Mellieha: Speedboat Trip Round Comino Caves 2h @ Blue Lagoon

Comino’s coast is best seen from the water, and this trip gives you the fast, fun version. You race past Elephant Rock, St. Mary Battery, and sea caves, then get two full hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming or a walk up to St. Marija Tower.

I like the mix of speed and scenery, and I like that the cave visits cost nothing extra. Captain Augustino receives repeated praise for explaining the sights, adjusting the boat’s speed, and helping with family photos. The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon itself: it is beautiful but can get crowded, especially later in the day.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: Enough time for a swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk to St. Marija Tower.
• A real speedboat ride: Expect wind, spray, quick turns, and a more lively trip than a slow sightseeing boat.
• Comino’s coast from every angle: The route passes Elephant Rock, St. Mary Battery Arch, Santa Maria Caves, Santa Maria Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.
• Captain Augustino is a highlight: He is often praised for clear explanations, friendly service, photo help, and a good feel for different comfort levels.
• Good value at $35: The price covers the boat ride, cave sightseeing, the full coastal circuit, and the Blue Lagoon stop.
• Bring only beach essentials: Large bags, oversize luggage, alcohol, drugs, weapons, and sharp objects are not allowed.

A fast start from Marfa Bay

The trip begins at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, about 3 kilometers from Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The total outing lasts about 3.5 hours, including the boat circuit and the two-hour stop.

That starting point matters. You are not spending the whole morning slowly approaching Comino. The speedboat gets you across the water quickly, leaving more of the outing for the coast itself and the Blue Lagoon break.

Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so I would arrive with time to spare. The boat ride is designed to be lively, not sedate. You can expect wind and some spray while the boat is moving, so keep your phone protected and wear clothing that can handle a little water.

The skipper speaks English and provides commentary as you pass the main sights. Captain Augustino is frequently singled out for being friendly, punctual, and good at explaining the caves. Other departures may have a different captain, but the experience is built around an English-speaking skipper who handles the boat and points out what you are seeing.

The speedboat adds real energy

A speedboat changes the feel of a coastal tour. Instead of simply sitting on the water, you get the rush of acceleration, open-air views, and the occasional splash. One guest even got the chance to drive the boat, while children on another trip were allowed to try it under the captain’s supervision. Those moments are not guaranteed, but they show how personal the skipper may make the ride.

The captain also adjusts the speed to suit the people on board. That is useful for families and mixed groups. Some people want the full rush, while others would rather slow down for a photo or enjoy a calmer stretch of water.

I would not book this if you want a quiet, luxury-style cruise. The boat ride can be bumpy, and the speed is part of the point. People with motion sickness, back problems, or a pregnancy should choose another way to see Comino. The activity is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 65, according to the stated restrictions.

Elephant Rock and St. Mary Battery Arch

The route takes you around the outer coast of Comino, beginning with scenic views of rock formations and open water. Elephant Rock is one of the most memorable sights because of its unusual shape. The boat passes close enough for a good look and photographs, though the itinerary describes it as a sightseeing pass rather than a long shore stop.

St. Mary Battery and its arch add a touch of Malta’s coastal defenses to the trip. From the water, you see the structure in context, framed by pale rock and clear sea. This is a quick visual stop rather than a formal historical visit, so do not expect a long explanation or time ashore.

That quick pace is part of the trade-off. You see many places in one outing, but the boat keeps moving. If you want to study each site at length, a walking visit to Comino would suit you better. If you want a broad look at the island’s coastline without arranging several separate trips, this route covers a lot.

Santa Maria Caves and the quieter side of Comino

The boat continues toward the Santa Maria Caves and the east and west caves around Comino. The skipper explains the formations and gives you chances to take photos. The itinerary includes cave visits and sightseeing at no extra charge, which is important because some coastal excursions treat cave access as an add-on.

The word hidden should be understood sensibly here. You are exploring the caves from the boat and seeing parts of the coast that are easy to miss from Blue Lagoon. The published timing lists the Santa Maria Caves as a photo and sightseeing stop with no fixed minutes, so you should not expect a long stay inside one cave.

This is one of the best parts of the trip for anyone who enjoys changing views. Pale cliffs, openings in the rock, shaded sections of coast, and bright water appear one after another. The skipper’s commentary gives the scenery more meaning than simply passing by in silence.

Keep your camera ready, but do not let it take over. The boat’s movement, sun glare, and spray can make photos tricky. Sunglasses and a sun hat are useful, and sunscreen is essential.

Santa Maria Bay and San Niklaw Bay

After the caves, the boat passes Santa Maria Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These are scenic coastal views rather than extended beach stops. You remain on the boat, looking into the bays and seeing how the water changes from deeper blue to clearer shallows near the coast.

The benefit is variety. You are not looking at the same cliff face for three hours. The drawback is that you do not get time to settle into each bay, swim at each one, or explore them on foot. The planned swimming time comes later at the Blue Lagoon.

This section also helps you understand Comino’s appeal. The island is small, but its coast is broken into coves, inlets, rock shelves, and narrow openings. A boat gives you access to the full outline in a way that walking alone cannot.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main break is a two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, or walk toward St. Marija Tower for a wider view. You decide how active the stop will be.

Two hours is a useful amount of time. You can get into the water without feeling rushed, dry off, and still have time for a short walk. If you prefer not to swim, the stop still works as a chance to stretch your legs and see the lagoon from land.

The water is the star attraction, but the crowd level deserves a clear warning. The Blue Lagoon becomes very busy, and it was already filling up as some boats were leaving. I would choose the morning slot when possible. An earlier visit gives you a better chance of finding room to swim and enjoying the water before the busiest period.

The lagoon is also where the difference between the boat ride and the beach stop becomes most obvious. The boat portion feels active and mobile. The Blue Lagoon stop is slower, brighter, and more social. If you want peace and empty shoreline, this may not be the right place at the busiest time of day.

From Blue Waves Watersports, the listed 11:00 a.m. departure requires booking the morning time window from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Check the available start time when booking, since the exact schedule can vary.

Crystal Lagoon on the return

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the speedboat passes Crystal Lagoon before returning to Marfa Bay. This is another photo and sightseeing section, not a second long swimming break.

Crystal Lagoon gives you one more look at Comino’s clear coastal water and pale rock. After two hours at the Blue Lagoon, it also breaks up the return journey. You can sit back, take a final set of photographs, and let the captain handle the ride home.

The boat returns to the same place where you started, Blue Waves Watersports. There is no separate transfer to arrange at the end.

What the $35 price gets you

At $35 per person, this is a strong value if you want several Comino highlights in one outing. The price includes the speedboat ride around the island, cave sightseeing, the coastal route, and a full two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

You are effectively paying for three experiences at once:

• A fast ride around Comino
• A guided look at caves, bays, arches, and rock formations
• Free time for swimming and snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon

Food and drinks are not included. That is easy to plan for, but the restrictions mean you cannot bring alcohol or large bags on board. Bring water in a suitable small container if permitted by the operator, and confirm any questions before departure.

The value is strongest for families, couples, and friends who want action and swimming in the same half-day. It is less useful for you if your main goal is a long beach day. In that case, a simple transfer to Comino may give you more time on shore for less movement.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Beachwear is the practical choice because the boat ride leads directly into swimming and snorkeling time.

Keep your belongings small. Oversize luggage, large bags, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Electric wheelchairs are also not accepted.

A waterproof phone pouch would be sensible, though it is not listed as a required item. The supplied information specifically recommends sun protection and beach gear, and the speedboat can produce spray. Protect anything you do not want wet.

New Comino access rules for shore exploration

From May 1, 2025, anyone who wants to step onto Comino at the Blue Lagoon and explore the island on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com.

This matters because the boat trip and the Blue Lagoon stop are not exactly the same as a land visit. You can enjoy the water and the planned stop, but if you intend to walk around Comino after getting off the boat, check the current entry requirements first.

The walk to St. Marija Tower is included as an option in the Blue Lagoon stop, but your ability to do it depends on the current shore access rules and your own timing. You should not assume that every part of the island is open for an unplanned walk.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want:

• A lively ride rather than a slow cruise
• A broad look at Comino’s coast in one outing
• Cave and cliff sightseeing without extra charges
• Two hours for swimming or snorkeling
• A family-friendly captain who can adjust the pace
• A reasonably priced half-day activity

Families have found the boat both exciting and reassuring, with captains helping children and taking group photos. Still, you know your own group best. The speed, bumps, sun, and spray may be tiring for very young children or anyone who dislikes rough movement.

This is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people with motion sickness, or people over 65. The restrictions also list several older age limits, so anyone in an older group should confirm eligibility before paying.

Weather can change the plan. The captain may cancel or alter the trip because of sea conditions or safety concerns. If the cruise is canceled for weather or sea conditions, you are offered an alternative date or a refund.

Is the Comino speedboat trip worth booking?

Yes, if you want a compact and active way to see Comino. For $35, you get the full coastal circuit, cave sightseeing, an English-speaking skipper, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon. Captain Augustino is a particular plus when he is operating, thanks to his friendly manner, clear explanations, and attention to different comfort levels.

Book it if you want speed, scenery, and swimming in one package. Choose a morning departure to give yourself the best chance of enjoying the Blue Lagoon before it gets crowded.

Skip it if you need a calm boat, a long quiet beach stay, or step-free access. Also think twice if you are prone to motion sickness or have back problems. For the right person, this is an efficient, good-value way to experience Comino’s coast without spending a full day on the water.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat trip start and finish?

The trip starts and finishes at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay.

How long does the activity last?

The total activity lasts about 3.5 hours, including the boat ride around Comino and the two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

What is included in the price?

The $35 price includes the speedboat ride around Comino Island, cave visits, and a two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I swim or snorkel at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The two-hour stop allows time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, photos, and a walk toward St. Marija Tower.

What should I bring?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.