to take in the unusual rock shape and the clear water around it.

The route then continues past Santa Maria Battery, Saint Marija Bay, Santa Maria Caves, and Saint Nicholas Bay. Some stops are viewed from the boat rather than visited on foot, which is important to understand. You will see the cliffs and openings from the water, but this is not a walking tour of Comino’s historic sites.

The boat pauses at Santa Maria Caves for another short look. These stops break up the ride and give you good chances for photographs, though the time is brief. Keep your camera handy instead of packing it away after each stop.

Santa Marija Bay receives a longer passing cruise of about 15 minutes. The coastline here is one of the strongest parts of the trip, especially when the sea is calm and the boat can move close to the coves. Wind and waves can affect how near the boat gets.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and worth the time

The boat spends about 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon, the main attraction of the outing. The water is famously clear and blue, and you can swim, snorkel, use the onboard slide, or relax on deck.

I like the length of this stop because you do not have to choose between swimming and sitting back for a while. You can take a first swim, dry off, enjoy the view, and still have time for another turn in the water.

Blue Lagoon is also the busiest part of the route. Other boats gather here, and the shore can feel crowded during the main summer season. If you prefer peace and quiet, staying on the boat or swimming a little away from the main landing area may make the stop more pleasant.

If you want to step onto Comino, you must pre-book the required island ticket online. Without that ticket, you can still enjoy the boat stop, swim, take photographs, and use the slide, but you should not assume you can simply walk ashore.

The landing itself may involve climbing over rocks. Some boats use a jetty, while this experience may bring you to a rougher edge depending on conditions. Wear secure footwear if you plan to walk on Comino, and do not treat the island visit as an easy stroll for everyone.

Crystal Lagoon and the optional cave ride

After Blue Lagoon, the boat heads to Crystal Lagoon for about an hour. This is the quieter and more sheltered-feeling counterpoint to Blue Lagoon, with cliffs, clear water, and sea caves nearby.

You can swim, snorkel, sit on the boat, or use the water slide. The trip includes a pass by the caves in Crystal Lagoon, while a separate speedboat cave trip costs €10. That short powerboat option is for anyone who wants a closer look at the cave openings and rocky shore.

Crystal Lagoon depends heavily on the sea. In windy weather, the captain may not be able to take the boat close enough for the best view, and you may need to swim farther than expected. On rough days, the stop can be changed or skipped, with extra time added at Blue Lagoon instead.

That flexibility is sensible for safety, but it means you should not book this trip expecting every listed sight in exactly the same order. The captain can alter stop times and locations according to sea conditions.

The boat itself: practical rather than fancy

The boat has wide decks, tables, deck chairs, a rooftop sun area, toilets, life jackets, and a freshwater shower. Those details matter on a four-hour trip. You can move around, find shade or sun, rinse off salt water, and avoid sitting in wet swimwear for the entire ride.

There is a cash bar with drinks and snacks. Water is included, and some trips have included wine, but the details of complimentary drinks may vary. I would bring your own food and extra water rather than rely on the onboard selection.

The onboard bar is convenient, but prices can feel high for small servings. One reported example was €3 for a tiny alcoholic drink without ice. Bring cash for purchases, the optional €10 cave ride, and the €20 cash deposit required if you borrow a snorkel.

The boat can become quite full, especially in summer. It still offers enough room to sit and move around, but you should not expect the space or quiet of a private charter. Music adds a cheerful holiday feel, though anyone seeking a calm, silent cruise may prefer a smaller or more upmarket boat.

Cleanliness has received mixed impressions, while the toilets are considered usable and the boat is generally described as comfortable. That is a fair expectation: practical facilities, not luxury finishes.

Swimming conditions and what to pack

The Maltese sun can be strong, but the sea may feel cold outside the peak summer months. In March and early May, swimming can be chilly even on a sunny day. A light sweater or jacket is useful for the ride in spring and autumn, when wind can make the open deck feel cool.

Pack:

• Swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Towel, since towels are not supplied
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Camera or phone in a waterproof case
• Cash for drinks, snacks, and the cave trip
• Food if you prefer not to buy lunch aboard
• A light jacket outside summer

Snorkels are available with a €20 cash deposit. The tour includes the use of the water slide, but normal caution applies, especially when the sea is choppy or the boat is busy.

The tour is not recommended for people prone to seasickness. The boat ride can become rough in windy weather, and even a short half-day on open water may be uncomfortable if you are sensitive to motion.

Gozo and the return through Mgarr Harbour

The final part of the route heads toward Gozo. You pass the coast near Fort Chambray before reaching Mgarr Harbour, where the boat pauses for about 15 minutes.

Mgarr Harbour is a pleasant closing sight, with boats, waterfront views, and the Gozo setting around the port. It is not a long Gozo tour, so do not book this excursion if your main aim is to explore Gozo’s villages or inland sights. The harbour visit is a scenic finish, not a full island stop.

Passengers who began in Gozo get off at Mgarr Harbour. Those who started in Malta continue back to Marfa Jetty, with about 25 minutes of cruising after the Gozo stop.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this boat trip if you want a low-cost, active half-day built around swimming and sea views. Families can use the slide and open decks, while couples and friends get plenty of time for photographs and a relaxed swim.

It also suits people who want to see Comino without committing to a full-day cruise. Four hours is long enough to visit both lagoons but short enough to leave room for an evening meal or another Malta activity.

You may want another option if you dislike shared boats, crowds, rough water, or limited food choices. You should also think twice if you want a serious walking tour of Comino, since island access requires a separate ticket and the landing may be rocky.

The English-speaking crew handles the boat and safety, but this is not a detailed history tour. The focus is on getting you to the lagoons, showing you the coast, and giving you time in the water.

Booking advice and final verdict

At about $29, this is strong value for a boat trip that includes two long swim stops, a water slide, deck seating, toilets, a shower, and views of Comino and Gozo. The price is especially good if you plan to spend most of your time swimming rather than buying add-ons.

Book it if you want a simple, lively outing and can accept a shared boat. Arrive early, bring food and a towel, carry cash, and obtain the required Blue Lagoon and Comino tickets before you arrive.

I would skip it if you need a quiet luxury setting, guaranteed access to every cave, or a smooth island landing. For most people seeking an affordable way to experience Comino’s famous water, this trip offers plenty of time and very little wasted motion.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The standard tour lasts four hours. The 5 p.m. departure lasts three hours and does not visit the island of Gozo.

Where does the tour start in Malta?

The Malta departure point is Marfa Jetty. Passengers starting from Gozo depart from Mgarr Harbour at the listed Gozo departure times.

How much time do I get at Blue Lagoon?

The boat spends about 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, photographs, or relaxing aboard.

How much time do I get at Crystal Lagoon?

The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts about one hour.

Can I get off the boat and walk around Comino?

Yes, but you must pre-book the required Comino island ticket online. You should also be prepared for a rocky landing that may require climbing.

Is a cave trip included?

The boat passes the caves, but the optional speedboat cave trip costs €10 extra.

Are food and drinks included?

Water is included, but food and most drinks are not. Snacks and drinks can be bought at the onboard cash bar, though bringing your own supplies may offer better value.

Are towels provided?

No. You should bring your own towel, along with beachwear and a change of clothes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A snorkel is available with a €20 cash deposit. Bring cash if you want to use this equipment.

Can weather change the itinerary?

Yes. The captain may change the stop locations or durations because of weather and sea conditions. The tour can also be canceled for safety reasons, and rough water may prevent the boat from entering Crystal Lagoon.