Mellieha: 3:00pm Speedboat round Comino Caves 2h Blue Lagoon

Comino’s rocky coast is the star here. You skim around the island by speedboat, nose into caves, pass Elephant Rock, and finish with two full hours at the Blue Lagoon. I especially like the cave visits at no extra charge and the short run from Marfa Bay, only about 3 kilometers from the lagoon.

I also like that the boat circles much of Comino rather than simply dropping you at one beach. The main drawback is the ride itself: it is a fast, lively speedboat trip, not a gentle cruise, so anyone with back trouble or a dislike of choppy water should choose carefully.

Key points to know before you book

• A full Comino circuit: See St Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, St Mary Bay, St Nicholas Bay, and Crystal Lagoon from the water.
• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, or walk toward St Marija Tower.
• Fast boat, close-to-the-water views: The speed makes the ride exciting, but it can feel bumpy in rougher seas.
• Useful departure point: Marfa Bay is only about 3 kilometers from Comino’s Blue Lagoon, limiting the time spent getting there.
• Friendly named skippers: Augustino is praised for warm, helpful guiding, while Thomas is noted for careful wave handling and fun turns.
• Bring your own supplies: Food and drinks are not included, and large bags are not allowed aboard.

A fast start from Marfa Bay

The trip begins at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, on Malta’s northern end. The departure point matters because you are already close to Comino. The crossing is not a long transfer before the sightseeing begins, and the boat can get on with the coastal circuit quickly.

Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so do not treat the listed departure time as a suggestion. Arrive ready to board, with your towel and beachwear easy to reach. Large bags are not allowed, and a speedboat is a poor place to manage loose luggage.

The full outing lasts about 3.5 hours, although the Blue Lagoon stop itself lasts two hours. That leaves roughly 90 minutes for the ride around Comino, the caves, the bays, and the return route. You get a good amount of sightseeing for the time, but the schedule is active rather than leisurely.

An English-speaking skipper guides the outing. Augustino is especially praised for being friendly and for stopping to help with group photos. Thomas is singled out for handling waves well and keeping the ride fun. The exact skipper depends on the departure, so book this for the route and boat style first, not on the hope of meeting one particular person.

St Mary Battery and Comino’s eastern edge

One of the first notable sights is Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija, usually called St Mary Battery. From the boat, you see the fortification as part of the coastal scenery rather than as a land visit. The stop is listed as a pass-by with views, so you should not expect time to go ashore and explore the structure.

That distinction is important. This is primarily a boat tour, with short sightseeing moments from the water and one long stop at the Blue Lagoon. You see several landmarks in a compact circuit, but the experience does not give you extended time at each one.

The eastern side of Comino has a rugged, exposed feel, with pale rock and clear water close to shore. The speedboat lets you view angles of the island that are hard to appreciate from a single beach. You can also get close enough to the rock formations for photographs, depending on sea conditions and the skipper’s judgment.

Elephant Rock and the Santa Maria Caves

Elephant Rock is one of the most recognizable natural formations on the route. The boat passes close enough for a clear look and a good photo opportunity. Like St Mary Battery, it is a scenic pass-by rather than a formal shore stop.

The Santa Maria Caves are a stronger part of the outing because the boat visits the cave area and allows close views of the rock. The route includes the East and West Hidden Caves, as well as the Santa Marija Caves, with no separate cave fee. You might see the boat slow near the openings so you can look into the shadowed rock and photograph the waterline.

One useful detail from the ride reports is that you can sometimes get close enough to touch the rock. That depends on the sea, the skipper, and safe access, so do not count on physically entering every cave. Still, this is more personal than simply seeing Comino from a distant ferry.

The speedboat format works well here. A larger vessel may offer a steadier ride, but a smaller boat can approach the coast more closely and turn into narrow scenic areas. The tradeoff is comfort. If you have back problems, the jolts from speed and waves can make this section unpleasant.

Passing Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay

After the caves, the boat passes Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These are sightseeing portions of the circuit, not extended beach stops. You get views of the coves from the water and a sense of how varied Comino’s shoreline is beyond the famous Blue Lagoon.

This part helps put the island’s popularity in context. The Blue Lagoon gets most of the attention, but Comino has several bays and small coastal corners that look very different from the main swimming area. From the boat, you can see these places without spending the day walking between them.

The route also includes additional scenic points around the island, with the skipper choosing how closely to approach based on conditions. The captain can alter the plan for safety, and that is a sensible rule on an exposed coast. A sea cave may be the highlight on a calm day and off-limits when the water is rough.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop is the Blue Lagoon, where you get two hours of free time. That is long enough to do more than take a quick photograph. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk toward St Marija Tower, or simply sit and take in the view.

Two hours is the right length for a stop like this. A shorter visit would leave you rushing to change, swim, and dry off. At the same time, the Blue Lagoon is the busiest and most built-up-feeling part of this outing, so some people may find two hours more than they need.

Bring biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, and beachwear. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly. The supplied information does not specify onboard catering, and you should not assume that refreshments will be provided.

The water is the main attraction, but the walking option gives you a break from swimming. You can head toward St Marija Tower for a wider view of the coast. The exact amount of walking time depends on how long you spend in the water and how quickly you return to the boat, so keep an eye on the meeting time.

The Blue Lagoon is also where the current access rule matters. From May 1, 2025, anyone who wants to step onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com. This is separate from booking the boat trip. Check the official system before departure if you plan to leave the beach area and walk on Comino.

Crystal Lagoon on the return

The return route includes Crystal Lagoon and nearby caves. The itinerary describes this as a photo and sightseeing stop, with the boat passing through the area rather than giving you another long swimming break.

Crystal Lagoon adds a useful contrast to the Blue Lagoon. Instead of spending the entire outing at one famous swimming spot, you get another view of Comino’s rock and water. The boat may slow for photographs, but the exact approach depends on the weather, sea conditions, and the captain’s safety decision.

A sunset can be part of the atmosphere on some afternoon departures. One especially positive account describes a beautiful sunset at the end, with the skipper stopping to take pictures. That is a pleasant possibility, not a guaranteed feature, since the timing of sunset changes by season and the captain may need to adjust the route.

The boat then returns to Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay. You finish where you began, without needing a separate transfer back from Comino.

Is the speedboat comfortable?

The most important practical question is whether you enjoy a fast ride. The boat is described as energetic, with turns that can make children smile and a ride that feels like part of the entertainment. Thomas is praised for managing waves confidently, but even careful handling cannot make a speedboat feel like a slow ferry.

You may feel the boat bounce when the water is choppy. Hold on, keep your belongings secure, and avoid bringing anything fragile. Sunglasses and hats are useful, but make sure they fit securely in the wind.

This outing is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with recent surgeries, or wheelchair users. It is also marked as unsuitable for people over 60, with additional restrictions listed for older age groups. The supplied restrictions are unusually specific, so take them seriously and ask the operator before booking if your situation falls near one of those limits.

High-heeled shoes, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, and non-folding or electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Intoxication is also prohibited. These rules are practical on a small, fast boat, where space and safety equipment are limited.

What the $34 price buys you

At about $34 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want several Comino sights in one outing. The price includes the speedboat ride around the island, cave visits, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon. You are not paying only for transport to a beach. You are paying for a guided coastal circuit with a skipper, multiple scenic points, and a substantial free-time stop.

The value is strongest for someone who would otherwise need separate boat transport and a way to see the caves. The boat also reduces the need to plan your own route around Comino. You simply follow the circuit and use the Blue Lagoon stop for swimming.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet beach day. The ride takes up much of the outing, the boat can be lively, and food and drinks cost extra. You may prefer a slower vessel if comfort matters more than speed.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. Weather still controls the day. The captain can cancel or change the route for sea and safety conditions, with an alternative date or refund offered if the cruise is cancelled for that reason.

Who will enjoy this Comino outing?

I would choose this trip if you want to see a lot of Comino in half a day and like the feeling of a small, quick boat. It suits confident swimmers, keen photographers, families whose children enjoy speed, and anyone who wants cave views without paying separate admission.

It also works well when your schedule is tight. The 3.5-hour length gives you a focused introduction to Comino rather than taking up an entire day. The two-hour Blue Lagoon break provides enough free time to make the outing feel more than a sightseeing loop.

I would look elsewhere if you want a calm cruise, have a sensitive back, need step-free access, or dislike crowded swimming areas. The route includes the Blue Lagoon, but it does not promise solitude there. You should also avoid booking if your main goal is an extended walk around Comino, since most of the island is viewed from the boat and the official entry registration now applies to walking ashore from the lagoon.

Should you book the Blue Waves speedboat?

Book it if your ideal Comino day includes caves, a fast ride, and a proper Blue Lagoon stop. The route covers the island’s major coastal sights, gets close to rock formations, and gives you two hours for swimming and snorkeling. At $34, that is a fair package for a compact half-day outing.

Think twice if you need a smooth ride or want a quiet, uncrowded beach experience. For the right person, the boat is the point, not merely the transport. For everyone else, a larger and slower craft may be kinder to your back and your nerves.

FAQ

How long does the Comino speedboat tour last?

The full trip lasts about 3.5 hours. The Blue Lagoon stop lasts two hours, with the remaining time used for the speedboat circuit, caves, sightseeing, and the return to Marfa Bay.

Where does the tour depart?

The tour departs from Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay. The departure point is about 3 kilometers from Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

What sights are included?

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

Is time provided for swimming at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You get two hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, taking photographs, or walking toward St Marija Tower.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring or purchase what you need. Large bags are not allowed on the boat.

What should I bring?

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

Can the tour be changed or cancelled because of weather?

Yes. The captain can alter or cancel the trip 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.