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

If you’re considering a day trip around Malta’s coast, a boat tour of Comino Island is often high on the list. This experience promises a boatload of fun—think crystal-clear waters, swinging down water slides, exploring caves, and relaxing at two of Malta’s most famous lagoons. While we haven’t done this exact trip ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what you can expect.

What we love about this experience is how it balances adventure with relaxation. The large, well-equipped catamaran offers plenty of amenities: water slides, sun loungers, bars, and even underwater windows. Plus, the stops at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are truly picture-perfect spots for swimming and soaking up the sun. One thing to keep in mind is that parking can be a challenge—many travelers rave about arriving early to snag a good spot and secure a top deck seat, especially in peak season.

This tour is best suited for those who want a full day of scenic views, water-based fun, and hassle-free logistics. If you’re traveling with kids who love slides or snorkelers eager to explore caves, this experience could be just right. However, if you prefer quiet, off-the-beaten-path beaches or dislike crowds, it’s worth considering that these popular spots can get busy.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience with stops at multiple scenic spots, including caves and lagoons
• Great value for money considering the amenities, facilities, and duration
• Multiple activity options like slides, snorkeling, and swimming inside caves
• Organized itinerary with plenty of time at each stop, especially at Blue Lagoon
• Popularity can mean crowds, so early arrival is advised for a better experience
• Weather dependent, with some seasonal restrictions and possible route changes

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Departure and Journey

Most trips leave from Bugibba, with easy access from Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s—just a quick bus ride to the meeting point at Sirens Quay. The boat, operated by Sea Trips, is a large, stable catamaran that promises comfort and space for up to 250 travelers. The ride to Comino takes about an hour, during which you’ll enjoy onboard commentary in several languages, giving you a scenic tour of Malta’s coast, cliffs, and tiny islands like St. Paul’s.

Traveling on a sizable vessel, you’ll get a great vantage point for photos of Malta’s rugged coastline, caves, and towering cliffs. Many reviews mention how the boat cruise itself is a highlight—seeing Malta from the sea offers a different perspective, and the commentary helps highlight points of interest along the way.

First Stop: Crystal Lagoon

Depending on the season, the stop at Crystal Lagoon can last around 15 to 60 minutes. From June to October, you get roughly an hour to relax, swim, or snorkel. This lagoon is the lesser-known of the two major stops but equally stunning—set against steep cliffs and only accessible by boat, the water is incredibly clear, perfect for swimming or even peeking into caves underwater.

One traveler notes, “It’s a snorkeler’s paradise,” and many love taking advantage of the water slides from the top deck for a quick splash before jumping into the water. If you’re visiting in the off-season (November to May), the visit is shorter, mainly for photos and cave visits, but still worthwhile if you love quiet, less crowded spots.

Second Stop: Blue Lagoon

The highlight for most visitors is Blue Lagoon, where you’ll spend about four hours during the full-day trip. This tiny island is a magnet for travelers who want to swim, snorkel, or just relax on deck with a drink. The boat docks in a prime location, giving you a great view while you settle in.

Here, you’ll find plenty of amenities—large water slides, jumping platforms, sun loungers, toilets, showers, and two onboard bars offering food and drinks (at your own expense). Many reviews mention how lively this spot gets; it’s often crowded but still fun, especially for families or groups that enjoy socializing and water fun.

You can either stay on the boat or walk ashore to explore the island’s small beaches and bays. Swimming from the boat is common, and many rave about how the water is warm enough even in late season, with some noting they could swim comfortably even in November. Be aware that access might get busy; arriving early is the ticket to snagging a top sun lounger or avoiding crowding.

Third Stop: Sea Caves & Elephant’s Head

On the cruise back to Bugibba, you’ll pass by Sea Caves and the distinctive Elephants Head rock formation. These spots are perfect for quick photos, and many enjoy the dramatic scenery of Malta’s coastline from the boat. The caves often serve as a backdrop for memorable shots, and some reviews mention how helpful the crew is in pointing out these interesting formations.

Final Stretch

As the boat heads back, the crew may stop for about five minutes at the Santa Maria pirate caves, a fun, scenic route highlight. It’s a breezy, easy way to end the day with some last photos before returning to the starting point.

The Boat & Amenities: Comfort Meets Adventure

The catamaran itself is praised for being modern, stable, and equipped with a variety of amenities. The air-conditioned main deck provides a cool retreat after swimming or sunbathing. For those who love lounging, the top deck with cushioned sun loungers is a favorite, especially if you arrive early to claim a spot.

The water slides are a big hit—many reviews mention how kids and adults alike enjoy jumping from the top deck or zipping down the slides. The underwater windows add a fun element, giving a glimpse of marine life beneath the boat (though visibility can vary with weather conditions).

Food and drinks are available at the two onboard bars, offering snacks, cold drinks, and cocktails, but note that these are at your own expense. Restrooms and showers are available, keeping everyone comfortable during the day.

Snorkeling & Gear

You can rent snorkeling equipment for €5 and personal lockers for €2—these little extras make it easier to enjoy the water without fussing over your belongings. The availability of lockers and gear helps keep the experience smooth, especially when you’re eager to jump into those pristine lagoons.

The Value & Practical Considerations

Considering the price of approximately $34.57 per person, this trip offers good value for the array of stops, amenities, and the length of the experience. The full-day trip provides plenty of time at each location, with most reviews highlighting how well-organized and enjoyable the day is.

However, crowding can be an issue—many travelers recommend arriving early, especially in summer, to secure a prime spot on the top deck and beat the rush. Parking near the departure point is limited, and some reviews report difficulties finding a space, so planning ahead is wise.

Weather can affect the trip—if conditions aren’t favorable, the route might change or the trip could be canceled for safety reasons, but the company offers full refunds or alternative dates if this happens.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a fun, active day on the water, with plenty of swimming, slides, and scenic stops. It’s great for those who enjoy a lively, social atmosphere, and families or groups looking for an engaging day out. If you’re after quiet, secluded beaches or off-the-beaten-path spots, it might be a bit crowded for your taste.

Travelers who appreciate modern amenities, good organization, and a mix of sightseeing with water fun will find this tour hits the right notes. Plus, the flexible schedule—whether you opt for the full day or sunset trip—allows some customization depending on your preferences.

This boat tour around Comino offers a lively, scenic, and well-equipped way to experience Malta’s coast. The combination of stunning lagoons, caves, slides, and amenities makes it a popular choice for travelers wanting a full day of fun and adventure. The trip’s value is reinforced by the variety of stops and the quality of facilities onboard, though arriving early remains key to making the most of it.

While it can get busy, especially during peak season, many reviews reflect how it’s still a worthwhile experience, offering memorable moments in a beautiful setting. If you’re seeking a lively, activity-packed day with plenty of photo opportunities, this tour could be a highlight of your Malta trip.

Is the trip suitable for children? Many reviews mention kids enjoying the water slides and swimming, so it’s generally family-friendly. Just keep in mind the length and busy nature of the spots.

How long is the full-day trip? The full trip lasts about 4 to 7 hours, with the daytime trip around 7 hours in summer and shorter in winter, depending on the season.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, booking well in advance (about 16 days ahead on average) is recommended, especially if you want a top deck spot or plan to disembark at Blue Lagoon.

What’s included in the price? The price covers the boat trip, visits to lagoons and caves, water slides, sun loungers, toilets, showers, and commentary. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Can I snorkel during the trip? Snorkeling equipment can be rented for €5, and many travelers love exploring underwater caves and the lagoon waters.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a light jacket are smart, especially for cooler seasons. Arrive early for the best spots, and consider bringing snacks or drinks if you prefer not to buy onboard.

This trip offers a lively way to enjoy Malta’s coastline and splash around in some of the most beautiful waters on the island. Whether you’re into adventure, scenery, or just relaxing in stunning surroundings, it’s a trip that’s likely to give you plenty of memorable moments.