Mellieha: Speedboat Trip Round Comino Caves 2h @ Blue Lagoon

Fast boats, bright water, and a short island escape. This 3.5-hour Comino trip packs a lot into one outing: a high-speed ride from Marfa Bay, cave visits around the island, and two full hours at the Blue Lagoon. I especially like the chance to see Comino from the water and the friendly, flexible guiding praised by several guests, including captains Augustino and Valentino.

The price is another strong point. At $35 per person, you get the speedboat ride, cave visits, the full circuit around Comino, and a two-hour Blue Lagoon stop without paying extra for the caves. The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon itself: it is beautiful, but it can become crowded, so the morning departure is the smarter choice if you want more room to swim.

Key points before you book

• Two hours at the Blue Lagoon: You have enough time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk to St. Marija Tower, or simply enjoy the water.
• Caves included in the price: The boat visits Comino’s east and west caves, Santa Maria Caves, and other coastal sights without an extra charge.
• A true speedboat ride: Expect wind, spray, quick turns, and a lively trip rather than a slow sightseeing cruise.
• Skippers make a difference: Augustino is often praised for clear explanations, photo stops, safety, and adjusting the speed to suit the group.
• Marfa Bay departure: The meeting point is only 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon, making this useful if you are already in the Mellieha area.
• Bring beach gear, not luggage: You need sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed.

Why this Comino trip works so well

Comino is best seen from the sea. From a boat, you get the full sweep of the rocky coast, pale cliffs, narrow inlets, and bright water around the island. A land visit gives you time on the trails, but a boat lets you cover the island’s major sights in a single outing.

This trip combines both styles. You get a moving tour around Comino, then a long break at the Blue Lagoon. That matters because many boat trips offer only a short swim stop. Here, two hours gives you time to do more than jump in, take one photo, and climb back aboard.

I also like the balance between excitement and free time. The speedboat provides the fun part, with wind and spray as the boat moves between bays. The Blue Lagoon stop slows the pace down. You can swim and snorkel, walk toward St. Marija Tower, or sit in the sun without being rushed back to the boat after 20 minutes.

The trip has a live English-speaking guide, and the captain is central to the experience. Augustino receives especially warm praise for explaining the caves, taking family photos, adjusting the speed, and making people feel safe. Valentino is also praised for looking after adults, children, and teenagers on the same boat. Those details matter because a small speedboat ride depends heavily on the person at the wheel.

Starting at Marfa Bay

The meeting point is Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay. This is a practical departure point because it is about 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon, so the boat does not waste much time reaching Comino.

Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure. Treat that as a firm rule, especially if you are coming from elsewhere in Malta. The experience lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes in total, and the boat returns to Blue Waves Watersports at the end.

The exact starting time depends on availability. If you book the 11:00 a.m. speedboat trip, you need to reserve the morning slot listed as 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. That is an easy detail to miss, so check the time window carefully when booking.

There is no food or drink included. Bring what you need, but keep it compact. Large bags, oversize luggage, alcohol, drugs, weapons, and sharp objects are not allowed. A towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, and beachwear are the useful basics.

The speedboat ride around Comino

The boat ride is not just transport between stops. It is one of the main attractions. You get the rush of moving quickly across the water, with wind and occasional spray. One guest described enjoying the speed, music, and even a little water while the boat was moving.

That does not mean every moment is full throttle. The skipper may slow down near caves and viewpoints, and the speed can be adjusted to suit the group. This is particularly helpful when families, children, or people with different comfort levels share the boat.

You should expect a lively ride, not a quiet harbor cruise. If you have motion sickness, back problems, or dislike fast movement on open water, this may not be a good match. The activity is also listed as unsuitable for pregnant women and wheelchair users.

The boat’s small size is useful for getting close to coastal features. You can see the rock formations from the water and pause for photos. The tradeoff is that you have less room than on a larger ferry, and the ride can feel more exposed to wind and spray.

Elephant Rock and Comino’s eastern coast

One of the first memorable sights is Elephant Rock, a natural rock formation on Comino’s coast. The boat passes by for views and photos rather than offering a long land stop.

That is typical of this trip. The focus is on seeing many locations from the water, not spending half an hour at every landmark. Keep your phone or camera ready, but protect it from spray. A waterproof case is sensible even though it is not listed as required equipment.

The eastern side of Comino also brings you past coastal areas such as St. Mary Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These stops help you understand the island’s shape and give you changing views of the cliffs and water. You will not simply see the Blue Lagoon and return. The route covers the coastline around Comino.

Santa Maria Caves and the hidden cave route

The cave section is one of the best reasons to choose the speedboat rather than a simple transfer. The route includes Santa Maria Caves and the east and west hidden caves of Comino. Cave visits are included in the price.

The boat passes close enough for you to look into the openings, see the rock walls, and photograph the contrast between shadowed stone and bright sea. The captain explains the sights along the way, which adds meaning to what might otherwise be a quick series of rocky openings.

The Santa Maria Caves stop is listed as a visit and photo opportunity, but the itinerary does not give it a separate stop duration. In practical terms, think of it as part of the scenic boat circuit rather than a long cave walk. You stay with the boat and continue around the coast.

I like this arrangement because it gives you more variety. You are not tied to one cave or one viewpoint. The drawback is that anyone wanting a long, quiet cave exploration should know this is a boat-based visit. You see the caves from the water, rather than taking an extended hike inside them.

St. Mary Battery Arch and the coastal sights

The route also includes the St. Mary Battery Arch, along with views of St. Mary Bay and St. Nicholas Bay. These features give the ride a little more substance than a simple swim transfer.

The battery and arch are seen from the boat, so the experience is visual and guided. You can listen to the skipper’s explanation, take photos, and watch the coast change as the boat rounds the island. Since the tour includes all around Comino, you get a useful overview even if you do not visit every place on foot.

There is also a chance to walk to St. Marija Tower during the Blue Lagoon break. This is a good option if you want a view from land instead of spending all two hours in the water. The available information does not promise a guided walk or a set amount of time at the tower, so treat it as a self-directed option during your free period.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece of the trip. You get two hours to use as you like: swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photos, walk to the tower, or stay near the water.

The lagoon’s pale blue water is the reason many people put Comino on a Malta itinerary. The long stop gives you enough time to settle in rather than treating the lagoon as a quick photo stop. Families can split up for swimming and sitting, while active visitors can spend more time in the water.

Still, the Blue Lagoon is not a quiet secret. It can become very busy, especially later in the day. One useful tip comes through clearly: choose a morning departure if you want more open space for swimming. The water may be gorgeous, but the crowd level can change the feel of the visit.

You should also remember that the two hours include your own choices. Food and drinks are not included, and the tour does not promise reserved seating or equipment. Bring sunscreen and a towel, and plan your personal needs before boarding.

The Blue Lagoon stop also makes this trip different from a pure sightseeing circuit. You are not only looking at Comino. You get a real beach break, though the comfort of that break depends on how crowded the area is when you arrive.

Crystal Lagoon on the return route

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat passes Crystal Lagoon for another photo stop and scenic view. This keeps the final part of the trip interesting rather than making the return journey a straight ride back to Marfa Bay.

Crystal Lagoon is part of the coastal viewing route, not a separate two-hour stop. You should expect to see it from the boat and take photographs as the captain passes by. The water and rock formations make it a useful final highlight before returning to the departure point.

The route then heads back to Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay. Since the total duration is about three and a half hours, you still have much of the day available for another activity, lunch, or time around Mellieha.

Value at $35 per person

At $35, this is a strong-value outing if you want several experiences in one booking. You get:

• A speedboat ride around Comino
• Visits to the island’s caves
• Views of Elephant Rock, bays, arches, and coastal formations
• A two-hour Blue Lagoon stop
• An English-speaking guide
• Return transport to Marfa Bay

A comparable day can become expensive when you pay separately for transport, sightseeing, and a beach stop. Here, the main elements are bundled together. The fact that the caves have no extra charge improves the value.

The price does not include food, drinks, or any personal beach equipment. You should also consider the cost of getting to Marfa Bay if you are staying elsewhere in Malta. The tour is best value when you already plan to visit the Mellieha area or can reach the departure point without a difficult transfer.

The perfect rating shown for the activity is supported by repeated praise for the skippers, the scenery, the speed, and the Blue Lagoon time. The strongest comments focus on the human side of the trip. Augustino is repeatedly described as friendly, punctual, accommodating, and good at explaining the caves. That is worth noting because a lower price would mean little if the ride felt careless or rushed.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see a lot of Comino in half a day and enjoy an energetic ride. It suits couples, families with older children, and groups that want both sightseeing and swimming.

It is especially useful for people who do not want to choose between a cave tour and the Blue Lagoon. You get both in one route, with enough free time at the lagoon to make the stop worthwhile.

Families may appreciate the captain’s flexible approach. Augustino is praised for making children feel included, taking family photos, and adjusting the ride for the group. One family also appreciated an extra swim from the boat, although that is not listed as a guaranteed part of the experience, so do not book solely expecting it.

This is not the right choice if you want a calm, slow boat tour, a long hike on Comino, or a quiet Blue Lagoon visit. It is also not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with motion sickness, wheelchair users, or people above the listed age limits. The age information includes restrictions for people over 65 and several higher age thresholds, so older participants should confirm suitability before booking.

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. The boat tour still includes the Blue Lagoon stop, but you need to follow that registration rule if you plan to go ashore and walk around Comino.

Weather, safety, and cancellation

The captain can change or cancel the route because of weather, sea conditions, or other safety concerns. If the cruise is cancelled for those reasons, you receive an alternative date or a refund.

That policy is sensible for a speedboat trip. Sea conditions affect comfort as well as safety, and the route includes open-water travel around an exposed island. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure. Arrive early enough to find Blue Waves Watersports, prepare your beach items, and avoid starting the day in a rush.

Should you book the Comino speedboat trip?

Book it if you want an affordable, active way to see Comino’s coast and still have two hours at the Blue Lagoon. The best reasons are the full island circuit, included cave visits, strong captain-led guiding, and the balance between fast sightseeing and unhurried swimming.

Choose a morning time if possible. You are more likely to enjoy the Blue Lagoon before it gets especially crowded, and you will still have much of the day ahead afterward.

Skip it if you are prone to motion sickness, need wheelchair access, have back problems, or prefer a quiet boat and a longer land visit. For most able-bodied visitors who want speed, scenery, caves, and a swim in one reasonably priced outing, this is one of the more practical ways to experience Comino.

FAQ

How long does the Comino speedboat trip last?

The total experience lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the boat circuit, cave visits, sightseeing, and the two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

Where does the boat leave from?

The trip starts and ends at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay. Marfa Bay is about 3 kilometers from the Blue Lagoon.

Is the Blue Lagoon stop included?

Yes. The trip includes a two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, walking, and sightseeing.

Are the Comino caves included in the price?

Yes. The speedboat trip includes visits to Comino’s caves, including the east and west hidden caves and Santa Maria Caves, with no extra cave charge.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I bring a large bag?

No. Oversize luggage, luggage, and large bags are not allowed. Weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs are also prohibited.

Is the boat trip suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people with motion sickness, or people over the listed age limits. Electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

What happens if the weather cancels the trip?

The captain may cancel or change the trip because of weather, sea conditions, or safety concerns. If the boat is cancelled, you can receive an alternative date or a refund.