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

Clear water, cliffs, and a very busy lagoon. This Comino cruise combines Malta’s best-known swimming stop with the quieter Crystal Lagoon, coastal views, and sea caves reached by catamaran from Bugibba. I like the comfortable boat, helpful crew, and the chance to swim from the vessel rather than squeeze onto Comino’s crowded shore. The main catch is simple: Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, especially in summer.

I also like the practical setup. There are sun loungers, toilets, showers, changing space, bars, food, slides, jumping platforms, and underwater viewing windows on the appropriate vessel and season. The boat is more than a ride to Comino, although it can feel crowded and food and drink costs extra.

The tour costs about $36.20 per person and lasts roughly four to six hours. That is fair if you value the catamaran, swimming time, and cave views. It is less appealing if you only want basic transport to Comino, since public ferries can cost much less.

Key points to know before you sail

• Crystal Lagoon is the quieter highlight: From June through October, you get about an hour here for swimming and snorkeling in clear water surrounded by cliffs.
• Blue Lagoon is beautiful but crowded: You may spend two to four hours here, either swimming from the boat or going ashore.
• Arrive early for the best loungers: Seats are first come, first served, and the front section of the upper deck fills quickly.
• The boat is part of the experience: Waterslides, jumping platforms, cushioned loungers, toilets, showers, bars, and underwater windows make it feel like a floating day club.
• Season changes the route: Crystal Lagoon is mainly a summer swimming stop. From November through May, it may be used only for photographs and cave views.
• Bring a towel and warm layer: Wind can make the ride chilly, even when the sun is strong and the sea looks inviting.

From Bugibba Jetty to Comino’s rocky coast

The boat leaves from Bugibba Jetty at Dawret Il-Gzejjer in St. Paul’s Bay. From Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s, take a bus toward St. Paul’s Bay and get off near the Moll bus stop. Parades is also listed as a nearby stop, so check the exact departure instructions before setting out.

I would arrive at least 45 minutes early, and closer to an hour early if a good lounger matters to you. The boat has numbered seats, but the most comfortable spots and the best forward views are claimed quickly. A late arrival does not ruin the trip, but you may end up with a less convenient seat or a place away from the rail.

The day cruise lasts about six hours. The sunset or evening sailing lasts about four hours, with a shorter swimming stop at Crystal Lagoon and less time at Blue Lagoon. The shorter option works well if you want sunset light and a compact outing. The full-day trip gives you more time in the water and on Comino.

The modern catamaran takes about an hour to reach Comino. During the ride, onboard commentary is provided in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish. The route follows Malta’s coast, passing high cliffs, rocky openings, and small coastal formations that are hard to appreciate from land.

You also pass St. Paul’s Island, where a statue of Saint Paul rises above the rock. It is a brief sight rather than a full stop, but it gives the outward journey some purpose beyond simply getting from Bugibba to Comino.

The boat enters several sea caves for photographs. Depending on the sea and the operating plan, you may also see the Santa Maria Caves on the return, along with the rock formation called Elephants Head. These moments are quick, so keep your camera ready rather than waiting until the last minute.

Crystal Lagoon: the best swim on the route

Crystal Lagoon is the strongest reason to choose this particular outing. Steep cliffs surround the inlet, and access is by boat, which makes the setting feel more sheltered and natural than the main Blue Lagoon area.

From June 1 through October 30, the daytime cruise usually stops here for about an hour. The sunset sailing gives you around 30 minutes. The water is clear enough for swimming near the caves, and you can use one of the boat’s three waterslides or jump from the upper deck.

I would treat Crystal Lagoon as the main swimming session. The boat anchors near the cliffs, and you can swim toward the cave openings if conditions are calm. The water is deep, so life jackets are available for people who are not strong swimmers. If you are bringing children, stay close and listen carefully to crew instructions.

This is a good place for your own mask and snorkel. Rental equipment costs extra, and the supplied gear may not be ideal for every face. Some equipment is sold rather than rented, and fins may not be available, so bringing your own mask, snorkel, and water shoes can save money and discomfort.

Water shoes are useful at Blue Lagoon because submerged rocks can be awkward underfoot. At Crystal Lagoon, the bigger issue is depth and the distance from the boat to the cliff walls. Swim only as far as you can comfortably return.

The summer stop depends on fair weather. From November through May, the boat spends only about 15 minutes here, mainly for photographs and cave views. That makes the tour much less attractive in the cooler months if your chief goal is a long swim at Crystal Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon: famous, photogenic, and crowded

The catamaran moors in a prime position at Blue Lagoon, giving you a good view from the boat. Depending on the season and departure time, you may have two to four hours here, with access to the shore if you want to walk around Comino.

The water has the famous pale blue color that makes this stop so popular. It is hard not to want to jump in as soon as the boat arrives. The trouble is that popularity has changed the experience. In the warmer months, the shore, paths, and swimming area can feel packed, and walking around may be less pleasant than the photographs suggest.

I prefer using the catamaran as a base. You can swim directly from the boat, return to a lounger, use the toilets, and buy a drink without carrying everything ashore. Some departures involve passengers being dropped elsewhere and later collected, so listen for announcements and confirm when you must return to the boat.

Do not assume the vessel will remain fully available every minute while people are ashore. Operational needs, passenger movements, and the day’s route can affect access to the boat. Keep your departure time clear, and do not wander far from the landing point.

Blue Lagoon has food and drink options on shore, while the catamaran has two bars serving hot and cold items. The onboard kitchen sells burgers, fries, snacks, coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol. Prices are not necessarily unreasonable, but a full day of buying everything onboard can add noticeably to the cost.

The stated onboard policy does not allow outside food and drinks, so plan around that. Bring your own towel, however. Towels are not included.

The boat facilities make the price easier to justify

At $36.20, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. A basic ferry can be much less expensive, and that may be the better choice if you only need transportation.

The value comes from the added time and equipment. You get coastal sightseeing, cave views, a Crystal Lagoon stop during the summer, a long Blue Lagoon visit, and a comfortable place to sit between swims. The catamaran also has three slides, jumping platforms, cushioned loungers, toilets, showers, an accessible toilet with changing area, and an air-conditioned indoor deck.

The slides are especially useful for families and anyone who wants more than quiet sightseeing. The large upper-deck slide is the main attraction, with two smaller slides and jumping platforms for different comfort levels. You can also look through 26 underwater windows when visibility is good.

The underwater windows are a nice extra, not a guarantee of a clear view. Wind, waves, water conditions, and light can limit what you see. From November through April, a large sailing catamaran may be used instead, and that vessel does not have underwater windows.

The boat can carry up to 250 people. That is a sizable group, and it explains why early arrival matters and why food lines can become long. On a busy sailing, rubbish bins may fill quickly and staff can seem stretched during the busiest periods.

Sun loungers are free, but they are not reserved. The front of the upper deck is usually the most desirable area for views and sun. Take sunscreen seriously. Wind on the moving boat can hide how much sun you are getting, and a light sweater or wrap is useful when the boat is underway.

Sea caves and the optional speedboat question

The included cave viewing is mainly from the catamaran. You enter or pass close to large sea caves for photographs, and on the return route you may visit Santa Maria Caves and see Elephants Head.

That is worthwhile, but keep your expectations in check. You are not automatically getting a small-boat cave tour or a chance to swim inside every cave. A separate speedboat ride may be offered for an additional fee, around €15 per adult and €10 per child according to the information provided.

I would consider the speedboat if cave scenery is a major reason for your visit. A smaller boat can get farther into the openings and give you a closer view of the rock formations. It is an optional extra, though, and a family can quickly add about €50 to the day.

The speedboat option also depends on conditions and availability. Ask the crew what it includes, how long it lasts, and where it returns you before paying. That small check prevents confusion, especially when the main boat’s schedule changes.

Swimming, safety, and comfort

This is an active outing, but you do not need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy it. You can remain on deck, use the loungers, visit the bars, or take photographs during the swimming stops.

If you enter the water, remember that both lagoons can be deeper than they appear. Life jackets are available, but check the fit before leaving the boat. Children need close supervision around the slides, jumping platforms, ladders, and open water.

The sea can change quickly. The captain may alter or cancel the route for weather or safety reasons, and the order of stops can change. If Crystal Lagoon is not safe, it may become a short photo stop or disappear from the swimming schedule altogether.

Late autumn and winter can still bring pleasant swimming days, but conditions are less predictable. Several outings in November had warm enough weather for swimming, while March brought cold wind that made shore time less appealing. Dress for the air temperature, not only the color of the water.

Smoking is not permitted onboard. Vaping is limited to designated areas. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the swimming elements require basic mobility and comfort around water.

Sunset trips and the cooler months

The 5:00 PM Seabird tour is a shorter four-hour experience. You get around 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and about two hours at Blue Lagoon, with the return journey timed for evening light.

I like this version for couples, photographers, and anyone who wants a less demanding afternoon. The sunset over open water can be the most memorable part of the trip, and the shorter schedule is easier to fit around dinner or other plans.

The tradeoff is less swimming time and less flexibility. If you want the full Crystal Lagoon hour and several hours at Blue Lagoon, choose the daytime sailing during the summer season.

From November through April, the route is more dependent on weather, and the boat may not include underwater windows. The Crystal Lagoon stop is also reduced to photographs and cave views. The price may still be reasonable for scenery and the boat ride, but I would not book the winter version solely for a lagoon-swimming day.

Who will enjoy this Comino cruise?

I think this trip suits you if you want several elements in one outing: a boat ride, coastal views, two lagoons, cave photographs, swimming, slides, and a comfortable deck. Families often appreciate the slides and onboard facilities, while less confident swimmers can use life jackets and stay close to the vessel.

It also suits you if you prefer not to organize separate transport between Malta and Comino. The boat handles the route and gives you a clear base during the day.

I would choose another option if you dislike crowds, want a quiet beach, or prefer independent timing. Blue Lagoon is not a peaceful secret, and a group of up to 250 people can feel substantial. You may enjoy Crystal Lagoon more than Blue Lagoon simply because it feels less hemmed in by people and shore activity.

This is also not the best choice if you want a dedicated cave expedition. The included cave viewing is brief. Pay for the optional speedboat only if you understand that it is an add-on.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive early for a good lounger, especially on a sunny weekend. The front upper deck gives you a strong view, but it can be windy while the boat is moving.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, a light layer, water shoes, and your own snorkel gear if you plan to swim. A phone pouch or waterproof bag is useful around the slides and ladders.

Keep your booking QR code ready. It may be needed for access arrangements, and losing track of it can create unnecessary delays.

Listen to announcements throughout the day. The route, stop order, and return times can change because of sea conditions or other operations. Email is the main contact method for the operator, with WhatsApp as a secondary channel, so check both before departure if you need help.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, while a weather cancellation offers a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Comino Island cruise?

I would book it in summer if you want a full day of swimming and boat fun, particularly because Crystal Lagoon adds something beyond the standard Blue Lagoon run. Arrive early, accept that Blue Lagoon will be crowded, and use the catamaran as your base rather than expecting a quiet beach day.

The $36.20 price is reasonable for the facilities and route, but not for transport alone. Choose the daytime cruise for the fullest experience, the sunset sailing for atmosphere, and the cooler months only if you are happy to trade swimming time for scenery.

If you want comfort, slides, cave views, and a simple way to see Comino, this is a good fit. If you want silence, empty water, or a small personal boat, keep looking.

FAQ

Where does the Comino cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Bugibba Jetty at Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta.

How long does the daytime cruise last?

The daytime trip lasts approximately six hours.

How long is the sunset or evening tour?

The evening or sunset trip lasts approximately four hours. The 5:00 PM Seabird tour is also described as a shorter four-hour experience.

Is Crystal Lagoon included?

Yes. Crystal Lagoon is included, but the length of the stop depends on the season and weather.

When does Crystal Lagoon operate as a swimming stop?

The swimming stop operates from June 1 to October 30 and only in fair weather. From November through May, the boat spends about 15 minutes there for photographs and sea cave views.

How much time is spent at Blue Lagoon?

Depending on the season and departure selected, the boat spends approximately two to four hours at Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available for an additional charge, listed as €5. You may also bring your own equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard and are not included in the tour price.

Are sun loungers included?

Yes. Sun loungers are free, but they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain may cancel or change the route for weather or safety reasons. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund.