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

Comino’s famous blue water is the star here, but the quieter Crystal Lagoon may be the real prize. This catamaran trip gives you time to swim from the boat, use its slides, see Malta’s rocky coast, and visit two very different lagoons in one outing.

I like the comfortable boat, especially the cushioned sun loungers and clean facilities. I also like the route itself: the cruise past St. Paul’s Island, Malta’s cliffs, and the sea caves gives the ride more purpose than a simple ferry crossing.

The main drawback is the crowds at Blue Lagoon, particularly in warm weather. The boat can carry up to 250 people, and you need to arrive early if you want a good lounger. The timing and route may also change with weather, sea conditions, or other operations.

Key points to know before you book

• Crystal Lagoon is usually the best swim stop: In summer, you get about an hour here, with clear water, steep cliffs, caves, and boat-based swimming.
• Blue Lagoon is beautiful but crowded: The boat moors in a prime position, giving you a useful base away from the busiest parts of shore.
• Arrive early for the best seats: Sun loungers are free but not reserved. The front and upper-deck spots go quickly.
• The boat is part of the experience: You get slides, jump platforms, restrooms, showers, bars, food, and underwater viewing windows on selected trips.
• Bring a towel and an extra layer: Sun and wind can work together, and the return ride may feel cool even after a warm afternoon.
• Optional extras cost more: Snorkeling equipment and personal lockers are available for an additional charge, and a speedboat cave trip may also be offered separately.

From Bugibba Jetty along Malta’s rocky coast

The trip begins at Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. If you are coming 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 destination, so check the exact departure instructions before setting out.

The boat operates all year, but the captain may alter or cancel the route if the sea or weather is unsafe. That matters in Malta. A bright morning does not always mean calm water, especially during the cooler months.

The journey to Comino takes about an hour. On the way, you cruise close to Malta’s coast, passing large cliffs, small rocky inlets, and natural openings in the shore. The commentary is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish, so you get some background while keeping your eyes outside.

One memorable sight is tiny St. Paul’s Island, marked by the tall statue of Saint Paul. The boat also passes large sea caves and enters some of them for photographs. This is not a long cave expedition, but it adds variety to the trip and gives you good views from the water.

The catamaran is described as modern and stable, though any open-sea ride can feel rough when conditions turn windy. If you are sensitive to motion, sit on the lower deck or toward the center of the boat rather than at the very front or back.

Crystal Lagoon: the quieter and clearer swimming stop

From June through October, the day trip spends about an hour at Crystal Lagoon. The sunset or evening trip usually allows about 30 minutes. From November through May, the boat generally makes only a short stop of around 15 minutes for photographs and sea caves, and the swimming stop depends on conditions.

Crystal Lagoon is enclosed by steep cliffs and can only be reached by boat. That gives it a more secluded feel than Blue Lagoon, although it is not necessarily empty. The water is remarkably clear, and the cliffs create a dramatic setting for swimming and snorkeling.

You can enter from the boat using one of three water slides or the top-deck jump platform. There is also access near the caves, making it possible to swim close to the rock walls. The water is deep, so life jackets are available for people who are not strong swimmers.

I would bring your own mask and snorkel if you already have them. Equipment can be rented or purchased depending on the boat and season, but the extra cost may not feel worthwhile for a short stop. Some equipment available onboard has received mixed comments, and fins may not be provided.

Crystal Lagoon is also the place where a little preparation makes a real difference. Wear water shoes if you dislike rocky surfaces, bring a towel, and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch if you plan to take photographs from the water. The cliffs offer shade in places, but much of the boat is exposed to the sun.

For many people, this is the most enjoyable part of the day. You get open water, clear visibility, slides, and less pressure to walk around a crowded strip of shoreline. If swimming is your main goal, pay close attention to the summer schedule, since the longer Crystal Lagoon stop is seasonal.

Blue Lagoon: famous, photogenic, and very busy

The boat then spends about two to four hours at Blue Lagoon, depending on the season and departure selected. The exact order can sometimes change, so listen for announcements and confirm the time you are expected back at the boat.

The water around Blue Lagoon is intensely clear and bright, with the pale rock and shallow areas creating the color people come to see. It is an excellent place for a swim, but the famous setting brings crowds. In the busiest part of the day, the shore can feel packed, and walking around the island may be less pleasant than expected.

That is where this boat becomes useful. You can treat it as your base, swim directly from the side, relax on a lounger, use the facilities, and avoid fighting for space on the narrow shore. Some people prefer staying onboard for most of the stop because the boat is quieter and more comfortable than the land area.

The upper deck has cushioned sun loungers, but seating is first come, first served. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes early is wise, and arriving an hour early gives you a better chance of choosing a front-facing spot. The numbered seating does not mean every position is equally comfortable or has the same view.

Facilities include toilets, an accessible toilet with a changing area and shower, an air-conditioned main deck, and 26 underwater viewing windows. Visibility through those windows can be limited by weather, water conditions, or the departure time, so consider them a bonus rather than the main reason to book.

The large top-deck slide and smaller slides are a hit with families and anyone who enjoys a little foolishness on holiday. Jump platforms add another way into the water. You can also walk ashore to explore Comino, though the island access and return time are controlled by the boat schedule.

Food and drinks are sold onboard, including hot and cold options from the kitchen and bars. Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the boat, so plan to buy refreshments there or use the food stalls at Blue Lagoon. Prices onboard are generally described as reasonable by some passengers, but queues can become long when the boat is busy.

A useful practical point: keep your boarding information or QR code with you if you go ashore. The crew may need it for reboarding, and missing the correct return instruction could leave you waiting at the lagoon.

Santa Maria Caves on the ride back

At the end of the main stop, the catamaran returns toward Bugibba and passes through the Santa Maria pirate caves. The route includes the rock formation known as Elephant’s Head.

This final cave visit lasts only a few minutes, so think of it as a scenic finish rather than a separate attraction. The boat enters the caves for views and photographs, but you should not expect to swim inside them as part of the basic trip.

An optional speedboat ride may be offered for a closer and longer look at the caves. It has been a highlight for many people, especially when the boat operator explains the rock formations and water depth. The stated additional price is about €15 per adult and €10 per child, so ask before boarding if you want to know the exact cost and route.

Day trip or sunset sailing?

The standard day trip lasts about six hours. From June through October, it normally includes the longer Crystal Lagoon stop and several hours at Blue Lagoon.

The 5:00 PM Seabird tour is a shorter four-hour option. It allows less time at the lagoons, but sunset light can make the return cruise especially attractive. One passenger called the sunset sailing a personal highlight, and it suits you if you care more about evening scenery than a full day in the water.

The sunset trip usually includes about 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and around two hours at Blue Lagoon. The evening can also feel cooler, especially on the upper deck, so take a light jumper or wrap even if the afternoon is hot.

From November through April, a larger sailing catamaran may be used, and that boat does not have underwater windows. The Crystal Lagoon stop is also much shorter in the cooler season and may be limited to photographs. You can still have a good outing in November, and swimming is sometimes possible, but you should not book a winter trip expecting the full summer swimming schedule.

Comfort, crowds, and what to bring

The boat’s main strength is that you are not limited to a hard ferry seat. Sun loungers, an air-conditioned indoor deck, toilets, showers, slides, and bars make the long day easier. The clean boat and friendly crew are among the reasons this trip earns a strong overall rating.

The weak point is capacity. With up to 250 people onboard, boarding can be busy, food queues can build, and rubbish bins may fill during the busiest sailings. Getting there early is the simplest fix for the seating problem.

Pack these basics:

• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen
• Light jumper or windbreaker
• Water shoes if you prefer extra grip
• Your own mask and snorkel, if available
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• A small amount of cash or a payment method for food and extras

The wind can hide the strength of the sun, especially on the moving boat. You may feel cool on the ride back but still have had a heavy day of sun exposure.

Smoking is not permitted onboard, and vaping is restricted to designated areas. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, but sea conditions can affect comfort and access.

Is $36.20 a fair price?

At $36.20 per person, this is good value if you want a full boat outing with swimming time, slides, loungers, cave views, and transport between Malta and Comino. A basic ferry might cost less, but it will not normally give you the same onboard facilities or the Crystal Lagoon stop.

The price is less attractive if you only want to reach Blue Lagoon and spend the day on land. In that case, a simpler ferry can be cheaper, and this boat’s slides, deck space, and swimming stops may not matter much to you.

Budget separately for snorkeling equipment, lockers, food, drinks, and the optional speedboat cave trip. A locker costs €2, and snorkeling equipment is listed at €5 to hire, although equipment arrangements can vary by boat and season. Bring your own gear if you have it, especially if you want to spend serious time in the water.

The best value comes when you use the boat fully. Swim from the side, try the slides, claim a lounger, view the coast, and treat Blue Lagoon as one part of a wider Comino outing rather than the entire attraction.

Who should book this Comino cruise?

I would choose this trip for families, swimmers, couples wanting a relaxed day on the water, and anyone who wants Blue Lagoon without arranging several separate ferries. The slides and jump platforms give children and active adults something to do, while the loungers and indoor deck suit people who prefer to watch the scenery.

It is also a good fit if you want both lagoons. Crystal Lagoon offers a more contained swimming setting, while Blue Lagoon supplies the famous views and easy access to Comino. The combination gives you a fuller picture of the island.

I would think twice if you dislike crowds, need a quiet beach, or want a flexible independent schedule. Blue Lagoon can be uncomfortable at peak times, and the boat’s timing is fixed. Anyone planning a winter visit should also check the sailing details carefully, since the Crystal Lagoon stop is short and the underwater windows may not be available.

Final verdict: book it for the boat, not only the lagoon

Book this tour if you want a comfortable, activity-filled way to see Comino, with Crystal Lagoon swimming, Blue Lagoon access, sea caves, and a return cruise along Malta’s coast. Arrive early, bring a towel and warm layer, and keep realistic expectations about Blue Lagoon’s crowds.

Skip it if your only goal is a cheap ride to Comino or a peaceful beach afternoon. For most people who enjoy swimming and boat time, though, the slides, loungers, clear water, and two-lagoon route make the $36.20 fare worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the Comino boat trip start?

The tour starts at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta.

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

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

How long does the day trip last?

The day trip lasts approximately six hours.

How long is the sunset trip?

The 5:00 PM Seabird tour lasts about four hours.

Is Crystal Lagoon included?

Yes. Crystal Lagoon is included in the tour. From June through October, the day trip normally stops for about one hour, while the sunset trip usually stops for about 30 minutes.

Can I swim at Crystal Lagoon all year?

No fixed swimming time is provided for the cooler months. From November through May, the boat generally spends about 15 minutes at Crystal Lagoon for photographs and sea caves.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy onboard, but they are not included in the tour price. Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the boat.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available for an additional charge, listed as €5. You can also bring your own equipment.

Are sun loungers reserved?

No. Sun loungers are free but available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early if you want a preferred position, especially on the upper deck or near the front.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain may cancel or modify the trip for weather or safety reasons. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins.