Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves – swim, snorkel & slide

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star here, but the clever part is using the boat as your base. You can swim from the vessel, return for food or a restroom, walk onto Comino, or simply claim a patch of shade and watch the cliffs go by. Captain Kevin narrates the coastal sights, including St. Paul’s Island, Ahrax Cave, and Santa Maria Tower.

I like the low price of $36.28 for a full day on the water, and I like the generous four-and-a-half-hour stop at the lagoon. You are not rushed through a quick photo stop. The trade-off is comfort: the boat can fill up, the upper-deck chairs go early, and music plays through much of the day.

Key points to know before booking

• Four and a half hours at Blue Lagoon: Swim, snorkel, walk around Comino, or stay on board and use the boat’s slide.
• Arrive early for the upper deck: The best sun loungers are first come, first served, with some people arriving around 8:30 for a 10:00 departure.
• Captain Kevin provides the commentary: The route includes St. Paul’s Island, Mellieha Bay, Ahrax Cave, Coral Cove, and Comino’s rock formations.
• The boat is a practical base: It has toilets, a cafeteria, shaded seating, a sun deck, deck chairs, and lockers for an extra fee.
• Bring cash: Payments on the boat and Comino are cash only. Snorkel rental costs €5 with a €15 deposit, and the seasonal cave speedboat costs €15.
• Expect a lively day: The tour suits swimmers, families, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys music and activity more than quiet sailing.

Why this Comino day trip offers good value

At about $36.28 per person, this is one of the cheaper ways to spend a full day around Malta’s northern islands. The price covers the boat ride, landing and facility fees, deck chairs when available, the slide, and restroom access. Food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, lockers, and the small cave boat cost extra.

That matters because a seven-hour outing can become expensive once you add lunch and activities. Here, you can keep costs under control. Food and drinks are sold on board at prices described as reasonable, and you can also buy food on Comino. The boat’s cafeteria serves meals such as chicken burgers and chips, along with cocktails, soft drinks, and ice cream.

I would not choose this trip expecting a polished yacht. The boat is older, and the upper deck fills quickly. Still, it has what you need for a day at sea: seating, shade, toilets, food, drinks, swimming access, and a slide. At this price, the boat works more like a floating beach club than a luxury cruise.

The 93 percent recommendation rate and 4.7 rating from 813 ratings point to a strong overall experience, especially for people who value time in the water. The main complaints are consistent and worth taking seriously: crowding, loud music, and rough seas on some days.

Starting at Bugibba Jetty at 10:00

You meet at Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in San Pawl il-Baħar. The boat leaves at 10:00 and returns around 17:00, giving you a clear seven-hour schedule. The meeting point is near public transportation, and your mobile ticket is accepted.

My first practical tip is simple: arrive early. Boarding time is not the same as departure time, and the top deck is the prize location for many people. If you want a sun lounger with a broad view, plan to arrive about an hour early. Some people aim for 8:30, especially during busy summer dates.

The boat can hold up to 232 people, so your choice of seat affects the day. The upper deck gives you sun and open views, while the main deck offers shade and easier access to the cafeteria and toilets. One useful seating tip is to try the starboard side for views of Comino on the approach.

The crew is generally described as friendly and helpful. Captain Kevin provides commentary as the boat leaves Bugibba and passes the first sights. Music is also part of the atmosphere, often upbeat and continuous. That can make the ride fun for a group of friends, but it may frustrate you if you want quiet coastal scenery.

St. Paul’s Island and the first coastal views

The opening stretch adds a little context before the swimming begins. The boat passes St. Paul’s Island, a tiny island associated with the biblical story of St. Paul’s shipwreck in Malta. A statue of St. Paul now marks the site, making it easy to spot from the water.

The view is brief, but it gives the cruise a sense of place. You are not simply being carried from one swimming area to another. You are seeing pieces of Malta’s coastline from a useful angle, with the sea putting distance between you and the shore.

The route then passes Mellieha Bay, Malta’s largest beach, before heading toward Ahrax Cave. The cave stop is mainly for photographs. Do not expect a long exploration inside the cave at this point. You will have time to take pictures of the rock openings and the coast, then continue toward Comino.

Coral Cove is another named sight along the way. The exact order of the coastal views can change with weather and sea conditions, but the general route introduces you to the northern coast before the long stop at the lagoon.

Cruising around Comino’s cliffs

Comino is the smallest of Malta’s three main islands, covering about 1.4 square miles. From the boat, its scale becomes clear. You see a low, dry island cut by sharp cliffs, pale rock, small coves, and unusual formations that are hard to appreciate from land.

The boat cruises around Comino, including a full 360-degree view when conditions permit. One memorable formation is Elephant’s Head, a rock shape named for its resemblance to an elephant. This section is best enjoyed from the outer deck, so keep your camera ready and do not spend the entire approach inside the cafeteria.

The water and stone are the main attraction here. Malta is known for clear Mediterranean water, but the color around Comino is especially striking in calm weather. The boat’s position lets you see the island before you set foot on it, and it also helps you understand how the coves connect.

The cave and cliff stops are partly weather-dependent. Wind and waves may alter the route or timing. That flexibility is sensible at sea, but it means the exact order of sights is not guaranteed.

Four and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

The long stop begins when the boat moors at the Blue Lagoon. This is the reason to book the tour, and the length of the visit is its biggest advantage. Many boat trips give you just enough time for a quick swim and a few photographs. Here, you have more than four hours to set your own pace.

You can jump directly from the boat into the clear turquoise water. There is also a slide, which turns the swimming stop into a simple water attraction for children and adults. If you prefer a quieter start, use the upper sun deck or settle into the shaded main deck before going ashore.

The boat remains your base. You can walk onto Comino, return for lunch, use the toilets, get a drink, collect a towel, or take a break from the sun. This is much more convenient than arriving on a small transfer boat with nowhere to leave your things and no easy way to escape the heat.

The lagoon itself can be crowded. Blue water does not guarantee a peaceful setting, and the area attracts many boats and day visitors. Staying on the boat gives you a little breathing room, especially when the beach and central swimming area feel packed.

For the clearest swim, consider moving away from the busiest patch on Comino. One useful approach is to walk toward Santa Maria Bay, about 20 minutes away according to the practical experience described by visitors. Another option is to swim toward quieter rock areas, though you need to watch your footing and the sea traffic.

The rocks can be awkward for entering and leaving the water. Bring water shoes if you have them, though they are not listed as included equipment. A life jacket is available with a deposit, and it is a sensible choice if you are not a confident swimmer or if the water is choppy.

Crystal Lagoon and the optional cave speedboat

Crystal Lagoon is in Comino’s southern channel and is especially popular with divers because of its deeper water. It is also reachable on foot from the Blue Lagoon, in about eight minutes, though the route and conditions may affect the actual time.

This area gives you another place to swim, snorkel, or jump from the cliffs. The setting is more enclosed than the main lagoon, with rock walls and sea caves shaping the view. You should treat cliff jumping as an optional activity for experienced swimmers only, since the water depth, entry point, and sea conditions matter.

The small speedboat trip to the caves is not included. It costs €15, is seasonal, and must be paid for in cash. The ride is short and lively, taking you closer to the caves than the main cruise can. If you enjoy a bit of speed and want a more active look at the rock formations, I think this is the most worthwhile extra.

It is not essential. You can have a full day by swimming from the main boat, walking on Comino, and visiting Crystal Lagoon without paying for the speedboat. But if your budget allows, the added ride gives the day another clear highlight.

Snorkel rental costs €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned. You can also bring your own mask and snorkel. A locker costs €2, which is useful if you want to swim without keeping your phone, wallet, or other small items nearby.

Santa Maria Tower and Comino’s quieter side

On the return route, the boat passes Santa Maria Tower. Built in 1618 to help defend Comino, it is one of the island’s few substantial buildings. The tower is also known for its appearance as Chateau D’If in the film The Count of Monte Cristo.

This is a quick sightseeing moment rather than a guided visit inside the tower. Its value comes from the view from the sea: a solitary stone structure on a sparsely developed island, with the surrounding cliffs and water providing the setting.

If you stay on Comino during the long stop, you can walk beyond the central lagoon area. The island is small, but the exposed paths and rocky ground make sturdy footwear more useful than flip-flops. Bring water, sun cream, and a hat, since shade away from the boat may be limited.

The island’s quieter corners are the best reason to leave the main lagoon for a while. You get a different feel from the busy swimming zone, with more room to sit, eat, and look back toward the water. Then you can return to the boat whenever you want.

Food, music, sun, and the feel on board

This is an active day, but it is also built around relaxing on deck. You can sunbathe upstairs, sit under cover on the main deck, listen to music, and watch Malta and Comino pass by. The crew has been praised for being attentive, friendly, and willing to explain the sights and timetable.

Food on board is a practical advantage. You do not need to pack a full lunch, though bringing snacks may still suit you. Prices are described as reasonable, and the menu includes simple meals, drinks, ice cream, and cocktails served in pineapples.

The pineapple drinks are a fun touch, but use the special bins for the fruit afterward. Small details like this help keep the deck tidy during a busy day.

The atmosphere is not subdued. Music plays for much of the trip, and younger groups may enjoy the social, cheerful mood. If you are seeking a silent sail with only the sound of water, this is the wrong choice. The cruise is better understood as a casual day boat with swimming and music.

Sea conditions can change the experience sharply. On rough days, some people may feel seasick during the outward crossing. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use and choose a stable seat on the lower deck. The crew’s safety instructions and life jackets are useful, but they cannot remove the movement of the sea.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip to you if your Malta plans include a full day of swimming, snorkeling, sun, and easy sightseeing. It works particularly well for families because the boat has a slide, a cafeteria, toilets, and enough time to move between activities without a rushed schedule.

Groups of friends will likely enjoy the music, cocktails, speedboat add-on, and jumping platforms. Solo visitors can also use the boat as a comfortable base, since the crew provides information and the route is straightforward.

This tour is less suitable if you want a small group, a quiet boat, or a refined vessel. A capacity of up to 232 people means busy departures can feel crowded. The older boat has the facilities you need, but it is not designed to provide private space or luxury service.

The trip is listed as suitable for all ages and most people can take part. You should still judge the swimming and rocky entry points against your own comfort level. The sea can be rough, and some swimming areas are reached from rocks rather than a sandy shore.

What to pack and how to plan the day

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sun cream, and a jacket from October through May. Even when Malta feels warm on land, the breeze can make the cruise chilly, especially from March to May and October to December.

Keep cash with you because payments on the boat and Comino are cash only. Budget for lunch, drinks, a locker, snorkeling equipment, and the speedboat if you want them. Deck chairs are included but not reserved, so early arrival matters.

If a full-day Comino landing pass is required for your date, download the pass before boarding and choose the full-day session rather than only the morning period. Mobile signal can be limited, so do not leave this task until you are standing on the island.

The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of people. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Should you book the Hornblower Comino cruise?

Book it if you want maximum time at the Blue Lagoon for modest cost. The long swimming stop, onboard cafeteria, slide, toilets, shaded seating, and optional cave speedboat make this a practical full-day outing rather than a quick sightseeing transfer.

Arrive early for the upper deck, carry cash, and expect music and a crowd. If you accept those limits, the tour gives you a lot for the price and lets you choose your own rhythm: swim, snorkel, walk Comino, eat lunch, or simply sit on deck and watch the island from the water.

Skip it if a peaceful, small-boat cruise matters more to you than convenience and price. For an energetic day around Malta’s clearest water, with Captain Kevin’s commentary and a generous amount of free time, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the Comino and Blue Lagoon tour start?

The tour starts at Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. It returns to the same meeting point at about 17:00.

How long does the tour last?

The full outing lasts approximately seven hours, departing at 10:00 and returning around 17:00. The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about four and a half hours.

Is lunch included?

No. Food, drinks, and ice cream are available from the onboard cafeteria, and food is also available on Comino. Prices on board are described as reasonable.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

No. Mask and snorkel rental costs €5, with a €15 deposit and €10 returned. You can also bring your own equipment.

How much does the cave speedboat cost?

The seasonal speedboat ride to the small caves costs €15. The ticket is purchased in cash and is not included in the main tour price.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If bad weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.