Half day Cruise – Comino, Gozo, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, and Caves

The best thing about this half-day cruise is its useful balance: you see Comino’s famous water, get two chances to swim, and still have most of the day left. The small boat also gives the trip a more personal feel than the huge party boats that crowd Malta’s coast.

I like the one-hour Blue Lagoon stop, which gives you time either to swim from the boat or walk onto Comino. I also like the quieter Crystal Lagoon stop, where clear water, fish, and sea caves make the second swim feel different from the first. The main concern is weather: on rough days, this smaller, older-style boat can feel exposed and uncomfortable.

Key points to know before booking

• Two proper swimming stops: About an hour at Blue Lagoon and another hour at Crystal Lagoon, though actual timing can vary.
• A small-group boat: Capacity is limited to 40 people, with an upper deck, padded sun deck, toilet, and room to move around.
• More than a beach trip: You pass Comino’s caves, Santa Maria Bay, Elephant’s Head, and the broad sandy bay at Comino.
• A practical four-hour format: You get the main sights without giving up a full day in Malta or Gozo.
• Simple extras included: A welcome drink, watermelon, life jackets, and an experienced skipper and crew.
• Weather matters: Swimming stops depend on conditions, and rough winter seas may make the ride unpleasant.

Why this four-hour cruise works well

Malta’s northern islands are easy to reach by boat, but seeing them properly takes planning. You could arrange separate ferry rides, hunt for a swimming spot, and try to fit in Comino’s caves on your own. This cruise folds those pieces into one short outing.

At about three to four hours, it suits you if you want the sea without giving up the rest of your day. You can cruise in the morning and still have time for Valletta, Mdina, or an evening meal. If you are staying near Mellieha, the start at Cirkewwa is especially practical.

The boat carries a maximum of 40 people. That is not a private cruise, but it is far smaller than the large vessels that can hold dozens upon dozens more. I would choose this format if you care about open views, a less packed deck, and a crew that can offer some personal help.

Captain George is named in the trip feedback, and his relaxed manner and confident handling of the boat received especially warm praise. The crew also helped older people aboard and assisted one party that initially missed the boat and had to meet it at the next stop. That said, communication at the departure point has not always been clear, so arrive early and confirm exactly where the boat is waiting.

Leaving Cirkewwa for Comino

The meeting point is listed as Cirkewwa cafe, at the northern end of Malta near the ferry area. This is the first practical detail to take seriously. The cafe and port area can be confusing, and one person reported waiting without seeing a clear company representative before locating the boat near the cafe.

I would not arrive at the last minute. Keep your mobile ticket ready, ask the cafe staff or nearby boat operators where the Xlendi Pleasure Cruises boat is located, and allow extra time to walk around the port area. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

Once aboard, you can choose between the lower seating area and the upper deck. The upper level offers wider, unobstructed views and is the place for photos. It is reached by a steep, vertical ladder, so it may not suit anyone with limited mobility. The lower area is easier to reach, but can feel more exposed to spray, especially at the front of the boat.

Life jackets are provided, and the boat has toilet facilities. Formal safety instructions may be brief, so ask the crew where the life jackets are if you do not see them. Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a light layer. Even on a warm day, the ride can feel cool once the boat is moving.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shoreline

Blue Lagoon is the main event for many people. The water is famously clear and blue, with pale rock around the bay. You get roughly an hour here, with two choices.

You can stay aboard and swim directly from the boat. The upper deck also allows jumping into the water during the stop, and some people use the lower jumping point while others leap from higher up. Only jump if you are comfortable with the height and conditions, and follow the crew’s instructions.

Your second choice is to get off and walk around Comino. The shoreline is small and can become crowded, especially in summer. The optional walk gives you a chance to take photos from land and see the lagoon from a different angle, but it is not a peaceful beach visit during the busiest part of the day.

If you want a quieter Blue Lagoon experience, a morning departure is the better bet. Several departures have been praised for avoiding the largest crowds, although Blue Lagoon remains a popular stop and other boats will still be present. The water is the star here, not solitude.

The time is generous enough for one solid swim and a quick walk, but it can feel short if you want both a long swim and a full shore visit. I would decide before arriving. If swimming is your priority, stay aboard and use the full stop in the water. If this is your only chance to set foot on Comino, take the walk.

From May 2025, anyone getting off at Blue Lagoon must have a free government-issued ticket booked online. The ticket costs nothing, but it is required. The boat operator provides an optional walk, so check the current government booking process before departure if you plan to leave the boat.

Crystal Lagoon: the quieter second swim

Crystal Lagoon is the strongest part of the trip for anyone who prefers clear water and a calmer setting. The boat anchors for another swimming break, usually around an hour, although timing can vary.

The lagoon has fish, pale rocks, and caves along the shoreline. You can swim and snorkel near the boat, or look toward the rock openings from the water. It feels different from Blue Lagoon because the attraction is less about stepping ashore and more about enjoying Comino’s sea.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be rented for €5. If you already own a mask, bring it. A mask is useful here, since the clear water and fish are part of what makes the stop special.

Several people would have preferred more time at Crystal Lagoon and less time at Gozo’s harbor. That tells you something useful about the day’s rhythm. Blue Lagoon is the famous stop, but Crystal Lagoon may be the more enjoyable swim. If you like being in the water, this is the place where you may wish the clock would slow down.

The boat serves a welcome drink and a slice of watermelon. The watermelon is a small but welcome touch after swimming in the sun. Other drinks can be purchased from the onboard bar, including reasonably priced alcoholic and nonalcoholic options.

Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour in 15 minutes

The stop at Mgarr is brief, about 15 minutes in the planned schedule. Mgarr is Gozo’s main harbor, with boats, hills, and a compact waterfront that makes a good photo stop from the boat or land.

I would keep expectations modest. This is not enough time to explore Gozo beyond the harbor area. You may get off, take photos, and look around, but you will not see the island’s villages, temples, or countryside.

Some people find the stop unnecessary compared with spending more time swimming at Crystal Lagoon. I understand that view. The harbor adds a glimpse of Gozo to the route, but it is the least rewarding part if your main goal is clear water and sea caves. On the other hand, if you want to say you visited Gozo during a short cruise, the stop provides that small taste without turning the outing into a full-day excursion.

The schedule may sometimes allow closer to 30 minutes, according to the timing experienced on one winter outing, but you should plan around the advertised short stop rather than expect a longer visit.

Caves, Santa Maria Bay, and Elephant’s Head

The cruise also passes several natural sights along Comino’s coast. The crew points out the sea caves, giving you time to take photos and look into the rock formations from the boat.

This is a sightseeing cruise as much as a swimming trip. The boat’s smaller size helps here, since you can move between seats and use the upper deck for a clearer view. Do not expect a long cave tour on foot. The caves are seen from the water, and the value is in the changing angles, shadows, and rock shapes.

The route also passes Santa Maria Bay, known for Comino’s largest sandy beach and often described as the island’s main bay. It is a useful contrast to Blue Lagoon, showing a broader, more natural stretch of coast.

Elephant’s Head is another photo stop. A cliff edge resembles an elephant’s head, and the boat passes close enough for you to take pictures. These sights depend on the exact route and weather, and the description specifies them for Trip A only. If Elephant’s Head is important to you, confirm that you are booking the correct trip option.

One winter outing did not include this northern Comino section because rough conditions changed the route. That is a good reminder that coastal itineraries are not fixed in the same way as a museum schedule. The captain may adjust the course for safety and sea conditions.

What the boat is really like

The boat has a padded sun deck, an upper deck, a bar, toilet facilities, and seating for a maximum of 40 people. Its smaller scale is one of the main reasons to choose it. You avoid the feel of a huge floating crowd and get better access to the railings and views.

You can also jump from the top deck during the swimming stops. This adds fun for confident swimmers, but it is not the heart of the trip. You can simply swim from the lower level or remain on deck.

The tradeoff is protection from the elements. The front seats may take spray, and the upper deck can be exposed to wind. Plastic blinds have been used to reduce spray on the return ride, but you should still expect an open-water outing rather than a sheltered ferry ride.

For motion sickness, choose your seat carefully and prepare before boarding. Calm water made the trip comfortable for one person who is usually very prone to seasickness, but rough winter water produced a very unpleasant ride for another passenger. Sitting toward the back can reduce the strongest motion compared with the front, though no seat can guarantee a smooth crossing.

Price, timing, and overall value

At about $30.17 per person, this is good value if you want the major Comino sights and two swims without paying for a full-day cruise. The price includes the sightseeing boat, crew, welcome drink, watermelon, life jackets, and use of the sun deck. You only need to budget for optional snorkeling equipment and drinks from the bar.

The value is strongest for people with limited time. A four-hour trip gives you Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, sea caves, a look at Gozo, and several coastal landmarks. A longer cruise may give you more time at each stop, but it also takes most of your day.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want to explore Gozo. The Mgarr stop is too short for that. In that case, take a dedicated Gozo excursion or ferry and spend your time inland.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If bad weather forces cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, so keep that deadline in mind.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this boat trip if you want:

• Two chances to swim in clear Mediterranean water
• A shorter outing instead of an eight-hour cruise
• A boat smaller than the major party vessels
• Coastal photos, caves, and cliff formations
• A flexible day with time left for other Malta plans
• A moderate price with basic onboard comforts

I would think twice if you need a fully sheltered boat, have serious mobility limits, or are very sensitive to rough water. The upper deck requires a steep ladder, and winter seas can be rough enough to make the ride hard going.

Families and confident swimmers will enjoy the jumping platform and easy access to the water. Older people can still take the trip, but ask for help and consider sitting on the lower level toward the back. Anyone who wants a quiet beach day should also know that Blue Lagoon can be crowded.

Should you book it?

Yes, if your ideal Malta outing is a compact sea adventure with real swimming time rather than a long sightseeing cruise. The Crystal Lagoon stop, small boat, friendly crew, and reasonable price make this a strong choice for a half day.

Book with care if the forecast looks windy. The trip depends on good weather, and the same small boat that feels friendly and uncrowded in calm water can feel exposed in rough seas. Also confirm the Cirkewwa meeting point, arrange the free Blue Lagoon ticket if you plan to get off, and bring a towel for each swimmer.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately three to four hours and returns to the Cirkewwa meeting point.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Cirkewwa cafe, at Cirkewwa in Mellieha, Malta.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The trip includes swimming stops at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, subject to weather conditions.

Do I need to pay to enter Blue Lagoon?

No. The required ticket for getting off at Blue Lagoon is free through the government website, but tickets are required from May 2025.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be rented for €5.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.