Mellieha: 3:00pm Speedboat round Comino Caves 2h Blue Lagoon

Comino rewards an early splash. This 3.5-hour trip from Marfa Bay packs a lot into one outing: a fast ride around Comino, cave visits, coastal sights, and a full two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon. I especially like the small departure distance, only about 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon, and the fact that cave visits are included rather than sold as extras.

The captain and guide make a real difference here. Augustino has been praised for being friendly, taking group photos, and helping create a memorable sunset finish, while skipper Thomas handled the waves with care. The main drawback is the speedboat itself: it is lively and bouncy, so it may not suit anyone with back trouble, recent surgery, pregnancy, or a low tolerance for fast turns.

Key points at a glance

• Two full hours at the Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk toward St. Marija Tower, or simply enjoy the view.
• Comino’s caves without extra charges: Santa Marija Caves and other coastal caves are part of the ride.
• A fast start from Marfa Bay: The boat leaves only about 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon, reducing time spent reaching Comino.
• A proper island circuit: You pass St. Mary Battery and Arch, Elephant Rock, St. Mary Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and Crystal Lagoon.
• An active ride, not a quiet ferry crossing: Expect speed, spray, wave movement, and occasional fun turns.
• Good value at $34 per person: The price covers the speedboat ride, cave visits, and two hours at the Blue Lagoon, but not food or drinks.

Why this speedboat trip makes sense

Comino is small, but its most attractive places are spread along a rugged coast. A boat gives you the useful version of the island. You see cliffs, bays, arches, rock formations, and caves in one continuous ride instead of spending much of your day walking between separate points.

The route also avoids a common problem with Blue Lagoon visits: arriving, finding the water, and then having to leave almost at once. Here, you receive two hours at the lagoon after the coastal sightseeing. That gives you enough time to swim or snorkel without treating every minute in the water like a race.

The $34 price is fair for what is included. You are paying for a guided speedboat circuit, cave visits, and two hours of free time at Malta’s best-known swimming spot. Food and drinks are not included, so bring what you need or plan to buy something during your stop.

The ride is best for people who want movement and variety. If you picture a quiet cruise with a smooth, slow passage, this is probably not your boat. One detailed account praised Thomas’s handling in choppy water but also made the useful point that this is a speedboat built for fun. Children enjoyed the turns, while anyone with back problems would be better off on a larger, slower boat.

Marfa Bay gives you a head start

The trip begins at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay. This location matters because it is close to Comino, only around 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon. You do not spend the first part of the excursion on a long transfer before the interesting scenery begins.

Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so arrive with time to spare. The advertised trip is associated with a 3:00pm start, but starting times can vary, and you should check the available time before booking. A later departure can be pleasant for softer light, and one outing ended with a striking sunset, but the exact light depends on the day and conditions.

Wear beach clothes from the start. Sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and biodegradable sunscreen are all sensible. Pack lightly because large bags and luggage are not allowed. High-heeled shoes are also prohibited, which should not be a hardship unless your beach wardrobe has taken an unusually formal turn.

St. Mary Battery and Arch show Comino’s character

The first sights around Comino include St. Mary Battery and its arch. You pass these from the water, so think of this as a scenic look rather than a long historical visit. The boat offers a useful angle on the stone structure and its position above the coast.

The value is visual and geographic. From the boat, you begin to understand how Comino’s defensive buildings, rocky shore, bays, and narrow passages fit together. You also avoid using your limited Blue Lagoon time for the island circuit.

The route continues past other coastal viewpoints before reaching Elephant Rock. This rock formation is a quick but memorable photo stop. From the water, its shape makes more sense than it would on a standard inland walk. Keep your camera ready, since pass-by sights can arrive and disappear quickly.

Santa Maria Caves are the main scenic reward

The Santa Maria Caves are among the strongest parts of the trip. The boat moves close to the rock, giving you the chance to see the cave openings and textured stone at water level. Depending on sea conditions, you may get close enough to touch the rock, as happened on one particularly well-handled outing.

That closeness is what separates this ride from a basic transport boat. You are not just looking toward Comino from a distance. You move into the coastal spaces that are difficult to appreciate from land, with the captain choosing a safe route through the cave area.

The phrase hidden caves should not lead you to expect a private expedition. This is a sightseeing boat ride, not a long cave walk. You see the caves as part of the circuit, with time for photos and views, but the available time and closeness depend on waves, safety, and the captain’s judgment.

Bays and rock formations fill the middle of the route

After the cave area, the boat passes Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These stops are mainly scenic, but they help show the quieter sides of Comino away from the Blue Lagoon. The water, shore, and pale stone create a series of strong photo scenes as the boat moves along.

You should keep expectations practical. Most of these locations are pass-by views, not shore visits. The route is designed to show you the island from the water, then give you a longer break at the Blue Lagoon. If you want to spend time on every beach or walk each bay, this is not the right format.

The captain’s skill matters during this section. Fast boats can be uncomfortable when waves build, but a careful skipper can make the ride feel controlled. Thomas was specifically praised for reading the waves well and adding playful circles that children enjoyed. Those turns may be fun for some people and too much for others, so tell the crew if you are worried about motion or discomfort.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop lasts two hours, which is enough time to choose your own pace. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, or walk toward St. Marija Tower for a higher view. The boat does not provide food or drinks, so plan around that before you leave.

The Blue Lagoon is the busiest and most famous part of this outing. The water and setting are the reason many people book a Comino trip, but the popularity also means you should not expect solitude. The long stop is still valuable because you can move beyond the immediate landing area, settle into a slower rhythm, and make the visit about more than taking one photograph.

If swimming is your priority, use the two hours wisely. Bring your towel and beachwear, and keep your personal items compact. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, a sensible choice for a marine environment where many people enter the water.

You may also use the break for a short walk. The route toward St. Marija Tower offers a change from sitting by the water and can provide a broader view of the coast. The tour does not promise a guided island walk, so this part is independent free time.

A key rule applies from May 1, 2025: anyone who wants to step onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com. This is important because the boat ride and the right to walk ashore are not quite the same thing. Check the official requirements before your trip.

Crystal Lagoon completes the return ride

The final scenic section includes Crystal Lagoon and nearby caves. This is another photo-focused part of the route, with the boat passing rock formations and water enclosed by the coast. It gives you one more chance to see Comino from a different angle after your Blue Lagoon break.

The return is not simply a straight trip back to Marfa Bay. The Crystal Lagoon stop adds variety and makes better use of the coastal route. You finish where you began, at Blue Waves Watersports.

If your trip runs late in the afternoon, the changing light can make this return section especially attractive. A reported outing ended with sunset views, and Augustino even stopped the boat so people could take pictures. That is a good example of how a friendly guide can improve a standard sightseeing route, though exact timing depends on the season and sea conditions.

Is $34 a good price?

At $34 per person, I consider this good value if you want a compact Comino experience with both sightseeing and swimming. The price includes:

• Speedboat transport around Comino
• Visits to caves, including the Santa Maria Caves
• Views of bays, rock formations, St. Mary Battery, and Elephant Rock
• Two hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon
• An English-speaking live guide

You still need to cover food and drinks yourself. The trip also does not promise a quiet or private boat, and the Blue Lagoon stop is not a private beach experience. You are paying for access, scenery, and efficient use of time rather than luxury.

The strongest value comes from the route. A basic transfer might take you to the Blue Lagoon, but this trip adds the full coastal circuit and cave viewing. For a first Comino visit, that wider view is worth the modest extra cost.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this tour if you want to see a lot of Comino in half a day and enjoy a fast ride. It suits couples, families with children who like boat movement, and active adults who want swimming and sightseeing in one outing.

The trip is less suitable for anyone with back problems, recent surgery, or a strong sensitivity to fast motion. It is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people using non-folding or electric wheelchairs. The published guidance also says it is not suitable for people over 60, with additional age limits listed for older age groups. If you are in that range, check directly before booking rather than relying on the boat’s flexibility.

The captain can cancel or change the route for safety, weather, or sea conditions. If the cruise is cancelled for those reasons, an alternative date or refund is offered. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Should you book the Comino speedboat?

Book it if you want a lively island circuit, close cave views, and two proper hours at the Blue Lagoon for $34. The short trip from Marfa Bay and the included cave visits make it more useful than a simple ride to the lagoon.

Skip it if you need a smooth, slow boat, have physical conditions affected by bouncing, or want a quiet beach day away from crowds. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to see Comino’s coast, especially if a friendly guide such as Augustino or a careful skipper such as Thomas is leading the boat.

FAQ

Where does the Comino speedboat trip depart?

The trip departs from Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay in Malta.

How long does the experience last?

The complete trip takes about 3.5 hours.

Is the departure at 3:00pm?

The experience is advertised as a 3:00pm speedboat trip, but starting times can vary. Check availability for the date you want.

How long do you spend at the Blue Lagoon?

You have a two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

What can I do during the Blue Lagoon stop?

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, walk toward St. Marija Tower, or enjoy the views.

Are cave visits included in the price?

Yes. The speedboat ride around Comino and the cave visits are included, with no extra cave charge.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. If the captain cancels because of weather or sea conditions, you receive an alternative date or a refund.