Comino Island: including Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & sea caves

The best reason to book this Comino cruise is the Crystal Lagoon stop. Its clear water, cliff walls, and boat-only access make it feel more special than the famous Blue Lagoon, especially when you swim toward the caves. You also get Malta’s rugged coast, St. Paul’s Island, and sea caves along the way.

I like the catamaran as a floating base, with sunbeds, toilets, showers, bars, underwater windows, and slides. I also like the choice of a full daytime trip or a shorter sunset sailing. The main catch is simple: Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, and the best seats go quickly.

Key points at a glance

• Crystal Lagoon is the quieter highlight: From June through October, you get about an hour for swimming and snorkeling in a boat-access-only cove.
• Blue Lagoon time varies by season: The boat usually stays two to four hours, giving you time to swim, walk ashore, or stay aboard.
• Arrive early for a sunbed: Loungers are free but first come, first served, and the front deck fills fast.
• The boat is part of the experience: Slides, jumping platforms, underwater windows, showers, toilets, and two bars make it more than a basic ferry.
• Cave visits are mainly scenic: The cruise enters large sea caves for photographs, while an optional speedboat ride may take you farther inside for an extra charge.
• Weather shapes the day: Crystal Lagoon closes from November through May except for photo stops, and the captain can change the route for safety.

From Bugibba to Comino by catamaran

The trip begins at Bugibba Jetty in the seaside town of Bugibba. From Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s, take a bus toward St. Paul’s Bay and get off at the Moll stop. Parades is listed as the nearest stop to the departure point, so allow extra time for the walk and arrive early.

The daytime sailing lasts about six hours. The 5:00 PM Seabird trip lasts about four hours and is designed around evening light and sunset rather than a long afternoon at Comino. Both run according to sea and weather conditions.

The catamaran takes roughly an hour to reach Comino. Along the way, onboard commentary is offered in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish. The route stays near Malta’s coast, giving you views of high cliffs, rocky inlets, and small coastal caves.

You will pass St. Paul’s Island, marked by the tall statue of the apostle. The boat also enters several sea caves for photographs, including the Santa Maria caves on the return journey. This scenic sailing is a useful part of the trip, though it is not a slow, guided tour of every cave.

The boat holds up to 250 people, so this is a shared excursion rather than a quiet private cruise. Still, the catamaran is described as stable and spacious, with a main indoor deck, an open upper deck, bars, and plenty of places to sit. On windy days, the top deck can feel chilly while the boat is moving, even under a warm sun. Pack a light jumper or cover-up.

Crystal Lagoon, the best swim of the day

From June 1 through October 30, the daytime cruise spends about an hour at Crystal Lagoon, weather permitting. The evening trip stops for about 30 minutes, so you get a shorter swim but still see the cove in softer light.

Crystal Lagoon is surrounded by steep cliffs and cannot be reached on foot. That gives it a more contained feel than Blue Lagoon, though the boat may still share the water with other sightseeing boats during the busy season.

You can swim from the catamaran, use one of the three waterslides, or jump from the top deck if you are comfortable with the height. The water is deep, and life jackets are available for people who are not strong swimmers. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent at an extra cost, but buying or bringing your own gear may be better value.

The caves near Crystal Lagoon are a real reason to bring goggles. You may be able to swim toward the openings and see below the surface, depending on the sea conditions and how busy the water is. Water shoes can help around rocky areas at Blue Lagoon and near the island.

From November through May, the Crystal Lagoon stop is reduced to about 15 minutes for photographs and cave views. If swimming at both lagoons is your main goal, June through October is the better season. The captain can skip or shorten the stop in poor weather.

Blue Lagoon with slides, sunbeds, and crowds

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and the catamaran moors in a position with a good view of the water. Depending on the season and departure time, you may have two to four hours here.

You can swim directly from the boat or walk ashore to explore Comino. Staying aboard has a practical advantage: you keep access to the catamaran’s toilets, showers, shade, indoor air-conditioned area, bars, and sunbeds. It also lets you avoid some of the crush around the shoreline.

The boat’s facilities make this trip more comfortable than a basic water taxi. There is a large upper-deck waterslide, two smaller slides, jumping platforms, cushioned loungers, toilets, an accessible toilet with a changing area and showers, and 26 underwater windows. The windows are useful for a quick look below the hull, but visibility can be poor in rough or cloudy conditions.

The sunbeds are free, but they are not reserved. Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes early if having a particular seat matters to you. The front of the boat offers especially good views, but the upper-deck spaces disappear quickly. Some lower-deck seats are regular chairs, while others are more like loungers. A seat number does not mean every seat has the same view or comfort.

Blue Lagoon’s popularity is also its weakness. In high season, the water, shore, and paths can feel crowded. You may find the swim more pleasant from the boat, where you have room to return to your lounger and rinse off afterward. If you want to walk ashore, keep track of the return instructions and your boarding time.

Bring sunscreen even when the breeze feels cool. The wind can hide how much sun you are getting, especially on the upper deck. A towel is not supplied, so pack one.

Sea caves and the return past Santa Maria

The cruise includes large sea caves as scenic stops, with time for photographs. The most memorable cave views come from the water, where the cliffs and rock formations are easier to appreciate than from a crowded shore.

On the way back to Bugibba, the boat enters the Santa Maria pirate caves and passes the rock formation known as the Elephants Head. This final section gives the day a clear sense of place, even if the cave visit is brief.

The included cave viewing does not necessarily mean you will swim inside every cave. An optional speedboat ride may be offered for a closer route through the caves. The extra cost cited for this add-on is about €15 per adult and €10 per child, but confirm the current price and availability onboard before agreeing.

I would treat the speedboat as an optional extra, not a required part of the cruise. It can add a lively, close-up look at the cave walls, but the standard trip already includes scenic cave access from the larger boat.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

Food and drinks are not included in the ticket. The catamaran has two onboard bars serving hot and cold food, snacks, soft drinks, coffee, and alcohol. Food stalls are also available around Blue Lagoon.

The operator states that outside food and drinks are not allowed onboard, so plan to buy refreshments from the boat. This matters on the six-hour daytime sailing, particularly if you are traveling with children or need regular snacks.

Pack these basics:

• Towel
• Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Mask and snorkel, if you own them
• Water shoes for rocky areas
• A light jumper for the return sailing
• Waterproof protection for phones and cameras

Snorkeling equipment can be hired for an extra fee, and personal lockers are available for about €2. The listed snorkeling hire is €5, though prices can change. Lockers are useful if you want to swim without leaving valuables on a lounger.

Smoking is not permitted onboard. Vaping is allowed only in designated areas.

How much value do you get for $36.20?

At $36.20 per person, this is priced above a simple transport boat to Comino, but it includes much more time and equipment than a basic crossing. You are paying for a full coastal cruise, two lagoon stops in the warm season, the catamaran facilities, and the return cave route.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the boat as your base. You can swim, dry off on a cushioned lounger, use a shower, buy lunch, and return to the water without searching for a new place to sit. The slides and jumping platforms add real appeal for families and anyone who wants more than sightseeing.

The value is weaker if you only want transportation to Blue Lagoon and plan to spend the whole day ashore. You may find the long stop repetitive, especially in cooler months when swimming is less appealing. In that case, a shorter boat transfer could suit you better.

The sunset trip gives you less time but may be a better match for an evening outing. It lasts about four hours, includes a shorter Crystal Lagoon stop, and lets you see the coast in changing light. It is also a sensible choice if you do not want a full day in the sun.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip for families, swimmers, casual snorkelers, and anyone who likes having facilities close at hand. The slides, jumping platforms, underwater windows, showers, and indoor seating give the day plenty of variety.

It also works well for first-time visitors to Malta who want to see Comino without arranging several separate boats. The multilingual commentary adds context during the crossing, while the lagoons provide the main activity.

Strong swimmers should enjoy the open-water stops, but you do not need to be an expert. Life jackets are available, and you can stay on the boat if the sea feels too rough or the water looks too deep.

You may want a different plan if you dislike crowds, need a quiet beach day, or want a detailed cave tour. Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but its fame brings congestion. The Crystal Lagoon stop is usually the more rewarding swim.

Timing, weather, and practical planning

The cruise operates throughout the year when conditions allow. Weather can change the route, stop lengths, boat type, and access to Crystal Lagoon. From November through April, a large sailing catamaran may be used without underwater windows.

Listen carefully for onboard announcements, especially if the route changes order. The Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon sequence may be switched, which can affect when you go ashore and when you need to return to the boat.

The captain may cancel or alter the sailing for safety. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar. The cruise returns there. Confirmation is provided at booking, and email is the main contact method. Check both email and WhatsApp for updates, since contact details and departure information can matter when sea conditions change.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The boat is near public transport, but you should still allow time for the bus journey and the walk to the jetty.

Should you book the Comino catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want swimming, slides, caves, and a comfortable boat base in one half-day or full-day outing. The Crystal Lagoon stop is the strongest part, while Blue Lagoon gives you the iconic Malta scene and plenty of time to choose between swimming, walking ashore, and relaxing aboard.

Go early, bring a towel and a light layer, and bring your own snorkeling gear if possible. Choose the daytime trip for the longest water time. Choose the sunset sailing for a shorter outing with evening views.

I would not book it expecting a peaceful, uncrowded Blue Lagoon or an included private cave tour. For most visitors, though, the combination of two lagoons, a stable catamaran, onboard facilities, and Malta’s coastal views makes $36.20 a fair price, especially in the warm months.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Bugibba Jetty at Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. It also returns to this meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The daytime trip lasts about six hours. The evening or sunset trip lasts about four hours.

How long is the boat ride to Comino?

The journey from Bugibba to Comino takes approximately one hour.

Is Crystal Lagoon visited all year?

Crystal Lagoon is visited as a swimming stop from June 1 through October 30, weather permitting. From November through May, the boat spends about 15 minutes there for photographs and sea cave views.

How much time do I get at Blue Lagoon?

The cruise spends between two and four hours at Blue Lagoon, depending on the season and departure time.

Are snorkeling equipment and lockers included?

No. Snorkeling equipment and personal lockers are available for an additional charge. You can also bring your own snorkeling equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks can be purchased from the onboard kitchen and bars. The operator states that outside food and drinks are not allowed onboard.

Are towels provided?

No. You should bring your own towel.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain can cancel or alter the route for weather or safety reasons. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.