Malta: Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo & Crystal Lagoon Sea Caves

Clear water, caves, and a fast boat make this half-day trip easy to like. Leaving from Marfa Jetty, the Barbarossa Excursions boat follows Comino’s rocky coast before giving you long stops at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. You also pass Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Battery, St. Marija Bay, St. Nicholas Bay, and the sea caves near Comino.

I especially like the generous swimming time, 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon and another hour at Crystal Lagoon. The boat also has a slide, rooftop sun deck, toilets, freshwater shower, deck chairs, and a cash bar. The main drawback is that this is a shared boat, and boarding can feel disorganized. In rough weather, the captain may shorten or change a stop.

This is a good-value water outing at $29 per person. You get four hours on the sea, two swimming areas, coastal sightseeing, and a ride through the waters around Comino. Food, drinks, towels, the optional cave trip, and access to Comino itself cost extra or require advance planning.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, enough time to swim, use the slide, take photographs, or walk around if you have the required island pass.
• Crystal Lagoon gets a full hour, with clear water, cliffs, caves, and another chance to snorkel or swim.
• The $29 price covers the boat and facilities, but not snacks, drinks, towels, the €10 speedboat cave trip, or Comino entry tickets.
• The boat is comfortable but shared, with sun decks, tables, deck chairs, toilets, a shower, and a cash bar.
• Sea conditions control the schedule, and rough water can prevent the boat from reaching Crystal Lagoon closely.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early, with your boarding QR code and Blue Lagoon QR code ready.

Why this Comino trip works so well

Comino is famous for its bright blue water, but getting the most from it can take planning. This tour handles the transport, coastal sightseeing, and two main swim stops in one compact outing. You can simply sit back and watch the cliffs pass by, or make the trip more active with swimming, snorkeling, the slide, and the optional cave ride.

I like the balance between motion and free time. The sightseeing sections are short, often five to 15 minutes at a feature, while the main stops give you enough time to settle in. You are not constantly being called back aboard after a quick photo.

The trip is not a private charter, so do not expect a quiet, custom route. The boat can fill up, especially during the warmer months. Still, the vessel has enough seating for a relaxed ride, and the 4-hour schedule gives you more than a simple transfer to the Blue Lagoon.

The price is one of the strongest points. At $29, the tour includes the captain, deckhand, cruise, life jackets, water, facilities, the slide, and both lagoon stops. You will spend more if you buy drinks, snacks, or the optional cave trip, but the basic package remains inexpensive for a half-day on Malta’s coast.

Marfa Jetty and the first coastal views

The main departure point is Marfa Jetty in northern Malta. Passengers coming from Gozo use the boat from Mgarr Harbour, with the tour eventually returning there before continuing to Marfa Jetty for those who started in Malta.

The normal summer schedule has two departures from Gozo, at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., with Malta departures at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. From November through March, there is one trip, leaving Gozo at 10:15 a.m. and Malta at 11 a.m. Check the exact departure when booking, since schedules can change.

Give yourself extra time at the jetty. The boarding process may involve matching your booking and QR code, and one passenger found the dock organization irritating. Another practical tip is to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early if you want a calmer start. The boat will not wait for late arrivals.

Once underway, the first part is a coastal cruise rather than a nonstop race to the lagoon. The boat passes notable points along Comino’s shoreline, giving you time to take photographs and get a sense of the island’s dry, rocky character.

Elephant Rock, Santa Maria Caves, and St. Marija Bay

Elephant Rock is one of the memorable early sights. The unusual rock formation makes a natural photograph stop, though the visit is brief, around five minutes. Keep your camera ready because the boat does not linger long at every feature.

The route then continues toward Santa Maria Caves. These openings in the cliffs are viewed from the water, and the boat pauses for photographs and sightseeing. The caves are best appreciated from the deck, where you can see how the sea has cut into the pale rock.

Santa Maria Battery and St. Marija Bay add more scenery to this stretch. St. Marija Bay gets a longer cruise section, about 15 minutes, so you have time to watch the shoreline and take pictures. The route also passes St. Nicholas Bay and other caves around Comino.

This part of the tour matters because it turns the outing into more than a ride to a swimming hole. You see several sides of Comino before settling at the lagoons. The tradeoff is that the commentary may be limited. The crew’s main duties are operating the boat and keeping people safe, rather than providing a long historical talk.

The Blue Lagoon for 90 minutes

The Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece, and the 90-minute stop is long enough to make the crowds and noise easier to handle. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, use the onboard slide, sit on deck, or take photographs of the famous water.

The lagoon is popular for a reason. The color is striking, and the surrounding rock makes a dramatic setting. It is also the busiest part of the route, so do not expect solitude. The boat gives you a useful base away from the immediate shore, but the area can still feel crowded in summer.

If you want to go ashore on Comino, you must arrange the required Comino pass in advance. The same applies to the Blue Lagoon QR code, which you should have ready before boarding. Do not assume that booking the boat automatically gives you permission to walk onto the island.

Walking ashore can involve rocks and an uneven climb. One important caution is that getting off the boat may not suit anyone who has difficulty climbing over rocks, even though the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Check the exact boarding and disembarkation arrangements if mobility is a concern.

You do not need to leave the boat to enjoy this stop. Staying aboard means avoiding the rocky landing and keeping access to the deck chairs, toilets, freshwater shower, and slide. For many people, that is the simpler option.

The water can be cold outside high summer. In March, the boat may be pleasantly uncrowded, but you will want a sweater or jacket for the ride. In May, bright sunshine helped offset chilly water, but swimming still felt brisk.

The optional speedboat cave trip

At or near the Blue Lagoon, you may have the option to take a separate powerboat ride through nearby caves. This costs €10 and is not included in the $29 ticket.

It can be worthwhile if you want a closer look at the rock formations and prefer a short burst of speed. It is not essential to the main tour, since the larger boat already passes Santa Maria Caves, Crystal Lagoon caves, and other coastal features.

Bring cash if you want this add-on. The boat’s bar also operates on a cash basis, so carrying some euros is useful for drinks, snacks, and optional extras.

Crystal Lagoon and the water slide

Crystal Lagoon follows the Blue Lagoon, with a scheduled stop of one hour. This area feels more focused on swimming and the surrounding cliffs than on island access. You can snorkel, float, sit in the sun, or use the slide from the boat.

I like that the tour includes both lagoons rather than making you choose one. The Blue Lagoon has the name recognition, while Crystal Lagoon gives you another setting and a second block of water time. If the first stop feels busy, the later swim can provide a welcome change.

Weather is a real factor here. In windy conditions, the captain may not be able to bring the boat close to Crystal Lagoon. You may need to swim farther to see the area properly, and in rough seas the stop can be replaced with extra time at the Blue Lagoon.

That flexibility is sensible for safety, but it means you should not treat every advertised stop as guaranteed. The captain can change the location or length of stops according to sea conditions. The boat trip itself may also feel rough if the wind rises, which is worth considering if you are prone to seasickness.

What life is like aboard the boat

This is a practical boat rather than a luxury yacht. It has spacious decks with tables, deck chairs, a rooftop sun area, toilets, a freshwater shower, life jackets, and a water slide. The facilities make a difference during a four-hour outing, particularly if you plan to swim more than once.

Fresh water is available, and some departures have included water and wine. Do not count on that as your full refreshment plan, though. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the cash bar, but one passenger found the small alcoholic drink expensive for its size. Bringing your own food and water is the better value if permitted under the operator’s rules.

Towels are not included. Pack a change of clothes, beachwear, a camera, and cash. A light jacket or sweater is sensible in spring, autumn, and winter, when wind on the open deck can make the ride feel cool even under sunshine.

The music may give the trip an upbeat feel, but this is not a silent nature cruise. If you want a more peaceful ride, sit away from the busiest part of the deck when possible. Hygiene aboard has generally been acceptable, though one comment raised concerns about cleanliness, so keep your expectations practical rather than luxurious.

Mgarr Harbour and the ride back

After Crystal Lagoon, the boat heads toward Gozo and passes Fort Chambray before entering Mgarr Harbour. The harbour visit lasts around 15 minutes and gives you a final look at Gozo’s waterfront.

Passengers from Gozo disembark at Mgarr Harbour. Those who boarded at Malta continue toward Marfa Jetty, with roughly 25 minutes of cruising after the harbour stop.

This return section is useful for Gozo visitors because the tour connects naturally with Mgarr Harbour. It also gives Malta passengers a final scenic ride instead of ending immediately after the last swim. The overall route feels like a loop around Comino with a short Gozo connection.

One schedule note matters: the 5 p.m. departure lasts only three hours and does not visit the island of Gozo. If Mgarr Harbour and the full route are important to you, choose one of the regular daytime departures instead.

Who should book this tour

I would recommend this trip if you want several Comino sights without arranging separate ferries, taxis, and water activities. It suits couples, families, and anyone looking for a straightforward half-day on the sea. Children and adults alike can enjoy the slide, though you should still judge the sea conditions and your own swimming comfort.

It is also a good choice if you do not want to swim constantly. You can stay aboard, use the deck chairs, take photographs, and enjoy the coast. The crew is described as friendly and accommodating, and the captain and deckhand focus on getting people around safely.

You may want a different experience if you need a quiet, private boat, detailed guiding, or guaranteed access to every cave and lagoon. The boat can be full, the commentary may be light, and bad weather can alter the route.

People prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. The boat can move sharply when the sea is windy, and one trip became rough enough that the Crystal Lagoon stop had to change.

Booking details and final advice

The tour is listed at $29 per person and lasts four hours on the regular schedule. It includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve before paying, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Bring your QR code for the boat and the required Blue Lagoon access code. If you plan to walk on Comino, buy the island pass online before arriving. Pack swimwear, a towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, cash, and a warm layer outside summer.

Do not bring pets, alcohol, or drugs, and do not litter. Assistance dogs are allowed. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the rocky landing at Comino may create a practical limitation, so confirm the details before booking if you use a wheelchair.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want strong value, long swim stops, and a simple way to see Comino from the water. The 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon and one hour at Crystal Lagoon are the main strengths, while the slide and onboard facilities add fun without raising the basic price.

Skip it if you dislike shared boats, rough water, or busy swimming areas. For most visitors who want an active and scenic four-hour outing, Barbarossa Excursions offers a well-priced route with enough free time to make it feel like more than a quick sightseeing cruise.

FAQ

How long does the Comino boat tour last?

The regular tour lasts four hours. The 5 p.m. trip lasts three hours and does not visit Gozo.

Where does the tour depart?

The main Malta departure point is Marfa Jetty. Passengers coming from Gozo use Mgarr Harbour.

How much time is spent at the Blue Lagoon?

The boat stops at the Blue Lagoon for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How long is the Crystal Lagoon stop?

The scheduled Crystal Lagoon stop lasts one hour.

Is food included?

No. Snacks and drinks can be purchased onboard, but food is not included in the ticket.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are not generally included. The boat has a cash bar, and some departures may provide water or wine. Bring cash if you plan to buy refreshments.

Is the speedboat cave trip included?

No. The optional speedboat cave trip costs €10.

Can I walk on Comino during the tour?

Yes, but you must pre-book the required Comino pass online. Access from the boat may involve walking over rocks and climbing.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, a camera, cash, and a change of clothes. Towels are not included. A sweater or jacket can be useful during cooler months.