Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Gozo, Sea Caves Cruise

Exploring Malta’s Best by Boat: A Detailed Look at the Comino & Gozo Cruise

If you’re considering a boat trip around Malta that covers some of its most iconic sights, this tour is worth a closer look. It promises a blend of stunning natural beauty, fun water activities, and a relaxed pace—making it a popular choice for travelers wanting a taste of Malta’s seascape without a full day commitment.

We love the fact that this cruise offers ample time for swimming and snorkeling, allowing you to truly enjoy the crystal-clear waters. The guidance from knowledgeable guides and the comfortable boat setting seem to make the experience both enjoyable and informative. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that certain features, like snorkeling gear, are not included in the initial price, which could catch some visitors off guard. Overall, it’s a well-balanced trip suited for those who want a straightforward, scenic day on the water with plenty of chances to relax and explore.

This tour is particularly good for travelers who appreciate beautiful scenery, easy swimming spots, and a flexible schedule. If you’re after a value-packed, straightforward boat cruise with friendly guides and memorable stops, you’ll likely find this experience hits the mark.

Key Points

• Great value for money at just over $28 per person, especially considering the number of stops and time spent in beautiful locations.
• Multiple scenic stops including the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, and more, each offering unique views and photo opportunities.
• Comfortable boat with amenities like restroom facilities, Bluetooth sound system, and capacity for up to 24 travelers.
• Flexible experience, with options to snorkel, sunbathe, or stay on the boat—perfect for a laid-back day.
• Guides are praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and knowledge, making the trip more engaging.
• Snorkeling gear isn’t included in the basic price, so plan to bring your own or prepare for a small extra fee if needed.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point in Mellieha and the Route

The tour kicks off in Mellieha, a lively part of Malta with easy access to public transport and a good starting point for exploring the northern coast. Once aboard the spacious boat, you’ll pass the historic Comino Tower, famous for its appearance in The Count of Monte Cristo. This is already a taste of Malta’s cinematic past, setting a scenic tone for the day.

Crystal Lagoon: Natural Caves and Clear Waters

Your first stop is Crystal Lagoon, a highlight for many. This spot is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and interesting rock formations. The caves here are accessible by swimming, which lets you get up close to Malta’s natural geology. The 45-minute window allows enough time to swim, snorkel (gear provided), and take photos of the rugged coastline.

From multiple reviews, it’s clear this place is a crowd favorite, with visitors remarking on the tranquil atmosphere and the chance to see marine life. One reviewer even called the boat’s size and capacity “perfect,” avoiding the cramped feeling some other boats have.

Blue Lagoon: The Iconic Malta Setting

Next, you’ll head to the famous Blue Lagoon—the star of many Malta trips. This small bay boasts shallow, sandy seabeds that light up under the sun, creating those dreamy shades of blue that everyone photographs. You get about an hour of free time here to swim, snorkel, or just relax on the beach.

Travelers rave about this stop, with comments highlighting the stunning water colors and the peaceful vibe. To access the lagoon, you need to register for a free pass online, but if you prefer to stay on the boat, that’s totally fine. The lagoon’s small size means it can get busy, especially in the afternoon, so arriving early or choosing your timing can help.

Santa Maria Caves and Photo Stops

A quick 10-minute stop at Santa Maria Caves allows for some photos of Malta’s rugged coastline and sea caves. The caves are a popular photo spot, and the included visit adds a bit of variety without extending the trip too long.

Later, the boat visits Santa Marija Bay, a more secluded sandy beach perfect for relaxing or taking a dip. It’s a relatively brief stop—around 30 minutes—but enough to enjoy the tranquil scene or explore the rocky cliffs surrounding the bay.

A fun note from reviews is the sighting of Elephant Head Rock, which is a quick but memorable photo opportunity. The rocky formations around the bay often become part of the trip’s highlight reel for visitors.

Final Stops and Return

Before heading back to Mellieha, the boat stops at the Santa Maria Caves for one last photo opportunity. These caves are a picturesque feature of Malta’s coastline, offering a natural backdrop for memories and selfies. The cruise then makes its way past the scenic Gozo island, giving you a glimpse of Malta’s neighboring landmass and its rugged landscape.

Throughout the trip, guides provide commentary, and many reviews praise their friendliness and knowledge. You might find that the guides make a significant difference in the overall enjoyment, especially if they’re engaging and able to share interesting tidbits about the sights.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews reflect a strong overall satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.7/5 based on 40 reviews. Many mention how beautiful and well-paced the stops are, with plenty of time to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and taking photos. One reviewer called it “the highlight of our trip,” emphasizing the kindness and helpfulness of the captain, Johnny, and the flexibility to customize stops.

Some comments point out that the boat isn’t overcrowded, a common issue with similar tours. The included amenities like a Bluetooth sound system and stand-up boards add to the relaxed and fun atmosphere. Several reviews highlight that guides are friendly, informative, and accommodating, making the experience more personal.

On the flip side, a few travelers noted that snorkeling gear isn’t included in the price, which could be a small inconvenience. Also, some mention that instructions on where to meet initially weren’t clear, so it’s worth paying attention to the meeting details to avoid confusion.

One or two reviews express disappointment about tour limitations, such as the absence of a bathroom on the private boat (a rare case). Always double-check what’s included to avoid surprises, especially if you have specific needs.

Practical Details and Tips for Your Trip

• Duration: About 4 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.
• Price: Around $28.46 per person, which offers good value considering all the scenic stops and amenities.
• Group Size: Max of 24 travelers—small enough to feel personal but lively enough for a social vibe.
• Meeting Point: In Mellieha, easily accessible by public transportation.
• What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and potentially your own snorkeling gear if you prefer. If you plan to bring snacks or drinks, the Bluetooth sound system and the guide’s flexibility make it easy to customize.
• Weather & Cancellation: The tour requires good weather. Cancellation is free if due to weather; otherwise, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Family-Friendly? While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the calm waters and scenic stops make it suitable for most travelers, including children comfortable with swimming and boat rides.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour offers a well-rounded, relaxed way to experience Malta’s stunning coastlines, particularly the Blue and Crystal Lagoons. It’s best suited for those who prioritize scenic beauty, swimming, and a laid-back atmosphere over intense adventure or cultural narratives. The friendly guides, flexible stops, and good value make it a solid choice for most travelers wanting a memorable day on the water.

If you’re after a cruise that balances beauty, comfort, and casual fun, this trip could be just what you need. It’s especially rewarding if you’re looking for a way to unwind, soak up Malta’s natural charm, and take plenty of photos.

FAQ

Is snorkeling gear included in the tour?
Snorkeling gear is not included in the basic price, so you might want to bring your own or be prepared for an extra charge if available onboard.

How long do I have at each stop?
You’ll get roughly 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, about an hour at Blue Lagoon, 10 minutes at Santa Maria Caves, and 30 minutes at Santa Marija Bay. This balance gives you enough time to relax and explore without feeling rushed.

Can I stay on the boat instead of swimming?
Absolutely. Passengers are free to remain on the boat if they prefer not to swim or snorkel.

What’s the capacity of the boat?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 24 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience without overcrowding.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as kid-specific, the calm waters and scenic stops make it suitable for children, especially those comfortable on boats and in water.

How do I register for the Blue Lagoon pass?
You need to register on the Blue Lagoon website for a free pass, selecting your preferred time slot. Alternatively, you can stay on the boat if you prefer to skip this step.

What are the starting and ending points?
The tour begins and ends at the same location in Mellieha, making logistics straightforward.

What’s included in the price?
Your fare covers the cruise, guide, restroom, fuel, and on-board amenities like Bluetooth sound system and stand-up boards.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations due to weather are also fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

This boat cruise offers a straightforward, beautiful, and relaxing way to see some of Malta’s best sights from the water. It’s a good option for those who want an easy, well-organized trip with plenty of opportunities for swimming, photos, and enjoying the scenery—without the fuss of a complex itinerary or overcrowded boats.