Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Sea Caves Boat Tour

Comino’s best colors appear from the water, and this small-boat trip gives you several chances to swim in them. I like the limited group of about 24 people, which lets the boat get close to the caves, and I like the generous swim stops at Crystal Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay. The main catch is the Blue Lagoon crowd, especially if you expect a quiet beach visit.

I also appreciate the practical extras: shaded seating, a toilet, free swim noodles, and a complimentary stand-up paddleboard. You will need to bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash, and anyone prone to seasickness should think twice before booking.

Key points at a glance

• Three proper swim stops: Spend 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, one hour at Blue Lagoon, and 45 minutes at Santa Maria Bay.
• Small boat, closer cave views: With space for only about 24 people, the boat can approach Santa Maria Caves more closely than a large ferry.
• Blue Lagoon entry now requires planning: From May 1, 2025, you need a free, time-specific QR code to step onto the Blue Lagoon shore.
• Useful onboard comforts: Expect shade, a toilet, free swim noodles, life jackets on request, and a complimentary stand-up paddleboard.
• More than a beach trip: The route includes Comino Tower, Halfa Rock, San Niklaw Bay, Promising Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and Elephant Rock.
• Good value at $27: The price covers several swim stops and a scenic boat circuit, but snorkeling equipment, food, and drinks cost extra.

Why this Comino boat trip works well

This is a water-first outing. You are not simply ferried to Comino and left to find your own way around. The boat circles the island’s most attractive coves and formations, pauses for swimming, and brings you back to Ċirkewwa in about three to four hours.

I like the balance. You get time in the water, but also enough moving time to see cliffs, caves, bays, and rock formations from different angles. The trip suits you best if you want a compact introduction to Comino without spending a full day on a beach.

The boat’s size is a real advantage. It carries about 24 people, small enough for a calmer feel and close views of the caves, but large enough to offer shaded seating and a toilet. A small boat can also make the stops feel less like a simple transport service and more like a sightseeing cruise.

The tradeoff is that Comino is not quiet just because your boat is small. Blue Lagoon remains the island’s famous draw, and it can be much busier than Crystal Lagoon. If your priority is peace and open sand, Santa Maria Bay may be the most comfortable stop.

Starting at Ċirkewwa and passing Comino Tower

The meeting point is behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. Go down the stairs behind the café, turn left around the corner, and look for the boat. Free parking is available at the meeting point, which is useful if you are driving to northern Malta.

Once aboard, the route begins with a short sightseeing cruise. You pass Comino Tower, the historic watchtower associated with the film The Count of Monte Cristo. It is a quick visual introduction to the island, so keep your camera ready rather than waiting for a long guided stop.

The cruise is guided in English and Maltese. Crew member Johnny is specifically noted for helping older people aboard and during the trip. That is a useful detail if your group includes anyone who needs a little extra care around steps, swim stops, or boarding.

Crystal Lagoon: the best water stop for color

The first major stop is Crystal Lagoon on Comino’s western side, with about 45 minutes to swim, snorkel, look for marine life, or try the stand-up paddleboard. The water is known for its clear green and blue tones, and this is likely to be the most visually striking part of the outing.

I would use this stop actively. Swim, snorkel, or paddle rather than simply taking photos from the boat. The lagoon gives you a chance to see the water from below and appreciate why Comino is famous for swimming.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be rented onboard. Free swim noodles are provided, which is a nice touch if you want to float without working hard. Life jackets are available if you ask the crew.

The 45-minute limit is sensible. It gives you time to get into the water and enjoy it without turning the trip into a single-stop outing. Still, you should move promptly after the boat anchors. Changing, gathering your things, and waiting until the last minute can leave little time for swimming.

Blue Lagoon: famous, beautiful, and busier

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about one hour. Sunlight over the sandy seabed creates the bright blue water people come to see, and you can swim, snorkel, use a swim noodle, or try the paddleboard.

This is the name that sells the trip, but it is not necessarily the most relaxed stop. The Blue Lagoon is far busier than Crystal Lagoon, so you should set your expectations correctly. You will get the famous view and clear water, but not a private cove.

A major rule change matters here. From May 1, 2025, anyone who wants to step onto Comino at the Blue Lagoon must have a free QR code obtained in advance from www.blcomino.com. The code is tied to a specific entry period, morning, afternoon, or sunset, so you need to choose the slot that matches your boat departure and arrival time.

You do not need a QR code if you remain on the boat during the Blue Lagoon stop. That gives you a practical fallback if you cannot secure the correct entry slot, but you should understand that staying onboard means giving up shore access.

For most people, I would arrange the QR code before the day of the trip and check the timing carefully. A wrong time slot can turn a simple beach stop into an avoidable hassle.

Gozo, Halfa Rock, and San Niklaw Bay

After Blue Lagoon, the boat continues along the coast with sightseeing rather than another long swimming stop. You pass Gozo’s coastline and see Promising Rock, also called Gebla tal-Ħalfa. It is a good place for photos, especially if you enjoy natural rock shapes and coastal views.

The route also passes Halfa Rock. The sightseeing portion lasts about 15 minutes, giving you a chance to take in the formation without having to leave the boat. This part is valuable because it breaks up the swim stops and gives you a broader view of the area.

San Niklaw Bay comes next, along with the Comino Hotel and its quiet setting. The schedule lists about 15 minutes for this part. You should think of it as a scenic passage, not a full hotel or bay visit, unless the crew gives you different instructions on the day.

These short cruises also make the trip easier on people who do not want to swim every time. You can sit in the shaded area, watch the coast, and let the boat handle the sightseeing.

Santa Maria Bay: the most flexible stop

Santa Maria Bay is the final major stop, lasting about 45 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe on the sandy beach, use the paddleboard, or walk around the area.

I like this stop because it gives you choices. Crystal Lagoon is mainly about the water, while Blue Lagoon is the famous sight. Santa Maria Bay lets you choose a slower pace. If you have had enough swimming, you can stay on the beach or take a short walk instead.

The 45-minute visit is enough for a refreshing swim and some time on shore, but it is not a long beach day. Bring your beachwear and towel in an easy-to-reach bag, not buried under everything else on the boat. Sunscreen is essential, and cash is useful for food or drinks at the beach stops.

You can buy food at the beach stops and drinks onboard or at the stops. Since neither food nor drinks is included, budget a little extra if you do not want to carry your own supplies.

Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock by boat

The trip finishes with a cruise past Santa Maria Caves and Elephant Rock before returning to Ċirkewwa. The cave visit is mainly for photos, with about 10 to 15 minutes allocated, and the boat’s small size helps here.

You may be able to get close enough to see into the cave openings and photograph the water around them. A waterproof camera or phone case would be useful, especially if you want pictures from the water rather than only from the boat. The clear water and cave walls are among the most memorable sights on the route.

Elephant Rock is another quick photo stop. Its shape is the attraction, so keep an eye on the coastline and listen for the crew’s explanation of where to look. These final stops add variety to the trip and prevent it from feeling like only a series of beach breaks.

The boat then returns to the same meeting point behind the Cirkewwa cafe. You do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

What the $27 price really covers

At $27 per person, this is good value if you plan to swim at least once and care about seeing more than Blue Lagoon. The fare includes the boat circuit, three main water stops, cave and rock sightseeing, crew assistance, shaded seating, a toilet, and free parking.

The price is especially fair for a short outing because you are not paying only for transport to Comino. You get Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, Santa Maria Caves, Elephant Rock, Halfa Rock, San Niklaw Bay, and coastal views around Gozo.

There are still extra costs. Snorkeling gear must be rented onboard, and food and drinks are not included. The paddleboard and swim noodles are included, which helps keep the basic cost down.

The trip is also flexible when booking. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure before arranging the rest of your day.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would recommend it for first-time visitors who want a quick look at Comino, swimmers who want several chances to get into the water, and small groups that prefer a boat over a large ferry.

It also suits mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel or paddle, while anyone who prefers dry sightseeing can stay under the shade during the cruising sections. Families and older people may appreciate the crew’s practical help, though the tour still involves boarding, stairs, and movement on a boat.

I would be cautious if you are prone to seasickness. The activity information specifically says it is not suitable for people who get seasick. Pregnant women are also advised not to book.

Pack lightly but sensibly:

• Swimwear and beachwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash
• Waterproof protection for your phone or camera
• Any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer to use

Do not bring fireworks, explosive substances, or anything for making a fire, and do not litter.

Is the Comino boat tour worth booking?

Book it if you want several water stops and a small group at a modest price. Crystal Lagoon is likely to be the highlight for clear water and color, while Santa Maria Bay gives you the best chance to slow down away from the busiest spot.

Choose another plan if your main goal is a quiet Blue Lagoon beach day. The lagoon can be crowded, and stepping ashore now requires the correct free QR code in advance.

For most people, the strongest reason to book is the mix: three swim stops, a small boat that can approach the caves, and a full circuit of Comino’s best-known coastal sights in about four hours. Bring a towel, protect your phone, and leave room in your plan for the Blue Lagoon entry rules.

FAQ

Where does the Comino boat tour start?

The tour starts behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe at Ċirkewwa. Descend the stairs behind the café and turn around the corner on the left to reach the boat.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about three to four hours, depending on the selected departure time and schedule.

How many people are on the boat?

The boat has space for only about 24 people.

How long is the stop at Crystal Lagoon?

The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts about 45 minutes and allows time for swimming, snorkeling, marine life viewing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

How long is the stop at Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about one hour. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or relax on the boat or shoreline.

Do I need a QR code for Blue Lagoon?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code with a specific entry time if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You do not need one if you remain on the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be rented onboard. Swim noodles and a stand-up paddleboard are included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, beachwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Food is not included, and drinks can be purchased onboard or at the beach stops.