From Gozo:Around Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & Caves

Comino looks best from the water. This four-hour cruise gives you two things I especially like: a small boat that can reach the caves closely and generous swimming time at the Blue and Crystal Lagoons. The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon stop itself, which can become very crowded, especially later in the day.

The cruise leaves from Gozo, not Malta, and follows Comino’s full coastline before returning to Mgarr Harbour. I like the choice of departure times, including early morning and sunset options, but you need to reach the jetty promptly because departure times are strictly observed.

At $41 per person, this is a good-value way to see Comino if you want more than a quick ride to the Blue Lagoon. You get sightseeing, two substantial swim stops, cave visits, a padded sun deck, and a welcome drink without spending the whole day on the island.

Key points before you book

• The early departure beats the crowds: Arriving at the Blue Lagoon around 9:15 in the morning can mean a much calmer visit before the larger boats arrive.
• The boat carries roughly 20 to 24 people: That is small enough for open views, a relaxed mood, and close approaches to Comino’s caves.
• Crystal Lagoon is the stronger swimming stop: You can swim and snorkel from the boat, with time to see fish in the clear water.
• You can stay aboard at the Blue Lagoon: If the shore looks too packed, you can swim and sunbathe from the boat instead.
• The cruise includes more than the famous lagoon: You pass Comino Tower, Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay, Elephant’s Point, a tuna farm, and several caves.
• Bring your own snorkel gear if possible: Equipment is available for €5, but a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear are also essential.

Why this small boat works so well

Comino is famous for one narrow strip of water, the Blue Lagoon. The trouble is that fame brings crowds, boats, music, and very little room on shore during the busiest part of the day. This cruise improves the experience by treating the Blue Lagoon as only one stop on a longer circuit.

The boat is described as holding about 20 to 24 people, including crew. That size matters. You get a better view from the top deck, and the captain can bring the boat close to sea caves that larger vessels cannot enter as easily.

Several departures have been praised for careful handling and good timing. Captain Keith received particular approval for maneuvering near the caves and rotating the boat so people on different sides could take photographs. Other departures were led by Danny and Jack, who were described as friendly and helpful.

The tone is simple rather than polished or theatrical. You get a comfortable boat, a padded sun deck, toilets, a bar, and a crew that generally keeps the day moving. There is no promise of a full guided lecture, so this suits you best if you prefer scenery, swimming, and a relaxed boat ride over a heavily narrated tour.

Starting from Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour

The meeting point is beyond the ferry terminal. Walk past the three food kiosks on the left and continue along the jetty until you reach its end. This is worth taking seriously because the directions can feel less clear than they should, and the boat leaves on time.

The cruise departs from Gozo, not from Malta’s main island. If you are staying in Malta, you need to account for the ferry journey to Gozo before reaching Mgarr Harbour. The meeting instructions do not include transport from your accommodation.

Once aboard, you receive a welcome drink. The boat has both shaded and sunny areas, which is useful on hot days. A small snack such as watermelon or fresh melon has also been served on some departures, but I would treat that as a pleasant extra rather than part of the formal package.

The crew usually keeps the atmosphere easygoing. Solo visitors can fit in comfortably, and families have found the boat manageable for children. One family specifically praised the experience for children aged 9 and 12, while another visitor with visual impairment found the boat accessible in practice.

There is an important contradiction in the published information: the activity is marked wheelchair accessible in one place, but it is also listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users. You should confirm the current boarding arrangements directly before booking if you use a wheelchair.

The Blue Lagoon: beautiful, famous, and crowded

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon, usually for about one hour. The water is strikingly clear, with pale blue and turquoise shades that look almost exaggerated in photographs.

You can choose to get off the boat and walk around Comino, sit by the beach, or stay aboard. The shore gives you a closer look at the famous setting, but it can be the least peaceful part of the day. The beach is small, and the area fills quickly as more boats arrive.

That is why I would choose the earliest departure if the Blue Lagoon is your priority. Morning passengers have reached the lagoon before the heaviest crowds, then left as the number of people began to rise. The early timing also improves photographs and gives you more room in the water.

You must arrange a free ticket if you plan to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. In 2025, visitors need a ticket through blcomino.com, although there is no charge. This requirement applies even when you have already booked the boat cruise.

The alternative is surprisingly appealing. Several people chose not to go ashore and instead swam from the boat or relaxed on the sun deck. If the beach looks packed, staying aboard can give you a much calmer version of the same water.

You should also know that music from nearby boats can spoil the quiet at times. That is not something the cruise operator controls, but it is part of the Blue Lagoon experience during the busy season.

Comino’s caves and rocky coast

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat continues around Comino’s coast. This is where the trip earns its place above a basic lagoon shuttle.

The captain takes you past caves, coves, beaches, and rock formations along the island’s edge. On smaller boats, the captain can often steer close to the entrances and turn the boat so everyone gets a fair view. You will want your camera ready because the views change quickly as the boat moves between openings in the rock.

The route includes Comino Tower, a sturdy coastal landmark that appeared in The Count of Monte Cristo. You also pass Elephant’s Point, a tuna farm, Santa Marija Bay, and San Niklaw Bay.

Santa Marija and San Niklaw offer a quieter side of Comino. They do not have the same fame as the Blue Lagoon, but their calmer coves help explain why a full coastal circuit is worthwhile. From the water, you see how varied the island is: pale rock, narrow inlets, low beaches, and clear water close to shore.

The boat’s movement is generally gentle, according to several accounts, though conditions can change. Captain Keith was praised for handling rougher water on one October departure, while the company makes clear that the route and swim stops can change with the weather.

Crystal Lagoon is the best place to swim

The second main stop is the Crystal Lagoon, generally for around 45 minutes. Some departures have allowed close to an hour, and a few descriptions mention an additional short swim stop. The standard plan, however, is two main stops at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

Crystal Lagoon is surrounded by rock and has clear water suited to swimming and snorkeling. From the boat, you can enter the water and look for fish below the surface. Some visitors also fed fish, although you should follow the crew’s instructions about what is appropriate.

For me, this stop is likely to be the highlight if you enjoy being in the water. The Blue Lagoon is the famous name, but Crystal Lagoon gives you more of the experience people hope for when they picture Comino: a clean swim, open water, rock walls, and less focus on the narrow beach.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent it for €5, or bring your own mask and snorkel. There is no suggestion that this is a specialist snorkeling trip, so you should expect casual swimming and fish viewing rather than a formal marine excursion.

The swim is from the boat unless the crew says otherwise. Bring a towel and wear swimwear under your clothes. A dry layer is sensible for the ride back, particularly on a sunset departure or outside the hottest months.

Sunset cruises and seasonal timing

Different departure times let you shape the mood of the trip. The early option is best for quieter water access and a less crowded Blue Lagoon. A later or sunset cruise can give you softer light and a pleasant return across the water.

The sunset departure has become a popular choice for people who prefer a slower, more atmospheric outing. At that time, the Blue Lagoon may be quieter than it is around midday, although the exact conditions depend on the date and other boats in the area.

October and November can still offer warm, calm conditions, but weather is less predictable than in midsummer. One late October trip had bright sunshine and calm seas, while the captain always retains the right to change the route, swimming stops, or entire trip for safety.

The four-hour length is well judged. You get enough time for two proper water stops and a full circuit without committing an entire day to a boat. Families with younger children may appreciate this limit, especially if swimming, sun, and wind begin to wear everyone out.

What is included, and what costs extra

The listed price is $41 per person. For that amount, you receive:

• A four-hour sightseeing cruise
• A welcome drink
• A Blue Lagoon stop
• A Crystal Lagoon stop
• A cruise around Comino’s coastline
• Visits to the caves
• Optional time ashore at Comino
• A padded sun deck
• Toilet facilities

Drinks from the onboard bar cost extra. Snorkel equipment costs €5 to rent. The free Blue Lagoon disembarkation ticket is also your responsibility to arrange online.

I consider the price fair because the trip combines transport, sightseeing, cave viewing, and swimming. A simple boat transfer focused only on the Blue Lagoon would give you less for a similar portion of the day. The smaller group also adds value, since you are not packed tightly onto a large excursion boat.

The cruise does not include a full meal, dedicated snorkeling instruction, or a long walking tour on Comino. If you want a land-based exploration of the island, this is not the right format. It is primarily a boat and swimming trip with a short optional visit ashore.

Who should book this Comino cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see Comino from several angles, enjoy swimming, and prefer a smaller boat to a large party vessel. It is also a strong choice for photographers because the captain can get close to the caves and turn the boat for better views.

Families can use it well, provided everyone is comfortable with a four-hour outing on the water. Children enjoyed the clear water and jumping in from the boat, but you should bring sun protection and keep an eye on younger swimmers.

Solo visitors can expect a friendly but low-pressure setting. The boat is small enough to feel sociable without forcing anyone into constant group activity.

I would hesitate if you dislike boats, do not want to swim, or mainly want to spend the day on a quiet beach. The Blue Lagoon shore can be cramped, and the cruise’s appeal depends heavily on the water stops and coastal views.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Choose the 9:00 morning departure if the Blue Lagoon is important to you. The lagoon becomes busier as the day continues, and leaving early can make the difference between a pleasant swim and a crowded shore visit.

Arrive well ahead of time at Mgarr Harbour. Parking can be difficult, and the jetty meeting point lies beyond the ferry terminal and kiosks.

Bring sunscreen, a towel, beachwear, and clothing suited to the weather. Add a light layer for the return trip if you select a late departure.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you have it. The €5 rental is reasonable, but having your own mask can save time and ensure a better fit.

Keep your departure time in mind while swimming. The schedule is followed closely, and the boat will not wait for a long late return.

If you want to get off at the Blue Lagoon, arrange the free ticket before the day of the cruise. If you prefer to avoid crowds, remain on the boat and use the swimming stop from the water instead.

Should you book this trip?

Yes, I would book it for a first visit to Comino, especially at the $41 price. The combination of a small boat, close cave views, two swim stops, and a full circuit of the coast gives you a more complete day than a Blue Lagoon transfer alone.

Choose the early morning option for the best chance of calm conditions and lighter crowds. Choose sunset if the light and relaxed mood matter more to you. Just remember that the Blue Lagoon itself may be crowded, the snorkel gear costs extra, and weather can change the route.

If you want Comino’s clear water without spending all day squeezed onto a busy beach, this is a sensible, well-priced choice.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Mgarr Harbour on Gozo, not from Malta’s main island. Walk past the ferry terminal, continue beyond the three food kiosks on the left, and follow the jetty to its end.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so you should check the available departure options when booking.

Does the cruise stop at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The cruise includes a Blue Lagoon stop of approximately one hour. You can get off the boat if you have the required free ticket, or stay aboard.

Do I need a ticket to leave the boat at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. In 2025, you must arrange a free ticket through blcomino.com if you want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for €5. You should also bring beachwear, sunscreen, and a towel.

What happens at Crystal Lagoon?

The boat stops at Crystal Lagoon for approximately 45 minutes, though some departures have allowed closer to an hour. You can swim and snorkel from the boat and see fish in the clear water.

Can the route change because of the weather?

Yes. The captain can change the route or swimming stops, or cancel or alter the trip, if weather conditions make it necessary.