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

Comino’s coast is best seen from the water, and this speedboat trip from Marfa Bay gives you a fast, close-up look at its caves, rocky bays, and famous Blue Lagoon. You pass landmarks such as St Mary Battery and Elephant Rock, then get two full hours to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk toward St Marija Tower.

I like the way the boat circles all around Comino, rather than simply shuttling you to Blue Lagoon. I also like the short departure from Marfa Bay, only about 3 kilometers from the lagoon, which leaves more time for the island itself.

The main drawback is the boat’s brisk ride. That is part of the fun, but it may feel rough for anyone with back trouble or little boat experience. The Blue Lagoon can also be very crowded, so this is not a quiet beach escape.

Key points before you book

• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk up to St Marija Tower.
• Comino from every angle: The route passes St Mary Battery, Elephant Rock, Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and several cave areas.
• Speedboat rather than a slow ferry: Expect a lively ride, sharp turns, and spray when sea conditions allow.
• Close cave viewing: The boat visits the Santa Maria Caves and other east and west cave areas at no extra charge.
• Experienced named skippers: Augustino is noted for friendly guiding and taking group photos, while Thomas is praised for handling waves well.
• A useful $34 price point: The fare covers the speedboat, cave visits, and two-hour Blue Lagoon stop, but not food or drinks.

A fast start from Marfa Bay

You meet at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, in the Mellieha area. The departure point matters because it is close to Comino, only around 3 kilometers from Blue Lagoon, so you spend less of the outing simply crossing open water.

The total trip lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The advertised departure may be at 3:00pm, but you should check the available date and starting time when booking. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so arrive early enough to find the meeting point, sort out your beach gear, and board without a last-minute dash.

This is an English-led outing. The skipper handles the route and safety while pointing out the coastal sights. The boat type creates a more active experience than a standard ferry. One account of the trip describes Thomas as particularly good at reading the waves, with playful circles that delighted children. That same detail comes with a useful warning: if this is your first boat ride, or if you have back problems, a larger and slower boat may suit you better.

St Mary Battery and Comino’s eastern coast

The route begins to reveal Comino’s character almost at once. Rather than arriving at Blue Lagoon and staying there, the boat takes you around the island’s shoreline, with scenic passes at St Mary Battery and the nearby arch.

St Mary Battery is a sturdy coastal fortification overlooking the sea. From the boat, you mainly get an exterior view and a chance to photograph the stonework against the water. The boat does not present this as a long land visit, so keep your expectations sensible. This is a sightseeing pass, not a fort tour.

The speedboat also passes additional coastal points marked on the route, along with rocky ledges and sea-cut formations. The benefit is variety. You keep moving, and every turn gives you a different angle on Comino’s pale rock and clear water.

Elephant Rock and the Santa Maria Caves

Elephant Rock is one of the most distinctive natural sights on Comino. Its name comes from the shape of the rock, and the best view is from the water, where the outline makes sense. This is a short scenic stop or pass, so have your camera ready before the skipper reaches it.

The Santa Maria Caves are a stronger part of the trip. The boat brings you close to the cave openings and rock walls, giving you the chance to see details that disappear when you are farther offshore. The route includes east and west cave areas, with cave visits included in the fare.

The boat’s size and speed are useful here. You can reach coastal spots that a larger vessel may pass at a distance. On the other hand, conditions affect how close the boat can safely get, and the captain can alter the route if the sea becomes rough. The caves are for viewing and photography from the boat, unless the skipper gives different instructions on the day.

Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay

After the caves, the boat passes Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These stops help you see the quieter sides of Comino, away from the Blue Lagoon’s main crowd.

Santa Marija Bay gives you another view of the island’s low, rocky coast and sheltered water. San Niklaw Bay adds a second change of scenery before the boat heads toward the main swimming stop. Since these are scenic passes rather than extended shore visits, the value is in the overall coastal circuit.

I recommend keeping your attention on the shoreline instead of treating the ride as only transport to the lagoon. The small bays, exposed rock, and changes in water color are part of what you are paying for. If you want long periods on land, this is not the right format. If you want to see Comino from the sea, the route makes good use of the time.

Two hours at Blue Lagoon

The largest block of free time comes at Blue Lagoon, where the boat stops for two hours. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photographs, or walk toward St Marija Tower for a wider view.

Two hours is enough to enjoy the water without making the entire outing feel like a single beach transfer. You can get wet, dry off, and still have time for a short walk. It also gives you some control over the pace. You do not have to spend every minute in the water.

The practical issue is crowding. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, and the beach area can be very busy. The water may look inviting, but you should not expect solitude. Bring only what you need, keep track of your belongings, and use the time wisely.

From May 1, 2025, anyone who steps onto Comino at Blue Lagoon and explores the island on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com. This rule applies to all operators. Check the current requirement before your trip, especially if you plan to leave the immediate landing area and walk to St Marija Tower.

Crystal Lagoon on the return journey

The return route includes Crystal Lagoon and the caves around it. This is a good design choice because the trip does not simply retrace the same waterline. You get another chance for photos, with the boat passing close to the rock formations when sea and safety conditions permit.

Crystal Lagoon is viewed from the boat, with a photo stop and scenic pass rather than a two-hour beach break. The change of light later in the day can make this part especially appealing. One outing with Augustino ended near sunset, and he stopped the boat so people could take pictures. Sunset timing will depend on the departure date and conditions, so treat that as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed feature.

At the end, the speedboat returns to Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay. The complete circuit gives you both the famous swimming stop and a wider sense of Comino’s coast.

What the $34 fare really covers

At $34 per person, the trip offers solid value if you want several activities in one outing. The price includes the speedboat ride around Comino, cave visits, and two hours at Blue Lagoon. You are not paying separately for the coastal sightseeing or the cave portion.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise book a simple transfer and then want to arrange extra cave viewing. Here, the skipper combines those pieces into one route. You also get a faster ride and a closer look at the coast than a basic ferry normally provides.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring your own water and snacks if you need them, but avoid large bags because luggage and big bags are not allowed. A towel, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear belong in your small day bag.

The fare is less attractive if your only goal is to sit quietly on a beach. Much of the trip is active, with boat movement, scenic passes, and a ride that may be lively. In that case, a slower vessel with more time on land could be a better match.

Boat comfort, safety, and weather

A speedboat gives the trip its energy, but it also affects comfort. The ride may include fast movement over waves and playful turns. One account describes the experience as ideal for children who enjoy excitement, while also advising people with back problems to choose a larger, slower boat.

Pregnant women, people with recent surgery, and people with back problems should not book this activity. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users, including people using electric or non-folding wheelchairs. The supplied restrictions also exclude people over 60, so older passengers should check suitability carefully before reserving.

The captain can cancel or change the route because of weather, sea conditions, or other safety concerns. If the boat is cancelled for those reasons, you receive an alternative date or a refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps payment flexible.

Do not bring weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, or high-heeled shoes. Intoxicated passengers are not permitted. These rules are simple, but they matter on a small, active boat where space is limited.

How to make the most of the afternoon

Arrive before the 15-minute boarding cutoff. Bring a towel and wear beachwear under your normal clothes so you can use the Blue Lagoon stop without wasting time changing.

Use biodegradable sunscreen and apply it before boarding. The boat offers little protection from strong Mediterranean sun, and the Blue Lagoon stop gives you a long period outdoors. Sunglasses and a hat are also practical on the water, though secure them well.

Keep your camera ready for Elephant Rock, the Santa Maria Caves, St Mary Battery, and Crystal Lagoon. The boat keeps moving during many scenic passes, so waiting until the landmark is directly beside you may mean missing the best angle.

If you are with children, tell them that the ride itself is part of the activity. The speed and turns may be exciting, but they are not ideal for every child. If anyone in your group gets seasick or dislikes rough water, consider a slower boat instead.

Who should book this Comino trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a compact way to combine coastal sightseeing and swimming. It suits confident boat passengers, families with children who enjoy a lively ride, couples looking for photo stops, and anyone who wants more than a simple trip to Blue Lagoon.

It is also a good fit if you value a route that covers much of Comino rather than staying in one bay. The named skippers add a personal touch. Augustino is described as friendly and willing to stop for group photographs, while Thomas earned praise for careful wave handling and fun turns.

I would hesitate if you need a calm, slow ride, have mobility limits, or want a peaceful beach with plenty of empty space. The boat can be energetic, and Blue Lagoon can be crowded. Older passengers, anyone with back or health concerns, and people who dislike speed should read the restrictions closely before paying.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if the idea of a fast Comino circuit with caves, rock formations, and two hours in the water sounds better than spending the whole afternoon on one beach. At $34, the combination is fair, especially because cave visits and the full island circuit are included.

Skip it if you want a quiet cruise, a long land visit, or a slow ferry ride. For the right passenger, this is a well-packed afternoon with strong scenery, friendly guiding from skippers such as Augustino and Thomas, and enough free time at Blue Lagoon to swim without rushing.

FAQ

Where does the Comino speedboat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay in Mellieha, Malta.

How long does the tour last?

The total duration is about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

A 3:00pm departure is advertised for this experience, but you should check availability for the exact starting time on your chosen date.

How long do I spend at Blue Lagoon?

The boat stops at Blue Lagoon for two hours.

What can I do at Blue Lagoon?

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, take photographs, or walk toward St Marija Tower for views.

Are the cave visits included in the price?

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

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need an entry ticket to walk around Comino?

From May 1, 2025, visitors who step onto Comino at Blue Lagoon and explore on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at blcomino.com.

Can the tour be cancelled because of bad weather?

Yes. The captain may cancel or alter the tour because of weather, sea conditions, or safety concerns. If the boat is cancelled for those reasons, you receive an alternative date or a refund.