Malta: Comino, Gozo, Blue & Crystal Lagoon, and Caves Cruise

Comino’s famous water is the star here, but the best part is seeing far more than one crowded swimming spot. This $28 cruise links the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, sea caves, Elephant Rock, and Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour in a compact half-day outing.

I like the chance to swim straight from the boat, which saves you from wrestling with a crowded shoreline. I also like the small-boat feel, the padded sun deck, and the friendly, practical crew led by Captain George, who has been running cruises since 1988. The main drawback is crowding at the Blue Lagoon, especially in peak season, and the route can change with wind and sea conditions.

Key things to know before you board

• Two lagoons, two different moods: Blue Lagoon is famous and busy, while Crystal Lagoon feels more enclosed by cliffs and caves.
• Captain George brings long experience: The crew adds short historical and fun facts about Comino’s rock formations and landmarks.
• Swimming is from the boat: You can enter the water at both lagoons, with about one hour at Blue Lagoon and roughly 30 to 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, depending on the selected trip.
• Gozo is a scenic pass-by: You stop briefly at Mgarr Harbour for photographs, but this is not a Gozo sightseeing tour.
• A welcome drink and watermelon are included: Onboard bar drinks cost extra, and snorkeling gear rents for €5.
• Arrive early at Cirkewwa: Find the jetty behind Cirkewwa Cafe, behind the kiosk with umbrellas and tables, and do not cut the timing close.

What this Comino cruise actually delivers

This is a short, water-focused tour rather than a full island excursion. In three to four hours, you spend part of the time cruising along Comino’s coast and part of the time swimming, taking photographs, or sitting on the upper deck.

That balance matters. You get enough movement to see the caves and rocky shoreline, but you are not stuck on a boat all day. I would choose this trip if I wanted a taste of Malta’s northern coast without giving up a whole day to a large vessel.

The boat has two levels, a padded sun deck, toilets, and an onboard bar. Drinks are available with cash or card, but they are not included. The welcome drink and slice of watermelon are small touches, yet useful on a sunny boat trip, especially with children.

The crew speaks English and gives instructions clearly. Safety equipment and life jackets are available, and the boat is described as comfortable and clean. The smaller vessel can also get closer to the caves than a larger ferry-style boat.

Leaving Cirkewwa and meeting the crew

The departure point is at Cirkewwa, Malta’s northern tip. You meet at the jetty behind the only kiosk in the area, near the cafe and its umbrellas and tables. The location is not hard once you are there, but it is worth allowing at least 15 minutes to find the right dock.

Departure times are strict. Traffic, parking problems, or a late bus are not accepted as reasons for missing the boat, and there are no refunds for late arrival. I would treat the stated departure time as the time the boat leaves, not the time boarding begins.

Once aboard, you receive the welcome drink. The boat gives you a choice of sitting in the sun or finding some shade, although the best upper-deck places will naturally be claimed early. If you want clear photographs and a good view while cruising, arrive early and board without fuss.

Captain George and his assistant handle the boat and commentary. The tone is informal rather than lecture-heavy. You hear useful stories and facts about the caves, rocks, and landmarks as you pass them, which gives the scenery some context without turning the trip into a formal history lesson.

Elephant Rock and Santa Maria’s coastal caves

The cruise begins with Comino’s rocky coast and Elephant Rock, one of the island’s most recognizable natural formations. It is a quick photograph stop from the water rather than a landing, so keep your phone ready.

The boat then passes the sea caves near Santa Maria. Their appeal comes from the change in color and shape as sunlight reaches the water and the boat moves close to the rock walls. The exact route depends on conditions, and the captain may adjust the cave visit if the sea is rough.

This is one reason the smaller boat helps. A large vessel may have to keep farther out, while a more compact craft can offer a closer look at the openings and rock details. You should still expect a sightseeing pass, not a long cave exploration on foot.

Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay follow. These quieter coves help break up the fame of the Blue Lagoon. You see small bays, pale cliffs, and clear water before reaching the busiest point of the trip.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shore

The Blue Lagoon receives the longest stop, usually about one hour. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, or disembark and walk around Comino if you have arranged the required free ticket.

The water is the reason this stop is so popular. It is remarkably clear, and the boat gives you an excellent view of the lagoon before you enter. If you are comfortable in open water, swimming directly from the vessel is the simplest option and avoids the shore crowds.

If you want to set foot on Comino, you must reserve a free government ticket through blcomino.com. This requirement applies in 2025, and the ticket costs nothing. Do not assume that booking the cruise alone gives permission to leave the boat.

The one-hour stop is enough for a swim and some photographs, but it is not a full Comino walk. An optional walk can show you a quieter side of the island during the winter season, when conditions are less crowded. In summer, the famous shoreline can feel packed, and the operator cannot control how many other boats or people arrive.

That is the honest tradeoff. The Blue Lagoon looks wonderful from the water, and swimming there is a memorable Malta experience. The shore itself may not offer the peaceful atmosphere suggested by photographs. I prefer using the boat as a base, taking a swim, and treating the landing as optional.

Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour in ten minutes

After the Blue Lagoon, the cruise passes Gozo’s main harbor, Mgarr. The stop is brief, about ten minutes, and mainly gives you time for photographs and a look at the port.

This is not a Gozo tour. You do not get time to explore the island, and the boat does not make a proper Gozo landing on this experience. Still, Mgarr is a worthwhile pause because it adds another island and a different view to a short itinerary.

The harbor is particularly useful for photographs from the boat. You can see the small port, surrounding hills, and ferries moving through the channel. Keep expectations sensible: this is a scenic harbor stop, not a chance to visit Gozo’s villages or sights.

The precise order varies by boat and departure. One option visits Crystal Lagoon first, then Mgarr Harbour, and finishes at Blue Lagoon. Another spends about an hour at Blue Lagoon first, then gives Crystal Lagoon around 45 minutes before returning to Cirkewwa.

Crystal Lagoon and the best swimming pause

Crystal Lagoon is the quieter counterpart to Blue Lagoon. Its clear water, steep cliffs, and sea caves create a more enclosed setting, and the stop is excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and photographs.

Depending on the boat and route, you get roughly 30 to 45 minutes here. That is enough time for a swim, but you will want to move quickly if you also plan to take photographs, rent equipment, and try the water from the top deck.

The lagoon is also where you can see Popeye’s Cave and Lovers’ Cave. These names refer to recognizable openings and formations in the rock, and the boat offers views that are difficult to get from land.

The top deck is used for jumping into the water. This is a fun feature for confident swimmers, but it is entirely optional. If you prefer a calmer entry, use the lower part of the boat or simply enjoy the scenery from the deck.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent it for €5, or bring your own mask and snorkel. The water is clear enough to make a mask useful even if you are not planning a long swim, since you can look below the surface near the boat and around the rocky edges.

Comino Tower and the return to Cirkewwa

On the way back, the boat passes Comino Tower, a historic-looking coastal landmark known to film fans from The Count of Monte Cristo. You also pass a tuna fish farm before returning to Cirkewwa.

These final sights give the ride a little more variety after the swimming stops. You are not visiting the tower, so think of it as a passing landmark and photo opportunity. The return cruise is also a chance to dry off, buy a drink, and settle on the padded deck.

The sunset version is shorter and does not travel all the way around Comino. It is a good choice if your priority is warm evening light, photographs, and a shorter outing. It is not the right pick if you want the complete cave and coastline circuit.

Trip A or Trip B?

The two main versions have different strengths, so check the exact option before booking.

Trip A, on Sea Haven, is the more complete circuit. It begins with Elephant Rock and the Santa Maria caves, gives you around an hour at Blue Lagoon, passes Mgarr Harbour, and finishes with about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon. It is the better choice if you want more time in the water and a fuller look at Comino.

Trip B, on Xlendi III, starts with about 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, then passes the caves and stops briefly at Mgarr Harbour before finishing with one hour at Blue Lagoon. It is a tidy option for photographers and for anyone who likes seeing Crystal Lagoon before the main crowd gathers.

Trip B does not include a proper Gozo stop. You visit Mgarr Harbour for sightseeing only. This distinction matters because the presence of Gozo in the tour name could otherwise suggest island exploration.

Both versions can change order and timing because of weather and sea conditions. The captain has the final say on the safest route and swimming stops.

Who will get the most from this outing?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want:

• Two lagoon swims without committing to a full-day boat trip
• A simple way to see Comino’s caves and rocky coastline
• A family-friendly boat with a toilet and a manageable time commitment
• The option to jump from the top deck or swim directly from the boat
• A low-cost introduction to Malta’s northern islands
• A sunset option that fits around other plans

It suits confident swimmers particularly well because both main water stops are based around entering from the boat. Children enjoyed the two-level layout and jumping opportunity, but you should decide for yourself whether the open-water setting suits your family.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowded attractions, need a quiet beach, or want substantial time on Gozo. The Blue Lagoon can be busy, and the tour cannot promise an empty cove. It also is not a good fit for someone who wants a land-based historical tour.

There is conflicting information about wheelchair access. One part of the booking information labels the activity as accessible, while another says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. A past passenger needed staff help to board despite the boat not being truly accessible. If you use a wheelchair, contact Xlendi Pleasure Cruises before paying and get a clear answer about boarding, deck access, and toilet access.

Is $28 good value?

At $28 per person, the value is strong if you plan to swim. You get a three to four-hour cruise, two lagoon stops, cave sightseeing, Gozo harbor views, a welcome drink, watermelon, a toilet, and access to the boat’s sun deck.

The price becomes less attractive only if you mainly want a beach day. You may spend much of your time on the boat, and drinks from the bar cost extra. Snorkeling gear also costs €5 to rent unless you bring your own.

What I like is that the tour does not pad the schedule with a long stop that has little purpose. The boat keeps moving between caves, bays, and lagoons, then gives you real time for swimming. Previous departures have also been praised for quick boarding and disembarking, which matters on a short tour.

The strongest part of the value is the range of sights. A cheaper ferry might get you to Comino, but this cruise adds close views of the caves, Elephant Rock, Crystal Lagoon, Mgarr Harbour, Comino Tower, and the tuna farm.

Practical packing advice

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. A light extra layer is sensible for the ride back, particularly on a sunset departure or outside the hottest months.

Wear something that makes it easy to move around the boat. You may want to switch quickly between sitting on deck, taking photographs, and entering the water. Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you plan to take pictures while swimming.

You can buy drinks onboard with cash or card. The included fruit and welcome drink are modest, so bring what you need if you expect to be thirsty after swimming.

The cruise has been taken in December, with one departure reporting sea temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius and a swim still possible. That does not mean every winter day will feel suitable for swimming. Sea conditions and your own comfort matter, and the captain can change the plan if the weather turns.

Booking, cancellations, and timing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Changes and refunds are not available within 24 hours of booking, so check your date carefully.

The boat returns to the same Cirkewwa meeting point. No separate transport is included, and you are responsible for arriving at the jetty on time.

For the smoothest start, arrive at least 15 minutes early. Locate the kiosk and cafe first, then look behind them for the dock. This small bit of preparation is more important than it sounds because a missed departure means missing the whole cruise.

Should you book the Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a compact, affordable water day with two swimming stops and plenty of coastal scenery. The crew, boat layout, clear instructions, and Captain George’s long experience give the outing a reassuring feel, while the caves and Gozo harbor keep it from becoming just a ride to one lagoon.

Choose Trip A if you want the fuller Comino circuit and more time at Crystal Lagoon. Choose Trip B if you prefer to start with Crystal Lagoon and finish with the Blue Lagoon. Pick the sunset version for evening light and a shorter route.

Skip it if your main goal is a quiet beach, a full day in Gozo, or a land-based cultural tour. For most people who want to see Malta’s famous water without spending all day at sea, this is a well-priced and enjoyable choice.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Cirkewwa, Malta. Meet at the jetty behind Cirkewwa Cafe and behind the kiosk marked by umbrellas and tables.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about three to four hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Is a ticket required to leave the boat at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. If you want to disembark at Blue Lagoon in 2025, you must reserve a free government ticket at blcomino.com.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can swim directly from the boat, or disembark if you have the required free ticket. The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about one hour.

Can I swim at Crystal Lagoon?

Yes. The cruise stops at Crystal Lagoon for swimming and photographs. The stop lasts about 30 minutes on Trip B and approximately 45 minutes on Trip A.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be rented for €5. Drinks from the onboard bar are also sold separately.

Is Gozo included as a sightseeing stop?

The cruise visits Mgarr Harbour in Gozo for a short photographic and scenic stop. It is not a full Gozo tour, and there is no island exploration on this cruise.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Can the route change?

Yes. The captain can change the route or swimming stops because of weather and sea conditions. The sunset cruise also follows a shorter route that does not go all the way around Comino.