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

Clear water, crowded shores, and a very useful boat base. This Comino cruise combines Malta’s coast, sea caves, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon in one half-day or full-day outing. I like the comfortable catamaran and the chance to swim from the boat, especially when Blue Lagoon’s shoreline is packed. I also like that Crystal Lagoon is included from June through October, since it often feels calmer and more enjoyable than the famous Blue Lagoon.

The main catch is that Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, particularly in summer. You also need to queue early for the best loungers, pay extra for snorkeling equipment, and buy your food and drinks onboard.

Key points to know before booking

• Crystal Lagoon is the quieter highlight: From June 1 through October 30, you get a proper swim stop in this cliff-ringed cove, weather permitting.
• Blue Lagoon is the main event: You have roughly two to four hours there, with access to the boat’s slides, loungers, toilets, showers, and bars.
• Arrive early for a good seat: Loungers are free but first come, first served. Some people arrive 30 to 60 minutes before departure.
• The boat is part of the attraction: Cushioned sun loungers, underwater viewing windows, several slides, and an air-conditioned deck make it more than a basic ferry.
• The sea caves are mainly for viewing: The cruise passes large caves and Santa Maria Caves, but a separate speedboat trip may be needed to reach smaller cave interiors.
• Weather changes the plan: Crystal Lagoon may be skipped outside the summer season, and the captain can alter the route for safety.

Starting at Bugibba Jetty

The trip begins at Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in San Pawl il-Baħar. From Valletta, Sliema, or St Julian’s, take a bus toward St Paul’s Bay and get off at the Moll stop. Parades is also listed as the nearest stop to the departure point, so check the exact stop shown with your booking.

I would allow extra time for the walk and queue. The boat can carry up to 250 people, and the most comfortable sunbeds disappear quickly. One useful rule is simple: arrive at least 30 minutes early, and closer to 45 or 60 minutes early if you want a front-of-boat lounger.

The day trip lasts about six hours. The shorter evening or sunset trip lasts around four hours and departs at 5:00 PM. The sunset option is a good fit if you want a swim, sea views, and cooler light without giving up a full day in Malta.

The cruise along Malta’s northern coast

The ride to Comino takes about an hour. The catamaran stays close enough to Malta’s coast for good views of cliffs, rocky inlets, and small coastal hollows. It is a pleasant way to see the shore from a different angle rather than simply treating the boat as transport.

Onboard commentary is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish. The narration covers what you are seeing, though the main pleasure is the open water and the changing views.

The route passes St. Paul’s Island, where a tall statue of Saint Paul rises above the tiny island. The boat also passes large sea caves and stops for photographs. Keep your phone ready, but protect it from spray and hold onto hats or loose items when the boat picks up speed.

The boat has an air-conditioned main deck, toilets, an accessible toilet with a changing area and showers, and 26 underwater windows. The underwater viewing is a nice extra, but visibility depends on the weather and water conditions. From November through April, a larger sailing catamaran may operate instead, and that boat does not have underwater windows.

Crystal Lagoon from June through October

Crystal Lagoon is the first major swimming stop on the summer day trip. The boat stays for about an hour from June through October, though the captain can skip the stop in poor weather. The evening trip allows about 30 minutes.

The lagoon is enclosed by steep cliffs and can only be reached by boat, which gives it a more secluded feel than Blue Lagoon. The water is very clear, and you can swim, snorkel, or use the boat’s three waterslides. There is also a top-deck jumping platform for confident swimmers.

I would make this your serious swimming stop. Crystal Lagoon is often the part people remember most because you are already on the boat, close to the cliffs and caves, without the same level of shore traffic found at Blue Lagoon.

You should bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Equipment is available for an extra charge, but purchasing or renting gear onboard may cost more than bringing a basic set from Malta. Life jackets are available for weaker swimmers, although you should check that any borrowed equipment fits securely before entering the water.

From November through May, the Crystal Lagoon stop is reduced to about 15 minutes for photographs and cave views. That is not enough time for the same relaxed swim, so the season matters if Crystal Lagoon is your main reason for booking.

Blue Lagoon, beautiful and very busy

The boat then spends roughly two to four hours at Blue Lagoon, depending on the season and departure chosen. You can swim directly from the catamaran or walk ashore on Comino to look around.

Blue Lagoon earns its fame honestly. The water is strikingly clear, and the surrounding rock gives you classic Malta photos. The problem is no secret: in the warmer months, the small shore area becomes crowded, and swimming near the shore can feel cramped.

This is where the boat’s facilities matter. You can stay onboard and use it as your base, with free sun loungers, toilets, showers, changing space, food, drinks, and shade or air conditioning on the main deck. The large top-deck slide and two smaller slides are popular with families and anyone still carrying a little childhood mischief.

There are also jumping platforms, though you should follow the crew’s instructions and use them only when permitted. The boat’s position gives you a good view of the lagoon, and swimming from the side can be more comfortable than trying to find space along the busy shore.

One important practical point: loungers are not reserved. If you leave your place to walk ashore, you may not be able to reclaim it. If relaxing on the catamaran matters to you, choose your spot early and treat it as your base.

Some departures may temporarily adjust the order of the stops or coordinate with passengers continuing toward Gozo. Listen carefully to announcements and keep your QR code or boarding information available. Changes to the order can affect when you are allowed ashore and when you need to return to the boat.

What the sea caves are really like

The cruise includes large sea caves for photographs and passes the Santa Maria Caves on the return journey. It also points out the Elephants Head rock formation, a distinctive shape along the coast.

Set your expectations correctly. This is mainly a scenic viewing experience, not a cave expedition. You may see cave entrances from the catamaran, but you generally cannot swim into every cave as part of the standard trip.

An optional speedboat excursion may be offered for an additional charge, listed in the reviews at about €15 per adult and €10 per child. That smaller boat can reach farther into the cave areas and provide closer views. I would consider it worthwhile if caves are your priority, but it is not included in the $36.20 tour price.

Food, drinks, seating, and onboard comfort

The catamaran has two bars and an onboard kitchen selling hot and cold food, snacks, coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol. Outside food and drinks are not allowed under the stated onboard rules, so budget for purchases if you are taking the six-hour trip.

Prices can add up, especially for a family. The good news is that the boat provides real seating and facilities rather than forcing you to spend the whole day on a crowded rock or beach. The sun loungers are cushioned, and the lower deck offers more conventional seating.

Not every seat is equal. Some outer seats sit close to the rail, while inner seats give less direct views. The upper deck is best for sun and scenery, but it can feel cool when the boat is moving, even on a warm day. Bring a light jumper or wrap, and use sunscreen because the wind can hide how much sun you are getting.

Bring your own towel. Towels are not included. Water shoes can also help around Blue Lagoon, where underwater rocks may be uncomfortable for bare feet.

Is $36.20 good value?

At $36.20 per person, this is priced above a basic ferry ride, but it offers more than simple transport. You are paying for the coastal cruise, commentary, Crystal Lagoon in the summer season, Blue Lagoon time, cave views, slides, loungers, toilets, showers, and the option to swim directly from the boat.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the catamaran’s facilities. Families may appreciate the slides and changing facilities. Swimmers may prefer the boat access at Crystal Lagoon. People who only want to reach Comino and spend the day on land could find a basic ferry cheaper and more flexible.

Food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the optional speedboat cave trip cost extra. The added expenses are not unreasonable, but they should be part of your budget before booking.

Who will enjoy this Comino cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to you if you want several Comino experiences in one outing and like having a comfortable base between swims. Families, casual swimmers, first-time Malta visitors, and anyone who enjoys being on the water should find plenty to like.

It is also a good choice for people who do not want to arrange separate transport to Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. The cruise handles the route, gives you time at both coves, and returns you to Bugibba Jetty.

You may want another plan if you dislike crowds, need a quiet beach, or want long walks around Comino. Blue Lagoon is famous, but fame brings congestion. In that case, use the boat as your refuge and swim from its side rather than spending all your time ashore.

The trip also suits older family members when the weather is mild, thanks to the toilets, changing area, showers, indoor seating, and stable catamaran. Still, windy conditions can make the open deck cold, and swimming stops depend on sea conditions.

Booking, weather, and useful final details

The operator runs trips year-round when weather allows. The captain can change the route, stop times, or departure arrangements for safety. Crystal Lagoon operates as a full swimming stop from June 1 to October 30, and only in fair weather.

Confirmation is provided at booking. Email is the main contact method, with WhatsApp as a secondary option, so check both before departure. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transport.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Last-minute changes within 24 hours are not accepted.

Should you book this Comino boat trip?

Yes, if you want a convenient day on the water with swimming, slides, caves, and a proper onboard base. The strongest reason to book is the combination of Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, especially during the summer season when Crystal Lagoon receives a full hour.

Book with realistic expectations. Blue Lagoon will likely be crowded, good loungers require an early arrival, and cave access beyond the standard viewing route costs extra. Bring a towel, sunscreen, a light layer, and your own snorkeling gear if possible. If you do that, the $36.20 price offers a solid way to see Comino without arranging several separate trips.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta.

How long does the day trip last?

The day trip lasts about six hours. The evening or sunset trip lasts about four hours, with the 5:00 PM Seabird departure being the shorter option.

How do I reach Bugibba Jetty from Valletta, Sliema, or St Julian’s?

Take a bus toward St Paul’s Bay and get off at the Moll stop. Parades is also listed as the nearest bus stop to the destination.

Is Crystal Lagoon included?

Yes. Crystal Lagoon is included as a photo stop from November through May and as a swimming stop from June 1 through October 30, subject to fair weather.

How much time do I get at Blue Lagoon?

Depending on the season and departure, the boat spends about two to four hours at Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available for an additional charge, or you can bring your own.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard. Outside food and drinks are not allowed under the stated tour rules.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

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