Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves – swim, snorkel & slide

The main attraction here is simple: you get four and a half hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, with the boat acting as your base. You can swim from the side, use the slide, walk onto Comino, return for lunch, or stretch out on deck without giving up your place by the water.

I like the low price and the freedom. At about $36.28, you get a full seven-hour outing, deck chairs, toilets, a shaded deck, and a sunny upper level. I also like the route, which brings you past St. Paul’s Island, Mellieha Bay, Ahrax Cave, Coral Cove, and Santa Maria Tower before the long swim stop.

The tradeoff is crowding and noise, especially in high season. The boat can carry up to 232 people, and the upper deck chairs go early. Music plays throughout much of the day, and rough seas can make the outward ride uncomfortable.

Key points

• A long Blue Lagoon stop: You have about four and a half hours to swim, snorkel, walk Comino, eat, and return to the boat.
• Best value for active swimmers: The price includes the cruise, facilities, deck chairs, and use of the boat slide.
• Arrive early for the upper deck: Top-level chairs are popular, with boarding advice often pointing to about 8:30 for the best choice.
• Optional cave trip: A seasonal speedboat ride costs €15 in cash and takes you into the smaller caves near Comino.
• Good onboard prices: Food, drinks, cocktails, and ice cream are available, with prices described as reasonable.
• Bring cash and sun gear: Boat and Comino purchases accept cash only, and you need your own towel, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear or rental money.

Why the Blue Lagoon stop works so well

Many Malta boat trips give you a quick look at Comino and then hurry back. This one gives you the better part of an afternoon. That changes the feel of the day.

You can swim when you arrive, eat lunch later, walk around Comino, then return to the water. If the crowded shore becomes too much, the boat provides a calmer base with toilets, shade, food, and seating.

The water around the Blue Lagoon is the star. It is clear and bright, with good conditions for swimming and snorkeling when the sea is calm. You can enter from the boat, use the large slide, or jump from designated areas. If you prefer a gentler day, simply sit on deck and watch the boats move through the channel.

The island itself can be busy. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known sights, and its popularity is part of the problem. You should not expect solitude beside the main swimming area. The useful trick is to walk away from the central shore, or use the boat as your quiet spot.

The long stop also helps families and mixed groups. Strong swimmers can spend hours in the water, while someone who wants to sunbathe can stay aboard. You are not locked into one activity or forced to follow a guide around the island.

Leaving Bugibba at 10am with Captain Kevin

The tour starts at Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay at 10am and returns at about 5pm. You should arrive early if you care about your seat, especially an upper-deck chair. The ride is popular, and the best sunny spots disappear soon after boarding.

Captain Kevin provides commentary during the cruise. The opening route includes St. Paul’s Island, the tiny island linked with the apostle’s shipwreck in Malta. A statue of St. Paul sits on the island, making it easy to identify from the water.

This first hour is not just transport. You get a moving view of Malta’s northern coast, with the boat giving you angles that you cannot see from land. The ride also gives you time to settle in, choose a place to sit, and decide how much sun or shade you want.

The upper deck is best for wide views and sun. The main deck gives you shade and easier access to the café and toilets. The boat is not presented as new or luxurious, but it has the practical equipment needed for a day on the water.

Music is part of the atmosphere. For some people, the upbeat playlist adds holiday energy. For others, it makes the boat feel less peaceful. If you want a quiet sea trip, this is not the safest choice. If you like a lively boat with swimming, cocktails, and a slide, the mood should suit you.

Ahrax Cave, Mellieha Bay, and Coral Cove

After St. Paul’s Island, the boat passes Mellieha Bay, Malta’s largest beach. You see the bay from the water before continuing toward Ahrax Cave, where the boat pauses for photographs.

Ahrax Cave is one of those places where the boat route adds real value. You can look into the rock formations from a position that is hard to reach from shore. The exact sequence can change with sea and wind conditions, so the cave views may come on the way to Comino or on the return.

The boat also passes Coral Cove before crossing the southern channel toward Comino. These stops are mainly scenic rather than long shore visits. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a formal walking tour at each one.

As you approach Comino, the crew circles the island so you can see its cliffs and unusual rock shapes. The island covers only about 1.4 square miles, yet its coastline packs in caves, bays, cliffs, and sea arches.

One memorable formation is Elephant’s Head. From the water, the rock takes on the shape suggested by its name. This part of the ride is a good reason to sit on the side facing Comino. One useful seating tip is to choose the starboard side for some of the best island views.

Four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

The boat’s mooring position is a major practical advantage. Instead of carrying everything to a beach and losing your place, you can treat the boat as your locker, café, restroom, and shaded retreat.

Deck chairs are included, but they are first come, first served. The top deck is the most sought-after area, so arrive early if you want a choice. Even when the upper chairs are gone, the other seats still offer access to the water and views.

The boat slide is included and gives the swimming stop a bit of extra fun. You can also jump from the boat, but use the designated areas and pay attention to crew instructions. The water entry from the rocks can be awkward in places, so the boat is often the easier option.

Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned. You can also bring your own mask and snorkel. Lockers cost €2, and towels are not provided, so pack one.

The onboard café sells food and drinks, including burgers, chips, ice cream, cocktails, and pineapple drinks. Prices are described as reasonable for a day on the water. You can also buy food on Comino, but keeping lunch aboard saves time and avoids another shore queue.

Remember that payments on the boat and Comino are cash only. This detail matters more than it sounds. Bring enough euros for lunch, drinks, rentals, lockers, and any optional activity.

Crystal Lagoon and the €15 speedboat ride

The Crystal Lagoon is reached by boat in the southern channel of Comino. It is known for deeper water and attracts people who want to snorkel, swim, or jump from the rocks.

From the Blue Lagoon, it takes about eight minutes to walk there. That makes it a useful escape from the busiest part of the island, though conditions and the exact route can affect how the stop is handled.

The optional speedboat ride to the small caves costs €15 per person and is paid in cash. It is offered seasonally. The speedboat takes you closer to the caves than the main vessel can, adding a short burst of speed and a more intimate look at the rock formations.

I would consider this add-on if you enjoy fast rides and want to see the caves from inside. It is not essential to the day, and you can have a full outing without paying extra. But at €15, it is one of the more worthwhile optional upgrades if the sea is calm and the ride is operating.

Snorkelers should note that the Crystal Lagoon is favored for deeper water. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask about a life jacket. One review specifically notes that life jackets can be rented with a deposit and are otherwise free, but confirm the arrangement with the crew before entering the water.

Santa Maria Tower on the return route

Comino has very few buildings, which makes Santa Maria Tower easy to spot. Built in 1618, the tower helped defend the island and later became known for its use as a prison.

It also appeared as Chateau d’If in the film The Count of Monte Cristo. Seeing it from the water gives you a quick layer of Maltese history without taking time away from the swim stop.

The tower is not a long visit on this tour. It is a passing sight, best enjoyed with the camera ready. The same is true of much of the coastline: you see a lot in a short time, but you do not stop at every feature.

The boat returns to Bugibba at about 5pm. That full-day timing makes this a substantial part of your Malta schedule. Plan it for a day when you do not need to fit in another major attraction afterward.

Price, comfort, and the real value

At $36.28 per person, this is inexpensive for a seven-hour boat outing. The price includes taxes, landing and facility charges, deck chairs, toilets, and use of the slide. Food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, lockers, towels, and the cave speedboat cost extra.

The strongest value comes from the length of the Blue Lagoon stop. You are not paying for a short cruise with a rushed photo stop. You get enough time to swim, eat, walk, rest, and return to the water.

The boat’s age is worth understanding before booking. It is functional rather than polished. You get the facilities you need, but not a sleek yacht experience. That is a fair trade at this price, especially if your main goal is to reach Comino and spend time in the water.

The group can be large, with a maximum of 232 people. On a busy day, that means a lively atmosphere, limited top-deck seating, and plenty of people near the lagoon. The boat can feel more spacious after some people leave for other activities, but you should book this for fun and value, not privacy.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being friendly, helpful, and safety-minded. Captain Kevin’s commentary adds context to the coastline, while the crew handles the practical side of swimming, food, equipment, and return times.

Who should book this Comino cruise

I would choose this tour if you want a full day on the water without paying for a private boat. It suits families, groups of friends, solo visitors, and anyone who wants swimming time rather than a tightly scheduled sightseeing circuit.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want a long stay at the Blue Lagoon.
• You enjoy swimming, snorkeling, jumping, or using a slide.
• You like having a boat with food, toilets, shade, and chairs nearby.
• You want the option of a €15 cave speedboat ride.
• You care more about value than a modern, quiet vessel.

I would think twice if you want a peaceful cruise, a small group, or a quiet beach. The music, crowd size, and popularity of the lagoon can work against that. Rough seas are another concern, especially from October to May or on unsettled days. Bring a jacket in the cooler months, since the boat can feel chilly while cruising.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before departure. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a low-cost, active day at Comino and you like the idea of using the boat as your base. The long lagoon stay, friendly crew, slide, onboard food, and optional cave ride give you plenty to do for the price.

Skip it if your ideal Malta day means quiet coves, a small boat, or a relaxed sail without music and crowds. For most people who want to swim in the Blue Lagoon without rushing, this is a strong value. Arrive early, bring cash, pack sunscreen and a towel, and treat the upper-deck chair as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

FAQ

Where does the Comino boat tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, in San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

The boat departs at 10am and returns at about 5pm. The total experience lasts approximately seven hours.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

You spend about four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon. You can remain on the boat, swim, walk onto Comino, eat, or return to the vessel during the stop.

Is food available during the tour?

Yes. The boat café sells food, drinks, ice cream, cocktails, and pineapple drinks. Lunch is not included, and prices are described as reasonable.

Can you rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. A mask and snorkel rental costs €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned. Bring your own equipment if you prefer.

How much does the speedboat cave trip cost?

The seasonal speedboat ride to the small caves costs €15 per person. The ticket is purchased with cash only.

Are deck chairs included?

Yes. Deck chairs are included, but they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early if you want an upper-deck chair.

What should you bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. From October to May, or from October to December as noted for cooler cruises, bring a jacket or warm layer. Towels are not provided.