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

Comino is best seen from the water, and this trip gives you both the fast, splashy ride and the chance to slow down at the Blue Lagoon. The boat circles the island, slips past caves and cliffs, and pauses at landmarks that are hard to appreciate from shore.

I like two things here: you see much more than just the Blue Lagoon, and the professional skippers, especially Augustino and Valentino, add useful explanations and adjust the ride for the group. The main drawback is simple: the Blue Lagoon can be very crowded, especially later in the day, and two hours may feel short if you want a long swim and a walk.

Key points to know before booking

• Comino from every angle: The route includes Elephant Rock, St Mary Battery Arch, Santa Maria Caves, Santa Maria Bay, San Niklaw Bay, Crystal Lagoon, and the east and west caves.
• A proper speedboat ride: Expect wind, movement, and occasional spray, with the captain controlling the pace for safety and comfort.
• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: Use the stop for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, photos, or a walk toward St Marija Tower.
• Strong guiding: Augustino is frequently praised for clear explanations, friendly service, photo help, and a careful approach with families.
• Good value at $35: The price includes the boat ride, cave visits, and Blue Lagoon stop, with no separate charge for the cave portion.
• Plan for the rules: Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, and from May 1, 2025, anyone stepping onto Comino at the Blue Lagoon must register for an official entry ticket.

Why this Comino boat trip works well

For $35 per person, this is a useful middle ground between a simple transfer and a full-day cruise. You get a scenic circuit around Comino, access to caves, a live English-speaking guide, and two hours to enjoy the island’s most famous swimming spot.

That matters because the Blue Lagoon alone does not tell you much about Comino. From the water, you see the island’s pale cliffs, narrow inlets, rock arches, and small bays. You also avoid spending the whole outing in one crowded patch of shoreline.

The trip lasts about three and a half hours. The main Blue Lagoon stop takes two hours, leaving roughly an hour and a half for the outward ride, island circuit, cave visits, and return to Marfa Bay. The exact order can change with sea conditions and operational needs.

I would choose this outing if you want a compact Comino experience rather than a slow beach day. It suits couples, families with children, and anyone who likes a bit of speed mixed with swimming and sightseeing.

Starting at Marfa Bay

The boat leaves from Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay. Marfa Bay is only about three kilometers from the Blue Lagoon, so the trip begins close to Comino’s main attraction without wasting much time on a long transfer.

Arrive early. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, and the captain can refuse late boarding if the boat has already prepared to leave. For an 11:00 am departure, the morning booking period is listed as 8:00 am to 1:30 pm, so check the time carefully when selecting your slot.

You should bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A small personal bag is sensible, but large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

The boat ride is part of the attraction, not just transportation. You get the quick lift of a speedboat, wind in your face, and possibly a little spray while crossing open water. If you dislike motion, this may not be the right choice. People with back problems and pregnant women are also advised not to join.

Elephant Rock and Comino’s eastern cliffs

One of the first memorable sights is Elephant Rock, a natural rock formation shaped like an elephant leaning toward the water. The boat passes close enough for a good look and photographs, though the time spent here is for sightseeing rather than a long stop.

This is where the speedboat has an advantage over a larger vessel. A smaller boat can present the rock from different angles and move closer to coastal features that would be easy to miss from a distant ferry.

You will also pass St Mary Battery Arch. The battery is a historic coastal defense site, while the arch adds a strong visual frame to the rocky shoreline. The route does not promise a long land visit here, so think of it as a coastal viewing stop rather than a historical tour.

The captain’s commentary makes these moments more useful. Augustino is repeatedly praised for explaining the caves and sights clearly, while also taking photos for families and making sure everyone feels comfortable. That personal guiding is valuable on a route where the scenery comes quickly.

Santa Maria Caves and the quiet bays

The boat continues toward the Santa Maria Caves, also called St Mary Caves. You can expect a photo stop and a close look at the openings, rock walls, and water around them. The trip also includes east and west hidden caves at no extra charge.

Cave visits are one of the strongest reasons to book this particular outing. A Blue Lagoon visit gives you swimming time, but a boat circuit adds the coastline itself. The caves offer changing light, darker passages, and a sense of how much of Comino is best viewed from offshore.

The itinerary also passes Santa Maria Bay and San Niklaw Bay. These bays show a quieter side of Comino than the famous lagoon. You may not spend extended time at either one, but they add variety to the circuit and help you understand the island’s shape.

Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray. The information does not promise waterproof storage or a guaranteed dry ride. A phone pouch or small waterproof case is a sensible precaution.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The central stop lasts two hours at the Blue Lagoon. This is enough time for a swim, snorkeling, sunbathing, photos, or a walk toward St Marija Tower for a view over the water.

The lagoon is known for its clear blue water, and the stop gives you the freedom to choose your own pace. You do not have to swim. You can simply sit by the water, take photos, or walk toward the tower if you prefer a higher viewpoint.

I would use the first few minutes to get oriented, then decide how much time to give the water and how much to the island. If you want to swim and walk to the tower, two hours passes quickly. If swimming is your priority, go directly to the water rather than spending too long on photos at the start.

Crowds are the main issue. One family described the Blue Lagoon as beautiful but very busy, while another recommendation favored going in the morning, when there is more room in the water. That is practical advice. The tour itself may be enjoyable, but you should not expect a private cove or a peaceful beach.

The new access rule also matters. From Thursday, May 1, 2025, anyone who steps onto Comino from the Blue Lagoon and explores on foot must register and obtain an entry ticket through the official government system at www.blcomino.com. Check the current process before you go. The boat ride and a visit by water are not the same thing as walking ashore.

Crystal Lagoon and the return ride

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat passes Crystal Lagoon before returning to Marfa Bay. This gives you one last look at Comino’s clear water and rocky coast without using up your Blue Lagoon time.

The return leg is a good chance to settle back after swimming. You may still get scenic views and photo opportunities, but the captain controls the route according to sea conditions. The captain also reserves the right to alter or cancel the tour when weather or safety requires it.

That flexibility is worth taking seriously. The sea can change the feel of a speedboat outing quickly. If the trip is cancelled because of weather or sea conditions, you are offered an alternative date or a refund.

The skipper can make or break the experience

The boat and route matter, but the captain shapes the day. Augustino receives especially strong praise for friendliness, punctuality, explanations, and his ability to adjust the speed to suit the people on board.

That last point is important. A speedboat should feel exciting, but not everyone wants maximum speed for the whole journey. Some families enjoyed the ride because the captain made children feel safe, while other passengers appreciated the faster sections and the wind and spray.

Augustino also helped take family photos, gave children the chance to experience driving the boat on one outing, and made room for different preferences. Those extras are not guaranteed, so do not book on the assumption that every captain will offer them. Still, they show the value of a small, attentive operation.

Valentino is another captain praised for looking after adults, children, and teenagers, with chances to swim, take photos, or simply relax. The activity is offered in English, so you should be comfortable following an English-speaking guide.

Is $35 good value?

At $35, the price is attractive for a three-and-a-half-hour outing in one of Malta’s most popular coastal areas. The cost includes the speedboat circuit around Comino, cave visits, and the two-hour Blue Lagoon stop.

You are not paying for a meal, drinks, or a private boat. Those exclusions are normal for this price and worth remembering when comparing options. Bring what you need, within the small-bag rules, and expect to buy or arrange refreshments separately if required.

The value is strongest if you want several experiences in one booking: a fast ride, coastal sightseeing, caves, and swimming. It is less compelling if your only goal is to spend the whole day on the beach or snorkel without interruption.

The high satisfaction score, with 98 percent of people giving the transport a perfect rating, supports the idea that the boat service is a major strength. Still, no rating can remove the usual risks of a weather-dependent sea trip or a crowded summer attraction.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it for:

• Families who want an exciting activity without committing to a full-day cruise.
• Couples looking for clear-water scenery, photos, and a little speed.
• First-time Comino visitors who want more than a direct ride to the Blue Lagoon.
• Swimmers who value a guaranteed two-hour stop.
• People who prefer a guide to point out caves, bays, and rock formations.

Think twice if you are pregnant, have back problems, suffer from motion sickness, or use a wheelchair. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, electric wheelchairs, or people with back problems. The restrictions also list people over 65 and several higher age thresholds, so older passengers should confirm eligibility directly before booking.

It is also not suitable if you are carrying large luggage, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, or drugs. These are straightforward restrictions, but they can matter if you are joining the trip between hotels or ferry connections.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Wear beachwear under your clothes so you can use the Blue Lagoon stop without changing facilities becoming a concern. Pack a towel, sun protection, and sunglasses, and keep your belongings small.

Choose a morning departure if your plans allow it. The water may still be busy, but an earlier stop gives you a better chance of finding room to swim before the lagoon fills further.

Board at least 15 minutes before departure. The trip leaves from Blue Waves Watersports at Marfa Bay, not from the Blue Lagoon itself, so allow time to reach the correct starting point.

Do not count on food or drinks being provided. The activity excludes both, and the short format means you should arrive prepared.

Finally, keep some flexibility in your Malta schedule. The captain may change the route or cancel because of weather and sea conditions. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a weather cancellation brings an alternative date or refund.

Should you book it?

Book this Comino speedboat trip if you want a lively half-day with caves, cliffs, and swimming rather than a simple Blue Lagoon transfer. The route covers a lot in three and a half hours, and $35 is a fair price for the boat circuit, cave visits, guide, and two-hour lagoon stop.

I would be more cautious if you dislike speed, motion, crowds, or strict timing. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful but not secluded, and the boat ride can be windy and wet.

For most eligible visitors, this is a well-balanced way to see Comino. Go in the morning if possible, arrive early, pack light, and treat the Blue Lagoon as one part of a broader coastal tour.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat trip start?

The trip starts at Blue Waves Watersports in Marfa Bay, Malta.

How long does the activity last?

The full experience lasts about three and a half hours, including a two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $35 per person.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the speedboat ride around Comino, visits to the caves, and the two-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Which places does the boat pass?

The route passes Elephant Rock, St Mary Battery Arch, Santa Maria Caves, Santa Maria Bay, San Niklaw Bay, and Crystal Lagoon. It also includes east and west caves around Comino.

How long is the stop at the Blue Lagoon?

You have two hours of free time at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, photos, or walking toward St Marija Tower.

Is the tour guided?

Yes. The activity includes a live English-speaking guide.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the captain cancels because of weather or sea conditions, you are offered an alternative date or a refund.