Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon, and Caves, 3.5 hours Boat Tour

If you’re looking to experience some of Malta’s most iconic sights from the water, this 3.5-hour boat tour around Comino Island offers a lovely mix of adventure, scenery, and relaxation. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on reviews and the itinerary, it sounds like a solid choice for anyone wanting a taste of Malta’s natural beauty with a guided touch.

What really catches the eye are the spectacular caves around Comino, which promise a bit of an adventure, and the Blue Lagoon’s crystal-clear waters, perfect for a swim or snorkel. On the flip side, some travelers note that the timing at each stop can feel a little rushed—so if you’re hoping for a long, leisurely day, this might be a concern. Overall, it’s great for those who want a quick but comprehensive glimpse of the island’s highlights without a full-day commitment.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, exploring caves, and taking a dip in clear waters. It’s also wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for some. If you’re into guided excursions that combine sightseeing with water-based fun, this could be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Short but packed: A 3.5-hour tour covering multiple highlights.
• Cave exploration: Includes visits to the Crystal Lagoon Caves and Poppy’s Caves, perfect for photo enthusiasts.
• Swim and snorkel: The Blue Lagoon stop offers plenty of time for water activities.
• Scenic cruising: Pass by iconic spots like the Great Elephant’s Head Rock and Ahrax Cliffs.
• Knowledgeable guides: Reviews highlight the expertise and friendliness of the guides.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Malta Boat Tour

This is a well-planned route that balances sightseeing with some time in the water. Starting from Mellieha Bay, you’ll board a 17-meter boat that can hold up to 58 passengers. From there, expect a steady cruise along the coast of Ahrax Cliffs, taking in stunning views and passing by notable landmarks like the Smuggler’s Cave and Coral Lagoon.

The tour’s itinerary is quite detailed. After a brief cruise from Mellieha Bay, you’ll stop at the Coral Lagoon for a quick photo opportunity—roughly 5 minutes—so don’t expect to linger here. Next, the boat heads on to the Crystal Lagoon, which involves another brief stop and the chance to explore or snap some pictures.

The highlight for most is the Blue Lagoon, where you’ll have about 1.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the boat. This is a great chance to cool off in the famously clear waters, which many reviews praise for their transparency and inviting nature. Travelers often mention that the water here is crystal clear, making it ideal for photos and underwater exploration.

Following the lagoon experience, the boat visits the Santa Maria Caves, with scenic views on the way. The caves are picturesque, and you might get some great shots of the Great Elephant’s Head Rock as you cruise back toward Mellieha.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Oh Yeah Malta

Your adventure begins at the Blue Beach Club in Mellieha Bay, which is easy to find with clear landmarks like Starbucks and the DB Sea Bank Hotel nearby. The meeting point is about a 10-minute walk from Mellieha Village, making it accessible whether you’re staying locally or arriving by bus.

Mellieha Bay & Coastal Cruises

The cruise kicks off with a quick 5-minute sail along the coast, giving you a taste of the scenery before heading towards the caves and lagoons.

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Coral Lagoon

A brief photo stop at Coral Lagoon allows for some quick snaps of this colorful water feature. Since the stop is only about 5 minutes, it’s more of a snapshot than an exploration.

Crystal Lagoon & Poppy’s Caves

Next, you’ll visit the Crystal Lagoon, a place famed for its clarity and beauty. You’ll have around 10 minutes here—enough for some photos and perhaps a quick look around. The caves nearby, like Poppy’s Caves, are part of the exploration, offering a peek into Malta’s intriguing geology and caves.

Blue Lagoon

The main event—a 1.5-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon. This is the perfect window for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging on the boat. Many travelers find the waters incredibly inviting, and the scenery is picture-perfect. Expect to see some reviews praising the crystal-clear waters, which make this stop a highlight.

Santa Maria Caves & Scenic Views

After the lagoon, the boat cruises to the Santa Maria Caves. Here, you’ll get scenic views and the chance to photograph the caves’ striking features. The cruise around the island also takes in Great Elephant’s Head Rock, which is often noted for its unique shape and photo potential.

Return to Mellieha

The trip concludes with a scenic cruise back to Mellieha Bay, taking about 30 minutes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy more coastal views, with the guide providing insights into the sights.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, who keep the commentary engaging and informative without overloading you. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide was very friendly and knew a lot about the caves and the coastline, which made the experience even better.”

The caves are often praised as the highlight for their natural beauty and the fun of exploring them from the water. As one reviewer put it, “The caves are a must-see, and the boat allows you to get close without any hassle.”

The Blue Lagoon receives consistent praise for its clear waters and the opportunity to relax, swim, or snorkel in a stunning setting. Several travelers appreciated the ample time to enjoy the water, which makes it more than just a quick stop.

However, some mention that the stops are short, especially at Coral Lagoon and Poppy’s Caves—so if you’re seeking a leisurely day with lots of time at each site, this might feel rushed. Also, because the boat can get crowded, those who prefer solitude may find it a bit busy.

Practical Details

Duration & Departure

The tour lasts 3.5 hours, with a departure at 9:45 AM from Mellieha Bay. You’ll return around 1:30 PM, making it a convenient half-day activity.

Group Size & Comfort

With a capacity of 58 passengers, the boat is suitable for groups, but it’s not overly crowded. The live guide speaks English, offering commentary and answering questions during the cruise.

What to Bring

Make sure to pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the views and underwater moments. The tour does not allow alcohol, glass objects, or fireworks, so come prepared for a family-friendly water day.

Accessibility & Considerations

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a thoughtful feature. However, it’s not suitable for non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness, so plan accordingly.

Cost & Value

While the price isn’t specified here, reviews suggest it offers good value for the experience—combining scenic cruising, cave exploration, and water fun in a manageable time frame.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat trip is ideal for those who want a quick, scenic overview of Malta’s coast, combined with the fun of swimming in the Blue Lagoon. It suits travelers who appreciate guided tours that balance storytelling with opportunities for water-based activities. Families with children might enjoy it if the kids are comfortable in the water and on boats.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, you’ll love the access to caves and scenic views, especially with the chance to catch the iconic Elephant’s Head Rock. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, lingering exploration, you might find the stops a little too brief.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Not really. Since the main activities involve swimming or snorkeling, non-swimmers might find it challenging to fully enjoy the water stops.

How long do we stay at the Blue Lagoon?
You’ll have about 1.5 hours to swim, snorkel, or relax, which is usually enough time to enjoy the clear waters and capture some photos.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera. It’s also good to have some water and snacks if you want to stay refreshed.

What is the capacity of the boat?
The boat holds up to 58 passengers, so it’s relatively comfortable but can get busy during peak times.

Are there any restrictions regarding alcohol or glass objects?
Yes, alcohol, drugs, glass objects, and fireworks are not allowed on the boat for safety reasons.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which gives some flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

Final Thoughts

This Malta boat tour offers a compact, scenic experience that covers key highlights like caves, lagoons, and scenic coastlines. It’s a good pick for travelers who want a guided, water-based adventure that’s easy to fit into a half-day. The knowledgeable guides and the stunning natural features make it a memorable addition to your Malta itinerary.

However, if you’re after more time in each location or a leisurely pace, you might want to explore other options or consider a longer tour. For most, though, this trip hits a sweet spot of scenic views, fun water activities, and insightful commentary—all in just a few hours.

Whether you’re keen on capturing photos of the caves, cooling off in the Blue Lagoon, or simply enjoying the ride along Malta’s rugged coast, this tour is likely to deliver a satisfying experience without overwhelming your day.

You can check availability for your dates here: