Malta: Comino, Gozo, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, and Caves Cruise

Comino’s famous water is the star here, but the real treat is seeing several of Malta’s best coastal sights in one short trip. You’ll cruise past Elephant Rock, sea caves, and Comino Tower, then swim from the boat in the Blue and Crystal Lagoons.

I like the generous swimming time and the small-boat feel, which lets the crew get close to the caves. I also like the simple extras: a welcome drink, watermelon, padded sun deck, and toilet onboard. The main drawback is the crowd at the Blue Lagoon, especially in peak season, and the boat’s departure point can be easy to miss.

Key points to know before you book

• Two lagoons, two kinds of swimming: Spend about an hour at the Blue Lagoon and around 30 to 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, depending on the route.
• Captain George has operated since 1988: The crew provides simple explanations, safety guidance, and a relaxed approach.
• Gozo is a photo stop, not a day visit: You’ll see Mġarr Harbour, but the standard trips do not give you time to visit Gozo.
• You can swim straight from the boat: This is especially useful when the Blue Lagoon shore is crowded.
• The caves are a major part of the ride: The boat passes Santa Maria caves, Popeye’s Cave, Lovers’ Cave, and other rock formations.
• Arrive early at Ċirkewwa: The boat leaves from the dock behind the Ċirkewwa Cafe, near the kiosk with umbrellas and tables.

Why this Comino cruise works so well in half a day

At about $28 per person, this is a good-value way to see Comino without giving up a full day. You get a sightseeing cruise, two swimming stops, cave views, a Gozo harbor photo stop, and time to sit on deck. That is a lot of coastline for a modest price.

I especially like the balance between moving and stopping. You are rarely stuck in one place for long, yet the lagoon stops are long enough to swim, take photos, or simply sit with your feet in the water. The total outing lasts three to four hours, so it fits neatly into a busy Malta schedule.

The boat is not a silent sightseeing vessel. There is a bar, a padded sun deck, a top deck for jumping into the water, and a friendly holiday mood. If you want a quiet private boat or a detailed archaeological tour, this is not that sort of outing. If you want clear water, coastal views, and a practical route around Comino, it makes sense.

Captain George has been running trips since 1988. The crew speaks English and gives instructions clearly. Safety matters here because the trip involves swimming from the boat, using the top deck, and moving around a working vessel.

Finding the dock at Ċirkewwa

The departure point is in Ċirkewwa, at the northern end of Malta. Look for the jetty behind the only kiosk in the area, identifiable by its umbrellas and tables. More specifically, the boat leaves from the dock behind the Ċirkewwa Cafe.

I would arrive at least 15 minutes early. The departure time is strict, and late arrivals are not eligible for a refund. Traffic, parking trouble, and road delays are your responsibility, so build in extra time if you are coming from another part of Malta.

The meeting point is not presented as a grand terminal with obvious signs everywhere. That is why the early arrival tip matters. Once you find the kiosk and cafe, the boat should be easier to identify.

The boat ride around Comino

The cruise begins with a sightseeing run along Comino’s coast. Depending on the selected trip, the order changes, but the main sights remain similar. You will see steep rock faces, small bays, pale limestone, and openings in the cliffs where the sea has carved out caves.

A smaller boat has a useful advantage here. It can pass close to the sea caves, giving you a better view of the rock colors and narrow entrances than you would get from a large ferry. The crew also points out historical and film-related sights along the way.

One memorable landmark is Comino Tower, associated with the film The Count of Monte Cristo. You may also pass a tuna fish farm. These details give the ride more character than a simple trip from one swimming spot to another.

The boat has a padded sun deck, a toilet, and a bar. Drinks are not included, but you can buy them with cash or card. A welcome drink and a slice of watermelon are included, which is a pleasant touch on a warm day.

Crystal Lagoon: cliffs, clear water, and a quieter stop

Crystal Lagoon is often the more relaxed of the two main swimming stops. The water is clear and enclosed by dramatic cliffs, making it an excellent place for photos as well as swimming.

Trip A usually gives you about 45 minutes here near the end of the cruise. Trip B begins at Crystal Lagoon and allows about 30 minutes. The difference matters if swimming is your main goal. Trip A gives you more time at this stop, while Trip B may suit you if you prefer to begin with scenery and finish at the famous Blue Lagoon.

You can swim directly from the boat. Snorkeling is also possible, and fish can be seen in the clear water. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but you can rent it for €5. You are welcome to bring your own equipment if you already have it.

The top deck allows jumping into the water. That is fun for confident swimmers, but it is not a requirement. You can use the lower access point or simply enjoy the view from the deck.

The cliffs around Crystal Lagoon also provide some of the best photo angles of the trip. You might see Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave from the water, with the boat pausing so you can take pictures. Keep your phone secure, since the most appealing photo spots are close to the water.

The caves and bays around Comino

The cave portion gives the cruise its sense of movement and discovery. You pass the sea caves of Santa Maria, then continue by Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These quiet-looking bays help you see that Comino is more than the Blue Lagoon.

The coast is made of pale rock, with shadows inside the caves and strong color in the water. The view changes quickly as the boat turns past each opening. Crew explanations include historical and fun facts, so you get more than a passing glimpse.

The boat also visits or passes the areas around Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave near Crystal Lagoon. The names are easy to remember, and the formations make good photo subjects. Still, keep expectations sensible: this is a sightseeing cruise, not a long cave walk or an underground tour.

Because the captain may adjust the route for weather and sea conditions, the exact cave sequence is not guaranteed. That is a sensible trade-off for safety. The trip may also alter or cancel swimming stops when conditions are poor.

Blue Lagoon: the main event, with one important rule

The Blue Lagoon is where most people want to swim, and the cruise gives you about one hour there. You may swim from the boat or go ashore and walk around Comino.

The water is famously clear, but the setting can be crowded. The cruise operator cannot control how many people arrive, and the Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular stops. If you want the calmest possible atmosphere, consider a quieter season or the sunset option, though the route is shorter at sunset.

There is an important 2025 rule. If you plan to leave the boat and walk onto Comino at the Blue Lagoon, you must reserve a free ticket at blcomino.com and validate it. The ticket costs nothing, but it is required for disembarkation. If you stay on the boat and swim from it, this shore ticket is not the same issue, but check current instructions before departure.

Swimming directly from the boat is a practical advantage. You avoid the need to fight through the busiest part of the shore, and you can return to the vessel when you want a break. On the other hand, shore access gives you a chance to walk and see more of Comino, so decide in advance which matters more to you.

The Gozo stop is scenic, not a visit to the island

The cruise passes Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s main harbor. This is a short stop of roughly 10 minutes on the itinerary, intended for photos and views rather than sightseeing on land.

Mġarr is a pleasant contrast to the open coast of Comino. You see boats, the harbor shape, and the island rising behind it. Have your camera ready because the pause is brief.

Do not book this cruise expecting to visit Gozo properly. The standard routes do not give you time to walk around the island, and one route only passes the harbor. If Gozo is your main goal, plan a separate day trip.

Choosing between Trip A, Trip B, and sunset

The two daytime routes cover similar highlights but arrange them differently.

Trip A, Sea Haven, begins with the Comino coast, Elephant Rock, and Santa Maria caves. It then reaches the Blue Lagoon for about an hour, passes Mġarr Harbour, and finishes with about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon. This is a strong choice if you want more time at Crystal Lagoon and like the idea of ending with a swim in a quieter setting.

Trip B, Xlendi III, starts at Crystal Lagoon for about 30 minutes, visits Comino’s caves, pauses at Mġarr Harbour, and finishes at the Blue Lagoon for about an hour. Choose this if the Blue Lagoon is the highlight you want to save for last, or if you prefer to start with a scenic photo stop.

The itinerary can change because of wind, waves, and general sea conditions. Stop lengths may also shift. That flexibility is normal for a coastal cruise, but do not treat every listed time as fixed.

The sunset option is shorter and does not go all the way around Comino. It is a good fit if you want warm evening light and a compact boat trip. It is less suitable if your priority is seeing the full coast or getting the longest swimming time.

What is included, and what will cost extra

The price includes the sightseeing cruise, welcome drink, watermelon, cave visits, toilet facilities, padded sun deck, and swimming stops at both lagoons. You also get access to the top deck for jumping.

You need to pay extra for drinks from the onboard bar and snorkeling equipment. Snorkel rental costs €5. Drinks can be paid for with cash or card. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather.

At $28, the included food and drink are modest rather than a full meal, but they add value. The real saving comes from combining transport around Comino, sightseeing, two swim stops, and a Gozo harbor view in one booking. You do not need to arrange separate boat transfers between the lagoons.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this cruise to first-time Malta visitors who want a clear introduction to Comino. It also suits families, couples, and anyone who wants a memorable few hours without spending an entire day at sea.

Children can enjoy the two-level boat and top-deck jumping, provided they follow the crew’s instructions and are comfortable in the water. Confident swimmers will get the most from the direct boat access, while non-swimmers can stay on deck and enjoy the scenery.

The trip is also useful in cooler months. The sea may still be swimmable in winter, but you should bring weather-appropriate clothing and avoid assuming that every swimming stop will operate. The captain has the final say when conditions change.

Accessibility needs careful checking. The activity information gives conflicting indications about wheelchair access, and a specific experience report found that the boat was not truly wheelchair accessible, although staff helped with boarding. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact the provider before paying and ask about the exact boat, jetty, boarding method, and facilities.

Small details that make the day easier

Bring a waterproof bag for phones, wallets, and towels. The boat is designed for swimming, so wet surfaces and splashes are part of the day.

If you want a good seat, arrive early rather than rushing onto the boat at the last moment. Wear sunscreen even on a cloudy day, and keep a light layer handy for the ride back.

Do not count on finding unlimited shade. The padded sun deck is comfortable, but the most popular spaces can fill quickly. A towel also gives you a useful place to sit.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Changes and refunds are not available within 24 hours, and late arrival does not qualify for a refund. The provider also offers reserve-now, pay-later booking, which helps if your Malta plans are still moving around.

Should you book this Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, well-paced introduction to Malta’s coastal scenery, with real time for swimming rather than just a quick photo stop. The combination of Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, caves, Comino Tower, and Mġarr Harbour gives you a lot in three to four hours.

Choose Trip A for more Crystal Lagoon time, Trip B if you want to finish at the Blue Lagoon, and sunset if evening light matters more than a full circuit. I would skip it only if you want a quiet, private outing, a full visit to Gozo, or guaranteed shore access without crowds.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise depart from?

It departs from Ċirkewwa in Malta, at the dock behind the Ċirkewwa Cafe and behind the only kiosk in the area with umbrellas and tables.

How long does the cruise last?

The daytime cruise lasts about three to four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise includes swimming stops at both the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. You can swim directly from the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for €5, or you can bring your own.

Do I need a ticket to visit the Blue Lagoon shore?

Yes. In 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must reserve and validate a free ticket at blcomino.com.

Does the cruise stop in Gozo?

The standard trips stop at or visit Mġarr Harbour for photos and sightseeing. They do not provide time for a full visit to Gozo.

Are drinks included?

A welcome drink and a slice of watermelon are included. Other drinks can be bought at the onboard bar with cash or card.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The captain may change the route or swimming stops, and the trip may be canceled or adjusted for weather and sea conditions.