Comino & Gozo: Blue & Crystal Lagoons Cruise with Sea Caves

Comino & Gozo: Blue & Crystal Lagoons Cruise with Sea Caves – A Down-to-Earth Guide

If you’re looking for a way to truly experience some of Malta’s most beautiful spots without spending a whole day on the water, this half-day cruise offers a friendly, scenic, and relaxing escape. We’ve seen plenty of Malta tours, but this one stands out for its intimate size, personal touch, and a good variety of stops along the coast. It’s perfect if you want to explore the lagoons, caves, and charming harbors at a gentle pace.

Two things we really like about this experience are the small group size (just 25 passengers) which makes the whole trip feel more personal, and the variety of stops, including the well-known Blue Lagoon and lesser-visited spots like St. Maria Bay. A small caveat? The tour’s duration is just around 3-4 hours, so if you’re craving a full-day adventure, you might find it a little short. Still, it hits that sweet spot for a quick, scenic escape. This cruise suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed day on the water, appreciate friendly guides, and want to see Malta’s coast without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Intimate groups make for a more relaxed and personal experience.
• Multiple stops at lagoons, caves, and scenic spots give a well-rounded taste of Malta’s coast.
• Excellent value for the price, with plenty of swimming and sightseeing opportunities.
• Friendly, experienced crew that’s knowledgeable and welcoming.
• Comfortable amenities onboard include shaded areas, toilets, and swimming floats.
• It’s not suitable for those with large luggage, mobility issues, or very young children, so check if it fits your travel style.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

We love the way this cruise packs in highlights without feeling overly rushed. Starting from Mellieha, the boat departs for a scenic ride around the coast of Comino and, if you opt for the half-day, a quick visit to Gozo. The itinerary is carefully organized to balance sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.

First Stop: Crystal Lagoon

You’ll start with a 30-minute stop at the Crystal Lagoon. It’s a peaceful spot with the kind of turquoise waters that make you want to jump right in. Many reviews mention just how clear and inviting the water is. If you’re into snorkeling, you’ll find masks available (a small deposit is required), and it’s a lovely way to ease into the water. We’ve seen comments like, “Great time to swim,” and “The lagoon feels so unreal,” which really captures how special this spot can be.

The Blue Lagoon

Next is the famous Blue Lagoon, where you’ll spend about an hour. This is the highlight for most visitors – the water is impossibly clear and vibrant. It can get crowded, but the boat’s smaller size and flexible stops help you find your own space. Many reviews mention that staying on the boat and swimming from there is a good strategy—if you prefer avoiding the crowds on land. The Blue Lagoon is perfect for snorkeling, relaxing on the boat, or taking in those postcard-worthy views.

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Additional Scenic Stops and Photos

Afterward, the cruise continues past spots like Mgarr Harbour, San Niklaw Bay, Elephant Rock, and other scenic points. These make for great photo opportunities, especially the Elephant Rock, which many agree is an iconic sight. The boat also passes by impressive natural caves and rock formations, giving you a good sense of Malta’s rugged beauty.

St. Maria Bay and the Sea Caves

One of the quieter stops is St. Maria Bay, a peaceful, unspoiled beach. It’s a lovely spot to unwind, take a walk, or swim again if you wish. The Sea Caves are a highlight of the trip, with entry included. Seeing these caves up close is impressive, and many travelers comment on how knowledgeable the crew is about the local geology and history.

Optional Time on Land

During the half-day tour, you get a brief visit to Gozo Harbour, a charming fishing village with traditional boats and local color. If you choose the full excursion, you might also explore some of the quieter corners of the islands, though most of the time is spent on the water or at the beaches.

The End of the Trip

The tour wraps up with a scenic cruise back past St. Nicholas Bay, where you can admire the dramatic coastline and rock formations, before returning to Mellieha. Many reviews underline how smooth and well-paced the entire experience is, with plenty of time at each stop.

What’s Included & What’s Not

This cruise offers quite a comprehensive package for the price. Included are all the main sightseeing stops, entry to the sea caves, snorkeling masks (with a deposit), swimming noodles, and the use of shaded and sunbathing areas. Toilets are available on board, which is a bonus for a trip of this length.

What’s not included? Food and drinks, which you’ll need to purchase onboard or bring along. The tour size limits the amenities, but most find that the experience compensates well. Many reviews emphasize the friendly crew and good value, especially considering the variety of sights.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Arrive early: Traffic on Malta can be heavy, and the boat departs punctually. Aim to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.
• Bring cash: Onboard purchases are cash-only, so pack some in advance.
• Pack essentials: Towel, camera, sun protection, and perhaps a snack or water. You might also want to bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer.
• Wear beachwear: You’ll be swimming and relaxing on the deck, so comfortable clothes and swimwear are key.
• Check the QR requirement: From May 2025, a free QR code is needed to visit Comino’s Blue Lagoon—be sure to see your voucher for details.
• Luggage considerations: Oversize luggage, large bags, and non-folding strollers aren’t allowed, so travel light.

What Do Previous Travelers Say?

The consistency in reviews paints a clear picture: travelers love the small-group vibe, the friendly crew, and the stunning scenery. One reviewer said, “The boat is a good size and doesn’t overfill, so it feels more intimate,” which many appreciated. Others noted how knowledgeable the guides are, with comments like, “Josil was a professional and considerate guide,” enhancing the experience.

Many travelers rave about the value for money. For around 3-4 hours, you get visits to the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, caves, and scenic coastline, along with ample swimming and snorkeling. The mix of spectacular views and relaxing stops makes it ideal for a quick but memorable Malta outing.

A handful of reviews mention the crowds at Blue Lagoon, but most agree that the boat’s smaller size and flexible stops help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. If you’re a fan of a relaxed, personal experience with plenty of opportunities to see Malta’s stunning waters and coast, this cruise ticks those boxes.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is a good fit if you’re after a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing. It suits travelers who prefer small groups, personalized service, and a flexible schedule. It’s especially great for those who want to explore Malta’s coast without dedicating an entire day or dealing with crowded boats.

It’s not ideal for travelers with mobility issues, large luggage, or very young children—since the focus is on being on a boat and enjoying the water. But if you’re comfortable on a boat, love scenic vistas, and want a more intimate adventure, this cruise could be just right.

FAQs

How long does the cruise last?
It lasts around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the option you choose. The itinerary is designed to give you ample time at each stop without feeling rushed.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from Mellieha, at Sea Life Cruises, behind the Cirkewwa Kiosk Cafe. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended due to traffic and scheduling.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase onboard. Bring cash if you want to buy refreshments.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling masks are available, but a small deposit is required. It’s a good idea to bring your own if you have a favorite mask.

Can I visit Gozo during this tour?
Yes, the half-day tour includes a visit to Gozo Harbour, a charming fishing village. The full tour might explore more of the island.

Is the boat suitable for everyone?
It’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments, large luggage, or very young children. The boat’s size and activity focus are better suited for able-bodied adults and older travelers.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring a towel, sun protection, a camera, and cash for onboard purchases. Remember to wear beachwear or light clothing for swimming.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a well-paced, friendly way to see Malta’s coast, this Blue & Crystal Lagoons cruise offers a solid balance of scenic views, swimming, and cave exploration. The small group size, knowledgeable crew, and flexible stops make it stand out from larger, more crowded tours. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers wanting a relaxed, intimate experience that captures the best of Malta’s waters in just a few hours.

While it may not be the best choice if you need accessibility options or want a full-day adventure, for most visitors, this trip hits the right notes—especially if you appreciate natural beauty, clear waters, and friendly service. It’s a way to make the most of a Malta trip, with memories you’ll cherish long after the trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: